Nagesh brings more than 14 years of experience in enterprise sales, business development and technology-led growth, with expertise across cloud, SaaS, AI/GenAI and digital transformation. His experience spans enterprise account management, strategic sales, partner-led go-to-market programmes and CXO-level engagements across manufacturing, automotive, BFSI, healthcare, retail, logistics and IT/ITES.

Commenting on the appointment, Chanakya Bellam Radha Krishna, Whole-Time Director, AION-Tech Solutions Limited, said, “Nagesh joins AION-Tech at an important stage in our growth journey, as enterprises increasingly look for technology partners that can connect data, AI and digital transformation with measurable business outcomes. His experience in enterprise technology sales, strategic accounts, cloud transformation and partner ecosystems will strengthen our ability to engage with customers at the CXO level and develop long-term business opportunities. We look forward to his contribution as we expand our enterprise presence and deepen our capabilities across markets.”

Prior to joining AION-Tech, Nagesh served as Head of Cloud Engagement, India, at Ankercloud Technologies, where he led a professional services portfolio and was responsible for enterprise sales, strategic account growth, cloud transformation and partner-led go-to-market initiatives. During his tenure, he built a $50 million qualified pipeline, delivered $6 million in AWS consumption and exceeded annual business targets by 127%. He also led CXO engagements around AI/GenAI, cloud modernisation and marketplace go-to-market strategies.

Speaking on his appointment, Nagesh Madastu, Chief Growth Officer, AION-Tech Solutions Limited, said, “I am excited to join AION-Tech at a time when the enterprise technology landscape is undergoing a significant shift. Organisations are increasingly looking beyond technology implementation towards measurable outcomes, scalability and sustained business value. AION-Tech’s capabilities across data, analytics and AI provide a strong foundation to address these evolving requirements. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team, customers and partners to expand our market presence, strengthen strategic relationships and create new avenues for sustainable growth.”

Nagesh holds a B.E. (Hons.) in Computer Science from BITS Pilani and has completed certifications including AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate and Claude Certified Associate – Foundations. His professional recognitions include the Top Gun Award for three consecutive years for business performance and growth, as well as a Strategic Sales Leader Award for services sales performance and Marketplace GTM.

The appointment reflects AION-Tech’s focus on strengthening its enterprise leadership as organisations navigate increasingly complex data and digital transformation priorities.

~Three-day gathering at Bharat Mandapam brings together spiritual wisdom, cultural performances and immersive experiences to celebrate the legacy of Swami Chinmayananda~

New Delhi, October 24, 2026: Chinmaya Mission today commenced the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together devotees from India and overseas to celebrate 75 years of the Chinmaya Movement. Inspired by the vision of its founder, Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, the three-day gathering from October 23 to 25 combines spiritual discourses, collective reflection and cultural offerings, carrying forward the Mission’s work of bringing Vedantic wisdom into everyday life. The Sammelan is bringing together over 9,000 participants.

The Sammelan was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the presence of Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, and Pujya Swami Tejomayananda, Former Global Head of Chinmaya Mission. The three-day Sammelan will also be graced by External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, on October 25.

The Sammelan also marked the culmination of the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra, a 300-day journey that covered nearly 40,000 kilometres across India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Launched from Chinmaya Vibhooti in Pune on December 31, 2025, the Yatra carried Swami Chinmayananda’s teachings, sacred belongings and archival material to communities along its route, bringing people together through prayer, learning and service.

Inaugurating the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav and 75th anniversary of Chinmaya Mission, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, “It is a privilege and a blessing to be part of this historic occasion marking 75 years of Chinmaya Mission. Chinmaya Mission is not just a sanstha; it is a vichaar – an idea and a way of life that continues to inspire generations. I had the good fortune of meeting Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda in 1993 and receiving his blessings. Being here today brought back those memories. When the Holobot was presented to me, it was a special experience, making me feel as though I was once again in Gurudev’s sakshat sannidhya, with an opportunity to engage with his wisdom anew. It is heartening to see how technology can help carry his timeless message forward, connecting the teachings of our spiritual heritage with the possibilities of the present.

“Gurudev’s vision was centred on the nirmaan of yuva shakti – nurturing the power of young people and channelling their potential towards nation-building. I particularly commend Chinmaya Mission’s Amrit Yatra, an initiative that has taken Gurudev’s message across the country and brought the Mission closer to the youth. I am delighted to see the younger generation taking responsibility for carrying forward the Mission’s legacy. Chinmaya Mission’s work with the youth and for the youth, imparting knowledge and values while embracing new forms of education, Indian languages and technology, reflects the continuing relevance of Gurudev’s vision. As the Mission moves into its next chapter, the commitment of its young people will be vital in taking this message to more people and contributing to the making of a developed Bharat.”

Reflecting on the occasion, Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, said “It is a matter of great honour and joy for the entire Chinmaya family to welcome Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the 75th Amrit Mahotsav of the Chinmaya Movement. His presence makes this milestone even more special as we celebrate Gurudev’s enduring legacy and the Mission’s journey over the past 75 years. Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda gave people a way to understand the wisdom of our scriptures and live it with clarity and purpose. This Sammelanbrings together generations who have been inspired by that vision. As we mark 75 years, we renew our responsibility to take these teachings to more people, especially the young, and to express what we learn through service, compassion and the choices we make every day.”

Across the three days, the programme includes “Nitya Nutan Bhagavad Gita” discourses by Swami Tejomayananda, a “Sanatana Upanishad” discourse and guided meditation led by Swami Swaroopananda, along with conversations, devotional gatherings and Bhajan Jamming. Parallel Shishu Vihar and Bala Vihar sessions will engage with children, reflecting the Mission’s emphasis on connecting younger generations with India’s spiritual heritage.

This emphasis on connecting generations with spiritual heritage also shapes the Chinmaya Amrit Ganga exhibition. Designed by scenographer and artist Sumant Jayakrishnan, it traces the Mission’s journey and the life and vision of Swami Chinmayananda. Alongside the exhibition, the Pujya Gurudev HoloBot offers participants a technology-enabled way to engage with his teachings, while immersive virtual reality experiences showcase the Mission’s flagship initiatives. Bhairav Shankar, CEO of Avantari, is the HoloBot and AI architect behind the experience.

Music, dance and storytelling further bring this legacy to life through the Sammelan’s cultural programme. Highlights include a concert by Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej on October 23 and “The Chinmaya Musical” on October 24. Directed by filmmaker Mani Shankar, with Parshwanath Upadhye as lead dancer and choreographer, the musical presents Swami Chinmayananda’s life and vision through an artistic interpretation of his journey. The Sammelan will conclude on October 25 with a valedictory session and Bhakti Sandhya with Swami Tejomayananda.

The Global Sammelan forms part of Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav, a year-long commemoration that has brought together the Mission’s worldwide community through initiatives including Samashti Gita Chanting, the Samashti Shri Hanuman Chalisa Havan and the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra. Together, these gatherings reflect the continuing relevance of spiritual learning, collective practice and selfless service across generations.

The Summit was graced by Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, who underscored the transformative role of sports in youth empowerment, lifestyle improvement and nation-building. Emphasising that sports must extend beyond medals and employment opportunities, she highlighted its potential to instil discipline, resilience, time management and teamwork among young people, while fostering a healthier and more inclusive society. She called upon corporates to make sports an integral part of their CSR strategies, with focused investments in grassroots talent identification, athlete development, sports infrastructure, coaching and wider access to sporting opportunities across schools and communities. The Minister encouraged companies to adopt specific sporting disciplines and support their development through sustained interventions, including athlete sponsorship, infrastructure development, competitions and access to professional coaching. Stressing that building a sporting nation requires collective commitment from the Central and State Governments, industry, sports federations and parents, she highlighted the importance of nurturing talent from an early age and creating sustainable career pathways for athletes beyond their competitive years.

She also emphasised the critical role of sports science, athlete nutrition, specialised training and sports goods manufacturing in strengthening India’s sporting capabilities and improving performance at international competitions. Calling for a more structured and collaborative approach to sports development, the Minister urged industry stakeholders to align their CSR investments with the needs of the sporting ecosystem, reiterating that greater corporate participation can help unlock grassroots potential, expand opportunities for young talent and advance India’s ambition of becoming a leading sporting nation and hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

Mr. Arvind Balan, Chair, Youth Affairs & Sports Committee, PHDCCI, expressed his appreciation for sharing the Government’s vision for advancing sports in India. He highlighted the need to recognise sports as a catalyst for youth development, healthier lifestyles and nation-building, rather than viewing it solely through the lens of medals and employment. Reaffirming PHDCCI’s commitment to this vision, Mr. Balan stated that the Chamber would work towards strengthening industry participation and fostering meaningful partnerships to support sports development. He emphasised that aligning corporate efforts with the Government’s priorities could help strengthen the sporting ecosystem and create greater opportunities for young people to realise their potential.

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, highlighted the Chamber’s 121-year legacy, established in 1905, and its commitment to India’s economic and social development. He noted that the Government’s growing focus on sports and its recognition as an eligible area for CSR funding provide an opportunity for industry to contribute meaningfully to sports development. He urged PHDCCI members to support budding athletes and strengthen sports infrastructure, highlighting the role of the PHD Rural Development Foundation and PHD Family Welfare Foundation in CSR initiatives. Emphasising that corporate support must extend beyond cricket to other sporting disciplines, he reaffirmed PHDCCI’s commitment, through its Youth Affairs & Sports Committee, to working with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and industry stakeholders to advance sports development and create greater opportunities for young athletes.

The Summit also featured Padma Shri Yogeshwar Dutt, celebrated Indian wrestler, and Ms. Sharmila Dhankar, Indian para-athlete, as Guests of Honour. Their participation brought valuable perspectives on sporting excellence, perseverance and the challenges athletes face in pursuing competitive careers.

Distinguished speakers included Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President, Global CSR, HCLFoundation; Dr. Piyush Jain, National Secretary, Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI); Ms. Alaknanda Ashok, Joint Secretary, Indian Olympic Association; Dr. Subhomoy Bhaduri, Director, Capacity Building and Collaborations, Magic Bus Foundation; Mr. Ritesh Sain, Programme Head (Environment & Sports), SBI Foundation; Col. Rakesh Yadav, Director Sports, Vedanta Group; and Mr. Bibhuti Ranjan Pradhan, Executive Director (Coordination & CSR), Indian Oil. Representatives from NTPC, BPCL, J.K. Tyre & Industries, JSW Sports and leading educational institutions also participated.

The deliberations included three panel discussions: “Women in Sports: Participation, Leadership & Inclusion,” “Corporate Leadership in Sports CSR: Strategy, Scale & Sustainability,” and “Youth Empowerment & Social Impact.” The sessions examined ways to strengthen women’s participation and leadership in sports, encourage sustained corporate investment and expand access to sporting opportunities for young people and underserved communities.

The discussions reinforced the importance of moving beyond isolated CSR interventions towards sustained partnerships that connect corporate resources with grassroots needs. Strategic investments in sports can help nurture emerging talent, improve access to infrastructure and coaching, and create more inclusive opportunities for youth, women and communities across India. These efforts can contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat, with sports playing an important role in youth empowerment, social inclusion and national development. PHDCCI reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government, industry and other stakeholders to advance sports development and encourage greater corporate participation in building an inclusive and sustainable sporting ecosystem.

The Summit was organised with HCLFoundation as the Presenting Partner and the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) as the Knowledge Partner, bringing together corporate and sports-sector expertise to advance dialogue on the role of CSR in sports development.

Mumbai, 22 October 2026: FinX, an education and employment platform focused on building career-ready talent for the financial services ecosystem and a promoter body of the BFSI Sector Skill Council, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) to strengthen employment opportunities for students completing Diploma in Banking & Finance and other certification courses.

Novamax Technologies was founded in 2018 and has made its mark in the home appliance category due to its commitment to in-house manufacturing and distribution. The company has steadily expanded its operations to cater to the growing demand for cooling solutions across Indian markets.

As part of its growth strategy, Novamax is looking to diversify its product portfolio and strengthen its presence in the wider consumer durables market. This move into categories like air conditioners and washing machines will be a way to help the company reach out to new customers and satisfy their needs in relation to household requirements.

Novamax’s growth strategy is based on product innovation, production facilities and market expansion. Given the changing demands for home appliances, Novamax seeks to make use of its strong position in air coolers and explore other categories.

Commenting on the company’s growth plans, Harshit Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Novamax Technologies, said, “Our focus is on building Novamax into a broader home appliances brand while strengthening the capabilities that have supported our growth so far. The ₹350 crore revenue target for FY 2026–27 reflects our ambition to scale the business, explore new product categories and reach more consumers. We believe that a strong focus on product development, operational efficiency and market expansion will be important as we enter the next phase of our journey.”

Novamax Technologies plans to continue building on its existing strengths while exploring opportunities across the home appliances market. Its focus on portfolio diversification and expanding its consumer reach is expected to play an important role in supporting its business ambitions in the coming years.

The film is currently live across digital platforms.

Through this tie-up, Thermocool aims to expand its brand presence across the country by leveraging the reach and audience interest of the film. The collaboration is part of Thermocool’s marketing strategy to increase brand awareness and connect with more consumers across India through popular films and entertainment.

Commenting on the association, Bhakti Agarwal, Director, Marketing, Thermocool Home Appliances Ltd said, “At Thermocool, our marketing approach is centered on building meaningful connections with consumers and strengthening our presence across Indian households. Association with Nayyi Navelli reflects our focus on leveraging popular entertainment to reach a wider audience and make the brand more relatable to consumers. Through this partnership, we aim to enhance brand recall and reinforce Thermocool’s position as a trusted name in home and kitchen appliances.”

The brand association reflects Thermocool’s continued focus on exploring high-visibility marketing opportunities that bring the brand closer to consumers. By associating with a mainstream theatrical release, the company aims to expand its reach across markets and strengthen engagement with audiences through entertainment-led brand communication.

Looking ahead, the tie-up with Nayyi Navelli represents another step in the brand’s efforts to connect with consumers through relevant and engaging marketing initiatives.

Gurugram, 16 October 2026: Anuj Bhandari, Founder & Principal Strategist, DGTOOHL has rolled out OmniVertex, an AI-powered marketing intelligence and optimisation platform designed to help advertisers and agencies streamline media investment management and analyse campaign performance across multiple digital platforms through a unified system.

With brands increasingly diversifying their advertising spends across global platforms such as Meta, Google, TikTok, Snapchat, consolidating media data and evaluating campaign effectiveness have become increasingly complex. Fragmented reporting often limits marketers’ ability to gain a holistic view of performance, identify inefficiencies and make informed budget allocation decisions.

OmniVertex aims to bridge this gap by bringing cross-platform media spending and campaign data into a single ecosystem. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the platform analyses campaign performance, identifies optimisation opportunities and enables data-driven decisions on media investments. By reducing reliance on reports and manual analysis, it seeks to help marketers improve operational efficiency and take a more integrated approach to media planning and performance management.

The launch comes at a time when digital advertising is witnessing a growing emphasis on accountability, data integration and measurable returns on marketing investments. As campaigns become more complex across platforms and markets, advertisers are increasingly seeking solutions that translate fragmented data into actionable insights, enabling more efficient media planning, sharper budget allocation and improved campaign outcomes.

Commenting on the launch, Bhandari said, “Advertisers and agencies today are working across multiple platforms, each generating its own set of data and performance metrics. The challenge is to bring these different inputs together to understand the larger picture and make better-informed decisions. With OmniVertex, we aim to simplify this process by bringing media spending into a unified environment and using machine learning to support more efficient budget allocation and campaign optimisation in one single platform.”

Bhandari also plans to expand OmniVertex into Southeast Asia and the Middle East, tapping into markets where diverse digital ecosystems and evolving advertising requirements are driving demand for integrated marketing intelligence solutions. The expansion will focus on helping advertisers and agencies gain greater visibility into media investments, streamline cross-platform analysis and make more informed decisions across markets.

With OmniVertex, Bhandari plans to strengthen the product’s presence in AI-led marketing technology, addressing the growing complexities of digital media management through data-driven insights, smarter optimisation and a more unified approach to advertising investments.

First chapter of the initiative brings together 48 business owners and trade leaders, with a focus on helping Kashmiri artisans, manufacturers and MSMEs explore digital commerce, logistics and access to national and global markets.

From Pashmina and GI-tagged saffron to willow cricket bats, DTDC’s initiative seeks to connect Kashmiri artisans, manufacturers and MSMEs with wider domestic and global markets through logistics and digital commerce. 

India, 16th October 2026: A Pashmina shawl crafted in Kashmir, saffron grown in the Valley, or a willow cricket bat made by a local manufacturer has a story rooted in the region. The next opportunity is to take these products to customers far beyond their place of origin. For Kashmir’s artisans, manufacturers and small businesses, reaching buyers across India and overseas could open new avenues for growth, but doing so requires access to digital sales channels, dependable logistics and fulfilment infrastructure that can support business beyond local markets.

Seeking to help bridge this gap, DTDC Express Ltd. has launched DTDC Udaan in Kashmir, the first chapter of an initiative aimed at helping regional businesses explore new markets and build their presence beyond their immediate geographies. By bringing logistics, digital commerce and fulfilment capabilities closer to local enterprises, the initiative seeks to help Kashmir’s distinctive products find a wider customer base.

Kashmir’s business ecosystem spans traditional crafts and regional produce as well as manufacturing enterprises. Products such as Pashmina shawls, GI-tagged saffron, premium dry fruits, handicrafts and willow sports equipment carry strong regional identities and established market appeal. Yet, for smaller businesses, expanding beyond familiar trade networks can involve challenges ranging from building an online presence and reaching new customers to managing shipping and fulfilling orders across geographies. Addressing these barriers can help local enterprises explore opportunities in India’s growing e-commerce market and, where feasible, reach international buyers.

The first chapter of DTDC Udaan was marked by an event in Srinagar that brought together 48 business owners and trade leaders from across Kashmir’s commercial ecosystem. Participants included willow sports equipment manufacturers such as Tramboo Sports and Hangul Sports, alongside businesses dealing in traditional products and regional produce. The session opened with a keynote address by Rajesh Nair, Business Head, North, DTDC, followed by discussions on how digital commerce, logistics and fulfilment can support business expansion. 

Speaking on the launch, Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO, DTDC Express Ltd., said, “Across Bharat, there are businesses creating exceptional products with the potential to reach customers around the world. Kashmir, with its world-renowned Pashmina shawls, GI-tagged saffron, traditional handicrafts and willow sports equipment, is a wonderful example of this. Through DTDC Udaan, we want to help bridge the gap between local enterprise and global opportunity by bringing our logistics network, technology and fulfilment capabilities closer to these businesses. With 16,500+ channel partners as an integral part of our network, we can offer not just connectivity but also local points of contact to guide and handhold businesses as they grow. Kashmir marks the first chapter of DTDC Udaan, and we look forward to extending this initiative to regional business ecosystems across Bharat.”

For a small business in Kashmir, reaching a customer in another part of India or overseas can represent an important step towards growth. Digital platforms can provide an additional channel to showcase products and attract new buyers, while logistics and fulfilment capabilities can help businesses serve customers across geographies. Together, these can complement existing trade networks and give local sellers more avenues to take their products to market, without being limited to demand within their immediate vicinity.

As part of this broader opportunity, Kaarigo, DTDC’s e-commerce platform for authentic Indian products, artisans and regional sellers, offers a route for local makers and MSMEs to establish an online presence and connect with customers beyond their existing markets. For businesses offering products rooted in Kashmir’s craft and cultural heritage, digital commerce can help bring greater visibility to their offerings and create another avenue to reach consumers across India and beyond.

Film Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sECh9cqD1qg

16^th October 2026; Mumbai, India: Škoda Auto India and BBH India have launched the latest edition of ‘Škoda Fan Fest’, the brand’s festive-season campaign that brings together some of the year’s most compelling customer offers with the passion and advocacy of Škoda fans.

The campaign builds on ‘Fans, Not Owners’, Škoda Auto India’s brand platform introduced in 2025 to celebrate the deep emotional connection between the brand and its customers. The campaign highlighted how, for many Škoda owners, the relationship with their car goes beyond ownership to genuine fandom.

The campaign comes to life through a film set in an unexpected place for a car recommendation: the middle of a heist. A Škoda owner finds himself caught in a getaway with two robbers, but what begins as a tense escape soon turns into an unexpected conversation about the car. As the car chase unfolds, the thieves discover Škoda SuperCare and its ownership benefits, Škoda’s safety credentials and its extensive service network, and their attention gradually shifts from the getaway to the car itself. By the end of the chase, the Škoda owner has won over two new fans.

Speaking about the campaign, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “Škoda Auto has built a community of customers in India who are not owners, but genuine fans and strong advocates of the brand. With ‘Škoda Fan Fest’, we wanted to celebrate that organic connection and let our fans do what they do best – share their experiences with others. Rather than simply telling people about the Škoda experience, we want them to discover it through the people who know it best. This festive season, we are celebrating our fans and inviting more people to become part of the Škoda family.”

Parikshit Bhattaccharya, Chief Creative Officer, BBH India and Propagate India, added, “When people genuinely love something, they find a reason to talk about it. That’s what makes Škoda’s fans so interesting. We took that thought and placed it in the middle of a heist, where a getaway slowly turns into a conversation about the car. The humour comes from that shift in priorities, letting the car become part of the story rather than a product demonstration.”

The campaign brings the spirit ‘Fans, Not Owners’ to life by showing how genuine enthusiasm for the brand can turn even the most unexpected conversation into a recommendation. In doing so, ‘Škoda Fan Fest’ celebrates the role of existing fans while inviting more people to experience the Škoda difference for themselves during the festive season.

Currently live across television and digital, ‘Škoda Fan Fest’ will also extend across print and outdoor, bringing the campaign to audiences across multiple touchpoints.

Film Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sECh9cqD1qg