17, Jun 2026
Tulip Melrose Announced as One of the Tallest Residential Projects on Southern Peripheral Road, Gurugram
Delhi, 17 June: Tulip Melrose, a landmark luxury residential project, is set to become one of the tallest residential developments on Southern Peripheral Road (SPR), Gurugram. The tower will soar to approximately 495 feet, crowned by an exclusive sky terrace offering sweeping panoramic views of the city skyline. With an estimated investment of approximately Rs 1,100 crore, the 7.5-acre development represents a new pinnacle in luxury living on one of NCR’s fastest-growing premium residential corridors.
Tulip Melrose has been envisioned as a next-generation residential community that combines iconic architecture with thoughtful planning, superior construction quality and resident-centric design. The project has been conceptualised to address the evolving aspirations of luxury homebuyers who increasingly seek spacious residences, integrated lifestyle experiences, wellness-focused amenities and the assurance of investing with developers known for execution excellence.
The development will feature expansive landscaped open spaces, large-format residences, enhanced privacy through low-density planning, and private elevator access in select residences. A defining feature of Tulip Melrose is its zero vehicular movement at ground level — upon arrival, all vehicles enter directly into the basement, leaving the entire ground plane free of cars. Residents can then move through the landscaped grounds via electric golf carts, creating a serene, pedestrian-first living environment. The entire ground floor has been conceived as a grand clubhouse, seamlessly connecting all four towers at ground level and offering residents a unified lifestyle and wellness destination. Mirroring this at height, a sky terrace spanning all four towers at approximately 495 feet creates one expansive connected terrace in the sky, housing premium resident amenities alongside sweeping panoramic views of the city.
Beyond its architectural scale, Tulip Melrose has been designed around a long-standing philosophy that luxury extends beyond premium finishes and amenities. The project incorporates robust engineering standards, tested fire-rated safety systems, multiple levels of material testing, stringent quality-control processes and carefully planned layouts that maximise functionality, comfort and long-term durability.
The announcement comes as Southern Peripheral Road continues to witness rapid transformation into one of NCR’s most sought-after luxury residential destinations. Strengthened by significant infrastructure upgrades, improved connectivity with Golf Course Road, Dwarka Expressway and NH-48, expanding commercial development and growing employment hubs, SPR is attracting strong demand from entrepreneurs, senior professionals, multinational corporations, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), high-net-worth individuals and NRIs seeking premium residential addresses.
“Southern Peripheral Road is entering a defining phase of growth and is steadily establishing itself among NCR’s most important luxury residential destinations. Tulip Melrose is the culmination of over two decades of our commitment to building homes that stand the test of time — in quality, in design and in the trust of every family that calls them home. From our very first project, we have believed that true luxury lies not only in grand aesthetics, but in the integrity of every beam, every finish and every decision made on site. Tulip Melrose embodies that belief at its fullest.” Said Mr. Parveen Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Tulip Infratech Group.
“Adding to this, Mr. Siddharth Jain, Nextgen Leadership of Tulip Infratech Group. said, “With Tulip Melrose, our vision is to create more than another premium residential project — we are developing a landmark that will redefine high-rise living on SPR. As one of the tallest residential developments on the corridor, Tulip Melrose reflects our commitment to thoughtful planning, uncompromising construction quality, robust safety standards and creating homes that continue to deliver value for generations. We believe true luxury lies not only in design and amenities, but equally in quality, durability, functionality and peace of mind.”
Tulip Melrose joins a distinguished portfolio of landmark developments across Gurugram and Sonipat, spanning more than 100 acres and including multiple projects delivered on or ahead of committed timelines — reinforcing a legacy of consistent execution and customer trust since 2005.
Tulip Melrose further strengthens a growing luxury portfolio that also includes Tulip Monsella, a 19.5-acre mixed-use landmark on Golf Course Road with an investment of Rs 3,600 crore, Tulip Crimson on SPR with an investment of Rs 1,200 crore, and the upcoming Tulip Violet Phase 2. Together, these developments represent a cumulative investment of over Rs6,000 crore by the Tulip Group of Companies, underscoring continued confidence in Gurugram’s premium residential market.
Construction quality and safety remain central to the development philosophy. A comprehensive quality-control framework comprising rigorous design reviews, continuous site supervision, vendor evaluation mechanisms and multiple levels of material testing is maintained throughout the construction lifecycle. Supported by an experienced in-house engineering team, these practices ensure that every development meets the highest standards of structural integrity, safety and long-term performance.
The development also reflects broader trends shaping India’s luxury housing market. Homebuyers today are placing greater emphasis on developer credibility, construction quality, safety, wellness infrastructure, open green spaces, community living and sustainable development practices. Demand is increasingly driven by end-users seeking future-ready homes that support changing lifestyle needs while also offering long-term value appreciation.
As Gurugram’s skyline continues to evolve, Tulip Melrose is expected to become a defining landmark on Southern Peripheral Road — setting new benchmarks for vertical luxury living while contributing to the transformation of one of NCR’s most dynamic residential corridors.
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- By Neel Achary
17, Jun 2026
Data-Led Report : Cat Food Takes Over, Bengaluru Pampers Pets Most, Delhi Pet Parent Spent INR 60,957 this Year
June 17: India’s relationship with its pets is changing fast and becoming much more indulgent. From grain-free meals and gourmet treats to premium grooming kits and specialised nutrition, pet parents across the country are truly taking care of their fur babies. Instamart recorded a 41% growth in pet care orders, as shoppers move beyond the basics and start treating their pets’ wellness like their own. Searches for dog shampoo surged nearly 600%, grain-free pet food grew 152% year-on-year, and treats are outpacing every other category in the pet aisle.
While Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi remain the biggest pet care markets overall, the real headline is happening elsewhere: Tier II+ cities posted 96% year-on-year growth in pet care orders.
Settling the dog vs cat-lover debate, data shows that cat food now makes up nearly 60% of all pet food demand on Instamart. Cat food is the single most-searched pet term on the platform.
- On the feline front, Mumbai is crowned India’s cat capital, followed by Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata
- Kolkata stands out as India’s most cat-dominated city, with more than 8 in 10 cat-and-dog food orders going to cats
- Bengaluru is India’s most dog-loving city, followed by Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi
- The real dark horse? Bird food, up 178% YoY, with rabbit food close behind at 130% growth
Beyond Food: Grooming Goes Mainstream
The pet food bowl is getting a glow-up, too, and so is the rest of the pet care basket. “Dog shampoo” is now Instamart’s fastest-growing pet search term.
- Grain-free pet food grew 152% YoY, making it the fastest-growing nutrition segment on the platform
- Wet food now accounts for nearly 45% of all pet food orders
- Pet supplements and wellness products are up 42%, with premium nutrition showing no signs of slowing down
Bengaluru Has India’s Most Pampered Pets
Nearly 66% of all pet-care spending in the city goes toward treats, toys, and premium products, making it India’s undisputed pet-pampering capital, with Gurgaon, Noida, and Hyderabad close on its heels.
- Gurgaon tops India’s Pet Treat Index, clocking 37 treat orders for every 100 food orders
- Pet indulgence is going mainstream: Searches for treats, from dog biscuits and jerky to dog ice cream are climbing rapidly, with dog ice cream searches up 245% and top protein-rich pet treat brands surging 1,097%
- Treat searches (think dog biscuits, jerky, and even dog ice cream) are climbing fast
- India’s most dedicated pet parent (based in Delhi) spent ₹60,957 on pet care in a single year
From Guwahati to Tirupati, Pet Parenting Goes Mainstream
Pet care isn’t a metro-only story anymore. Tier II+ cities are growing 96% faster than metros, led by Guwahati (+1,473%), Dibrugarh (+796%), Meerut (+677%), Madurai (+591%), and Kottayam (+577%). Rajkot, Patna, Siliguri, and Tirupati are right behind them as the next wave of fast-growing pet care markets, and remarkably, every single one of the top 25 fastest-growing pet-care cities in India grew by more than 50% year-on-year.
All insights are derived from an analysis of Instamart orders placed between June 2025 and June 2026 across 130+ Indian cities. All metrics are indexed or relative; no absolute order volumes are disclosed.
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17, Jun 2026
First Look of ‘Batwara 1947’ Unveiled; Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta Bring Partition-Era Story to Life
Mumbai, June 17: The makers of the upcoming historical drama Batwara 1947 have unveiled the much-awaited first look of lead actors Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta, offering audiences a glimpse into a powerful story set against the backdrop of India’s Partition.
The first-look posters introduce the central characters whose lives are profoundly shaped by the events of 1947, one of the most defining and emotionally charged chapters in the history of the Indian subcontinent. With the tagline, “Meet those who lived through it,” the film aims to portray the human experiences, sacrifices, resilience, and emotional turmoil faced by millions during the Partition.
The visuals have generated considerable excitement among cinema enthusiasts, with Sunny Deol appearing in a strong and intense avatar, while Preity Zinta’s look reflects the emotional depth and complexities of the era. The film marks a significant project for both actors and is expected to blend historical events with compelling personal narratives.
Industry observers believe that Batwara 1947 has the potential to resonate deeply with audiences by revisiting a pivotal moment in history through the lens of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The film is expected to highlight themes of identity, displacement, courage, and hope amid one of the largest mass migrations in human history.
Following the release of the first look, anticipation has grown among fans eager to see the celebrated actors share screen space in a story rooted in history and human emotions. More details about the film’s release schedule and promotional campaign are expected in the coming weeks.
17, Jun 2026
Swaranjali Delhi to Present “Colours of India 2026” in Sri Vijaya Puram, Celebrating the Nation’s Rich Cultural Heritage
June 17: Swaranjali Delhi is proud to announce “Colours of India 2026”, a grand cultural extravaganza showcasing the vibrant diversity of Indian classical music, dance, and folk traditions. The event will be held on 13 August 2026 at 5:00 PM at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Auditorium, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, opposite the LIC Office.
The festival aims to bring together artists from different parts of India, creating a platform that celebrates the country’s rich artistic legacy while fostering cultural unity and harmony.
The evening will commence with an energetic group dance presentation by Vikash Dance Akademi, Port Blair, followed by a distinguished Classical Vocal Recital by Pt. Bhutnath De of Jharkhand, accompanied on tabla by Pt. Susamoy Mishra. Audiences will also witness a captivating Solo Sitar Recital by Vidwan Subrata De, accompanied by Pt. Susamoy Mishra.
The program will further feature performances by Daksh Akademi, Port Blair, an elegant Bharatanatyam recital by Ms. Rajasi Wagh from Pune, and a vocal presentation by Mrs. Vineet Talukdar of Muktadhara, Port Blair.
A major highlight of the evening will be the concluding performances by Hakimpara Nritya Malancha, Siliguri, under the guidance of Guru Vidushi Sangita Chaki. The group will present a series of classical and devotional performances including Ganapati Shlokam, Saraswati Shlokam, Durga Kirtanam, Shiva Kirtanam, and Kathak recitals by talented young artistes.
The grand finale, themed “Colours of India,” will take the audience on a cultural journey across the nation through vibrant folk dance traditions representing Bengal, Assam (Bihu), Nepal, Odisha (Sambalpuri), Tripura, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kashmir, Gujarat, and Punjab. The evening will culminate with a stirring rendition of Vande Mataram by the Hakimpara Nritya Malancha ensemble.
“Colours of India 2026” seeks to celebrate India’s cultural plurality and strengthen bonds of peace, unity, and mutual appreciation through the universal language of art and music.
The organizers extend a warm invitation to art enthusiasts, cultural patrons, tourists, students, and residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to be a part of this memorable celebration.
Program Schedule
- Opening Group Dance – Vikash Dance Akademi, Port Blair
- Classical Vocal Recital – Pt. Bhutnath De (Jharkhand), accompanied by Pt. Susamoy Mishra on Tabla
- Solo Sitar Recital – Vidwan Subrata De (Delhi), accompanied by Pt. Susamoy Mishra on Tabla
- Group Dance Presentation – Daksh Akademi, Port Blair
- Bharatanatyam Recital – Ms. Rajasi Wagh, Pune
- Vocal Recital – Mrs. Vineet Talukdar, Muktadhara, Port Blair
Concluding Segment by Hakimpara NrityaMalancha, Siliguri
The troupe will present a series of classical and devotional performances:
- Ganapati Shlokam – Hrishita Das, Doli Mahanta, Kasturi Das Barman, Prakriti Thapa & Shrestha Sarkar
- Kathak Solo – Avipsha Adhikari
- Saraswati Shlokam – Doli Mahanta
- Durga Kirtanam – Shrestha Sarkar
- Shiva Kirtanam – Kasturi Das Barman
- Avata Shyam – Prakriti Thapa
- Shiva Kirtanam – Hrishita Das
- Kathak Presentation – Guru Vidushi Sangita Chaki
Grand Finale: Colours of India
A vibrant celebration of India’s diverse folk traditions featuring:
- Bangla Folk Dance – Doli Mahanta, Shrestha Sarkar & Avipsha Adhikari
- Bihu (Assam) – Sharmistha Das, Moupia Adhikari & Priti Karmakar
- Nepali Folk Dance – Prakriti Thapa
- Sambalpuri Folk Dance (Odisha) – Hrishita Das & Kasturi Das Barman
- Tripura Folk Dance – Avipsha Adhikari
- Rajasthani Folk Dance – Shrestha Sarkar & Prakriti Thapa
- Marathi Folk Dance – Kasturi Das Barman, Hrishita Das & Doli Mahanta
- Kashmiri Folk Dance – Avipsha Adhikari
- Gujarati Folk Dance – Sharmistha Das, Moupia Adhikari & Priti Karmakar
- Punjabi Folk Dance – Hrishita Das, Kasturi Das Barman, Doli Mahanta & Shrestha Sarkar
- Vande Mataram – Grand Finale Presentation by Hakimpara NrityaMalancha, Siliguri
This concluding segment promises to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of India through music, movement, and tradition.
Event Details
Event: Colours of India 2026
Organizer: Swaranjali Delhi
Date: 13 August 2026
Time: 5:00 PM onwards
Venue: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Auditorium, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands – 744103
RSVP
9910300319 | 9933211868 | 9818300319 | 7695021548
Website: www.swaranjali.org
Website: www.nrityamalancha.com
Acknowledgements
The organizers gratefully acknowledge the support of Mr. & Mrs. Ratna Wagh (ABSS Pune), Shri Mridul Nath (RMS Audio Hyderabad), Dhwani Foundation Delhi, Shri Debraj Das (Jamshedpur), Shri Sanjit Debnath (Port Blair), RepairnFix Faridabad, Daksh Dance Akademi, Vikash Akademi, and Muktadhara.
Media Partner: Shreyas Webmedia Solutions, Bhubaneswar
17, Jun 2026
International Sushi Day at Amaru
June 17: This International Sushi Day Amaru invites guests to celebrate the artistry of sushi through a thoughtfully curated selection of maki rolls, carpaccios, and Japanese-inspired creations that showcase fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Blending Japanese technique with Amaru’s signature Asian–Peruvian approach, the menu offers something for every kind of sushi lover. 
Guests can indulge in favourites like the California Explosion, layered with crab meat, tobiko and avocado, the Prawn Tempura Maki with spicy mayo and crispy tempura prawns, and the Tempura Yasai Maki, featuring crispy exotic vegetables and guacamole. Vegetarian options such as the Hass Avocado Cream Cheese Roll and Amaru Tsurai Maki offer equally satisfying bites, packed with texture and flavour.
For those who enjoy lighter, more delicate preparations, the Salmon Carpaccio with ponzu and wakame and the Hamachi Carpaccio with spicy jalapeño and wakame bring together freshness and balance in every bite.
Whether you’re loyal to a perfectly rolled maki or enjoy exploring contemporary Japanese flavours, Amaru’s sushi selection makes for the perfect way to mark International Sushi Day.
What: International Sushi Day at Amaru
When: 18th June
Where: Amaru, Mumbai
17, Jun 2026
Laser startup LITILIT Brings Femtosecond Lasers to Industrial Scale With New Vilnius Factory
Nikolajus Gavrillinas, co-founder and CEO of LITILIT. (Source: LITILIT)
LITILIT is developing one of the highest-capacity femtosecond laser production facilities in the world, designed to reach an annual production capacity of up to 3,000 lasers within a few years of launch. The company aims to address one of the key barriers to wider femtosecond laser adoption: the need for scalable, industrially practical production.
June 17, Vilnius, Lithuania: Femtosecond laser startup LITILIT has begun developing a new large-scale femtosecond laser production facility in Vilnius, with a project value of approximately six million euros. The company plans to complete the main construction and fit-out works by the end of this year and reach annual production capacity of up to 3,000 lasers within approximately a few years of launch.
Femtosecond lasers are among the most advanced tools for high-precision material processing. Their extremely short light pulses enable highly accurate processing with minimal thermal impact and makes them suitable for a wide range of applications – from semiconductor and advanced electronics manufacturing to medical procedures such as eye surgery.
According to Nikolajus Gavrilinas, co-founder and CEO of LITILIT, one of the biggest barriers to mass femtosecond laser adoption today is that there are no ways to manufacture lasers at the scale that industry will require.
“Traditionally, femtosecond laser architectures evolved from scientific systems. They can deliver strong performance, but are often complex to assemble, difficult to automate and dependent on highly qualified specialists. Our lasers are based on a purpose-built architecture with lower component complexity, modular design and a high level of automation. This allows us to organize assembly, testing and quality control faster and more efficiently,” Gavrilinas explains.
The factory will be located in Vilnius with a business area covering 4,000 square meters. It will include two main production areas: a modern CNC metal machining shop and robotic femtosecond laser assembly and testing workshops.
The main construction and fit-out works are planned for completion in the final quarter of 2026. During its first year of operations, the factory is expected to produce up to 1,000 femtosecond lasers, with capacity set to increase to 3,000 lasers annually within the following few years. The total value of the project is expected to reach around six million euros.
Patented technology
Gavrilinas explains that the technological foundation behind LITILIT’s approach to scalable production traces back to a 2014 discovery – a fundamentally new and patented method of generating ultrashort pulses. The company has been developing the technology since it was founded in 2015 and in 2022, it raised €3.7 million from Taiwania Capital and Iron Wolf Capital to support further technology development, becoming the first company to receive investment from Taiwan’s USD 200 million CEE fund.
Based on the invention, made by LITILIT co-founder Kęstutis Regelskis at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) in Vilnius, Lithuania, the company developed a patented laser architecture that enables more efficient, compact and industrially scalable femtosecond laser systems.
“Our architecture achieves around 20% electrical-to-optical femtosecond efficiency, which is a strong result for this industry. In practical terms, this means lower energy consumption, reduced cooling requirements and reliable operation in industrial environments. The same architecture also allows us to build compact and robust lasers that require no maintenance and are robust to external disturbances,” Gavrilinas says.
The Vilnius factory is designed as the first step in a broader international expansion. LITILIT plans to replicate the model in other regions together with international partners.
“Femtosecond lasers are becoming an essential tool for next-generation manufacturing, but wider adoption will depend on making the technology more accessible. With this factory, we are taking the first step toward a repeatable global production model – and we are proud to begin that journey in Lithuania, a country with a strong tradition in laser science and engineering,” Gavrilinas concludes.
17, Jun 2026
Tata Power, Engineers India, Minda Corporation, Sagar Defence Engineering & Federal Bank Win 18th BML Munjal Awards for L&D Excellence
New Delhi, June 17 : The 18th edition of the BML Munjal Awards was presented at the Mindmine Summit 2026 in New Delhi, recognising organisations that have demonstrated excellence in learning and development while delivering measurable impact for business, customers and society.
The winners of the 18th BML Munjal Awards were:
- Sustained Excellence: Tata Power
- Public Sector Undertaking (PSU): Engineers India Limited
- Private Sector Manufacturing: Minda Corporation
- Emerging Stars: Sagar Defence Engineering
The Jury’s Special Mention Awards were presented to Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India and Aravind Eye Care System for their outstanding contributions and impact.
Instituted in memory of Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Hero Group, the Awards honour organisations that view learning as a strategic driver of performance, innovation and long-term growth.
The Awards ceremony was presided over by Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh , who presented the honours to the winners before delivering a keynote address on “Bharat ka Nirmaan: Roots, Values, Future.”
In his address, Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of RSS spoke about the importance of teaching future generations about taking pride in their work. He highlighted the importance of values-based leadership, social responsibility and institution-building in shaping India‘s future. He underscored the need for collective efforts towards national development while remaining rooted in India‘s cultural ethos.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman, Hero Enterprise said,
“The BML Munjal Awards were established to recognise organisations that understand a simple but powerful truth: sustainable success is built on people. As businesses navigate rapid technological, economic and social change, the ability to continuously learn, adapt and develop talent has become a defining competitive advantage. The growing participation in these Awards reflects the increasing commitment of Indian organisations to building cultures of learning, excellence and purpose.”
A special highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the Braille edition of ‘The Making of Hero‘ by Shri Mohan Bhagwat and Sunil Kant Munjal. Authored by Sunil Kant Munjal, the book chronicles the inception, growth and evolution of the Hero Group from a family-led enterprise into a globally recognised conglomerate. The Braille edition reflects a commitment to making inspiring stories of entrepreneurship and nation-building accessible to a wider audience.
Over the years, the BML Munjal Awards have emerged as one of India‘s most respected recognitions for organisational excellence in learning and development. Participation has grown from 35 companies in the inaugural edition to nearly 300 organisations in 2026, reflecting the increasing importance businesses place on talent development, capability building and continuous learning.
The Awards follow a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, with assessments conducted by Grant Thornton Bharat, the Awards‘ knowledge partner, and final selections made by an eminent jury comprising some of India‘s most distinguished business leaders.
The BML Munjal Awards continue to champion learning and development as a cornerstone of organisational excellence, innovation and nation-building, while recognising institutions that are creating meaningful impact through investments in people and capability building.
17, Jun 2026
Cinchy Appoints Cybersecurity Industry Veteran J.Paul Haynes as Chief Executive Officer
Former eSentire Executive Joins Cinchy to Accelerate the Company’s Next Chapter of Trusted AI Adoption
TORONTO, ON — June 17: Cinchy today announced the appointment of J.Paul Haynes as Chief Executive Officer, bringing decades of cybersecurity leadership experience to the company as organizations increasingly seek trusted approaches to AI adoption.
Haynes joins Cinchy following a distinguished career helping build and scale some of cybersecurity’s most recognized organizations, including playing a leadership role in the growth of eSentire from an emerging startup into one of the industry’s leading Managed Detection and Response (MDR) providers.
His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as enterprises struggle to safely move beyond AI experimentation and begin integrating generative AI, copilots and autonomous agents into critical business workflows.
While AI promises significant gains in productivity and acts to unlock innovation, many organizations are discovering that existing governance and security models were not designed for systems capable of independently accessing data, interacting with enterprise applications and influencing business decisions increasingly in autonomous fashions.
Under Haynes’ leadership, Cinchy will focus on helping organizations accelerate AI adoption while maintaining the governance, security and operational oversight required to do so responsibly.
“Organizations are under tremendous pressure to move faster with AI, but they are learning they cannot sacrifice trust, security or accountability in the process,” said Haynes. “The opportunity in front of us is to help enterprises confidently embrace AI while ensuring it operates within the guardrails of their business, compliance obligations and security requirements. I believe Cinchy is uniquely positioned to solve that challenge.”
Founded on a vision of helping organizations govern access to enterprise data, Cinchy has spent years helping customers establish trusted access, visibility and control across complex environments. Today, the company is extending that governance foundation to address a new challenge: enabling trusted AI adoption at enterprise scale.
“J.Paul’s experience helping organizations navigate transformational shifts in cybersecurity makes him an ideal leader for Cinchy’s next chapter,” said Leo Casusol, Managing Director at Forgepoint, a leading U.S. cybersecurity investment firm and Cinchy investor. “His track record of scaling innovative companies, building high-performing teams and understanding the evolving security landscape will be invaluable as enterprises seek new ways to govern and secure AI.”
The appointment reflects Cinchy’s belief that trusted AI adoption is becoming the defining technology challenge of this decade.
As AI continues to take on a more active role across business workflows, Cinchy remains focused on building the governance foundation organizations need to safely scale AI adoption across enterprise systems, data and processes, while maintaining visibility, accountability and trust.
17, Jun 2026
Airtel Extends Connectivity for Indian Army in Arunachal Pradesh
Guwahati, June 17: Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today announced the successful completion of the first phase of a strategic initiative in partnership with 4 Corps of Indian Army headquartered at Tezpur to strengthen mobile connectivity across remote regions in Arunachal Pradesh.
With this milestone deployment, Airtel has become the first and only service provider to deliver reliable mobile connectivity in the mountainous, high-altitude, and difficult-to-access region. This will enable both military and civil personnel residing in these remote locations to stay seamlessly connected with their families.
As part of the initiative, Airtel deployed network infrastructure across 30 Army stations located in challenging mountainous terrain. The deployment significantly enhances voice and data connectivity in areas where access has historically remained limited due to geographical and infrastructure constraints.
This achievement was made possible through the strong collaboration between Airtel and the Indian Army. The Army extended extensive logistical support throughout the project, including assistance for fiber deployment and power infrastructure. In several locations where road access was not possible, the Indian Army provided the necessary assistance and logistics support to move Airtel Technical teams and telecommunication equipment deep into the mountains.
The successful completion of Phase 1 has now paved the way for the next chapter. Encouraged by the impact of the project, the Indian Army and Airtel have agreed to undertake Phase 2, under which network sites will be built across 15 additional locations in Arunachal Pradesh
“This initiative reflects Airtel’s continued commitment to extending connectivity to some of the country’s most difficult terrains. The rollout required extensive coordination between Airtel teams and local support units to overcome immense terrain and weather-related challenges,” said Balaji R, CEO – North East and Assam, Bharti Airtel. “Our teams operated under demanding high-altitude conditions and adverse weather to ensure timely and secure network activation. We are deeply grateful to the Indian Army for their unparalleled logistical support, which made it possible to bring digital connectivity to these frontier regions.”
Airtel’s continued expansion into such challenging environments reflects its commitment to bridging the digital divide and powering India’s digital transformation.
17, Jun 2026
Omdia: XR headwear market set for growth from 2027, as industry attention shifts from headsets to glasses
LONDON, June 17: Global shipments of XR headwear will decline by 12% to 6.2 million units in 2026, according to the latest forecast from Omdia. However, the market is expected to return to growth in 2027, reaching 6.5 million units, an increase of 4.8%. This recovery will be driven by the rapid expansion of XR glasses, offsetting declines in headset shipments, as both consumers and manufacturers increasingly favor lighter form factors over bulkier devices.
The tethered XR glasses segment, led by Chinese vendors like RayNeo and Xreal, is projected to reach 900,000 units in 2026 – a 19% increase – and maintain double-digit growth to reach 3.8 million units by 2030. Meanwhile, standalone XR glasses remain a relatively small segment, largely confined to enterprise and developer use, with shipments forecast to reach just 93,000 units in 2026. However, the category is expected to grow rapidly over the next five years as hardware matures and spatial computing capabilities improve.
XR headwear is part of the wider intelligent headwear market as defined by Omdia, which also includes AI glasses. “Following three years of rapid growth, AI glasses have begun normalizing face-worn computing for daily use,” said George Jijiashvili, Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia. “This growing consumer familiarity is directly fueling the XR glasses segment, laying groundwork for an industry-wide evolution toward slimmer glasses form factors.”
The standalone XR headset category, which includes the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro, is projected to decline 15% in 2026 to 4.7 million shipments, with contractions continuing into 2027, marking a fifth consecutive year of decline for the category since its pandemic-induced peak in 2021/22. A return to growth is predicted in 2028, with shipments forecast to rise to 5 million units.
This recovery relies on Apple introducing a more accessible Vision Pro around 2028, acting as the catalyst for players like Samsung and Vivo to make a more competitive push. Without these developments, growth prospects for the segment remain uncertain. Meanwhile, tethered headsets continue their steep decline, dropping 34% in 2026 to 500,000 units as standalone alternatives displace them.
“Despite maturing technology, bulky XR headsets struggle to demonstrate everyday utility for mainstream consumers,” noted Qiran Ju, Senior Analyst at Omdia. “Meta has prioritized AI glasses, while Google signaled a similar direction through emphasis on XR glasses at I/O 2026. Lighter form factors are better positioned to gain widespread consumer acceptance and steer the future of XR development.”
