31, Mar 2025
Ashok Leyland Defence Strikes Multiple Deals, Securing Rs 700 Crore in Orders
Chandigarh, 31th March 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group, and the largest supplier of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army, today announced that its Defence business has won multiple orders valued more than Rs. 700 Cr. The vehicles to be supplied under these orders are to fulfil Defence sector needs of troop transportation, logistics, and other specialised mobility requirements under the Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) program. With these new orders, Ashok Leyland further solidifies its position as a leader in advanced land mobility solutions for the Armed and Paramilitary Forces.
The recently awarded contracts encompass a diverse range of specialized vehicles, including the Stallion 4×4, Stallion 6×6, Short Chassis Bus, and Mobility System Travelling Platform. These vehicles combine superior reliability with exceptional off-road capability, ensuring seamless manoeuvrability across country’s most demanding terrains, meeting a variety of operational requirements.
Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “For decades, Ashok Leyland has been a trusted partner in Defence mobility. We are immensely proud to have secured these new orders, which reinforce Ashok Leyland’s leadership in the sector and reaffirms our commitment to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the armed forces. The defence business remains a key pillar of Ashok Leyland’s future growth.”
Mr. Amandeep Singh, President – Defence Business, Ashok Leyland said, “As a proud proponent of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ we are committed to strengthening India’s defence capabilities through indigenous design and manufacturing in the Defence mobility sector. Our vehicle platforms ranging from 4×4 to 12×12, packed with contemporary Defence specific requirements, including armouring, known for their versatility and durability, remain the backbone of logistics and specialist needs of Armed Forces. As the largest supplier of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army, we take immense pride in supporting our forces and remain committed to delivering these orders on time. Our future Defence order and tender pipeline is also quite robust.”
Ashok Leyland remains committed to developing indigenous mobility solutions that not only fulfill the operational needs of the armed forces but also advance India’s self-reliance in defence. With a legacy of excellence and a spirit of innovation, the company continues to power the Indian Army’s logistics backbone, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities.
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31, Mar 2025
Shikhar Dhawan Speaks Out on Love, Letting Go, and His Enigmatic New Relationship
Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, known for his flamboyant strokes on the field and his charismatic personality off it, became the center of attention at the Times Now Summit 2025—but not just for his cricketing insights. While his interactions with former teammates delighted fans, it was his presence alongside a mystery woman that set social media abuzz. Identified as Sophie Shine from Ireland, the viral pictures and online chatter fueled speculation about Dhawan’s love life.
The cricketer, who has been noticeably avoiding the topic, finally broke his silence when asked about moving on from his past relationship. In a candid and heartfelt response, Dhawan said,
“Yes, I have moved on. I wouldn’t say I was unlucky in love—rather, my choices came from inexperience. But now, I have experience, and that will come in handy. It was a learning curve for me. There were good moments, there were bad moments, and I am grateful for all of them.”
As the conversation got more playful, Dhawan was asked the million-dollar question—is he ready to love again?
With his signature smile, he quipped, “I am always in love!”
Pressed further on whether he is seeing someone, Dhawan expertly dodged the question like a well-pitched bouncer.
“See, I know how to dodge bouncers in cricket, and I know you’re throwing one at me now. But I won’t get caught!” he laughed, refusing to drop any names.
When nudged with the Punjabi phrase, “Changi kudi hai?” (Is she a good girl?), Dhawan responded with a cryptic, “For the wise, a hint is enough.”
Despite multiple attempts to get a name out of him, the cricketer remained tight-lipped, playfully declaring, “The most beautiful girl in this room is my girlfriend. Now, you figure it out!”
And when asked the big question—is there a wedding on the cards?—Dhawan remained unfazed.
“When I feel like it, I’ll do it. What’s the rush?” he shrugged, before confirming that there is no wedding date fixed for now.
31, Mar 2025
Inputs on World Backup Day
Vishal Salvi, CEO of Quick Heal Technologies Limited.
“In today’s digital-first world, data is the backbone of our lives and businesses. Its loss—whether from cyberattacks, system failures, or human error—can be catastrophic. Globally, ransomware attacks have been rising alarmingly, with the 2024 Seqrite India Threat Report, prepared by our researchers at India’s largest malware analysis facility, revealing ransomware now accounts for 1 in every 595 detected threats. Modern ransomware isn’t just about locking systems—it’s increasingly designed to steal sensitive data, amplifying the risks of financial losses, operational paralysis, and irreversible damage to customer trust. This dual threat of data theft and system lockdown calls for a robust backup strategy reinforced by data encryption, access controls and regular updates for optimum cyber resilience.
At Quick Heal and Seqrite, we are committed to making cyber safety a fundamental right. With innovations like AntiFraud.AI which alerts consumers if their data is breached and guides them on next steps, and as well as our enterprise solutions like Seqrite ZTNA, Seqrite Data Privacy, and Seqrite EPP range, we empower both individuals and organizations to stay secure. This World Backup Day let’s prioritize multi-layered protection and a security-first mindset—because preparation today prevents disruption tomorrow,”
Shankar Iyer, Director – Business Strategy, India, Infobip
“In today’s digital-first world, data is the backbone of business success. At Infobip, we champion privacy-first solutions that enable businesses to protect, manage, and recover data seamlessly. On World Backup Day, we emphasize the critical role of secure data management — regular backups, end-to-end encryption, and AI-powered fraud prevention are essential strategies to safeguard sensitive information.
In India, with the implementation of the DPDP Act, organizations must adopt a proactive approach to data protection, ensuring compliance while strengthening customer trust. By investing in resilient infrastructure and robust cybersecurity frameworks, companies can not only mitigate risks but also drive long-term growth. Data protection is not just a regulatory necessity but a strategic advantage in an evolving digital ecosystem. As businesses scale, ensuring data integrity will be key to building a secure and transparent future.”
Zaiba Sarang, Co-founder, iThink Logistics
Data isn’t just information—it’s the backbone of operations. Losing it means losing control over supply chains, customer trust, and business continuity. On World Backup Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding digital memories with intelligent storage and proactive backups, ensuring resilience against cyber threats and downtime. A strong backup today secures a seamless tomorrow.
Parag Khurana, Country Manager, India at Barracuda Networks
“World Backup Day is an annual reminder of the importance of backing up and protecting data from loss and theft. The universal messages of making regular backups, keeping offline copies and more are as important as ever – but in India’s increasingly digital landscape, there are other aspects of effective backup that are worth thinking about on World Backup Day. They may not be as obvious, but they are just as important.
“This includes backing up identity and access management systems like Microsoft Entra ID. Without proper Entra ID backup, employees may lose access to essential applications, severely compromising operational efficiency.
“Organisations should also avoid ‘restoring blind’ in case this introduces previously undetected malware into the network, by having a solution in place that can scan backups for malware before restoration. Additionally, regular testing of backup systems is crucial. The worst time to discover that there is an error in your configuration, or that a setting is incorrect, is right after a ransomware event or when you really need to restore something and can’t. Even with easy-to-use systems, companies need to be familiar with how their backup works and should be comfortable with restores – before the pressure is on.”
29, Mar 2025
Ankura Hospital joins expecting couples to celebrate Parenthood
Hyderabad, March 29, 2025 – Ankura Hospital, a leading healthcare provider dedicated to maternal and child wellness, successfully organized its inaugural Mega Baby Shower, an exclusive event celebrating the journey of parenthood. The event, held recently at the prestigious Hyderabad International Convention Centre(HICC), witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 150 expecting couples participating in a day filled with joy, learning, and community bonding.
Designed to support and empower expecting parents, the Mega Baby Shower provided an engaging platform for attendees to gain expert insights on pregnancy care, newborn wellness, and parenting. The event featured interactive health sessions led by experienced medical professionals, alongside an array of engaging activities, including rejuvenating yoga exercises, energetic Zumba sessions, relaxing nail art, and a professional photoshoot to capture these cherished moments.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Krishna Prasad Vunnam, Founder and Managing Director of Ankura Hospital, expressed his enthusiasm, “At Ankura Hospital, our goal is to make every stage of the pregnancy journey special and memorable for expecting families. This Mega Baby Shower was a testament to our commitment to holistic maternal care, offering parents-to-be a supportive environment filled with expert guidance, warmth, and encouragement. We believe such initiatives play a crucial role in empowering families and fostering a joyful transition into parenthood.”
Beyond informative sessions and engaging activities, the event also featured an exciting lucky draw, where select winners were awarded exclusive prizes, including a complimentary delivery package at Ankura Hospital and luxury room upgrades during their stay. This thoughtful initiative added an extra layer of excitement and joy, making the experience even more memorable for the participants.
29, Mar 2025
Vogue India Kicks Off the Vogue Beauty and Wellness Honours to Celebrate Industry Leaders
Mumbai, 29th March 2025: Vogue India, the country’s leading fashion, beauty, luxury and lifestyle multi-media brand, presents an elevated evolution of its iconic Vogue Beauty Awards with the launch of the Vogue Beauty & Wellness Honours, in partnership with Tira Beauty. This revamped iteration expands beyond beauty to celebrate the finest in wellness, recognising standout products and innovations that are redefining the industry in India.
At the first edition of the Vogue Beauty & Wellness Honours, excellence meets expertise. The journey begins with brands submitting their finest products, which are then meticulously shortlisted by Vogue India’s editors. Winners are selected by an expert jury, while readers will cast their votes to determine the Reader’s Choice Award winners across key categories: Makeup, Skincare, Hair Care, Fragrances and Wellness. The Vogue Beauty & Wellness Honours will culminate in a spectacular award ceremony on 29 April 2025, where winners will be unveiled and celebrated for their innovation, impact and excellence.
“We decided to expand the beauty awards to include wellness, but not just the going-to-the-spa kind. We’re looking at wellness from an emotional, mental, sexual, even a social lens. You could be the kind of person eating organic food, working out five times a day, meditating before bedtime and still be in a rut due to social isolation, one of the major downsides of this digital age,” says Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue India.
“In this ever-expanding beauty landscape, the Vogue Beauty & Wellness Honours serves as a definitive guide by celebrating brands that push the boundaries of innovation, quality, and performance. These awards provide consumers with a trusted benchmark for excellence and helps them discover and invest in products that truly stand out,” says Bhakti Modi, Co-founder of Tira.
Stay tuned as Vogue India embarks on this exciting new journey, spotlighting brands, products and professionals shaping the future of beauty and wellness.
29, Mar 2025
Cropin and Global Retailer Collaborate to Enhance Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Supply Chain Stability
Bengaluru / Delaware — March, 29, 2025 — Cropin, the world’s leading AI platform for food and agriculture, has joined forces with Walmart, one of the largest global retailers, to enhance scalable sourcing solutions across its U.S. and South American markets. Through this collaboration, Cropin’s advanced agri-intelligence platform is positioned to help optimize Walmart’s fresh produce supply chain by improving yield forecasting, monitoring crop health, and predicting seasonal transitions with greater accuracy. This collaboration aims to mitigate risks related to weather, market volatility, and supply chain disruptions. It helps ensure a steady supply of high-quality, perishable commodities, enhancing product availability, reducing waste, and delivering better quality produce to customers.
In an increasingly climate-impacted world, agri-food stakeholders are grappling with extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, and the ripple effects of macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges. To navigate these uncertainties, industry leaders must adopt innovative, future-ready solutions. Walmart, a pioneer in tech-driven transformation, continues to set new benchmarks in the food retail sector by embracing cutting-edge technologies. In a first-of-its-kind deployment, Cropin is rolling out advanced, custom-built AI-powered solutions to help transform Walmart’s sourcing strategies, enhance supply chain resilience, and optimize operational efficiency in the food retail sector.
In the era of AI-powered neural networks, Cropin is transforming how retailers and CPG companies around the world source, assess, and secure their supply chains with proactive intelligence. By leveraging crop readiness insights, quality forecasts, and risk assessments, Cropin enables a shift from guesswork to precision, helping businesses balance cost, quality, and sustainability in a dynamic market. The platform ensures a steady supply of high-quality produce with maximized shelf life at optimized rates. Its automated tools provide granular, localized insights into crop health, pest outbreaks, and extreme weather risks, making supply chains more climate resilient. Additionally, Cropin can help predict the future of crop yields and supply stability, allowing businesses to manage pricing strategies without compromising quality. Its sustainability impact dashboard further strengthens compliance by tracking greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water usage, and deforestation impact, offering digital validation for regulations like EUDR.
“Tech innovation is what drives real-world solutions to move forward a globally resilient supply chain.” said Kyle Carlyle, Vice President of Sourcing Innovation and Surety of Supply, Walmart, “By collaborating with Cropin, it enables Walmart to further streamline sourcing practices and better predict yields using their real-time Gen-AI technology. We are always looking for new ways to innovate and Cropin demonstrates our bold innovation goals in the agriculture space.”
Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO of Cropin said, “I’m delighted to start 2025 on such a high note with this significant milestone in our journey. Collaborating with Walmart is both an honor and an invaluable learning for us at Cropin. We are deeply excited about delivering on our commitments to help shape a new era of agri-food sourcing. As a champion and role model in the retail sector, Walmart has consistently set the bar by evolving best practices, not just for the company but for the sector as a whole. In my 14 years of driving tech and AI-enabled transformations in the agri-food industry, the last few years have been particularly promising, as stakeholders in the agri-food space recognize that technology in upstream agriculture is no longer a luxury, but a necessity to future-proof business models. Our collaboration with Walmart reflects this ongoing shift, and we look forward to exceeding their expectations, strengthening our position as a trusted enabler of future growth.”
29, Mar 2025
Lava’s 16th Anniversary: Grab Lava Agni 3 5G and ProWatch V1 at Rs. 16
New Delhi, March 29th, 2025: Lava International Limited, the leading homegrown smartphone manufacturer, is celebrating a significant milestone as it completes 16 successful years of empowering consumers with innovative, affordable, and Made-in-India tech. To mark the occasion, Lava is rolling out the first edition of its Lava anniversary sale, a one-day shopping extravaganza featuring unbeatable discounts on smartphones, smartwatches, and audio gear.
The exclusive sale will be live from March 30th, 2025, on Lava’s official e-store, Amazon, and Flipkart, offering limited-time discounts on top-selling devices.
The highlight of the sale is Lava’s exclusive flash offer, giving the first 100 buyers a chance to own the flagship AGNI 3 smartphone and Prowatch V1 smartwatch for just Rs. 16. The AGNI 3 sale kicks off at 12:00 PM, followed by the Prowatch V1 sale at 7:00 PM. Beside this, here are some blockbuster deals you cannot miss.
Lava’s 16th-anniversary sale isn’t just about offers—it’s a celebration of its journey, a testament to its commitment to innovation, and a promise to continue delivering high-quality, Made-in-India technology at unbeatable prices.
29, Mar 2025
ASME Foundation India Ignites the Future of Innovation at EFx India 2025
Bengaluru, March 29, 2025: In a celebration of ingenuity and sustainable innovation, ASME Foundation India, the philanthropic arm of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), in collaboration with REVA University, has brought together the country’s brightest engineering minds for EFx India 2025. The three-day festival, running from March 27 to 29, has
drawn over 700 students from top-tier engineering institutions across India, providing a platform to showcase technical acumen, compete in high-stakes challenges, and engage with industry leaders shaping the future of engineering.
Ms. Maria Cardwell, Executive Director & Chief Engineer, Boeing India, and the event’s Chief Guest, underscored the high expectations placed on India’s engineers. “The demand is immense, and that pressure shapes the way young engineers approach their craft—compromise, negotiation, and incremental success are part of the journey to groundbreaking innovation. When you’re in the workforce, there’s little room for failure. That’s why ASME, Boeing, and many others invest in initiatives like EFx.”
Empowering Engineers through Innovation and Collaboration
As one of ASME’s premier student engagement initiatives, EFx has, over the past seven years, attracted more than 10,000 participants from 400 institutes spanning 20 cities, reinforcing India’s reputation as a global powerhouse for engineering talent.
This year’s edition goes beyond competition, featuring expert-led masterclasses on cutting-edge topics—biomimicry, GD&T in manufacturing, welding and NDE applications, remote imaging for material assessment, and sustainable engineering—offering students critical industry insights and practical expertise.
“EFx India has returned after two years to reignite experiential learning,” said Mr. Madhukar Sharma, President, ASME India Pvt Ltd. “Engineering is not just about technical skills—it’s about resilience, collaboration, and navigating real-world constraints. Here, students don’t just learn; they innovate, fail, and ultimately, succeed.”
Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Founder and Chancellor, REVA University, emphasised the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students. “I have always wanted students to gain real-world exposure. EFx competitions provide practical learning that goes beyond classroom and lab projects. I sincerely thank ASME India and the ASME India Foundation for this opportunity. I want my students to become job providers, not job seekers. If universities foster collaboration between research, academia, and industry while providing practical exposure, I believe my vision of producing job providers will become a reality.”
The Next Era of Indian Engineering
ASME Foundation India operates with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between academia and industry while fostering equitable access to engineering education and career opportunities. Its initiatives rest on three foundational pillars:
• Education that Inspires: Partnering with organisations such as CSRL, ASME Foundation India nurtures problem-solving abilities and hands-on learning in mechanical engineering.
• Careers that Matter: With a robust network of over 6,000 members and volunteers, ASME India facilitates mentorship, leadership development, and industry networking.
• Ideas that Innovate: Actively engaging underrepresented communities, particularly women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), ASME supports engineering-driven solutions that enhance livelihoods and drive economic empowerment.
“ASME Foundation India is committed to empowering the next generation of engineers,” said Ms. Avni Malhotra, Deputy Director, ASME Foundation India. “Through EFx competitions, student initiatives, and philanthropic programs, we are equipping young talent with the skills to tackle global challenges head-on.”
Dr. Narayanaswamy KS, Registrar, REVA University, echoed this sentiment: “Real-world problems demand professional solutions. ASME’s unwavering commitment to engineering excellence is making a tangible difference.”
29, Mar 2025
Explore Global Beauty Brands on Myntra’s M-Now for Instant Access
Bangalore, 29th March, 2025: Myntra is delighting its discerning customers by extending its premium range of international beauty brands, on M-Now, its speed proposition.
For the first time ever, beauty lovers can now quickly get their hands on their favorite international beauty and personal care products and have it delivered to their doorsteps starting in just 30 minutes in select pincodes.
Myntra is elevating the pursuit of premium beauty, making coveted international brands effortlessly accessible. Now, the indulgence of a premium skincare ritual or the allure of a signature fragrance is within reach. Myntra is not just offering beauty; it’s unlocking immediate access to some of the world’s most desired brands, seamlessly integrating premium offerings into the rhythm of modern life.
- CeraVe: Dermatologist-recommended skincare solutions, including hydrating cleansers and restorative moisturizers, are now accessible through M-Now’s expedited delivery network.
- Yves Saint Laurent (YSL): Iconic fragrances, such as Libre and MYSLF, can be efficiently delivered, catering to immediate needs for premium olfactory experiences.
- MAC Cosmetics: A comprehensive range of makeup products, including lipsticks, setting sprays, and eyeshadow palettes, is now available on M-Now.
- Dyson: The technologically advanced Dyson Airwrap, for professional hairstyling, can be delivered with exceptional speed.
- Carolina Herrera: Perfumes, including the sophisticated 212 Women fragrance, are available for delivery starting in 30 minutes.
- Estée Lauder: High-performance skincare formulations, such as the Advanced Night Repair serum, and luxurious fragrances are available for rapid delivery.
- Clinique: Clinically formulated skincare and sun protection products are offered through M-Now’s efficient delivery system.
- COSRX: Esteemed for its efficacious K-beauty formulations, COSRX provides a range of skincare solutions available for expedited delivery.
- Prada: Prada’s luxury line of fragrances including the famous Paradoxe EDP and the Luna Rossa Carbon EDT can be purchased and delivered to fragrance fanatics starting in 30 minutes in selected pincodes.
This selection showcases just a glimpse of the premium international beauty and fashion brands now at your fingertips with Myntra’s M-Now. Designed to cater to the needs of its premium customers, this service eliminates any trade-off, ensuring they no longer have to compromise on the brands they desire for the sake of immediate access – experience high-quality, coveted products delivered with unparalleled efficiency, right when you need them.
Speaking about the selection of International beauty brands to M-Now, Venu Nair, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Omnichannel, Myntra, said “Beauty is witnessing remarkable adoption on Myntra, and we’ve been dedicated to curating a selection of the finest international beauty brands for our customers. Through M-Now, we’re not just offering products; we’re delivering an experience—allowing our customers to access high-quality, coveted beauty items with unparalleled efficiency, right when they need them. This strategic expansion underscores our commitment to ensuring our customers have the best possible selection, delivered at lightning-fast speed.”
29, Mar 2025
ILine Leverages Green Technology and AI to Optimize Last-Mile Delivery for Customers and Pilots
Delhi, March 2025 – Delivering the Future, Sustainably—with this vision, ILine proudly announces the launch of two groundbreaking mobile applications: the ILine Customer App and the ILine Pilot App. These apps are set to redefine the landscape of last-mile logistics by making EV-based deliveries more accessible, efficient, and eco-friendly.
The ILine Customer App enables effortless scheduling and booking of EV deliveries with just a few taps. Users have the choice of instant deliveries or pre-scheduled deliveries as per their convenience. Furthermore, ILine provides transparency through real-time tracking and AI ETA updates. Payments can be made free of irritants through credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and UPI. In addition, the app promotes safe and reliable deliveries using OTP delivery confirmation and package photo verification. Sustainability remains core to ILine mission and thus the application incorporates CO₂ Savings Tracker and Green rewards programs that promote eco-friendly decisions.
With features designed to enhance productivity and profits for EV delivery drivers, the ILine Pilot App has integrated smart ride management capabilities. Drivers are boosted through AI-powered auto-assignment and route optimization that enable maximum productivity and battery preservation. The app monitors battery levels in real-time and provides directions to charging stations, making sure service is never interrupted. Financial tools such as earnings summary, instant withdrawal, and incentive tracking make managing finances effortless and transparent. Customer and driver safety are prioritized by security measures including OTP delivery completion, photo proof of package delivery, and an SOS panic button for emergencies.
“Launching an app isn’t our focus. At ILine, we strive to change last-mile delivery through the use of AI and sustainable technology. It is our mission to provide a smarter, greener, and efficient EV logistics environment for customers and drivers. Our app distinguishes itself with a uniquely AI integrated security and sustainability feature that delivers unparalleled results. Technology adoption that raises the efficiency and AI integration of delivery solutions while making the world cleaner for future generations is essential during the transition to electric mobility. That is the future of logistics and ILine is excited to drive the change,” said Prakarsh Dwivedi, CEO of ILine.
The rollout of these new apps is set to change the face of the logistics sector completely by updating delivery systems and speeding up the use of electric vehicles for a greener tomorrow.
