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Aviva Life Insurance Launches Smart Vitals: A First-of-its-Kind Fixed Health Benefit Plan with Wellness Rewards

Aviva India, a leading private life insurance company, has announced the launch of the Aviva Smart Vitals plan, an individual non-linked, non-participating, pure risk health insurance fixed benefit plan that provides comprehensive protection against critical illnesses. The base sum insured starts at Rs 10 lakhs, with policyholders eligible to enhance coverage up to 2x the base sum assured through wellness-linked step-based rewards. Customers earn quarterly Wellness Additions of 2.5%, 5%, or 7.5% depending on their average daily steps.


The Smart Vitals plan provides a lump-sum benefit upon first diagnosis of any of the 49 covered critical illnesses and procedures. These include conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, heart ailments, brain surgery, stroke, and many others. Wellness benefits are tracked via Aviva’s Wellness360 App, and policyholders also get a smart tracking device (Loop by CarePlix X Smart Ring) at no additional cost (this is only valid for the policyholders who have opted for Rs 15 or Rs 20 lakhs base sum insured) to monitor activity. Unlike traditional Mediclaim plans which only reimburse hospitalization costs, Smart Vitals offers a fixed benefit that can be used freely for treatment, recovery, or other financial needs.


Designed as a holistic health and financial safeguard, it offers policyholders with flexibility to utilize the payout for medical expenses, income replacement, or other financial requirements, thereby addressing diverse family needs.


Key Features of Aviva Smart Vitals (subject to policy terms and conditions):

  • Critical Illness and Coverage Safeguards: Lump-sum payout of Rs 10/15/20 lakhs on any one of the 49 critical illnesses with a 90-day waiting period and 15-day survival period to ensure claim integrity.

  • Wellness Rewards and Ongoing Benefits: Quarterly wellness-linked additions of 2.5%, 5%, or 7.5% based on daily steps, enabling the policyholders to enhance the coverage up to 2X the base sum assured.

  • Flexible Fund Usage: Fixed benefit payout can be used for medical expenses, income replacement, recovery, or other family needs.

  • Eligibility Criteria: Entry age 20–50 years; maturity age 30–60 years; policy terms of 10/15/20 years; regular pay equal to policy term.

  • Uniform Premiums: Fixed premiums throughout the policy term for financial predictability.

  • Value-Added Benefits: Free access to Aviva’s Wellness360 App.

  • Tax Benefits: Premiums eligible for tax deductions under prevailing laws.

 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Asit Rath, CEO & MD, Aviva India, said, “Insurance is no longer just about protection; it must also empower people to live healthier lives. With lifestyle-related illnesses on the rise, the need for financial preparedness combined with proactive wellness has never been greater. Aviva Smart Vitals is a pioneering solution that addresses this shift by offering comprehensive critical illness cover along with wellness-linked rewards that encourage positive lifestyle choices. It reflects our commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and building financial resilience for families across India.”


Mr. Ajai Kumar Tripathi, Appointed Actuary & Product Head, Aviva India, said, “Our product design process always begins with a deep understanding of evolving customer needs. Aviva Smart Vitals is the outcome of this approach — combining comprehensive critical illness protection with wellness-linked rewards, it brings together financial security and proactive health management to deliver more meaningful value to our customers in today’s context.”


Sharing his enthusiasm for the launch, Careplix Founder, Subhbrata Paul, added, “Our collaboration with Aviva marks a transformative step in making preventive health accessible to everyday consumers. With the CarePlix Ring, users now receive continuous, clinically relevant wellness insights that help them detect risks early, build healthier habits, and take charge of their long-term wellbeing. By integrating real-time health intelligence with a strong protection framework, Aviva Smart Vitals redefines how Indians experience insurance—shifting it from a reactive product to a proactive partner in their health journey. We are proud to work with Aviva in shaping a future where wellness and protection go hand-in-hand to empower millions of families.”


The launch of Aviva Smart Vitals underscores Aviva India’s commitment to customer-centric innovation, preventive health integration, and building long-term resilience for families. It also aligns with IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.


About Aviva Life Insurance
Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited is a joint venture between Dabur Invest Corp and Aviva International Holdings Limited, a UK-based insurance group with a rich history dating back to 1696. Aviva Life Insurance India is dedicated to enhancing the financial well-being of its customers through innovative insurance solutions and customer-centric initiatives.


Website: www.avivaindia.com.

Women Entrepreneurs Are Entering Sectors Once Dominated by Men: Tide Insights

India is witnessing a decisive shift in the way women participate in entrepreneurship, with rising numbers of young women from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities entering sectors traditionally seen as male-dominated — from device repair to accounting and compliance services, according to new internal data released by Tide1, the UK’s leading business management platform. Women between 27 and 31 years old form a significant share of new business owners on the Tide platform, reflecting India’s broader working-age population profile. With over 180,000 women entrepreneurs, women currently account for 18.7% of Tide’s India member base. This age cohort represents India’s largest demographic segment and is increasingly visible on digital business platforms — as part of a wider formalisation shift among women choosing entrepreneurship as a viable and structured livelihood pathway.

 

Women Entrepreneurs Are Entering Sectors Once Dominated by Men: Tide Insights

 

This surge is most visible outside metros. Across smaller towns such as Gulharia in Uttar Pradesh, Harnul in Maharashtra, Bisrakh in Uttar Pradesh, and Indore in Madhya Pradesh, women from India’s working-age population are formalising skill-based and service-led enterprises through digital platforms. While women in their late twenties and early thirties are prominently represented — in line with India’s largest demographic cohort — the growth reflects broader participation across working-age women, pointing to a structural shift towards entrepreneurship for long-term financial independence and flexibility in non-metro India.

 

Women Expanding Beyond Traditional Sectors – New Categories Gain Momentum
While sectors like tailoring and beauty services have long been dominated by women, Tide’s data reveals a notable rise in women-led businesses across skilled services and tech-driven categories. These include:

  • Mobile, tablets, and computer repair, led by women in West Bengal and urban clusters of Tier 2 cities

  • Accounting and tax services, with young women taking up formal financial and compliance-led business roles

  • Nursing and personal care services, emerging strongly from Madhya Pradesh

  • Sewing machines and micro-manufacturing now formalising through digital payments and accounting tools

 

This shift underscores how Indian women are breaking occupational stereotypes, entering previously male-dominated sectors, and adopting digital tools to scale their income.

 

Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO, Tide in India, said, “What’s most inspiring is how women are breaking stereotypes — whether it’s repairing devices, managing accounting services, or running nursing-led service models. This shift represents a generational transition. Women in their late twenties and early thirties enter entrepreneurship with stronger digital familiarity and a clear desire for self-determined growth. For many, this phase has become the launchpad for building businesses that contribute directly to household incomes and local employment.”

 

More Women Are Formalising Their Businesses — A Post-2025 Trend
The rise of women-led businesses is closely tied to digital adoption. Tide’s data shows a sharp jump of 111% in new women-led businesses between March and November 2025, indicating a broader trend of women moving towards formalisation, digital payments, and regulated business practices. This trend is especially strong among women in their early careers (late 20s to early 30s), many of whom are running solo businesses while managing families, caregiving responsibilities, or flexible work arrangements.


These behaviours are strengthening credit visibility and enabling more women to access financial products needed for growth — a persistent hurdle for women microentrepreneurs in India.


Key Tide Products Driving Growth for Women-Led Businesses
Women-led businesses on Tide are not only growing in number but are also emerging as high-engagement digital users on the platform. The top three products used by women entrepreneurs are:

1. Debit Services 
Women entrepreneurs are actively using Tide’s debit services to streamline day-to-day business spending. With seamless card management, real-time tracking, and secure transactions, debit usage helps them maintain tighter control on their business finances.

 

2. Bill Payments
Women are increasingly adopting digital bill payments to manage utility expenses, vendor payments, and recurring business costs. This shift towards structured financial management helps them maintain clean records and improve creditworthiness.

 

3. Payment Acceptance via QR Codes
QR-based payments are playing a central role in helping women-run microbusinesses — from sewing shops to repair desks to home-based services — accepting customer payments instantly and securely has removed cash-dependence and improved business visibility.

 

Tide will continue to expand its digital tools, financial education initiatives, and on-ground programmes to support women-owned businesses across Tier 2, 3, 4 and 5 India, as part of its commitment to help 500,000 women entrepreneurs start and run their businesses by 2027.

 

About Tide
Launched in 2017, Tide is the leading business management platform in the UK. Tide helps SMEs save time (and money) in the running of their businesses by not only offering business accounts and related admin services, but also a comprehensive set of highly usable and connected administrative solutions from invoicing to accounting.

 

Tide has nearly 800,000 SME members in the UK (14% market share) and 1,000,000 SMEs in India. Tide launched in Germany in May 2024 and in France in September 2025. Tide has also been recognised with the Great Place to Work certification three years in a row. Tide has been funded by Anthemis, Apax Digital Funds, Augmentum Fintech, Creandum, Salica Investments, Latitude, LocalGlobe, SBI Group, Speedinvest and TPG, amongst others. It employs more than 2,500 Tideans worldwide. Tide’s long-term ambition is to be the leading business management platform globally.

 

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/company/tide-banking
Twitter: twitter.com/TideBusinessIND 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tidebusinessindia
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TideBusinessIndia

Shishir Bajaj Remembers Grandmother Jankidevi Ji Bajaj on Her 133rd Birth Anniversary

On the 133rd birth anniversary of Padma Vibhushan Smt. Jankidevi Bajaj, Mr. Shishir Bajaj, patriarch of the Bajaj Group, paid tribute to his grandmother, remembering her as a beacon of simplicity, courage, and selfless service to the nation.

 

(Left) Bajaj Group’s Instagram post remembering Smt. Jankidevi Bajaj. (Right)  A rare photo of Mr. Kushagra Bajaj (Group Chairman) on his Great Grandmother’s lap

 

Remembering her life and legacy, Mr. Shishir Bajaj said, “My grandmother, Jankidevi Bajaj, lived her life rooted in discipline, compassion and unwavering commitment to Gandhian values. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, she embraced swadeshi, khadi and a life, dedicating herself to the service of society, women empowerment and rural upliftment. My son Kushagra was blessed to have played on her lap, and I am glad that her quiet strength and moral clarity continue to guide the Bajaj Group’s philosophy of nation-building through ethical enterprise.


Born on 7 January 1893 in Jawra, Madhya Pradesh, Jankidevi Ji devoted her life to social reform and public service after marrying Jamnalal Ji Bajaj at a young age. She moved with him to Wardha, Maharashtra and actively got involved in India’s freedom movement. She worked for women’s education, social equality, animal welfare and rural development. She played a significant role in the Bhoodan Movement alongside Acharya Vinoba Bhave and served as President of the Akhil Bharatiya Goseva Sangh.

 

Awarded the Padma Vibhushan by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1956 for her exemplary contribution to society, Jankidevi Bajaj remained a living embodiment of humility and service. Her autobiography, “Meri Jeevan Yatra,” reflects the values of simplicity and discipline that defined her life.


As the nation remembers her legacy, the family-owned business group under her grandson Shishir Bajaj currently led by her great grandson Kushagra Bajaj pays a heartwarming tribute to Jankidevi Ji with a short instagram video on @bajajgroupofficial Click to watch.


About Bajaj Group
Founded in 1926 by the eminent freedom fighter and philanthropist Jamnalal Bajaj, the Bajaj Group has emerged as one of India’s most respected and diversified conglomerates. The Group’s flagship companies include Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Ltd., India’s largest integrated sugar company operating 14 sugar mills and 6 ethanol plants; Bajaj Energy Ltd., running 6 power plants in Uttar Pradesh with a total capacity of 2,430 MW supplying about 10% of the state’s electricity demand; and Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd., market leader in the premium hair oil category with its flagship brand Bajaj Almond Drops Hair Oil. The Group continues to blend industrial excellence with social responsibility, embodying its enduring philosophy of “Nation Building Through Business and Service.”

 

Experiential Luxury Meets an Intimate Journey of Restoration: The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa – A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience

Building on its legacy of creating transformative experiential luxury holidays, The Postcard Hotel has announced the opening of its latest hotel in a UNESCO-celebrated enclave of history and heritage – The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa – A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience. Overlooking hundreds of acres of tranquil reserve forests, this first of its kind private sanctuary is entirely dedicated to wellness – in collaboration with Sitaram Ayurveda’s 104-year tradition backed by deep knowledge around the healing science of Ayurveda. In a world filled with constant noise and distraction, the property invites discerning guests to pause, listen inward, and reconnect with their own rhythm. Every stay here is an intimate journey of restoration, where authentic Ayurveda supports each guest’s unique path to better health and lifelong wellbeing.

 

The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa – A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience

 

With The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, we have created a pioneering wellness sanctuary in India that offers a comprehensive experience to address unique lifestyle needs and concerns of each guest. The stays here start from minimum 7 nights and are all-inclusive healing journeys focused on providing highly personalised programmes for medical wellness, rather than a recreational leisure escape. In essence, the retreat seamlessly combines transformative experiential luxury with authentic Ayurveda for deep restoration,” says Kapil Chopra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Postcard Hotel. In an industry-first collaboration with Sitaram, our intimate retreat supports long-term health, balance and wellbeing by integrating their century-old healing legacy of Ayurveda – with the calm of nature, thoughtful design, nourishing cuisine, and perceptive service offered by The Postcard Hotel,” adds Chopra.

 

Dr. Vignesh Devraj, MD (Ay), Founder and Chief Physician, Sitaram Retreats, adds, “The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat represents a meaningful convergence of place, purpose, and healing. At its core, Ayurveda is about restoring balance and tapping into the body’s innate potential to heal. Our retreat harmonises these ancient principles with guided consultations, medical insights and personalised care at every step of the tailored wellness programmes. We offer guests a holistic path to recovery and renewal in the privacy of their own space, as they reconnect with themselves and cultivate a path to better health and balance.”

 

Surrounded by pristine forests in Old Goa, the retreat encourages quiet reflection. At the heart of this estate stands a magnificent 300-year-old banyan tree, that defines the sense of place and atmosphere of calm. With only six thoughtfully designed rooms, it offers ultimate privacy where healing unfolds at an unhurried pace. The sunlit rooms rest beneath a canopy of trees, each with a private balcony overlooking lush gardens and the valley beyond.

 

“The sense of stillness and seclusion of Old Goa has been the focal point of conceptualising The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat. Enveloped by forests and open to light, air, and nature – the spaces have been intentionally designed to slow the senses, allowing guests the freedom to turn inward and experience healing at their own pace,” adds Kapil Chopra.

 

Transformative hospitality with an authentic Ayurveda experience

Beyond its serene setting, the retreat offers a deeply immersive journey into authentic Ayurveda. Each stay starts with a personalised consultation with resident physicians, who then create a programme tailored to individual constitutions (doshas) and health needs. Attentive care and medical insight at every step – offer each guest a curated path towards balance, wellbeing, and lasting renewal. This is not a conventional holiday, but a careful immersion into Ayurveda – where every element of each day from treatments to diet to rest is carefully crafted.

 

Each wellness journey ranges from 7 nights to 14 or 21 nights, and unfolds at a gentle pace to support deep healing and balance. Mornings begin with traditional Ayurvedic rituals, mindful nature walks, and soulful yoga sessions, setting a calm and grounded tone for the day ahead. Then guided one-on-one consultations with resident doctors, are followed by treatments that may include healing massages, cleansing therapies, meditations, and holistic wellness sessions. Restorative dining is an integral part of each guest’s healing journey, tailored to individual doshas and guided by Ayurveda’s principle that food is medicine. Prepared in consultation with physicians – all nourishing meals served at specific times of the day highlight fresh seasonal produce, and can be enjoyed in serene pavilions that open to the Mandovi River.

 

The all-inclusive packages at The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat offer a comprehensive wellness experience. Recommended stays start from 7 nights at an inaugural price of INR 3,40,000 for single occupancy, and INR 4,50,000 for double occupancy. Guests can also opt for longer stays of 14 to 21 nights for more long-term recovery and deeper restoration. Prices are inclusive of taxes, cover airport transfers and all aspects of the stay including – daily meals and beverages, prescribed treatments and medications during the stay, private doctor consultations, and yoga sessions.

 

Rooted in the essence of Ayurveda, personalised stays at The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat are not only for those looking for treatments, but also guests who are seeking good health – to strengthen immunity and restore long-term balance.

 

About The Postcard Hotel

Kapil Chopra, along with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotel – a brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The Postcard Hotel is now opening 8 new hotels in the next 12 months making it the fastest growing uber luxury hotel brand in the world.

 

Today, The Postcard Hotel’s growing collection spans India and beyond. In Goa, its four retreats – Old Goa, Saligao, Cuelim, and Hideaway – capture the region’s charm, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea offers sweeping oceanfront serenity. In Gujarat, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary immerses guests in the land of the Asiatic Lion, and The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi brings art and heritage together in an evocative setting. Further afield, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam, and The Postcard in the Himalayan Willows, Leh, offer uncharted adventures and tranquil escapes. Internationally, the brand extends its philosophy through The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Bhutan, and The Postcard Galle in Sri Lanka – each a celebration of place, culture, and understated elegance.

 

For more brand and hotel information , please view the hotel factsheet here, or visit the website and Instagram handles @thepostcardhotel and @thepostcardayurvedaretreat.

 

About Sitaram Ayurveda

Founded in 1921, in Kerala, India – Sitaram Ayurveda began as Sitaram Anglo Ayurveda Pharmacy – with a mission to provide education and accessible Ayurvedic healthcare to all. With the support of royal patrons, inspiration from the Punkunnam Sitaramaswamy Temple, and dedication of pioneering founders – Sitaram became India’s first Ayurvedic joint-stock company, established in Thrissur. Over a century later, its legacy continues to be trusted across generations, guided by tradition, and renewed through science.

 

With 104 years of tradition, Sitaram Ayurveda is a living, evolving ecosystem rooted in the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda – from in-house Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing and a dedicated R&D team that continuously innovates, to experienced Ayurvedic doctors who guide every formulation. The company’s name embodies Ayurvedic ideals: ‘Sita’ referencing abundance/harvest, and ‘Ram’ indicating rest and wellbeing. 

Glow by Kirtilals Unveils 'Fly to Phuket' Campaign — Where Sparkle Meets a Dream Holiday

Glow by Kirtilals, the contemporary Natural diamond jewellery brand from the house of Kirtilals, has announced an exciting new consumer campaign titled “Fly to Phuket”, blending fine jewellery, creativity, and the promise of an unforgettable international holiday.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/34275_Glow_Fly_to_Phuket.jpeg

Glow by Kirtilals -Fly to Phuket with exciting offers


As part of the campaign, customers purchasing jewellery from Glow by Kirtilals can participate in an exclusive slogan contest, giving them a chance to win a luxurious couple travel package to Phuket, one of the world’s most loved tropical destinations. The campaign celebrates love, self-expression, and the joy of rewarding life’s special moments with both sparkle and experiences.


Adding to the excitement, Glow by Kirtilals is offering 20% off on making charges and 26% off on diamond value for a limited period, making it the perfect time for customers to invest in elegant, everyday natural diamond jewellery or meaningful gifts.


The contest invites participants to creatively express themselves through a slogan contest, reflecting the brand’s philosophy of modern luxury, emotion, and effortless style. Winners of the Fly to Phuket campaign will be announced at the end of February, with the winning couple set to enjoy a memorable international escape.

Bengaluru Retains No. 1 Spot as the Top City for Women in India

  • Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai: Top 5 cities for women

  • Many cities show strength in either social or industrial inclusion, not both

  • Tier-2 cities rise as women-friendly urban ecosystems expand

  • Gurugram emerges as the only north Indian city in the Top 10 of India’s Top Cities for Women, climbs to No. 6 from No. 9 last year

  • Five cities from south Indian states feature in the Top 10 of India’s Top Cities for women
     

Avtar Group, India’s leading workplace culture consulting firm, released the fourth edition of its annual, nation-wide study ‘Top Cities for Women in India’ (TCWI). The TCWI report presents a longitudinal inclusivity index that tracks how Indian cities enable women’s participation, safety, and career growth/continuity, while identifying role-model cities and emerging best practices. It also offers a structured framework for organisations, policymakers and urban stakeholders to enable women’s workforce participation and career growth.
 

Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director, Avtar Group
 

The Top 10 Cities for Women in India in 2025 are: Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurugram, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore

 

The 2025 edition of the study covers 125 cities and draws comparisons from its previous editions (from 2022). The cities are ranked based on an overall ‘City Inclusion Score’ assigned to every city, which is inferred from Avtar’s research and governmental data. The City Inclusion Score (CIS) is derived from two parameters: the Social Inclusion Score (SIS) and the Industrial Inclusion Score (IIS). 
 

  • The Social Inclusion Score is a cumulative score of four indicators. These are: city liveability, safety, women’s representation in employment and women’s empowerment.

  • The Industrial Inclusion Score evaluates the extent to which organisations in the city across industries are inclusive of women and is calculated based on three indicators: The density of gender inclusive organizations; the density of women-friendly/inclusive industries in a city, and career enablers provided to women by organizations.

 

Speaking at the release event of the report’s findings, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director of Avtar Group, said, “As we mark Avtar’s 25th year, the fourth edition of the ‘Top Cities for Women in India’ reflects both how far we have come and how much more we must do. Over the years, the TCWI study has evolved into a tool of accountability that asks a simple question: Can a woman truly thrive in this city? It measures the real ease of career and life for women, whether cities enable women to enter the workforce, stay, grow, and lead. Creating such cities requires shared responsibility. Governments, organizations, institutions, communities, and women themselves must work together to build environments that are safe, accessible, affordable, and supportive. In today’s context, cities must also take a broader view of inclusion, one that considers environmental resilience, supportive infrastructure, digital readiness, intergenerational equity, and respect for diverse perspectives. When these elements come together, women thrive, thereby strengthening local economies and moving India closer to its long-term development goals.”

 

Key Findings of the Top Cities for Women in India 2025 report:

  • Bengaluru retains its position as the top city for women in India in 2025, with a City Inclusion Score of 53.29, reflecting sustained strength in Industrial Inclusion and career enablement.

  • Chennai follows in second position with a City Inclusion Score of 49.86, while continuing to lead on social inclusion parameters such as safety mechanisms, public services, mobility initiatives and access to health and education.

  • Pune (46.27), Hyderabad (46.04), and Mumbai (44.49) complete the top five, demonstrating consistent performance across both social and industrial inclusion indicators.

  • Gurugram records one of the most notable upward movements, strengthening its position in 2025 compared to 2024, supported by rapid industrial growth and strong corporate presence (Rank no. 6 in 2025 compared to No. 9 in 2024).

  • Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida perform strongly on industrial inclusion but lag on social indicators such as safety, affordability, and mobility, reinforcing that industrial growth alone does not ensure inclusive urban environments.

  • Thiruvananthapuram, Shimla and Tiruchirappalli demonstrate strong social inclusion outcomes but limited industrial depth, pointing to constraints in local economic mobility for women and limitations in large-scale formal employment opportunities for women despite strong social foundations.

  • Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune stand out for fairly balanced inclusion profiles, with strong alignment between social inclusion and industrial ecosystems, enabling sustained workforce participation for women.

  • Mumbai shows strong industrial inclusion (with an IIS of 69.00) but relatively weaker social inclusion (with a SIS of 38.44), highlighting challenges around affordability and access to infrastructure despite abundant employment opportunities.

  • The 2025 TCWI rankings show increased representation of Tier-2 cities among higher ranks, indicating decentralisation of women-friendly urban ecosystems.

 

Regional analysis

  • The Southern region emerges as the most inclusive, recording the highest scores across all three indices, with a regional average CIS of 21.60, SIS of 27.81, and an IIS of 11.61, reflecting a more integrated approach to social infrastructure, safety, health, education, and industrial participation for women.

  • The Western region follows closely, demonstrating consistently strong performance with a regional average CIS of 20.00, SIS of 25.47, and the highest IIS among regions at 12.01, indicating relatively mature industrial ecosystems supported by enabling social conditions.

  • Central and Eastern regions trail across both inclusion dimensions – social and industrial – especially industrial inclusion, with regional average IIS scores of 4.96 and 4.40, respectively.

 

Across 2022–2025, cities achieving convergence between Industrial Inclusion (IIS) and Social Inclusion (SIS) consistently rank higher on overall City Inclusion (CIS), reinforcing that industrial growth is most effective when supported by safe, accessible, and equitable urban environments.

 

For more details, refer to the Top Cities for Women in India 2025 report: www.avtarinc.com/tcwi

 

About Avtar

Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of India’s leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the country’s largest provider of second career opportunities for women.

 

An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtar’s biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies – the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI, India’s largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other underrepresented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, India’s first job portal for underrepresented professionals.

 

A snapshot of Avtar’s work in the last 25 years:

  • Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organisations

  • Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations

  • Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com

  • Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs

  • Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women.

  • Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT).

  • Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women.

 

To know more, visit www.avtarinc.com | www.myavtar.com.

 

For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Straits Times & INSEAD in Singapore in 2022. In 2025, Avtar won the Times Business Awards and was recognized as the ‘Leading Women’s Employment Organization’.

AROA Invests in C-Zentrix, an AI-Powered CCaaS Provider

C-Zentrix, the flagship brand of Towards Vision Technologies Ltd. (TVT), a leading provider of contact center (CCaaS) and customer engagement technology, announced a strategic investment from the family office of Ritesh Agarwal (AROA), Founder and Group CEO of PRISM (parent of OYO). The investment reflects strong confidence in the rapid growth of AI-driven contact center solutions and TVT’s vision to build next-generation customer engagement platforms

.

As enterprises across industries accelerate digital transformation, the contact center landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift driven by Generative AI, automation, and data-led customer experiences. Recognizing this momentum, the Ritesh Agarwal’s family office has made this investment to support TVT’s long-term growth and innovation roadmap.

 

This investment is a strong validation of our long standing relationship with PRISM and Ritesh Agarwal; his feedback and guidance over the years have helped our vision and capabilities. With AI rapidly redefining customer conversations, TVT is uniquely positioned to help businesses deliver smarter, faster, and more human-like customer experiences at scale. I am super happy to welcome Ritesh Agarwal as a shareholder and be part of our AI journey ahead.” said Saket Setu, CEO of TVT.

 

TVT has been steadily expanding its AI-powered offerings, including intelligent AI voice and chat agents, real-time analytics, co-pilot for agents and supervisors and omnichannel customer engagement solutions. The company plans to leverage the investment to accelerate product innovation, expand into new markets, and strengthen its AI and engineering teams.

 

CX is at an inflection point, with AI fundamentally changing how businesses engage with customers. C-Zentrix’s strong technology foundation, customer focus, and clear execution strategy make it well-positioned to capitalize on this transformation. I am happy to strengthen our long lasting relationship with C-Zentrix and become a part of their journey”. said Ritesh Agarwal.

 

With this strategic backing, TVT aims to further its mission of enabling enterprises to deliver seamless, intelligent, and scalable customer experiences in an increasingly AI-first world.

 

About TVT Ltd.

TVT Ltd. with its flagship brand C-Zentrix is a global contact center and customer engagement technology company delivering AI-powered CCaaS solutions to enterprises across industries. The company’s platform enables organizations to manage customer interactions across voice, chat, messaging, video and social channels, while leveraging artificial intelligence, automation, and real-time analytics to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. With a strong focus on innovation and scalability, C-Zentrix helps businesses transform customer conversations into meaningful, data-driven engagement.

Truecaller Strengthens Direct Ad Sales with Appointment of Vikas Khanna

India, January 7, 2025: Truecaller, the leading global communications platform, today announced the appointment of Vikas Khanna as Senior Director, Ad Sales, Truecaller India. In this role, Vikas will lead Truecaller’s direct sales business for India, with a strong focus on scaling direct brand partnerships, premium inventory adoption and industry-vertical-led solutions, as Truecaller accelerates the next phase of growth for its ads business.

Over the past year, Truecaller has strategically reshaped its advertising organisation, shifting towards industry-led, data-driven sales solutions that help advertisers gain deeper insights, learn faster, and build more tailored, results-focused partnerships. This evolution has enabled the introduction of premium, direct-only inventory, custom innovation packages, and offerings that extend well beyond standard third-party inventory access. At the same time, Truecaller has strengthened its measurement capabilities through advanced analytics and AI-powered insights, including the launch of ROI of Trust—a proprietary framework that brings the real business impact of trust-based advertising to life through tangible advertiser outcomes and case studies.

With over 25 years of leadership experience across print, television, and digital media, Vikas’s appointment significantly strengthens Truecaller ads senior leadership team. He has a proven track record of building and scaling high-impact advertising businesses and joins Truecaller after holding senior leadership roles at some of India’s most respected media and technology organisations, including Jio Hotstar, Star Sports, ITV Network, TikTok, NewsX, TV18, NDTV Network, Times of India and the India Today Group.

Commenting on the appointment, Hemant Arora, Vice President – Global Ads Business at Truecaller, said: “Direct brand relationships are central to how we see the future of advertising at Truecaller. As a platform that plays a meaningful role in consumers’ daily lives, we believe advertising must be built on a data-first approach, powered by AI, and measured beyond surface-level metrics. With strong foundations now in place spanning industry expertise, premium inventory and advanced measurement, this is the right moment to scale. India is a strategic market for us, and Vikas’s entrepreneurial mindset and deep market understanding make him the ideal person to take this forward.”

On his appointment, Vikas Khanna, Senior Director, Ad Sales at Truecaller India, said: “I’m excited to join Truecaller at a time when trust, attention and outcomes are becoming central to effective advertising. Truecaller’s position as a daily-use platform, deeply embedded in consumers’ lives, creates a unique opportunity for brands. I look forward to working with the team to build strong direct partnerships, drive industry-led innovation, and deliver meaningful, measurable value for advertisers.”

About Truecaller and Truecaller Ads

Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for over 450 million active users, with more than a billion downloads since launch and close to 56 billion unwanted calls identified and blocked in 2024 alone. The company has been headquartered in Stockholm since 2009 and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021. Advertising is the primary revenue stream for Truecaller. Truecaller Ads serves 5 billion impressions every day and is trusted by over 10,000 brands.

Galgotias University Student’s Swift Challenge–Winning App ‘Algomaze’ Brings Algorithm Visualisation to Life on App Store

Greater Noida, 5th  January 2026: For Avineet Singh Juneja, a B.Tech Computer Science student (2022–2026) at Galgotias University, understanding algorithms was never about complexity alone—it was about the lack of visual clarity. Dense code, abstract explanations, and theory-heavy teaching often made pathfinding algorithms difficult to grasp. That challenge led to the creation of Algomaze, an intuitive learning app that helps students understand how algorithms think and navigate through visualization.

Developed at Galgotias University’s iOS Development Centre, Algomaze was created as part of Avineet’s Swift Student Challenge (2025) winning project and is now live on the Apple App Store, marking another significant student-led innovation emerging from the university’s iOS ecosystem.

Born From a Learning Gap, Built for Understanding

Algomaze originated from a simple yet powerful observation. While studying algorithms, Avineet realised that many students struggle not because algorithms are inherently difficult, but because they are rarely visualised. Concepts such as shortest paths, traversal, and optimisation often remain confined to textbooks and code editors. “Understanding algorithms becomes much easier when you can actually see them in action,” he observed. This insight became the foundation of Algomaze.

Designed with learner empathy at its core, the app reimagines how pathfinding algorithms are introduced and explored, focusing on intuition rather than intimidation. Every design decision was driven by a single question: How can algorithms be made clear, not abstract?

Turning Abstract Logic into Visual Learning

One of Algomaze’s standout features is its interactive maze-based visualisation, which allows students to watch algorithms navigate obstacles, evaluate multiple paths, and reach optimal solutions in real time. By transforming passive learning into active exploration, the app strengthens conceptual clarity, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Students can directly connect classroom theory with real-world applications such as GPS navigation, robotics, and game AI.

Supported by Visionary Mentorship

Algomaze was developed under the guidance of Galgotias University’s iOS Development Centre, where students receive hands-on exposure, structured mentoring, and real-world app development experience. The centre plays a vital role in nurturing student ideas that address real learning challenges through technology. Reflecting the university’s innovation-led approach, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “When students are encouraged to visualise ideas and learn by building, they develop solutions that are both meaningful and impactful. Algomaze reflects our commitment to empowering students to turn complex concepts into accessible learning experiences.”

Avineet expressed his gratitude to Hon’ble Chancellor Mr. Suneel Galgotia, Hon’ble CEO Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, and Director Operations Adv. Aradhana Galgotia for their encouragement, visionary leadership, and continued support throughout the development journey.

More Than an App — A Clearer Way to Learn Algorithms

Algomaze stands as a compelling reminder that when education is designed with clarity and engagement, even complex computer science concepts can become approachable—one path at a time. As Avineet continues to enhance the app, Algomaze reflects Galgotias University’s commitment to shaping students into innovators, problem-solvers, and creators, ready to apply technology beyond the classroom.

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University Among the World’s Leading Universities in QS and THE Rankings

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities—public and private combined—this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This significant achievement reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic arena and validates its consistent progress in global higher education benchmarks

Danube Group’s Rizwan Sajan to Host Bigg Boss 19 Contestants in Dubai on January 6–7

Dubai, Jan 05, 2026: Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, is set to host contestants from Bigg Boss Season 19 at an exclusive two-day celebration in Dubai on January 6 and 7, 2026.

The event follows Danube Properties’ successful association with one of India’s most-watched reality television shows, Bigg Boss 19, hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The iconic series captivated millions of viewers in India and around the world with its signature blend of drama, entertainment, and larger-than-life personalities.

After over three months of intense competition, actor Gaurav Khanna emerged as the winner of the season, while Farhana Bhatt finished as the runner-up.

As part of the celebratory engagement, Mr. Sajan will host a dinner party at his private Dubai residence on January 6, followed by a luxury yacht party on January 7, offering the contestants an exclusive Dubai experience. The gatherings will bring together prominent names from the season and the wider entertainment and digital creator ecosystem.

Celebrities expected to attend include Gaurav Khanna, Ashnoor Kaur, Tanya Mittal, Awez Darbar, Nagma Mirajkar, Nehal Chudasama, Abhishek Bajaj, Baseer Ali, Natalia Janoszek, Pranit More, Farhana Bhatt, Neelam Giri, Kunickaa Sadanand, Mridul Tiwari, Amaal Mallik, Shehbaz Badesha, and Malti Chahar, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman, Danube Group, said,

“Bigg Boss is more than a television show—it’s a cultural phenomenon that connects deeply with audiences across generations. Our association with Bigg Boss 19 reflects Danube’s commitment to engaging with consumers beyond real estate, through experiences, entertainment, and aspirational lifestyles. Hosting the contestants in Dubai is our way of celebrating their incredible journey and showcasing the city’s global appeal.”

Danube Properties and Bigg Boss 19’s collaboration further reinforces Danube’s positioning as a lifestyle-driven brand that blends real estate, entertainment, and global experiences.

The Dubai celebrations mark yet another milestone in Danube Group’s ongoing efforts to bridge Indian pop culture with international lifestyles, while highlighting Dubai as a preferred global destination for business, leisure, and living.

About Danube Properties

Danube Properties, a subsidiary of the Danube Group, is one of the UAE’s leading private real estate developers and the pioneer of the region’s groundbreaking 1% payment plan. Established by Rizwan Sajan in 1993, the company has launched 41 projects to date, with 20 successfully delivered and the remainder in advanced stages of construction.

Known for offering fully furnished apartments complemented by more than 40 lifestyle amenities, Danube Properties has built a strong reputation for timely delivery, exceptional build quality, and customer trust. With innovation, accessibility, and reliability at its core, the company continues to redefine modern urban living across the region.