Archives March 2026

Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment & Suitable Pictures’ Boong, The First Indian Film to Win a BAFTA, Returns to Theatres on March 6 at PVR INOX

Mar 02: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, will bring back the highly acclaimed BAFTA-winning Manipuri film Boong, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, in select cities and cinemas across India on March 6, 2026. The film was originally released in September last year by PVR INOX.  Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures’ Boong had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film subsequently travelled to several prestigious international festivals, earning widespread critical acclaim and multiple honours, culminating in a historic win at the BAFTA Awards — becoming the first Indian film to receive the award in the Best Children’s and Family Film category. The film revolves around a little boy, Boong who plans to surprise his mother with a gift. In his innocence, he believes that bringing his absentee father back home would be the most special gift. Boong’s search for his father disintegrates his world but culminates into an unexpected gift.

Talking about the film releasing in theatres again, filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi said,

“Boong is my bittersweet memory of Manipur. From the writing stage up until now, as we stand on the cusp of a re-release, it has been a deeply personal journey. Winning the BAFTA was and still is surreal; even memory loss wouldn’t make me forget that moment! I am truly happy that Boong is returning to cinemas. Manipur is meant to be experienced on the big screen, and I hope people get the chance to watch it in theatres this time.”

Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Limited, said,

“It’s such a privilege to be re-releasing Boong in India, a film that has not only earned international acclaim but also created history with its BAFTA win. We originally had a limited release of the film last year in September. At PVR INOX, we remain committed to championing diverse cinematic voices. Boong’s re-release is our way of giving audiences across India the opportunity to discover and celebrate this remarkable film in the immersive theatrical environment.”

Catch Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures’ Boong on the big screen from March 6, 2026 at PVR INOX. The film is being re-released in India by Anil Thadani (AA Films Pvt. Ltd.) and will open in select cinemas.

Booking details and theatre listings will be announced soon on the official PVR INOX app/website and social media.

Uttar Pradesh, India | Mar 2: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, a pioneer in farm mechanization and an undisputed leader in the power tiller segment, has been conferred with the prestigious State Excellence Award at Global Agro Tech 2026, held in Uttar Pradesh. The award was presented by H.E. Anandiben Patel, Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, to senior officials of the company in recognition of its pioneering contribution to advancing small and compact farm mechanization in India. In addition to this recognition, VST also received the Best Stall Display Award for showcasing a comprehensive portfolio of innovative farm mechanization solutions tailored to diverse agricultural needs.

At the exhibition, VST displayed its complete range of products spanning from 5 HP to 50 HP, offering integrated solutions for key segments including sugarcane cultivation, orchard farming, and inter-cultivation operations. The display highlighted VST’s commitment to enabling small and marginal farmers with efficient, cost-effective, and technology-driven farm equipment.

The VST stall at the event attracted significant interest from farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, dealers, and policymakers, demonstrating VST’s leadership in compact tractors, power tillers, and specialized farm machinery designed for Indian farming conditions. The recognition at Global Agro Tech 2026 further reinforces VST Tillers Tractors’ position as a frontrunner in sustainable and scalable farm mechanization, supporting enhanced productivity and rural prosperity across the country.

Bengaluru, Mar 2: United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) proudly steps up as the official Philanthropy Partner for the TCS World 10K Marathon, scheduled to be held on April 26, 2026, in Bengaluru.

This year, UWBe provides a structured fundraising platform that empowers participants to support credible grassroots initiatives in education, environment, women empowerment, sports, healthcare, and community development.

As a trusted partner, UWBe ensures every contribution undergoes rigorous due diligence and monitoring, directing funds precisely to the communities that need them most.

For United Way Bengaluru, this is more than just a run; it’s a powerful opportunity for corporates, communities, and individuals to unite and drive meaningful change. Through transparent processes, UWBe connects supporters with NGOs creating real impact on the ground. United Way Bengaluru requests corporates, CSR leaders, NGOs, institutions, and passionate individuals to join hands as changemakers. Participate in the run, fundraise, and turn steps into lasting progress. 

March 02: Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Agrovet), one of India’s leading diversified agri-businesses, has launched a new multi–crop insecticide TAKAI. Powered by Cyclapryn^TM technology developed by ISK Japan, TAKAI offers quick control and longer-lasting protection against major lepidopteran pests viz ‘caterpillar-type’ insects that damages crop thereby helping farmers improve overall crop health. The company has received label approval for Rice, Maize, Chickpea and Soybean, while label expansion approvals for Cabbage and Chilli crops are currently awaited.

In West Bengal -widely known as the “Rice Bowl of India” with nearly 15 million tonnes of annual rice production – lepidopteran pests pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. In rice, yellow stem borer and leaf folder infestations can cause 20–40% yield losses during severe outbreaks, while maize crops face 25–30% damage from fall armyworm, escalating up to 60–65% in extreme cases. Soybean yields are reduced by 20–30% due to Spodoptera litura and semiloopers, and vegetable crops such as chilli and cabbage commonly suffer 15–30% losses from similar pest attacks. With pests, diseases, and weeds emerging as major constraints, protecting crops through timely and effective management is critical to sustaining West Bengal’s farm economy and food security.

N.K. Rajavelu, CEO – Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet, said “Effective pest management determines the success of the Indian farmer. Through TAKAI, we intend to enable farmers to protect their crops from pest attacks by offering them a solution that delivers rapid feeding cessation and sustained pest control over a longer duration. In a state like West Bengal, where rice and other key crops are cultivated across multiple seasons and are highly vulnerable to infestations, timely intervention becomes even more critical. This approach helps farmers optimise input costs and secure more stable, higher-quality yields.”

He added, “At Godrej Agrovet, our endeavour is to deliver crop protection solutions that address environmental and market challenges faced by our farmers. Today’s launch of TAKAI is in sync with our strategy of strengthening our portfolio across key crops by leveraging our research-expertise and strong on-ground reach that empower farmers and uplift farming families.”

Rice, being a multi-season crop – Kharif, Rabi and Summer, is grown in warm, humid and water-logged conditions making it ideal for pest attacks throughout the year. In the early critical stage, i.e. vegetative stage during 15-30 DAT, Stem Borer damages the plant and makes it difficult for farmers to detect early. Later at reproductive stage during 40-60 DAT, both Stem Borer and Leaf Folder attack the plant. Leaf Folder feeds on the leaf tissue by folding the leaves thereby reducing the plant’s photosynthetic area and hence crop growth. It is at these stages that TAKAI should be applied at a dose of 160 ml when the crop is 15-30 days old and again at 40-60 DAT.

For other crops also, only one dosage of 160 ml of TAKAI is recommended.

With the launch TAKAI today and a maize herbicide ASHITAKA last year, Godrej Agrovet reinforces its commitment to building a more productive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural ecosystem through innovation and farmer-led product development.

Gurugram, Mar 02: India, particularly the Delhi-NCR region, faces a severe, year-round air pollution crisis that peaks during winter months. Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs) are among the top two contributors to India’s non-communicable disease burden, which is further aggravated by smoking cigarettes and beedis, and vaping — all of which introduce harmful chemicals and ultrafine particles into the lungs.

 Addressing this escalating public health challenge, Medanta – The Medicity, one of India’s largest private multi-specialty tertiary care providers, has launched a comprehensive, year-round public awareness initiative aimed at shifting national focus from seasonal alarm about poor air quality to sustained vigilance against CRDs. As part of the campaign, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, and Dr. Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Medanta Gurugram, unveiled a landmark Giant Lungs exhibit — an immersive, inflatable walkthrough of the human respiratory system — designed to educate the public on lung health and early diagnosis.

Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, stated,

 “Air pollution, coupled with newer concerns like vaping, and the widespread underdiagnosis of critical conditions like CRDs, represents a fundamental challenge to public health, silently stealing years from our lives. We must urgently shift our mindset from periodic alerts to continuous vigilance and action. This initiative reflects our dedication to empowering individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves and their families every single day.”

India accounts for over 30% of global deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CRDs. Recent data indicates particulate matter levels in India in 2023 were more than eight times higher than WHO guidelines, contributing to an average reduction of 3.5 years in life expectancy, with data indicating a potential loss of up to 8.2 years in life expectancy in the Delhi-NCR region due to prolonged exposure to high particulate matter levels. Compounding the crisis is significant underdiagnosis: an estimated 95-98% of COPD cases and nearly 70% of severe asthma cases remain undetected.

Dr. Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at Medanta Gurugram, emphasized,

 “Air quality discussions often focus on seasonal spikes, but the cumulative damage from chronic exposure is relentless. For Delhi-NCR residents, polluted air is not an occasional event but is a daily reality. The impact is particularly alarming because lung damage progresses silently, with symptoms often appearing only when disease is advanced. Sustained public awareness about CRDs, routine screening, and year-round preventive action are critical to protecting respiratory health in high-risk urban regions like ours.”

March 02: Liberty Shoes Limited, one of India’s leading footwear brands, has announced a partnership with neOwn, India’s first app-based book rental service for children. For a month, all 25 Liberty stores across Bangalore will provide customers with an exclusive ₹500 discount voucher, with every liberty purchase, redeemable on any neOwn subscription. Liberty‘s approach positions this offer as added value for customers. 

neOwn, founded by Kranti Gada (former COO of Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd.), appeared on IdeaBaaz and earned the attention and support of retail industry leader Anupam Bansal, Executive Director of Liberty Shoes, who was one of the Titans on the show. 

Discussions between the two companies led to this collaboration, positioning Liberty as a brand that invests not just in children’s footwear, but in their holistic development.

The collaboration represents a shift in how physical retail can add value beyond transactions. Rather than simply completing a sale, Liberty stores now offer parents an opportunity to invest in their children’s cognitive development alongside their physical growth. 

“I am deeply grateful to Mr. Bansal for seeing the potential in what we are building,” said Kranti Gada, Founder of neOwn. “Mr. Bansal offered valuable insights from being in the retail business for decades, along with access to Liberty‘s retail infrastructure. This partnership validates our mission in a way that goes beyond capital. It is a testament to the power of believing in a shared vision: that every child deserves to be introduced to books early to grow confident, both physically and mentally.” 

“Business today has evolved beyond commercial transactions. Today’s customers are looking for brands that add real value to their lives.” says Mr. Anupam Bansal, Executive Director, Liberty Shoes, “When I met Kranti on IdeaBaaz, I saw a founder who is building something that genuinely helps parents raise confident children. Liberty has the retail infrastructure to help scale that impact. Sometimes the best partnerships aren’t about funding, they are about finding aligned missions and acting on it together. Good shoes give children the physical confidence to explore the world. Good books give them the mental tools to understand it. This partnership makes both accessible to the families who trust Liberty. It’s a natural fit.” 

The partnership is supported by a co-branded social media campaign highlighting the connection between physical and mental development in children. Both brands are creating educational content for parents around building confidence through holistic growth. 

The Bangalore pilot represents the first phase of what could become a model for similar partnerships nationwide, demonstrating how established brands can support emerging startups while adding meaningful value for customers.

Mumbai, March 02:  Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. sales in the domestic & international market for February 2026 stood at 63,331 units, compared to 46,811 units during February 2025, up 35% YoY.

Includes sales of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited, subsidiary of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.

Mar 2: Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. have reached another pivotal milestone in 6G research and ecosystem readiness, successfully demonstrating carrier aggregation across FR1 and FR3 frequency ranges. The joint achievement is showcased live at MWC Barcelona 2026.
 

The CMX500 one box tester is ready for 6G research with the new modular RFU18 board.

At MWC Barcelona, Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies present a live demonstration at the Rohde & Schwarz booth (5A80) that aggregates a mid-band channel around 2.5 GHz (FR1) with an upper mid-band channel around 7 GHz (FR3), using 4×4 MIMO on both bands and higher-order modulation. With this setup, the two companies validate end-to-end device behavior across the aggregated spectrum.

At the heart of the test setup is the CMX500 one-box signaling tester from Rohde & Schwarz, extended with the new RFU18 board to provide coverage up to 18 GHz. RFU18 is a modular hardware upgrade for the CMX500 platform, giving customers a straightforward, cost-effective path to extend existing testers towards 6G. As device under test (DUT), Qualcomm Technologies provided a Mobile Test Platform (MTP) powered by the Qualcomm® Modem-RF System, enabling comprehensive validation of RF performance and protocol behavior across the aggregated FR1 and FR3 bands.

The FR3 frequency range (7.125 to 24.25 GHz) has been identified by industry and research as a “sweet spot” for combining wide-area coverage with high capacity. FR3 in terrestrial networks (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) is expected to support demanding applications such as eXtended Reality (XR), connected and autonomous vehicles and industrial automation. By validating FR3 as an additional frequency range for future networks, the partners are helping accelerate 6G development and ecosystem readiness.

Goce Talaganov, Vice President Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “Through our ongoing collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, we continue to push the boundaries of wireless communications. As the ecosystem moves toward 6G, we’re showing how easy innovation can be with our test equipment. In response to customer demand, we are extending the CMX500 platform to 18 GHz – so that our customers gain headroom for FR3 evolution and higher-frequency emissions and harmonic testing.”
Tingfang Ji, Vice President of Engineering and Head of 6G Research at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. said: “Our collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz highlights the importance of aggregating existing spectrum bands with new 6G spectrum in FR3 to establish 6G as the high efficiency digital infrastructure for the 2030s. By validating new spectrum layers and advanced RF capabilities using our MTP powered by Qualcomm Modem-RF System, we are accelerating innovation across the ecosystem and helping prepare devices and networks for the next-generation of services.”

Future-ready CMX500 platform for 6G:
The CMX500 is a modular, powerful and future-proof one-box signaling tester enabling comprehensive multi-technology testing – from RF to protocol – across all relevant frequency ranges (FR1, FR2 and FR3). All existing CMX500 platforms can be enhanced with the new RFU18 board to extend frequency coverage and capabilities without replacing the entire system, offering users a simple upgrade path.

Engineered for data rates up to 20 Gbps, the CMX500 is one of the most versatile mobile device test platforms, supporting wide dynamic range, 4096QAM and up to 16 device antenna ports for advanced spatial multiplexing. With its multi-band capabilities, it covers LTE and NR in SA/NSA modes, NR-NTN, NB-NTN, Direct-to-Cell (D2C/DTC) testing, and WLAN including Wi‑Fi 7 and future Wi‑Fi 8.

Visitors to MWC Barcelona 2026 can experience the joint demo of FR1–FR3 carrier aggregation at the Rohde & Schwarz booth 5A80 in hall 5 from March 2 to 5, 2026, and can learn from the company’s experts how the CMX500 platform with RFU18 enables faster 6G device and network innovation.