CHENNAI PLUS

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) successfully concluded the WISE Tech India Pitchathon 2025, powered by the Sunil Bhatia Start-up Hub. The year-long programme culminated in a high-energy Grand Finale held on November 14 at SPJIMR’s Mumbai campus, bringing together innovators, investors, incubator heads, and corporate leaders to celebrate and strengthen India’s start-up ecosystem. The Pitchathon drew over 700 start-up applications from across 16 editions and 12 cities— including Ambala, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hubbali, Mumbai, Raipur, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and the Northeast. From these, 35 exceptional start-ups progressed to the national round in Mumbai, culminating in a Finale where the top innovators showcased purpose-driven, high-impact solutions. The event opened with an inspiring keynote by Sunil Bhatia, SPJIMR alumnus and former CEO of Infogain, who reminded founders of the mindset required to build ventures tha...

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has announced investment of nearly INR 2 crore in Ravity Software Solutions Private Limited, for an equity stake of over 7.84% through Maruti Suzuki Innovation Fund. Ravity Software Solutions Private Limited is a technology-led startup which specializes in providing connected mobility insights. The Company invests in startups through the Maruti Suzuki Innovation Fund, an initiative to undertake strategic investments in startups which exhibit high levels of innovation and potential to devise solutions relevant to the Company’s operations. This is the third investment under Maruti Suzuki Innovation Fund. Prior to this, the Company invested nearly INR 2 crore each in Amlgo Labs Private Limited in March 2024 and Sociograph Solutions Private Limited in June 2022. Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “Aligning to our core value of keeping customer at the core of our business, we...

  realme has launched the realme GT 8 Pro, its most advanced smartphone to date, targeting the Indian youth market. This flagship model sets a new standard with its exceptional performance, cutting-edge imaging, innovative AI features, and stylish design. The realme GT 8 Pro represents a significant advancement in the GT series, featuring the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and Hyper Vision+ AI Chip for enhanced graphics and optimization.   The Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 processor operates at a speed of 4.6GHz, improving performance by 20% and power efficiency by 35%. Combined with the AI Chip, it allows for advanced graphics capabilities, supporting high frame rates and boosting image resolution. The device scores over 4 million on AnTuTu, making it ideal for multitasking and gaming, especially with unique gaming technology that maintains performance across challenging conditions.   The smartphone includes a large 7000mAh battery with quick charging capabilities, la...

Ashoka University, India’s premier institution for interdisciplinary higher education and research, has opened applications for the  16th cohort of the Young India Fellowship (YIF), Class of 2026–27 . This is a milestone year as it marks   fifteen years of the flagship programme   that laid the foundation for the University’s establishment in 2014. Reaffirming its commitment to making the Fellowship more  accessible for bright and deserving individuals , Ashoka University will provide  scholarships to all selected Fellows in the Class of 2026–27 , made possible through the   generous support of HDFC Bank .   In a world of constant change, the  Young India Fellowship remains one of India’s most distinguished programmes , bringing together a select few bright and driven students across different backgrounds.  The programme equips Fellows with the intellectual breadth, critical perspectives, and the leadership tools needed to navigate and addres...

  Maruti Suzuki India Limited announced the inauguration of its 1,500 th* Parts and Accessories distributor touch point in the country in Mumbai,Maharashtra.The facility was inaugurated by Maruti Suzuki officials Mr. S. D. Chhabra, Executive Officer and Mr. Kohsuke Hattori, Executive Vice President - Parts, Accessories and Logistics. Maruti Suzuki India Limited has opened its 1,500th parts and accessories distributor in Mumbai, inaugurated by company officials. Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited emphasized the importance of easy access to genuine parts for customer confidence in vehicle performance, safety, and longevity. The network of authorized distributors and retail outlets improves access to high-quality parts, benefiting independent workshops and enhancing customer experiences.

  Lava International Limited has launched its new flagship smartphone, the Lava AGNI 4, which is designed, developed, and manufactured in India. This device aims to bring premium smartphone features to a broader audience, priced at INR 22,999. The AGNI 4 comes in two colors, Phantom Black and Lunar Mist, and will be available on Amazon starting from 12:00 PM on November 25, 2025. It will feature an 8GB + 256GB variant, with the possibility to expand RAM to 16GB.   The Head of Product at Lava, Mr. Sumit Singh, shared that the AGNI 4 reflects the company’s commitment to creating world-class smartphones through Indian innovation. It includes a flagship-grade metal frame, advanced battery optimization, and the introduction of Vayu AI, an intelligent companion designed for Indian users. Vayu AI focuses on enhancing user experience through conversation, learning, and various tools like an AI Math Teacher, AI English Teacher, and emotional support companions.   With a design...

In a major step in Tamil Nadu’s healthcare landscape, Apollo Hospitals Greams Lane introduces the state’s first Centre of Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a comprehensive Parkinson’s care and advanced neurosurgical innovation. With a foundation built on rigorous clinical expertise, precision neurosurgery, and a seamlessly integrated care model, the centre has consistently delivered outstanding outcomes for patients from across India and neighbouring South Asian countries. Over the past four years, the Apollo Advanced Movement Disorders & DBS Centre has performed the highest number of DBS procedures in Tamil Nadu , placing it among the leading programs in South India. The team is highly experienced in next-generation brain-sensing DBS technologies, enabling personalised stimulation strategies that significantly improve mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. The centre is jointly led by, Dr. Vijayashankar Paramanandam , Senior Con...

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) announced that Tushar Shah, Chief Marketing Officer & Business Head – Movies, Regional, FTA and Infotainment Channels, will be transitioning from the company after a distinguished 16-year tenure. Including his first stint with Sony from 2002 to 2005, Shah has spent more than 19 years with the company. His last working day will be 31 March 2026, and he will support the transition and handover process until then. Shah brings over three decades of cross-industry experience across Revenue, Marketing and Business roles spanning Print, Telecom and Media. At SPNI, he has been responsible for driving business and brand strategy across some of the network’s most diverse and high-impact portfolios, including Sony MAX, Sony MAX 1, Sony MAX2, Sony PAL, Sony WAH, Sony Marathi, Sony AATH, Sony PIX, and Sony BBC Earth. During his tenure, he successfully led the turnaround of Sony AATH, which has remained a consistently profitable regional channel for over...

Amazon India announced a new collaboration with ICLEI South Asia to establish 25 urban food gardens in schools in Karnataka by 2027, expanding its nutrition initiatives that have already supported 250,000 schoolchildren across the state. This new program builds on Amazon's ongoing investments in nutrition and will address food security, drive digital inclusion, operational excellence, and sustainability — directly improving the lives of underprivileged children. Through the collaboration, Amazon contributed $1 million through its Right Now Climate Fund to ICLEI South Asia to establish 75 urban food gardens by 2028 in schools across Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata. These gardens provide students with hands-on experience growing fresh vegetables while learning about sustainability. Early pilots in Bangalore show strong student participation, with 10-12 vegetable varieties already distributed to students over four months. The program will expand to an additional 16 schools in the next...

  Kinder Joy, the beloved confectionery brand from the house of Ferrero, has launched a limited-edition DC-inspired Funko POP!   collection for the first time in India. This exciting collaboration, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), brings together the taste of Kinder Joy with the iconic DC universe, offering fans a chance to collect 9 action-packed Funko POP!   collection featuring their favorite Superheroes. Designed to spark imagination and storytelling, this collection is especially crafted for older kids who love the thrill of DC adventures. Limited-edition Kinder Joy features a Funko POP!   collection inspired by the DC universe, a custom-designed DC-style pack, in addition to the current Kinder Joy range.   For the first time ever, Kinder Joy introduces the Golden Batman Funko POP! collection, a limited-edition toy that unlocks a world of exciting rewards! To enter the contest, consumers need to h...

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) unveiled the ASCI Commitment Seal for its member organisations. It is a visual cue to certify their pledge to uphold the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and authenticity in their advertising. Brands may display the seal on their websites, digital platforms, collaterals and advertising campaigns to convey to consumers their commitment to honest and accountable communication. The seal will strengthen consumer trust by reassuring them of the advertising ecosystem co-opting self-regulation for ethical advertising. The visual emblem has been crafted to encourage greater responsibility across the industry, especially in this digital age. As more ASCI members display it on their marketing properties to earn consumer trust, other advertisers are expected to see the merit in contributing to a more transparent and dependable advertising ecosystem. The seal is not an endorsement of the specific advertisement, digital property, col...

HCLTech , a leading global technology company, today announced the opening of its office in Calgary, Alberta, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Invest Alberta to advance technology collaboration and innovation in the province. The expansion reinforces the company’s commitment to growth in Alberta and across Canada.   Located at The Ampersand, one of downtown Calgary’s premier office complexes, the new facility is designed as a collaboration-first environment and will serve as a client co- innovation and delivery center. The space enables HCLTech to work closely with clients and ecosystem partners to drive innovation, inspire creativity and deliver transformative technology solutions across industries. HCLTech operates delivery and innovation centers in Mississauga, Moncton and Vancouver, supporting more than 50 major Canadian enterprises.   HCLTech is inaugurating the new office today at its Annual Year-End Reception in Calgary, where clients, partner...

The park will be  officially inaugurated on 1st December 2025 by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin  along with other chief dignitaries, and will  open to the public on 2nd December 2025. Wonderla Holidays, India's largest amusement park chain,  announced the launch of Wonderla Chennai, its fifth and most ambitious park project, marking a futuristic milestone in India’s family entertainment landscape. Spanning across 64.30 acres (of which 37 acres are currently developed) along Chennai’s scenic Old Mahabalipuram Road and built with an investment of over INR 611 crores , Wonderla Chennai represents a bold new chapter, blending a fusion of futuristic innovation and ancient Tamil architecture.    The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Arun K. Chittilappilly (Executive Chairman & Managing Director), Dheeran Choudhary (COO), Ajikrishnan A G(VP-Engineering) and Vyshakh Ravindran (Park Head – Chennai).   Wonderla Chennai features 43 world-c...