PowerSchool expanding with launch of New Centre of Excellence in Chennai

PowerSchool, a global leader in cloud-based software for K-12 education, announced the opening of its new Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Chennai, further strengthening its India operations and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the region. The new 300-seater facility marks a key milestone in PowerSchool’s growth journey, tapping into India’s thriving talent pool to accelerate innovation and global collaboration. With a focus on building advanced AI and machine learning capabilities, the Chennai CoE will play a pivotal role in driving PowerSchool’s global and India-focussed technology strategy.

PowerSchool currently employs approximately more than 1,450 people in India (~175 in Chennai and ~1,300 in Bengaluru) and with this workforce, the organisation continues to serve both global and India markets while expanding its capabilities in line with its growth strategy. The Chennai CoE will bring multiple teams under one roof, enabling closer collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. It will serve as a hub for building integrated solutions that combine regional and global expertise, strengthen customer services across India, and support international markets, while offering employees access to world-class resources and career growth opportunities.

Mr. Apoorav Nischal, Managing Director and Country Head, PowerSchool India, added, “India is central to PowerSchool’s global vision of transforming education through technology. With the launch of our Chennai Centre of Excellence, we are deepening our investment in one of the world’s most dynamic talent ecosystems while reinforcing our commitment to innovation and customer success. This expansion not only strengthens our ability to deliver world-class solutions that empower educators and students everywhere but also positions India as a strategic hub supporting growth across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.”

With its expanding footprint in India, PowerSchool is deepening investments in talent, technology, and innovation. The Chennai CoE is a testament to India’s growing role as a strategic hub for global operations, supporting marketings across the globe. This expansion reinforces PowerSchool’s vision of delivering integrated solutions that transform education universally.

Godrej reinforces its consumer commitment with innovative AI-Powered Wash Care Technology

In line with its vision to deliver meaningful innovation that enhances everyday living, the Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG) has unveiled a new advancement in its front load washing machine portfolio, the AI-Powered Turbidity Sensing Technology. This launch reflects GEG’s continued focus on solving real consumer challenges through intelligent and sustainable technology. By addressing the often-overlooked issue of excess detergent residue in laundered clothes, the company aims to elevate fabric care standards while promoting skin safety and long-term garment durability. 

The AI-powered turbidity sensing technology has been rigorously tested to deliver up to 50% better detergent residue removal*, ensuring enhanced fabric care and improved skin safety. This innovation combines intelligent automation with consumer-centric design while also contributing towards sustainability, with longer lasting garments. Designed and manufactured in India, these washing machines also feature a suite of smart capabilities including water level and load sensing, automated drum balancing, foam detection, spin speed optimization, and automatic tub clean reminders, all aimed at delivering superior wash performance and operational efficiency. 

Maneesh Sharma, Product Group Head of Washing Machines at Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group said, “At Godrej, we continuously strive to anticipate and address the evolving needs of our consumers. Detergent residue is a common but often overlooked issue, arising from everyday usage patterns, and manifesting in difficult to discern ways like faded fabric colour and rough fabric texture. Our AI-powered turbidity sensing technology is designed to tackle this challenge head-on, offering better fabric care and skin safety by improving detergent removal from clothes by up to 50%*. This innovation is a testament to our focus on purposeful, customer centric and sustainability enhancing technology. 

The launch is part of a broader portfolio expansion across front load, top load, and semi-automatic washing machine segments; supported by attractive festive offers including extended warranties of up to 4 years, easy EMIs, and cashback options. With this strategic rollout, we are targeting 40% growth in the overall washing machine category and 60% in the premium front load segment in this festive season.” 

The new range of Godrej AI powered front load washing machines will be available in leading stores across pan India and on ecommerce platforms at starting MPR Rs. 51,000.

1 in 4 Indians may risk heart disease from cholesterol, Metropolis Study

Ameera Shah-led Metropolis Healthcare Limited, India’s second-largest and most respected pathology laboratory chain, has released findings from a nationwide analysis of 3.9 lakh lipid profile tests conducted over the past year. The study reveals a concerning shift in India’s cardiovascular landscape  one in four individuals shows abnormal cholesterol levels, with low levels of ‘good cholesterol’ (HDL) emerging as the single most common risk factor. 

The findings underscore that lipid abnormalities are no longer confined to older adults or those with obesity. Nearly 60% of all tests were conducted among individuals aged 31–60 years, and within this group, cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities were notably high  highlighting a crucial window for preventive action through lifestyle modification, regular monitoring, and timely medical intervention. 

Alarmingly, cardiovascular risk is now emerging much earlier than expected. More than one in three young adults (19–30 years) already exhibit low HDL levels, while nearly 17% show borderline high cholesterol, a pattern once seen predominantly in older adults. This indicates that India’s heart health crisis is now beginning in the 20s, driven by sedentary lifestyles, processed diets, and metabolic stress. 

Key National Insights from the Study

·         35% of individuals showed low HDL levels, significantly increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease.

·         About 30% had elevated total cholesterol, while 33% exhibited abnormal triglycerides — both strong predictors of heart disease.

·         24% showed borderline or high non-HDL cholesterol, a powerful indicator of atherosclerosis.

·         25% recorded borderline to very high LDL cholesterol, underscoring the widespread nature of lipid imbalance. 

A striking insight from the study is that these abnormalities are increasingly independent of obesity. Many individuals who may otherwise appear healthy still presented with low HDL and elevated triglycerides — pointing to diet quality, sedentary behaviour, stress, and inadequate physical activity as major drivers of cardiovascular risk. This highlights the need to broaden public health messaging beyond weight management to a more comprehensive focus on heart health. 

In response to the growing cardiovascular challenge, Metropolis Healthcare has launched the ‘Healthy Heart Meter’ campaign to encourage preventive care and raise awareness about heart health. The campaign features a simple five-question survey to help individuals assess their cardiovascular risk based on lifestyle choices, medical history, and basic health indicators. 

Participants are classified as Low, Medium, or High Risk based on their responses.Those in the Low-risk category are recommended to undergo a  lipid profile test, while individuals  identified as Medium or High risk are advised to opt for the comprehensive TruHealth Vital Package, which includes a range of essential diagnostic tests designed to provide a holistic health assessment. Developed by senior subject matter experts and clinicians, Metropolis’ TruHealth  Packages offer a comprehensive evaluation of internal health, enabling early detection and effective management of cardiovascular risks.The survey can be accessed via the following link: https://www.metropolisindia.com/world-heart-day-2025 

Commenting on the findings, Mr. Surendran Chemmenkotil, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said:“At Metropolis Healthcare, we are committed to advancing early detection and proactive management of chronic health conditions. Increasing public awareness and understanding of cardiovascular risks can significantly improve early diagnosis, help prevent severe outcomes, and ultimately save lives. By analysing in-house data and designing initiatives like the ‘Healthy Heart Meter’, we aim to empower individuals with actionable insights into their heart health and encourage timely diagnostic interventions. This reflects our unwavering commitment to identifying risks early and enabling better health outcomes.” 

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said:“Heart disease is no longer confined to older age. It has become one of India’s most persistent health challenges, with risks building silently across all age groups. The growing prevalence of lipid abnormalities in younger adults should serve as a wake-up call. What we need now is a shift in mindset from treating heart attacks after they occur to preventing them through regular testing, lifestyle changes, and greater public awareness. Often, a simple lipid profile test can detect risks long before symptoms appear.”

World Tourism Day highlights travel's impact on perspectives

Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, Chief Business Officer of KidZania India , on World Tourism Day 2025 as he shares his thoughts stating that "World Tourism Day is a reminder that travel isn’t just about places it’s about shaping perspectives. At KidZania, our Madhya Pradesh Tourism Experience Center lets kids and parents explore virtual jungles and rivers, discover India’s tiger capital, and learn through play and quizzes. We’re not just sparking curiosity we’re raising India’s youngest ambassadors for responsible tourism and proving that true exploration begins with conservation."

BPCL Dealer network launches “Fuelling the Festive Spirit” Campaign

 

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) dealer network has rolled out its festive season campaign, “Fuelling the Festive Spirit”, from 22nd September to 31st October 2025 across 3,000 Retail Outlets in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. 

Customers fuelling up with eligible transactions can win exciting prizes of 17 car and  83 Bikes through QR-based digital  slogan context participation. BPCL spokesperson said, “Festivals in India are a time of joy, giving, and togetherness. With ‘Fuelling the Festive Spirit,’ we are delighted to reward our customers and empower our frontline teams, making every visit to our retail outlets during this festive season truly memorable.”

Tetra Pak start-up challenge winner, ZUMI, launches Lactose-Free, No Refined Sugar Milkshakes

Beanery Foods, a Hyderabad-based startup, has launched a range of lactose- free, no refined sugar, clean-label milkshakes, crafted for those with lactose intolerance, digestive sensitivities and the fast-growing community of health-conscious Indians seeking smarter indulgences. Launched under the brand name‘Zumi’,the naturally creamier and sweeter lactose-free formula is gentler on the gut and sweetened with monk fruit and jaggery, making it a healthier alternative. The product is now available across three cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai via www.zumifoods.com and Amazon and will soon be available on quick commerce platforms.

The milkshakes come in three delectable flavours inspired by the Indian desserts including Rose Kulfi, Rasmalai, and Chocolate-catering to varied palates across the country. Packaged in convenient, hygienic, ready-to-drink Tetra Pak packaging, Zumi’s milk shakes are designed for today’s on-the-go consumer, with each 200ml package serving delivers 6–7 grams of protein.

Commenting on the launch, Thapasya Vijayaraghavan, Founder, Zumi Foods, said: “We are excited to serve the ever-conscious Indian consumer with our clean, lactose- free, no refined sugar milkshakes and redefine how India snacks and indulges. At ZUMI, our vision is to make better-for-you indulge joyful, guilt-free choice for everyone, combining nutrition with exceptional taste

This International Coffee Day Step into McCafé’s World of brewing with ‘B.Y.O.B’

From intricate latte designs to bold new coffee concepts, this International Coffee Day McDonald’s India (West & South) is giving coffee lovers the ultimate chance to step behind the counter and live the barista experience. The brand has introduced an exciting initiative ‘B.Y.O.B (Be Your Own Barista)’ where customers can learn the fundamentals of coffee brewing, master professional equipment, and pick up signature tricks to craft their very own perfect cup, all under the guidance of McCafé’s expert Baristas. 

This exclusive, hands-on program will be hosted across 50 McDonald’s restaurants in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Hyderabad. In this three day event, guests can immerse themselves in the world of coffee and enjoy a one-of-a-kind barista journey in a lively, interactive setting. 

Date: 29th September, to 1st October, 2025

Time slots: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Participation details:

Customers can register themselves at their preferred slot on Swiggy Scenes. Here’s the registration link - https://swiggy.onelink.me/888564224/w83yzgm3 

And that’s not all — every participant will walk away with McCafé keepsake and a special participation certificate of their barista journey. To top it off, select stores will feature an In-store Photo Booth Experience, so you can capture your coffee-making moment in style and take home memories as rich as your brew.