March 28, 2025: IDBI Bank successfully hosted ‘IDBI FinTech Fusion’ on March 25–26, 2025, at IDBI Bank Head Office, Mumbai, bringing together some of the most innovative minds in the FinTech ecosystem. The exclusive event served as a dynamic platform for fintechs to showcase their capabilities.

Organized in association with Amazon Web Services (AWS) as Knowledge Partner, the event featured keynote sessions from AWS and NPCI, and live technology showcases from leading players. Over 20 fintech platforms presented cutting-edge solutions at dedicated stalls, offering an interactive and hands-on experience with next-gen financial technologies. The two-day event fostered discussions around digital transformation, policy implications, risk management, and emerging trends in the financial technology space.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Jayakumar S. Pillai, Deputy Managing Director said, “IDBI FinTech Fusion was a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the financial sector. The platform enabled stakeholders to explore breakthrough technologies that are redefining digital banking and elevating customer experiences. By bringing together the brightest minds in FinTech, technology, and banking, the event proved to be an enriching forum for exchanging ideas and shaping the future strategies. In continuation of our Digital Transformation Strategy on data, cloud, and fintech partnerships, the Bank will also leverage AWS cloud for rolling out its innovation Sandbox and Data Lake

Bengaluru, 28^th March 2025: Starbucks has introduced two new beverages, Kiwi Calamansi Refresher® and Lychee Raspberry Refresher® to the Refreshers® lineup in India. These beverages are now available across all Starbucks India stores, joining returning favourites like the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher® and Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher® just in time for the summer season. This new range is curated for a new generation of consumers looking for beverages that are light, flavourful, and functional.

With low-calorie, non-dairy options and infused with green coffee extracts, Refreshers® meet the evolving preferences of Gen Z, offering an easy, on-the-go choice that feels as good as it looks. The Refreshers® range is part of a growing shift toward beverages that reflect evolving consumer preferences. These drinks are designed for those seeking mindful, great-tasting choices that fit seamlessly into modern, on-the-go lifestyles.

More than just a beverage, Refreshers® have gained global recognition for their vivid colours, vibrant fruit blends, and uplifting appeal. Infused with ingredients like calamansi, kiwi, lychee, and raspberry, these new additions bring together tropical inspiration and bold taste in every sip.

Whether you’re in the mood for a bright mid-day boost or something cool to complement the season, there’s a flavour pairing to match every moment:

• Kiwi Calamansi Refresher®: A citrus lover’s dream, a tangy zest of calamansi and a Southeast Asian citrus fruit that fuses effortlessly with freeze-dried kiwi and green coffee extract. This drink promises a balanced burst of energy with every sip.

• Lychee Raspberry Refresher®: A harmonious symphony of flavours blending the delicate sweetness of lychee with the tangy brightness of raspberry. Freeze-dried raspberries and green coffee extract add to the refreshing, elegant experience.
• Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher®: Brought back from last year, this beverage is a delightful blend of juicy strawberries and acai berry extracts. Shaken with ice and mixed with chopped strawberries, it offers a crisp, revitalizing sip perfect for warm summer days.
• Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher®: A tropical escape in a cup, this beverage is making a much-awaited comeback with the king of the season, mango, blended with lemonade. Hand-shaken with ice and dragon fruit pieces, an absolute summer essential to get your hands on.

To be exclusively managed by Musee Musical

Adyar Chennai, 28th March 2025: Yamaha, The Automobile and Music/Audio giant, one of the world’s leading brands has opened its 2^nd premium exclusive showroom in Chennai Tamil Nadu. This step brings Yamaha closer to its aim of making the studio facilities and equipment available to all upcoming musicians in the state. This initiative also underscores the shared commitment to empowering the nation’s youth to the best quality of music training under the guidance of some of the most renowned music trainers in the region. 

The Yamaha Music Square has already expanded to a total of 26 stores across India; this will be its 2^nd in the state of Chennai taking the total to 27, contributing to this initiative with an extensive reach.  Yamaha also plans to expand Music Square in the near future to vacant and potential regions.  A unique feature that will set the studio apart from every other place will be the option of live demos of each music instrument for every music enthusiast.

Yamaha has entered into an exclusive tie-up with the renowned Musee Musical, a historic music store in Chennai that is in its 183^rd year. The tie-up includes Musee Musical managing the Music Store and extending all their services to customers in the area. Musee Musical brings its expertise in understanding the needs of customers with regard to musical instruments and training. This is a new business model that is being undertaken and promises the best of the expertise of both companies to discerning customers in Chennai.

In India, there is a boundary to the extent of talent we possess and to promote and identify such talent, Yamaha has pledged to expand this initiative. The Company aims to strategically focus and build more infrastructural facilities and projects to efficiently cater the public and develop the segment in the region.

REHAN SIDDIQUI SAN (Deputy General Manager) Yamaha said, “This development is aimed at upgrading the talent pool of the youth in India and also to provide the best quality instruments in the region. We at Yamaha are committed towards excellence in technology and quality, this initiative will provide a platform to music students to enhance their skills and gets access to world class training in the world of Audio.

Training and product workshop will also be conducted by Musee Musical in the first 30 days.

March 28, 2025:As a member of an international team of experts, Sonam Rinzin, a third-year PhD student from the School of Geography, Politics, and Sociology, contributed to an in-depth study on the devastating effects of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). These floods occur when meltwater, held back by moraine or ice dams left behind as glaciers recede, suddenly bursts through. Such events can cause extensive damage to property, infrastructure, and agricultural land, posing a significant risk to human life. The sequence of events that occurred during the Sikkim flood in 2023 was simulated by Sonam. The impact of mass moraine failure entering the lake, its interaction with lake water, and the resulting formation of impulse waves, and moraine dam failure were all examined. Pre- and post-event data as well as numerical modelling served as the foundation for these simulations.

As melting glaciers continue to increase the risk of GLOFs in the Himalaya region, the team’s findings, which were published in Science, highlight the urgent need to strengthen prediction and early warning systems as well as GLOF hazard assessments.

Sonam stated, “The 2023 catastrophic GLOF event of Sikkim left enormous destruction and damage downstream and is an example of how hazardous glacial lakes can be for communities in the Himalaya.This novel scientific effort, which investigated the intricate causes, dynamics, and consequences of this catastrophic flood cascade is enormously important, not only for understanding the cause and consequences of the event itself, but also for highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to reduce and mitigate GLOF risk in the Himalaya. As an early-career scientist, I feel privileged to have contributed to this significant research and to have collaborated with over 30 scientists from 10 countries. This experience provided me with a valuable opportunity to interact with some of the world’s leading scientists while also enhancing my academic and technical skills.”.

The source of the 2023 flood, South Lhonak Lake, is located in Sikkim’s Upper Teesta basin in northeastern India at 5,200 meters above sea level. Being one of the biggest and fastest-growing glacial lakes in the area, it presents serious risks because of the possibility of GLOFs. On October 3 and 4, 2023, these risks came to pass as the lake erupted catastrophically, causing a flood cascade that killed 55 people, left 74 missing, and devastated most of the area downstream, including the Teesta-III hydropower dam.

The results showed that the outburst was caused by a landslip that deposited 14.7 million cubic meters of frozen debris into South Lhonak Lake. The consequent 20-meter tsunami-like wave broke through and undermined the frontal moraine that held the lake’s water, releasing about 50 million m3, or 20,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Infrastructure downstream suffered significant damage as a result of the massive amount of water that flowed down the valley. As heavy rainfall primed the landscape for landslides and compounded sediment transport and downstream destruction in the Teesta Valley, the research team, which included scientists from ten countries, including the universities of Hull, Leeds, and Cambridge in the UK, as well as non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders in India and Bangladesh, demonstrated how climate change exacerbated the event. This hit Bangladesh as well as Sikkim and West Bengal in India, causing infrastructural destruction up to 385 km from the flood’s source.

The findings, according to the authors, highlight the shortcomings of current GLOF models, which frequently neglect to take erosion, sediment transport, and cascading processes into account. They also emphasise the necessity of improved early warning systems, policy changes, and adaptive risk management techniques, especially in remote, high-altitude, vulnerable glacial regions like the Himalayas.

Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull and a leading expert in landslide research and management served as the UK lead for the international collaboration. He stated: “This research underscores the critical need for early warning systems, effective risk management strategies, and further research to assess the threats posed by the increasing number of hydropower projects in the region. The urgency of this work cannot be overstated, particularly as many developing countries are now facing cuts in aid. Gaining a clear understanding of what transpired is essential for identifying future risks and ensuring better protection for vulnerable communities.”

Dr. Ashim Sattar, an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, led the study. He explained, “It is evident that an integrated approach is required to reduce the risks of GLOFs in the Himalayas, including early warning systems, strengthened regulatory frameworks, a paradigm shift in GLOF modeling approaches, and robust preparation programs and community education.”

A team led by Newcastle University created the first worldwide evaluation of GLOF-risk areas in February 2023 and determined priority areas for mitigation. The study found that 15.3 million people reside within 50 km of a glacial lake and that the largest GLOF hazard is found in High Mountain Asia, which includes parts of India and Pakistan as well as the Tibetan Plateau, which stretches from Kyrgyzstan to China.

Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant & HOD – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

In the fast-paced world we live in today, we tend to only think about what we consume in terms of calories, proteins, and fats, but we hardly ever take the time to think about whether our bodies are receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals they require. Nutrient deficiencies can creep up on us subtly, usually in the form of daily minor discomforts. Fatigue, brittle nails, or frequent headaches might not seem like a big deal, but they could be your body’s way of signalling that something is missing. Symptoms for these conditions are usually always subtle and easy to ignore. If not monitored, they will turn into bigger health problems affecting your immune system and even mental health.

Here are 5 such hidden symptoms that can help you to recognize a nutrient deficiency.

1. Cracks at the Corners of Your Mouth – If you’ve noticed painful cracks or sores at the corners of your mouth, you might be deficient in iron, zinc, or B vitamins. All these nutrients are important for healing wounds and maintaining healthy skin. A diet rich in leafy greens, eggs, and lean meats can improve the situation.
2. Frequent Muscle Cramps – Muscle cramps need not be caused solely by dehydration or over-exertion. Frequent unexplained cramping can be indicative of a magnesium, potassium, or calcium deficiency. These nutrients play a central role in facilitating nerve impulses and normal muscle contraction. To reduce cramps, include more bananas, nuts, seeds, and dairy products in your diet.
3. Chronic Fatigue – Waking up constantly tired, even after eight hours of sleep, may be an indication of low iron, Vitamin D, or B Vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12. These nutrients help to produce energy and transport oxygen throughout the body. If you are constantly feeling tired, think about adding more leafy vegetables, eggs, milk, and lean meats into your diet in order to get more energy.
4. Brittle Nails and Hair – Thin, brittle nails and excessive hair loss may be a sign of a biotin (Vitamin B7) insufficiency. Biotin is an important vitamin which contributes in maintaining healthy hair and nail strength. Eggs, nuts, whole grains, and fish contain good amounts of biotin. If your nails are chipping too easily or your hair doesn’t have its normal shine, then it may be time to recheck your nutrition levels.
5. Feeling Cold All the Time – If you are always cold, it may be a symptom of iron or iodine deficiency. Iron is important for oxygen diffusion, while iodine is needed for the functioning of the thyroid gland, which controls the body’s temperature. Including iron-rich foods such as beans and red meat as well as foods containing iodine such as seafood and dairy products, will be beneficial for this condition.

Though these symptoms can appear insignificant at first, they can affect your overall health and well-being if neglected. But the good news is that the majority of nutrient deficiencies are reversible with some simple dietary modifications. Adding a mix of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, will help maintain nutrient levels. However, if these symptoms persist despite a healthy diet, it’s best to consult a doctor. By understanding these subtle signs, you can improve your health, increase energy, and enhance immunity.

March 28, 2025:India is swiftly positioning itself as a global innovation hub, backed by a robust startup ecosystem, strong governmental initiatives like Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, and Make in India, and a sharp rise in R&D and Intellectual Property (IP) awareness. The surge in patent filings, incubators, accelerators, and VC funding reflects a maturing ecosystem that nurtures ideas from conception to commercialization.

Mr. Lalit Ambastha, Co-Founder, IP Bazzaar

On the occasion, Mr. Lalit Ambastha, Co-Founder, IP Bazzaar said, “IP League 4.0 is more than an event—it’s a mission to turn innovation into impact. By bringing together inventors with protected IP and visionary investors, we are creating a platform that fuels India’s innovation economy. On World IP Day, we’re proud to provide a launchpad where ideas meet opportunity, and intellectual property becomes a catalyst for growth.”

 To support and accelerate this journey, IP Bazzaar proudly announces the 4th edition of its flagship Inventor-Investor Meet—IP League 4.0—to be held on World IP Day, April 26, 2025, at The Suryaa, New Delhi. This exclusive event aims to connect inventors with protected IPs and forward-looking investors, fostering meaningful collaborations and investment opportunities.

 Event Highlights:

• Showcasing early-stage startups with IP-protected technologies (filed/granted patents)
• Participation in well-mentored startups guided by seasoned industry experts and IP attorneys
• Expert-led sessions on IP strategy, business consultation, and investment readiness
• Cross-border IP and market expansion support
• Investment facilitation through IP law firms
• End-to-end event support for successful deal closures
• Backed by certified licensing professionals and IP attorneys

28^th March 2025: Zigly, (Cosmo First Limited) India’s first tech-enabled omnichannel pet care brand is on an expansion spree to address the myriad pet care service demands across the country. The pet care brand has further launched four new stores thereby increasing its market presence in Northern and Southern India. Zigly has reported consistent month-on-month revenue growth, with a current ARR (net revenue) reaching approximately Rs 56 Cr (as of Dec 2024) and the Company is targeting to more than double it in the next 1-2 years.

The new stores are at JP Nagar and Bel road at Bengaluru; Sector 35 B in Chandigarh – a 24*7 facility, and Shankar Road, Rajinder Nagar, Delhi.

Along with this, Zigly has opened two pet hospitals, which is in line with the brand’s mission to provide a holistic and comprehensive petcare ecosystem for the pet parents and their furry friends. This also synergises its vision to complement pet care with full-scale vet services and timely treatment for pets.

As part of this expansion, the Kailash Colony Experiential Center in Delhi has been transformed into a fully-operational pet hospital. Furthermore, to enhance its presence in the southern market, Zigly has opened its hospital in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

Additionally, JP Nagar, Bel Road & Shankar Road centers provides Specialty Vet Care Services – Vaccinations, Consultations, Surgeries, and Radiology, with Chandigarh store complementing Zigly’s vet services with 24×7 vet care services as well as Emergency Care, IPD & Ultrasound.

 “With the new year, we are bringing fresh tidings for our pet parents, new and existing, to provide an ever-improving petcare ecosystem in India. Our expansion strategy reflects our commitment to elevating the standards of pet healthcare in the country, with the transformation of our iconic Kailash Colony Experiential Center into a hospital and opening of a new one in Hyderabad. These mark just some of the many beginnings of our enhanced service offerings for pet parents,” said Mr Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First.

The company is also strengthening its veterinary expertise by welcoming Dr Mahendran to the medical leadership team, bringing decades of specialized experience in pet healthcare. Dr Mahendra has over 35 years of experience and is the Head of Hospitals at Zigly.

The petcare industry in India experiencing robust growth with an expected annual growth rate of 19% over the next decade. This is mainly driven due to growing disposable incomes and increasing pet ownership by millennials and Gen-Z who view pets as family members. Interestingly, there has been an uptick in pet adoption from Tier 2 and 3 cities as well providing tailwinds to the growth of the petcare industry.

Due to this emotional connection between pet parents and their furry friends, Zigly has witnessed higher spending on premium products, including high-quality food, along with growing demands for pet services such as grooming, veterinary care and pet-friendly, safe accessories and toys. This has led to the rise of e-commerce platforms to cater for this demand. Zigly Lifestyle, FurPro grooming range, and the Applod treats and biscuits range are part of the petcare brand’s in-house products and services to address these demands.

March 28, 2025 – BluHeat by Nysh.in proudly partnered with the HCL Cyclothon 2025, which took place on March 23, 2025, in Noida. As the Official Pain Relief Partner, BluHeat provided essential support to participants through various initiatives aimed at enhancing their cycling experience.

During the event, BluHeat distributed 40 exclusive gift hampers containing a selection of its premium pain relief products to winners across multiple cycling categories. Additionally, BluHeat sponsored the entry fees for ten enthusiastic students, promoting inclusivity and encouraging youth participation in cycling.

On race day, BluHeat’s team, including professional physiotherapists, was on-site to offer support and distribute BluHeat patches to participants in need. The event attracted an impressive turnout of approximately 2,600 participants, highlighting the growing interest in cycling as a sport and a healthy lifestyle choice.

“We are happy to have partnered with BluHeat as the Official Pain Relief Partner for the HCL Cyclothon 2025. We are proud to support the community and ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.” Rajat Chandolia – AVP and Head Brand, HCL Group. 

Bhavna V, Co-Founder of Nysh.in, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: “It has been amazing to be a part of HCL Cyclothon 2025. Our commitment to supporting athletes aligns perfectly with this event’s spirit of health and community engagement. We believe that our products made a significant difference in enhancing the performance and comfort of cyclists. We believe in empowering individuals to pursue their passions without limitations.”

The collaboration between BluHeat by Nysh and HCL Cyclothon underscores a shared vision of promoting wellness and an active lifestyle through cycling. As more individuals embrace cycling for fitness and recreation, partnerships like these play a vital role in fostering a supportive environment for athletes of all levels. The HCL Cyclothon 2025 not only showcased competitive spirit but also highlighted the importance of corporate partnerships in enhancing community engagement. With increasing participation from both amateur and professional cyclists, this year’s edition set a new benchmark for future events.

 March 28, 2025: Bharti AXA Life continues to strengthen its leadership team by hiring seasoned professionals with deep domain expertise and a strong track record in driving business performance. The company has announced the appointment of Mr. Prerak Parmar as its Chief Growth Officer.

Mr.-Prerak-Parmar

Prerak will transition to lead all proprietary distribution channels of the company, which include – Agency, Partner Office, Insurance Manager and Direct Distribution. Additionally, he will also transition to jointly lead revenue assurance and pricing. His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening the company’s distribution footprint and further accelerating the growth trajectory.

With over 26 years of experience in the FMCG and Life Insurance sectors, Prerak has handled both sales and general management in his previous roles. He has successfully led multiple distribution channels and played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth. He has a proven track record of enhancing frontline productivity, improving customer retention, and optimizing business efficiency.

Prerak holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad, specializing in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.

Commenting on Prerak’s appointment, Mr. Parag Raja, MD & CEO, Bharti AXA Life, said, “We are excited to have Prerak on board. His deep industry expertise in driving growth makes him a great asset to the company. As we expand our market presence and enhance the value we deliver to customers, Prerak’s extensive experience in leading multi-channel distribution, coupled with his deep understanding of customer-centric strategies, will be instrumental in driving our growth.”

“I am excited to be a part of Bharti AXA Life Insurance. In my role, I will focus on expanding our distribution network, strengthening customer engagement, and driving profitability and innovative solutions to enhance market reach,” said Mr. Prerak Parmar, Chief Growth Officer, Bharti AXA Life.

The company remains committed to broadening its reach, optimizing operations, and delivering exceptional value to customers, ensuring sustainable growth in the evolving insurance landscape.

March 28th, 2025: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the responsible jeweller proudly announces its latest showroom in MCCH society, Panvel, Navi Mumbai. Spanning an expansive 3146 sq. ft., the new store is designed to offer customers a world-class shopping experience with an exquisite collection of jewellery across diverse designs and styles. This launch marks another step in the brand’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Western India while delivering exceptional craftsmanship and service.  

  The showroom marks the brand’s 43rd outlet in the Western region of India, further strengthening its presence and leadership in the region. The new showroom inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Shri Ramsheth Thakur, Former Member of the Lok Sabha, alongside members of the management team, valued customers, and well-wishers. 

 With a global footprint of over 390 plus showrooms across 13 countries—including India, the Middle East, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia—Malabar Gold & Diamonds is renowned for its wide-ranging collections, exceptional quality, and customer-centric approach. Strengthening its presence further, the brand is set to expand with 12 new showrooms opening across India in March, reinforcing its commitment to making premium jewellery more accessible. Backed by a dedicated team of 22,000 multilingual employees across 26 countries, the brand has served over 15 million satisfied customers worldwide. 

  The new showroom offers an extensive collection of gold, diamond, platinum, gemstone and silver jewellery, designed to suit various tastes and occasions. From traditional designs that reflect India’s cultural heritage to contemporary styles for modern sensibilities, the showroom caters to diverse preferences.  

 In a statement marking the momentous occasion, MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group, stated, “We are excited to open our showroom in Panvel, a city known for its strategic location, rapid urban development, and rich cultural heritage. At Malabar Gold & Diamonds, we are dedicated to offering jewellery that combines timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship. With a strong focus on quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction, we look forward to bringing our finest collections to Panvel and providing an unforgettable shopping experience to the vibrant community here.” 

 The showroom is designed to provide a flawless shopping experience to the customers, with elegant displays and a highly trained team to guide customers in selecting their perfect jewellery. The space aims to provide customers with an unparalleled jewellery shopping experience, complete with spacious interiors and ample parking. 

 This showroom launch underscores Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ vision of becoming the world’s most preferred jeweller, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to create timeless pieces while prioritising sustainability and societal well-being.