MAM
Kuntala Karkun appointed Additional Director at FICCI
Veteran economist joins to lead macro research and global trade policy advocacy.
MUMBAI: Kuntala Karkun just traded think-tank desks for a front-row seat at India’s economic policy table because when the numbers need a sharp mind, FICCI called in the heavyweight. Kuntala Karkun has been appointed additional director, Economic Affairs & Research at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), where she will spearhead research, analytics, and policy advocacy on macroeconomic trends and global trade issues.
She joins from Pahlé India Foundation (PIF), where she served as senior fellow, driving economic growth and investment strategy initiatives for Indian states. Before that, she spent over seven years at Nasscom in senior leadership roles, including director of global trade development and deputy director for Policy Advocacy, shaping the tech sector’s trade and policy agenda.
Her career also includes a decade at Mckinsey & Company across multiple positions, contributing to global economic research and public policy thought leadership, along with a summer stint at ICICI Bank early on.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for India’s economic narrative, as the country navigates global trade shifts, domestic growth targets, and the push for deeper policy impact. Kuntala’s blend of macro expertise, state-level strategy experience, and industry advocacy positions her to influence FICCI’s research direction and thought leadership on issues shaping India’s place in the world economy.
For an organisation that bridges business and policy, bringing in someone with her track record isn’t just a hire, it’s a strategic move to keep the conversation on India’s rise both credible and cutting-edge.
Brands
KKR sixes to power EV charger rollout under VIDA campaign
Cricket meets clean mobility as big hits spark India’s charging growth
NEW DELHI: VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, has teamed up with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that turns cricketing flair into real-world impact.
Titled ‘6 for 6’, the initiative promises to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The idea is simple but powerful, as each big hit on the field contributes directly to expanding India’s fast-charging infrastructure.
The campaign builds on VIDA’s growing network, which already spans over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. With EV adoption gaining pace, the brand is using cricket’s mass appeal to accelerate both awareness and infrastructure growth.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Hero MotoCorp emerging mobility business unit chief business officer Kausalya Nandakumar said, “Cricket has an incredible ability to unite and inspire millions across the country. With the ‘6 for 6’ campaign, we are turning every big hit on the field into a step towards a cleaner and a more accessible mobility future.”
She added that VIDA’s expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology are designed to make EV ownership more convenient and practical for everyday users.
From the franchise’s side, the campaign is also about giving on-field moments a larger purpose. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive officer Venky Mysore said, “The ‘6 for 6’ campaign exemplifies the potential of sport as a platform for meaningful, real-world impact. By linking every six to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, this partnership transforms fan excitement into tangible progress.”
As part of the rollout, VIDA has introduced co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colours, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. The chargers are designed for quick top-ups, powering VIDA scooters from zero to 80 percent in about an hour, while also being positioned along key highways to support longer journeys.
The initiative also taps into VIDA’s removable battery system, which allows users to charge using standard household plug points, adding flexibility to the charging ecosystem.
By blending the thrill of cricket with the urgency of clean mobility, VIDA and KKR have found a neat way to make every six count twice, once on the scoreboard and again on India’s road to an electric future.
