Archives March 2025

Chandigarh, March 28, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a SeleQtions hotel in Amritsar, Punjab. Spread over 10 acres, this project will be a suburban resort with breath-taking views.

Commenting on the signing, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL said, “Amritsar, a renowned destination for both leisure and pilgrimage, draws visitors from across the globe. In addition to its cultural significance, the city’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector is witnessing a rise in business travel. This signing is in line with IHCL’s strategy of expanding its presence in key cultural and commercial markets across India. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Saurabh Khanna for this project.”

The 100-key IHCL SeleQtions Amritsar features spacious rooms with private outdoor seating decks providing a cozy retreat for guests to unwind and enjoy the scenic views. Designed to be a destination for social events, this suburban resort houses a large 10,000 sq. ft banquet space, beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with serene water features, and walking paths, creating an exquisite backdrop for any occasion. To cater to the diverse culinary preferences of its guests, IHCL SeleQtions Amritsar offers a range of dining options, including an all-day diner, a specialty grill, and a bar, designed to provide a unique experience with carefully crafted menus, impeccable service, and an inviting ambiance. In addition, the hotel boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and a rejuvenating spa offering holistic therapies.

Mr. Saurabh Khanna, Director, Aarth Realtech Ventures Pvt Ltd, said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL to bring the SeleQtions brand to Amritsar, and we look forward to working together to make it a success.”

Amritsar, known for its cultural and religious significance, is home to key attractions such as the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and the Wagah Border, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers. The city also plays a crucial role in the region’s economy, with its thriving textile and agricultural sectors, alongside its developing manufacturing industry.

Chandigarh, March 28, 2025: This Eid, indulge in Sheer Khurma, a rich and aromatic dessert that offers wholesome goodness. Infused with the exquisite Himalayan Saffron and the natural sweetness of Himalayan Samavastra Honey, this festive treat is packed with antioxidants, essential nutrients, and natural energy. A perfect blend of tradition and wellness, this creamy vermicelli pudding allows you to celebrate Eid while making a nourishing choice for you and your loved ones.

Ingredients for a Healthy Festive Indulgence
To prepare this nutritious delight, start with 1 litre of full-cream milk, a source of calcium and protein for strong bones. Lightly roast 1/2 cup vermicelli (seviyan) in 1 tbsp ghee, which provides healthy fats for sustained energy. Instead of refined sugar, sweeten with 1/4 cup Himalayan Samavastra Honey, a natural antioxidant-rich alternative. Enhance the flavor and health benefits with 10-12 strands of Himalayan Saffron, known for its anti-inflammatory and mood-boosting properties. Add 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews) for essential vitamins and minerals, and 2 tbsp chopped dates, a fiber-rich natural sweetener that supports digestion. Finally, infuse warmth with 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, known for aiding digestion and metabolism.

Crafting Your Nourishing Sheer Khurma
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee and lightly roast the vermicelli until golden brown. Pour in full-cream milk and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Add cardamom powder, chopped dates, and nuts, allowing the flavors to blend while enhancing the dish’s nutritional value. Stir in Himalayan Samavastra Honey for a natural, unprocessed sweetness and let the mixture simmer until it reaches a creamy consistency. Lastly, mix in the pre-soaked Himalayan Saffron, enriching the dish with its golden hue, subtle floral aroma, and powerful health benefits.

A Luxurious Honey-Saffron Drizzle for Added Wellness

For an extra layer of indulgence and nourishment, prepare a fragrant syrup by combining 1 tbsp Himalayan Samavastra Honey, 1 tbsp warm milk, and a few strands of Himalayan Saffron. Drizzle this over the Sheer Khurma just before serving to enhance both flavor and health benefits.

Garnishing with Nutrient-Rich Elegance
Elevate your Sheer Khurma with a finishing touch of slivered almonds, rose petals, or edible silver leaf. Serve warm or chilled for a truly wholesome Eid dessert experience.

MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts has appointed Varun Mehrotra as Assistant Vice President – Sales & Marketing at its Corporate Office. With over 23 years of experience in sales leadership, strategic marketing, brand positioning, revenue optimization, and market expansion, Varun brings a wealth of expertise that will play a crucial role in strengthening the brand’s market presence, accelerating revenue growth, and driving impactful sales and marketing initiatives across its portfolio of 18 luxury resorts in 8 states.

 His career in hospitality began with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, a globally recognized luxury brand, and he has since contributed to shaping sales and marketing strategies for some of the most prestigious names in the industry, including The Leela, Zuri Hotels & Resorts Ltd, Ista Hotels, Accor Group Fairmont Jaipur & Khyathi Solutions. His expertise in analyzing market trends, optimizing revenue streams, and strategically positioning brands has consistently resulted in sustained business growth and a competitive edge.

 In his new role at MAYFAIR, Varun will lead the development and execution of a performance-driven sales and marketing strategy, focusing on expanding market reach, optimizing sales channels, and leveraging data-driven insights for performance marketing. He will play a key role in strengthening high-revenue segments such as MICE and destination weddings, fostering strategic alliances, and enhancing brand positioning. Additionally, he will drive digital transformation and innovative marketing campaigns to accelerate long-term profitability.

 Recognized for his strategic thinking and results-driven approach, Varun’s leadership will be instrumental in scaling MAYFAIR’s commercial success and reinforcing its position as a premier luxury hospitality brand. His appointment marks an exciting new phase of growth, agility, and competitive excellence as MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts continues to expand and solidify its market leadership.

MUMBAI, India, 28 March 2025—Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, released the 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report, which found that threat actors are now evolving their tactics, moving beyond traditional ransomware and data theft to focus on business disruption, AI-assisted attacks, and insider threats. According to the report, almost half of the security incidents (44%) involved a web browser.

 The Indian government recently revealed that cyber fraud cases jumped over four-fold in FY2024, causing US$ 20 million (177 crores) in losses. These cases have varied from deepfake scams, and voice cloning scams, to phishing scams and more, causing loss of important data along with fiscal troubles.

 Recognising the dire need for stronger cybersecurity defence, the Indian government allocated over 1,900 crores for cybersecurity initiatives and projects in the Union Budget 2025, a whopping increase of 18% as compared to 1,600 crores allocated in the last budget.

 As financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies across the globe face an unprecedented and ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, regional regulators are strengthening Zero Trust frameworks, adopting AI-powered security solutions, and enforcing stricter compliance measures.

 The shift from financial extortion to full-scale business disruption means enterprises must rethink their cyber defences before an attack happens, particularly in sectors that rely on cloud and third-party vendors.

 The 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report, which analysed hundreds of major cyber incidents, aims to highlight how the increased sophistication of malicious actors is amplifying the challenges faced by businesses worldwide.

 Key findings of the 2025 Unit 42 Incident Response Report include:

•  Operational Disruption as a Primary Goal: Attackers are prioritising sabotage over data theft, aiming to cripple businesses and maximize extortion. In 2024, 86% of incidents led to operational downtime or reputational damage.
• Surge in Insider Threats Linked to North Korea: Cases tripled in 2024, with operatives targeting contract-based technical roles at major tech firms, financial services, media, and government defense contractors. Advanced techniques, including hardware-based KVM-over-IP devices and Visual Studio Code tunneling, make detection more challenging.
• Accelerated Data Exfiltration: Attackers are exfiltrating data three times faster than in 2021, with 25% of cases seeing data stolen within five hours, and nearly 20% occurring in under an hour.
• Expanded Attack Surfaces: 70% of incidents involved three or more attack vectors, underscoring the need for comprehensive security across endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and human vulnerabilities. Web browsers remain a weak link, facilitating 44% of attacks via phishing, malicious redirects, and malware downloads.
• Phishing Resurges as Top Entry Point: 23% of attacks began with phishing, overtaking vulnerabilities as the leading attack vector. GenAI has made phishing campaigns more scalable, sophisticated, and difficult to detect.

 “Cyber criminals targeting organisations in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region are no longer just stealing data, they are actively taking down entire operations,” said Philippa Cogswell, Vice President and Managing Partner, Unit 42, Asia-Pacific & Japan, Palo Alto Networks. “Traditional approaches to cybersecurity are no longer sufficient in addressing the visibility gaps and complexity challenges that organisations face today. To stay ahead of evolving threats, businesses must adopt AI-driven, automated security solutions that can outpace adversaries and provide comprehensive real-time protection.”

 “We have observed a notable rise in cyberattacks as threat actors increasingly adopt automation, RaaS models, and GenAI to streamline their campaigns. These tools allow attackers to rapidly identify vulnerabilities, create realistic phishing tricks and launch large-scale attacks faster, that aren’t just causing data theft but making business disruption their primary goal,” said Huzefa Motiwala, Senior Director, Technical Solutions, India and SAARC, Palo Alto Networks. “Organisations must adopt AI-powered security solutions to keep up with modern threats, recognising the urgent need to fight AI with AI.”

Bengaluru, India – March 28^th, 2025 – Trintech, a leading global provider of cloud-based financial close solutions for the Office of Finance, today announced the launch of its new India offices in Bengaluru and Noida. This strategic expansion is designed to tap into India’s rich talent pool to drive growth and innovation.

“Establishing our offices in India is a pivotal step in expanding and scaling our global operations and maintaining our leadership position in driving finance transformation for the world’s leading brands,” said Darren Heffernan, CEO of Trintech. “We are excited to attract top talent to our teams in India, enabling us to drive solution and service innovation across reconciliation and financial close processes. Our focus on responsible AI ensures that we deliver meaningful innovation that our customers need, while upholding the principles of accuracy, transparency and accountability.”

With over three decades of experience in automating reconciliation and financial close processes, Trintech empowers businesses to lead productivity transformation across their finance and accounting disciplines driving efficiencies, ensuring accuracy to mitigate risk, and empowering strategic decision-making. Trintech’s India operations will focus on continuing to build future-ready capabilities that drive innovation, agility, and operational excellence. By accelerating product development and unlocking new business value, Trintech aims to support its customers in achieving reduced financial risks, increased productivity, and accelerated financial transformation.

“Our India operations are a cornerstone of Trintech’s global operations, and these new facilities in Bengaluru and Noida showcase our dedication to fostering innovation and delivering value,” said Ram Dwivedi, Country Manager, Trintech India. “With this investment, we are better positioned to accelerate product development and empower finance and accounting teams as they continue to transform their financial operations.” 

Trintech’s India operations are an integral part of its global organization and planned expansion, which includes experts located in the US, EMEA and APAC. This global footprint is complemented by a robust partner network, which plays a crucial role in delivering seamless integrations and tailored solutions to meet diverse customer needs.

Zeiss Vision Center by Techoptix brings together the best of high-end eyewear craftsmanship with advanced optical technology. Discerning customers can now access an unparalleled range of luxury brands.

When it comes to luxury eyewear, few destinations in India match the exclusivity and craftsmanship offered by Zeiss Vision Center by Techoptix. Known for its premium curation of global designer labels and cutting-edge vision technology, Zeiss Vision Center by Techoptix has redefined luxury eyewear shopping, making it the ultimate one-stop destination for connoisseurs of style and innovation.

With a discerning eye for timeless craftsmanship and avant-garde designs, the boutique brings some of the most coveted international eyewear brands exclusively to India, offering a seamless blend of fashion and functionality.

Here’s a curated list of five luxury eyewear brands available only at Zeiss Vision Center by Techoptix:

1. Linda Farrow

A pioneer in luxury eyewear since the 1970s, Linda Farrow is synonymous with bold, timeless designs and impeccable craftsmanship. The brand’s statement sunglasses and optical frames exude glamour, making them a favourite among fashion icons.

2. T Henri

Handcrafted in Japan with meticulous attention to detail, T Henri represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury eyewear. The brand’s limited-edition frames combine architectural design with the finest materials, offering exclusivity like no other.

3. Maybach Eyewear

Inspired by the world of luxury automobiles, Maybach Eyewear blends opulence and precision. Crafted from rare materials like 18-carat gold, buffalo horn, and titanium, each pair is a testament to timeless elegance.

4. Jacquemus

Known for its playful yet sophisticated aesthetic, Jacquemus eyewear brings a modern, fashion-forward edge to luxury sunglasses. The brand’s unconventional shapes and vibrant colours make it a must-have for trendsetters.

5. Miu Miu

A perfect balance of femininity and boldness, Miu Miu eyewear blends vintage glamour with contemporary style. With oversized frames and distinctive embellishments, the brand is a favourite among the fashion elite.

From timeless classics to avant-garde creations, Zeiss Vision Center by Techoptix is where luxury meets innovation, offering an unparalleled eyewear experience that caters to both vision and style.

New Delhi, 28 March 2025: inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has rolled out the ‘Driver of the Month’ initiative in Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. The initiative, which is being rolled out from March 1 to March 31, encourages driver partners to take more rides with inDrive and get rewards. The month-long initiative will reward three winners in each category- Cab, Moto and Autorickshaw in every city- Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi in addition to 15 consolation prizes in each category per city.

“We owe to the contribution of our driver partners for excellent service. The initiative aligns with our commitment to celebrating the achievements of our valued driver partners. It will motivate them to take more rides with inDrive and augment their earnings as well, said Pratip Mazumder, Country Manager-India, inDrive.

“As a people-centric company, fair pricing and low service fees are our salient features. Mumbai is a key market for us due to its strategic location, commercial and business importance, robust infrastructure coupled with good passenger love we are seeing in the city. Our lean business structure aids us in having a ‘low fee’ model in place, which fosters transparency and reduces the need for high commissions and excessive surge pricing,” he added.

“Over the past few years, we’ve worked closely with our drivers to identify opportunities to make the platform more favorable for them through continuous feedback. This initiative adds to our continued commitment to supporting our driver community and helping them achieve both their professional and personal goals. We believe in offering a platform where drivers can earn based on their choices and be rewarded for their efforts,” said Saurabh Jain, Country Driver Operations Lead, India.

inDrive has pioneered the ‘Set your Fare and Choose your Driver’ in India. This model allows passengers to decide the price, driver, and type of vehicle, irrespective of the smartphone model, battery time, and other parameters. This is unlike other ride-hailing services, where AI models and algorithms determine pricing.

India, 28 March 2025: Sprite, the iconic lemon and lime-flavored beverage, is back with ‘Joke in a Bottle’ (JIAB) and this time, it’s bringing the sound of comedy with it! This season, the campaign takes a leap by blending playful melodies, quirky beats, and surprise twists to create an all-new, laugh-out-loud experience.

Comedy has emerged as a major passion point for young adults, with social media and meme culture leading the way in shaping the next generation of humor in India. Sprite’s teen forward and meme-centric comedy campaign is now entering its third season, equipped with a comprehensive strategy to deliver localized, pincode-specific humor to consumers across the country.

The season is expanding horizons from just jokes to multiple formats of comedy sprawling across memes, sketches, reels and clips. Sprite has partnered with social media’s favourite viral and acclaimed creator Yashraj Mukhate to craft his signature comedic soundscape that adds an unexpected rhythm to humor. From laugh tracks to catchy punchlines, this unique audio element promises to set a new standard for how brands use music to enhance storytelling.

Bringing fresh, exclusive content directly to Sprite consumers, Joke in a Bottle will feature 120 of India’s top content creators. Consumers can simply scan a QR code to unlock comedic skits that turn everyday stressors into entertainment, all infused with this refreshing new sound of comedy.

Sumeli Chatterjee, Senior Category Director, Sparkling Flavors, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Sprite’s ‘Joke in a Bottle’ is a seamless fusion of Gen Z subcultures, offering a witty and fun perspective on the daily routines of youth. Through Yashraj’s creative brilliance, we have transformed content into a sensory experience—one that transcends traditional viewing, allowing consumers to feel and share it through a unique audible. This bold, playful reimagining of refreshment in a sonic avatar ensures Sprite remains at the forefront of trends, perfectly aligned with the passions of our consumers.”

Expressing his excitement, Yashraj Mukhate said, “Sprite has always been effortlessly cool, and this season of Joke in a Bottle brings that vibe to life in a whole new way. We’ve mixed playful beats with comedy to create something fresh and fun. It’s the kind of twist that makes you smile before you even hear the punchline.”

With its signature crisp taste and refreshing perspective, Sprite has always been a brand that adds a spark to everyday moments. JIAB Season 3 takes this forward, proving that humor—like refreshment—is best enjoyed with an unexpected twist. The campaign will roll out across TV, digital, and outdoor platforms, bringing Sprite’s playful vibe to audiences across the country. So, grab a Sprite, scan the bottle, and get ready for a season filled with ultimate ‘Thand Rakh’ moments!

[National, March 27th, 2025]: 90+ My Tuition App, a leader in school-aligned online tuition for CBSE students, has announced the expansion of its innovative Personalised Chapter Model (PCM) across all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, aiming to address growing educational needs in the region’s CBSE tuition sector. With an increasing number of Indian students in the GCC, the initiative seeks to enhance structured academic support, providing tailored learning experiences that align with school curricula.

The GCC tuition industry, valued at over $100 million, continues to expand as demand for structured and personalized learning solutions grows among the region’s over 3.5 million Indian residents. Parents and students often face challenges such as mismatched chapter sequences between school and tuition centers, lack of individualized attention in classrooms, and conceptual gaps in fast-paced learning environments. The PCM model has been designed to bridge these gaps, offering a structured, chapter-wise approach to learning that adapts to students’ academic requirements.

As of now, the company has established its presence in Abu Dhabi. Sharjah, Dubai, Qatar, KSA, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. “As education evolves, students require tuition solutions that go beyond traditional methods,” said Mr. Smijay Gokuldaas, CEO of 90+ My Tuition App. “The PCM model leverages personalized, chapter-based learning to help students master concepts at their own pace while staying aligned with their school curriculum.”

With a projected revenue target of $5 million in the CBSE tuition segment, 90+ Tuition aims to play a pivotal role in transforming the way students across the GCC engage with their studies. This initiative follows the company’s recent expansion efforts, including the launch of a physical office in Doha to provide localized support for CBSE students. The expansion underscores the company’s commitment to making high-quality, accessible, and curriculum-aligned tuition a standard for CBSE students in the region.

Tembo Global Industries Limited, a prominent player in the industrial sector with expertise in engineering mechanics, design, and project execution, is pleased to announce that the Company has been declared the L1 bidder for subcontracting work at one of the largest water treatment plant projects in North India.

This prestigious project, funded by the World Bank, is estimated to be worth ₹1500 crores, will see Tembo Global Industries receiving a substantial portion of the overall project expenditure. The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was successfully held on 6th December 2024, marking the beginning of this ambitious initiative. Tembo Global Industries’ selection as the L1 bidder is a testament to its technical expertise, capabilities, and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.

Commenting on this significant development, Managing Director of Tembo Global Industries, Mr. Sanjay J. Patel said: “We are honoured to have been selected for this prestigious project. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional results and contributing to the success of this critical infrastructure project. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our team for their relentless pursuit of excellence and to our partners for their trust and collaboration. Together, we embark on this journey to innovate and execute solutions that will significantly contribute to the advancement of water treatment infrastructure in the region.”

Incorporated in 2010, Tembo Global Industries stands as a prominent entity in the industrial sector, specializing in the production and assembly of metal components for Pipe Support Systems, Fasteners, Anchors, HVAC, Anti-Vibration Systems, and Equipment for a range of installations including industrial, commercial, utility, and OEM. The company also engages in the trade of metal products that complement its manufacturing operations. The Company is a fabrication and installation specialist in ductile pipes, HDB pipes and fittings, and MS plate. Its products are certified and approved by Underwriter’s Laboratory Inc. (USA) and FM Approval (USA) for Fire Sprinkler System Installations. As an export-driven enterprise, Tembo has earned the distinction of a 2 Star Export House. In 2023, Tembo ventured into the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contracting arena, securing orders from prestigious infrastructure clients. Additionally, the Company has interests in the textile trading market. In 2024, the Company further diversified into manufacturing of defence products and entered into solar power.