PUNE: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today said it has deployed more than 3,400 new 5G sites across Maharashtra & Goa over the last 12 months, delivering faster speeds, wider coverage, and a significantly improved network experience for customers.

The company’s network expansion across 36 districts now brings dependable, high‑speed coverage to 22 million+ customers in bustling cities, fast‑growing towns, and even remote rural villages. Thus, customers in emerging and underserved districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, and Sindhudurg are seeing the benefits of the site additions, which effectively bridge connectivity gaps, foster digital inclusion, and enable reliable access.

With more than 9 new sites going live every day, customers across the districts of Maharashtra and Goa can now count on smoother streaming, faster downloads, uninterrupted online work and learning, and more reliable digital payments—no matter where they live or travel. This enhanced 5G footprint has enabled seamless access to high-speed services that power the everyday digital needs of citizens, students, micro-businesses, tourists, and government institutions, among others. 

“Data demand across Maharashtra and Goa continues to grow rapidly, and our focus is to stay ahead by consistently strengthening our network. With the addition of 3,400+ new 5G sites, we are delivering faster speeds, wider coverage, and a more reliable experience for over 22 million customers. Our continued investments, especially in underserved districts, reflect Airtel’s commitment to bridging connectivity gaps and powering the region’s digital growth with a future-ready network,” said Rabi Shankar Mishra, CEO – Maharashtra & Goa, Bharti Airtel.

Additionally, to empower customers with uninterrupted digital access across Maharashtra & Goa, Airtel now offers a fully unlimited data plan in its ₹399 recharge pack for smartphone users – designed for seamless streaming, studying, working, and staying connected, without worrying about data limits. Backed by sustained investments in network density across rural, semi-urban villages, highways, border areas, and key economic and cultural corridors, Airtel ensures robust, future-ready connectivity even in high mobility and high usage zones.

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MUMBAI: Mahindra plans to set up 250 electric vehicle charging stations, each with 180 kW, with over 1,000 charging points by the end of 2027. This is part of the company’s vision to UNLIMIT electric mobility through its Charge_IN ultrafast charging network, aligning with the government’s priority of strengthening public EV charging infrastructure to accelerate EV adoption in India.

The company has already inaugurated the first two Charge_IN stations in Hoskote on NH 75, Bengaluru – Chennai highway, and Murthal on NH44, about 50 km from Delhi. This is a major step by Mahindra towards building India’s high-speed EV charging backbone. Both the charging stations comprise two ultra-fast chargers capable of charging 4 EVs at once.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd., said, “Electric mobility is about driving a larger shift towards cleaner, sustainable transportation. XEV 9e and BE 6, with their impressive 500 km real-world range, ensure drivers feel confident on long journeys. Meanwhile, with our ultrafast charging network by Charge_IN, we will be creating an open and accessible network for all EV users. We aim to make long-distance travel with an electric vehicle effortless and reliable like conventional driving, thereby building customer confidence and accelerating India’s transition to electric mobility.”

Mahindra’s pioneering Charge_IN network will exclusively feature 180 kW dual gun chargers designed to deliver faster, more convenient, and reliable charging for electric four-wheelers. Capable of charging the Mahindra eSUV portfolio – XEV 9e, BE 6, and upcoming XEV 9S from 20 to 80 percent in 20 minutes, the Charge_IN network will make long-distance electric travel practical, efficient, and stress-free.

The Charge_IN stations will be strategically positioned along major highway corridors. Each station will be co-located with wayside amenities such as restaurants, cafes, making them natural halting points for travellers. You can sip your coffee while your electric car fast-charges and gets you going.

Mahindra eSUV owners can access Charge_IN from Mahindra’s Me4U app to discover charging stations, charge, and pay. These fast-charging stations will also be accessible to other brands’ electric vehicle users through the “Charge_IN by Mahindra” app, and through other leading aggregator platforms. Through the Me4U app, customers can currently access ~34,000 public charging points across various Charge Point Operators (including Charge_IN).

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PUNE: ICICI Lombard General Insurance, one of India’s leading private general insurers, has expanded its nationwide footprint with the launch of new micro-offices across Bongaigaon (Guwahati), Dharampur (Vapi), Hajipur (Patna), Kalwan & Sinnar (Nashik), Katraj & Rajgurunagar (Pune), and VikasNagar (Dehradun). With this, the company further strengthens its network of over 100 micro-offices across the country. This strategic expansion underscores ICICI Lombard’s commitment to enhancing insurance access for customers in semi-urban, rural, and underserved regions.

The micro-office model is designed to bring the company closer to its customers and partners, offering a compact, agile, and community-centric service presence. These offices will enhance last-mile connectivity, support deeper engagement with local markets, and enable the development of tailored insurance solutions that reflect the unique needs of each region. By facilitating timely assistance and fostering trust-based relationships, the micro-offices serve as an important lever in driving insurance penetration.

Commenting on the expansion, Anand Singhi, Chief – Retail and Government, ICICI Lombard, said, “The expansion of our micro-office network reflects our commitment to deepening insurance access in a manner that is both meaningful and locally relevant. These offices represent a strategic shift towards being present where our customers live, work, and make financial decisions. By strengthening our on-ground engagement, we are equipping our agents, empowering communities with better awareness, and ensuring that quality protection is available with greater convenience and trust. As India’s growth markets evolve, proximity and personalised service will define the next frontier of customer expectations, and we are determined to lead that journey with agility, innovation, and purpose.”

Aligned with the theme ‘Trust & Safety, Now within your reach,’ the micro-office network brings together ICICI Lombard’s nationwide capabilities with hyper-local relevance. The initiative supports greater awareness, education, and personalised service delivery in markets where relationships and on-ground presence significantly influence financial decisions. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to the IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.

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From 30th May to 1st June 2025, families, fans, and fun-seekers will get the rare chance to meet Tom & Jerry in person as their animated charm comes alive through exciting meet-and-greets, interactive activities, and vibrant photo ops for kids and families at the mall. For three magical days, Phoenix Marketcity Pune will transform into a celebration zone where millennials will relive their childhood, and Gen Alpha will discover the joy of classic cartoon mischief, blended perfectly with the high-energy adventures of Teen Titans.  

Adding to the thrill, the event will feature workshops, contests, games, surprise giveaways, and exclusive prizes, designed to amplify the joy for all little ones and spark moments of togetherness for the whole family. From shopping and dining to gaming and now iconic cartoon-starring celebrations, Phoenix Marketcity once again proves why it remains Pune’s go-to destination for immersive global experiences.

“Such events not only bring happiness to children but also create wholesome experiences for the entire family. We are proud to host Tom & Jerry’s 85^th birthday—a celebration that will live on in the hearts of our visitors,” shares Anshuman Bhardwaj, Centre Director of Phoenix Marketcity Pune.

This landmark event is being brought to life in collaboration with Cartoon Network, promising Punekars a weekend where memories are made, laughter is shared, and dreams come true.

Are you ready to meet your childhood heroes? Join the ultimate cartoon celebration this summer—only at Phoenix Marketcity Pune.

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Pune chapter of National HRD Network was the host of the annual event for the fourth consecutive time. More than 250 HR professionals and academicians from human resource development as well as professionals in learning and development services participated in the Summit.

National President of the organization Prem Singh said, “National HRD Network associates with academicians from human resource development as well as professionals in learning and development services but it is largely the responsibility of HR professionals to identify the skills specific to their business organizations and ensure that the employees develop these skills. It is therefore necessary that HR professionals get to know the intricacies of the core business of the organisations they work for and good progress is being witnessed on this front.“

“Anubhuti Summit is an effort to create for HR professionals the experiences relevant to the present day situations. There is no need to be unduly worried about the perceived threat from artificial intelligence (AI)and machine learning (ML). The nature of many jobs may change due to AI and ML but they hold the promise of creating new jobs in greater numbers. The challenge is to arm the workforce with skills to take up the new jobs.“

Usha Singh, Regional President (West) of NHRDN, said the challenges before HR professionals are becoming worse and varied. “For example, in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, there is an increasing preference among the workforce as well as from management for work from home. The impact of this shift is being studied in detail and it is being examined how it will improve the productivity and efficiency of employees.“

She added,” Work practices in manufacturing as well as service sector are changing fast and HR professionals are expected to facilitate orientation of the workforce to meet these requirements through appropriate education and training.” 

Aman Rajabali, President of NHRDN Pune, said managing diversity among workers has emerged as a challenge for HR professionals. “The diversity is not just in terms of gender, but it has become necessary to manage language and region diversity as well,” he said, adding that it will be important to sense the aspirations of the young workforce and devise human resource policies and procedures accordingly.

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The Gala Day kicked off with a celebration at Balewadi Stadium on the 17th, Sunday, infusing the energy of Puneri culture. The atmosphere was electric, as over 2,000 alumni, 300 dynamic young leaders, and adult allies from more than 15 communities spanning 11 countries gathered together to share knowledge and best practices to build inclusive economic pathways.

The event saw the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Ganesh Natarajan – Cofounder and Chairman of the Lighthouse Communities Foundation, Eric Garcetti – U S Ambassador to India, Shekhar Singh – Municipal Commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Prithviraj B.P. – Additional Municipal Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation, Jamie McAuliffe – Founder – Director of the Global Opportunity Youth Network and Sayalee Marathe – Founder of Aadyaa.

“Lighthouse Communities Foundation is delighted to host an array of attendees from all over the world, allowing us to showcase our efforts in building livelihoods and an inclusive community. This Convening has already set the tone for a meaningful dialogue—one that reflects our collective desire for change and innovation. Over the next few days, we will engage in insightful discussions and I am confident that the conversations we will have will catalyze actionable outcomes. We intend to delve deep into the pressing issues facing youth in today’s rapidly evolving world.”, Dr. Ganesh Natarajan –  co-founder and Chairman of the Lighthouse Communities Foundation.

In the coming days of the Convening, the GOYN partners and subject experts will have the opportunity to visit the Lighthouse Centers, where they will lead engaging conversations, breakout sessions, plenary discussions, and community visits. These activities will be designed to inspire innovation, share best practices, and highlight the promise of youth partnerships in driving systems change. The interactions at these centers will offer invaluable insights into the work being done on the ground, while also serving as a platform for exchanging ideas that can be scaled and replicated across regions.

These sessions will encourage deep dives into critical issues, fostering thought-provoking dialogue on how youth can take a leading role in advancing economic opportunity, social inclusion, and community-driven development. With a focus on creating tangible, sustainable solutions, participants will be challenged to reimagine possibilities and explore new approaches to old challenges.

“As we look to the future, we must recognize that the greatest asset any nation has is its youth. By investing in the potential of young people, creating opportunities for skill-building, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, we can ensure that the next generation not only inherits a better world but actively shapes it. It is through initiatives like this Convening that we unlock new pathways for economic opportunity, empowering youth to become the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.“, Eric Garcetti – U.S Ambassador to India

“It is both an honor and a privilege for Pune to have been the host city for such a diverse and inspiring group of individuals from across the globe. Events like these offer a tangible platform for creating real opportunities. For many young people, these gatherings represent a unique chance to unlock new pathways toward economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.”, Prithviraj B P – Additional Municipal Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation

“I felt truly privileged that Pune had the opportunity to host such a diverse group of individuals from across the globe. Events like these foster cross-cultural exchange and also provide a valuable platform to accelerate important conversations about the future of our youth. By bringing together voices and perspectives from different corners of the world, we can collectively address the challenges young people face in securing sustainable livelihoods and create impactful solutions that will shape their futures.“, Shekar Singh – Municipal Commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation

“At GOYN, we are committed to working with communities around the world to create economic mobility for ‘Opportunity Youth.’ The opening day of the 5th Annual Convening has been a magnificent experience, witnessing the power of diverse cultures coming together to celebrate the youth—the future. It is a reminder of how essential it is to build global connections and amplify voices from every corner of the world, all united in the shared mission of empowering young people and unlocking new pathways for their success.”, Jamie McAuliffe – Director of the Global Opportunity Youth Network

The Convening will conclude with a special celebration marking the 5th anniversary of the Global Opportunity for Youth Network (GOYN). This milestone offers a moment to reflect on the significant journey of the movement—its growth, its challenges, and its many achievements. The closing moments will serve as both a celebration of the past and a launchpad for the future, as the community looks ahead to the next phase of impact.

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MUMBAI: Mindspace Business Parks REIT (BSE: 543217 | NSE: MINDSPACE) (‘Mindspace REIT’), owner and developer of quality Grade A office portfolio located in four key office markets of India, announces its partnership with the Global Network for Zero (GNFZ), the world’s premier independent net zero certification body. This partnership marks a major milestone in Mindspace REIT’s dedication to environmental sustainability, advancing its goal to certify the entire portfolio as net zero by 2042.

 The certification process will begin with the evaluation of one of the buildings at Mindspace Airoli West, situated near the vibrant residential micro-markets of Thane and Navi Mumbai. Already a ‘Platinum’ certified building under LEED v4.1 O+M, it exemplifies high-performance building standards and efficient systems. To align with the GNFZ’s net zero transformation strategy, this building will reduce Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions through energy efficiency upgrades, green power procurement, and green leases for occupants.

This new partnership builds upon Mindspace REIT’s longstanding commitment to sustainable practices which has resulted in:

• 99.9% of the REIT portfolio is green certified of which 22 million sq. ft of leasable area is platinum certified
• Successful implementation of an Infrastructure Monitoring & Operations Centre (IMOC) for enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact
• 30-45% margin for potable water savings across the green building portfolio
• 30% more fresh air than what is mandated by ASHRAE standards
• Over 80% of construction waste is intelligently reused across green buildings

Ramesh Nair, CEO, Mindspace REIT said in a statement “Partnering with the Global Network for Zero is a key milestone in our sustainability journey. Their independent certification aligns with our goals and helps us accelerate our journey to net zero. This partnership strengthens our commitment to sustainable excellence for our occupants, stakeholders, and communities. We’re excited to lead the way towards a net zero future, making a significant impact on emission reduction and environmental stewardship.”

Mahesh Ramanujam, GNFZ CEO and Co-Founder, adds, “Mindspace REIT has been at the forefront of remarkable leadership in sustainability. I have been an admirer and supporter of their efforts for many years now to ensure environmental consciousness while retaining the top position in offering world-class commercial spaces for the biggest multinationals. I am honored and excited to contribute to their next critical phase of net zero emissions for one of their buildings at Mindspace Business Parks with Global Network for Zero. It is a massive undertaking — but with the leadership of Ramesh Nair and others who are making the necessary strides forward in this business, we finally not only have hope, but tangible commitments towards cutting down emissions in the real estate sector that contributes a major part to global emissions.”

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Expressing his enthusiasm, Gaurav Banerjee, a seasoned professional in the entertainment industry with a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future, stated, “I am deeply honored to take on the role of MD & CEO at SPNI. Under N.P. Singh’s remarkable leadership, SPNI has achieved tremendous success and innovation in the entertainment industry. I am excited to lead talented teams as we explore new frontiers in original programming, enhance our viewers’ experiences, drive our distribution footprint across India, and significantly boost our revenues. Together, we will set new benchmarks in entertainment and deliver exceptional value to our audiences and stakeholders.”

N.P. Singh, who with this appointment will move into the role of Non-Executive Chairman to support this transition through the end of the fiscal year, reflecting on the transition, remarked, “I am immensely proud of the success and innovation SPNI has achieved. I am confident that Gaurav will elevate SPNI’s impressive portfolio to new heights. His visionary approach will undoubtedly continue our legacy of excellence and creativity. I look forward to supporting him and our talented team as we further our impact on content creation, audience engagement, and digital media initiatives. And most importantly, I would like to thank the entire SPNI team for being the fulcrum of our growth and success.“

Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and President & COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, commented on the appointment, saying, “N.P. Singh’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping SPNI into the powerhouse it is today. I am confident that Gaurav Banerjee, with his proven track record and visionary approach, will continue to drive SPNI’s success. Gaurav’s expertise in content creation and strategic leadership will undoubtedly lead SPNI into an exciting new chapter of growth and achievement. We are thrilled to have him at the helm and look forward to the continued success of SPNI under his leadership.“

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The training program was spearheaded by Prof. Rohit Budhiraja from the Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Kanpur, whose research group has played a pivotal role in developing India’s first indigenous 5G network, currently deployed on the institute’s campus. This advanced technology has been successfully transferred to the TATA-Tejas network and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).

Over the three days, participants gained in-depth insights into the 5G physical layer, network architecture, and the intricate layers through which data is transmitted from the base station to user equipment. The program delved into the nuances of establishing a 5G network connection, coding, modulation, rate matching, and multiple antenna technologies.

A significant portion of the training focused on the emerging 5G+ standard, encompassing technologies such as Ambient IoT, AI/ML applications, and high-accuracy positioning systems. Participants were introduced to the inner workings of the 3GPP standardization body and its working groups, cultivating a comprehensive understanding of the future of wireless communication.

Complementing the theoretical sessions, participants had the opportunity to visit the 5G lab at IIT Kanpur and conduct experiments on the live indigenous 5G network. This hands-on experience allowed them to witness the technology in action, observe variations in modulation and coding schemes, analyze data rates, and generate physical layer signals.

Prof. Rohit Budhiraja, the course organizer, said, “The training program provided a unique platform for DoT officers to gain first-hand knowledge of the Indigenous 5G technology developed at IIT Kanpur and the ongoing efforts towards shaping the 5G+ standard. We are confident that this experience will equip them with the necessary expertise to contribute to the advancement of telecommunications in India.“

The program witnessed active participation from esteemed members of the Electrical Engineering Department, including Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Mr. Shyam Vijay Gadhai, Mr. Jyotirmay Saini, Mr. Abhishek Kumar Singh, Mr. Abhishek Samundre, and Mr. Suman Malik, further enriching the learning experience for the attendees.

The successful completion of this training program showcases the strong partnership between IIT Kanpur and the Department of Telecommunications. This collaboration is playing a vital role in shaping India’s future in 5G and beyond.

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INDIA: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of the Company, one of India’s largest integrated renewable energy companies and electric vehicle charging service providers, continues to spearhead the nation’s transition towards e-mobility by deploying 850+ charging points in key metropolitan areas.

With charging points strategically located across 30+ bus depots in prominent cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Jammu, Srinagar, Dharwad, Lucknow, and Goa, Tata Power has enabled 2300+ public e-buses nationwide. The robust bus charging network has successfully led to more than 1 lakh tons of tailpipe CO2 emissions savings. Tata Power has also designed and built various bus depots across the country.

Tata Power Renewable’s charging infrastructure boasts of high-capacity fast chargers with a range of 180 – 240 KW with an average charging time being of 1 to 1.5 hours. Rapid charging capabilities support the demanding operational needs of public transport buses.

While Delhi leads in e-bus presence utilizing Tata Power’s EV Charging points, it is followed closely by Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Jammu, and Srinagar. Tata Power is dedicated to promoting e-mobility adoption and is fostering synergies with various OEM operators and enabling various state governments’ transport corporations.

The company offers an end-to-end solution for charging infrastructure development, ensuring the best charging experience, emphasizing lean, customized, and cost-effective design solutions, along with timely execution and comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) services for our clients. Additionally, Tata Power provides services such as effluent treatment plants and statutory NOC approvals to ensure smooth business operations.

In alignment with India’s Net Zero goals, Tata Power is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040. As a leader in the country’s green energy transition, Tata Power offers a comprehensive range of green energy solutions from Rooftop Solar, Home Automation, and Smart Metering to EV Charging, to promote the adoption of sustainable lifestyles. This commitment is further reinforced by the company’s ‘Sustainable Is Attainable’ movement, which aims to foster the widespread adoption of green energy solutions and transform sustainability into a people’s movement.

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