All posts by Neel Achary

This summer, Dessert Therapy gives Mumbai one more reason to plan that mid-day coffee break, a breakfast run, or a late-night sip stop. The luxury dessert-dining brand, celebrated for its over-the-top sweets, is now pouring its signature creativity into a beverage menu where coffee takes the lead, but every drink earns its spot on the grid.

Available across Dessert Therapy’s outlets in Malad, Juhu, Bandra, Fort, and Ghatkopar from 8 am to 1 am,  the beverage collection offers more than just a caffeine kick. It’s an experience in texture, temperature, and taste, from velvety frappes to iced lattes with unexpected pairings. Signature drinks include the Biscoff Frappe, a crunchy, creamy coffee blend that balances sweetness with a robust roast; and the Iced Ginger Ale Orange Americano, a sparkling, citrusy take on iced black coffee that’s equal parts refreshing and daring.

Also on the lineup: the Nutella Latte for those who like their mornings chocolaty and nostalgic, and the Iced Matcha Strawberry Latte, a non-traditional pick that pairs matcha’s earthy edge with the sweetness of strawberries.

With this new beverage menu, Dessert Therapy reminds us that indulgence doesn’t always need a spoon. Sometimes, it comes with a straw, a swirl of whipped cream, and a gallery full of Insta-worthy pictures.

New Delhi, May 16^th 2025: Lava International Limited, the leading homegrown smartphone manufacturer, announced the rollout of its new customer-centric initiative, Demo@Home, a consumer- first service that allows users to experience Lava’s flagship series right at their doorstep. This service is available across Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, and aims to redefine buying experience for consumers enabling them to connect with the brand from the comfort of their home.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Puravansh Maitreya, Head of Marketing, Lava International Limited, said, “With the Free Home Demo, we’re not just selling smartphones — we’re redefining how India shops for technology. It’s time the industry prioritized trust and transparency over pushy sales. Lava is proud to lead this shift. This initiative allows customers to make confident, informed choices in a space they’re most comfortable – their home. It’s a step towards building deeper relationships with our users.”

To book Lava’s Demo@Home service, buyers need to fill out a short form on Lava’s official website here. They are required to enter basic details such as their name, phone number, city, pin code, and complete address. Users can then select the Lava smartphone model they’re interested in along with their preferred time slot and date. Once the form is submitted, a Lava representative will get in touch to confirm the appointment.

With Demo@Home, customers can request a free, no-obligation demonstration of select Lava smartphones. A Lava executive will visit the user’s home to offer a hands-on walkthrough of the device, helping them understand key features and make an informed decision, all without any purchase pressure or transactional cost. The service currently covers Lava’s latest smartphones including Agni 3, Blaze Duo, Blaze 3 5G, and Blaze AMOLED. A company representative will provide a live walkthrough of the device’s design, features, and performance, helping customers explore innovations like dual display capabilities, AI-powered camera systems, and ergonomic curved displays in real time, without any sales pressure. Post the experience, the user can place an order online or the Lava executive shall align a product delivery.

This initiative further strengthens Lava’s portfolio of customer-focused services, including the widely appreciated Service@Home—a complimentary doorstep support offering for after-sales assistance. Together, Demo@Home and Service@Home underscore Lava’s commitment to creating a seamless, transparent, and user-centric smartphone ownership experience.

In the ever-evolving beauty and grooming industry, technical skills alone aren’t enough — you need real-world readiness, confidence, and a deep understanding of the market. That’s where Cut and Style Academy stands out. Here’s how their courses equip aspiring professionals for real-world success:

1. Hands-On Training with Real Clients

Cut and Style Academy emphasizes practical experience by allowing students to work directly with real clients under expert supervision. This builds confidence, hones precision, and prepares students for high-pressure professional environments.

2. Industry-Relevant Curriculum

The courses are constantly updated to reflect the latest trends, tools, and techniques in beauty, hair, and skincare. Whether it’s balayage, advanced facials, or nail extensions, students learn what’s in demand today.

3. Guidance from Industry Experts

The academy boasts seasoned instructors who bring years of experience from top salons, fashion shows, and film sets. Their mentorship provides not just technical instruction but also career guidance and networking tips.

4. Professional Etiquette & Client Handling

Success in beauty careers often depends on how you interact with clients. Students are trained in communication, consultation skills, and professional conduct — essential for building trust and a loyal clientele.

5. Certification with Industry Recognition

Cut and Style Academy offers accredited certifications that are well-recognized across the beauty industry. These credentials boost employability and open doors to both national and international job opportunities.

6. Portfolio Building Support

Students graduate with a professionally curated portfolio of their work — including photographs and client testimonials — which is crucial for freelancing, job interviews, or social media branding.

7. Career Placement & Business Skills

Whether you want to work in a salon or launch your own studio, Cut and Style Academy prepares you with business know-how, resume building, and job placement assistance to get you started.

Cricket is back — and so is the MI Paltan’s chance to ride to and from the stadium for free! This Mumbai Indians’ match, rescheduled from May 15 to May 21, will see Uber offering free shuttle rides to Wankhede from Navi Mumbai, Powai, Borivali, Thane, and BKC.

Mumbai Indians fans have a lot to look forward to — a strong run of wins, a push toward the playoffs, and a team of superstars taking the field at their home ground last time this season. Tickets booked for the original May 15 match remain valid.

Introduced this season, the Uber Shuttle service has been a hit, running at full capacity with fans appreciating the comfort of pre-reserved, air-conditioned rides.

Snehashish Nag, Head of Strategy, Uber Shuttle, said: “We’re excited to bring back free Uber Shuttle rides for fans heading to the final home game of the season. The response so far has been phenomenal — buses have been full, and fans have told us how much they appreciate the ease of booking, the comfort of the ride, and most of all, the vibe on board. There’s something special about travelling to the stadium together — the energy builds even before the first ball is bowled. With the league stage nearing its end and stakes running high, we’re proud to play a small part in helping the MI Paltan show up in full force, loud and united. This is what great matchday experiences are all about.”

Here are the details of the Uber Shuttle routes:

How to book your free Uber Shuttle ride to Wankhede:

• Open the Uber app and set Wankhede as your pick-up or drop-off location
• Tap the Shuttle icon
• Choose your preferred route & time slot, and tap ‘Confirm’ Uber Shuttle
• Reserve your seat in advance – no standing, always air-conditioned, always on time

Uber Shuttle, currently operating in Delhi and Kolkata, is being piloted in Mumbai as a daily commute option between residential and commercial hubs.

As consumers increasingly prioritize clean, conscious skincare, Forever Living Products India introduces Infinite by Forever Firming Serum a breakthrough anti-aging formula that merges the purity of organically grown aloe vera with advanced, science-backed ingredients. True to Forever’s legacy of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and wellness-driven innovation, this serum represents a new era in high-performance, responsible beauty.

More than just a skincare essential, the Infinite Firming Serum is a reflection of Forever Living’s four-decade commitment to harnessing the power of nature with integrity. At its core is stabilized inner-leaf aloe vera, cultivated on Forever’s own organically certified farms using regenerative and environmentally responsible practices. This base is combined with clinically proven ingredients including trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2, yeast extract, and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate to reduce the appearance of fine lines, boost hydration, support collagen production, and restore skin elasticity. Thoughtfully formulated for Indian skin and climate, it also helps protect against daily stressors like UV exposure, pollution, and blue light.

What truly sets this serum apart is not just what’s inside but the journey behind it. As the world’s largest grower, manufacturer, and distributor of aloe vera, Forever Living maintains total control over the entire production process. From soil to serum, every stage is managed in-house from cultivating organically certified aloe plants on over 7,500 acres, to sustainable harvesting, clean formulation, eco-conscious packaging, and global distribution. This unique, vertically integrated model ensures uncompromised quality and traceability while keeping the environmental footprint to a minimum.

“Our Infinite Firming Serum embodies everything modern beauty stands for clean, effective skincare powered by nature and backed by transparency,” says Harish Singla, CSM, Forever Living Products India. “Consumers today want products they can trust not just for their skin, but for their values. This serum is our promise of purity, performance, and purpose.”

Free from artificial fragrance, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested, the Infinite Firming Serum blends seamlessly into any skincare routine and into a lifestyle that values wellness, transparency, and sustainability. It is proof that ethical beauty doesn’t have to compromise on results.

From aloe leaves gently hand-harvested on Forever’s certified organic farms to the bottle that reaches your shelf, every element of the Infinite Firming Serum tells a story of care for the skin, the planet, and the future of beauty.

Lighter, more refreshing meals are the focus of kitchens nationwide as the temperature increases. Zeeba Classic Basmati Rice, an aged basmati rice renowned for its natural aroma, extra-long grains, exceptional quality, and perfect texture is the ideal partner for flavorful, light summer meals.

Zeeba Classic Basmati Rice lends a touch of elegance and richness to every dish, whether it’s a gently spiced Shahi Pulao, a fragrant Zeera Rice, or a beautifully layered Vegetable Biryani. Being an aged and raw rice with a naturally fluffy texture, it is perfect for summer meals that are light on the palette yet royal in appeal. This makes it perfect for health-conscious consumers looking for filling meals that feel light and energized.

Zeeba Classic Basmati Rice’s naturally aromatic flavor and non-sticky texture make it the ideal choice for summertime meals, whether they are served cold or at room temperature. Its extra-long grains puff up beautifully, giving dishes like Paneer Makhni Rice or Kashmiri Pulao, a sophisticated yet effortless charm. It’s quick and simple to make, so you can enjoy the summertime more and spend less time in the kitchen.

Zeeba Classic Basmati Rice adds taste and adaptability to any summer table, whether it’s in the form of a cool Coconut rice, a plate of Plain rice and curd, making mealtimes feel more joyful and light this season along with the perfume of brilliance that your summer deserves.

Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M), one of the largest car manufacturers in India, has given MAHLE the “Special Appreciation Award” for its Intelligent Thermal Management System (ITMS). MAHLE has developed the system especially for the first platform of battery electric vehicles (BEV) XEV 9e and BE 6 from M&M. The ITMS was designed specifically for regional market requirements. Particularly noteworthy are the intelligent control strategy and software, which optimize the temperature in the interior and the battery as well as the air flow at the cooling module. As a result, MAHLE has significantly improved the energy efficiency of the system and reduced the power consumption of the electric compressor by 15 to 20 percent compared to reference vehicles without making any concessions in terms of comfort. India is one of the core markets of the German automotive supplier. Therefore, many parts are produced locally. The Indian e-vehicle market is in an early growth phase, to which electric two-wheelers (e2Ws) and electric tricycles (e3Ws) make a significant contribution. Annual new registrations of e-vehicles are expected to reach 5.9 million units by 2030. MAHLE is committed to make a decisive contribution to this transformation.

Jumana Al-Sibai, member of the MAHLE Group Management Board for Thermal and Fluid Systems

“I am very proud of our team in India. M&M honored the great cooperation, the first-class results and our contributions to M&M’s recently launched battery-electric vehicles”, said Jumana Al-Sibai, member of the MAHLE Group Management Board for Thermal and Fluid Systems. “With this award, MAHLE continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and excellence in providing cutting-edge solutions for its customers.”

The series production of the Intelligent Thermal Management System started after a 24-month development period at the end of last year. It includes functions such as intelligent control with advanced algorithms, optimal temperature control and multiple fault detection and -diagnosis. Many components of the thermal system, including ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module, cooling module, controller, and coolant pump, are produced locally in India.

The group has been operating in India for six decades, with 14 locations including 11 manufacturing plants and one tech center, employing around 4,400 people. The company is producing electric drives for small vehicles for the local market – for motorcycles, scooters, and small transporters. For MAHLE, India is an important growth market. In 2024, MAHLE India achieved sales of 400 million Euros. The company plans to significantly expand its research and development activities on-site to pave the way for the widespread use of alternative drives.

16th May, 2025, New Delhi: Marking a pivotal moment in India’s education landscape, Central Square Foundation (CSF), with support from Google.org, and in collaboration with the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) at IIT Madras, launched the AI Literacy Curriculum Framework for Students at the ‘AI Samarth Conclave’ in New Delhi. This represents a significant milestone for ‘AI Samarth’, an initiative to empower over 50 lakh students, teachers, and parents across government and affordable private schools in India with the requisite knowledge and capacity to engage with AI effectively, safely, and responsibly.

AI is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in shaping society, influencing daily life across sectors, including education. As AI profoundly impacts the education sector, it brings opportunities to make learning deeply personalised, adaptive, and efficient. However, realising this potential requires more than just access to technology; it demands awareness, thoughtful integration and meaningful AI engagement by users.

To address this need, AI Samarth has developed a contextualised AI Literacy Curriculum Framework for Students and Teachers in India. In his Keynote address at the launch, Abhishek Singh, CEO, IndiaAI Mission and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Govt. of India, said “The transformative and cross-cutting potential of AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in India. As we build a Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is essential to equip every learner with foundational AI literacy so they are ready for the opportunities of tomorrow’s workforce. With AI-powered learning, we can make education more personalised, equitable, and efficient, while easing the burden on teachers.” The curriculum released today aims to build fundamental AI awareness in students, cultivate critical thinking and responsible use of AI tools—laying the groundwork for a future-ready, AI-literate society. The AI literacy curriculum for educators, to be released soon, will focus on enhancing AI awareness, building capacity to leverage AI for teaching and learning, and guiding students in its safe and informed use. The curriculum has been informed by key learnings from high-quality curricula and courses available globally.

Further, AI Samarth is building an open-source content stack, including a video repository for self-learning for students, parents, and teachers, along with teaching-learning materials for cascaded training for both teachers and students. The multilingual content stack will be released as a public good in English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Odia over the next six months, with an intent to expand to additional regional languages subsequently. The content will be disseminated through digital platforms and cascaded training modules, in collaboration with mission-aligned implementation partners, state governments and online learning platforms across Bharat. In its first round of implementation, AI Samarth has partnered with six organisations to build AI Literacy for over 50 lakh (5 million) students, parents and teachers. Looking ahead, AI Samarth is committed to mainstreaming AI literacy into school systems nationwide.

As India embraces the promise of AI, equipping users with the tools to engage with AI critically and responsibly will be key to shaping a future where technology is used with purpose and impact at scale. Through this effort, India is building the groundwork for future generations to lead, create, and shape an inclusive AI-driven future.

Lucknow, 16th May 2025: Concord Control Systems Limited, a leading player in railway control and safety automation systems, announced its earnings for the H2 FY25 and the year ended March 31, 2025. The company has approved the preferential allotment of ₹3.5 crore to acquire the remaining 10% stake in Advanced Rail Controls Pvt Ltd (ARC).

Key financial performance (Half-year) – Consolidated

Key financial performance (Annual) – Consolidated

The Earning per share for the financial year ending 31st March 2025 is 37.13. During the year Concord Control Systems received orders to the tune of Rs 141.5 cr. As of 31st March our unexecuted order book stands at Rs 212.5 cr which is nearly 1.7x our FY25 revenues.

Management Commentary

Gaurav Lath, Joint Managing Director of Concord Control Systems said, “FY25 has been an exciting year for us. Looking ahead, we are focused on unlocking new growth avenues through strategic consolidation, product innovation, and market expansion. This business as of today has an opportunity size of approximately Rs 250 crore till FY30. We are committed to its guidance of achieving 40–50% revenue CAGR over the next 3–5 years, driven by robust order pipelines, supportive policy tailwinds under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and expanding opportunities in metro, urban mobility, and smart infrastructure projects.”

Key milestones –

• The Board approved the amalgamation of Advanced Rail Controls Pvt Ltd (ARC), a subsidiary, with Concord Control Systems to enhance operational efficiency.
•  Preferential allotment of ₹3.5 crore was approved to consolidate 100% stake in ARC.
• In FY25 they entered into a Transfer of Technology agreement with a German company for the metro business. This ToT is in the area of Overhead Monitoring systems for real time wire monitoring, precise diagnostics and actionable alerts essential for seamless operations.
• In their Kavach business i.e. Progota Indis Pvt Ltd, they are expecting to receive section allocation for field trials and tenders are expected for the same.

Mumbai, 16^th May 2025: Orient Technologies Limited, a leading provider of end-to-end digital transformation and IT infrastructure services, has announced its financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The company recorded a strong year marked by significant contract wins, long-term managed services engagements, and a growing footprint in key industry sectors, reaffirming its position as a trusted transformation partner for India’s evolving IT landscape.

Orient Technologies’ sustained performance this year reflects its commitment to delivering outcome-driven, secure, and scalable technology solutions tailored to the needs of both public and private sector organizations.

FY’25 Compared with FY’24:

• Total Income increased to Rs. 846.29 Crore in FY’25 from Rs. 606.86 Crore in FY’24 registering a growth of 39.45% (Y-o-Y).
• Revenue from Operations increased to Rs. 839.53 Crore in FY’25 from Rs. 602.89 Crore in FY’24, registering a growth of 39.25 % (Y-o-Y).
• The Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (‘EBITDA’) increased to Rs. 74.35 Crore in FY’25, from Rs 60.59 Crore in FY’24, registering a growth of 22.71%.
• Profit Before Tax (‘PBT’) increased to Rs. 68.01 Crore in FY’25 from Rs 54.91 Crore in FY’24, registering a growth of 23.87 % (Y-o-Y)
• Profit After Tax (‘PAT’) increased to Rs. 50.44 Crore in FY’25 from Rs. 41.45 Crore in FY’24, registering a growth of 21.69 % (Y-o-Y).
• Earnings per share (‘EPS’) for FY’25 is Rs. 12.85, as against Rs. 11.80 in FY’24.

Segmental Revenue: 

The contribution to revenue from operations for each vertical in FY’25 stands as follows:

• BSFI: 21.63%
• Communication: 10.25%
• Govt & PSU: 11.21%
• ITeS: 8.50%
• Mid-Market & Others*: 48.41%

*Mid-market & Others includes healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, real estate, logistics, education, e-commerce, conglomerates, energy and service industries etc.

Strategic Wins :

• Ranked Among India’s Top Listed Companies

As per the National Stock Exchange (NSE) report released on December 31, 2024, Orient Technologies earned a notable position, ranking 1,213 among India’s top listed companies based on average market capitalisation. This recognition is a testament to the company’s robust financial performance, disciplined growth strategy, and its ability to generate sustained value for shareholders. It also reflects Orient’s increasing influence and credibility within India’s competitive technology landscape, as it continues to scale its presence as a trusted and future-focused enterprise in the listed market space.

• Government of Maharashtra – Flagship Software Development Engagement | ₹18.69 Cr (5 Years)

Orient Technologies was selected as the strategic technology partner for a large-scale software development initiative by the Government of Maharashtra. The ₹18.69 crore contract, spread over five years, is aimed at modernizing departmental workflows and enhancing citizen service delivery. This win represents a significant milestone in Orient’s public sector portfolio and reinforces its capabilities in driving state-wide digital transformation.

• Critical Infrastructure – Cybersecurity Strengthening Project | ₹3.9 Cr

In the domain of critical infrastructure, Orient secured a cybersecurity engagement valued at ₹3.9 crore. The project involves the deployment of advanced threat prevention and monitoring solutions to strengthen cyber defense capabilities for one of India’s leading energy organizations. This win underscores Orient’s growing role in securing national infrastructure against sophisticated and evolving digital threats.

• Strategic Managed Services Contracts Across Multiple Sectors | ₹8.75+ Cr

Orient Technologies entered  multiple Infrastructure Managed Services (IMS) and Facility Management Services (FMS) contracts with leading organizations across sectors such as consulting, real estate, and enterprise technology. These long-term agreements, spanning three to five years and collectively valued at over ₹8.75 crore, reflect growing confidence in Orient’s ability to manage and scale mission-critical IT operations.

• Enterprise Data Center Deployment – Storage and Server Solutions | ₹12.3 Cr

Orient successfully delivered a high-value infrastructure project worth ₹12.3 crore involving enterprise-grade storage and server solutions. The deployment, executed for two leading firms in the financial services and cloud computing sectors, highlights Orient’s deep expertise in building future-ready data centers capable of handling high-performance workloads, scalability demands, and data protection requirements.

Driving Momentum with Innovation and Client-Centricity

Throughout the year, Orient Technologies focused on enhancing its delivery model, expanding its service portfolio, and strengthening partnerships with both OEMs and clients. The company’s digital-first approach and consultative engagement style have played a pivotal role in securing multi-year, multi-crore projects and reinforcing customer trust.

Commenting on the results Mr. Ajay Sawant, Chairman & Managing Director said

“This has been a landmark year in Orient Technologies’ growth journey. The scale and diversity of the projects we have secured underscores the trust our clients place in us to deliver mission-critical technology solutions. From powering digital transformation for state governments to strengthening cybersecurity for national infrastructure and building enterprise-grade IT foundations — our commitment remains steadfast: to enable our clients to transform, thrive, and stay ahead in an increasingly digital world. As we move forward, we will continue investing in innovation, talent, and partnerships to create sustained value for all our stakeholders.”