Archives March 2026

Bengaluru, Mar 24: Meesho today announced the launch of “Vaani – Your Meesho Dost”, India’s first Gen-AI powered conversational voice shopping assistant purpose built for the next 500 million users who inherently shop offline.

In offline settings, shopping has always been conversational. People describe what they need, ask questions, compare options and seek reassurance before making a purchase. However, this behaviour has not translated easily to digital commerce. For many, especially across tier 2+ markets, navigating apps through typing, filters and structured search can feel unintuitive.

“Vaani – Your Meesho Dost” is designed to bridge this gap by bringing conversational shopping into the digital experience. Users can speak in their own words, ask follow-up questions and refine their choices through a natural, ongoing conversation. With this launch, Meesho is taking steps towards its broader vision of conversational commerce, reimagining how users interact with e-commerce through more natural, voice-led experiences.

The assistant is designed to support users across the entire shopping journey, from discovery to purchase. It understands user intent by asking relevant follow-up questions, helps surface the most relevant products without extensive browsing, and addresses decision-making barriers through contextual information like reviews and product details. It also guides users through key steps such as selecting payment methods and confirming delivery details, reducing friction across the purchase process. Built for scale, the system leverages on-device processing to deliver a faster, more efficient experience while optimising costs.

The assistant is powered by a robust AI architecture designed for real-world usage at scale. It leverages edge computing for speech understanding and synthesis to ensure low latency and cost efficiency, while a multi-agent framework enables it to handle complex, multi-step shopping interactions reliably.

The system is further strengthened by fine-tuned models trained on regional language nuances, allowing for more accurate and context-aware responses. With multi-modal capabilities, the assistant can understand both what users say and what they see on the screen, enabling a more seamless and context-rich shopping experience

Sanjeev Kumar, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Meesho Limited, said, “At Meesho, AI has always been at the core of how we build for scale. With over 251 million annual transacting users, we have a deep understanding of how India shops, and that allows us to anticipate and solve for consumer needs in ways that very few platforms can.” 

“Over the years, we have embedded AI and ML across every part of our marketplace, from discovery and pricing to logistics, trust and seller growth. Vaani is a natural extension of this journey. It brings together conversational AI with Meesho’s commerce intelligence to support users from discovery to purchase.

The assistant understands user intent, asks follow-up questions, surfaces relevant products, and guides users through key steps in the purchase journey, making the experience more intuitive. Built for real-world usage at scale, it delivers fast, reliable, and context-aware interactions.

We believe this is a meaningful step towards making e-commerce more accessible and more human, and towards shaping a future where technology adapts to people, not the other way around,” he added.

Early adoption shows strong user confidence, with 79% saying voice simplifies shopping, 94% finding it intuitive, and 62% already trusting it for transactions.

Within the first month of launch, over 1.5 million users have interacted with the assistant. Engagement is repeat-led, with users returning frequently and engaging in multiple conversations over short periods, indicating early habit formation.

This is translating into measurable impact, with users who engage with the assistant seeing a 22% higher conversion rate, moving more efficiently from discovery to purchase, and showing lower returns and cancellations.

Jasjeet Kaur, Chief Executive Officer, Groupe SEB India, said, “Urban consumers today are constantly balancing speed with quality across every aspect of their lives. In cities like Bengaluru, where time is often dictated by factors beyond one’s control, we see a clear need for solutions that simplify everyday routines. With Tefal, our focus is on delivering innovations that are intuitive, efficient, and built around real consumer insights, ensuring that while the city may demand patience, the kitchen does not.”

Mar 24: Family offices are increasingly using AI and technology to boost operations and data use but are avoiding investing in the sector, new research* from Ocorian, the specialist global provider of services to high-net-worth individuals and family offices, financial institutions, asset managers and corporates, shows.

The global study among family members and senior executives working for family offices with total wealth of $119.37 billion found 86% are using AI technology to improve their operations and data insights.

However just 7% questioned in the study in 16 countries or territories including the UK, US, UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius and Bahrain are currently seeking investment opportunities in the sector.

That is likely to change rapidly over the next three years with nearly three out of four (74%) expecting to increase investment in AI and other digital assets, including 20% planning to dramatically increase investment in the sector.

Around a quarter (26%) strongly agree that AI will reshape how family offices are run and will boost performance, value and growth in the next year.

However, 72% believe the major impact of AI on how family offices are run will not be felt for between two to five years.

 Michael Harman, Commercial Director UK & Channel Islands at Ocorian said: “Family offices are gradually adopting AI and technology as part of their operations and are particularly using it for data insights.

“However, adoption of AI is still in its early stages across the sector, and most are not currently investing. There is a realisation that it will have a major impact and family offices need to start exploring the sector and will need support in making the transition. In the meantime, we are working with our family office clients – including those who may choose not to adopt AI directly – so they can still get the outcomes they want, without having to take on the implementation and associated risks themselves, as we take significant steps towards adopting AI as a service provider.”

Ocorian’s award winning dedicated family office team provides a seamless and holistic approach to the challenges and opportunities families face. Its service is built on long-term personal relationships that are founded on a deep understanding of what matters to family office clients. Its global presence means Ocorian can provide bespoke structures and services for international families no matter where they live.

 Key services include formation and administration of family offices, HR support services, support with lifestyle and luxury assets, family governance, resident and relocation services and specialist support with immigration, visas, payroll, marine and aircraft crew management and financial reporting.

Jindal Steel has commissioned its third Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF-3) at its integrated steel complex in Angul, Odisha, marking a major milestone in its capacity expansion programme. With this addition, the company has completed a 6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) expansion, significantly boosting production capabilities at the site. The Angul plant’s crude steel capacity has now risen to 12 MTPA, making it one of the largest single-location integrated steel facilities in India. Overall, Jindal Steel’s total steelmaking capacity has increased to 15.6 MTPA, including operations from its Raigarh plant.

The expansion also includes upgrades across key infrastructure such as coke oven units, the cold rolling mill (CRM) complex, and other upstream and downstream facilities, along with the integration of BOF-2 and BOF-3 systems. The company stated that the entire project was completed within the planned timeline, ensuring smooth commissioning of all units.

The increased capacity is expected to enhance production efficiency, improve plant utilisation, and support better cost optimisation for the company. Industry experts believe such large integrated facilities strengthen supply chain efficiency and help meet rising domestic steel demand driven by infrastructure growth.

The expansion also aligns with India’s broader industrial strategy of boosting domestic manufacturing and advancing the vision of self-reliance in the steel sector under Atmanirbhar Bharat. With infrastructure development accelerating across the country, the enhanced steel output from Angul is expected to support key sectors such as construction, railways, and manufacturing, further strengthening India’s industrial growth story.

Shillong; Mar 2024: Something extraordinary is about to unfold in the Northeast. Seeti, India’s boldest new culinary collective, is set to host its much-anticipated second chapter in Meghalaya, bringing together some of the country’s most exciting chefs, storytellers, creators, and cultural voices for an immersive experience.

From March 26 to March 31, Meghalaya will transform into a living, breathing celebration of food, culture, and community, where local traditions meet national talent, and stories long overlooked finally take centre stage.

Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, says,

 “Meghalaya stands defined by its vibrant culture, rich landscapes, and, most importantly, the energy and creativity of its youth. Rooted in our communities, our traditions, indigenous produce, music, and culinary heritage reflect a living legacy. SEETI 2.0 celebrates this spirit—providing a platform for our youth to lead, innovate, and share Meghalaya’s story with the world. It is a reflection of who we are and a step towards a future shaped by our young people.”

Seeti is not just another food festival.

It is a movement, one that challenges the status quo of India’s culinary narrative by shifting the spotlight away from familiar metros and into regions rich with heritage, identity, and untapped stories.

• ·Set against Meghalaya’s breathtaking landscapes, this chapter will feature:
• ·Curated dining experiences rooted in ingredients
• ·Collaborations between regional and culinary talent
• ·Cultural immersions with indigenous communities
• ·Storytelling sessions that go beyond the plate

Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Chairman & Managing Director, Meghalayan Age Ltd. says,

“At Meghalayan Age, our focus has been on enabling tourism models that are sustainable, community-linked and rooted in the state’s identity. SEETI reflects this approach by creating a platform that engages with local ecosystems, food practices and cultural narratives in a structured and meaningful way.”

“The Northeast has a depth of food, people, and culture that hasn’t fully entered the national conversation. Through Meghalaya, SEETI creates that entry point, bringing a curated group to experience it directly. The Meghalaya Government’s support has made it possible to do this the right way. SEETI creates space for people to slow down, connect, and experience a place more thoughtfully. The northeast naturally offers this spirit, and Seeti Meghalaya Kahani 2 builds on it. We don’t interpret the place; we create moments through food, conversation, and shared experiences, where our guests become storytellers themselves”, added the Seeti Founders.

WHY MEGHALAYA, WHY NOW?

The Northeast has long remained underrepresented in mainstream food conversations, despite its extraordinary diversity, deep-rooted traditions, and distinct culinary identity.

Meghalaya, with its rich indigenous food systems, hyperlocal ingredients, and strong community-led culture, offers a powerful starting point to reframe how India experiences and understands its own culinary landscape.

Seeti’s Meghalaya chapter is a conscious step toward rewriting that narrative, not by interpreting the region from the outside, but by creating a platform where local voices are foregrounded, amplified, and meaningfully collaborated with

by bringing together chefs, farmers, artisans, and storytellers from within the region alongside voices from across the country, Seeti aims to:

• – Build long-term bridges between communities
• – ⁠Encourage knowledge exchange rooted in respect and authenticity

• – ⁠Create visibility for ingredients, practices, and people often overlooked
•  ⁠Position the Northeast as a vital part of India’s evolving food identity

This is not about showcasing Meghalaya as a destination. It is about recognizing it as a source.

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – 24 March 2026 – In Indonesia, where motorbikes have long dominated daily mobility, transitioning to a car has traditionally been seen as a major leap, one associated with higher costs, lifestyle adjustments, and urban constraints. However, the arrival of the VinFast VF 3 is rapidly reshaping that narrative.

For many first-time car buyers, especially those upgrading from motorbikes, the most striking impression of the VF 3 is not its technology, but its sense of relief. No more exposure to heat, rain, or fatigue from long hours navigating traffic, common realities in cities like Jakarta or Surabaya.

‘A small car, yet a whole world of its own’

One user described the experience as “stepping into a completely different world”, a space where they can lean back, relax, and actually enjoy the journey instead of enduring it.

Despite its compact footprint, the VF 3 offers a surprisingly optimized cabin. Its minimalist yet functional design ensures that every element serves a clear purpose, from seating layout to dashboard ergonomics. The air-conditioning system cools the interior quickly, a crucial advantage in tropical climates.

A particularly thoughtful design detail is the upright windshield, which helps reduce direct sunlight entering the cabin, an issue that many traditional sedans in Southeast Asia still struggle with. These seemingly small refinements collectively deliver a noticeably improved everyday experience.

More importantly, for many Indonesian families, VF 3 quickly becomes part of daily life: school runs, grocery trips, and weekend getaways. A compact car, yet a complete personal space on wheels.

Effortless driving, confident journeys

One of the biggest psychological barriers for motorbike users switching to cars is driving complexity. The VF 3 addresses this by making the experience intuitive and approachable.

With a light steering feel, tight turning radius, and a length of just around 3 meters, this mini-SUV is perfectly suited for navigating dense urban environments, a defining characteristic of Indonesian cities.

The gear selector, positioned conveniently behind the steering wheel, further simplifies operation, especially for first-time drivers.

Beyond ease of use, the VF 3 delivers a distinctly different driving experience thanks to its electric powertrain. Acceleration is smooth and immediate, allowing for responsive maneuvering in traffic. Even at speeds of 70-80 km/h, the vehicle maintains stability and a planted feel, giving drivers confidence on highways and intercity routes.

Notably, with a maximum torque of up to 110 Nm, the VF 3 exceeds expectations for a vehicle in its segment. It handles inclines and varied terrains with ease, proving capable even on more challenging routes.

When cost is no longer a barrier

Beyond user experience, economics plays a decisive role in Indonesia’s mobility transition, and this is where VinFastcreates a compelling advantage.

Unlike gasoline vehicles, electric cars offer significantly more predictable operating costs. Users are no longer exposed to volatile global fuel prices. Instead, electricity costs are generally more stable and easier to forecast.

More importantly, VinFast introduces an innovative battery subscription model, which has already received positive feedback in Indonesia. By separating the battery, the most expensive component, from the vehicle price, the company significantly reduces upfront ownership costs.

This aligns closely with Indonesian consumer behavior, where affordability at the point of purchase remains a key decision factor, even if long-term savings are evident.

VinFast further strengthens this advantage through a seasonal promotion: free battery subscription fees for two years for vehicles invoiced before May 31, 2026. Economically, this is highly impactful, as it effectively eliminates a major portion of early-stage operating costs.

When both initial investment and ongoing expenses are minimized, the barrier to switching from motorbikes or gasoline cars to EVs becomes dramatically lower.

A “golden opportunity” to go electric

Amid increasing volatility in global fuel markets, Vingroup has launched the “Trade Gas for Electric” program across multiple markets, including Indonesia.

The initiative provides an additional 3% discount on VinFast electric cars and a 5% discount on VinFast electric scooters for customers who switch from older gasoline vehicles.

At the same time, GSM Green and Smart Mobility is supporting this transition through discounted electric mobility services, allowing users to experience EVs firsthand before making a purchase decision.

Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive ecosystem approach, not just selling vehicles, but enabling a complete shift in mobility behavior.

In a country where motorbikes have long been the default choice, the VF 3 introduces a new paradigm: compact, accessible, and intelligently designed mobility. It delivers not only convenience and cost efficiency, but also a tangible upgrade in quality of life, from protection against weather conditions to creating a private, comfortable space for families.

As urbanization accelerates and mobility needs evolve, solutions like the VF 3 are no longer optional. Ultimately, the reason many Indonesian users are willing to “ditch motorbikes without regret” is simple. They are choosing a better way to move, and a better way to live.

Indian Railways has revised its ticket cancellation and refund guidelines to improve transparency, reduce misuse, and make seat allocation more efficient for passengers.

Under the updated system, refund eligibility will now depend on how early a passenger cancels their ticket before the train’s departure.

Revised Refund Structure

As per the new rules:

• Tickets cancelled 72 hours or more before departure will be eligible for up to 75% refund, after deduction of applicable charges.
• Cancellations made between 72 and 24 hours before departure will allow around 25% refund.
• If a ticket is cancelled between 24 and 8 hours, passengers may receive approximately 50% refund.
• No refund will be granted if cancellation is done within 8 hours of departure.

Officials say the revised structure is designed to discourage last-minute cancellations that often lead to seat blocking and reduce availability for other passengers.

Greater Flexibility for Boarding Point Changes

Along with refund reforms, Indian Railways has also introduced a passenger-friendly update allowing changes to the boarding station.

Passengers can now modify their boarding point up to 30 minutes before departure, offering greater flexibility, especially for those travelling from cities with multiple railway stations.

Earlier, such changes were permitted only until chart preparation. The new rule extends convenience closer to departure time.

Aim: Prevent Misuse and Improve Efficiency

Railway officials have stated that the updated policy also aims to curb irregular practices by ticket agents and bulk booking operators who sometimes reserve and cancel tickets repeatedly for unfair advantage.

By tightening cancellation rules, Indian Railways hopes to ensure fair access to confirmed seats and improve overall booking system efficiency.

Significance of the New Policy

The revised rules are important because they:

• Promote fair ticket availability for genuine passengers
• Reduce last-minute cancellations and seat wastage
• Improve transparency in refund calculations
• Strengthen system efficiency and booking discipline
• Offer better flexibility for boarding adjustments

Conclusion

The new cancellation and refund framework marks a step toward a more structured and efficient railway booking system. While stricter in approach, the policy is designed to enhance fairness, reduce misuse, and improve travel convenience for millions of passengers across India.

Digital marketing in 2026 is evolving into a highly intelligent and experience-driven ecosystem. With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), brands are now able to connect with consumers in more meaningful, precise, and personalized ways.

What was once broad and repetitive advertising has now transformed into data-driven, real-time, hyper-targeted communication that adapts to individual behavior and preferences.

AI at the Core of Modern Marketing

Artificial intelligence has become the central engine of today’s marketing systems. Instead of relying on general audience categories, AI tools now analyze individual user patterns—what people search, click, watch, and buy—to understand intent more deeply.

This allows businesses to deliver highly relevant content such as:

• Personalized product recommendations
• Tailored advertisements based on real-time behavior
• Smart prediction of customer needs
• Automated campaign optimization for better performance

In simple terms, marketing is becoming less about guessing what people want and more about understanding it before they even ask.

Generative AI: Speeding Up Creativity

Generative AI has changed how marketing content is created. Businesses can now produce written content, visuals, videos, and advertisements in a fraction of the time it once took.

This technology helps teams to:

• Quickly generate multiple creative ideas
• Personalize messages for different audiences
• Test and refine campaigns faster
• Reduce production costs significantly

Rather than replacing creativity, generative AI is helping marketers focus more on storytelling, strategy, and emotional connection with audiences.

Immersive Experiences: AR and VR in Marketing

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are bringing a new dimension to digital engagement. Instead of simply viewing ads, customers can now interact with products in a virtual environment.

For example:

• Trying furniture in a virtual room before buying
• Exploring digital showrooms from home
• Participating in interactive brand experiences
• Viewing products in real-world settings through AR apps

These immersive tools make marketing more engaging and help customers make more confident decisions.

Business Impact: Efficiency, Reach, and Growth

The combined power of AI and immersive technology is delivering strong business outcomes across industries.

1. Greater Efficiency

Marketing processes are faster and more automated. Campaign creation, audience targeting, and performance tracking now require less manual effort, allowing teams to focus on strategy and innovation.

2. Wider Reach with Precision

Brands can now reach global audiences while still delivering highly personalized messages. This balance of scale and precision was not possible in traditional marketing systems.

3. Stronger Business Growth

Better targeting and improved customer engagement are leading to higher conversion rates, improved customer loyalty, and stronger returns on marketing investment.

Even small businesses are benefiting, as advanced tools are now more affordable and accessible than ever before.

A More Responsible Digital Future

While the opportunities are significant, experts also stress the importance of responsible usage. Concerns around data privacy, ethical AI use, and over-automation are becoming more important in marketing discussions.

Balancing innovation with trust and transparency will be essential for long-term success.

Conclusion: Marketing Becomes Smarter and More Human

Despite being driven by advanced technology, the future of digital marketing is becoming more human in its impact. AI and immersive tools are not just improving efficiency—they are helping brands understand people better and create more meaningful experiences.

In 2026, successful marketing is no longer about reaching everyone. It is about reaching the right person, at the right time, with the right message—powered by intelligence, creativity, and empathy.

Metal Park has signed a strategic lease agreement with Binghatti, establishing a collaboration focused on optimising Binghatti’s own construction supply chain through improved control, efficiency and material assurance.‍

The partnership reflects a growing shift among leading developers toward greater ownership of how critical construction materials are sourced, processed and delivered recognising that supply chain performance directly impacts project timelines, quality and cost certainty.

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Taking Control of the Construction Supply Chain

At the heart of every construction project lies steel from reinforcement and cut-and-bend for foundations to structural elements that define scale and durability. Through this agreement, Binghatti will utilise Metal Park’s integrated metals ecosystem to centralise key elements of its materials workflow, giving the developer greater visibility and control across its construction pipeline.‍

By working within Metal Park, Binghatti aims to:

· Secure consistent quality of reinforcement steel rebar products

· Improve coordination between material availability and project schedules

· Reduce reliance on fragmented suppliers

· Strengthen on-time delivery across multiple developments‍

For a high-volume developer, this level of control is increasingly critical to maintaining execution speed and construction standards.‍

A New Model for Developers

Metal Park’s ecosystem model brings together steel supplier, metal sizing and finishing services, storage, logistics and supporting service providers within one industrial environment. This structure enables developers to simplify how metals move from mill to site, transforming to semi or fabricated items and to be used in construction while traditionally fragmented procurement into a coordinated, performance-driven system.‍

While the agreement directly supports Binghatti’s internal construction needs, it also demonstrates a broader shift in how forward-thinking developers are approaching supply chain strategy moving from transactional purchasing toward integrated, service-led models.‍

Aligning Strategy, Quality and Delivery

For Metal Park, the partnership reinforces its role as an enabler of modern construction providing infrastructure and services that allow developers to retain control over quality and delivery without needing to build in-house industrial capability.‍

For Binghatti, the collaboration supports vertical alignment across its construction operations, ensuring that materials quality, services and timelines are managed with the same rigour applied to design and development.‍

The agreement signals a shared belief that construction excellence begins long before materials reach site and that integrated ecosystems can play a decisive role in improving efficiency, predictability and performance across the sector.