Archive: January 31, 2025

Global and Domestic Leaders Secure Collaboration to Drive Investments, Policy Reforms, and Healthcare Innovation

New Delhi, January 31, 2025: MedTekon 2025, the flagship event of the Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), convened policymakers, global dignitaries, investors, and healthcare leaders at Taj Palace. Focused on Investments, Reforms, and Synergies, the event set the agenda for policy acceleration, investment growth, and technological advancements in India’s MedTech sector.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Hon’ble Minister Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, and Guest of Honour Dr. V. K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, who underscored the critical role of medical technology in shaping India’s healthcare future.

While addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers said, “It is an honour to inaugurate MedTekon 2025, a key platform uniting industry leaders, policymakers, and healthcare stakeholders to shape the future of India’s MedTech sector. With the industry poised to double its market size to $30 billion by 2030 and expand its global share from 1.65% to 10-12%, India is rapidly emerging as a MedTech powerhouse. Our exports reached $3.8 billion last year, reflecting the sector’s growing manufacturing strength and global competitiveness. As we drive this momentum forward, collaborative efforts in innovation, investment, and policy reforms will be crucial to positioning India as a leader in affordable, high-quality medical technology.”

In his remarks during the session on Catalysing Foreign & Domestic Investments in MedTech, Dr. V. K. Paul, Member, Niti Aayog said, “MedTekon 2025 serves as apt platform to expand India’s global footprint, foster innovation, and strengthen domestic manufacturing. With rising demand for medical devices, India must position itself as a global MedTech leader.

“India’s 4,000+ health-tech startups need greater investment, regulatory support, and structured incubation to scale globally. Additionally, harmonizing regulatory standards with global benchmarks is vital for investor confidence and sector growth. By focusing on innovation, investment, and policy stability, we can cement India’s role as a leader in affordable, high-quality medical technology,” he said.

Mr. Pavan Choudary, Chairman, MTaI, emphasized the need for investment-friendly policies, regulatory coherence, and a robust MedTech infrastructure to support India’s growing healthcare needs and said, “At MTaI, we believe that sharp advocacy stems from thoughtful deliberation, and MedTekon 2025 embodies this commitment.”

In response to a question if technology is responsible for de-humanization and a lot of stress, Mr. Choudary disagreed and highlighted, “The rise of communities like Hikikomori (term used in Japan) for those who prefer technology-driven interactions over human engagement as human interactions can lead to some level of stress and distress. Machines don’t judge and don’t tire and therefore are preferred by the many millions of hikikomories in the world today, whose number is soaring.”

The event featured a distinguished lineup of Indian and global MedTech leaders. Key speakers included, Mr. Aseem Sahu (Deputy Drugs Controller, CDSCO), Mr. Ajit Chavan (Additional CEO, GeM), Ms. Ritu Sain (Investment Commissioner, Government of Chhattisgarh), Mr. Hitendra Sahu (Director, Department of Pharmaceuticals), Mr Chinmai Dwivedi (MHD Head BIS), Padmashree Dr. Kameshwar Prasad (AIIMS & Fortis Healthcare), Dr. O.P. Yadava (CEO, National Heart Institute), Dr. Pavan Gurha (Head of Department, Anaesthesiology, Batra Hospital), Mr. Sanjay Bhutani (MD, Bausch & Lomb India & SAARC), Mr. Aman Rishi (VP & GM, Stryker India), Mr. Atul Grover (Managing Director, India & South Asia, Becton Dickinson), Mr. Parmeshwaran Nair (Country Leader, SEA Region & India, Edwards Lifesciences) and other captains of the industry.

Foreign dignitaries included Dr. Stephan Hesselmann (Minister Counsellor, German Embassy), Estelle David (Trade & Investment Commissioner, France Embassy), Nico Schiettekatte (Counsellor for Health & Welfare, Embassy of the Netherlands), and Anna Shotbolt (Deputy Trade Commissioner, South Asia, British High Commission).

A major focus area was catalysing foreign and domestic investments, where stakeholders explored India’s potential as a global MedTech manufacturing and R&D hub. In the discussion on hospital technology integration, experts delved into the impact of AI, robotics, and digital health solutions on improving patient outcomes. Another key session on reimbursement policies examined the case to design health insurance for emerging needs. The regulatory panel addressed harmonizing standards, reducing non-tariff barriers, and other aspects regarding regulatory and ease of doing business. The final session highlighted ethical marketing practices in MedTech and the need for skill development programs to create a future-ready workforce capable of leveraging next-generation medical innovations.

MedTekon 2025 reinforced India’s position as a key player in global healthcare innovation. With its focus on investment-led growth, regulatory advancements, and technological breakthroughs, the event set an agenda and decisive path for the future of MedTech in India.

Jaipur Music Stage 2025 Secures Spectacular Start with a Spirited Celebration of Music

The annual Jaipur Music Stage, showcasing electrifying music each evening at the Jaipur Literature Festival, kicked off on January 30th, with much aplomb at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. The 3-day music festival, being held alongside the iconic sumptuous feast of books, literature & ideas, is a perfect conclusion to the events of each day.

The festival opened with a tribute to two historic poets of India: the 13th-14th century Sufi Amir Khusrau and the 14th-15th-century mystic-poet Kabir Das. This evening showcased their timeless legacies through evocative performances.

The Amir Khusrau Project by Abhijit Pohankar, renowned for his expertise in Indian classical fusion and the keyboard, celebrated the sublime verses of Khusrau through their performance. Dastaan LIVE, an ensemble celebrated for its fusion of poetry, folk, and rock, brought Kabir’s poetic wisdom to life through the set Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein.

“We at Dastaan LIVE are so glad to bring Kabir’s message of love and unity in such times to Jaipur with our show Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein, that reinterprets the music of the play by the same name and was directed by M.K. Raina. Working with Teamwork Arts is always a great experience, and we really appreciate the work that they put in to push the art and culture scene in the country.” said Anirban Ghosh, founder Dastaan LIVE.

The much-awaited performances from Day 1 brought back the magic of live music to a stage that has seen some of the greatest offerings from India and around the world in its previous editions.

Raj Air Cooler Group Secures Bold Move into Modular Furniture Market with Khali as Brand Ambassador

31st January 2025: Raj Air Cooler Group has expanded its footprints in the Modular Furniture Market with a new segment under ‘Raj Modular Furniture’. The launch signifies the company’s entry into the high-quality furniture market, aligning with its vision to reduce import dependency and promote the “Make in India” initiative. Showcasing the product’s strengths and durability, the company has also announced a renowned personality, The Great Khali, as its brand ambassador. The Great Khali has been the company’s brand ambassador and continues to represent the new product line.

The goods manufactured under Raj Modular Furniture are crafted from durable materials and are designed to combine modern aesthetics with superior functionality, catering to a wide range of needs, from home and office settings to commercial spaces. With a focus on ergonomic design, durable materials, and contemporary styles, the furniture provides exceptional comfort and long-lasting value. Additionally, the product line includes sleek, lightweight, and eco-friendly designs, available in multiple colors and styles, with a price range of ₹200 to ₹5,000, catering to both mid-market and premium customers. All the categories under the furniture segment are designed with advanced injection molding technology and ensure precision, sustainability, and longevity.

Kalpesh Ramoliya, MD of Raj Cooling Systems, said, “We are thrilled to announce our new segment launch and are very optimistic, as we continue to innovate and respond to the growing demand for high-quality, locally manufactured products. With the launch, we are not only contributing to the nation’s vision of self-reliance but also delivering durable, stylish, and ergonomic solutions that meet international standards. We aim to offer products that provide lasting value, all while promoting sustainability and supporting the growth of the Indian manufacturing sector. This new addition underscores our commitment to expanding our product portfolio and delivering excellence across all categories.”.

The company’s products are designed and manufactured from materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylic, and other strong plastics, ensuring lasting comfort and reliability. The furniture categories are available in various colors and styles, providing both aesthetic appeal and functionality, making them perfect for a wide range of consumers. The company plans to market its goods through various channel partners, dealers, government contractors, and e-commerce platforms, ensuring pan-India availability.

India Fashion Forum 2025 Secures Unforgettable Finale with Ground-breaking Insights, Fashion Show, and Award Celebrations

Bengaluru, 31 January 2025: The curtains on the 24th edition of the India Fashion Forum (IFF) 2025 came down today with great enthusiasm, bringing together thought leaders, industry pioneers, and fashion visionaries to shape the future of the industry. The second day featured insightful panel discussions, keynote sessions, and masterclasses, covering critical aspects of fashion retail, technology, supply chain management, and brand differentiation. The event concluded with spectacular fashion showcases and the prestigious Images Fashion Awards (IFA), celebrating excellence in fashion retail.

The second day of India Fashion Forum 2025 featured a series of insightful discussions and keynote sessions, highlighting strategies for navigating the evolving fashion retail landscape. Experts explored market expansion tactics, brand launches, and the integration of technology to enhance consumer experiences. Sessions like Unlocking Growth and Launching Success provided valuable insights into scaling businesses profitably, while discussions on Supply Chain Resilience and AI-Driven Store Transfers shed light on optimizing operations in a volatile market. Panelists also addressed the importance of experiential retail, immersive marketing, and the role of AI in shaping the future of fast fashion.

A key focus was the growing influence of D2C Fashion Brands and how they are redefining traditional retail paradigms by forging partnerships with national and regional stores. The forum also emphasized differentiation strategies for brands in a crowded market and the untapped potential of Tier 2 and 3 cities in driving India’s fashion consumption. Sessions on Regional Fashion Retailers vs. Global Players and Franchising Frameworks offered actionable insights on leveraging local strengths for national success. The day concluded with high-impact discussions on the future of shopping centers, sustainable pricing models, and the Big Bharat Opportunity, reinforcing India’s growing dominance in the global fashion industry.

The grand finale of IFF 2025 featured stunning fashion shows by renowned brands, including Angel & Rocket, Triumph, Royal Enfield Apparel, and Pepe Jeans, unveiling their latest collections and industry-leading innovations.

Images Fashion Awards (IFA) 2025, recognizing exceptional contributions to the industry. These prestigious awards honored brands, designers, and entrepreneurs who have set new benchmarks in innovation, business excellence, and customer engagement. Among the notable winners, were Mr. VIshak Kumar, CEO, Madura Fashion & Lifestyle, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd and Chairman, India Fashion Forum, Lacoste India, Taneria for Most Admired Marketing & Promotions Campaign of the Year: Festival Sales; Flying Machine for Most Admired Marketing & Promotions Campaign of the Year Celebrity; Hemamalini Padmanabhan, Seven Saree for Most Admired Fashion Innovation of the Year: Revival of Craft…just to nanme a few.

As IFF 2025 wrapped up on a high note, the discussions and insights shared over the two days are set to influence the trajectory of India’s fashion industry, fostering growth, innovation, and strategic collaborations. The event reaffirmed its status as the premier platform for shaping the future of Indian fashion retail.

Paper Boat Apps Secures Exciting Collaboration by Adding Barbie to Kiddopia App

Mumbai, India, January 31, 2025:  Paper Boat Apps, the creators of the Kiddopia app and a 100% subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Limited announced the addition of Mattel Inc.’s iconic Barbie brand to Kiddopia. The integration featuring Barbie-themed games, is set to launch later this year.

The collaboration will bring Barbie to Kiddopia’s educational platform, designed to nurture creativity, problem-solving, and learning among young users. This addition will enhance Kiddopia’s mission of blending fun with education while offering exciting new games that entertain and promote learning.

Dhaval Sheth, COO of Kiddopia, commented, “Barbie’s global recognition and empowering messaging align perfectly with our mission to inspire imagination, foster creativity, and provide an engaging learning experience for young children. This partnership will offer an exciting new way for kids to learn and play, combining the fun of Barbie with Kiddopia’s educational ecosystem.”

Carlton Secures Stylish New Retail Identity with Exclusive Store Launch in Colaba, Mumbai

Mumbai, 31 January 2025: VIP Industries, Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest luggage maker, has unveiled Carlton’s new retail identity with the launch of an exclusive 872 sq. ft. store in Colaba, Mumbai. Carlton aspires to be the preferred luggage choice for discerning travelers by offering thoughtfully designed, sophisticated travel solutions that go beyond mere badge value. With a focus on craftsmanship, discernment, and intelligent design, our products reflect the spirit of modern travelers. Aligned with this philosophy, Carlton’s new retail identity marks a significant step in strengthening its premium positioning.

The new Carlton store in Colaba sets the foundation for its future retail journey, offering a refined, immersive space that reflects its evolving premium identity. Thoughtfully designed to enhance engagement, it blends sophisticated aesthetics with seamless product discovery for a truly elevated shopping experience.

As part of its aggressive expansion strategy, VIP Industries is investing massively to strengthen Carlton’s presence in key markets across India. The company plans to open 25 exclusive Carlton stores over the next six months, further solidifying the brand’s position in the premium luggage segment.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Neetu Kashiramka, Managing Director of VIP Industries, said, “The launch of Carlton’s exclusive store in Colaba marks a pivotal step in strengthening our brand’s premium presence. This store embodies the new retail identity we envision for Carlton, offering a seamless blend of innovation, luxury, and customer-centricity. More than just a retail space, it is a gateway to a rich and immersive shopping experience. With this expansion, we aim to establish Carlton as the preferred choice for discerning travelers, offering a refined retail experience that blends sophistication with functionality in the premium luggage space.”

Carlton has been witnessing a strong growth momentum, with 11.4% growth in Q3FY25 over Q3FY24, reaffirming its market performance. The launch of this flagship store is a testament to VIP Industries’ commitment to enhancing the retail experience and catering to the evolving needs of premium consumers.

HCLTech and Microsoft Secure Major Partnership with Cricket Australia to Revolutionize Fan Experience Using GenAI

SYDNEY and NOIDA, India, January  31, 2025:  Leading global technology companies, HCLTech and Microsoft, have partnered with Cricket Australia (CA) to leverage generative AI (GenAI) to enhance the way fans experience live matches via the Cricket Australia Live app.

The app’s new AI Insights matchday companion feature provides fans with a regular feed of text-based updates as matches progress. The feature uses AI rooted in a deep understanding of cricket to identify key narratives, player performances, and notable milestones that go beyond the live scores and commentary, giving new context and insight to what is happening on the field.

The AI Insights matchday companion launches today at the Day-Night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the CommBank Women’s Ashes series between Australia and England. This innovative feature is now accessible to all users of the Cricket Australia Live App worldwide.

“By harnessing the power of GenAI, we have the ability to reimagine the way fans engage with sport,” said Sonia Eland, Executive Vice President and Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand, HCLTech. “HCLTech has partnered with Cricket Australia for several years through our long-term role as the sport’s Official Digital Technology Partner, but our collaboration with Microsoft will further enhance the digital experience. Ultimately, our goal is to bring cricket fans even closer to the action.”

Cricket Australia has leveraged Microsoft’s Azure Open AI Service as well as HCLTech’s front-end and API development support to create a more accessible match day AI companion for cricket fans.

“We’re excited to bring cutting-edge AI technology to cricket fans through our partnership with Cricket Australia and HCLTech,” said Sarah Carney, Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. “This innovation demonstrates how generative AI is transforming the way we interact with the world around us, bringing insight, meaning and personalisation to audiences old and new.”

HCLTech and Cricket Australia began working together in 2019 to transform the organization’s core API platforms. In 2023, they extended the partnership for another five years, with HCLTech continuing its role as the CA’s Official Digital Technology Partner. The multi-year partnership has included initiatives like TechJam, a crowdsourcing effort to develop innovative tech solutions for the sport, as well as HCLTech’s role in making Cricket Australia Live the number one sporting app in Australia.

“We are very excited to partner with both HCLTech and Microsoft to create brilliant experiences for our fans by enhancing the CA Live app,” said Nick Hockley, CEO, Cricket Australia. “Our aspiration is to be a world leader in the way sporting codes bring fans closer to the game through digital technologies and we’re thrilled to launch this latest innovation at the CommBank Women’s Ashes Day-Night Test.”

Appy Pie Secures Innovation with the Unveiling of Snappy 3.0, the Best App Builder of the Year

New Delhi, 31 January 2025: Appy Pie, a leader in no-code app development, announces the launch of Snappy 3.0. With this launch, Appy Pie becomes the best app builder, delivering a more efficient, feature-rich, and user-friendly platform for creating apps without any coding expertise. Below is a closer look at the new capabilities in Snappy 3.0:

Snappy 3.0 expands its design capabilities with an updated toolkit and a broader selection of templates. Users can apply custom color schemes, layouts, and branding elements to give each app a polished, personalized look. The interface remains intuitive, ensuring both first-time and experienced users can make design changes with ease.

Thanks to major infrastructure upgrades, Snappy 3.0 delivers faster load times and smoother navigation within the app builder. Whether you’re assembling complex features or fine-tuning your interface, users can expect minimal delays and consistent reliability. This performance boost helps speed up development cycles and enhances the end-user experience.

In response to user feedback, Appy Pie has revised its pricing to remain straightforward and accessible. Each tier now includes a balanced set of core features, allowing small businesses, nonprofits, and larger enterprises to select a plan that fits their goals without compromising on essential tools.

Snappy 3.0 brings new features that cater to various industries and use cases, including:

● IoT Integration: Connect with smart devices to gather data or automate processes.

● Backend Support: Use built-in services for database management and server-side logic.

● Workflow Automation: Automate routine tasks to streamline operations, reducing manual work and errors.

These additions allow businesses to build apps that handle everything from basic scheduling tasks to sophisticated data operations.

Beyond standard templates, Snappy 3.0 gives users the flexibility to tailor apps to unique needs. Adjustable design components, plugin-ready sections, and customizable flows let businesses create solutions that closely reflect their specific processes and branding.

By refining existing features and incorporating user feedback, Appy Pie positions Snappy 3.0 as a key player in the no-code movement. The platform aims to help organizations of all sizes reduce development hurdles, shorten project timelines, and bring their app ideas to life more efficiently.

“Snappy 3.0 focuses on delivering practical tools that help our users innovate and stand out,” said Abhinav Girdhar, CEO of Appy Pie. “We believe in making app development faster and more accessible to everyone, from solo entrepreneurs to larger enterprises.”