Mumbai, July 19: Whisper World , the global pioneer in In-Content Advertising (ICA), has been recognized as the ‘Best Global Tech-Driven AdTech Company’ at the Outlook Business Spotlight – Enterprise & Leadership Awards 2025. Ms Nidhee Kekre, CSO, Whisper World accepted the award at the event hosted in Bangalore on June 27, 2025, that was attended by industry leaders, dignitaries and change-makers. The recognition marks a milestone in Whisper World’s mission to transform brand communication through immersive, data-led innovation across global media landscapes, including India.

“The award is recognition of our belief that advertising in order to be effective, should not only get reach but also attention, in an era of attention deficit. In-Content Advertising allows us to merge brand messaging with audience attention points and our technology ensures that impact is not just creative; it’s measurable for effectiveness and scalable for reach. It’s like mass personalisation on the largest possible medium and ICA is most effective when used in conjunction with TVC. We have tested it using various methodologies and it delivers immense value for the brands. Since our India launch in 2019, have scaled rapidly through partnerships with the major broadcasters – JioStar and ZEE Network, delivering measurable impact across 18+ channels in 8 languages,” says Ms Nidhee Kekre, Chief Strategy Officer, Whisper World.

Founded in 2014 and operational in 7 countries, Whisper World is redefining how brands connect with audiences through ICA, an advertising format that embeds branded messages directly within content, creating intuitive viewer engagement. Backed by measurement partnerships with Nielsen, Kantar and BARC, Whisper World’s ICA solutions have become essential tools for brands across sectors aiming to stay relevant, particularly in India’s households that continue to consume content primarily through TV.

“Our proprietary ad-tech platform, combined with in-house production – Whisper Studios, allows us to integrate brands synergistically within the content and is a great tool when used along with TVC. With over 5,00,000 eye-tracking tests and 1,400+ brand lift studies backing our methodology, we continue to raise the bar for performance led storytelling. At Whisper World, we serve ICA through the most popular TV shows that audiences already care about. This award fuels our drive to keep pushing boundaries, blending tech and creativity to reshape the future of advertising,” concludes Ms Kekre.

Bengaluru, July 15, 2025 – London-based consumer technology brand Nothing successfully hosted an exclusive Drop Event at UB City, Bengaluru on July 12, marking the world’s first retail availability of its first-true flagship, the Nothing Phone (3). The event offered Indian consumers an opportunity to purchase the device ahead of its global open sale, reinforcing India’s position as a key market for the brand.

The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, with a large crowd gathering well before the gates opened, reflecting the excitement and buzz around the launch. In a first-of-its-kind offering, customers who purchased the Nothing Phone (3) also got their hands on the newly launched Nothing Headphone (1).

Designed to celebrate community and innovation, the evening featured live music by DJ Bombie, product demos, hands-on experience zones, and a series of interactive challenges, where select winners received exclusive goodies.

The Nothing Phone (3) brings a bold new expression to the smartphone category. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, Nothing OS 3.5 based on Android 15, a high-capacity 5500 mAh battery, 65W fast wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and IP68 water and dust resistance. The device reflects Nothing’s signature design philosophy in a new form factor with an evolved Glyph Matrix and refined aesthetic.

Also showcased were the Nothing Headphone (1), the brand’s over-the-head -premium audio offering, combining high-end engineering co-developed with KEF.

The Nothing Phone (3) will be available for sale across India starting July 15, 2025, via Flipkart, Flipkart Minutes, Vijay Sales, Croma, all leading retail stores and Nothing’s official website.

15 July, 2025: Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has worked with Axtel Industries Limited, a specialist in engineering process systems for the food & beverage industry, to upgrade its’s chocolate moulding and spice processing systems. By integrating Rockwell’s innovative motion and process control systems, safety, and advanced diagnostics solutions, Axtel has achieved greater precision, efficiency, and consistency in chocolate moulding line and spice processing, while improving safety and sustainability.

Axtel developed a fully automated chocolate moulding line using Rockwell Automation’s Kinetix® 5700 servo drives and Integrated Architecture® safety solution. For spice mixing solution, it leveraged Rockwell’s advanced ControlLogix® processor and PlantPAx® system to create fully automated ingredient management system.

Speaking about the relationship, Ajay Desai, executive director, Axtel Industries, said: “In the last 30 years Axtel and Rockwell Automation have collaborated on countless projects and provided sustainable automation solutions to customers. We continue to invest robustly in such technologies and shall continue doing so in future.”

Dilip Sawhney, managing director, Rockwell Automation India, added: “We always strive to empower our customers to innovate and achieve excellence. We value our longstanding relationship with Axtel and applaud their success in developing world-class machines.”

For operational excellence, Axtel leveraged Rockwell’s Integrated Architecture® consisting of GuardLink® 2.0 and Kinetix® 5700 servo drives system to enhance safety and efficiency. As a result, Axtel achieved the PLd Safety Performance Level in its manufacturing solutions. This accomplishment has made Axtel-manufactured machines and process plants safer and more sustainable.

The traditional process automation technology used by Axtel had limited capabilities, where different stock-keeping units (SKUs) were required from a single chocolate moulding line. This complex chocolate moulding processes, which involve filling and book moulding, for multiple SKUs on single moulding line required high levels of accuracy, precision, and efficiency.

In spice processing, Axtel had a need for enhanced reporting capability as the evolving market dynamics demanded a better compliance, operational efficiency, quality control, and safety. With the fully automated ingredient management system, managing multiple ingredients, including small and micro, while ensuring data integrity has significantly supported the manufacturing process for spice processors. This automation has improved both precision and efficiency, enhancing the quality and consistency of the final product.

New Delhi, July 10, 2025 : Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced that it has appointed the internationally acclaimed seven-member hip hop / R&B girl group XG as the global ambassador for the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches.

XG, consisting of members JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA, is a hip hop / R&B girl group known for its bold music and powerful performances. The name stands for “Xtraordinary Girls,” reflecting their commitment to empowering people from all walks of life around the world through a genre-defying style that breaks conventions. With a strong global following, especially among younger people, XG is rising as a new force in international music and culture.

XG has pioneered a new music genre called “X-Pop,” breaking away from the conventions of J-Pop and K-Pop to create a style all their own. This spirit of originality and strength closely aligns with G-SHOCK, a unique brand known for its toughness, shock resistance, and distinctive design — making XG a natural choice as the brand’s global ambassador.

To celebrate the partnership, a special website will showcase key visuals and a promotional video featuring XG. Centered around the slogan “No Destination,” the video portrays XG boldly stepping into a new world with G-SHOCK, expressing the strength to shape one’s future without fear or hesitation. Art direction came from YAR, the creative team led by YOSHIROTTEN — one of Japan’s most promising rising artists — and delivered a bold and energetic visual experience.

XG has this to say about their appointment as global ambassadors: “G-SHOCK watches always remind us of how we never gave up on chasing our dreams, even when things got tough. It gives us the courage to keep going and keep challenging ourselves. XG-SHOCK, let’s go!”

Additional key visuals and content will be released over time as G-SHOCK continues to share its world in collaboration with XG.

G-SHOCK watches worn by XG

GMA-P2100M

Built on the GMA-S2100, the design offers versatile navy, pink, and white color options that complement any outfit, accented with a touch of elegant pink gold for added flair.

GA-2100-1A1

Based on the GA-2100 with its signature octagonal bezel, this timepiece is unified in matte black, creating a minimalist yet bold and stylish look.

DW-5600UBB-1

Built on the DW-5600, which carries the iconic form of the very first G-SHOCK DW-5000C, the timepiece is finished in matte black for a refined and understated look that fits effortlessly with any outfit.

GMA-P2100-7A

Finished in a bright, refined white, the timepiece brings out a soft, feminine look.

XG

XG is a seven-member hip hop / R&B girl group consisting of members JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA. They made their debut in March 2022 with their first single, “Tippy Toes.” The group’s name, XG, stands for “Xtraordinary Girls” and reflects their commitment to empowering people from diverse backgrounds around the world through their boundary-defying music and performances.

XG has achieved numerous global milestones, including becoming the first Japanese artist to top the U.S. Billboard “Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter” chart in the weekly ranking, and the first Japanese girl group to grace the cover of the U.S. Billboard magazine. In November 2024, their second mini-album, AWE, marked their first appearance on the Billboard 200 album chart. XG launched their first world tour, XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL,” in 2024, performing 47 shows across 35 cities before concluding at Tokyo Dome on May 14, 2025. In April 2025, they also became the only Japanese act to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where they closed the Sahara Stage and received high praise from both domestic and international media.

Gurugram, July 8, 2025: Hero Realty, one of India’s fastest-growing real estate developers, partnered with VDO.AI, a leading advertising technology innovator, to launch a high-impact video campaign across Delhi-NCR using its proprietary Online Video (OLV) Ad Technology to engage high-intent homebuyers.

Leveraging VDO.AI’s intelligent and immersive video ad ecosystem, Hero Realty successfully connected with urban, aspirational consumers seeking quality, trust, and future-ready living spaces.

On the successful completion of the association, Amitt Sharma, Co-founder & CEO, of VDO.AI, said, “This partnership gave us the opportunity to apply cutting-edge, AI-driven OLV technology to a traditionally offline sector. We’re excited to have helped Hero Realty reach their target audience with smart targeting and engaging ad formats that possess the ability to engage and convert high-intent homebuyers across Delhi NCR .”

Karan Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer at Hero Realty, said, “At Hero Realty, we are committed to engaging India’s evolving homebuyers through digital-first storytelling. In an increasingly crowded digital landscape, relevance is everything. Our pilot campaign with VDO.AI delivered exactly that, marrying contextually intelligent video placements with the amplification of our campaign narrative. Their AI-powered OLV solution helped us reach the right audience at the right moment with messaging that mattered. VDO.AI proved to be a capable and performance-focused partner in this ambition. Their ability to blend creative precision with smart delivery stood out, and we’re very satisfied with the results. We look forward to building on this momentum in future campaigns.”

Akshay Chaturvedi, Chief Business Officer, VDO.AI, said, “Real estate marketing requires a different approach, one that understands the emotional weight of homebuying decisions. Our forte is to help brands move beyond traditional advertising to create authentic connections with audiences when they’re most receptive. The success with Hero Realty showcases how strategic video storytelling, powered by contextual precision, can drive genuine engagement and deliver tangible results for brands navigating today’s complex digital landscape”.

This collaboration underscored Hero Realty’s continued focus on leveraging digital-first strategies to connect with India’s new-age homebuyers and VDO.AI’s growing role as a trusted partner for performance-driven video storytelling.

India, 09th July 2025 — Barracuda Networks, Inc., a leading cybersecurity company providing complete protection against complex threats for all sized businesses, today announced the launch of Barracuda Entra ID Backup Premium – a comprehensive, cost-effective solution to safeguard Microsoft Entra ID environments from accidental and malicious data loss. With fast, reliable recovery of vital identity data, the new offering strengthens cyber resilience and helps ensure secure, uninterrupted access to business applications and services.

Seamlessly integrated with the BarracudaONE platform, Barracuda Entra ID Backup Premium provides users with centralized visibility into backup status, data health and storage insights through a unified dashboard. It is built to support both single and multi-tenant environments, making it an ideal solution for IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs) looking to simplify and scale identity protection management.

“Identity is the control plane of today’s digital business – any disruption can halt operations and expose organizations to security risks,” said Neal Bradbury, chief product officer at Barracuda. “With Entra ID Backup Premium, we are closing a critical gap in the identity protection lifecycle by adding fast, reliable recovery to our proven detection and response capabilities. Unlike point solutions that focus only on backup or monitoring, Barracuda delivers a unified, end-to-end approach that makes Entra ID protection simpler, stronger and more resilient so organizations can stay secure, compliant and operational.”

Closing the Identity Protection Gap

As organizations increasingly rely on Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management platform, the risk of identity data loss – from cyberattacks or human error – continues to grow. Microsoft retains Entra ID data for only 30 days and recommends third-party backups. Barracuda Entra ID Backup Premium addresses this gap with long-term, scalable data preservation, empowering organizations to recover data well beyond Microsoft’s default limits.

Barracuda Entra ID Backup Premium protects the 13 most essential identity components needed to maintain a secure and resilient Microsoft Entra ID environment. This includes users, groups, roles, administrative units, app registrations, audit logs, authentication and access policies, BitLocker keys, device management configurations, and more.

“As a trusted MSP, we understand how essential Microsoft 365 is to our customers’ operations – which makes protecting and restoring Entra ID security components absolutely mission-critical,” said John Quatto, channel partner manager at Zobrio. “Ransomware attacks can cripple access to users, groups and core systems. With Barracuda Entra ID Backup Premium, Barracuda has closed a gap in identity and access protection. Its integration into the BarracudaONE platform delivers a comprehensive, unified cybersecurity solution that’s simple to deploy, easy to manage and built to scale – giving our customers the confidence to recover quickly and stay resilient against evolving threats.”

Easy to Deploy, Effortless to Use

The cloud-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution is built for simplicity and speed – no installation, configuration or manual patching is required. Customers connect their Microsoft 365 tenant and start backing up Entra ID data in just minutes. Advanced search, real-time monitoring, detailed audit logs, and five levels of role-based access control (RBAC) provide the visibility and control needed to manage identity protection efficiently and securely.

India, 9th July 2025: In a landmark move set to redefine the enterprise AI landscape, Covasant Technologies Private Limited, a pioneer in Agentic AI solutions based in Hyderabad, India, has announced its merger with two prominent US-based companies: konaAI, based in Texas, and DCube Data Sciences Corporation, based in California. This strategic fusion, driven by proven industry leaders, positions Covasant at the forefront of global innovation in intelligent compliance, cybersecurity, risk management, and data engineering for enterprises.

By integrating konaAI’s best-in-industry, AI-led compliance expertise and DCube’s coveted cybersecurity and eDiscovery strengths, Covasant is poised to significantly expand its services portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to delivering robust, end-to-end, AI-led enterprise governance solutions to its global clientele.

Powering the Next Wave of Enterprise AI

Covasant’s AI-led Services-as-Software delivery model integrates proprietary Agentic AI systems, predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and seamless data orchestration to empower enterprises to unlock value from data, make real-time decisions with confidence, and drive continuous innovation.

The company is helmed by C.V. Subramanyam, a serial entrepreneur renowned for his proven leadership and impeccable execution. Before founding Covasant, Subramanyam built Cigniti Technologies from the ground up, transforming it into a global powerhouse in digital assurance with over $250 million in revenue, a $500 million market capitalization, and a 5,000-strong workforce serving Fortune 500 clients globally. His proven track record of converting bold vision into high-growth reality sets the stage for Covasant’s ambitious future.

Speaking about the strategic merger, C.V. Subramanyam, Chairman and MD, Covasant Technologies, said, “We at Covasant are leading the charge in enterprise intelligence with Agentic AI. It’s about moving far beyond automation to embed AI into the very core of our clients’ business, delivering real and measurable business impact. This journey is massively accelerated by joining forces with konaAI and DCube. Their world-class expertise and Fortune 500 customer base is a perfect strategic fit, and we are excited to leverage these combined strengths to offer clients an unmatched suite of solutions for end-to-end Agentic AI adoption, significantly lowering their risk and improving business performance. This merger is a critical step in realizing our vision to become the definitive leader in Agentic AI-led Services-as-Software.”

Anil Kona, now the Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director at Covasant, brings a rare, cross-disciplinary perspective to the new entity. A serial entrepreneur and technology leader, his journey began with over a decade in law enforcement’s elite Special Intelligence Branch (SIB). He later translated this investigative mindset into pivotal roles at Deloitte and EY, leading high-impact teams in forensic analytics and fraud investigations. As the founder of konaAI and DCube, he has a distinguished history of delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity and legal tech solutions to a global clientele.

Anil Kona, Founder of konaAI and DCube, said, “At konaAIand DCube, our focus has always been on empowering global clients with a holistic approach to Enterprise Risk Management, enabling them to detect compliance anomalies, uncover fraud, waste and abuse across financial transaction ecosystems, and strengthening their cybersecurity posture. Joining forces with Covasant enhances our ability to harness advanced AI to deliver real-time, preventive compliance and risk solutions that drive stronger business outcomes.”

Navigating the Agentic AI Paradox: A Market at a Crossroads

This merger arrives at a pivotal moment for the global tech landscape. The Agentic AI market in India is poised for explosive growth, projected by Grand View Research to soar to USD $1,730.5 million by 2030 at a staggering 53.9% CAGR. However, this immense opportunity presents a critical paradox: as enterprises rush to adopt AI, they simultaneously open themselves up to new, complex risk vectors and significant implementation hurdles.

Industry analysts like Forrester have noted that a majority of enterprises will face setbacks in their agentic AI efforts due to a lack of clear strategy, data complexity, and robust governance. The very power that makes Agentic AI transformative, also makes secure and effective deployment a high-stakes challenge.

It is precisely this challenge that the Covasant merger is designed to solve. By fusing Covasant’s AI engineering prowess with konaAI’s intelligent compliance and DCube’s cybersecuritystrengths, the new entity directly confronts these adoption barriers with practical, highly scalable and easy-to-use solutions. It provides a unified platform and deep domain expertise that enable clients to harness the power of Agentic AI strategically and securely, maximizing business value while minimizing risk.

The countdown is on — Global technology brand OnePlus is all set to unveil the next chapter in its Nord journey.

On July 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM IST, the stage is set for the OnePlus Summer Launch Event, where we’ll introduce the power-packed OnePlus Nord 5 series- OnePlus Nord 5 and OnePlus Nord CE5 and the OnePlus Buds 4.

The OnePlus Summer launch keynote also features popular comedian Rohan Joshi returning for the Nord 5 series. He was also a part of the OnePlus CE4 keynote – Nord Another Keynote. Bringing his signature wit and energy to the OnePlus stage. Built for those who demand more speed, more smarts, and more style — this launch marks a bold leap forward for accessible innovation.

Chandigarh, July 5, 2025: Mahindra’s Electric Origin SUVs have become the EV market leaders in India by value. Thanks to overwhelming customer trust and enthusiasm, one Mahindra electric SUV is sold every 10 minutes across the country.

Building on this remarkable momentum, Mahindra is commencing deliveries of Pack Two for its acclaimed BE 6 and XEV 9e eSUVs from end-July at a compelling price of ₹21.90 Lakh. Responding to strong customer feedback, Pack Two will now have a 79 kWh battery option alongside the existing 59 kWh variant, delivering real-world city ranges of 500 km and 400 km respectively.

Both battery options come comprehensively equipped with Mahindra’s advanced technology suite, including a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with Dolby Atmos, a full glass roof, Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (Level 2 ADAS), the triple-screen wide cinemascope in XEV 9e, and race-ready Digital Cockpit in BE 6 — seamlessly blending innovation, safety, and modern luxury. In addition, Mahindra is enriching BE 6 Pack Two with the premium sage leatherette interiors from Pack Three, complemented by an elegant ivory roof finish to further enhance the cabin’s spacious and sophisticated feel.

All waiting customers will have the opportunity to upgrade their bookings to the new Pack Two 79 kWh variant if desired, reaffirming Mahindra’s commitment to delivering flexibility and customer choice.

Starting from ₹21.90 Lakh, Pack Two underscores Mahindra’s promise to democratise premium electric mobility while staying true to its design and technology leadership. Supported by Mahindra’s robust service network spanning over 300 locations across India, customers can drive with complete peace of mind, anywhere the road takes them.

Mumbai, 3rd July, 2025: Cosmo First Ltd, a leading manufacturer of specialty films, announced the procurement of Brückner Maschinenbau’s state-of-the-art KARO®IV laboratory stretching machine, positioning India amongst global leaders in film technology development. This strategic investment aligns with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of reducing dependency on imports and advancing India’s manufacturing capabilities. This initiative also strengthens Cosmo First’s position among an elite group of global film manufacturers with advanced R&D capabilities.

The KARO®IV technology will significantly enhance India’s capabilities in specialty film development by minimising development time and costs for films designed for specialised applications. It will enable domestic development of niche film applications which are currently being imported and support in-house development of proprietary film technologies, enhancing self-reliance in high-performance flexible packaging. The technology will allow Cosmo First to conduct extensive research and development, accelerating R&D timelines through cost-effective laboratory-scale testing before moving to production trials.

“The KARO®IV will transform how we approach film development in India,” said Mr Kulbhushan Malik, Business Head, Cosmo Films, the flagship company of the Cosmo First group. “By enabling precise testing of films in both sequential and simultaneous stretching modes, we can now develop new film recipes and evaluate properties at a fraction of the cost and time previously required. This technology represents a significant leap forward in our ability to innovate. It opens doors for collaboration with academic institutions, supporting talent development in polymer science and reinforcing India’s position as a serious player in the global R&D landscape.”

The KARO®IV features high stretching ratios from 1.01 x 1.01 up to 10 x 10, heating capability up to 400°C with up to 3 independent heating modules, an advanced EPC control panel with programmable test sequences, and state-of-the-art measurement equipment for stretching forces, displacement, and temperatures. The machine is equipped to handle a wide range of film types, including BOPP, BOPET, and BOPA, with consistent and accurate control over test film processes. The technology positions India to compete at the highest levels of specialty film innovation. Key competitive advantages include faster prototype-to-market cycles compared to traditional development methods, enhanced ability to develop eco-friendly, mono-material films aligned with circular economy goals, and the capability to partner with global brands for co-development of advanced film solutions.

The Indian packaging industry, historically, has lacked advanced lab-scale film stretching systems that could accurately simulate commercial production conditions, as most Indian manufacturers rely on full-scale production lines for R&D, making innovation costly and less agile. Additionally, the packaging industry is facing a regulatory and consumer pressure to shift from non-recyclable multi-material plastics to recyclable mono-material films. The installation will address significant gaps in India’s packaging innovation infrastructure.

Cosmo First recently commissioned a new BOPP line taking its BOPP production capacity up by approx. 40% to 2,77,000 MT per annum. The investment in KARO®IV reinforces Cosmo First’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing by enabling rapid development of recyclable films, addressing India’s growing environmental concerns. It allows for testing of new barrier coatings, laminates, and formulations that meet recyclability targets and supports the creation of domestic expertise in advanced polymer science through potential academic collaborations.