Airtel Ranked Best Network in Tamil Nadu Says TRAI Report

Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 15th Feb 2025 – Bharti Airtel has reaffirmed its leadership in network performance, delivering exceptional voice and data connectivity in Tamil Nadu, as per the latest TRAI Independent Drive Test Report for November 2024. The report highlights Airtel’s superior performance in call quality, reliability, and data speeds, cementing its position as the preferred network in the state.

Airtel achieved a 100% call setup success rate (metric used in telecom networks to measure the percentage of successfully established calls out of the total attempted calls), auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G), demonstrating its highly reliable voice network. Additionally, the network recorded zero call drops across the state, including key city locations and hotspot areas, ensuring an uninterrupted calling experience for users. Airtel also led the industry with the fastest call setup time (time taken to mature a call after dialing, clocking in at just 0.41 seconds, significantly ahead of competition. Further enhancing its voice quality credentials, Airtel recorded an average Mean Opinion Score (MOS) (The Mean Opinion Score (MOS) is a standard metric used to measure the quality of voice and video communication services) of 4.06 (out of 5), with 89.17% of calls rated as Excellent, highlighting its crystal-clear voice experience. Additionally, Airtel maintained a 100% inter-operator call success rate with competition ensuring seamless connectivity across networks.

In the realm of data performance, Airtel delivered an industry-leading average upload speed of 42.12 Mbps, outpacing competition. This high-speed connectivity enables users to enjoy lag-free video calls, faster cloud uploads, and seamless social media experiences.

With these stellar results, Airtel continues to set benchmarks in network excellence, offering its customers in Tamil Nadu an unmatched combination of reliability, speed, and voice clarity. The company’s continuous investments in network infrastructure and technological advancements reaffirm its commitment to providing world-class connectivity.

Navi Restructures Appoints New CEOs for Technologies and Finserv

National, February 15, 2025: Navi today announced that it has appointed Rajiv Naresh as the CEO of Navi Technologies Limited (“NTL”) and Abhishek Dwivedi as CEO of Navi Finserv Limited (“NFL”). The existing CEO for both companies, Sachin Bansal, will continue to serve in the capacity of Executive Chairman of the Navi Group.

Both Rajiv and Abhishek are part of the early founding team of the organization and have held various leadership roles within the Navi Group over the past six years.

“This restructuring is a strategic milestone that enables us to sharpen our focus on long-term growth. Both Rajiv and Abhishek have played key roles in our growth and I am confident that we will continue on this upward trajectory as they assume their new roles ” said Sachin.

“Holding the position of Executive Chairman also allows me to dedicate my efforts to guiding the overall vision of Navi Group, while Rajiv and Abhishek will lead their respective businesses with a continued commitment to innovation and excellence.” Sachin’s remarks underscore the group’s confidence in this transition, emphasizing that it is a proactive evolution designed to enhance performance rather than a response to any challenges.

The restructuring, including leadership transitions, is a proactive strategy aimed at scaling operations and focussing on long-term growth. Sachin will focus on Navi’s long-term strategic vision, exploring expansion opportunities, steering fund-raising and M&A efforts and enhancing compliance and risk management across the group. He will also be involved in driving Navi’s tech org by leveraging the innovations happening in tech and data science, while closely guiding the professional management team led by Rajiv and Abhishek, in operating the respective businesses.

Once the proposed changes are implemented, all lending businesses will be headed by Abhishek, while Rajiv will focus on the non-lending businesses within the Navi Group.

Founded with a mission to democratize access to financial services, the Navi Group has rapidly grown into a multi-faceted organization offering innovative and tech-first solutions across financial services including lending, payments, asset management, and general insurance. Over the years, the group has earned a reputation for its customer-centric approach and its ability to deliver value through cutting-edge products and services. The new leadership team is expected to build on this strong foundation, driving strategic initiatives that will enhance the group’s competitive edge.

India Pavilion Inaugurated at Uganda Healthcare & PackPlas 2025

15th February 2025: The 4th Edition of Uganda Healthcare and PackPlas was formally inaugurated today at the Multi-Purpose Hall, UMA Show Grounds, Lugogo, Kampala. Hon’ble Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Cabinet Minister of Health, Uganda, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and officially declared the exhibition open. She commended PHDCCI for bringing the largest-ever Indian participation, strengthening trade ties between India and Uganda in the healthcare, pharma, and packaging sectors.

His Excellency Mr. Upendra Singh Rawat, High Commissioner of India to Uganda , delivered the Keynote Address as the Guest of Honour, highlighting India’s commitment to fostering business collaboration in the region.

Several distinguished dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Egypt, local officials, and industry leaders, attended the event alongside Indian and Ugandan exhibitors. Earlier, Hon’ble Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero and HCI Uganda formally cut the ribbon, marking the grand opening of the exhibition.

Speaking at the occasion, Rakesh Kumar Sangrai, Director, PHDCCI, expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister and the Ministry of Health, Uganda, for their unwavering support in making the India Participation a success. He also extended an invitation to the Hon’ble Minister to lead a business delegation to India, where PHDCCI will organize exclusive B2B meetings to enhance bilateral trade and investment in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

The India Pavilion, organized by PHDCCI with the support of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, features 30 leading Indian companies showcasing cutting- edge innovations in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and packaging.

The event provides a crucial platform for industry stakeholders to explore opportunities, foster partnerships, and contribute to the development of the East African market.

Apollo Hospitals Hits 25,000 Transplant Milestone, Launches “Perfect Match” Campaign to Combat Organ Shortage

Bengaluru, February 15, 2025: Apollo Hospitals, Asia’s foremost integrated healthcare services provider, today announced a landmark achievement of 25,000 successful organ transplants across its hospital network. This remarkable milestone puts the spotlight on Apollo Hospitals’ unwavering commitment to saving lives and transforming healthcare through innovation, expertise, and compassionate care. The 25,000 transplants are not just a numerical accomplishment but reflect the hope, resilience of patients and the donor families and the dedication of the Apollo Hospitals transplant team.

Building upon this legacy of excellence, Apollo Hospitals also launched the “Perfect Match” Campaign, a comprehensive initiative to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donors, dispel common myths surrounding organ donation, and inspire individuals to register as potential donors. The campaign has made a beginning in addressing the widening gap between the number of patients awaiting life-saving transplants and the availability of suitable organs.

The “Perfect Match” Campaign included a variety of outreach activities, including community health talks, educational workshops, online resources, and partnerships with patient advocacy groups. Dr. Ravichand Siddachari, Sr Consultant HPB, Liver and Pancreas Transplant at Apollo Hospitals, led an engaging and informative session with residents of the Rainbow Vistas community in Hyderabad. During the session, Dr. Siddachari addressed key questions about transplant eligibility, the organ donation process, and the profound impact that organ donation can have on individuals and families facing life-threatening illnesses.

“Reaching 25,000 transplants is a commendable achievement, but it also serves as a reminder of the immense need that exists,” said Dr. Ravichand Siddachari. “Every day, patients are added to the transplant waiting list, and sadly, many do not receive the organ they need in time. Through the ‘Perfect Match’ Campaign, we have endeavoured to empower individuals to make informed decisions about organ donation and to become part of a life-saving movement.”

V. Tejesvi Rao, CEO-Telangana Region, Apollo Hospitals underlined the importance of public awareness and education, “Apollo Hospitals has always been committed to advancing the field of organ transplantation in India. With the ‘Perfect Match’ Campaign, we have taken a small but significant step forward in our efforts to increase organ donation rates and ensure that more patients have the opportunity to receive the transplants they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

Dr. Ravindra Babu, Director Medical Services-Telangana Region, Apollo Hospitals said “Our team is deeply committed to providing world-class care to transplant patients. The ‘Perfect Match’ campaign is another step towards fulfilling our mission to make organ transplantation accessible to all patients who need it. We encourage everyone eligible to register to become an organ donor.”

Apollo Hospitals has been a pioneer in organ transplantation in India, establishing itself as a Center of Excellence for a wide range of transplant procedures. The hospital’s multidisciplinary transplant teams comprise highly skilled surgeons, physicians, nurses, and support staff who are dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centred care.

Apollo Hospitals offers comprehensive transplant services including heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, cornea, small bowel, and bone marrow transplants. Dedicated transplant units with specialized equipment and highly trained staff provide optimal care for transplant patients. Transplants are performed for both adult and paediatric patients, with specialized care tailored to the unique needs of each age group. Apollo Hospitals utilizes cutting-edge surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches, to improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times. Advanced immunosuppression protocols prevent organ rejection and ensure long-term graft survival.

State-of-the-art facilities include dedicated transplant centers in Jubilee Hills, Kakinada and Vizag, with dedicated state-of-the-art laboratories, operation theatres (OTs), and transplant intensive care units (ICUs), ensuring unparalleled diagnostic precision, seamless surgeries, and 24/7 critical care. The OTs are maintained following strict infection control protocols. Apollo’s transplant ICUs are supported by advanced tools such as ventilators, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), multi-parameter monitors and more.

Apollo Hospitals also has extensive experience in performing living donor transplants, ensuring that patients have access to this life-saving option. It actively participates in national and regional organ sharing networks, working to maximize the availability of deceased donor organs for transplant. Apollo Hospitals is actively involved in research and innovation in the field of organ transplantation, contributing to advancements in surgical techniques, immunosuppression strategies, and patient management.

The Heart Transplant program offers hope for patients with end-stage heart diseases such as congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and coronary heart disease. For those not immediately eligible for a heart transplant, circulatory support, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), is provided until a donor organ is available.

Apollo Hospitals takes immense pride in being the first hospital chain to pioneer lung transplants in India. The program also conducts combined Heart and Lung Transplantation, typically recommended for those with complex congenital heart defects.

Over 4,600 liver transplants, including 500 pediatric cases from more than 50 countries have been performed at Appollo. Organs can be procured from either living donors (Live Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT)) or deceased donors (Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation (DDLT)). In LDLT, the team works closely with donors and recipients throughout treatment to ensure the highest standards of care.

The Kidney Transplant Program offers extensive services including swap kidney transplants, ABO-compatible and incompatible renal transplants. The Apollo Cancer Centre’s Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program is known for launching the region’s first Outpatient Bone Marrow Transplant Program, providing significant benefits such as a 50% reduction in costs, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient well-being. The Corneal Transplant program at Apollo Hospitals utilizes cutting-edge technologies like the FEMTO LDV Z8 laser machine.

Adidas and Team India Secure a Strong Message: ‘You Got This’ with Rohit, Virat, Hardik & Pant

New Delhi, 15th February 2025: adidas unveils the next chapter of its global brand campaign continuing its ambition to help disarm negative pressure in sport by highlighting the importance of positivity in helping athletes believe You Got This. Featuring India’s most iconic cricket athletes, the campaign aims to motivate everyone to be a positive influence, […]

The post Adidas and Team India Secure a Strong Message: ‘You Got This’ with Rohit, Virat, Hardik & Pant first appeared on Business News Week.

Yuvraj Sandhu Secures Victory at Season-Opener, Extends Winning Streak at Tollygunge Club

Kolkata, February 15, 2025: Chandigarh’s Yuvraj Sandhu continued his love affair with Tollygunge Club as he triumphed by two shots at the INR 1 crore TATA Steel PGTI Players Championship 2025 presented by The Tollygunge Club Ltd, the PGTI season-opener. Yuvraj (63-61-68-68), who was in the lead in all three previous rounds, shot a final […]

The post Yuvraj Sandhu Secures Victory at Season-Opener, Extends Winning Streak at Tollygunge Club first appeared on Business News Week.

Sahil Khan Secures Spotlight with Grand Valentine’s Day Wedding Reception at Burj Khalifa

Indian Fitness Icon Sahil Khan Ties the Knot with Milena Aleksandra in a Grand Celebration Indian fitness icon and entrepreneur Sahil Khan tied the knot with Milena Aleksandra, marking the occasion with a lavish wedding reception at the iconic Burj Khalifa. Celebrated on Valentine’s Day, the event was an exclusive affair attended by close family […]

The post Sahil Khan Secures Spotlight with Grand Valentine’s Day Wedding Reception at Burj Khalifa first appeared on Business News Week.

Wishes and Blessings Cupcake Drive Spreads Joy to Underprivileged Children

New Delhi, February 15, 2025: Wishes and Blessings, a registered Delhi-based NGO dedicated to spreading happiness among the less privileged, successfully executed its Annual #WBLove Cupcake Drive, bringing joy and sweetness into the lives of underprivileged, homeless, and street children. Now in its 5th edition, this heartwarming initiative was carried out across multiple locations in Delhi, Noida, Chennai, Jamshedpur, and Bangalore on the 13th and 14th of February 2025, spreading love in a truly special way—through cupcakes.

Every Valentine’s Day, Wishes and Blessings ensures that children living in difficult conditions experience the joy of receiving a simple yet delightful treat—a cupcake, often their very first one. What began as a small initiative has now grown into an annual tradition, with compassionate bakers, volunteers, and donors joining hands to make a difference. The smiles, excitement, and sheer happiness on the faces of these children are a testament to the power of kindness and community spirit.

This year, the drive was executed at various locations across Delhi, Noida, Chennai, Jamshedpur, and Bangalore. On Day 1 (February 13th), the team visited Nehru Place, Delhi Cantt, and Sindhi Basti in Delhi, while in Chennai, volunteers reached out to children in key locations across the city. On Day 2 (February 14th), the drive continued in Noida, covering Sector 72, DND Control Room, and Sector 44, and was also carried out in Jamshedpur and Bangalore, ensuring that the warmth of love and kindness spread across these regions.

The impact of this initiative extends beyond just a sweet treat. It serves as a powerful reminder to these children that they are valued, loved, and remembered, reinforcing a sense of belonging and happiness. For many of them, a cupcake represents more than just food—it is a symbol of hope, care, and affection from a society that often overlooks them.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, the Founder and President of Wishes and Blessings, shared, “Love is best expressed through action, and what better way to show love than by making children smile? Through #WBLove, we are not just giving cupcakes; we are creating memories, building connections, and making these children feel special. Each cupcake carries the love and kindness of those who support this cause, and the joy it brings is immeasurable.”

Over the years, the #WBLove drive has grown significantly, reaching thousands of children and inspiring people from all walks of life to contribute. The overwhelming response from donors, bakers, and volunteers showcases the transformative power of collective compassion.

As the 5th edition of the #WBLove Cupcake Drive unfolds, Wishes and Blessings remains committed to spreading love, joy, and hope to those who need it most.

Hindustan Zinc Achieves Top 1% Ranking in S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025

Udaipur, 15th February 2025: Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s largest and the world’s second largest integrated zinc producer, has been featured in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025, securing Top 1% ranking. This marks the company’s 8th consecutive inclusion and the 2nd consecutive year ranking of Top 1%, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. This follows Hindustan Zinc’s recent recognition as the world’s most sustainable metals & mining company for the second consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) 2024, highlighting its operational excellence, innovation, and leadership in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives.

Companies included in the prestigious S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook are selected based on their performance in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). To qualify, companies must rank in the top 15% of their industry and achieve a CSA score within 30% of the highest-scoring company in their sector. Out of 7,690 companies assessed across 62 industries, only 780 companies earned a place in this year’s Yearbook – further reiterating Hindustan Zinc’s industry-leading sustainability efforts. Hindustan Zinc is also among the Top 66 companies globally across 62 industry sectors. The company’s commitment to its vision of responsible and sustainable manufacturing has led to its inclusion in the top 1% score of this prestigious yearbook.

Notably, Hindustan Zinc remains committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 or sooner. Marching ahead in its climate action roadmap, the company has achieved a 14% decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity compared to the base year 2020, all while increasing production each year. Hindustan Zinc is taking major strides towards sustainability by outlining plans to raise its renewable contribution to over 70% of its total power requirement by 2027 and has signed a round-the-clock power delivery agreement to source 530 MW. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the company is currently 2.41 times water positive. It has also recorded an 8.67% reduction in freshwater withdrawal compared to FY20. The company has adopted a comprehensive social impact charter, positively impacting about 20 lakh lives across nearly 40,000 villages through rural interventions spanning infrastructure, education, healthcare, nutrition, skill development, water, sports, and culture.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Arun Misra, CEO – Hindustan Zinc Limited, said:
“Being included in the top 1% of S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for the second consecutive year highlights our unwavering commitment to sustainability. This recognition reinforces our dedication to responsible operations, innovation, and creating long-term value for all stakeholders. At Hindustan Zinc, sustainability is at the core of our business and as the world transitions towards a low-carbon economy, our zinc and silver will have a critical role to play in driving this transition. Our continued focus on operational excellence and ESG leadership will remain central to our journey towards greater achievements.”

Hindustan Zinc is the first Indian company in the metals & mining sector to secure validated Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) targets, aligning with the ambitious 1.5°C global warming threshold. To mitigate its carbon footprint, the company is augmenting the quantum of renewable energy in its existing power mix, enhancing operational efficiencies to reduce energy consumption and transitioning to cleaner fuels & electric vehicles. Notably, Hindustan Zinc has recently launched Asia’s first low carbon ‘green’ zinc – EcoZen which has a carbon footprint of about 75% lower than the global average.

Further establishing its strong commitment to sustainability, the company’s extensive product portfolio is Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verified thus providing comparable data on the product’s environmental footprint. The company has also received the prestigious Leadership Band (A-) designation from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) 2023 for its exemplary efforts in water security and climate change.

This recognition is a testament to Hindustan Zinc’s sustainable business practices and innovation-driven approach towards achieving a thriving ecosystem. The company continues to invest in strengthening its sustainability framework, driving sustainable value creation for stakeholders, communities, and the environment – moving towards a more responsible and resilient future.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. As a world leader in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for the global energy transition for a sustainable future.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Hosts 24-Hour Hackathon 2025 in Bangalore

Bangalore, 15th February 2025: Reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation in road safety and celebrating ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the successful completion of the 24-Hour Toyota Hackathon 2025 at R V Institute of Technology & Management, JP Nagar, Bangalore. This event marked the third and final chapter of TKM’s hackathon series for the year, following its successful editions in Delhi and Mumbai.

The Bangalore hackathon brought together over 400 young innovators from grades 9 to 11, representing nearly 100 schools. Participants showcased their creativity and technical acumen in developing practical solutions to critical road safety issues, aligning with TKM’s broader vision of achieving zero traffic fatalities. Graced by the presence of the Chief Guest Mr. S. Girish IPS Deputy Commissioner of Police, West along with TKM’s senior leadership, including Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head of State Affairs highlighted Toyota’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of changemakers.

India records the highest number of annual road crash fatalities globally. Each year, the country witnesses over 1,50,000 fatalities due to road accidents, with road traffic injuries being the leading cause of death for people aged 5-29 years. Recognizing this, TKM’s hackathon series across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore has engaged students in the 2024-25 academic year, generating over 400 innovative concepts from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore aimed at addressing these challenges. By fostering critical thinking and solution-oriented approaches, the initiative equips young minds to tackle modern road safety challenges. It serves as a platform that not only unlocks the potential of these innovators but also transforms them into ‘Change Agents,’ driving positive behavioural changes within their communities and contributing significantly to advancing road safety.

Participants tackled themes such as Road Safety Awareness and Education, School Zone Safety, Traffic Management, and IoT Integration in Road Safety. They were encouraged to develop both digital and policy-driven solutions capable of reducing road accidents and saving lives. Each hackathon followed a structured five-phase journey: Team Selection and Idea Submission, Boot Camp Shortlisting, the 24-Hour Hackathon, and Incubation Support for the top teams. Out of 100 initial teams, 33 teams advanced to the final phase, with three winning teams receiving continued mentorship to refine and implement their solutions.

Present at the occasion, Chief Guest Mr. S. Girish IPS Deputy Commissioner of Police, West said, “The Toyota Hackathon is a testament to the power of young minds when given the opportunity to innovate. It is inspiring to see how students are channelling their creativity to address a critical issue like road safety. Initiatives like this not only nurture future leaders but also instil a sense of responsibility and purpose in creating a safer world. The enthusiasm and ingenuity I witnessed today reaffirm my belief in the potential of our youth to drive positive change. I applaud Toyota Kirloskar Motor for this impactful initiative and look forward to seeing these solutions translate into real-world benefits for society.”

Speaking at the event, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs, TKM, said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, safety is at the heart of everything we do. The Toyota Hackathon is a reflection of our belief that empowering young minds to innovate is key to addressing societal challenges like road safety. By equipping students with the tools and mentorship to tackle real-world challenges, we are not only addressing road safety but also building a community of changemakers dedicated to societal progress. We remain committed to supporting their journey from ideas to implementation, ensuring safer roads for everyone.”

Road safety and education form the cornerstone of Toyota’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Toyota Hackathon, launched in 2018, complements the Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP), which has reached over 800,000 students since 2007. As the grand finale of the 2025 series, the Bangalore hackathon has set the stage for a brighter and safer future, showcasing the remarkable impact of empowering youth to address pressing societal challenges. With every milestone achieved, TKM reaffirms its leadership in advancing sustainable mobility and road safety.