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The Rise of Luxury Housing in Punjab: Key Drivers and Market Trends

Punjabs real estate sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with luxury housing emerging as the new benchmark of modern living. This shift is being driven by multiple factors, including rising disposable incomes, increased investments from NRIs, and a growing preference for residences that offer exclusivity, convenience, and top-tier amenities. Today’s homebuyers are not merely seeking a house; they aspire to an elevated lifestyle characterized by world-class amenities, cutting-edge security, and a thriving community environment.

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Punjabs Luxury Housing Boom: Smart Homes, Exclusive Amenities, and World-Class Living

According to industry reports, the demand for premium apartments, villas, and gated communities has surged in cities like Mohali, Zirakpur, Ludhiana, and New Chandigarh. Mohali and Zirakpur, in particular, have witnessed a significant increase in high-end residential developments due to their strategic location near Chandigarh, superior infrastructure, and growing commercial ecosystem. Developers are investing heavily in projects that cater to this evolving market, offering features such as smart home automation, high-tech surveillance systems, luxury clubhouses, and wellness-oriented living spaces. With Punjab’s real estate market increasingly aligning with global housing trends, the state is emerging as a prime destination for luxury housing investments.

Evolving Aspirations and Growing Demand
The increasing preference for luxury homes can be attributed to multiple factors, including rising disposable incomes, significant investments from NRIs, and a growing emphasis on work-life balance that prioritizes comfort and wellness. Developers across Punjab are responding proactively to these evolving aspirations by delivering projects that cater to the modern homebuyer.

Mr.​ Prateek Mittal, Executive Director, Sushma Group, “Homebuyers today are making a conscious choice to invest in a lifestyle rather than just purchasing a house. The demand for high-end residential spaces has increased significantly, particularly in the post-pandemic era, as individuals now value spacious homes equipped with premium amenities. Our projects align with this shift, offering exclusive Grand living experiences with large room sizes, clubhouses, Golf Course and landscaped gardens.

Redefining Luxury: Smart Homes and Modern Amenities
Luxury housing today extends beyond expansive spaces-it is about delivering an unparalleled living experience. The industry is witnessing a significant shift towards smart homes equipped with automation features, advanced security systems, and wellness-oriented living environments. Developers are integrating world-class clubhouses, infinity pools, co-working spaces, and wellness centers to cater to the discerning buyer.

Mr. Piyush Kansal, Executive Director, Royale Estate Group,Today’s homebuyers expect more than just a residence; they seek a refined lifestyle that offers exclusivity, security, and convenience. Our projects are thoughtfully designed to meet these expectations, incorporating advanced smart home technology, lush green spaces, and premium amenities that redefine luxury living in Punjab.”

Mohali & Zirakpur: Emerging Hubs for Luxury Living
Mohali and Zirakpur have emerged as prime destinations for luxury real estate, leading Punjabs residential transformation. Their proximity to Chandigarh, seamless connectivity, and expanding commercial hubs make them highly desirable locations for premium homebuyers.

Mr. Tejpreet Singh, Managing Director, Gillco Group,Mohali and Zirakpur are at the forefront of Punjab’s luxury housing evolution. With superior infrastructure, world-class educational institutions, and robust healthcare facilities, these regions are attracting discerning homebuyers like never before. We are committed to developing landmark residential projects that cater to the evolving preferences of high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusivity and sophistication.”

Future Outlook
The luxury housing market in Punjab is poised for continued expansion, driven by constant innovation and evolving consumer preferences. Developers are increasingly focused on curating upscale living experiences that cater to the needs of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), professionals, and NRIs. As homebuyers seek more than just a property-choosing instead to invest in a holistic lifestyle-Punjab’s real estate landscape is set to redefine luxury living, ensuring the state remains a premier destination for premium residential investments.

Lorien Finance Raises USD 2.25M Pre-Series A to Transform Global Education Financing

New York, NY
Lorien Finance, a fintech innovator bridging global capital markets with students from emerging economies, has secured $2.25 million in Pre-Series A funding, setting the stage for a transformative shift in education financing worldwide.

With global education financing expected to surpass $500 billion by 2029, affordability remains a major barrier for students in emerging markets. Lorien Finance is solving this challenge by leveraging AI-driven lending and a global lender network to make education financing more accessible, faster, and smarter.

Strategic Investors Driving Growth
The funding round was led by FlatIronX, a New York-based early-stage VC firm investing in fintech solutions with strong ties to India. Additional investors include Seedstars International Ventures (SIV)-backed by IFC, Visa Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Symbiotics-as well as Ahimsa Capital, Bhavesh Gupta (Ex-Paytm President & COO), Ashneer Grover (ex-BharatPe MD), Play Holdings, and Silver Ridge Accelerator.

A Mission to Make Global Education Affordable
“For too long, financial constraints have determined who gets access to quality education, leaving millions of talented students in emerging economies behind,” said Nikhil Mudgal, Founder & CEO of Lorien Finance. “We are changing this by making financing more inclusive and data-driven. This investment will help us push the boundaries of innovation, offering personalized funding solutions while empowering lenders to make confident, real-time decisions.”

Lorien Finance already connects students to a $3 billion+ lending pool from 17+ international lenders, including Sallie Mae, a leading US education lender. This allows students to access interest rates as low as 3.49%. Since inception, over 1,000 Indian students have applied for funding through Lorien Finance.

Expanding Access in India
With this fresh capital, Lorien Finance will expand its reach to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, where access to financing remains limited. The company will also strengthen its AI-driven risk assessment technology, enabling faster underwriting decisions and more personalized financing solutions for students and lenders.

“The combination of a digital-first lending process and a data-driven risk assessment model is what makes Lorien Finance such a compelling opportunity. This approach not only benefits students but also strengthens the financial system by enabling lenders to deploy capital more effectively,” said Shreya Choubey, Partner at FlatIronX, and the former Product Head for Advice at MoneyLion (NYSE: ML), a leading US fintech platform with over 20 million customers.

“Access to quality higher education remains a challenge, and Lorien is uniquely positioned to bridge the financing gap, enabling more Indian students to study at top global institutions,” added Charlie Graham-Brown, CIO & Co-founder at Seedstars International Ventures.

Lorien Finance is hiring across key functions to support its rapid expansion and invites top talent to join its mission of transforming global education financing.

About Lorien Finance
Headquartered in the US and India, Lorien Finance is a cross-border fintech platform dedicated to providing affordable education loans and comprehensive financial services to students pursuing studies abroad. Founded in 2022, Lorien Finance partners with over 17 global lenders to offer competitive interest rates and tailored loan solutions without requiring collateral. Beyond education loans, the platform offers services such as test bookings, forex exchange, insurance, international debit/credit cards, global SIM cards, GIC account setup, accommodation assistance, and placement support, ensuring a seamless transition for students to their new academic environments. With a data-driven approach, Lorien evaluates each students potential and future employability, aiming to remove financial barriers and empower students to achieve their educational aspirations.

For more information, please visit lorien.finance.

Bisleri International Partners with Schneider Electric to Enhance Energy Efficiency and Expand Solar Power Under ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise’

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has partnered with Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business to enhance energy efficiency and expand the use of renewable energy. This initiative is a key step under ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise’, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a sustainable future. As part of the partnership, up to 13.6 MW of solar power will be installed across six major Bisleri International plants in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.

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Bisleri International Partners with Schneider Electric to boost Energy Efficiency

Mr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “Our collaboration with Schneider Electric underscores our commitment to sustainable solutions and the economic benefits of renewable energy. The project is set to increase Bisleri’s green energy usage to nearly 33% while improving energy efficiency by 2.5% across its manufacturing plants. Additionally, this initiative is expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 16,000 tons per year, further advancing Bisleri’s sustainability goals.”

Adding to this, Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, shared, “At Schneider Electric, we are committed to enabling businesses to reduce their environmental footprint by embracing cleaner and smarter energy solutions. Our Sustainability division has been a pioneer in enhancing energy efficiency across sectors. Our association with Bisleri International will further optimize the use of renewable energy. We congratulate Bisleri in their quest to become a Green Yodha for the planet. Collaborations like these are pivotal for a sustainable future, and by integrating innovative energy solutions, we will collaborate with Bisleri to bolster efficiency and foster a sustainable future for all.”

As part of ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise‘, the company has already deployed rooftop solar panels that generate 2.5% of its energy from renewable sources. Furthermore, Phase 1 of the lightweighting of PET bottles has successfully reduced the company’s CO2 footprint by 15,000 tons per year.

Bisleri International remains committed to sustainability through recycling plastic, conserving water, and replenishing natural resources, all key pillars of ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise‘.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.
With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the countrys largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating a greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

About Schneider Electric
Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.www.se.com.

Dual Recognition for HDFC Life at the LACP Vision Awards FY 23/24

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, announced that it has been awarded for its Integrated Report and Annual Report at the LACP Vision Awards FY 23/24. The LACP Vision Awards, conferred by the League of American Communications Professionals LLC, is one of the most popular competing platforms for Annual Reports.

Dual Recognition for HDFC Life at the LACP Vision Awards FY 23/24

HDFC Life’s reports have been adjudged and awarded under both Integrated Report and Annual Report categories. The Company has been conferred its sixth consecutive Platinum for Integrated Report and seventh Gold for Annual Report, by the prestigious institution.

Further, HDFC Life’s rank among the Top 100 Reports Worldwide has moved up to 37th in both categories – previously, the Company was ranked 47th (for the Integrated Report) and 79th (for the Annual Report). The Company has also won the Technical Achievement Award for overall excellence in the art and method of annual report communications for the last fiscal year in both categories.

Speaking on this recognition, Niraj Shah – Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, HDFC Life said, “We accept this award with humility and thank LACP Vision Awards for recognising our endeavours. For us, this is a reminder to continue upholding our superior standards and practice of financial reporting and maintaining transparency with all stakeholders. Our journey as a life insurer is further strengthened with this dual recognition. We believe this will go a long way in motivating us as we continue our journey towards Insuring India.”

LEO1 Reimburses 8 Crore LEO1 Coins on Fee Payments

LEO1, an edu-fintech company backed by Rohit Sharma, has credited 8 crore in education fee benefits through its Fee Reimbursement Model (FRM) in calendar year 2024. The model rewards parents and students for making timely and advance tuition payments with LEO1 Coins, which can be redeemed across 200+ merchant partners, including travel, accommodation, ride-hailing, food, grocery, and shopping platforms.

Rohit Sharma and Rohit Gajbhiye with Debi Prasad Baral and Naveesh Reddy

In addition to this, 1.7 crore worth of LEO1 Coins were credited to parents and students for purchases through the app, further enhancing the value they receive. So far, 55,000+ students have redeemed 50 lakh Coins for items such as power banks, AirPods, smartwatches, air coolers, snacks, and more. In January alone, around 20 lakh Coins were used, reflecting the increasing adoption of the reimbursement model.

As part of its Prime Membership, LEO1 also offers exclusive benefits, including a free consultation to support parents and students in making informed educational and financial decisions, adding to the value proposition.

The model is building an ecosystem that not only helps educational institutions streamline fee collections but also reduces the financial burden on parents. It ensures that education expenses generate value, benefiting both students and families.

The impact has been significant, with some of India’s largest educational groups experiencing improved on-time tuition payments. This is enabling institutions to expand, scale, and introduce new courses and initiatives.

Rohit Gajbhiye, MD & Founder of LEO1, said, “We are privileged to build an ecosystem that transforms expenses at the time of education into a rewarding experience for students and parents. The Fee Reimbursement Model is not just about timely fee payments-it is about creating long-term financial value in education. By incentivizing responsible financial behaviour, we ensure that every rupee spent on education delivers tangible benefits. Our model has helped students while addressing cash flow challenges for universities. We plan to expand to 22 cities, aiming to impact 1.5 million students and establish education payments as a financially empowering process for families across India.”

LEO1 continues to focus on building a sustainable and inclusive financial ecosystem for students, parents, and institutions. The Fee Reimbursement Model also offers a numberless prepaid student ID that doubles as a contactless payment card, serving both as an identity and a payment gateway. Some of the large university groups like Narayana, SAGE, and Jain, LNCT, Geetanjali University are part of LEO1’s reimbursement model, which has positively influenced students, parents, and the broader educational ecosystem.

About LEO1

LEO1 (formerly known as Financepeer) is a pioneering Edu-fintech company headquartered in Mumbai, established in 2018. Renowned as India’s first fee- fee-reimbursement card, the platform addresses long-pending cash flow issues for educational institutions.

LEO1 has partnered with over 31 large institutions, including Narayana, Jain Group, and SAGE University, benefiting around half a million students. Key modules of LEO1 include Rewards, Smart ID Cards, Fee Management, and Financial Literacy, which collectively empower institutions with simplified fee collection, enhanced transparency, and real-time insights. LEO1 incentivizes responsible financial behavior by rewarding timely fee payments with LEO1 coins. These coins can be redeemed across various brands for discounts and vouchers, aligning with the company’s broader mission to make education more accessible by potentially rebating fees for students who consistently meet payment deadlines. This initiative contributes to the larger vision of fostering a cashless ecosystem within educational institutes, enabling timely cash flow, and aligns with India’s & Digital India initiative.

Cutting-Edge Technology Revolutionizes Linemen’s Work, Enhancing Safety: Tata Power – DDL

Linemen are the backbone of power distribution, working tirelessly in extreme conditions to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to homes, industries, and essential services. From restoring power during emergencies and natural calamities to maintaining and upgrading infrastructure, their role is critical in keeping the nation powered. Despite the challenging and hazardous nature of their work, linemen remain committed to their duties, often risking their lives to serve the community.

Lineman Diwas will honour linemen and their vital contributions

Technological initiatives

Technological advancements like Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Field Force Automation (FFA) have significantly transformed the way linemen operate. ADMS offers real-time insights into network conditions, enabling faster fault detection and more accurate load management, reducing the response time for outages. FFA ensures seamless communication and coordination among field teams, allowing linemen to prioritize and resolve issues more efficiently. These technologies not only enhance productivity but also improve safety by minimizing exposure to high-risk situations.

Focus on safety

Discoms and power producers are making relentless efforts to enhance linemen’s safety and well-being. The measures include advanced training, awareness around health, and other protective measures. In this context, VR simulations and hands-on safety drills play a critical role in better preparedness, while regular health check-ups, psychological screening, and mental wellness programs support overall well-being of linemen. They are continuously briefed about the importance of Smart PPE like shock-resistant gloves, advanced harnesses, AI-enabled helmets, and arc suits in enhanced safety protocols. Discoms and Gencos also promote a robust safety culture through awareness campaigns, reward programs for compliance, and periodic safety audits, ensuring a safer and more secure working environment. Real time incident reporting, location tracking, and rapid medical response systems are some of the other practices that help strengthen emergency protocols.

In recognition of their dedication, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in collaboration with Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (Tata Power-DDL), will organize a special event on March 4 to honor linemen and their vital contributions. The event will bring together power sector professionals from across the country and highlight the pivotal role these frontline warriors play in ensuring a seamless power supply.

This year’s event is set to be bigger. Discoms from across the country will participate, reaffirming their commitment to recognizing and honoring linemen. For the first time, the event will also acknowledge power generation companies (gencos) and power distribution companies (discoms) for their outstanding performance and adherence to safety protocols.

Gajanan Kale, CEO, Tata Power-DDL, said, “We salute the hard work and resilience of these unsung heroes. Over the years, this initiative has gained national significance, with more discoms and transcos joining in. These linemen restore power even in the harshest conditions, ensuring uninterrupted supply for millions.

Several linemen will be felicitated for their exceptional service. Their meticulous efforts in ensuring safety and continuity in power supply underscore their vital role in the power sector. As a spokesperson from a discom noted, “Linemen are the backbone of power distribution. Their contributions are invaluable but often overlooked. This celebration is a long-overdue acknowledgment of their service to the nation.”

Beyond technological advancements, efforts to enhance linemen’s safety and well-being include advanced training, health initiatives, and protective measures. VR simulations and hands-on safety drills improve preparedness, while regular health check-ups, psychological screening, and mental wellness programs support overall well-being. Smart PPE like shock-resistant gloves, advanced harnesses, AI-enabled helmets, and arc suits enhance safety. Automated incident reporting, real-time location tracking, and rapid medical response systems strengthen emergency protocols. Discoms and gencos also promote a robust safety culture through awareness campaigns, reward programs for compliance, and periodic safety audits, ensuring a safer and more secure working environment.

Whatfix Unveils ScreenSense: An AI Technology to Shape the Next Frontier of Digital Adoption

Whatfix, the global leader in Digital Adoption Platforms (DAP), today introduced ScreenSense, an innovative AI technology that powers the next generations of its product suite-DAP, Mirror, and Product Analytics. Built on a Computer Use model trained to understand and interact with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) like humans, ScreenSense applies enterprise business knowledge to enhance digital workflows, making tasks more efficient and intuitive.

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Khadim Batti and Vara Kumar, Co-founders, Whatfix

ScreenSense leverages patented algorithms to create next-gen digital experiences that are more intuitive to the end-user and also evolve with technology changes. Its capabilities include advanced element and context detection, precise segmentation, behavioral intelligence, and inference generation.

At the heart of the userization approach is ScreenSense, a next-generation suite of patented technologies, that fuels Whatfix’s products to empower organizations in accelerating digital adoption, enhancing user experiences, and delivering maximum ROI from their transformation efforts,” says Sharath Hari N, Vice President at Everest Group.

ScreenSense is the core of our AI-driven digital adoption strategy. It leverages our patented innovations to simplify enterprise technology adoption,” said Khadim Batti, CEO and Co-Founder of Whatfix. “As AI reshapes how users and enterprises interact with software, ScreenSense is enabling Whatfix to ensure digital adoption is more intuitive, scalable, and impactful in helping businesses drive productivity and ROI from their technology investments.”

Gina Smith, Ph.D., Research Director at IDC, said, “The integration of agentic AI amplifies DAP capabilities… When thoughtfully administered, DAPs can accelerate AI adoption and ensure organizations can achieve (the) full value of their software investments.”

2024 Highlights of Whatfix’s Achievements:

A Year of Milestones and Growth
2024 was marked by significant milestones that underscore the unmatched innovation at Whatfix and the trust of its customers.

  • 38% YoY revenue growth, with a 150% EBITDA improvement since 2022, reflecting strong market demand and financial discipline.

  • 12 new Fortune 500 customers spanning industries such as BFSI, Manufacturing, Retail, and Technology.

  • 111% Net Revenue Retention (NRR) for enterprises, demonstrating deeper integration and customer trust.

As noted by Morten Rye Christensen, Vice President, Infrastructure & Operations, Semler Gruppen, “Whatfix has been instrumental in improving user adoption, engagement, and productivity across our platforms. Their AI-driven solutions and user-centric design have created a seamless experience for our users. Our collaboration with Whatfix is making digital tools accessible and intuitive for everyone – We’re transforming how our teams and customers interact with technology. Rather than wrestling with complex systems, we’re prioritizing empowerment and adoption, enabling faster, smoother processes where anyone can jump in, learn, and get more done effortlessly.”

He added, “The new AI capabilities offer smart, context-sensitive support, further simplifying workflows and making digital experiences even more engaging. We believe that when technology is as simple and intuitive as it is powerful, everyone wins-and that’s exactly what our partnership with Whatfix is delivering. Whatfixs innovative approach and commitment to user experience have made them an invaluable partner for us.”

Driving Innovation & Expanding Leadership

In 2024, Whatfix expanded its capabilities. It introduced new AI-powered features, DAP on OS, and Mobile SDK 2.0, further elevating business impact and efficiency.

  • New Whatfix AI Capabilities: Whatfix introduced new AI-driven features across DAP, Mirror, and Product Analytics. “Ask Whatfix AI” – a GenAI-powered conversational analytics interface enables business users and citizen analysts to access engagement and usage insights using a simple chat interface. AI-powered sentiment analysis provides users with quicker and more actionable insights from user feedback surveys – an existing DAP feature.

  • Whatfix for AI-Adoption: Whatfix is investing heavily in capabilities to enable its customers to improve their AI adoption. It empowers customers to drive AI co-pilot awareness and educate users about AI co-pilot adoption best practices within enterprises. By enabling IT stakeholders to track co-pilot usage, identify adoption challenges, and optimize AI implementation and rollout plans, it ensures that enterprises can accelerate the ROI of their AI investments.

  • DAP on OS: Launched as a desktop companion, DAP on OS streamlines employee communication with desktop alerts, simplifies learning across applications, and ensures quick access to information for seamless productivity in enterprises.

  • Mirror: In 2024, Mirror gained strong market traction as many of Whatfix’s existing and new customers-including several Fortune 500s across BFSI, Manufacturing, Retail, and Technology-chose it as their preferred application simulation environment.

  • Product Analytics: Whatfix was recognized as a Representative Vendor by Gartner for Product Analytics. As a top choice for enterprise analytics, 25% of its new customers were Global 2000 companies. New capabilities added by the product include the Adoption Health Dashboard, which enables CIOs and Digital Transformation teams to gain a comprehensive view of their tech stack’s adoption and usage.

  • DAP on Mobile: With the launch of Mobile SDK 2.0, Whatfix DAP Mobile empowers customers to resolve issues faster and deliver exceptional in-app experiences while reducing reliance on development teams for minor updates. Whatfix also gained its 6th patent for “Inspect Element Framework For Building Mobile DAP Content” from the US Patent Office.

Solidifying Category Leadership in Digital Adoption
In 2024, Whatfix cemented its category leadership with top industry accolades for AI-driven innovation, enterprise impact, and sustainability:

  • ISG Paragon Awards: Innovation Award winner with Sophos.

  • Gartners Voice of the Customer: The only Customer’s Choice vendor in DAP.

  • Forrester Wave (Q4 2024): Leader in AI/ML, analytics, and product architecture, earning the highest Strategy score.

  • IDC MarketScape: Worldwide DAP 2024: Leader, recognized for mobile, desktop adoption, AI innovation, and personalization.

  • Everest Group: Leader & Star Performer for the fifth consecutive year.

  • Deloitte Fast 500: Top-ranked DAP for four years running.

  • EcoVadis: Bronze Medal, placing in the top 35% globally for sustainability.

Whatfix also received the 2025 G2 Best Software Awards as the Best Software Companies in India last week and was yet again recognized as a leader in Gartner’s Voice of the Customer in 2025 for DAP.

Whatfix continues to define the future of digital adoption, setting the industry benchmark for AI-powered transformation. The company is building a strong DAP community with its Whatfix University, which certified 5,500+ professionals as yet, upskilling the leaders of tomorrow.

Expanding Partnerships & Industry Reach
Whatfix strengthened its global ecosystem by adding 11 new partners, including Temenos, Deloitte (India), Capgemini, and Indra Consulting Philippines, expanding its network to 125+ partners across key industries. Strategic collaborations with GSIs like Deloitte, Wipro, and LTIMindtree, along with regional partners such as BIP, Genpact, and NNIT, further reinforced its position as a trusted enterprise partner.

Whatfix Accelerates Global Expansion, Industry Focus, and GenAI Integration in 2025
Backed by $125M in Series E funding, Whatfix is strengthening its leadership in North America, Europe, and APAC while expanding into high-growth markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The company is deepening its presence in Insurance, Pharma & Life Sciences, and Banking and Financial Services alongside a strategic push into the Public sector. With a focus on market expansion and profitability, Whatfix is driving organic growth and strategic acquisitions while advancing ‘userization’ with GenAI-powered innovations to enhance user experiences and boost productivity.

About Whatfix
Whatfix is advancing the “userization” of application technology, by empowering companies to maximize the ROI of digital investments across the application lifecycle. Powered by GenAI, Whatfix’s product suite includes a digital adoption platform, simulated application environments for hands-on training, and no-code application analytics. Whatfix enables organizations to drive user productivity, ensure process compliance, and improve user experience of internal and customer-facing applications. With seven offices across the US, India, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Australia, Whatfix supports 700+ enterprises, including 80+ Fortune 500s like Shell, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Backed by investors such as Warburg Pincus, Softbank Vision Fund 2, Dragoneer, Peak XV Partners, Eight Roads, and Cisco Investments, software clicks with Whatfix.

For more information, visit the Whatfix website.

Biesse Showcases Revolutionary Woodworking Tech at INDIAWOOD 2025; Strengthens ‘New Biesse’ Mandate

Biesse, a global leader in the design and manufacture of integrated lines and machines for processing wood, glass, stone, plastic, and composite materials, will make a significant impact at INDIAWOOD2025, the leading trade fair for woodworking and furniture manufacturing. The event will be held from March 6 to March 9, 2025, at the India Expo Mart & Centre (IEML) in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR.

Biesse displays its latest edge-banding innovations, including the Rover Edge series, at INDIAWOOD 2025

Building on its extensive background in the woodworking sector, Biesse India is set to unveil its latest tech advancements in wood processing technology. As part of its evolution, the company will strengthen the ‘New Biesse’ mandate under the ‘Wonder’ identity, emphasizing Smart Automation and Sustainable Manufacturing. This transformation signifies Biesse as a multi-material solution provider, committed to delivering the most suitable solutions to clients, enabling them to unleash the potential within any material.

At INDIAWOOD 2025, Biesse India will highlight cutting-edge technologies, including:

  • Edge banding Machines with NC Controls: Enhancing precision and automation for superior finishing.

  • 5-axis CNC Machines: Enabling complex machining with high accuracy.

  • SOPHIA IoT Platform: Providing real-time monitoring for predictive maintenance and optimized performance.

  • Other Machines from the Rover range:

  • Rover Cut Go

  • Rover Multi Go

  • Rover Multi Up

The key highlight of Biesse’s showcase will be machines designed and manufactured in India, underscoring the company’s commitment to “Viksit Bharat.” This includes the “Make in India” Edge banding machines, Rover Edge Go SP A13 and Rover Edge Go SP A14, which have garnered significant acclaim for their advanced automation features.

Speaking about the event, Sayeed Ahmed, CEO, Biesse India, said, “Biesse is strengthening India’s position as a global hub for advanced woodworking solutions. Biesse in India is now also equipped with a spare-parts hub catering to the entire APAC region not only for the machines made in India but also for the machines made in Italy. It is providing technical training to its subsidiaries and also providing global hotline support to all English-speaking nations. We are excited to be at Indiawood 2025. All machines on display are proudly designed and manufactured in India. Our comprehensive range of solutions supports small-scale manufacturers and large enterprises, driving innovation and competitiveness in the Indian furniture industry. With approximately 85% of its units exported to over 75 countries, Biesse India has become a strategic location for the Biesse Group.”

Biesse India’s expansion caters to the increasing demand in tier two and three cities for better furniture, kitchen designs, cabinets, and wardrobes, driving the industry towards improved technology and higher output. With its large manufacturing plant in India, Biesse is not only developing advanced products for the local market but also exporting them globally.

The company is investing in upskilling by establishing training centers and offering solutions that demonstrate return on investment (ROI) for furniture industry entrepreneurs. By providing high-value products made using advanced technology, the aim is to decrease reliance on imported premium furniture and position India as a global exporter of technological products.

The Indian woodworking market is projected to experience significant growth, reaching USD 16.07 billion in 2025 and USD 24.47 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by rapid urbanization and ongoing economic growth, and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2%. Biesse in India is poised to play a pivotal role in this growth, expanding its manufacturing capabilities and global reach to deliver comprehensive solutions and elevate industry standards. With state-of-the-art facilities, Biesse Indias manufacturing units are strategically located to meet the demands of countries in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Visit Biesse India at Hall 15, Stall Q108, INDIAWOOD 2025 to experience the future of woodworking technology.

About Biesse Group

Biesse is a globally recognized company specializing in the manufacturing of integrated lines and machines for processing wood, glass, stone, plastic, composite materials, and future materials. Established in Italy in 1969 and listed on the Euronext STAR segment of the Italian Stock Exchange, Biesse supports the business evolution of its clients across the furniture, housing and construction, automotive, and aerospace industries.

Currently, approximately 80% of Biesses consolidated revenue is derived from international markets, facilitated by a growing global network that includes four manufacturing campuses and over 30 showrooms, reaching more than 160 countries.

Thanks to our expertise embodied by 4,200 employees, Biesse empowers industry-leading companies and prestigious names in Italian and international design to unleash the potential of any material.

Protein Day 2025 Calls for Smarter Protein Consumption with the #RightWayToProtein

On World Protein Day 2025, Right to Protein, now in its 6th year announced its theme for 2025 to be #RightWayToProtein. This year’s campaign focuses on educating people to make informed, balanced, and sustainable protein choices to enhance health and well-being.

Protein Day 2025

The Right to Protein initiative, powered by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), has been a leading force in raising awareness about adequate protein consumption in India. And with each passing year, it has evolved to now become a global call to action, expanding its reach across South Asia.

The focus this year remains largely on ensuring both the right quality and quantity of protein for all. While progress has been made in addressing protein sufficiency over the past few years, the conversation now shifts to ensuring that quality protein is accessible to everyone. What lies at the core of the Right to Protein initiative is its commitment to fueling South Asia by promoting sustainable, nutrient-dense protein solutions across the region.

Manan Vora, Orthopedic Surgeon, Health & Longevity Educator, emphasized the importance of understanding protein quality, “While the world continues to understand the importance of a balanced meal and a protein sufficient diet, what continues to exist as a core problem is people not understanding that not all protein is created equal. Hence, it is essential for individuals to not only meet their daily protein requirements but also to focus on high-quality, diverse sources of protein that are sustainable and beneficial for long-term health.

“At U.S Soy, we have always remained committed to meeting the ever-growing nutrition demand worldwide. And this year, through #RightWayToProtein, our aim is to bridge the knowledge gap around protein and inspire consumers to make informed dietary choices. Whether plant-based or animal-based, the right mix of protein sources can play a transformative role in improving overall nutrition and well-being. This year, through The Right to Protein we also want to emphasize quality protein and its accessibility for all,” said,Deeba Giannoulis, Regional Head of Corporate Affairs SAASSA at the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).

Siddharth Ramasubramanian, CEO & Founder, Hello Tempayy, said, “At Hello Tempayy, the right way to protein starts with offering protein choices that can be incorporated into one’s daily life. Easy to cook, versatile and affordable are key elements to adoption. Tempeh is a new category and easy access for vegetarians who severely lack protein options. With #RightWayToProtein we are building awareness and driving category adoption. We believe protein consumption in India is going to exponentially grow resulting in healthier, stronger nation.”

In line with the same, SuperYou, a protein food and supplements brand co-founded by Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and Nikunj Biyani, said, “We believe protein is for everyone-not just athletes or fitness enthusiasts, but also everyday hustlers, busy parents, students with jam-packed schedules, and yes, even the occasional weekend warriors. But let’s be real-choosing healthier options can feel anything but easy, affordable, or fun. The goal at SuperYou is to simplify healthier choices, ensuring that protein-rich foods fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles.”

As part of our commitment to spread awareness about the importance of quality protein and its accessibility, hampers have been sent to industry specialists in the food and nutrition space, journalists, influencers, and nutritionists. These hampers included products from brands like SuperYou, Hello Tempayy, Whole Truth Foods, and GoodDot.

Right to Protein is all set to celebrate World Protein Day on February 27, 2025, and through the theme of #RightWayToProtein we urge and encourage everyone to join The Right to Protein initiative or a better, sustainable and healthier life. Follow us on our social media to be part of the conversations! Stay connected on Instagram @RightToProteinSouthAsia and Facebook Right To Protein South Asia and LinkedIn at Right to Protein South Asia. Let’s make #RightWaytoProtein the global standard for good health.

About Right to Protein
Right to Protein is an awareness initiative, powered by USSEC, to educate consumers on the importance of adequate protein consumption, growing the category across regions. #RightToProtein as a community and a conversation is building knowledge on different types of protein food & feed sources, to meet larger nutritional goals.

Since its launch in 2019, the Right to Protein campaign has transcended borders, expanding its footprint to several other countries and spreading the message of role of protein in nutrition security.

Sattva Consulting and StepChange Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionise ESG Data Utilisation

Sattva Consulting, a global impact consulting firm renowned for its deep expertise in driving societal impact at scale, has announced a strategic partnership with StepChange, a cutting-edge climate-tech enterprise SaaS platform. This collaboration is designed to empower organisations across India to unlock the full strategic potential of their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data, drive long-term value creation, and accelerate their journey toward ambitious Net Zero targets.

In today’s dynamic ESG landscape, corporate sustainability is a critical business and regulatory imperative. This partnership comes at a pivotal moment, offering a comprehensive solution that combines robust data collection, transformative technology for precise ESG analysis and reporting, and deep expertise to convert insights into actionable, tailored strategies for improved sustainability performance.

Our partnership with StepChange is a testament to our commitment to bridging the gap between sustainability vision and real-world implementation,” said Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy, Co-founder and CEO of Sattva Consulting. “At Sattva, we have built a strong foundation of expertise in addressing a wide range of sustainability challenges while driving societal impact. By joining forces with StepChange, whose innovative platform perfectly complements our strengths, we are poised to empower companies to design and implement effective ESG strategies. This collaboration will not only benefit individual enterprises but also contribute to creating a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem in India.”

StepChange is driven by the vision of harnessing technology to unlock the full potential of ESG,” said Ankit Jain, Co-Founder and CEO of StepChange. “Our partnership with Sattva marks a significant step forward in this journey. By integrating our science-backed platform with Sattvas extensive industry expertise, we are creating a powerful synergy that enables businesses to navigate the complexities of sustainability with clarity and precision. This partnership is about empowering organizations to leverage their ESG initiatives as a catalyst for strategic growth and long-term value creation.”

ESG is increasingly emerging as a key growth accelerator for Indian companies. As businesses embed sustainability into their core strategies, they are tapping into new market opportunities and attracting investments-factors that are strengthening their competitive edge in an evolving regulatory landscape. Through this strategic alliance, enterprises can expect significant, measurable impact. By implementing tailored ESG strategies, organisations will be well-positioned to reduce emissions, capitalise on emerging opportunities, and drive long-term value creation in today’s sustainability-focused global economy.

About Sattva Consulting

Sattva is a global impact consulting firm originating from India. Since 2009 we have been engaging with communities, businesses and governments to achieve societal impact at scale. Our ESG Advisory engages with corporates, investors, development finance institutions and start-ups to help them achieve their ESG & climate goals by minimising risk and maximising impact in their investments and operations. Our expertise includes ESG reporting, benchmarking, ESDDs, value chain and portfolio assessment, and setting up ESG management systems. For more information, please visit: www.sattva.co.in.

About StepChange

StepChange is an enterprise sustainability platform that caters to enterprises and the financial institutions (BFSI) industry by providing science-based tools to measure, report, and improve their sustainability performance across a variety of ESG and climate metrics. With accreditations from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the IFRS Foundation, and the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), and a growing global presence, the integrated ecosystem of StepChange sustainability solutions supports enterprises ad financial institutions worldwide in navigating the complexities of sustainability, fostering transparency, and driving positive climate change. Discover how StepChange can accelerate your sustainability journey: www.stepchange.earth.