Next-Gen Learning The Breakthrough EdTech Trends Defining 2025
EdTech is a relatively young industry that has existed only for 26 years. However, it has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in the recent past. The first boost in the size of the educational technologies market was after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For almost two years, companies have been unlocking the potential of digital learning tools. Enhanced accessibility, teacher empowerment, and flexible learning gave a powerful push to the development of the EdTech industry.
Statistically speaking, the global education technology market size was valued at USD 142.37 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach 348.41 billion in 2030. The main reason for this lies in emerging edtech trends that revolutionize traditional teaching methods. Better knowledge delivery, more accurate analytics, and advanced learning functions are becoming the new game-changing elements that will move education forward in 2024. Meet the 6 latest innovations that will help you adhere to these key features in educational app development and stay relevant on the market.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Education
The huge breakthrough for global AI in the education market was in 2021 when its value reached $5.4 billion. The market size is still gaining momentum and may reach $34.5 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 36.14%. AI technology remains the main innovation in developing educational apps thanks to its capabilities of error-free checking, round-the-clock student support, generation of quality educational content, and advanced time management.
Amira Learning, Sizzle AI, and Workera AI are some of the most prominent examples of products with AI and machine learning in education. Companies that follow this trend to provide 1:1 support, personalized learning, and automated administrative tasks, revolutionizing the way people learn and study. Yet, there’s also a downside. Implementing AI in educational applications can bring challenges, such as teacher training and the digital divide.
Gamification & Game-Based Learning
The concept of adding game mechanics to achieve certain work or life goals has been around for a long time but has found its place in the EdTech sphere only in recent years. The trend of gamification apps for education continues to transform numerous approaches to learning new material in the current digital age. All thanks to the main idea of gamification — to turn boring and monotonous tasks into fun and exciting ones.
For instance, implementing elements such as points, rewards, badges, and leaderboards in educational apps can enhance students’ intrinsic motivation to learn more. Apps with gamification strategies can also provide long-term engagement, stimulating curiosity in achieving new goals. On the other hand, adding cooperative gameplay features can help increase social interaction among students. Furthermore, teachers can use gamified learning apps to help students overcome obstacles and encourage critical thinking, experimentation, and exploration. At the same time, many companies often offer adaptive gamification mechanics for personalized learning, which is also bringing studying to the next level.
Collaboration Tools & Remote Learning
In the modern education technology industry, many tutors have shifted their focus toward virtual classrooms, learning management systems, and other collaborative platforms as a must-have option for remote learning. Apps that offer features such as real-time collaboration on documents, online meetings, messaging, and virtual whiteboards are becoming especially popular. Thanks to their features, every student can have seamless collaboration during the educational process regardless of geographical barriers.
However, the list of problems that can be solved with collaborative tools doesn’t end there. While remote learning offers flexibility and accessibility, students also need proper communication and gradual adaptation to new teaching methodologies. Therefore, it is crucial for educators to find applications that will help them implement new strategies and best practices for distance education. Applications with options for clear communication channels, setting collaborative goals, group discussions of projects, and feedback will remain trendy in 2024 and the years to come.
Data Analytics for Educational Insights
Data analytics features that provide details about student performance, engagement levels, and learning preferences have become more advanced in EdTech apps. Khan Academy, Edmodo, and Socrative are some of the best technology tools for teachers. They follow this powerful trend to help educators make only informed decisions as the main key driver of educational improvements.
However, the impact of data-driven decision-making is still underestimated. From enhancing engagement and recognizing at-risk students to implementing evidence-based practices and personalized learning methodologies, data collection can optimize the overall educational process. For this reason, users will see a growing number of Learning Management Systems, Student Information Systems, and other specialized data analytics applications that can help educators track, assess, and control the progress of their students.
Virtual & Augmented Reality Integration
VR and AR technologies have a huge potential to become must-have features in education apps. According to statistics, education expenditures on AR and VR was $1.8 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach $32.94 billion in 2026. That’s primarily because they can both stimulate students’ engagement and facilitate immersive learning experiences. Using VR gear and a smartphone, learners can easily engage with virtual environments or scenarios in real-time at any place. Augmented and Virtual reality education effectively eliminates distracting triggers while studying and improves long-term memory of learned materials.
One of the best cases of using VR technologies can be educational simulations in medicine, where students can practice various medical procedures. Virtual Reality can not only help them safely test knowledge but also enhance communication and decision-making skills. As for AR technology in education, it can be useful in areas like geography or history to gain a deeper understanding of the studied topics. Additionally, Augmented Reality in schools can help students translate books and documents, as well as view personalized and interactive maps and artifacts.
Personalized Learning Platforms
Building AI-powered adaptive learning platforms is only gaining popularity, but in the near future of EdTech, this trend will become a true mainstream solution. The personalized learning approach ensures that the learning process is created based on students’ needs and preferences. For example, some ed tech tools for the classroom may already take into account students’ level of preparation, educational goals, learning speed, preferences in educational forms, and other attributes.
All this allows teachers to build non-linear teaching methods and syllabi, and at the same time, optimize the learning journey for each student. Some of the most effective learning tools with personalized learning technology are EdApp, Adaptemy, and Knewton. Each of them aims to provide accurate learning analytics and help educators decide which sessions, content, and materials are most effective for their students. Furthermore, the handy features of these platforms allow teachers to create lessons in just a few clicks as well as receive useful recommendations to improve their approach to teaching.
Conclusion
Considering that technologies are becoming more compact, cheaper, and better every year, companies are noticing that not only the tools are changing but also user habits. Today, ed tech tools for teachers and students require fresh solutions to provoke the next huge market size boost. They must engage and encourage students with interactive content. At the same time, apps have to implement more advanced technologies to help teachers make data-driven decisions and create convenient conditions for personalized learning.
However, there is a big “but”. Implementing cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, or adaptive learning can be a technically challenging task. Therefore, companies that do not have deep knowledge of software development may require additional help. On the other hand, following the above-mentioned trends remains one of the best ways to find a place among prospering pioneers shaping the future of education.
BattRE, EV91, and evpe Forge ₹100 Crore Deal for 10,000 EVs Deployment
New Delhi, 07 April 2025: BattRE Electric Mobility, a leader in India’s electric two-wheeler industry, has announced a strategic collaboration with EV91, a third-party logistics (3PL) partner and logistics fleet aggregator, and evpe, a leading provider of integrated electric vehicle financing solutions. This initiative aims to deploy 10,000 electric vehicles, contributing to the advancement of sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Under the terms of the agreement, BattRE will provide its advanced electric two-wheelers, with evpe financing the deployment, enabling EV91 to expand its logistics fleet across major urban centers. As part of this partnership, BattRE has secured an order valued at ₹100 crore, marking a major milestone in its growth and reaffirming its position as a key player in India’s EV revolution.
In a significant move set to redefine urban and rural transportation in India, BizDateUp, a startup enabler, has played a pivotal role in facilitating this partnership. This partnership is expected to significantly enhance last-mile delivery efficiency and accelerate India’s transition toward sustainable transportation.
Pankaj Sharma, Co-Founder of BattRE Electric Mobility, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “At BattRE, we are committed to driving the shift towards sustainable mobility. Partnering with EV91 and evpe allows us to strengthen our footprint in the electric vehicle ecosystem, offering a viable and accessible solution for logistics and personal transportation.”
Arun Kumar, Founder and CEO of EV 91, echoed similar sentiments regarding the transformative potential of the partnership: “Our mission at EV 91 has always been to offer smart and sustainable mobility solutions. Joining forces with BattRE aligns perfectly with our strategic vision. The deployment of 10,000 electric vehicles is not just a business milestone—it’s a commitment to reducing urban congestion and carbon emissions, while providing our customers with an efficient and reliable transportation alternative.”
Rohan Yeggina, Co-Founder and CEO of evpe, also highlighted the strategic impact of this initiative:“This collaboration with BattRE and EV91 underscores our commitment to making electric vehicles more accessible. Working closely with BattRE founders Pankaj Sharma and Nishchal Choudhary, alongside my co-founder Suraj Penukonda, has enabled us to create impactful financing solutions that significantly lower barriers to EV ownership.”
Jeet Chandan, Founder at BizDateUp, conveyed his excitement about the partnership’s potential to revolutionize the EV landscape in India. “BizDateUp is committed to fostering collaborations that drive transformative change. This partnership between BattRE and EV91 exemplifies our mission to connect visionary companies and empower them to create solutions that benefit both the economy and the environment. We are proud to have played a role in bringing together these industry leaders to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India.”
The rollout of this initiative will commence in the coming months, with all three companies working in synergy to ensure seamless deployment. This large-scale introduction of electric vehicles is expected to support India’s environmental goals by reducing fossil fuel consumption and urban emissions, while enhancing fleet operations for the logistics sector.
India-US rate differentials through the year
As another financial year passes by, we assess how the spread of interest rates in India vis-à-vis the US has played out. This becomes crucial in determining the direction of investment flows besides affecting currency movements. In terms of key policy rate, the differential between India and US has widened as US rate cut cycle began much earlier compared with India. The higher quantum of cuts by the Fed has resulted in this differential increasing. On the other hand, the yield differential (reflective of market rates) between India and US has exhibited some bit of deviation compared to policy differential. This spread has fallen on account of stickiness in US 10Y yield due to higher debt levels and expectations of high inflation amidst a volatile geopolitical environment. However, going forward, we expect some stickiness in yield differential in favour of India, which will be further supportive of buoyant FPI flows which will aid the rupee.
Policy rate differential
The policy rate differential between India and US underwent some correction in FY25. It started with the easing cycle of Fed which came in earlier compared with India. The turnaround in inflation in favour of the US and weakening growth indicators resulted in the same. This led to increase in policy rate differential between India and US from Sep’24 onwards. The differential widened in Dec’24 with the frontloading of monetary easing by Fed happening at a fast pace. Thus, in the current fiscal, US Fed with a total cut of 100bps compared with RBI’s rate cut of 25bps has kept the policy rate differential between India and US slightly elevated compared to FY24.
However, if we compare it to long run averages, the policy rate differential is far lower. Hence mean reversion levels might call for faster pace of easing by Fed compared to RBI. The recent Fed commentaries have also been considerably dovish hinting at inflation bump due to tighter tariff norms being transitory. The Fed projections have priced in two rate cuts of 25bps each this year. We are expecting cumulative cut by RBI of another ~ 50bps, thus policy rate differential is expected to exhibit some bit of firmness in FY26.
Yield differential
10Y yield differential between India and US has witnessed significant decline. Here a bit of an anomaly has been witnessed as the easing policy by Fed has not been translated into 10Y yield. The stiffening of the US 10Y yield is a result of higher fiscal spending and inflation expectations getting entrenched under the shift in administration. As seen in Figure 4, from Oct’25 onwards (just ahead of the elections), the gap has started falling due to faster pace of pickup in the US 10Y yield compared with almost range bound domestic yields. Here as well, the yield differential is far lower compared to long run averages, which signal some rebound in the same. With RBI’s rate cut cycle expected to be in place as inflation is already on the downside, we estimate India’s 10Y yield in the coming year to trade terminally closer to 6.5%. Risk off sentiments on the other hand is expected to put downside pressure on US 10Y yield and with largely capped domestic yields, we expect that the yield differential between India and US to widen.
Higher yield differential to support capital flows
As per the theory of interest rate parity, the widening spread between India and US yield is expected to attract higher capital flows. However, this is contingent on the evolving domestic growth and inflation scenarios. Ceteris paribus, data shows that since Oct’24 onwards, with the moderation in yield spread between India and US, FPI flows (debt) have slowed down. Further, if we discount the FAR debt flows, the FPI moderation in flows is even sharper. It is important to mention that capital outflows have been affected by factors such as interest rate spread, currency volatility and inflation among other factors.
The volatility in FPI debt flows have also had an impact on the rupee which has tended to depreciate. Further, during this period the dollar has been strengthening due to the policies articulated by the US President.
Inflation differential:
The inflation differential between India and US was largely maintained at the FY24 levels. The major loss of momentum has been seen since Jan’25 onwards as inflation in India softened considerably driven by correction in food prices. Going forward, we expect inflation differential between India and US to be ~ 200bps. Inflation in the US is likely to exhibit some bit of firmness on account of the tariff related issues. For India, since CPI basket has limited pass through in terms of imported inflation, we do not foresee major risks.
US high frequency indicators are giving at times conflicting signals. There is some moderation on producer pricing power though consumer prices remain relatively firm. Labour market conditions of the region are stable. However, earnings are still sticky. Consumption demand is showing some blip as retail sales, new home sales and consumer confidence data are softening compared with earlier months. Manufacturing and services data remained supportive. Recent commentaries of Fed officials also hint at caution going ahead. Hence, the future course of action by the Fed would be interesting. The upcoming rate action will not only be contingent on tariff impact of inflation but its spillovereffect on other parameters such as growth and employment conditions.
High frequency data of India as well showed mixed picture. The rural recovery is underway as seen in domestic tractor sales. However, some indicators of urban consumption demand such as auto sales and vehicle registration remain muted. Credit demand remains buoyant. Production in the manufacturing sector is showing recovery, while the services sector holds ground. Going forward, some upward correction in growth fundamentals will be visible supported by favourable domestic policies. However, stricter tariff regime remains key risks for India’s exports.
We expect monetary easing and liquidity conditions to be growth inducing in the near term. However, for India, conducive inflation numbers, less dependence of food basket on imported commodities and late start to the easing cycle gives more headroom for RBI to give growth the desired impetus. For the Fed, a more cautious approach seems to be the way forward.
What to conclude?
Putting all the pieces together, the following can be said:
- Policy rate differential between India and US has widened in FY25. This is on account of steeper rate cut cycle by Fed till now, compared to RBI. On the other hand, RBI’s rate cut cycle came much later as inflation was the major barrier. Going ahead as well, we expect policy rate differential between India and the US to show some upward bias but the extent would dependent on underlying geopolitical dynamics and its impact on future monetary policy decisions.
5 - Yield differential in an ideal situation should mirror policy rate differential. However, the similar was not observed in FY25. Yield differential between India and US has softened in contrast to stiffening of policy differential between India and US. This is on account of firmness in US 10Y yield due to expectation of higher inflation. However, we expect some firmness in India and US yield differential since risk off sentiment will keep US 10Y yield capped to some extent. For India, the benchmark yield has largely been rangebound.
- The higher yield differential between India and US in the near term will be supportive of FPI flows and hence is expected to provide currency some support.
- Inflation differential will also be tilted in favour of India as domestic food prices are largely contained. This will give RBI further headroom for more policy space to support growth.
Startup Mahakumbh Day 3: India’s Innovative Startups Building for Global Impact
New Delhi, April 7, 2025: The third and final day of Startup Mahakumbh concluded with high-octane energy as the Defence, Space & B2B, Precision Manufacturing Pavilion continued to spotlight India’s ascent in strategic and deep-tech innovation. With the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat resonating throughout, the sessions brought together bold founders, industry experts, and policy makers shaping the future of India’s high-impact sectors.
During a powerful panel on “Defence Startups: Growth Engines of Viksit Bharat”, anchored by Capt. Vishal Kanwar (Retd.), Managing Director and Aerospace, Defence & Space Leader at PwC, leading voices including Ankit Mehta (CEO, ideaForge Technology Ltd.), Prashant Chiranjive Jain (Head, Corporate, L&T), Prithwish Kundu (Founder & CEO, Green Aero), and Soma Sekhar Vedantam (CEO, Meridian Data Labs) came together. The conversation centered on fostering indigenous technologies, driving R&D efforts within the ecosystem, building cross-sectoral collaborations, and pushing India towards global leadership in innovation.
In a development on the sidelines of the event, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) announced the signing of MoU with Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) to establish centre of excellence for skill development in energy technologies and semiconductor sector.
Furthermore, the session on ‘Opportunities in Defence and Space Tech’ was moderated by Yachna Luthra (Senior Associate, IVCA). The panel brought together prominent venture capitalists—Ashish Taneja (Founding Partner, GrowX Ventures), Cdr. Navneet Kaushik (Founder, Managing Partner, Jamwant Ventures), Girish Shivani (Executive Director and Fund Manager, Yournest), Raj Sethia (Founder, Managing Partner, MountTech Growth Fund – Kavachh), and Vinod Shankar (Founding Partner, Java Capital)— shared insights around what makes defence and space tech sector investible. Key highlights captured the need to develop India’s deep domain expertise, a dual-use approach to innovation, and strong regulatory navigation. The panel unanimously agreed that India’s expanding policy frameworks, evolving geopolitical posture, and investor confidence have created fertile ground for transformational startups in these sectors.
On the sidelines, another interesting panel on ‘Fintech Meets B2B: Evolving Financial Strategies for Enterprise Growth’ moderated by Karthik Prabhakar (Managing Partner, Peer Capital), including panelists Arup Kumar (Managing Director, SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd.), Parthesh Shah (Co-founder, Knight FinTech), and Sonali Jindal (Founder, Rezolv) provided actionable insights on unlocking India’s potential in fintech sector. The discussion underscored the need for long-term capital, seamless academic linkages, and policy-driven incentives to catalyze indigenous development in critical technologies. The panel collectively emphasized that for India to lead globally in deep-tech, fostering a resilient ecosystem that reduces financial strain on young entrepreneurs is crucial.
Rounding off the discussion around ‘0-1 in Manufacturing’ explored how founders are building from first principles in sectors like advanced textiles, specialty chemicals, and agri-tech. Moderated by Akshay Sharma (VP, 3one4 Capital), the session featured startup journeys from panellists – Piyush Jalan (Co-founder, Thimblerr), Sachin Santosh (Co-founder, Scimplify), and Shreshtha Kukreja (CEO, Whizzo). Their stories reflected the depth of India’s MSME ecosystem, regulatory readiness, and product-market co-creation, as well as their commitment to navigating stringent global frameworks like the US FDA and EPA to scale precision manufacturing ventures from India to the world.
Cricket Fever Hits New Heights with Zor Se Shor Season 3 and Aakash Chopra on BIG FM
National 7th April 2025: Cricket is more than just a sport – it’s an emotion that brings the entire nation together. As the excitement of the highly anticipated T20 cricket series grips the country, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, is back with Zor Se Shor Season 3. The campaign brings expert analysis, interactive fan engagement and an unmatched entertainment experience under the theme ‘Teams Ka Tashan, Fans Ka Jashan’. Taking the excitement a notch higher, BIG FM has roped in former cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra to helm the campaign, perfectly capturing the pulse of every cricket fanatic across the country.
As part of the campaign, Aakash Chopra will break down key moments, analyze strategies and decode player performances, while sharing fascinating cricket trivia and behind-the-scenes tidbits. Enhancing the fan experience further, listeners can put their cricket knowledge to the test through on-air contests, winning exciting prizes as they engage in the action. The campaign extends beyond the airwaves with a robust digital and social media presence, featuring interactive content, exclusive videos and engaging discussions that keep the cricketing buzz alive. Adding a fresh and entertaining twist, BIG FM introduces ‘Shordaar Fan’, a lively character infusing humour and energy into the campaign. With hilarious memes, live stadium updates and exclusive player interviews, Shordaar Fan will inject fun into the cricketing journey, making this season even more exciting.
Talking about Zor Se Shor Season 3, Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM, stated, “At BIG FM, we have always believed in curating content that resonates with our audiences and with cricket, the passion runs deep. With each season, Zor Se Shor has emerged as the ultimate destination that brings cricket fans together in an engaging and immersive way. This year, Aakash Chopra brings his valuable game insights, sharp commentary and a fan-first approach, adding a new dimension to the campaign. With a strong multi-platform presence, we look forward to delivering an exciting season of cricket entertainment.”
Expressing his excitement about being a part of this season, Aakash Chopra said, “Cricket is more than just a game- it’s an emotion which binds millions of Indians together. I’m excited to collaborate with BIG FM for Zor Se Shor Season 3, bringing the thrill of every match, every cheer and every unforgettable moment straight to the fans. I am looking forward to celebrating cricket and its frenzy like never before. So, get ready for Teams Ka Tashan and Fans Ka Jashan!”
Zor Se Shor Season 3 is presented by Zuplay, Co-Powered by Canara Bank and Golidee Masale and LIC of India as Insurance Partner. With this campaign, BIG FM continues to showcase its expertise in bringing multi-platform initiatives, blending radio, digital and on-ground experiences to bring cricket fans closer to the game.
Aster Medcity Highlights Autism Awareness on World Autism Day 2025
Kochi, April 7, 2025 : Aster Medcity celebrated World Autism Awareness Day 2025 with an event focused on legal rights, vocational empowerment, and the talents of individuals with autism.
The key highlight of the event was a session on “Legal Guardianship: A Lifelong Safety Net” by Adv. Preetha S Chandran, a disability rights advocate, who discussed the legal framework supporting individuals with autism and their families.
The event also featured an exhibition and sale showcasing the talents of autistic individuals. Displays included baked goods from ‘Ausome Bites’, a venture of autism club, Ernakulam; handmade scented candles from ‘Luiz Candles’, ; and ‘Talking Fingers’ a book authored by non-speaking autistic individuals, offering personal insights and aspirations.
A talent show further highlighted the diverse skills and abilities of autistic individuals, followed by refreshments.
The program also included addresses by Aster Medicity’s CEO, Dr. Nalanda Jayadev, Senior Consultant- Dr. Jeeson C Unni ( Paediatrics and Neonatology), and Consultant- Dr. Susan Mary Zachariah (Developmental Paediatrics) and Dr. Maria Grace Treasa (Senior Speech Language Pathologist).
Celebrity MasterChef: Meet the Top 5 Finalists
The heat is on as Sony Entertainment Television’s Celebrity MasterChef reaches its thrilling climax! The Top 5 celebrity contestants are here to turn up the heat in the kitchen, each one determined to claim the coveted title and prove they have what it takes to be the ultimate MasterChef. The Top 5 celebrity contestants include Tejasswi Prakash, Nikki Tamboli, Faisal Shaikh, Gaurav Khanna, and Rajiv Adatia. Get ready for a spectacular showdown filled with culinary brilliance, fierce competition, and unmissable moments in the finale week!
Nikki Tamboli expresses, “I am incredibly proud of myself as this is my very first talent-based reality show. Reaching the Top 5 comes with a huge responsibility, as the expectations from the judges and chefs are at an entirely next level. Being in the Top 5 also ignites a stronger drive within me, pushing me to do my absolute best. Right now, I can honestly say that I’m on cloud nine, and with just a few more steps to go, I’m determined to give it my all.” Rajiv Adatia shares, “Being in the Top 5 is truly amazing; it’s a remarkable achievement. I believe reaching the Top 5 is already a victory in itself, I’m proud to have made it this far as a finalist.
As the competition intensifies, each contestant is giving their all to claim the coveted title of Celebrity MasterChef. With fierce determination, incredible talent, and unwavering passion, they continue to push their limits, leaving us on the edge of our seats. The journey to the top is far from over, and every moment promises more excitement, surprises, and unforgettable performances.
Get ready for all the drama, intense competition, and jaw-dropping culinary twists on Celebrity MasterChef! Tune in Monday to Friday at 8 PM for an unforgettable experience, only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV!
Kyndryl Partners with Dr. Reddy’s to Implement Advanced IT Solutions
BANGALORE, April 7, 2025 – Kyndryl (NYSE: KD), a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, today announced that it has partnered with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited, a leading Indian multinational pharmaceutical company, to transform Dr. Reddy’s IT operations across all locations including manufacturing plants, international sites, datacenters, cloud operations and offices.
To enable this ambitious transformation, Kyndryl will utilize its AI-powered open integration digital business platform, Kyndryl Bridge, to automate monitoring of Dr. Reddy’s entire hybrid computing landscape, and leverage actionable insights for failure prediction and prevention, auto remediation, self-healing and self-help features.
Kyndryl will also enable a Zero Touch IT Operations model for Dr. Reddy’s corporate and manufacturing operations, using its proven Dual Model IT Ops framework to deliver a realistic, dependable and holistic solution. This approach focuses on solving the problem by permanently healing its root cause as opposed to a reactive method of addressing specific issues.
The new operations model will aim to reduce manual interventions by approximately 60% through intelligent automation of operations. It will provide a single-pane analytics and IT dashboard that will improve visibility into IT operations, including service performance, compliance posture and risk controls, and enable digital-led compliance and governance models.
Lingraju Sawkar, President, Kyndryl India said, “Kyndryl brings an unmatched global expertise in managing critical IT systems and creating business value to India’s pharma and healthcare industry. Our advanced technology and expertise will support Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories digital transformation journey by optimizing operational efficiency, enhancing regulatory compliance, agility and end user experience. By leveraging the expansive predictive capabilities of Kyndryl Bridge we can identify issues and solve them to support Dr. Reddy’s commitment to leverage technology to provide patients with access to innovative and affordable medicines.”
Miles4Meals 2025 Marathon Fights Hunger with Support from IIIT-Bangalore & Akshaya Patra
Bangalore, April 7, 2025: IIIT-Bangalore, in collaboration with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, successfully organized the 3rd edition of the Miles4Meals Marathon 2025 on April 6, at Electronic City, Bangalore. Held with the noble mission to support midday meals for underprivileged school children across India. The marathon was flagged off by Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore, and was graced by Mr. Vinod Sudhakar, Technology Director at The Akshaya Patra Foundation, who attended as the honored guest.
The marathon featured two race categories—10K and 5K runs—with further segmentation for male and female participants below and above the age of 50, encouraging inclusive participation across all age groups. The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of over 300 runners, ranging from students to senior citizens.
A prize pool of ₹1,50,000 was awarded to top performers in both race categories, while every finisher received a medal and lifetime certificate in recognition of their effort and support.
The winners were:
10K Winners
- Male (Below 50): Mr. Ergete Fekade Desta
- Male (Above 50): Mr. Ranjit Shivaji Kanbarkar
- Female (Below 50): Ms. Alemu Senayit Ayele
- Female (Above 50): Ms. Amuthanayagi
5K Winners
- Male (Below 50): Mr. Nithin A S
- Male (Above 50): Mr. A Baba
- Female (Below 50): Ms. Impana K R
- Female (Above 50): Ms. Shyamala
Winners were felicitated on stage in the presence of Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-B, Commodore S.R. Sridhar (Retd.), Registrar, IIIT-B, Dr. Neha Arora, Sports Officer, IIIT-B, Mr. Jagadish Patil, CAO, IIIT-B, and Mr. Vinod Sudhakar, Technology Director, Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Debabrata Das said:
“Miles for Meals is more than a run—it is IIIT Bangalore’s heartfelt stride towards social responsibility. This year, we are proud that the funds raised will support the Akshaya Patra Foundation in providing nutritious mid-day meals to school-going children from underprivileged backgrounds. The overwhelming participation—from children to senior citizens—reflects the collective spirit of Bengaluru coming together for a noble cause. Our students, staff, and volunteers turned this into a celebration of fitness, compassion, and community action. We’re delighted that Miles for Meals has grown into a signature event with a meaningful impact.”
Mr. Vinod Sudhakar added: “Fundraising events like Miles4Meals play a crucial role in helping Akshaya Patra implement the PM Poshan scheme and provide mid-day meals to underserved schoolchildren across India. With 80+ kitchens already in operation, we aim to expand more, to take forward this noble cause. My sincere gratitude for all the donations and to the runners, who laced up their shoes and ran for a cause that nourishes both bodies and futures.”
Among the other, most inspiring participants were 7-year-old Kiara Gupta, the youngest runner, and 75-year-old Saroja M. Thimmegowda, the oldest. Another highlight was the participation of Ms. Arpita Patra, a professor from IISc, Bangalore, and an accomplished mountaineer who has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Elbrus.
For participants, Zumba warm-ups, refreshment zones, and on-site medical support were arranged. A lively exhibition area with games, food stalls, and merchandise added to the festive spirit. Miles4Meals 2025 stood as a shining example of how institutions and individuals can come together to run for a purpose and make a tangible difference in the lives of children across the country.
TOTO Earns Spot in Global Top 500 Sustainable Companies, Grows in India
India, 7th April 2025 TOTO, a global leader in sanitaryware and bathroom innovation, has been ranked among the “World’s Most Sustainable Companies 500” by TIME Magazine, securing the 309th position this year. This prestigious recognition underscores our long-standing commitment to sustainability and its proactive role in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Furthermore, TOTO has consistently been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a globally recognized benchmark for companies demonstrating strong ESG performance, marking a significant achievement in its sustainability journey.
Aligned with its global mission to foster a carbon-neutral society, TOTO India is implementing pioneer sustainability initiatives at its Halol plant in Gujarat. Through a series of energy-efficient and eco-friendly measures, TOTO India is trying to reduce its carbon footprint. For instance, the company’s innovative use of electrical timers & variable frequency drives for process and machine operations that has led to more than 10% in energy savings. Additionally, waste heat from the Tunnel Kiln is utilized for mould & product drying, resulting in over 35% reduction in gas consumption and a significant decrease in CO2 emissions. TOTO India has also introduced a solar water heating system in tandem with a Hot Water Generator, achieving a 40% reduction in natural gas usage.
In another sustainable advancement, TOTO India has adopted an OPEX model for wind power energy procurement, covering over 30% of its total energy needs with renewable sources. The facility at Halol continues to set high standards by repurposing crushed fired-ware scrap for industrial reuse, installing high-efficiency burners in kilns and dryers, and maintaining daily energy consumption monitoring practices. Other sustainable practices include reusing raw materials collected from dust and spillovers on the shop floor, and treating wastewater with an RO system to be repurposed for equipment cleaning.
Shiozawa Kazuyuki, Managing Director, TOTO India, said “Being recognized among the World’s Most Sustainable Companies by TIME Magazine is an affirmation of our unwavering dedication to sustainability and responsible innovation. We are proud to advance this mission in India through groundbreaking initiatives at our Halol plant. By optimizing energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy use, and reducing our carbon footprint, we aim to meet the highest standards in environmental stewardship. We see this as part of our responsibility to foster sustainable growth, not only for TOTO but for the communities and industries we serve.”
TOTO continues to invest in environmental technologies and policies that not only improve energy efficiency but also drive sustainable growth across the industry. The brand is committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable practices by advancing eco-friendly product innovations and intensifying its ESG efforts both globally and locally in India. Through these initiatives, TOTO strives to provide comfortable, healthy lifestyles to all while contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.