All posts by Neel Achary

 New Delhi, Mar 10: DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square has appointed Nikhil Malhotra as Commercial Director, strengthening the hotel’s leadership team as it sharpens its positioning across corporate, leisure, and MICE segments.

In this role, Malhotra will lead the hotel’s commercial strategy across sales, marketing, and revenue optimisation. He will work closely with the leadership team to grow market share, build strategic partnerships, and drive sustained revenue performance across key business segments.

Malhotra brings over 15 years of hospitality experience across leading international hotel brands. Over the course of his career, he has worked with brands including Accor, Hyatt, The Zuri Group, and Alila Hotels & Resorts, building strong expertise in market development, key account management, commercial planning, and team leadership.

Commenting on the appointment, Nikhil Malhotra said, “The Gurugram market continues to evolve rapidly, and it presents strong opportunities across corporate travel, social events, and emerging lifestyle segments. I look forward to working closely with the team to strengthen our commercial strategy, deepen market partnerships, and drive sustained growth for the property.”

With his strong background in strategic sales leadership and market-driven commercial planning, Malhotra will support the hotel’s continued growth in Gurugram’s dynamic hospitality market.

AAEON will be at Hall 1, Booth 306 of NürnbergMesse in Nuremberg, Germany between March 10 and March 12, 2026.

(Taipei, Taiwan – Mar 10) AAEON, an industry leader in embedded computing, will host live demonstrations showcasing the edge AI capabilities of its products across multiple solutions at Embedded World 2026 in Nuremberg, between March 10 and March 12, 2026.

Date: March 10 – March 12, 2026

Booth: Hall 1, Booth 306

Venue: Nuremberg Messe GmbH, Messezentrum 90471 Nuremberg, Germany

This year, robotics and edge AI will be central themes of AAEON’s Embedded World showcase, allowing visitors the opportunity to see how scalable AI platforms from across its product portfolio are accelerating intelligent automation across industries.

At Booth 306, AAEON will present a varied selection of live application demonstrations featuring new, exciting technologies from leading platform providers. Most notable of these is a speak-and-command robot featuring the upcoming BOXER-8741AI, built on NVIDIA Jetson T5000 module.

Meanwhile, AAEON will host a number of live demonstrations developed in conjunction with key software partners, beginning with a four-wheeled robot running on AAEON’s BOXER-8651AI and remotely controlled by AAEON’s RTC-1030 rugged tablet, built in collaboration with Rover Robotics and Cogniteam.

On the themes of machine vision and industrial AI, AAEON will introduce visitors to a new AI Workstation powered by the NVIDIA RTX PRO™ 6000 Blackwell, running Ipsotek’s AI Video Analytics from Eviden. The demonstration will feature multiple use-case videos showcasing the adaptability and scalability of Ipsotek’s VISuite software. Demo scenarios include edge-based deployments as well as advanced forensics and investigations, utilizing VLM and agentic AI models. In addition to this, an industrial defect detection application developed with computer vision specialists Awentia will be present, executing Awentia’s VLM engine on AAEON’s new modular MEX-BTS System Box PC, equipped with NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada Generation GPU, powered by NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture.

In its first public outing, the upcoming MIX-PTLWV1 Mini-ITX motherboard will be used in a demonstration illustrating how its Secure Edge AI reference architecture can be implemented for intelligent perception and decision-making. Powered by Ultralytics and Sandgrain CyberRock, the solution will illustrate the suitability of Ultralytics’ YOLO models on Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 Processors, as well as how such licensed models can secured by Sandgrain CyberRock.

From AAEON’s UP Division, the UP Xtreme ARL AI Dev Kit will be deployed with Network Optix’s Nx AI Manager, showcasing the tool’s cross-hardware compatibility, custom pipeline configuration, and centralized, software-based model management. A further offering from UP will be a voice-controlled robotic arm built on the upcoming UP Xtreme PTL Edge, AAEON’s first Mini PC to host Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Processors.

On Tuesday 10 March at 15:00, AAEON will participate in a technical workshop featuring a live demonstration on deploying and accelerating real-time computer vision workloads on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors using the Intel® OpenVINO™ Toolkit and Ultralytics YOLO. The session will showcase practical implementation strategies and performance optimization techniques for edge and embedded AI applications. Industry professionals and developers are encouraged to register in advance to secure their participation: https://aaeon-intel-ultralytics-vision-ai.eventbrite.com.

Among its static product demos, AAEON will present a range of products that utilize innovative technologies from leading providers including Qualcomm Technologies and AMD. Notably, visitors will get a public showing of AAEON’s uCOM-Q6490, a SMARC module powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing™ QCS6490 processors, which features an 8-core CPU running up to 2.7 GHz, a dedicated GPU, and an NPU capable of up to 12 dense TOPS to deliver powerful heterogenous compute performance, and the GENE-R8K6, a 3.5″ SubCompact Board with AMD Ryzen™ Embedded 8000 Series processors.

Mar 10: NETGEAR has selected the CMP180 radio communication tester from Rohde & Schwarz for the development of future Wi-Fi 8 access points. By integrating the tester into their design validation test environment, NETGEAR will be able to speed up the development of performance optimized Wi-Fi products.
 

The CMP180 supports many cellular and non-cellular technologies including Wi-Fi 8.

Rohde & Schwarz, a leading supplier of test and measurement equipment for wireless applications, and NETGEAR, manufacturer of advanced networking technologies and leading-edge Wi-Fi 7 products, collaborate to get the next generation Wi-Fi 8 products ready for the market.

Wi-Fi 8 is the next generation Wi-Fi based on the upcoming IEEE 802.11bn standard. With the focus on ultra-high reliable (UHR) WLAN, this new technology will improve the wireless user experience at homes, offices and factories: high-speed connectivity under all conditions with low latency for gaming, learning and working applications which will use augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to provide an immersive user experience.

Design validation of Wi-Fi 8 access points requires test solutions which support the latest Wi-Fi 8 features like distributed resource units (DRU) or unequal modulation (UEQM) with up to 320 MHz wide channels in all supported bands and highest modulation schemes (4096QAM), while providing the performance (EVM), and scalability (4×4 MIMO) required to optimize the wireless device performance.

Rohde & Schwarz provides NETGEAR with the CMP180 radio communication tester, a future-proof non-signaling testing solution for wireless devices, which can be used in research, development, validation and production. It supports many cellular and non-cellular technologies including the latest Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 8 and 5G NR FR1 in frequencies up to 8 GHz and bandwidths of up to 500 MHz.

The CMP180 comes equipped with two analyzers, two generators and two times eight RF ports in a single box, plus the possibility to scale up by stacking several testers. This makes it a cost-efficient test solution with best-in-class performance, addressing current and future test demands.

While its fast multi-DUT testing capabilities make the CMP180 ideal for testing in mass-production test environments, test engineers can use the instrument throughout the entire development cycle: from engineering validation tests (EVT), design validation tests (DVT) and production validation tests (PVT) to mass production (MP).

Joseph Emmanuel, VP, Consumer Business Unit HW Engineering at NETGEAR, says: “Working with Rohde & Schwarz enables us to bring our Wi-Fi 8 products on the market with the expected high quality and extremely high performance for the best multi-gigabit Wi-Fi experience everywhere at home.”

Goce Talaganov, Vice President Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “We are grateful for the close collaboration with NETGEAR on the latest Wi-Fi 8 technology. Our experience in wireless device testing and early cooperation with Wi-Fi 8 chipset and device vendors helped us to improve our test solution for the upcoming broad Wi-Fi 8 market.”

Mohali, Punjab, March 10: As interest in plant-based wellness and hemp skincare continues to grow globally, Hempress Botanics announces the launch of its Himalayan-inspired range of hemp-based skincare, haircare, and natural pain relief products. The brand combines the therapeutic potential of hemp with carefully sourced Himalayan botanicals to develop products designed for modern wellness and everyday self-care.

“Hemp has been used for generations for its restorative and soothing properties, and we believe it deserves a central place in modern wellness,” says the founder of Hempress Botanics. “By combining hemp seed oil with traditional Himalayan botanicals and modern formulation science, we aim to create products that support healthy skin, nourished hair, and natural pain relief.”

Powered by nature, crafted with care From nourishing hair oils to soothing skincare, Hempress Botanics brings the purity of hemp and botanicals to your everyday self-care ritual

At the heart of Hempress Botanics’ formulations is hemp seed oil, a nutrient-rich botanical ingredient known for its essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and skin-supporting properties. Widely recognized in the natural skincare industry, hemp seed oil helps maintain skin hydration, support barrier health, and calm irritation while remaining lightweight and non-comedogenic.

The brand sources several of its botanical ingredients from the Himalayan region, known for its biodiversity and rich heritage of plant-based remedies. By combining hemp with other natural ingredients traditionally valued in herbal wellness, Hempress Botanics aims to bring nature-driven solutions into contemporary personal care routines.

The brand’s initial product portfolio includes hemp-based skincare, haircare, and topical pain management products, designed to address everyday wellness needs. These include nourishing body lotions, face creams, lip care products, hair care formulations, and targeted relief products for muscle and joint discomfort.

With consumer demand rising for clean beauty, plant-based skincare, and natural wellness products, Hempress Botanics positions itself at the intersection of traditional botanical knowledge and modern product design. The brand emphasizes ingredient transparency, thoughtful formulations, and products that integrate easily into daily routines.

Looking ahead, Hempress Botanics plans to expand beyond topical personal care into broader hemp wellness categories. Future offerings may include hemp-based edibles and nutraceutical products, supporting a more holistic approach to plant-powered wellbeing.

Hempress Botanics products are currently available through the brand’s official website www.hempress.in, with plans to expand across leading e-commerce marketplaces and retail channels across India.

Paris, 9 March, 2026 – kyron.bio, a biotechnology company pioneering precision glycoengineering for antibody therapeutic development, today announced a strategic partnership with Servier, an international pharmaceutical group governed by a Foundation.

Under the terms of the agreement, kyron.bio will use its technology to glycoengineer an antibody selected by Servier, who will fund the associated research activities. Servier will have the option to further explore antibody engineering and development opportunities based on the outcomes. Financial details are not disclosed.

kyron.bio’s proprietary glycoengineering platform can enhance therapeutic performance of antibodies by enabling precise control of the glycan structures to improve efficacy, safety, and scalability. In this partnership kyron.bio will seek to demonstrate clear glycan control on the Servier antibody of interest for a specific pre-determined N-glycoform.

To date, engineering of glycans have been under-exploited, due to technical challenges, limiting the use of glycan engineering in drug design. kyron.bio is changing that. The company has developed a scalable, proprietary method to achieve comprehensive control over glycosylation, unlocking the possibility to use precision glycosylation in next generation drug design.

Dr. Emilia McLaughlin, founder and Chief Executive Officer of kyron.bio said,

“We are delighted that Servier has chosen to explore the potential of our glycoengineering platform. Servier has deep expertise in therapeutic development and combined with our precision glycosylation technology, this partnership provides a powerful opportunity to unlock new levels of antibody performance and deliver better outcomes for patients.

“Precision glycosylation represents a transformative approach in biologics development. By engineering defined glycan profiles, therapeutic antibodies can be optimized for improved immune engagement, pharmacokinetics, and reduced variability.”

In 2024, kyron.bio was the winner of the Servier Golden Ticket award which has provided invaluable support and mentorship through the company’s early translational phase and has developed a foundation for understanding the potential of kyron.bio’s technology.

Dr. Emmanuel Nony, Director of External Innovation Europe at Servier said,

“Meeting kyron.bio as a winner of Servier’s Golden Ticket award has enabled our scientists to develop an understanding of the kyron.bio glycan engineering technology and its exciting possibilities in antibody drug design. This collaboration is opening new frontiers for antibody derivatives as well. Together, we are exploring innovative pathways to optimize drug design and production, with a shared commitment to bringing safer and more effective therapies to patients.”

kyron.bio’s strategy is to form strategic drug design partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies working on next-generation antibody therapeutics, alongside in house therapeutic development programs.

A successful company creation from the French Entrepreneur First Scheme, in 2025 kyron.bio raised €5.5m in a seed round from an experienced syndicate of venture investors including HCVC, Verve Ventures, Entrepreneurs First and Saras Capital, as well as private angel investors and the European Innovation Council. It has established an R&D base at the biotech hub Paris Biotech Santé in the Cochin Hospital.

India’s credit journey is gaining strength, backed by growing demand and improving repayment behaviour. According to the latest insights from Experian, total loans outstanding reached nearly ₹130 lakh crore as of December 2025, marking a healthy 17% year-on-year growth. In Q3 FY26 alone, new loans worth ₹20 lakh crore were originated, reflecting continued confidence from both individuals and businesses. At the same time, repayment delays have declined, signalling stronger financial discipline and a more stable credit environment.

One of the clearest trends is the rising preference for secured loans such as gold loans, home loans and vehicle loans. The share of secured loans in new originations increased to 34%, driven largely by strong demand for gold and housing finance. Gold loans are expanding rapidly as they offer quick and convenient access to funds for short-term needs. Home and auto loans continue to see steady traction. Unsecured loans, including personal loans and consumer durable financing, also remained active during the festive season. Meanwhile, credit card originations moderated, reflecting thoughtful and measured credit usage.

The data further highlights how different lender segments are contributing to this growth. Public sector banks are expanding their presence in home and auto loans, while NBFCs continue to support access to small-ticket credit such as consumer durable and two-wheeler finance, especially for first-time borrowers. Overall, stronger credit assessment practices, responsible lending frameworks and the power of comprehensive data are working together to enhance portfolio quality and support sustainable, long-term growth across India’s credit ecosystem.

Mumbai, Mar 09: Entourage Films is carving a unique niche as a women-centric film production house, creating stories that inspire and entertain. Extending this vision, it has  launched its very own podcast – Catch Up With Crew – exploring the experiences of women filmmakers and the culture of working in the entertainment industry through unfiltered stories and behind-the-scenes moments.  

The first episode, Rolling With Her, featured five directors – Jessica Sadana, Shai Samtaney, Arunima Sharma, Roopali Singhal and Shachi Malhotra – in a roundtable conversation with host Garima Arora, offering an honest look at their personal and professional wins. From moving to Mumbai to chase their dreams, their time in film school, to pre-shoot day anxieties and rituals, it became a space for reflecting and speaking freely. The conversation flowed organically across creative freedom, rejection, and balancing pregnancy and motherhood with work. Equal parts breezy and insightful, the episode captured the realities of a career behind the lens while supporting and inspiring each other. 

Talking about the first episode, Garima Arora, Founder & Executive Producer at Entourage Films, said, “These directors have been an inspiration to me, and I am sure they serve as an inspiration for other women around the country. Seeing them thriving as artists from such varied backgrounds can be deeply inspiring. I believe representation like this makes the journey feel more tangible and can potentially set the wheels of someone else’s career in motion, and this is what Catch Up With Crew is all about.”