Madhuri Dixit and Macha Tea Celebrate ‘Maa Ke Haath Ki Chai’ in Every Cup
New Delhi, 9th April 2025: There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of home, and Macha Tea brings this sentiment alive in its campaign film featuring Bollywood’s evergreen icon Madhuri Dixit, who is also the brand ambassador of Macha Tea. Taking inspiration from the cherished tradition of ‘Maa Ke Haath Ki Chai’, the film is a heartfelt tribute to the irreplaceable warmth, love, and nostalgia that nurtures like a mother—one sip at a time.
Macha Tea’s film beautifully weaves together soulful narration of a mother’s love, showing how her affection is expressed in everyday gestures—knitting a sweater for her child, gently oiling her daughter’s hair, preparing homemade ladoos for a child living far from home, applying mehndi on her daughter’s hands before her wedding, or soothing a bruised knee with haldi. Each moment is infused with warmth and care, much like Macha Tulsi Adrak Elaichi Tea, the hero product of the campaign and Macha Tea. A perfect blend of Tulsi (Holy Basil), Adrak (Ginger), and Elaichi (Cardamom), this tea is a reflection of home, tradition, and well-being, with all natural ingredients and no artificial flavours or fragrances, making every sip a moment of comfort and connection.
Founded in 2016 by two brothers Shekhar Sharma and Shubham Sharma, Macha Tea started as a humble venture in Gurugram and has since grown into a nationally recognized tea brand with a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Manesar. A proud milestone for Macha Tea is its distinction as one of only 10 companies supplying tea to Army canteens (CSD), serving Indian Army personnel pan India—a true testament to its unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.
Shekhar Sharma and Shubham Sharma, Managing Directors and founders, Macha Tea, expressed their excitement about the film, “Tea is more than just a beverage in India; it’s an emotion, a tradition passed down through generations. ‘Maa Ke Haath Ki Chai’ is a feeling that instantly transports you back to moments of love and care, and Macha Tea embodies that warmth. Madhuri Dixit, with her grace, relatability, and deep-rooted connection with Indian families, is the perfect face to bring this emotion to life. Just like Macha Tea, she represents a blend of tradition and modernity, making this partnership incredibly special.”
Madhuri Dixit, sharing her thoughts on the association, said, “For every Indian, chai is an emotion that binds families, sparks conversations, and creates memories. Macha Tea beautifully captures this essence with its commitment to quality and rich flavors. The idea of ‘Maa Ke Haath Ki Chai’ is something that every Indian connects with, and I am delighted to be a part of this campaign. Just like a perfect cup of chai, this collaboration is all about bringing warmth, nostalgia, and refreshment to people’s lives.”
Macha Tea has cemented itself as a household favorite, offering a diverse range of premium teas, including Gold, Classic, Elaichi, Super Strong, Urja, and Premium Box, with a presence in more than 1 lakh retail outlets pan India.
Gurugram driving force in Indian property market strength
The latest market analysis from eXp India has revealed that Gurugram, Greater Noida and Bhubaneswar have been the strongest performing areas of the Indian property market over the last year having registered the highest rates of annual price growth.
eXp India analysed the latest market data for Q4 2024, looking at how property values have changed across the Indian property market on an annual basis (Q4 2023).
The analysis shows that it’s the Gurugram region that has seen the strongest market performance, with property values increasing by a notable 33.9% in the last year alone.
Greater Noida has seen the second strongest rate of growth at 24.2%, with Bhubaneswar sitting in third where property values are up 22.1% over the last year.
Coimbatore (+21.1%) and Noida (21%) have also seen an annual rate of growth in excess of 20%.
Such has been the strength of the Indian property market over the last year that just three areas of the market have seen a decline in property values.
Thiruvananthapuram has seen the largest decline with property values falling by -5.8% on an annual basis, whilst Howrah (-3.5%) and Ludhiana (-1.6%) have also seen a decline.
Whilst house prices across Delhi are up over the course of the year, the annual rate of growth of 0.4% is the lowest of all areas to have seen positive movement.
Data tables and sources
ICICI Bank Inaugurates a Branch in Jammu Location
Jammu: ICICI Bank has set up a new branch at Preet Nagar in Jammu. This branch, the Bank’s fourteenth in the city, is equipped with an ATM.
Shri Vikram Randhawa, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Jammu & Kashmir inaugurated the branch. Ms. Devyani Rana, Vice-President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Jammu & Kashmir, graced the occasion.
The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts and deposits including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits and loans like home loan, personal loan, auto loan, business loan and education loan along with remittance and card services. It also provides locker facility at its premises. It operates from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Monday to Friday and on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.
The branch also offers Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include opening of accounts and Fixed Deposit (FD), raising cheque book request, generation of e statements and change of address, among others.
ICICI Bank has more than 70 branches, and over 80 ATMs and cash recycling machines (CRMs) in Jammu & Kashmir.
ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centres, internet banking and mobile banking.
Paytm Launches MahaKumbh Soundbox for Payment Alerts
Kolkata, 8th April, 2025: Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox technology, has launched the Made-in-India Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox to empower merchant partners with instant payment alerts on a digital screen and real-time transaction tracking. The latest addition to Paytm’s expanding Soundbox range, this 4G-enabled device helps businesses track payments effortlessly, improve transaction visibility, and enhance operational efficiency.
The MahaKumbh Soundbox represents the power of Indian unification—just as the rare pilgrim festival brings millions together, this device seamlessly integrates multiple features into one, enabling effortless transactions for merchants.
Equipped with diverse capabilities, the new Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox comes with a built-in digital screen that provides a clear view of payments, including real-time transaction updates, total collections, and device status. Merchants can now see transactions instantly while also receiving audio alerts, ensuring quick verification even during peak hours when multiple payments are being made. It features Paytm pioneered QR code, allowing customers to scan and pay via all UPI apps and RuPay Credit Card payments through UPI. With a powerful 3-watt speaker, the device delivers clear voice confirmations, enabling merchants to instantly verify payments and reduce errors. Supporting 11 languages, it ensures merchants receive updates in their preferred language. Additionally, its long-lasting 10-day battery and durable, splash-resistant, and temperature-resistant design make it a reliable solution for businesses across retail stores, restaurants, and local markets.
Shri Sanjiv Singh ji, Joint Secretary, DPIIT said, “Startup Mahakumbh has been a landmark event celebrating India’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, bringing together visionaries, innovators, and policymakers to drive India’s digital and financial inclusion forward. In this spirit of innovation, Paytm continues to lead the way in transforming digital payments for millions of businesses across the country. The launch of the Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox is another testament to India’s leadership in fintech innovation—empowering merchants with real-time transaction tracking, seamless payment acceptance, and operational efficiency. I commend Vijay Shekhar Sharma and the Paytm team for their relentless commitment to developing cutting-edge, Made-in-India solutions that strengthen our digital economy and support small businesses nationwide.”
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – Paytm said, “We are proud to have made mobile payments accessible to everyone. As pioneers of Soundbox technology, we introduced instant payment confirmations, bringing trust and ease to merchants. With our new Made-in-India Display Soundbox, we are taking it a step further to help our merchant partners track transactions effortlessly and manage their business with confidence.”
This launch follows Paytm’s recent green innovation of India’s First Paytm Solar Soundbox, aimed at providing sustainable energy solutions to merchants and businesses. By integrating solar-powered infrastructure, the company continues to drive innovation that enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs for its partners. Additionally, Paytm is enhancing digital transactions with its NFC-enabled payment solutions, allowing merchants to accept tap-and-pay transactions effortlessly. This ensures faster, more secure payments and an improved customer experience.
Paytm innovates based on customer needs, introducing features like UPI statement downloads (PDF & Excel), UPI Trading Blocks for direct stock trade payments without pre-funding, and the ‘Receive Money QR Widget’ for instant payments without opening the app. It also enables users to check UPI-linked bank account balances on the Paytm app and supports UPI, UPI Lite for small payments, RuPay Credit Card linking on Paytm UPI, cards, and net banking for seamless transactions. Expanding globally, it now facilitates UPI payments in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Britannia Announces WiseBite Initiative for Snacking
New Delhi, 08 April 2025: On World Health Day, Britannia announces the launch of WiseBite, an initiative focused on empowering consumers toward wiser, more balanced snacking habits. Snacking is a part of daily life, providing energy and enjoyment throughout the day. With evolving food choices and increased awareness about balanced eating, WiseBite brings attention to cravings, informed choices, and sustainable habits, thereby encouraging a mindful snacking approach.
Dr. Balaji Jaganmohan, Consultant Physician & Diabetologist, Apollo Sugar Clinics Bangalore, speaks about the need for mindful snacking, “In today’s fast-paced lives, snacking often becomes an unconscious habit rather than a considered choice. Paying closer attention to what we eat between meals and understanding the how and why behind those choices can bring more intention and balance to our daily routines. Awareness around cravings, portion sizes, and nutritional balance plays a key role in shaping habits that support long-term well-being. Choices between healthy and unhealthy options might predispose an individual to the risk of developing chronic metabolic diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension and obesity.”
Built on three core principles—knowing your cravings, picking right, and building lasting habits—WiseBite offers individuals varied options to approach snacking mindfully. The initiative encourages individuals to take small, intentional steps to bring more awareness to everyday snacking. This includes pausing before reaching for a snack to check in with actual hunger cues, choosing options that are both satisfying and balanced, being fully present while eating—using portion control and avoiding distractions. These simple, sustainable shifts can help make snacking a more conscious, enjoyable, and fulfilling part of the day.
Speaking about the program, Siddharth Gupta, General Manager – Marketing, Britannia said, “The way we snack is evolving, creating an opportunity to encourage mindful choices. With WiseBite, the goal is to equip consumers with simple, relatable information that empowers them to make informed decisions. It’s about simplifying the journey toward mindful snacking in a way that feels relevant and doable in today’s fast-paced lifestyles”
WiseBite is Britannia’s commitment to encouraging mindful snacking habits. By providing consumers with accessible information backed by scientific research, the initiative seeks to demystify everyday snacking choices and equip individuals with practical suggestions to make informed decisions
WiseBite is designed to make snacking a more intentional and enriching part of everyday life. By fostering awareness and good decision-making, it encourages individuals to develop habits that align with their personal needs and lifestyle, ensuring that every bite is both satisfying and purposeful.
Tech Entrepreneurs Nikhil and Nishant Rathi’s Major Exit
Mumbai, 08 April 2025: Web Werks India Pvt Ltd, a leading data center provider in India, founded by Nikhil & Nishant Rathi, has been fully acquired by Iron Mountain (NYSE: IRM) in one of the largest transactions in India’s data center industry. The founders of Web Werks secured an investment of $150 million during the joint venture’s formation in 2021, followed by an additional $170 million in 2023. With their successful exit, the Rathi brothers have demonstrated their expertise in building and delivering exceptional value to India’s digital and data center ecosystem.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for the company, solidifying its legacy as a key enabler of India’s digital economy. As part of the transition, Web Werks will now operate under a new brand identity while continuing to serve its enterprise clients without disruption.
“Nishant and I have been working around the clock for 25+ years to build Web Werks data center. I am incredibly proud of what the entire team has achieved – making it one of the biggest acquisitions in Indian Data Center history. What started with just 40 people and three data centers at 1MW capacity has grown into a team of over 200 with 162 MW of capacity. Since then, we have blitzscaled to a capability of 162+ MW, a total of 6 live data centers in major cities and a family of 200+ people. I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey as I look ahead to the next chapter,” said Nikhil Rathi, Co-Founder, Web Werks and NeoSOFT.
Speaking about the sale, Nishant Rathi, Co-Founder of Web Werks and NeoSOFT, added, “While this marks an exciting new chapter for Web Werks, our commitment to fostering growth in the technology sector remains strong. Nikhil and I will continue to lead NeoSOFT and build NeoSOFT & NeoNXT platforms – driving initiatives that will propel businesses to leverage the best of digital & AI. We also look forward to lending our expertise and partnering with investors, entrepreneurs & VCs, and committed to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and growing the data center industry both in India and globally. The India story is alive and well and we are just one of the few examples of what dedication, customer centricity and a belief can do.”
Founded in 1996 by Nikhil and Nishant Rathi in a bedroom, Web Werks has grown into a powerhouse in India’s digital infrastructure space. Over nearly three decades, the company has established itself as a highly trusted provider of high-density, hyperscale, and AI-powered data centers, with best-in-class reliability and efficiency. At the time of sale, Web Werks operated six Tier-3, carrier-neutral data centers in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with construction on another in Chennai already underway.
The journey of Web Werks is a testament to the vision, resilience, and adaptability of its founders. What began as a small web hosting company evolved into a leader, keeping pace with India’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem. Founded by Nikhil and Nishant Rathi when they were only teenagers, the company navigated the early days of dial-up internet, working tirelessly to scale from serving small businesses to enterprise-level solutions. Through industry shifts—from the dot-com boom to the cloud and AI revolutions—Web Werks has consistently stayed ahead of the curve, cementing its role in shaping India’s digital future.
As they look ahead, the Rathi brothers are eager to reinvest their time and expertise into India’s tech landscape. Their unwavering belief in the country’s potential fuels their commitment to helping shape the next phase of India’s digital evolution. “No story is complete without India,” said Nikhil. “We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved, but the best is yet to come. We’re excited about what lies ahead, and we’ll continue to be part of India’s story for years to come.”
Free Uber Shuttle Rides for Mumbai Indians’ Fans Today
April 8, 2025 – Mumbai: Mumbai Indians made a winning return to Wankhede, with the MI Paltan showing up in full force. As fans gear up for the second home game on April 7, Uber Shuttle — the official mobility partner — is making match day travel even easier.
After an overwhelming response to the first game, Uber has expanded its free, air-conditioned Shuttle service for Mumbai Indians’ fans. Fans across Mumbai can now ride in comfort — and cheer louder — with seat-reserved Shuttles to and from Wankhede stadium.
On every home match day, fans can skip traffic, parking woes, and last-minute ride searches and ride in style with Uber Shuttle. Snehashish Nag, Head of Strategy, Uber Shuttle, said, “The response from MI Paltan has been phenomenal. With expanded routes, Uber Shuttle is making it easier than ever for the fans to get to Wankhede — comfortably, reliably, and for free.”
To further encourage fans to leave their private vehicles behind, Uber has also rolled out exclusive, limited number match-day promo codes for discounted ‘Uber Premier’ rides to and from the stadium. While booking the ride with Wankhede as the end or start point, fans can use the promo code ‘MIPALTAN’ and get a discount of 18% up to INR 100 per ride.
Just like the stadium dons the team’s blue and gold on every match day, the Uber app will support the Mumbai Indians team too – the vehicle icons will go blue and have the team logo alongside, as a celebration of the most successful team franchise and its loyal legion of fans.
Uber Shuttle is running operations in Delhi and Kolkata and is currently being piloted in Mumbai as a daily commute option connecting residential neighborhoods to commercial districts.
How to book your free Uber Shuttle ride to Wankhede:
- Open the Uber app and choose 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
Note: Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to book early and ride like champions.
Puja Shree: Reviving Vedic Wisdom for Harmony
New Delhi, India – APRIL 2025 – Faith is the soul of civilization, passed down through sacred mantras and rituals. In a world rushing forward, traditions risk fading. Puja Shree stands as a guardian of the past, a bridge to the future, and a guiding light for the present—reviving Sanatan Dharma with Duty, Devotion, and Discipline.
More than a brand, Puja Shree is a movement. It calls for a return to authenticity, devotion with purity, and a reconnection with timeless wisdom. With meticulously crafted puja samagri, divine yantras, and ritual essentials, Puja Shree empowers spiritual seekers worldwide.
“Spirituality is not just about rituals; it is about intention, precision, and authenticity. At Puja Shree, we are committed to reviving the sacred wisdom of our ancestors, ensuring that every offering—whether at home or in a temple—embodies true devotion. In a fast-moving world, we remind people to pause, connect, and embrace faith in its purest form.”
– Rajiv Tiwari, CEO & Founder, Puja Shree
DUTY. DEVOTION. DISCIPLINE. THE PILLARS OF PUJA SHREE.
Duty (कर्तव्य): The Sacred Responsibility
A lamp must always be lit in the temple of tradition. Ensuring that every product aligns with the highest Vedic standards is a duty, but so is educating future generations and preserving the spiritual richness of our culture.
Devotion (भक्ति): The Essence of Spiritual Fulfillment
Bhakti (devotion) is not just in performing rituals but in feeling their power. Whether through a whispered mantra, an offering of incense, or disciplined anushthan (spiritual observances), Puja Shree fosters spiritual fulfillment in its purest form.
Discipline (अनुशासन): The Path to Purity
Without discipline, there is no purity. Even the most learned can falter, as seen in the story of Ravana—who, despite his mastery of scriptures, succumbed to his own indiscipline. At Puja Shree, every product and practice upholds this fundamental truth: authenticity and reverence lead to spiritual elevation.
“We are witnessing a spiritual renaissance where people are yearning for deeper meaning and profound faith connections. Puja Shree is more than a puja product brand—it is a movement to reinstate devotion’s lost essence, guiding individuals toward purity and ensuring future generations inherit the wisdom of our traditions.”
– Shashank Arya, Co-founder, Puja Shree
WHERE TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY
Puja Shree harmonizes faith and convenience. By integrating ancient Vedic wisdom with modern accessibility, it makes sacred, Shastra-compliant offerings available to seekers worldwide—because devotion should never be compromised.
“The world of devotion and e-commerce are converging in remarkable ways. At Puja Shree, we leverage technology to make authentic, Shastra-compliant puja offerings accessible globally. Faith should never be compromised by convenience—we bring the two together seamlessly.”
– Ravi Gupta, Co-founder & CMO, Puja Shree
De Beers Group Ensures India’s Leading TV Anchors Dazzle
As cricket fever sweeps the nation, India’s leading women cricket anchors are taking centre-stage from the pitch to the spotlight —accessorized with the brilliance of natural diamonds. From the pitch to the studio, these presenters are bringing a touch of glamour to the game, enhancing the energy and elegance of the cricketing experience.
De Beers Group has partnered with JioHotstar and Star Sports for the ongoing Tata IPL, seamlessly blending the energy of cricket with the timeless allure of natural diamonds. Eleven celebrated anchors from across feeds will showcase exquisite natural diamond jewellery while presenting the matches, adding a touch of brilliance to the game and creating a sparkling connection between sport and elegance.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, these anchors will also celebrate the cricketing highlights through a segment called ‘Real Diamonds of the week’ — a fitting tribute to cricketing stars who, much like diamonds, symbolize brilliance, resilience and timeless legacy.
Adding to the dazzling spectacle, the anchors will be seen wearing exquisite diamond jewellery, including statement neckpieces, cocktail rings, layered bangles, bracelets and classy earrings—each design chosen to enhance their on-screen presence acd attire.
Shweta Harit, SVP, De Beers Group, said, “Cricket and natural diamonds both embody authenticity, excellence and a lasting legacy. Just as the game unites fans across regions and generations, natural diamonds symbolize connections that stand the test of time. This collaboration brings the brilliance of the sport and the timeless allure of diamonds together, making every moment on screen even more memorable.”
Ishan Chatterjee, Chief Business Officer – Sports Revenue, SMB & Creator, JioStar, said, “With record-breaking viewership marking the opening weekend of TATA IPL 2025, cricket continues to unite audiences like never before. This collaboration between De Beers Group and India’s leading women anchors adds brilliance to the game, blending its precision and passion with the timeless elegance of natural diamonds. Just as cricketing icons leave an indelible mark on the field, these presenters shape the narrative with confidence and style, making every moment even more unforgettable.”
With this powerful association between natural diamonds and India’s most-loved sport. The screen is set to dazzle audiences, reinforcing diamonds as the ultimate symbol of excellence, victory, and timeless beauty—both on and off the field.
ZELIO E-Mobility to Expand Dealerships by 2025
Haryana, 8th April 2025: ZELIO E Mobility Ltd., a leading force in India’s electric mobility sector, is accelerating its growth in the electric three-wheeler market with an ambitious expansion of its dealership network. Currently, ZELIO operates 28 dealerships across seven states, and the company plans to increase this number to 100 by the end of May 2025, marking a substantial expansion in its commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions.
ZELIO’s existing dealership presence covers key states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. As part of the expansion, the company will not only deepen its presence in these states but also extend its reach to new regions, including Uttarakhand, Delhi, Assam, and West Bengal. This strategic expansion is aimed at providing enhanced access to sustainable mobility options for consumers across India, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Through this expansion, ZELIO also expects to create between 400-500 new jobs, further contributing to the local economies and reinforcing its position as a prominent player in India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry.
Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Kunal Arya, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZELIO E Mobility Ltd., said, “E-rickshaws represent a crucial segment in India’s rapidly evolving EV ecosystem, offering essential last-mile connectivity in congested cities and rural areas alike. Our initial success in this segment has demonstrated the enormous potential for growth, which is why we are aggressively expanding our dealership network. With this expansion, we aim to make affordable, environmentally friendly transportation more accessible to the masses while continuing to drive job creation and innovation in the EV space. The demand for sustainable mobility solutions is growing, and ZELIO is committed to leading the way by delivering top-quality, reliable e-rickshaws to meet the needs of today’s commuters.”
The primary focus of this expansion will be on ZELIO’s flagship three-wheeler models, the Tanga Butterfly and Tanga SS, which made their debut in December 2024. Both models were first showcased at the EV India Expo 2024 in New Delhi, receiving widespread acclaim for their performance and design. The Tanga Butterfly and Tanga SS are built for durability, with the former constructed using Mild Steel (MS) and the latter made from Stainless Steel (SS). Both models, Tanga Butterfly and Tanga SS, feature a top speed of 30 km/h and offer an impressive range of 100 km on a single charge, powered by a 1200W motor. To cater to diverse needs, both models offer two battery choices: a 48/60V 140Ah Lead-Acid battery and LFP options of 51V 105Ah or 153Ah, ensuring efficiency and long-lasting performance. The 8-hour charging time ensures that these e-rickshaws are not only efficient but also practical for daily use.
With the dealership expansion, ZELIO anticipates notable growth in its three-wheeler sales, projecting 400 additional units sold by the end of May 2025. The increased availability of ZELIO’s e-rickshaws will further strengthen the company’s foothold in the market, allowing it to tap into the growing demand for electric last-mile solutions.