Archives March 2025

28th March 2025-Reach 3Roads organized a two-day event in Gurugram to celebrate and empower women through impactful activities. The event featured a powerful Nukkad Natak highlighting gender equality, a live performance by an all-women band, and a thrilling bike rally in collaboration with Iron Horses Academy. Engaging activities and inspiring stories further amplified the spirit of the celebration, making it a memorable tribute to women’s achievements.

The celebration commenced with an engaging Nukkad Natak that delivered a powerful message on women’s rights and empowerment. The thought-provoking street play captivated the audience, reinforcing the significance of gender equality and sparking meaningful conversations. The energy continued to build with a dynamic live performance by an all-women band, creating an uplifting atmosphere and setting the tone for an empowering experience.

A major highlight of the event was the Women Biker’s Event, organized in association with Iron Horses Academy. Women riders embarked on an exhilarating journey from Pratap Dwar to Reach 3Roads, symbolizing freedom, strength, and resilience. The grand flag-off was led by distinguished women leaders, including Prachi Chopra from Insia, Shreyansi Gupta from Fat Tiger, and Neetu Sodhi from Sodhi’s, who cheered on the bikers and shared words of encouragement. Women riders took center stage to share their inspiring journeys, highlighting their passion for biking and breaking societal stereotypes. Throughout the event, the anchor engaged the audience with fun-filled activities, ensuring enthusiastic participation. The celebration concluded with a delightful dinner at Bon Mama and indulgent desserts from Dolche, our esteemed event partners, bringing the festivities to a perfect close.

Ms Nandini Taneja, Regional Director – Leasing, Reach Group said “This celebration was a testament to the strength, resilience, and spirit of women who continue to break barriers and redefine possibilities. At Reach 3Roads, we are proud to create a platform that not only honors their achievements but also inspires many more to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Through engaging performances and empowering activities, we aimed to foster a sense of unity and encouragement, reinforcing the message that every woman has the power to shape her own destiny,”

Mumbai, March 28 – The National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) inaugurated a comprehensive two-day event aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening the business ecosystem, and enabling digital market integration for small businesses and startups. The event, held at NIESBUD, brought together key dignitaries, policy leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of entrepreneurship in India.

NIESBUD recently held a two-day workshop titled “Catalyzing Entrepreneurial Growth: Enhancing Financial Inclusion, Market Access, and Digital Competence.” The event attracted over 100 entrepreneurs from Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, primarily those trained under the SANKALP program.

Ms. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) during her address mentioned, “The workshop serves as a valuable platform for participants to engage with entrepreneurs within the ecosystem, providing budding business owners with essential insights into the skilling landscape. The government has launched numerous initiatives designed to maximize benefits for those starting new ventures or scaling up existing businesses. As our Hon’ble Prime Minister highlights, entrepreneurship is more than a mere trend—it’s a key driver of our economy.

Two critical components of entrepreneurship are digital linkages and marketing connections, both of which are necessary to gain comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The event hosted various panel discussions which provided insightful information, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The first panel discussion of the day, “Building a Strong Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Challenges & Opportunities,” delved into the key barriers faced by entrepreneurs and explored policy interventions and collaborative efforts necessary for success. Panellists, including Shri Yamini Bhushan Pandey, MD and CEO of IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre; Shri Naveen Gaur, COO of Indian Institute of Information Technology, Delhi; and Shri Rakesh Kumar from SIDBI, engaged in a thought-provoking discourse on creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurial growth in India.

In a session dedicated to sharing best practices, entrepreneurs from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh presented their journeys, highlighting the challenges they overcame and the strategies they employed to establish successful ventures. This was complemented by startup founders, including Shri Arvind Kumar of Xmonies and Shri Gaurav Gupta of Bill Clap, who offered insights into their innovative business models and digital-first approaches to scaling enterprises.

The afternoon session transitioned into a critical discussion on “Overview of Digital Growth Strategies: Leveraging GeM, ONDC, and Meta for Market Expansion.” This segment explored how entrepreneurs can optimize digital platforms for business growth, branding, and social commerce. Industry leaders, including Shri Anuj Kumar and Shri Tushar Agarwal from GeM, Ms. Rachita Gupta from ONDC, and Shri Shahnawaz Khan from Meta, shared their expertise on integrating small businesses into large-scale digital marketplaces.

Practical demonstrations followed, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in on boarding and selling through key digital platforms. Experts from GeM facilitated an interactive session on marketplace integration, followed by ONDC’s insights on expanding market reach, and Meta’s deep dive into leveraging social media for business growth and digital marketing strategies.

India, Bangalore– March 28, 2025 – Cloudera, the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI, today announced the appointment of Leo Brunnick as Chief Product Officer. With more than 30 years of experience leading technology teams, Brunnick will work closely with CEO Charles Sansbury and the entire Cloudera leadership team to oversee the company’s product and technology direction.

“Not many companies today understand that enterprises require flexibility to successfully deploy new solutions, but Cloudera clearly has that down,” said Brunnick. “Cloudera is the only data platform provider that offers both robust on-premises and cloud-native data and AI services to enable a truly hybrid experience behind customer firewalls. These capabilities, combined with the incredible AI talent and growing ecosystem of partners, are what drew me to the company.”

Brunnick recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of Naviga, a software provider for content development in media. During his six years there, Brunnick led a team of more than 600 product, marketing, engineering, and customer support professionals. Prior to his time at Naviga, he held several leadership roles at Vignette, including EVP of Engineering, Chief Product Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer, until the company’s sale to OpenText in 2008. Brunnick also served as an officer in the Marine Corps and earned his MBA from Georgia State University after graduating from Harvard University with his bachelor’s degree in general engineering.

“Leo’s experience guiding high-performing teams and translating customer needs into platform excellence will be invaluable to Cloudera as we continue to lead the data, analytics, and AI markets,” said Sansbury. “With Leo officially onboard, Cloudera is set to continue accelerating product innovation to provide our customers with the most robust hybrid solution on the market.”

Chandigarh 28th March 2025: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), IIT Mandi and the NorthCap University (NCU), Gurugram have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a B.Tech. ECE in Semiconductor Design and Technology programme. The agreement was formally signed today at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.

This partnership aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in semiconductor industry in India and across the globe by equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on training.

This four-year programme comprises eight semesters designed to provide specialised training in various subjects of semiconductor engineering, including Nanotechnology and Semiconductor Materials Engineering, Semiconductor Physics, Introduction to Microfabrication, Semiconductor Fabrication, Semiconductor Equipment Design & Technology and Advanced Topics in Manufacturing. The programme will integrate 25 credits in application-oriented learning, developed jointly by NCU, NSDC and IIT Mandi. The degree will be awarded by NCU.

This will help India’s youth enhance their semiconductor skills and drive innovation.

As a key partner, the NSDC will be playing a crucial role in smooth implementation of the programme while ensuring robust quality training. It will drive enrolment for the programme through its digital platform and support eligible candidates in availing loans. It will also provide one-stop learning source, where all the lectures, assignments, AI-enabled videos, and additional learning resources will be available. Most importantly, it will assist candidates in internships and placements.

The program will focus on cutting-edge semiconductor technologies, providing students with a comprehensive academic and practical learning experience.

Talking about the collaboration and the programme, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, said, “At NSDC, we are committed to transforming education and skilling in alignment with NEP 2020, ensuring that students, especially from small towns and cities, have access to world-class learning opportunities. Our collaboration with IIT Mandi and NorthCap University is a step towards democratizing quality education and integrating industry-relevant skills into higher education. By embedding globally recognized skill courses within degree programs through the National Credit Framework, we are bridging the gap between academia and industry, making our youth future-ready. This initiative not only enhances employability but also empowers students to lead, innovate, and excel in the semiconductor industry, a critical sector for India’s technological growth.’’

Faculties from IIT Mandi will deliver specialised courses. The institute will also allow students participate in six hands-on immersion programmes at its advanced laboratories over four years. The institute will also assess students based on coursework, exams, assignments and projects and provide credit certifications to candidates. These credits will be used by NCU for awarding the degree .

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tushar Jain, Head, CCE, IIT Mandi, said, “This collaboration is a step towards creating a future-ready workforce in the semiconductor domain. By combining IIT Mandi’s research expertise, NCU’s academic infrastructure, and NSDC’s skill development initiatives, we are ensuring a transformative learning experience for students.”

The NCU will manage candidate enrolments and scheduling, and will provide necessary infrastructure, including classrooms, labs, and online learning platforms, for the smooth delivery of IIT Mandi courses. It will provide final degree while incorporating credits and certificates earned from IIT Mandi courses.

Prof. Nupur Prakash, Vice Chancellor at NCU, expressed her thoughts on the occasion and said, “This initiative marks a significant step towards bridging the skill gap in India’s semiconductor industry by equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience. The pioneering B.Tech ECE in Semiconductor Design and Technology programme, offered by The NorthCap University, Gurugram, in collaboration with IIT Mandi and NSDC, will provide a unique blend of academic excellence and practical exposure. Students will gain hands-on experience in clean rooms and advanced labs at IIT Mandi, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to the country’s rapidly growing semiconductor ecosystem.”

In a world of artificial flavours and guilty pleasures, CleanCrunch is here to shake things up, delivering snacks that are 100% clean, outrageously delicious, and packed with real ingredients. Born in Odisha and now powering snackers across India, CleanCrunch is the next-gen snacking experience for those who refuse to compromise. Founded by Ragini Dhawan on July 7, 2023, this homegrown brand is making clean eating the new cool – one crunch at a time.

But making clean snacking cool wasn’t easy. After two years of obsessive research and countless taste tests, CleanCrunch launched with a clear mission to bridge the gap between health-conscious choices and great taste. No more bland ‘healthy’ snacks, no more guilty pleasures – just pure, punchy flavours crafted with nutrient-dense ingredients.

And the result is snacks that are as good for you as they are addictive. The OG super-snack, Makhanas, now come in bold, mouthwatering flavours like Truffle, Wasabi, Honey Cinnamon, Ghee Pepper, and French Onion. Millet Magic upgrades your pantry with high-protein, fiber-rich pastas, noodles, poha, idli, dosa, and pancake mixes, fueling you without the junk. Trail Mixes deliver an instant energy boost with a powerhouse blend of nuts, seeds, and superfoods for non-stop vitality. Superfood Powders cut the prep – no peeling, no chopping – just straight-up nutrition from Moringa, Beetroot, Ashwagandha, and Pumpkin.

At CleanCrunch, a clean label isn’t just a shiny word – it’s a promise. No preservatives. It has no refined sugar or artificial junk, just pure, powerful nutrition that fuels you the right way.

The finest part is that CleanCrunch isn’t just for hardcore health freaks. Whether you’re a health enthusiast who checks every label, an aspirational healthian trying to eat better without giving up flavour, a doctor-scolding survivor looking for a guilt-free fix, or a city hustler who needs something fast, tasty, and actually good for you, CleanCrunch has something for everyone.

Finding CleanCrunch is as easy as loving it, whether you’re browsing gourmet aisles, unwinding at a luxury hotel, or ordering in seconds on BlinkIt. From premium supermarkets and 5-star hotels to quick-commerce platforms like Amazon and BlinkIt, CleanCrunch makes clean eating effortless. And because great taste deserves excellent execution, they’ve teamed up with top chefs like Anahita Dhondy to bring their nutritious offerings to cafés and wellness spaces.

CleanCrunch is also on a mission to own the future of snacking with high-protein munchies, functional meal replacements, and superfood-infused staples. As they expand into more premium supermarkets and quick-commerce platforms, getting a CleanCrunch fix will be easier than ever. Beyond great taste, they are committed to tackling malnutrition with nutrient-rich innovations while ensuring sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging, making every bite count.

By- Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO- Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd

“The excitement surrounding L2: Empuraan is truly extraordinary. With 1.23 lakh tickets sold for opening day and 2.35 lakh for the weekend, the film is well on its way to setting a new record, likely surpassing the ₹8.5 crore opening-day benchmark for a Malayalam film. The franchise holds a special place in the hearts of audiences, and the response to this sequel reflects not just anticipation, but an emotional investment built over time.

The scale of Empuraan’s release across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi speaks to its wider appeal. Fans have been counting down to this moment, engaging deeply with every update, making this more than just a film release—it’s a cinematic event. Theatres across key markets are witnessing tremendous enthusiasm, and the energy surrounding the film is only growing as we approach its debut.

The numbers tell a compelling story, but what stands out even more is the passion of moviegoers who are eager to experience Empuraan on the big screen. The theatrical fervor we are witnessing underscores the power of storytelling and the deep-rooted connection audiences share with this franchise.”

Mumbai, 27 March 2025: Skyrocketing residential prices coupled with geopolitical headwinds have slowed the Indian housing market’s bull-run in Q1 2025. Latest ANAROCK data finds that the year’s first quarter saw sales drop 28% across the top 7 cities against the same period in 2024. Approx. 93,280 units were sold in Q1 2025 in the top 7 cities, in sharp contrast to all-time high sales of over 1.30 lakh units in Q1 2024.

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “MMR and Pune accounted for 51% of the total sales, with MMR seeing a 26% yearly drop and Pune a decline of over 30%. At 49%, Hyderabad saw the highest annual drop in sales, while Bengaluru had the lowest decline at 16%.”

New launches across the top 7 cities remained above the one lakh mark but saw a 10% yearly decline – from approx. 1,10,865 units in Q1 2024 to approx. 1,00,020 units in Q1 2025.

“Notably, MMR and Bengaluru saw the maximum new supply in Q1 2025, accounting for 52% of the total new launches across the top 7 cities,” adds Puri. “While MMR saw new supply drop by 9% annually, Bengaluru saw new supply increase by 27% in this period. NCR, Bengaluru and Kolkata saw supply rise by 53%, 27% and 26%, respectively, while the other cities recorded supply declines – with Hyderabad recording the highest 55% yearly decrease.”

Though new launches stayed above the 1 lakh mark in Q1 2024, unsold inventory dropped by 4% annually – from approx. 5,80,890 units by Q1 2024-end to approx. 5,59,810 units by Q1 2025-end. Among the top cities, Pune saw the highest decline of 16% in its available stock in Q1 2025. In contrast, Bengaluru saw its unsold stock rise by a significant 28% – to approx. 58,660 units – by Q1 2025-end.

“India’s overall economic scenario remains positive, with GDP growth rate pegged to be the highest globally and inflation also under control,” says Puri. “However, rising housing prices and global headwinds like ongoing geopolitical tensions and a weak global economy, has taken their toll on India’s residential market activity. These factors cascaded down into the housing market in Q1 2025.”

New Launch Overview

The top 7 cities saw approx. 1,00,020 units launched in Q1 2025, against approx. 1,10,865 units in Q1 2024 – a 10% decline. The key cities contributing to new launches in Q1 2025 were the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Bengaluru, Pune, and the National Capital Region, which together accounted for 80% of the quarter’s supply addition.

• MMR saw approx. 30,755 units launched in Q1 2025 – a decline of approx. 9% over Q1 2024. Over 56% of the new supply was in the sub-INR 80 lakh budget segment.
• Bengaluru added approx. 20,855 units in Q1 2025 – a yearly rise of 27%. Approx. 53% of the new supply was in the luxury segment priced > INR 1.5 Cr.
• Pune added approx. 16,860 new units in Q1 2025 compared to approx. 18,770 units in Q1 2024, marking a 10% drop. Approx. 79% of the new supply was in the mid and premium segments (INR 40 lakh – INR 1.5 Cr.)
• NCR saw new supply increase by a massive 53% over Q1 2024, with approx. 11,120 units launched in Q1 2025 against approx. 7,270 units in Q1 2024. Notably, 70% of the new supply was in the ultra-luxury segment (priced >INR 2.5 Cr.).
• Hyderabad added approx. 10,275 units in Q1 2025 – a yearly decline of 55% over the same period in 2024 when approx. 22,960 units were launched. Over 70% of the new supply was in the luxury & ultra-luxury segments (priced >INR 1.5 Cr).
• Chennai added approx. 4,755 units in Q1 2025, marking a 35% decline. At least 81% of the new supply was in the mid and premium segments (priced within INR 40 lakh to INR 1.5 Cr)
• Kolkata added approx. 5,400 units in Q1 2025, a 26% rise over Q1 2024. Approx. 59% of the new supply was in the affordable and the mid segments (priced up to INR 80 lakh.)

Approx. 93,280 units were sold in Q1 2025 – a 26% decrease over Q1 2024. NCR, MMR, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad together accounted for 91% of sales in the quarter.

• MMR saw the highest housing sales with approx. 31,610 units in Q1 2025, decreasing by 26% over Q1 2024 when approx. 42,920 units were sold
• Pune saw approx. 16,100 units sold in Q1 2025, decreasing by 30% over Q1 2024 when approx. 22,990 units were sold
• Bengaluru saw approx. 15,000 units sold in Q1 2025 – a 16% decline of against Q1 2024 when approx. 17,790 units were sold
• NCR saw a 20% decline in sales – from approx. 15,650 units in Q1 2024 to approx. 12,520 units in Q1 2025
• Hyderabad saw approx. 10,100 units sold in Q1 2025, a 49% decline over Q1 2024 when approx. 19,660 units were sold
• Chennai saw approx. 4,050 units sold in Q1 2025 – a 26% decline over Q1 2024 when approx. 5,510 units were sold
• Kolkata also saw sales decline by 31% – from approx. 5,650 units in Q1 2024 to approx. 3,900 units in Q1 2025.

Price Movement

Average residential property prices across the top 7 cities saw a significant jump in the last one year – ranging between 10-34% in Q1 2025 – when compared to Q1 2024. This was primarily due to steep new supply additions in the luxury and ultra-luxury segment, and overall strong demand. NCR and Bengaluru recorded the highest annual price jump of over 34% and 20%, respectively.

Unsold Inventory

Despite a supply of over one lakh new units in the top 7 cities in Q1 2025, overall available inventory dropped by 4% in Q1 2025 when compared to Q1 2024. The total available inventory in the top 7 cities as of Q1 2025-end stands at approx. 5.60 lakh units. At 16%, Pune saw the highest reduction in unsold inventory in Q1 2025 when compared to Q1 2024.

Commemorating International Women’s month, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, successfully hosted a grand Bike Rally and Wellness Event, celebrating the spirit and strength of women while promoting health and wellness in the society. The event, saw enthusiastic participation from Harley-Davidson riders, fitness enthusiasts, and the common public, making it a remarkable success.

The bikathon commenced with a vibrant flag-off ceremony at the Harley-Davidson Showroom, Hero Honda Chowk. Riders gathered for a brief introduction before embarking on a rally towards CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. The roaring engines of Harley-Davidson motorcycles signified a powerful message of empowerment and unity, as the bikers rode in solidarity to honor women.

Upon arrival at CK Birla Hospital, the bikers were greeted with cheers and applause from the gathered attendees. The morning wellness activities had already set an energetic tone, with a Zumba and Yoga session engaging all the participants, as all the bikers also joined hands for an electrifying fitness experience.

Speaking about the event, Mr Vipul Jain, CEO Hospitals CK Birla Group, said “This bikathon and wellness event was a tribute to the unwavering spirit of women and a reminder of the importance of health, fitness, and social involvement. We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and participation, which made this celebration truly special.”

These invigorating sessions promoted health and well-being, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to holistic wellness. All the Harley-Davidson riders were honored for their contributions to women’s empowerment and service.

This Bike Rally and Wellness Event highlighted CK Birla Hospital’s dedication to nurturing overall well-being and promoting an active lifestyle. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, the event successfully championed the values of empowerment, unity, and wellness, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.

Hyderabad, 27th March 2025 – TTK Prestige, a household name in innovative kitchen appliances, proudly introduces its latest Digi Kettle Range, designed to redefine the way you brew tea, coffee, and instant meals. Packed with smart technology, modern aesthetics, and advanced safety features, this new collection ensures precision heating, effortless usability, and maximum convenience.

The Prestige Digi Kettle 2.0L stands out with its Live Temperature Display, which allows users to monitor heating in real time. Equipped with four preset temperature modes and a Keep Warm function, it guarantees the perfect brew every time. The 360° Swivel Base ensures easy, cordless pouring from any angle, enhancing ease of use. Designed with safety in mind, it features Automatic Power Cut-Off to prevent overheating and Dry Heat Protection to avoid operation without water. The stainless steel inner body ensures durability and purity, while the single-touch lid locking system adds an extra layer of convenience.

Expanding its range, TTK Prestige also introduces the Prestige Glass Kettle 1.8L and the Prestige Cool Touch Kettle 1.5L, catering to diverse consumer needs. The Prestige Glass Kettle 1.8L seamlessly blends style and functionality with its sleek glass body, blue LED indicator, and metallic rose gold finish. Designed for enhanced safety and efficiency, it features Auto Cut-Off, Dry Heat Protection, and a Concealed Heating Element. The Prestige Cool Touch Kettle 1.5L, available in black and white, is a stylish and secure choice with a cool-touch exterior that makes it safe to handle even while boiling. It is equipped with Auto Cut-Off, Dry Heat Protection, and a concealed heating element, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.

India, March 27, 2025 – PLUSS Advanced Technologies Ltd. has introduced PRONGO®, a new line of temperature-controlled packaging and boxes designed to maintain a stable temperature of around 14 degrees Celsius for frozen and temperature-sensitive food products. This innovation aims to address challenges in the transportation of chocolates, ice creams, dairy products, and other frozen goods like fish, particularly in high-temperature conditions exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

PRONGO® utilizes Phase Change Material (PCM) technology to regulate temperature without relying on dry ice or other conventional cooling methods. This approach helps preserve the taste, texture, and quality of products while eliminating potential safety risks associated with dry ice.

Samit Jain, Managing Director of PLUSS Advanced Technologies, stated, “Our focus at PLUSS is to develop solutions that address everyday challenges. Among the various products we have developed, PRONGO® is specifically designed to preserve the quality and freshness of temperature-sensitive items during transport, minimising the risk of melting, freezer burn, and temperature fluctuations that could impact the consumer experience.”

PRONGO® functions as a thermal battery, regulating heat absorption to stabilize temperatures during transit. This helps ensure that frozen and temperature-sensitive products stay in optimal condition without exposure to extreme temperature variations, preserving their quality until they reach consumers.