Archives March 2025

March 27, 2025: Binance Academy, the education platform of Binance, has joined forces with Finland’s University of Oulu to launch a course on “Blockchain for Business Sustainability.” This collaboration brings together Binance Academy’s expertise in crypto and blockchain education with the University of Oulu’s strong academic foundation in business and technology.

Revolutionizing Sustainability Through Blockchain

Developed in partnership with Dr. Teck Ming (Terence) Tan, Associate Professor of Marketing at Oulu Business School and Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki, this free, self-paced course addresses the rising demand for sustainability-focused blockchain education. It consists of 12 modules covering key topics such as supply chain transparency, renewable energy adoption, and eco-friendly business strategies. Quizzes at the end of each week help reinforce learning, and participants who complete the course will receive a co-branded certificate from Binance Academy and the University of Oulu.

“We designed this course to clarify what blockchain can truly achieve in sustainability,” said Professor Tan. “By focusing on five key areas – supply chain management, circular economy, renewable energy, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting, and incentivization – we hope to showcase how blockchain technology can drive real impact.”

He emphasized that blockchain’s decentralized nature opens new possibilities for sustainable business practices. “It has been an inspiring journey to partner with Binance Academy and share insights on blockchain’s role in shaping a greener future,” he added.

Bringing Transformative Ideas to Life

Bringing this vision to life, Binance Academy worked closely with Professor Tan to develop the course, offering its expertise in educational design and blockchain resources. Through this collaboration, the course integrates academic research with real-world applications, making complex blockchain concepts accessible to learners of all backgrounds.

Stephen McAllister, Binance Academy Team Lead, highlighted the significance of education in driving blockchain adoption. “Education is key to helping individuals navigate the evolving digital economy,” he said.

McAllister emphasized that the partnership with the University of Oulu makes blockchain education more accessible and applicable to real-world challenges. “This free course will give learners the knowledge to see how blockchain can drive sustainability, helping industries become more transparent, efficient, and environmentally responsible,” he noted.

A Vision in Motion

This partnership aligns with Binance Academy’s vision of making blockchain education accessible, practical, and impactful for learners worldwide. It builds on past collaborations with leading European universities, such as the Prague University of Economics and Business, the European Business University of Luxembourg, and the European School of Management (ESCP), to offer accredited Web3 courses.

Additionally, Binance Academy’s Learn and Earn and Student Ambassador Program further enhance the learning experience, offering lifelong learners hands-on opportunities to learn and actively engage with the blockchain community. By expanding educational initiatives like these, Binance Academy bridges the gap between blockchain technology and real-world applications, empowering the next generation to drive innovation in a more transparent and sustainable digital economy.

INDIA, March 27, 2025 – Honeywell and Verizon Business today announced that Honeywell smart meters will now include Verizon 5G connectivity to allow both utilities and end users to remotely access essential data, better manage energy usage and resources, and streamline operations to help alleviate strain on the grid.

The Verizon-connected Honeywell smart meters provide utility companies with a highly reliable and secure cellular network capable of sending information about energy usage, grid conditions and equipment performance. This information can be fed into utility management platforms such as Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities to deliver heightened operational visibility that will support energy insights, provide near real-time “bottoms up” forecast of energy demand, and help improve grid reliability and resiliency.

“Put simply: secure, reliable connectivity in smart meters makes it easier to monitor the usage of resources and the performance of utility equipment. That means we can reduce waste, unburden our grids, and generally take time and cost out of the utility management process,” said TJ Fox, Senior Vice President of Industrial IoT and Automotive at Verizon Business. “With massive changes on the horizon for utilities, connected capabilities are going to be critical for managing evolving demands for energy and minimizing outages or unforeseen maintenance events.”

“By leveraging the power of AI, Cloud and 5G, we are driving the shift to autonomy for utilities and fundamentally changing the way energy distribution is managed by offering real time connectivity,” said Amol Motivala, President of Honeywell Smart Energy. “Through Verizon 5G connectivity, we are reimagining the utility ecosystem with cellular connected smart meters that provide the needed insights to help improve grid performance and customer satisfaction.”

“With the growth of IoT solutions for utilities, there’s a clear trend toward using cellular-connected intelligence to monitor the grid for operational efficiency, health, resiliency, energy usage and overall performance,” said John Marcus, Senior Principal Analyst, GlobalData. “This is especially important as charging infrastructure and energy-management innovations continue to proliferate and are poised for rapid growth. Cellular connectivity, with its inherent security and reliability, is one of the most effective ways to enable the intelligence that can help unburden the grid and more efficiently, intelligently manage energy resources.”

The Verizon-connected Honeywell smart meters also support remote upgradability of new functionality and applications, extending the useful life of the investment and reducing the need for a technician to visit in person. With remote connectivity, customers can also anticipate fewer service interruptions and more reliable utilities.

Bengaluru, India – March 27, 2025 – PingCAP, powering open-source distributed SQL database TiDB, reaffirmed its commitment to driving database innovation in India by hosting the inaugural TiDB User Day India 2025 in Bengaluru on 26th March 2025. As India becomes one of the fastest-growing markets for TiDB, the event served as a forum to honour the contribution of TiDB in India. The event brought together technology leaders, database professionals, and industry innovators to explore real-world use cases, best practices, and the future of distributed databases in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. By recognizing the role of its users and partners, TiDB aims to further empower Indian enterprises with scalable and innovative solutions to accelerate digital transformation in the country.

The event highlighted TiDB’s growing adoption in India and its impact on powering next-generation applications. The summit featured insightful keynotes and panel discussions led by experts from Flipkart, Databricks, ElasticRun, Mydbops, and other leading organizations, covering topics such as scaling databases, performance optimization, and AI-driven innovations. Attendees engaged in deep-dive technical sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on the evolving role of TiDB in modern data infrastructure. Demonstrations included a live TiDB Performance Tuning session for high concurrency workloads, coupled with special recognition of the open-source community members who actively contribute to TiDB’s development and innovation. Awards were presented to community members for their significant contributions, exceptional knowledge, and passion. Over 200 attendees participated in person, reflecting the event’s broad reach and the growing interest among TiDB customers and community members.

Commenting on the event, Bhanu Jamwal, Head of India Business at TiDB, stated, “India’s rapid digital transformation is driving an unprecedented surge in data. Businesses need future-proof database solutions that can scale effortlessly while supporting real-time decision-making. TiDB’s distributed architecture and HTAP capabilities position it as a game-changer for companies looking to modernize their data infrastructure. As part of our long-term vision for India, we are targeting a 5x revenue increase over the next three years, driven by expanding our local team, deepening partnerships with cloud providers like AWS and Google Cloud, and strengthening community engagement through workshops, training sessions, and hackathons.”

Adding to this, Sunny Bains, Chief Architect at TiDB, said, “With the growing integration of RAG in AI applications to enhance accuracy, vector search has become a critical component. Traditional databases often fall short in supporting RAG-based applications. TiDB offers a unified system that seamlessly combines vector search capabilities with relational database features, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple databases. At TiDB User Day, we demonstrated how enterprises can leverage TiDB’s vector search capabilities to optimize AI performance.“

“TiDB has proven to be the missing piece in the scaling puzzle. This event provided a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the product while allowing us to connect with other TiDB users to exchange insights on how distributed SQL can address the evolving data needs,” added Ajit Pendse, Director, Technology, ElasticRun.

“TiDB User Day was a great experience—getting to hear from experts and fellow users about real-world challenges and solutions was really insightful. The hands-on sessions gave me a lot of ideas to take back to my team. It’s always great to connect with the community and learn from each other,” said Raj Suvariya, Software Engineer, Stripe

As India accelerates towards a $1 trillion digital economy, TiDB remains committed to empowering businesses with cutting-edge distributed SQL technology. Through strategic partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and continuous innovation, TiDB is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s data infrastructure, enabling enterprises to build for scale, optimize performance, and drive digital transformation.

Mumbai, March 27, 2025: Group Legrand India, has been awarded the renewed Gender Equality and Diversity European and International Standard (GEEIS) Certification in recognition of the Organization’s policies and initiatives promoting diversity, equity and workplace inclusion. The certification was granted by Bureau Veritas, a recognized certifying body for GEEIS-DIVERSITY. Group Legrand India received its first certification in 2023 and has renewed it once again, meeting the parameters defined by the certification body.

The GEEIS-DIVERSITY certification is based on a rigorous assessment of a company’s policies, practices and culture in promoting equality and diversity and recognizes organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to creating an inclusive work environment. For Group Legrand, inclusion is built around five focal areas: gender diversity, inclusivity towards people with disabilities, intergenerational collaboration, inclusion of LGBTQ+ people origin or background, whether social, cultural or ethno-racial diversity of background.

“We are delighted to receive the renewed GEEIS-DIVERSITY certification for India, which reaffirms our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in our workplace,” said Tony Berland, CEO and Managing Director of Group Legrand India. “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are at the heart of our People philosophy and a significant pillar in our CSR Roadmap. We believe that this is critical for business success and social progress, and we are committed to creating a work environment where everyone can reach their full potential.”

Commenting on the certification, Nisha Samuel, VP-HR, Group Legrand India said “We have taken conscious and targeted actions like addressing gender imbalances, promoting intergenerational mentorship, enhancing accessibility for employees with disabilities, celebrating cultural diversity, and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through inclusive policies.”

Group Legrand India has implemented several initiatives to promote diversity at the workplace, including a diversity and inclusion policy that promotes equal opportunities for all employees, a flexible work arrangement policy that allows employees to balance their personal and professional commitments, a gender-neutral parental leave policy, insurance policy for live-in partners, and various people development initiatives to help build a stronger diverse leadership and talent pipeline. We have two active ERGs dedicated for Diversity i.e. Ellegrand and Legrand Rainbow network.

Chennai, 27th March 2025: ZEE Tamil, one of the leading Tamil television channels in Tamil Nadu, is all set to captivate audiences with the second season of its popular show, Idhayam. Known for its unique storyline and compelling characters, Idhayam has won the hearts of viewers across Tamil Nadu. The new season will telecast from Monday, 24th March at 2 PM, On Zee Tamil.

 Idhayam saw Richard and Janani Ashok Kumar playing the lead roles. The story ended with Aadhi leaving for America, determined to erase all memories of Bharathi. With the new season premiering today, the drama takes a fresh turn with exciting new developments.

 Pallavi Gowda will now play the role of Bharathi, replacing Janani. Pallavi has previously worked alongside Richard in a Telugu serial, making her a familiar face to the audience. Additionally, actress Pareena will be joining the cast as Aadhi’s close friend.

 The new season follows Aadhi’s life in America, where he meets his friend and eventually falls in love. The couple gets engaged and returns to India for their wedding after 5 years. Meanwhile, Bharathi continues to live in Chennai with her two children.

 As Aadhi reaches Chennai for his wedding, will he come face-to-face with Bharathi? Will old memories resurface? Can separated hearts reunite? The upcoming season promises unexpected twists and emotional moments, keeping the audience engaged.

27th March 2025, Mumbai, India – R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2024 winner rkive city is set to debut its first-ever solo runway collection, Reclaim The City, at Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI on 27th March 2025 at The Atelier, Jio World Convention Centre. Their showcase comes as a result of winning the prestigious R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2024, held in partnership with the United Nations in India, which champions innovation in circular fashion. This opportunity allows the brand to present a collection that embodies the core principles of sustainability and circularity, reflecting the very ethos of the Challenge.

The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC), launched six years ago by Reliance Industries Limited in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week, is a pioneering platform dedicated to driving sustainability and circularity in fashion. Originating in India, CDC empowers young designers and entrepreneurs to showcase innovative circular solutions, nurturing a new generation of environmental champions. Through mentorship, market access, and industry exposure, the program continues to propel emerging leaders who are redefining the fashion and textile value chain with sustainable practices. Since its inception, CDC has been instrumental in shaping India’s eco-conscious fashion narrative. In 2023, it expanded globally to the UK, European Union, and Asia-Pacific, further strengthening its vision to be a catalyst for change in the global fashion ecosystem. This unique partnership exemplifies how industry, the fashion community, and multilateral organisations like the UN can unite to drive impactful change—aligning with the principles of Mission LiFE announced by the Prime Minister of India. The platform’s global partners include Istituto Marangoni, British Council, and Redress Design Challenge.

Reclaim The City is a study in memory, built from the remnants of materials left behind. It explores the idea of revival: not just of garments, but of forms, details, and cultural rhythms once deemed obsolete. Through post-consumer textiles, the collection traces a narrative shaped by remembrance, with the objective of transcending the past. Each piece exists as part of broader research into how textiles carry both history and possibility. A sleeve might recall a uniform, a pocket might resemble a market worker’s jacket, and a stitch might trace the imprint of a pre-loved garment. The collection does not come together through uniformity but through carefully reconstructed diversity of texture, fit, and feeling.

This 36-look collection consists of salvaged scraps, reconstructed denim workwear, repurposed leather, and classic silhouettes reimagined through neo-manufacturing practices. Every garment is made entirely from post-consumer materials; reviving discarded clothes through techniques such as block printing, patchwork and creative waste management. Old boring office shirts, in particular, are a core exploration of the collection. Once discarded for minor imperfections, these pieces are revived and reconstructed with new patterns, dyes, and textures, celebrating the beauty and ease of repair.

As the team prepares for the runway in Mumbai, Reclaim The City seeks to highlight the dialogue between preservation and progress. With the city undergoing massive redevelopment, there is a lost sense of history and culture in the new architecture. As the city expands, this collection is a call to reclaim and preserve heritage and design whilst leaving space for future change.

For rkive city, revival is not nostalgia: it is an active reimagining of the past within the contemporary landscape. Every piece carries the imprint of what came before, reconstructed with care to create what comes next.

Bengaluru, 27th March 2025 — In a world that’s increasingly apart, Primus Sangama brings us closer. Launched by Primus, India’s foremost name in senior living, Sangama is the Bangalore’s first multigenerational living community — where children, adults, and seniors can live in an equitably shared space. Independent, yet remaining meaningfully connected.

Much like the sacred confluence of rivers at the Triveni Sangam, Primus Sangama is a coming together of generations, emotions, and everyday life. It celebrates the quiet joy of shared moments, the independence and dignity of personal space, and the deep comfort of being near the ones you love — even without living under the same roof.

Located off Mysore Road in Bengaluru, this thoughtfully masterplanned community features over 300 spacious homes, with a blend of senior-friendly and family-centric units across 1, 2, 3 and 3.5 BHK formats.

“Primus Sangama is our vision of a modern, multi-generational living community where families can come together, embracing the rich traditions of India’s joint family system while enjoying the independence and space of nuclear living. Each generation can thrive in their own homes yet remain closely connected within the same vibrant community. The addition of a professional service layer after completion ensures that all generations can enjoy various conveniences like a on premise restaurant, Medical Center, Event teams and Concierge, creates a truly unique product and living situation” said Adarsh Narahari, Founder & Managing Director of Primus.

At Sangama, three streams of modern living find convergence like never before — Home. Hospitality. Health. It’s not just a place to stay. It’s where elders are respected, children are raised with stories, and parents are supported — by both people, technology and professional services.

What makes Sangama a first-of-its-kind?

· Dual-Zone Design: Separate living clusters for seniors and families enable privacy, with shared community spaces encouraging connection.

· Primus Services: From nutritious home-style meals stirred to individual dietary preferences, concierge support and housekeeping, to 24/7 medical care, wellness programs and cultural events — life here is supported with a plethora of conveniences adding a deep services layer over the home.

· Inclusive, Interwoven Living: Clubhouse, restaurant, gardens, and event spaces are designed for all ages to enjoy, together.

· By addressing elder safety, family fatigue, and the fading wisdom-sharing between generations, Sangama offers a new way of living — one where “apart” and “together” find their perfect balance.

Mumbai, 23rd March 2025 -Pearl Academy, India’s leading creative education institution established in 1993, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is proud to present ‘FIRST CUT,’its groundbreaking student showcase at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI on March 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM in Mumbai.

This year’s theme, “Find Your Self,” is inspired by the upcoming film Mannu Kya Karegga, which is based on the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai: The Secret to a Long and Happy Life. The showcase delves into the emotional, psychological, and societal shifts shaping today’s youth, offering a profound exploration of fashion, resilience, and the human spirit.

The philosophy of Ikigai teaches that true happiness lies at the intersection of passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Through fashion, Pearl Academy’s students translate these essential pillars into a visual and tactile narrative, reflecting on the aftermath of global catastrophes and the search for happiness in an uncertain world.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

FIRST CUT stands as a testament to Pearl Academy’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of fashion innovators. For years, the institution has provided its students with a platform to showcase their creativity at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, one of the most prestigious events in the industry. This collaboration with FDCI underscores Pearl Academy’s dedication to excellence and its pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian fashion.

Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, said, “At FDCI, we are committed to providing emerging talent with meaningful opportunities to shape their future in fashion. FIRST CUT is a platform that nurtures young student designers from Pearl Academy and gives them the exposure they need to make an impact in the industry. Fashion is an evolving dialogue, and this showcase allows students to engage with its transformative power. We look forward to witnessing their vision come to life on the runway.”

Thematic Acts: A Journey to Find Your Self

 The showcase takes audiences on a transformative journey through four thematic acts, each a pillar of Ikigai, guiding the search for self-discovery. It begins with PASSION: “Make Nothing from Scratches”, where raw creativity meets sustainability as students breathe new life into deadstock fabrics, crafting bold, rebellious silhouettes that symbolize the courage to create from within. Next, SUCCESS: “Juxtapose” challenges conventional notions of achievement,blending unexpected layers and unconventional styling to reflect the evolving, often contradictory paths to finding one’s true self. PURPOSE: “Reimagine” delves into tradition, reinventing Indian pattern-cutting techniques to create garments that honor heritage while embracing a global identity, symbolizing the quest for deeper meaning and authenticity. The journey culminates in LOVE: “Love is Blind”, a vibrant celebration of love in all its forms—innocent, digital, mature, and beyond—exploring how connection and inclusivity help us understand ourselves and others. Together, these acts weave a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning, inviting audiences to reflect on their journey to ‘Find Your Self’ in a rapidly evolving world.

FIRST CUT has a rich history of addressing global issues through fashion. Past editions have explored themes like the post-COVID world, the impact of wars and natural disasters, India’s moon landing, and the rise of AI. This year, the focus shifts inward, urging audiences to rethink success, purpose, and joy in an era defined by uncertainty.

For Pearl Academy students, FIRST CUT is more than a fashion show—it’s a life-changing opportunity to present their work on a national stage, gain recognition from industry leaders, and take their first steps toward a successful career in fashion. Students from Fashion Design and Fashion Styling are collaboratively working on this showcase, blending technical craftsmanship with artistic vision. Each thematic area is meticulously curated, from concept development to garment construction and styling, ensuring a holistic and immersive fashion experience.

FIRST CUT at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI is more than just a runway show—it is a statement, a reflection, and a dialogue on the realities shaping our world.This season, we invite audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring identity, purpose, and authenticity through a thought-provoking, emotionally charged showcase. Witness how the next generation of designers redefines fashion as a medium for finding oneself in an era defined by uncertainty and transformation.

Event Details

• Date: March 30, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM
• Venue: JIO World Centre, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai

Join us as we redefine happiness and resilience through the art of fashion. Witness the future of fashion unfold on the runway, as the next-gen designers from Pearl Academy take center stage

National, March 27, 2025 – Bombay Shaving Company and Mokobara, two of India’s most disruptive brands, have teamed up to launch the Anywhere Grooming Kit—a first-of-its-kind collaboration that redefines on-the-go grooming. This curated kit combines Mokobara’s sleek, travel-friendly design with Bombay Shaving Company’s premium grooming essentials, offering a seamless fusion of style, convenience, and self-care. Unveiled on the latest episode of The BarberShop podcast hosted by Shantanu Deshpande, the launch received a positive response, with Shantanu’s LinkedIn post about the collaboration receiving strong engagement from fans and industry peers alike.

This partnership is a celebration of innovation, bringing together two brands that are redefining their categories to create excitement and added value for consumers. Designed for modern travellers who want to stay sharp and stylish on the go, the limited-edition Anywhere Grooming Kit is integrating Mokobara’s design philosophy with Bombay Shaving Company’s deep expertise in personal care. By cross-leveraging their USP’s, both brands have crafted an elevated, high-utility travel grooming solution that delivers convenience, style, and premium self-care in one thoughtfully curated kit.

Speaking about the collaboration, Shantanu Deshpande said “The most exciting outcome of our latest podcast episode with the brilliant Mokobara founders was the creation of something truly special. Mokobara, known for its exceptional travel design, crafted a sleek and functional kit, while Bombay Shaving Company curated high-performance grooming essentials to complement it. This led to the launch of the Moko X BSC Anywhere Grooming Kit, a first-of-its-kind collaboration that seamlessly blends style, convenience, and premium self-care. At Bombay Shaving Company, we are committed to pushing boundaries and crafting innovations that truly enhance our consumers’ lives because their needs will always be at the heart of everything we do.

Sangeet Agrawal, Founder and Navin Parwal, Cofounder & CMO said: “At Mokobara, we’re obsessed with designing travel essentials that make every journey better. Partnering with Bombay Shaving Company felt like a natural fit since we both care deeply about craftsmanship, quality, and making life simpler for our customers. The Anywhere Grooming Kit is a testament to this shared passion, and we’re thrilled to bring this to our community.”

This launch comes at the perfect time, just ahead of the summer travel season, offering customers an essential, all-in-one grooming companion for their travel plans. The kit features Bombay Shaving Company’s best-in-class grooming essentials, including the Power Groomer trimmer, Sensi Smart 3 razor, Charcoal Shower Gel, Coffee Face Wash, and a 10ml bottle of Mexico perfume all curated to deliver an effortless self-care experience. These essentials are packed inside a Mokobara-designed Hanging Toiletry Bag, crafted for both style and functionality, ensuring easy access and convenience for grooming on the go.

Mumbai, 27th March 2025 – The biggest designers with the biggest discounts. Happens only at FDCI’s Stockroom. Get the ultimate dopamine kick of your retail life with a shopping free where some of the biggest designers come at the most attractive price points – less 70%!

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) is bringing back its much-awaited Stockroom Sale—your golden chance to grab outfits from India’s top designers at prices you can never otherwise get them for!

Happening on March 30, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, this one-day sale is every shopaholics dream. From wedding attires, pret, elegant evening ensembles, the Stockroom Sale covers the length and breadth of your closet.

The FDCI Stockroom this sale features over 60+ leading designers, including: AMIT AGGARWAL, BLONI, HOUSE OF MASABA, OTT TARUN TAHILIANI, SHRUTI SANCHETI, URVASHI KAUR, PALLAVI JAIPUR, NIRMOOHA, SON OF A NOBLE SNOB, SAKSHA AND KINNI, NOT SO SERIOUS BY PALLAVI MOHAN, NITIN BAL CHAUHAN, PANKAJ & NIDHI, ROY_CALCUTTA, ANURAG GUPTA, LINETRIBE, and many more!

“FDCI Stockroom has become a go-to shopping destination, offering fashion lovers a chance to own designer pieces at unbeatable prices. With its wide variety of collections, it ensures there’s something for everyone, making high fashion more accessible while celebrating creativity and craftsmanship,” said Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI.

FDCI has been shaping Indian fashion, providing a platform for designers to showcase their creativity and connect with fashion enthusiasts. Don’t miss this chance to own stunning designer pieces at unbelievable prices!

Mark your calendars and get ready to shop till you drop!