Archive: April 7, 2025

Air India Enhances Baggage Tracking with Apple AirTag Integration

Chandigarh, 07th April 2025: Air India, India’s leading global airline, has integrated Apple AirTag with its baggage-tracking system and mobile app, allowing customers using Apple iPhone, iPad or Mac devices* to securely track the location of their baggage.

Air India is the first airline in Asia to offer this integrated tracking service to guests.

Air India transports more than 100 million items of baggage annually, with more than 99.6% of items arriving together with the accompanying customer. For the small proportion that does not, due to issues with airport baggage systems, flight misconnection or other factors, this new AirTag integration will help locate items and expedite recovery.

The integration builds upon the easy-to-use baggage tracking feature Air India offers on its mobile app and website, which leverages real-time information available from airports to keep guests informed. For customers who have added their flight to the “My Trips” section of the app, baggage information becomes automatically available soon after the bags are checked-in, as well as on the “Track my Bags” tab of the website. Customers may also scan the barcode on their baggage receipts to initiate tracking.

“At Air India we continue to innovate and introduce cutting-edge digital capabilities as part of our customer-centric approach. As we transform into a world-class global airline, we are excited to offer our guests an innovative option to help locate their baggage in case it does not arrive at the destination on schedule. We are confident that our guests will find the baggage location capability offered using Apple’s AirTag and Share Item Location feature along with Air India’s real-time baggage-tracking system on its website and mobile app quite helpful,” said Dr Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, Air India.

How to use the AirTag feature:

•  If the baggage, with the AirTag in it, does not arrive at the destination, the guest can report it at Air India’s Baggage Counter at the airport. Air India airport staff will assist in filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) for the baggage.
•  The guest will then need to generate the ‘Share Item Location’ in the ‘Find My’ app on their Apple device and share the location link with Air India and associate it with the above-mentioned PIR via the Air India mobile app or website:

Mobile App: The guest can visit the ‘Customer Support Portal’ on the app and choose ‘Baggage’ and then select ‘Lost and Found Check-in Baggage’ and provide the AirTag link there.

Website: The guest can visit ‘Lost and Found Check-in Baggage’ in the Customer Support Portal page to provide the ‘Share Item Location’ link for their Apple AirTag, along with PIR number. Following this, guests will receive an acknowledgment email from Air India with a link to check baggage status.

• The shared AirTag link is then used by Air India’s authorised airport teams to locate the baggage if it is within airport premises and reunite the baggage with the guest at the earliest.
• For ensuring privacy and security, location sharing will automatically end as soon as a guest is reunited with their bag, or automatically expire after seven days. It can also be stopped by the guest at any time.

Sri Lanka Breaks Ground on 50 MW Solar Power Project, Marking a Renewable Milestone

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble President of Sri Lanka H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayake jointly launched the Ground Breaking Ceremony of 50 MW (extendable to 120 MW) Solar Power Project in Sri Lanka on 05.04.2025. This ground breaking ceremony has been a part of agenda of visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka from 04th April- 06th April 2025.

India’s largest integrated power utility, NTPC Limited is embarking on a major stride towards increasing India’s presence in energy landscape in neighbouring countries with the development of 120 MW Solar Project in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. This solar project is being established through Trincomalee Power Company Limited (TPCL), a 50:50 joint venture (JV) between NTPC Limited, India and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Sri Lanka, with an envisaged investment of ~ USD 100 Million. The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) by TPCL with CEB and the Implementation Agreement (IA) with Government of Sri Lanka for the Phase I of 50 MW have been signed.

The project will help diversify Sri Lanka’s energy mix with a significant boost to the country’s clean energy capacity by avoiding emissions of ~200,000 tonnes of CO2 annually and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

HLL Marks Diamond Jubilee with Ambitious Expansion Across Health Spectrum

Thiruvananthapuram: HLL Lifecare Limited, a Central Public Sector enterprise under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has entered its Diamond Jubilee year. The commencement of the year-long celebrations coincided with the company’s annual Factory Day, which is inaugurated by Dr. Anitha Thampi, C& MD i/c of HLL at their Peroorkada factory premise.

Dr. Anitha Thampi, in her address, emphasised that it is a moment of great pride for HLL, a public sector enterprise, to be stepping into its 60th year. As part of the Diamond Jubilee year, HLL plans to foray into entire spectrum of health care including food and nutrition, Mental health and Veterinary.

As part of the jubilee celebrations, HLL will conduct nationwide symposiums led by health experts, along with year-long public health Outreach programmes. The has been a crucial support system for the nation during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Established on March 1, 1966, HLL became a major player in the production of healthcare products in India. HLL was incorporated on 1 March 1966 and the Peroorkada factory started its operations on April 5, 1969. Beginning with the manufacturing of condoms, HLL now markets around 70 different products. Its operations have expanded into infrastructure development, diagnostics, procurement consultancy, hospital construction, pharmaceuticals, research and development—covering nearly every area of healthcare.

Notable initiatives under HLL include Hindlabs, which offers diagnostic imaging services at affordable costs, AMRIT, HLL Pharmacy, which provides medicines, implants, and life-saving equipment, and HLL Opticals. Numerous programmes related to waste management and menstrual hygiene are also implemented by HLL to support public health protection.

HLL has 8 state-of-the-art factories and 22 regional offices across India. It operates over 200,000 retail outlets and oversees five subsidiaries. Additionally, HLL exports its products to more than 80 countries.

In commemorate Factory Day, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held, along with the inauguration of a new walkway built for employees. Director (Marketing) N. Ajith, Senior Vice President (T&O) & GBBDD (In-Charge) V. Kuttappan Pillai, Peroorkada Unit Chief L.G. Smitha, Peroorkada factory Senior HR Head Ramesh Mohan were also present

Climate Drinks Delhi Ignites Green Collaboration at Startup Mahakumbh

New Delhi, April 07th, 2025:  Climate Collective hosted a dynamic edition of Climate Drinks at the Energy & Climate Tech Pavilion during Startup Mahakumbh, bringing together over 100 participants from across the climate tech ecosystem. The event served as a vibrant platform for startups, government agencies, investors, ecosystem enablers, foundations, and industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Organizations such as Avaana Capital, B Capital, IVCA, ACT Grants, Spectrum Impact, Invest India, UN Women, Waterbridge Ventures, IPE Global, and the Himalaya Unnati Mission contributed to the lively discussions focused on innovation and impact.

Climate Drinks is Climate Collective’s flagship in-person networking series aimed at breaking silos within the climate entrepreneurship space. By facilitating meaningful dialogue and encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration, the event helps catalyze partnerships and inspire innovative climate solutions. As the climate tech landscape continues to grow, initiatives like Climate Drinks are critical in nurturing a connected and action-driven community committed to sustainable change.

Politics Meets Perspective: Nikhil Kamath and Christopher Luxon in Conversation on WTF PEOPLE

Bengaluru, April 7th, 2025: In an exclusive conversation on the People by WTF podcast, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sits down with Indian investor and entrepreneur, Nikhil Kamath, to discuss leadership, the challenges of transitioning from business to politics, global economic shifts, and why Indian entrepreneurs should consider New Zealand as their next business destination.

This podcast is a great watch for entrepreneurs looking for global opportunities, corporate leaders eyeing a bigger impact, aspiring politicians eager to make a difference, or simply someone fascinated by the crossover between business and governance. The episode is packed with game-changing insights on leadership, adaptability, and seizing global opportunities in an evolving world.

Key Takeaways from the episode include:

1. PM Christopher Luxon: Identity Beyond Job Titles: Kicking off the conversation, Nikhil Kamath references PM Luxon’s social media bio, which reads: “First a husband, then a father, then a brother, then a son, and then New Zealand Prime Minister.” and asks if this truly reflect how he views life and leadership?

This sets the stage for PM Luxon to share his core belief – who you are defines you more than any title. He recalls meeting his wife at 15, building a family while navigating a global career, and how staying true to his values has shaped his leadership. PM Luxon’s shares, “Who you are and the relationships that you have is what life’s ultimately all about. If you put all of your identity into a title and into some perceived status, that will come and go. At some point, I will no longer be Prime Minister of New Zealand, and I absolutely love this job, but I’m not defined by the job.”

2. The Political Playbook for CEOs: What Business Leaders Must Unlearn: With more business leaders contemplating a shift into politics, Nikhil Kamath questions why so many struggle to adapt and asks PM Luxon what key skills are essential for success in government. PM Luxon breaks down the real skills needed in politics – strong character, emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and resilience under pressure. He highlights the importance of managing criticism, shaping public perception, and, above all, influencing and uniting people to drive real change.

PM Luxon shares, “The skill is in managing expectations while staying true to your principles. Make sure you stimulate and provoke change on new things that will actually move the agenda forward, move a country, or move an organisation forward. Be humble and learn what you need to know in order to help you move forward in your political career. Character really matters, focus on learning and be curious, the rest takes care of itself.

3. The Role of New Zealand in the Global Economy: Turning the conversation towards business, Nikhil asks PM Luxon about the opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs looking to expand globally. PM Luxon makes a strong pitch for Indian entrepreneurs to consider business expansion to New Zealand, emphasizing the country’s pro-business environment and global market access, and the government’s Active Investor Visa that allows foreign nationals and investors to gain residency within three years by investing NZ$5 million in high-growth industries.

PM Luxon highlights, “We need to attract more foreign investment. But more than just capital, we need knowledge, skills, and global networks. We’ve just launched the Active Investor Visa, which offers a pathway to residency in three years. This is a great opportunity to get that connectivity in New Zealand. We are very engaged in the world, despite our remoteness at times or our geography.”

4. From Boardrooms to Ballots: The Skills Business Leaders Lack in Politics: Nikhil sparks a conversation on entrepreneurs entering politics, expressing that while he has no such ambitions, he hopes that more business leaders, especially in India, will take on governance roles. PM Luxon draws a sharp contrast between running a company and leading a country – political challenges are complex, nuanced, and demand more than just a results-driven approach. Success in politics, he explains, hinges on mastering policy, navigating parliamentary processes, and staying deeply connected to the people. He likens the transition to switching from cricket to hockey—new rules, new skills, and a whole new game.

He explains, “Politics is the people business. In business, you answer to shareholders. You have to be prepared to unlearn things that may have made you successful in one job or career and embrace new ways of thinking. Governments often don’t define problems well, which is why solutions tend to roam around, searching for the right issue to attach to. The key is starting from the ground up, mastering policy, understanding how parliament functions, staying connected to your party, and, most importantly, delivering real results for people.”

5. What’s wrong with the world today?: PM Luxon discusses the shifting global order, the move from efficiency to resilience, and why economic security is now a top priority. He also shares why young people should engage more in shaping their future. He highlights: “The world order is shifting. We are moving from a world focused on efficiency to one focused on resilience. We need to focus on resilience, not just efficiency, and ensure that security and economic prosperity go hand in hand. Governments now realize that prosperity depends on security, and that means thinking beyond short-term cost savings.”

6. Will the Next Generation shape a better future? Despite global challenges, PM Luxon remains optimistic about the future, believing that young leaders today are more collaborative, forward-thinking, and open-minded than previous generations. He says, “I actually think the world is in good hands. The next generation is more collaborative, less prejudiced, and eager to create change. If you don’t like the system, don’t complain—engage, get involved, and make it better.”

Futurepreneurs Challenge at Startup Mahakumbh Crowns India’s Top Student Innovators

New Delhi, April 07th, 2025: Amidst the eclectic energy, the brightest young minds from across India came together for the Futurepreneurs Challenge at Startup Mahakumbh, showcasing breakthrough ideas rooted in AI and designed to solve pressing local challenges. The grand finale saw 10 finalist teams pitch their innovations in a rapid-fire format to an audience of investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The event was graced by Hon’ble Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, who engaged in an insightful fireside chat with Madan Padaki, Founder & CEO, 1Bridge, President TiE Bangalore and Startup Mahakumbh organizing committee member. The Minister commended the students’ ingenuity and emphasized the government’s commitment to nurturing India’s innovation potential from the ground up.

Chitkara University, Chandigarh, emerged as the top winner with their innovation, Stick Buddy – a smart blind stick offering features like obstacle detection, time-date announcements, and emergency assistance, designed to empower visually impaired individuals with safer, more independent navigation. Tula’s Institute, Dehradun, secured the second prize with Pragati – an AI-powered nurse robot that provides health check-ups with a simple handshake, delivering real-time health alerts, particularly for underserved regions. Vignan Pharmacy College, Andhra Pradesh, clinched the third position with Magna Pads, a revolutionary menstrual care product that combines mineral-based pain relief with microfluidic diagnostic technology to enable early detection of conditions like anemia and PCOS.

Reflecting on the role of youth-led innovation, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, “What stood out to me today wasn’t just the ideas—it was the intent. Each young entrepreneur here isn’t chasing success for the sake of it; they’re solving real problems rooted in their communities. That’s the kind of mindset India needs—where skills and startups go hand in hand. Our job now is to nurture this instinct, strengthen the ecosystem, and make sure every student, every dreamer, feels confident that their idea has a place in India’s future. That’s how we build not just a startup nation, but a nation of responsible creators and leaders.”

The Jury Special Award #1 went to Government Polytechnic Deoria for their AI-enabled Agricultural Drone (Vayuputra), a cost-effective and scalable solution addressing critical issues like excessive pesticide use and labor shortages in Indian farming. The Jury Special Award #2 was bagged by Rajalakshmi College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu, for Jeevitham, an AI-powered child healthcare platform ensuring timely vaccinations, personalized nutrition, and digitized medical records for children aged 1–5.

Other top contenders include Aditya College of Engineering, Andhra Pradesh, with Second Chance, an AI- and blockchain-based organ transplant solution; Ashoka University, Sonepat, with Kubar Protocol, an AI model to simplify MSME credit access; Global Academy of Technology, Bengaluru, with Krishi Bhoomi AI, an advanced AI drone-rover hybrid for sustainable farming; ISBR Business School, Bengaluru, with Rudraksh, an AI-driven education aggregator platform for migrant children; and RV Institute of Management, Bengaluru, with OZY, a healthcare platform improving access to generics and offering freelancing opportunities for healthcare workers.

Madan Padaki, Trustee, TiE Global added, “Futurepreneurs is not just a competition—it’s a movement to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of young India. These students are building solutions with heart, powered by AI and driven by impact. The energy, creativity, and commitment they’ve shown prove that the future of innovation in India is in very good hands.”

The event celebrates not just innovation but also the promise of India’s youth to lead transformative change. With the Hon’ble Minister’s presence and the mentorship, funding opportunities, and national exposure extended to the winners, Futurepreneurs is set to become a pivotal force in nurturing the next generation of changemakers and innovators.

EaseMyTrip Founder Responds to Piyush Goyal’s Startup Remarks with Optimism

Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip has shared his views on the ongoing conversation around the remark made by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Startups-

Hon’ble Minister Piyush Goyal’s visionary leadership has long inspired us to think big, innovate relentlessly, and pursue sustainable growth. He has highlighted the importance of moving beyond quick fixes in favor of deep tech, sustainability, and long-term innovation in India’s startup ecosystem. At EaseMyTrip.com, we fully embrace this vision.

Our journey began right here in India—as a bootstrapped startup—determined to transform travel and tourism with technology and trust at its core. Without external funding, we built EaseMyTrip.com from the ground up, redefining the travel experience for millions across the country. Over the years, we have expanded our footprint globally, embodying the spirit of innovation and excellence that makes India shine on the world stage.

An important milestone in this journey was our acquisition of YoloBus – a company that reimagined intercity travel with efficiency, sustainability, and convenience at its core. Building on the success of YoloBus, an EaseMyTrip.com Company, we introduced Easy Green Mobility, our ambitious initiative to develop electric mobility solutions. These projects exemplify our commitment to revolutionizing public transport while promoting eco-friendly travel across India.

With an initial investment of ₹200 crore and plans to deploy over 4,000 electric buses by 2028, EaseMyTrip is focused on reducing dependency on foreign technologies while having self-reliance in the mobility sector. This isn’t just about manufacturing buses, it’s about transforming how we travel while creating a sustainable ecosystem that drives economic growth and empowers local talent.

Innovation has always been at the heart of EaseMyTrip—from disrupting travel bookings with zero convenience fees to introducing AI-driven solutions and green mobility initiatives. As we grow, we remain committed to launching new, impactful initiatives that leverage technology to address real-world challenges and drive meaningful change.

Inspired by Minister Piyush Goyal’s roadmap and driven by our unwavering commitment to excellence, we continue to push boundaries and set new benchmarks. Together, we are paving the way for a future that is electric, sustainable, and unmistakably Indian.

Shree Cement to Organize Hanuman Katha by Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji at Beawar Plant

Shree Cement Limited is set to host a three-day Hanuman Katha by the revered spiritual leader Swami Shri Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj at its Beawar plant from April 7th to 9th, 2025, between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. With an expected gathering of over 5,000 devotees, this event promises to be a profound spiritual experience, offering wisdom, courage and inspiration through the teachings of Lord Hanuman—a symbol of strength, humility and unwavering devotion.

Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj is a revered spiritual leader whose profound wisdom and enlightening discourses have guided millions. With over five decades of dedicated service, he has brought the teachings of Srimad Bhagavat, Ramayan and Mahabharat to life, helping people connect with their faith and inner strength.

Rooted in the rich traditions of Vedic knowledge, Swamiji has been instrumental in reviving India’s spiritual consciousness, inspiring devotion, righteousness and selfless service. As the treasurer of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teertha Kshetra trust, he has devoted his life to preserving and imparting India’s sacred wisdom to future generations.

Shree Cement has always been more than just an industrial powerhouse—it has been a pillar of strength and progress for the people of Rajasthan. By organizing this significant spiritual discourse, the company aims to create a space for reflection, devotion and collective well-being, reinforcing values that form the essence of a harmonious society.