Bharti Airtel Announces Leadership Changes

Gopal Vittal has led Bharti Airtel as Managing Director CCEO for the last thirteen years. As part of a structured succession process, Gopal, in addition to being the Managing Director, was appointed Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel Ltd in October 2024. Shashwat Sharma was appointed CEO designate of the Company.

In line with the planned succession, Gopal Vittal will move into the role of Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel on the 1st of January2026 overseeing Bharti Airtel and all its subsidiaries.

Following a well-structured and successful transition process, Gopal will be succeeded by Shashwat Sharmaas MD and CEO of Bharti Airtel India on the1st of January2026.

Additionally, Soumen Ray, currently the Chief Financial Officer for Bharti Airtel India, will be appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer reporting to Gopal.

AkhilGarg, currently Financial Controller, Bharti Airtel will be appointed as Chief Financial Officer for Bharti Airtel India.

RohitPuri, currently Joint Company Secretary CCompliance Officer, will be appointed as Company Secretary CCompliance Officer for Bharti Airtel. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel said:‘I am extremely pleased with the succession and transition of leadership at Airtel and there could not have been a better time, where change and continuity will go hand in hand. I have no doubt both Gopal and Shashwat will continue to build on the momentum and I wish them much success in their roles."

AM/NS India wins top innovation award at NECA 2025

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has been awarded the prestigious Best Innovator Award at the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025, organised by the Ministry of Power and implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

The award was jointly presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and the Hon’ble Minister of Power, Shri Manohar Lal Khattarat Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Sunday. On behalf of AM/NS India, the award was received by Mr. Baiju Masrani, Chief of Hot Metal Delivery at Hazira plant in Gujarat. The event also marked National Energy Conservation Day 2025 celebrations.

The NECA is among India’s highest recognitions for energy efficiency; it recognises achievements across seven categories, including innovation. AM/NS India was selected in the Energy Efficiency Innovation – Industry category for its Steel Making Plant-2 project (SMP-2) at the Hazira plant.

The award is a tribute to AM/NS India’s leadership in decarbonising steel making and setting benchmarks through operational innovation. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to its promise: ‘Smarter Steels, Brighter Futures’, and delivering sustainable solutions.

Cognizant Unveils Next-Gen Cyber Defense Center in Bengaluru

Cognizant  announced the launch of its Next-Gen Cyber Defense Center (CDC) in Bengaluru. This center is key to the company’s worldwide CDC network and isCognizant’slargest facilitydesigned to deliveradvanced AI powered platform centric cybersecurity managed services, engineering and transformation services to clients globally.

Cognizant has a strong cybersecurity practice with longstanding experience, driven by seasoned professionals with deep expertise. At the Bengaluru CDC, these specialists aim to provide round-the-clock monitoring and rapid response to security incidents, supporting clients across diverse industries and geographies.The center features an integrated threat research lab, supported by strategic alliances with leading technology companies.

“Cybersecurity is entering a new era where hyper-connected enterprises and AI-driven threats outpace traditional defenses,”said Ravi Kumar S, CEO, Cognizant. “Our new Cyber Defense Center in Bengaluru reflects our commitment to delivering intelligence-led cybersecurity engineering and operation services that help enable clients to predict, prevent and mitigate advanced cybersecurity threats.”

The Bengaluru CDC is built on a multi-layered technology architecture that combines Cognizant’s proprietary innovations, such as Cognizant Neuro® Cybersecurity, with industry-leading platforms from technology partners to deliver advanced cybersecurity capabilities. To support a steady pipeline of skilled talent, the center has partnered with leading academic institutions to train next-generation cybersecurity professionals.

Through its global network of Cyber Defense Centers, Cognizant is expanding its capabilities aimingto deliver comprehensive enterprise cybersecurity services, assisting clients build risk resilience while advancing innovation in cyber defense strategies.

Galaxy Health Insurance introduces ‘Galaxy Twin360’ – India’s first IPD + OPD plan to improve long-term health insurance adoption and retention

Galaxy Health Insurance, India’s youngest standalone health insurer promoted by TVS Family Mr Venu Srinivasan and the family of industry veteran Mr V. Jagannathan, today announced the launch of Galaxy Twin 360, a first-of-its-kind engaging health insurance programme for young adults aged 18–45 years. The product comes with three plans: Core, Max & Ultra, which integrates comprehensive inpatient (IPD) protection, high-value outpatient (OPD) benefits and wellness services, addressing a key challenge in long-term health insurance adoption and retention.

Urban Indians spend an average of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 annually on OPD services such as doctor consultations, pharmacy, and diagnostics. At the same time, a significant number of young adults lapse their policies after the first year, largely because hospitalisation events are rare and premiums are perceived as money spent without tangible return.

Galaxy Twin 360 addresses this behavioural gap by allowing policyholders to use OPD benefits equal to the premium paid, ensuring real value every year, regardless of hospitalisation. This approach is designed to boost policy renewal, long-term adoption, and overall healthcare engagement.

Mr. G. Srinivasan, MD & CEO, Galaxy Health Insurance, said, “Galaxy Twin 360 is built on a simple idea – health insurance should be useful every day, not only during hospitalisation. Young adults often discontinue health insurance because they do not see value when they do not make a claim. Galaxy Twin 360 changes that narrative. By combining IPD protection, OPD benefits, preventive wellness services and digital health tools, the plan ensures insurance is useful every day, making coverage relevant, practical, and financially efficient.”

Key features of Galaxy Twin 360

Eligibility & Coverage Structure

·         Designed for adults aged 18–45years and children 91 days–25 years.

·         Available as Individual or Floater (up to 2 adults + 3 children)

·         Guaranteed renewal beyond 45 years

OPD Benefits Equal to Premium Paid

·         A first-of-its-kind structure where OPD entitlement matches the premium amount

Coverage includes:

·         Unlimited teleconsultations

·         In-clinic Doctor consultations and Prescribed diagnostics

·         Prescribed pharmacy, dental, vision and vaccinations

·         Physiotherapy, mental wellbeing, diet and nutrition

·         Annual health check-ups

Wellness & Value-Added Services

·         Free physical gym access via partner networks

·         Online fitness and health sessions

·         Vitals monitoring via facial scan

·         Condition management programmes for declared PEDs

Comprehensive IPD Protection

·         Fixed sum insured options ranging from Rs 7.5 Lakh to Rs 35 Lakh

·         No pre-acceptance medical screening

·         Any room

·         71 Consumables, including Admission charges, Record charges and Insurance Processing charges

·         Cumulative bonus maximum up to 200%

·         No co-payment

·         AYUSH coverage, bariatric surgery, organ transplantation and modern treatments

·         Delivery benefit

·         Automatic restoration

·         New-born cover

·         Gala Fit-Pro Active Care (Engaging Wellness Program): Discount allowed up to 20%

Premium Flexibility & Discounts

·         Instalment options: Monthly, Quarterly, Half-yearly or Annual

·         Long-term discounts up to 15%

·         5% online discount

·         Up to 20% renewal discount through the Gala Fit-Pro Active Care wellness programme

Waiting Periods

·         Initial: 30 days

·         PED and Specified Diseases: 24 months. 

Within its first year of operations, Galaxy Health Insurance has built a network of more than 15,000+ agents and insured over 3.47Lakh lives across India. Product portfolio includes Galaxy Promise, a comprehensive family health plan, and Galaxy Marvel, a customisable plan.

The company aims to deliver accessible, technology-driven and affordable healthcare solutions while contributing to the national vision of ‘Health Insurance for All by 2047’.

Mafatlal Industries strengthens its sustainability commitment, commissions a 4 MW solar power project at its Nadiad plant

Mafatlal Industries Limited (MIL), the flagship of the Arvind Mafatlal Groupan done of India’s oldest and most respected textile institutions, has partnered with Kosol Energie to commission a state-of-the-art 4 MW solar power project at its Nadiad manufacturing facility. This initiative marks a significant step in the company’s long-term transition to clean energy, reinforcing its commitment to future-ready, responsible, and energy-efficient manufacturing.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Priyavrata Mafatlal, Managing Director of Mafatlal Industries Limited, said, “At Mafatlal Industries, sustainability has never been a new direction; it has always been part of our DNA. Clean energy, efficient manufacturing, and long-term value creation are not goals we pursue occasionally; they are principles we live by every day. This project reflects our commitment to building a more resilient future for our industry and for India.”

Mr. Kalpesh Kalthia, Chairman & Managing Director, Kosol Energie Private Limited, commented, “We are honoured to partner with Mafatlal Industries—an institution that represents over a century of Indian industrial excellence. This 4 MW solar project is more than an energy installation; it reflects a shared vision for a cleaner and more responsible manufacturing future.

LG INTRODUCES NEW RANGE OFWASHING MACHINES WITH AI DD 2.0 TECHNOLOGY

LG Electronics India Ltd. announced the launch of its latest Washing Machine lineup, engineered with premium design and cutting edge technology.The new range includes 10 models ranging from Washer Dryer, Front Load Washing Machines to Top Load Washing Machines equipped with advanced AI for superior fabric care, intelligent washing, and enhanced convenience.The new range blends innovation with contemporary design to simplify everyday laundry routines for Indian households. 

The campaign slogan of new range is “AI Detection. Washing Perfection.”‘, high lighting how advanced AIDD 2.0 technology detects fabric type and needs with precision to deliver superior washing performance with minimal efforts adding to customer’s convenience. 

Sanjay Chitkara, Co-Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, LG Electronics India Ltd. said,“At LG, we are committed to making life comfortable for our customers by simplifying their daily tasks through smart technology. The new AIDD 2.0 Washing machine is a testament to that commitment. With smart technology, powerful performance, and thoughtful design, this range is crafted to deliver convenience, care, and energy efficiency. We are confident that this series will redefine the washing experience and emerge as a preferred choice for customer’s daily needs.”

JSW PAINTS COMPLETES ACQUISITION PROCESS OF AKZO NOBEL INDIA

JSW Paints Limited  acquired a majority stake of 60.76%in Akzo Nobel India Limited(“ANIL”) from Akzo Nobel N.V. and its affiliates. JSW Paints had already acquired 0.44% stake from the public shareholders of ANIL upon successful completion of an open offer and its stake now stands at 61.2% post today’s acquisition. This transaction positions JSW Paints as one of the major players in the sector which is expected to see robust growth in the years ahead.

Mr. Sajjan Jindal. Chairman, JSW Group, said “I am happy to welcome the AkzoNobel India team to the JSW Family. We have always believed that India deserves paints and coatings that are trusted and world-class. With Dulux, we are proud to bring global quality to homes and industries across India.Together,there is an incredible
opportunity here to build a stronger, brighter and more colorful future for our customers and for India.”

 

Mr.Parth Jindal, Managing Director of JSW Paints,said“Weare delighted to welcome Akzo Nobel India into the JSW family. This is a historic occasion, as it marksone of the largest acquisitions in India’spaints and coatings market. Together, along with the Akzo Nobel India family - employees, customers and partners - we aspire to build the paint company of the future. With the Magic of Dulux and Thoughtfulness of JSW Paints, we look forward to delighting customers and building lasting value for our stakeholders.”

 

Mr. Greg Poux-Guillaume, CEO of AkzoNobel, said “Today’s closing isan important stepin sharpening our strategic focus and positioning Akzo Nobel for long-term value creation. We are grateful to our colleagues in India for their many contributions and are pleased to see the business transition to JSW, a strong andcommitted partner in the region’s fast-growing paints and coatings market.”