CHENNAI PLUS

  HCLTech, a leading global technology company, announced the third edition of the HCLTech Climate Action Grant in the Americas program. Building on the momentum and impact of the past two years, this year’s edition will award $1 million to three additional non-profits working to restore biodiversity and drive sustainability across 10 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru and the U.S.   HCLTech launched the Americas program in 2023 with a commitment of $5 million in grants over five years to support scalable, replicable and sustainable solutions to fight the climate crisis the world is facing today.   “The HCLTech Climate Action Grant in the Americas has received an overwhelming response from organizations bringing fresh thinking and deep local insight to climate action. The diversity of ideas and the passion driving these projects reaffirm our belief that innovation and collaboration are key to shaping c...

Maruti Suzuki India Limited announced that the Jimny 5-door has achieved a landmark milestone, surpassing a cumulative export figure of 1 lakh units from India. The  export journey for the Jimny 5-door began in 2023, shortly after its India debut. The SUV, manufactured exclusively in India, has won hearts across more than 100 countries, including Japan, Mexico and Australia.   Jimny 5-door’s entry in Japan in January 2025, under the name “Jimny Nomade”, sparked off an overwhelming response with orders crossing the 50,000 mark within days of introduction. This reflects Jimny’s strong resonance in one of the world’s most evolved and quality conscious automobile markets.   At its core, the Jimny 5-door is built for performance, combining a ladder-frame chassis with Suzuki’s proven ALLGRIP PRO (4WD), offering superior off-road dynamics and stability. Powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, it embodies a balance of durability, simplicity and dependable pe...

In the fourth edition of India’s Best Managed Companies (BMC) Awards, Deloitte Private announced six winners for 2025. The winning companies are ASK Automotive Ltd, Teamlease Services Ltd., RDC Concrete (India) Ltd., Coromandel International Ltd., Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. and Havells India Ltd. Notably, many of these companies come from tier-2 cities, a promising sign that India’s next wave of growth is emerging beyond the metros. Of these, Coromandel International Ltd made it to the list for a second time after winning once before in 2022. In contrast, ASK Automotive Ltd and Teamlease Services Ltd. had previously won Deloitte’s coveted Enterprise Growth Awards 2025. This year’s honorees emerged from a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation grounded in Deloitte’s globally recognised Best Managed framework. Beyond research, shortlisted companies progressed through an in-person Best Managed Lab. In this setting, industry experts examined evidence across the four pillars: strategy, ca...

Cognizant will be the title sponsor of the upcoming edition of the New Delhi Marathon, India’s premier AIMS-certified National Marathon and among the most credible long-distance running events in Asia, scheduled for February 22, 2026.  The Cognizant New Delhi Marathon marks a milestone partnership between a globally respected technology and professional services company and one of the nation’s most iconic mass participation sporting events. Celebrating its eleventh edition in 2026, the marathon has become a symbol of national pride and endurance, uniting citizens, athletes, and organizations in a shared celebration of fitness and community spirit. Over the years, the event has attracted more than 30,000 runners from India and overseas in each edition, including elite athletes, corporate teams, running groups, and defence personnel. Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Varrier, President  Global Operations and Chairman and Managing Director, Cognizant India , s...

Godrej Enterprises Group’s Material Handling Equipment business  announced the launch of GEPT 20, India’s first 48V Li-ion powered electric hand pallet truck, marking a significant leap in warehouse mobility and efficiency. At a time when India's logistics sector is experiencing a surge in orders volumes and the demand for faster, safer operations, the GEPT 20 is intended for the country's evolving warehousing landscape. It delivers three times higher productivity than conventional hand pallet trucks, thanks to its fast lifting, long runtime, precise control, and robust durability. With a runtime of over 4 hours on a single charge, the GEPT 20 effortlessly handles loads up to 2 tonnes. Its turtle speed mode ensures safe maneuvering in high-density workspaces, making it ideal for modern warehouses, retail backrooms, and industrial facilities. Anil Lingayat, Business Head, Material Handling Equipment Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “At Godrej Enterprises Group, we ...

To address the growing mental health needs of caregivers supporting kidney patients,  Dr Georgi Abraham  Founder Trustee of Tamilnad Kidney Research (TANKER) Foundation, in collaboration with BALM represented by  Dr. Lakshmi Sankaran  (Deputy Director, Training & Research, ex-Chair, Dept of AP, BALM – The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health), and  Mrs. Shanthi Rajmohan  (Founder Trustee, DIPA – Development Initiative for Promotion of Awareness), launched  bilingual handouts (Tamil and English)  focused on  self-care and mental wellness for caregivers .   Dr. Georgi Abraham , Founder Trustee of TANKER Foundation,  released the English version . He emphasized the need to care for oneself while being a care giver.People on dialysis and their families need help as it is a mentally,physically,emotionally and financially draining illness. The mental and emotional toll on careg...

  Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has partnered with Hitachi Payment Services, a leading end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider, to unveil "Express Banking", the country's first-ever Digital Banking Point. This innovative omni-channel solution revolutionizes branch banking by offering a full range of banking services in a compact format.Leveraging Hitachi Payment Services’ expertise in banking technology and payment solutions, the Digital Banking Point is designed to enhance accessibility and convenience. Adding a competitive edge to Branch Banking services, Express Banking will offer a bundled, customizable solution in a compact digital lobby format, enabling rapid deployment that can be  operated in both self-service and assisted modes. The customers can now walk-in to Express Banking, 24x7,to open new bank accounts, avail instant cards, book fixed deposits, apply for loans and pay utility bills,among others. This all-in-one s...

HCLTech, a leading global technology company, and Zscaler™, a leader in cloud security, announced the expansion of their strategic partnership to provide AI-powered network transformation and enhanced zero-trust security services to enterprises worldwide.   Under the new partnership scope, Zscaler's Zero Trust Exchange™ platform has been integrated with HCLTech's Cyber-security Fusion Center (CSFC) platform. HCLTech’s AI capabilities, including SecOps and Responsible AI guardrails within HCLTech AI Force and AI Foundry are key to this partnership. This collaboration aims to enhance enterprise resilience and achieve business outcomes with a cloud-first, scalable security solution.   HCLTech's Universal Managed Detection and Response (UMDR) services now integrate with Zscaler Internet Access™ (ZIA™), Zscaler Private Access™ (ZPA™) and other Zscaler components, providing context-rich threat detection, advanced analytics and faster response powered by AI and automation. O...

  In a remarkable fusion of faith and innovation, ITC Mangaldeep, India’s leading incense brand, has announced the launch of Digital Deepotsav — an Augmented Reality (AR)-based initiative that allows devotees across the country to virtually light a Diya and participate in the iconic Ayodhya Deepotsav from wherever they are. With this initiative, Mangaldeep continues its mission to make devotion more inclusive, accessible, and experiential, using technology as a bridge between faith and modern living. Devotees can visit ayodhyamangaldeepotsav.com to experience the AR-powered microsite, take blessings of lord Ram at Ayodhya, contribute their virtual Deepotsav, and become part of the collective glow illuminating Ayodhya this Deepotsav. Every Diya lit virtually corresponds to an actual Diya lit in Ayodhya during Deepotsav on 19 th October, making the event truly participatory in Nature. ITC Mangaldeep targets to light a spectacular 1 lakh Diya as a part of this initiaitve, and ...

Godrej aer, India’s No. 1 home fragrance brand from Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), has expanded its portfolio of automatic home fresheners with the introduction of Godrej aer matic Royal, an automatic room freshener crafted exclusively for the festive season. Featuring an elegant rose-gold finish and the indulgent Warm Vanilla fragrance, the new variant is designed to enhance home interiors and create a welcoming ambience, while positioning air care as both a daily essential and a festive indulgence for Indian households. Air fresheners remain one of the fastest-growing segments in the South India region, valued at over ₹500 crore within the broader home care market. Automatic home fresheners forms over ₹280 crore part of the overall air fresheners category. The West region accounts for approximately 20% of overall consumption, with demand in this region spiking by over 60% during the festive season. Godrej aer matic Royal Festive Essence extends air care beyond daily utility...

 Ashoka University, India’s leading institution in interdisciplinary Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and the Humanities, has opened the application window for the 2026 intake of its Undergraduate Programme on Monday, October 13, 2025 . Applicants can choose from a wide range of undergraduate offerings that combine academic excellence with experiential and interdisciplinary learning.     The 2025-2026 Admissions cycle introduces several significant updates, reflecting Ashoka’s vision to broaden access, offer multiple academic pathways, and support high-achieving students across India.     Key Highlights for the 2026 Admissions Cycle:   - Expanded Merit and Need Based Scholarships Ashoka University reaffirms its commitment to financial inclusivity by announcing 500 merit and need-based scholarships across all programmes. 200 scholarships out of these have been introduced as merit scholarships, for the first time.   A. Spec...

Duroflex Limited , a leading sleep and comfort solutions provider has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The Company, founded in 1963 and among the top three mattress companies in India by market share, operates across mattresses, foam, furniture, pillows, accessories, and other bedding products under brands such as Duroflex, Sleepyhead, and Perfect Rest. As of June 30, 2025, Duroflex has established a broad network with 74 Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) stores, over 7,500 general trade stores, and a strong digital presence, serving a pan-India customer base. According to the DRHP, the proposed IPO consists of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to ₹ 1,836 million (₹ 183 crore) and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 22,564,569 equity shares by promoters and existing investors, with details of the total OFS quantum to be confirmed prior to the RHP fi...

  Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR records a milestone in joint care by successfully completing over 150 Robotic Total Knee Replacements (TKR) surgeries in 150 days. Setting new standards in surgical precision and patient recovery, Apollo OMR races to be one of the fastest growing Robotic TKR centres in South India. The robotic technology used in these surgeries is Mako SmartRobotics, a product of Stryker, a medical technology company based in the USA. For patients with complex knee conditions, this next-gen technology is a minimally invasive and a safer alternative to traditional knee replacement surgery.   The traditional total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure performed on patients with joint damage or advanced arthritis to relieve knee pain and restore joint function. It relies on manual alignment and standardised implant procedure. The damaged sections of the knee are replaced with artificial components, allowing better movement and quality of life. ...

Basketball International Professional Shri S. Purushothaman (President of TAASA and Trustee of Sportsa India organization) met with the Honourable Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan at his residence, where they engaged in conversation. Shri Purushothaman received his blessings for the upcoming AUSTRALIAN GAMES. Over the conversation S. Purushothaman was really glad to know that Vice President is a sportsman who clocked 11.4 in his college times. As the sole Indian representative competing for an AUSTRALIAN TEAM, he joins over 11,500 athletes from across the globe participating in this event.

  Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (“MoA”) with the Transport Department, Government of Tamil Nadu to set up 10 Automated Driving Test Tracks (“ADTTs”) across the state.   These ADTTs will be located at Marthandam, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore (Central), Madurai (North), Tuticorin, Krishnagiri, Dindigul, Tiruvannamalai, Sivagangai, and Trichy (West) in Tamil Nadu.   The locations are based on recommendations from the Transport Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, taking into account the high volume of driving licenses issued and their connectivity to nearby cities.   The MoA signing ceremony was graced by Thiru S.S. Sivasankar, Hon’ble Minister for Transport and Electricity and Thiru Dheeraj Kumar, IAS, Home Secretary. The MoA was signed by Tmt. R Gajalakshmi, IAS, Transport and Road Safety Commissioner and Mr. Tarun Agarwal, Senior Vice President, CSR, Maruti Suzuki.   The ADTTs use video analytics, Radio Frequenc...

BHIM Payments App, developed by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), has reported a strong growth from January to September in CY 2025, showing sustained user adoption and trust across Bharat. In CY 2025, BHIM’s monthly transactions rose from 38.97 million in January to 119.85 million in September, reflecting over three-fold increase within the nine months and an average of 12% month-on-month growth. The app also processed transactions worth ₹16,803 crore in September 2025, marking a 312% increase in volume and 94% growth in value compared to the same period last year. The new BHIM Payments App, introduced in March 2025, supports 15+ Indian languages including Tamil, offers an ad-free, clutter-free interface, and is optimised for low-connectivity areas, ensuring accessibility for users across urban, rural, and semi-urban regions. Ms. Lalitha Nataraj, MD & CEO, NBSL, said , “BHIM Payments App is designed to meet the needs of today’s users in the fast-evolving world of digital paym...