Archives March 2025

MUMBAI, India–March 31, 2025: The holy month of Ramzan is synonymous with togetherness, celebration, and, of course, mouth-watering dishes. Joining in the festivities the cast of Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming service’s highly anticipated series, First Copy, made sure to embrace it all. Taking a flavourful trip to Mohammed Ali Road, one of Mumbai’s most iconic food hotspot, the cast, including Gulshan Grover, Munawar Faruqui, Krystle D’Souza, Meiyang Chang, Saqib Ayub and Ashi Singh, joined the revelry in full swing at Shalimar Hotel. They not only indulged in the city’s most-loved Ramzan delicacies but also soaked in the vibrant festive atmosphere, celebrating the true essence of the holy month. From biryani to malpuas and phirni, the cast savoured it all with fans gathered in excitement, catching glimpses of the stars as they shared laughter, stories, and bites of Mumbai’s finest festive fare.

The visit comes amidst growing anticipation for First Copy, which was officially announced at Amazon MX Player’s flagship event, StreamNext, in January, earlier this year. With Munawar Faruqui making his acting debut alongside a powerhouse ensemble, the buzz surrounding the series only continues to grow. With the stars embracing the spirit of Ramzan, their visit to Mohd Ali Road only heightened fans’ excitement, making the upcoming crime saga one of the most awaited releases of the season.

India, 31 March 2025: CashKaro, India’s leading cashback platform, has unveiled India’s first-ever Ghibli-style advertisement, delivering a playful yet hard-hitting message about the inefficacy of coin-based cashback. The animated campaign takes a cheeky dig at coin apps, emphasizing that “Coins Are All Bakwas, Real Cashback is CashKaro Ke Paas.”

In an era where many platforms lure users with virtual coins that often have complex redemption value, limited usability or expiry dates, CashKaro reinforces its promise of real cashback — directly credited as real money via UPI that users can transfer to their bank accounts. The visually stunning ad, inspired by the iconic Studio Ghibli animation style, sets a new benchmark in digital advertising with its unique storytelling approach and vibrant, hand-drawn aesthetics.

Swati Bhargava, Co-founder of CashKaro and EarnKaro, said, “People are tired of earning Cashback coins that feel more like a gimmick than real savings. Today’s consumers see through marketing fluff and focus on the real value, not just flashy cashback coins that are hard to use. At CashKaro, we give users ‘Real Cashback’ — real money that can be transferred to the bank accounts and actually spent, rather than being stuck with coins and points that have restrictions. Over the years, we have returned more than ₹1,000 crore in real cashback to our users, proving that savings should be tangible and beneficial. This campaign is a fun yet powerful way to reinforce that CashKaro is the real cashback king.”

Ishan Agarwal, Director – Brand & Creative at CashKaro and EarnKaro, added, “We are always looking out for creative ways to connect with our audience, and this campaign is a perfect example of how storytelling can make an impact. The idea behind this campaign was to blend art with advertising. The Ghibli-style animation is not just visually stunning but also helps us deliver our message in a fun, engaging, and memorable way. In a market flooded with apps that offer coins with limited usability, we wanted to highlight how CashKaro stands apart by providing real cashback that users can spend. This campaign cuts through the noise, grabs attention, and helps in connecting with the audience with more lighthearted and visually striking content.”

Mumbai, March 31, 2025: The 32nd edition of the IMPACT Cricket Tournament, hosted by Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), recently concluded at Matunga Gymkhana, Mumbai.

As one of the most prestigious inter-B-school sporting events, the tournament saw outstanding participation from 12 leading business schools, competing in 33 matches over two weeks.

The grand finale witnessed an intense contest between WeSchool and Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management, with WeSchool securing the championship title. The winning team was awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000, while the runner-up received ₹25,000 and a trophy.

Individual excellence was also recognized, with Pranesh Dhuru (WeSchool) earning the Man of the Match title. Jatin Shelke (Lala Lajpatrai) was named Best Batsman, while his teammate Vinay More dominated the awards, winning Best Fielder, Best Bowler, and Player of the Tournament.

Reflecting on the significance of such events while handing over the awards, the Group Director of WeSchool, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe remarked, “Sports is not just an extracurricular activity; they are integral to management education. They raise the bar for teamwork, leadership, and decision-making, qualities that every manager needs. At WeSchool, we believe in fostering not only academic excellence but also the physical and emotional intelligence that sports brings to the table.”

Infinitum Network Solutions, a rapidly growing Indian content network reaching audiences in over 160 countries, today announced the appointment of renowned content creator Rajiv Lakshman as Group Head, Intellectual Properties. This strategic association brings together one of India’s most celebrated media personalities with Infinitum’s ambitious vision for expanding its IP portfolio across multiple platforms. Lakshman, widely recognised for co-creating iconic youth formats including MTV Roadies and MTV Splitsvilla, brings more than two decades of experience in developing successful television and digital formats. His appointment represents a transformative development for Infinitum’s content strategy as the company continues its evolution from a traditional multi-channel network to a comprehensive global ambassador for Indian creativity.

“Rajiv’s exceptional track record in creating formats that resonate with Indian audiences across diverse cultural backgrounds perfectly complements our mission to help talented creators grow from non-metro, tier 2, tier 3 cities, and bring their voice to a global stage,” said Satyadev Chada Krishna, Founder of Infinitum Network Solutions. “His expertise in developing IP that captures the zeitgeist of Indian youth culture will accelerate our mission of taking Indian stories to the world while building a versatile content portfolio that spans children’s programming to thrillers and romantic comedies.”

Founded in 2017 in Hyderabad, the company has successfully positioned itself as a hybrid organisation that combines content creation capabilities with digital marketing expertise, completing over 400 projects and delivering results for more than 300 brands worldwide.

“Infinitum’s innovative approach to content creation and distribution represents the future of Indian digital media on the global stage,” said Rajiv Lakshman. “I’m excited to join an organisation that has achieved such impressive global reach while staying true to its Indian roots. Together, we’ll create compelling intellectual properties that showcase India’s cultural richness while transcending boundaries. By reaching out to creators from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, we aim to create opportunities for young talent across diverse languages and regions, empowering them to grow, build careers, and establish a launchpad for the next generation of content creators.”

Lakshman’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Infinitum as the company expands its original content offerings across multiple formats and platforms. His experience transitioning from traditional television to OTT platforms mirrors Infinitum’s evolution as a hybrid entity that bridges conventional media production with digital distribution while amplifying Indian voices globally.

Mumbai, 31th March, 2025: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners has unveiled its line-up of immersive Management Development Programs (MDPs) for April & May 2025. These development programs are scheduled from 4th April 2025 to 8th May 2025.

These short-term, high-impact programs are tailored to equip professionals, executives, and business leaders with advanced knowledge, strategic insights, and leadership capabilities essential for navigating today’s dynamic business environment. A special Faculty Development Program (FDP) titled “FDP on Classroom Communication for Teachers” is also scheduled from 30 Apr – 02 May 2025, to enhance the classroom delivery of teachers.

Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, shared, “Our MDPs are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and expert-led discussions, these programs will enable professionals to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth within their organizations. Each programme is crafted by experienced faculty, combining research-backed strategies with interactive methodologies for an engaging learning experience.”

The curriculum will focus on domains like Strategic Management, Communications and HRM & OB. The MDPs will be conducted by esteemed faculty members, combining academic rigor with real-world applications.

The programs are curated around Franchising for Business Growth, Communicating with Franchisees, and Enhancing Employee Performance & Well-Being Through Leadership, Justice, Support & Spirituality, each designed to enhance the participant’s skills with practical knowledge for navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape.

These programs offer a valuable platform for professionals to engage with leading academicians, gain industry-relevant knowledge, and develop a strategic mind-set. Participants will benefit from interactive discussions, case studies, and practical frameworks that can be applied directly to their organizations.

New Delhi, India –31th March, 2025– The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), organised a hybrid event on Universal Acceptance Day on 28th March 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The event, themed “Connecting the Unconnected – Building a Multilingual Internet for Viksit Bharat,” aimed to accelerate the adoption of Universal Acceptance (UA) and create a more inclusive digital ecosystem in India.

To achieve a truly accessible internet, it is essential that all digital tools and platforms support the diverse range of domain names and email addresses currently in use, regardless of linguistic or structural variations. Universal Acceptance plays a crucial role in ensuring an inclusive digital environment. The event witnessed the presence of Mr. S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, and Chairman, NIXI, as the Chief Guest; among other Government officials and industry leaders globally; The event was well supported & attended by UNESCO and ICANN. Mr Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia; and Mr Samiran Gupta, VP, Stakeholder Engagement & MD, Asia Pacific, ICANN, Shri Jaco Du Toit, Chief of Section, Universal Access to Information and Digital Inclusion, UNESCO HQ, were among the key speakers & participants.

The Chief Guest, Mr. S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, delivering the keynote address, stated that “In an increasingly digital-first world, it is essential that technology does not become a barrier, particularly in a diverse country like India. Universal Acceptance is not just about technical standards, it’s about empowering every citizen, regardless of language or background, to fully participate in the digital economy. We are committed to simplifying a democratising digital access, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach even those who are not digitally aware. Our efforts, including the promotion of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) and language translation tools, aim to bridge the digital divide and create a safer, more inclusive online environment.”

He further emphasized the importance of internet governance and resilience, highlighting India’s role in shaping a multi-stakeholder approach globally. “As India’s internet user base approaches a billion, we must ensure that our voice is heard in international forums. We are dedicated to building a robust and resilient digital infrastructure that protects our cultural identity and enables seamless communication within the country, even in challenging scenarios.””

Mr Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, highlighting the significance of UA Day, also stated, “Universal Acceptance is essential to ensure that everyone, regardless of their language, can fully participate in the digital world. By embracing linguistic diversity online, we are not just preserving languages—we are empowering communities and fostering true digital inclusion. A truly inclusive digital space respects and represents all voices.”

Dr Devesh Tyagi, CEO NIXI, while speaking at the UA day 2025 event, stated, “NIXI is proud to have spearheaded this initiative. UA Day 2025 has provided a key platform for stakeholders to come together, share insights, and commit to action. Our focus remains on creating a truly inclusive internet, where language is no longer a barrier. We believe that a multilingual internet is essential for connecting the unconnected and unlocking the full potential of India’s digital economy.”

The event featured in-depth discussions exploring the comprehensive scope of UA. Sessions delved into the socio-economic impact of UA on MSMEs & industries in general, the benefits of operating a UA-compliant business, and the crucial role of a multilingual internet in shaping effective public policy. Participants also identified gaps in the adoption of native languages and suggested novel initiatives to address these challenges, helping to better understand the barriers faced by internet users. The panel also underscored the importance of UA within the Digital Public Infrastructure, especially through the utilisation of UA, the government can empower citizens by enabling seamless access to essential digital services in their native languages.

The panel highlighted the landmark development by India in UA adoption such as “Bhashini Portal” & the multistakeholder approach pushed at international fora. The need of sealing up capacity building, competencies at the core systems of technology development standards etc to facilitate UA level interoperability was highlighted by various industry leaders and tech enthusiasts.

Speaking at the PHDCCI – GIZ Workshop on Energy Transition with DISCOMs, Mr Salil Gupta, Chair, Power Committee, PHDCCI, stated that energy transition is not merely a technological shift but a comprehensive transformation of our energy ecosystem—one that demands new business models, regulatory frameworks, and operational paradigms. India’s power distribution sector faces unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. Despite significant reforms over the past decades, many DISCOMs continue to struggle with financial viability, operational inefficiencies, and the complex task of balancing social obligations with commercial sustainability. He announced that PHDCCI and GIZ (German Corporation for International Cooperation) will work together for the promotion of RE and smooth energy transition. The conclave was attended by 150 delegates physically/virtually.

Mr P R Kumar, Co-Chair, Power Committee, PHDCCI & MD & CEO, Noida Power Company Ltd, in his Special address observed that India should not copy the energy transition and sustainability path in Power sector of developed countries as their per capita incomes are much higher. DISCOMs should take a lead in RPO compliance for which grid infra needs to be modernised. DISCOMs have to act as an enabler for energy transition and collaboration between DISCOMs, industry, regulators and policy makers is required for creating financially strong and sustainable DISCOMs in India.

The BSES spokesperson who addressed the Workshop stated that DISCOMs are the link between grid and customers and have the most important role to play in sustainability in power sector. He spoke about the Energy Trilemma – Energy Security-Energy Equity and Energy Sustainability with affordability. He gave a brief about BRPL’s initiatives in promotion of RE and informed that they have now started installing energy storage projects in Delhi, which are essential for creating sustainable DISCOMs and are signing Green PPAs as also adding distributed RE. As a next step, he suggested District Cooling and Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) in new colonies to decongest the grid. He termed Peer to Peer power trading as a game changer and called for creating an energy trading system (UEI) on the lines of UPI to create equitable and sustainable power distribution in India.

Mr Kuldeep Sharma, Head – Energy Transition with DISCOMs, GIZ INDIA, in his Keynote Address gave a brief about the initiatives of GIZ in transforming DISOCMs in India. He informed that GIZ has worked with 13 states and 26 DISCOMs in India and has been supporting the decarbonisation journey in India in the transport and energy sector. He conveyed that India can only achieve net zero by 2070 goal if the DISCOMs are sustainable.

Mumbai, March 31, 2025: Gudi Padwa marks the start of the new year for Maharashtrians, and it holds significance for various scientific, religious, and agricultural reasons. In celebration of this festival, Sony SAB stars Sarita Joshi, Aditya Redij, Sayli Salunkhe, Chinmayee Salvi, and Jayesh More share their cherished memories of Gudi Padwa and their plans for this year’s celebration.

Sarita Joshi playing the role of Radha Kaku in Pushpa Impossible: “ Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of a new year, a time for fresh beginnings and joyous celebrations with family. Every year, I love dressing up in traditional Maharashtrian attire, performing the pooja, and preparing sweets that bring everyone together. The Gudi we place outside the door is a symbol of prosperity and success, reminding us to welcome the year with positivity. As a child, I would eagerly wait. for the sweets placed over the Gudi, cherishing the moment when we could finally take it down. Wishing everyone a very happy Gudi Padwa—may this New Year bring happiness, health, and success to all!”

Jayesh More who plays the role of Dilip Patel in Pushpa Impossible, says- “I usually perform my morning puja with my entire family followed by breakfast. I love this festival as I have fond memories of my childhood of having Shrikhand Puri on this day. This Gudi Padwa I hope people look back at the year that was and take a moment to breathe and envision their future. Wishing everybody a very happy Gudi Padwa.”

Sayli Salunkhe who is playing the role of Anjani in Veer Hanuman, says- “Gudi Padwa is one festival that is close to my heart, and I have grown up watching my nani and mother celebrate Gudi Padwa with great arrangements. On this day we go shopping and decorate the house. I have some beautiful memories attached to this day, from finding a pretty saree for the Gudi with my mother. The legacy of my family continues as every year I decorate the Gudi along with my family. Our celebrations are incomplete without relishing authentic Maharashtrian delicacies such as Puri aaloo ki sabji, shrikhand, and other traditional dishes. To all my fans, celebrate this festival with love and devotion.”

Chinmayee Salvi who plays the role of Sakhi in Wagle Ki Duniya “Gudi Padwa is a day of joy and togetherness, celebrated with close family and friends. As part of the tradition, we decorate the Gudi with great care and place it on a high stick extending from the house, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. I truly cherish the intricate details that go into adorning the Gudi, as they add to the beauty and essence of the celebration. We have a tradition of making shrikhand. and puri at home from scratch and I love helping my mom with it.”

Aditya Redij who is playing the role of Krishnadevaraya, says- ” Gudi Padwa is a celebration of new beginnings, prosperity, and the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. It’s a time to embrace positivity, set new goals, and cherish moments with family and loved ones. May this auspicious day bring happiness, success, and good health to everyone. Wishing you all a very Happy Gudi Padwa!”

By-Dr Sunil Kumar Prabhu, Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, Aster RV Hospital

 Skin puffiness can be caused by various factors, and one common culprit is a high-sodium (salty) diet. When you consume too much salt, your body retains more water to balance out the sodium levels, which can lead to puffiness, especially around the eyes, face, and sometimes the hands or feet.

 How a salty diet contributes to skin puffiness:
• Water Retention: Salt causes the body to hold onto extra water. This excess fluid can build up in tissues, leading to swelling and puffiness in various areas of the body, including the face.
• Dehydration: Ironically, eating too much salt can also dehydrate the body. As the body tries to retain water to dilute the excess salt, the skin might look puffy due to water retention, and you might feel bloated overall.
• Inflammation: A diet high in sodium can also cause inflammation in the body, which may contribute to skin puffiness. Inflammatory responses can lead to fluid buildup, especially in more sensitive areas like under the eyes.

 To reduce puffiness caused by a salty diet:
Once you reduce salty diet and drink water, eat a balanced diet and eat less processed foods that may contain Sodium salts you should see improvement in approximately 2-4 weeks.

 Other causes of Skin puffiness
Skin puffiness can occur due to various factors other than a salty diet. Here are some common causes:
1. Allergies: Allergic reactions to certain foods, pollen, medications, or skincare products can lead to puffiness, especially around the eyes and face.
2. Fluid Retention: This can be caused by various factors like hormonal changes (such as during menstruation or pregnancy), dehydration, or kidney or heart conditions.
3. Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can cause fluid to accumulate under the eyes and lead to puffiness, often seen as bags under the eyes.
4. Inflammation: Conditions like dermatitis, eczema, or other inflammatory skin conditions can lead to swelling and puffiness.
5. Sinus Congestion: If your sinuses are congested due to a cold, allergies, or infection, you may experience puffiness, particularly around the nose, eyes, and cheeks.
6. Corticosteroid Use: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications (oral or topical) can cause fluid retention and puffiness, especially in the face.
7. Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can lead to puffiness, particularly around the eyes, due to fluid retention and reduced metabolism.
8. Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, can lead to dehydration followed by fluid retention, contributing to puffiness, especially in the face and eyes.
9. Poor Circulation: Inadequate blood flow can lead to fluid buildup, causing puffiness in certain areas of the skin, such as the legs, arms, or face.
10. Injury or Trauma: Any kind of injury, such as a bump or fall, can cause localized swelling and puffiness as part of the body’s natural healing process.
11. Age: As we age, the skin loses collagen and elasticity, which can cause the skin to sag and become more prone to puffiness due to weaker support structures.
12. Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood pressure medications, may cause fluid retention as a side effect, leading to puffiness.

March 31, 2025: INOX Air Products (INOXAP), India’s largest manufacturer of industrial, electronic and medical gases, today announced the successful commissioning of its first-ever Green Hydrogen manufacturing Plant at Asahi India Glass Limited’s (AIS) greenfield float glass facility at Soniyana in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. AIS, India’s leading glass manufacturer, have entered into a 20-year offtake agreement with INOXAP for supply of Green Hydrogen, to this facility. The Plant, powered by solar energy, will have a capacity to generate up to 190 Tons of Green Hydrogen per Annum through the electrolysis process. This will be India’s first instance of use of Green Hydrogen in the Float Glass manufacturing process, paving the way for sustainable glass production.

INOXAP is responsible for the design, engineering, installation, operations and a continuous supply of Green Hydrogen to the AIS facility for a period 20 years. In the first phase, 95 TPA Green Hydrogen will be supplied to AIS. As a part of the agreement, AIS has invested in the solar power plant, which is supplying renewable energy for the generation of Green Hydrogen, which would be further consumed in AIS’s float glass manufacturing process.

Commenting on the commissioning of INOXAP’s first Green Hydrogen plant, Siddharth Jain, Managing Director – INOX Air Products stated, “We are delighted that our Green Hydrogen journey is underway with AIS for their Soniyana facility. Our first Green Hydrogen Plant, is also India’s first ever Green Hydrogen plant for the Float Glass sector. The trust shown by AIS in our capabilities is a testament to our expertise in safety, technology and project management. It is heartening to share that our Green Hydrogen supplies would substantially reduce CO2 emissions at this facility to the tune of 1250 MTPA. Green Hydrogen will play a pivotal role in India’s energy transition towards decarbonization and a secured energy future for our country as well as the planet. We look forward to strengthen our Green Hydrogen supplies to more sectors and businesses which are looking to bring down emissions and contribute towards India’s march towards net-zero by 2070.”

Speaking on the occasion, Rupinder Shelly, COO-Architectural Glass, Asahi India Glass Ltd said, “We are proud to be the first Glass manufacturers in India who are putting Green Hydrogen to use in the float glass manufacturing process. With the commissioning of INOXAP’s Green Hydrogen plant at our facility, our commitment to sustainability has got stronger. With an objective of fulfilling 94% of our power requirements through green and sustainable energy sources at our Soniyana facility, we will continue to invest and build our capabilities on Sustainability, Circularity, and De-carbonization. Our investments towards generating electricity from flue gases before releasing through chimney is a step in the same direction. This pioneering initiative not only exemplifies our shared vision for a greener future but also reinforces India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy adoption.”

AIS has commissioned a greenfield project in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan for manufacturing high-quality float glass to be used for automotive and architectural purposes with technology collaboration from its partners – AGC Europe. The agreement with INOX Air Products for setting up a Green Hydrogen plant for this project is a part of AIS’s overall sustainability strategy, and is inspired by their vision to reduce carbon footprint in the glass manufacturing process.