National Level IP Yatra Programme for MSMEs
Kolkata, 20th March, 2025: MSME-Development & Facilitation Office, Kolkata under Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India organized National Level IP Yatra Programme (2 Days IP Workshop) at Hotel Hindusthan International, Kolkata from 19th March, 2025 to 20th March, 2025. The Government of India envisioned creating the MSME Innovative Scheme through a combination of Incubation, Design intervention and IPR protection initiatives to enhance MSME competitiveness and transform them as National and International Champions.
The National Level IP Yatra Programme for MSMEs was inaugurated by: Mr. Vijay Bharti, IAS, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Biotechnology, Govt. of West Bengal; Dr. Tapas Kumar Bandyopadhyay, Professor, IIT Kharagpur; Mr. Pramathesh Sen, Joint Controller of Patents & Designs, Head of office, Patent Office Kolkata; Mr. N. Babu, Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks and G.I., Head of office, Trade Marks office, Kolkata; Mr. P. K. Das, JD & HoO, MSME-DFO, Kolkata & many other eminent personalities.
On this occasion, Mr. P. K. Das, Joint Director & HoO, MSME-DFO, Kolkata expressed his satisfaction for organizing this event for exclusive benefits of MSMEs for the State of West Bengal. He also informed that more than 300 MSMEs are expected to participate in the Programme. Sharing his views, he said, “Government of India has taken several measures to enhance the competiveness of MSMEs through IPR which is a new concept for MSMEs with a combination of innovation in incubation, design intervention and by protecting IPR in a single mode approach to create awareness amongst MSMEs about India’s innovation and motivate them to become MSME Champions. This acts as a hub for innovation activities facilitating and guiding development of ideas into viable business proposition that can benefit society directly and can be marketed successfully”.
MSME Innovative Scheme is an amalgamation of the Incubation, Design and IPR Schemes of the Ministry of MSME. These erstwhile three schemes are operated as separate verticals with interflows and connections. These verticals are also integrated sequentially and parallelly into one singular formulation to promote and encourage innovative activities for improved synergy and higher efficiency.
The programme covered workshop cum seminar on Intellectual Property Rights with special focus on Basic understanding on various components of IPR, Procedural and Regulatory Aspects of IP Prosecution, with reference to MSMEs, IP strategy and Startups, role of IPR in Technology commercialization challenges and opportunities, Importance of Packaging for GI Products & use of IP in Packaging, Technology Transfer and impact of IPR on Business growth etc.
OPPO’s Picks for Holi 2025 From Gulal to Great Shots
The colors of Holi fade, but the memories don’t have to! OPPO smartphones capture every moment of laughter and love in all its vibrancy. Celebrate Holi with a gift that keeps the festival alive all year long!
Capture the Festival of Colors with the OPPO Find X8 Series
The OPPO Find X8 Series is the perfect Holi companion, capturing every vibrant moment with its dual periscope system and 50MP low-light sensor. Its IP68 rating ensures protection against splashes, while the 5,630mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC charging powers up fast for all-day celebrations. The 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED display brings your festive memories to life, and the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset ensures seamless performance for capturing and sharing. This Holi, let the Find X8 Series make every color pop with stunning clarity!
The OPPO Reno13 5G Series is your perfect Holi companion, capturing every color-splashed moment—even underwater! Click stunning underwater selfies during Holi water with its AI-powered Underwater Mode, ensuring vibrant, crystal-clear shots. Its 50MP and 8MP ultra-wide lens, deliver breathtaking detail, while AI tools like AI Live Photo, AI Clarity, and AI Eraser 2.0 ensure every festive moment is preserved flawlessly. The IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications make it waterproof and dustproof, so you can enjoy carefree celebrations. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset and a 5600mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC charging, it keeps up with your energy all day.
Available in Luminous Blue, Ivory White, and Mist Lavender, the Reno13 5G is more than just a smartphone—it’s your Holi memory maker!
The OPPO K12x 5G is the ultimate Holi companion, combining style, durability, and power! Available in Breeze Blue, Midnight Violet, and Feather Pink, its stunning colors perfectly match your festive outfits, making it the ideal smartphone to twin with your Holi look. With an IP54 rating, it’s resistant to dust and splashes, ensuring worry-free celebrations. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor, it delivers smooth performance, while the 120Hz AMOLED display enhances every visual with vibrant clarity. The 5,100mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC charging keeps you powered up throughout the festivities with minimal downtime. Whether you’re capturing Holi’s colorful chaos or indulging in a gaming session, the OPPO K12x 5G is built for non-stop fun—bold, durable, and Holi-ready!
Wrinkle Up, Green Up! Ecofy’s #WrinklesForGood Campaign Fights Climate Change
New Delhi, 20th March 2025: Ecofy, India’s pioneering green-only NBFC, is proud to announce the launch of its innovative #WrinklesForGood campaign. Commenced on March 17, 2025, this initiative challenges conventional energy consumption habits by encouraging individuals and organizations to skip ironing for a day, highlighting the significant yet often overlooked environmental impact of everyday activities. The campaign emerges from Ecofy’s unwavering commitment to accelerating the transition to a net-zero carbon world.
Ironing may seem harmless, but it is an energy-intensive activity. By choosing to skip ironing for just one day, individuals can contribute to significant energy conservation and carbon emission reduction. An individual contributes to emitting approximately 172.31 gms of carbon emissions by ironing his/her clothes for 15 minutes.
Ecofy’s #WrinklesForGood campaign will also feature a social media contest running from March 26 to March 31, 2025, where participants will be able to share their experiences of skipping ironing on social media platforms while tagging Ecofy Finance. Through this digital engagement strategy, the green financing company aims to create a movement that encourages both – individuals and businesses to embrace and promote sustainable energy practices.
Shraboni Fernandes, Head of Marketing, at Ecofy, commented, “The #WrinklesForGood campaign resonates with our philosophy that sustainability isn’t limited to major financial investments or corporate policies; it starts with mindful everyday choices. By simply skipping ironing for a day, individuals can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the collective carbon reduction goals. Since Ecofy’s inception, we have witnessed firsthand how small actions, when embraced by people, create meaningful environmental impact. This campaign extends our mission beyond financial solutions to inspire lifestyle changes that align with our vision of a sustainable future for all.”
As a leader in green finance with a presence across 17+ states in India and a customer base of over 65,000, Ecofy continues to demonstrate that meaningful environmental change begins with small, impactful steps that collectively make a significant difference. Since the commencement of its operations in 2022, Ecofy has reduced over 21,492+ tons of carbon emissions through its various green financing initiatives. The #WrinklesForGood campaign represents another innovative step in Ecofy’s journey to promote sustainability through both financial solutions and lifestyle changes.
Vietjet Welcomes Travelers with New Direct Flights from Hyderabad & Bengaluru to Vietnam
Mumbai, March 20, 2025 – Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading new-age airline, is further strengthening its presence in India with the launch of new direct flights connecting Hyderabad and Bengaluru to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, on March 18 and 19, 2025, respectively. These new routes mark a significant milestone in Vietjet’s commitment to expanding its global network while enhancing connectivity between India and the Southeast Asia region.
To celebrate the launch, Vietjet is running two special promotions from now to March 24, 2025. For the Hyderabad/Bengaluru-Ho Chi Minh City routes, the airline offers tickets starting from INR11 plus taxes & fees for flights between June 1 and October 15, 2025 (*). Additionally, flyers can enjoy a discount of up to 20% (**) with the promo code “HOLIINDIA” on other India-Vietnam routes, for flights between April 1 and September 30, 2025 (*). Tickets are available on www.vietjetair.com and the Vietjet Air mobile app.
The two new routes are expected to provide Indian travelers with seamless access to Vietnam’s largest metropolis. Located in Southern Vietnam and at the heart of Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City stands as a dynamic economic hub, renowned for its vibrant urban energy, thriving business landscape, and world-famous street-food scene.
Both Hyderabad, a key economic and technology center, and Bengaluru, a major IT and business hub, are vital additions to Vietjet’s operations in India. With the new services, Vietjet is solidifying its position as the airline with the most extensive flight network between the world’s most populous country and Vietnam, operating 10 direct routes with 78 flights per week. This network connects New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, to key Vietnamese hubs—Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang.
Since launching the New Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route in 2019, Vietjet has pioneered in expanding air links between India and Vietnam, operating over 8,300 flights and transporting nearly 1.62 million passengers. The introduction of new direct flights is expected to boost tourism and trade among Asian regions, offering travelers from India more affordable options to explore Vietnam and beyond. Indian travelers can take advantage of Vietjet’s international connections to popular destinations, including Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or major cities in Australia and Northeast Asia.
Altius Embarks on Digital Transformation Journey with Tarantula
Mumbai, 20th March 2025: Altius, one of the largest telecom infrastructure platforms in the world, has announced a strategic partnership with Tarantula, a Lumine Group Inc. company, to drive digital transformation across its operations management systems. This collaboration aims at enhancing Altius’ operational efficiency, data management, and customer experience by integrating advanced digital technologies across all areas of its operations with robust solutions from Tarantula.
As part of this transformation, Altius will implement an upgraded operational platform, featuring Tarantula’s fully configurable Red Cube platform. The enhanced system will support project management, asset tracking, data integration, power and fuel consumption, monitoring and operations management. Designed for flexibility and scalability, the new system will enable seamless interoperability, improve leads times to support existing and new business, enhanced security, and better decision-making through intuitive user interfaces.
Speaking about the announcement, Pushpinder Gupta, Chief Information Officer, Altius added, “At Altius, we are committed to adopting technology-driven solutions that optimize operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive innovation. Our partnership with Tarantula will enable us to leverage competitive advantage, ensuring seamless integration with existing tools and boosting productivity. This is a significant step in our journey to establish Altius as the premier digital platform in the country and the world.”
Ramesh Khanna, CEO of Tarantula stated, “We are thrilled to work with Altius on their digital transformation initiatives and drive productivity through an agile and future-proof platform. Our industry-leading product, Red Cube, is designed to help wireless and wireline infrastructure owners simplify their site management processes and maximize returns. We are confident that our solution will enhance business process automation, improve asset utilization, and reduce overall costs for Altius. We look forward to this partnership.”
This milestone underscores Altius’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and achieving operational excellence. Through its strategic partnership with Tarantula, Altius is set to establish new industry standards, optimizing complex site project management, asset management, data integration with billing and ERP systems, power and fuel consumption tracking, operations and management (fault, outage tracking, and monitoring), and analytical reporting, marking efficient and effective management of the company’s core operations.
From Profit to Planet: How Eco-Sensitive CSR Fuels India’s Green Revolution
As the fiscal year ends, companies that haven’t yet utilized their CSR amount must transfer it to a designated fund under Schedule VII of the Act within six months. To ensure meaningful use of these funds, businesses can invest in initiatives like tree plantation projects, which offer multiple benefits. Allocating CSR funds to such projects helps companies comply with regulations and also contribute to a greener environment.
This approach aligns with Section 135 of the Indian Companies Act, which mandates that companies with a net worth of Rs 500 crore or more, a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore or more, or a net profit of Rs five crore or more must spend at least two per cent of their average net profits from the last three years on CSR projects.
“Channelising CSR funds towards tree plantation programmes can have a profound impact on the environment. Supporting afforestation efforts can lead to decarbonisation and help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Increased vegetation also nourishes wildlife habitats, improves biodiversity, augments groundwater recharge, mitigates climate change and also creates employment opportunities, particularly for underserved rural and tribal communities ,” says Mr Pradip Shah, co-founder of Grow-Trees.com.
According to him, for companies looking to meet their CSR obligations before the March 31 deadline, partnering for afforestation ensures effective fund utilisation, adherence to regulations, and long-term impact. The companies can also obtain a fund utilisation certificate, ensuring full compliance with CSR regulations through such collaborations. These partnerships also align with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing the company’s environmental commitments.
Meanwhile, from a company’s perspective, investing in green CSR projects highlights its commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, strengthening its reputation among investors, customers, and employees. It also allows businesses to make meaningful use of their year-end budgets, by contributing to a healthier environment as well as community development.
TCS Secures Partnership with Air New Zealand to Revolutionize Air Travel with AI
MUMBAI | AUCKLAND, March 20, 2025 – Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has signed a five-year partnership with Air New Zealand to modernize the airline’s digital infrastructure and position it at the forefront of AI-driven innovation. This collaboration aims to enhance Air New Zealand’s digital capabilities, improve customer experience, and drive operational efficiencies across various aspects of its business, including fleet management, crew scheduling, and ground services.
The agreement, announced at a formal signing event at TCS’ Banyan Park Campus in Mumbai, supports Air New Zealand’s vision to become the world’s most digitally advanced airline. The event was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran, and TCS Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director K. Krithivasan.
This partnership strengthens TCS’ commitment to New Zealand, where it has been a trusted partner for digital transformation for over 37 years, driving innovation across industries. With an office in Auckland and a team of 460 professionals, TCS serves 20+ blue-chip customers in the region across banking, retail, construction, manufacturing, and local government. Through the TCS Co-Innovation NetworkTM (COIN™), the organization works closely with top universities in New Zealand to advance research in cybersecurity, sustainability, and AI. TCS also led the development of the Asia Pacific Digital Sustainability Index in 2022, shaping the region’s approach to sustainable digital transformation. Beyond business, TCS is committed to fostering digital talent in New Zealand. Its flagship STEM empowerment programs, goITTM and goITTM Girls in the region, are inspiring students to pursue careers in technology and innovation.
Greg Foran, Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand Executive Officer, said, “Leveraging TCS’ expertise in cutting-edge technologies will help us enhance the customer experience, streamline operations, and reinforce our commitment to cybersecurity and data protection. This collaboration aligns with our vision to be a digitally enabled airline of the future. We began working with TCS in September 2024, and in just a few short months, we’ve seen the benefits of tapping into the depth and breadth of talent and expertise they have when it comes to digital solutions. Going forward, TCS will be an instrumental partner in helping us deliver our Cargo Digital Transformation and improve our Digital Retail capability. We’re excited about the benefits this partnership will bring for our customers and the aviation industry.”
Krithivasan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TCS, said, “We are excited to partner with Air New Zealand in its journey to become a digitally advanced airline. With ouraviationexpertise and ability to drive large-scale innovation, TCS will enable Air New Zealand to set new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and customer engagement. We aim to reimagine operations, enhance passenger experiences, and build a more agile and resilient airline by leveraging AI, automation, and cloud technologies. This partnership reflects our commitment to helping global enterprises adapt, grow, and unlock new opportunities through technology.”
Air New Zealand operates a global network offering air passenger and cargo services across 49 domestic and international destinations. Each year, the airline flies more than 15 million passengers on over 3,400 weekly flights. This transformation marks a significant step in Air New Zealand’s commitment to secure, innovative, and technology-driven experiences for travelers worldwide. TCS will streamline Air New Zealand’s digital services across a diverse landscape of more than 600 applications, by integrating AI-driven automation and cloud technologies into critical airline functions. This will drive innovation across cargo service, disruption management, retail offerings, maintenance systems and crew operations.
Workforce transformation will also be a key focus of this engagement, with TCS leading large-scale upskilling programs to strengthen digital capabilities across Air New Zealand’s teams in AI, cybersecurity, and digital engineering. The collaboration also includes enhancements to Air New Zealand’s digital retail and loyalty program experiences.
With three decades of leadership in aviation, TCS partners with the world’s leading airlines, offering consulting-led approaches, a cognitive-powered portfolio of business, and technology and engineering services. TCS leverages industry-specific solutions, like TCS Aviana™, a unified, autonomous, digital, cloud-ready platform for intelligent airline operations. Its contextual understanding of airline operations and AI-led technology capabilities will help Air New Zealand unlock new growth opportunities and drive innovation across its entire business ecosystem.
Polo Glory Returns Jindal Steel Indian Open Set to Thrill Delhi
New Delhi, March 20, 2025 – The Jindal Steel Indian Open Polo Championship is back, bringing the thrill of high-stakes polo to Jaipur Polo Ground, New Delhi, from March 18 to March 23, 2025. Organised by Jindal Panther Polo, this prestigious tournament will showcase India’s finest polo talent in an electrifying battle for glory.
A passionate advocate for the sport, Mr. Naveen Jindal, industrialist, seasoned polo player, and Vice President of the Indian Polo Association, has been instrumental in promoting polo in India. Since first taking up the sport in 1987, he has built Jindal Panther Polo into one of India’s most formidable teams, dedicated to excellence both on and off the field.
This year, the championship will feature four elite teams—Jindal/Carysil, Jindal Panther, Jaipur Delta, and Dynamic Achievers—competing in a dynamic cross-semi-final format. The semi-finals will take place on March 21, followed by the subsidiary final on March 22, and culminating in the grand finale on March 23. Matches will be officiated by internationally acclaimed umpires Mr. Henry Fisher and Mr. Ben Turner, ensuring a world-class competition.
Beyond the tournament, Jindal Panther Polo remains committed to nurturing young talent, fostering global partnerships, and investing in top-tier training facilities. Under Mr. Naveen Jindal’s leadership, these initiatives continue to strengthen India’s presence on the global polo stage, while preserving and promoting the country’s rich equestrian heritage.
Own a Home with Ease: Chandak Highscape City’s 5% Now, Rest on Terrace Slab Offer
Mumbai, March 20, 2025 – Chandak Group, a leading name in Mumbai’s real estate sector, has announced an exclusive payment plan for homebuyers at Chandak Highscape City, Chembur (E). As part of this limited-period offer, buyers can book their dream home with just 5% upfront payment, while the remaining amount is payable on terrace slab completion.
Strategically located in Chembur, one of Mumbai’s most well-connected and rapidly developing neighborhoods, Chandak Highscape City is Chembur’s largest and greenest project which offers a blend of modern design, premium amenities, and seamless connectivity. The project offers luxurious living options in 1, 2, and 3 BHK configurations. With over 45 meticulously crafted amenities, including recreational areas, serene spots for contemplation, and premium retail offerings, Chandak Highscape City promises an unparalleled living experience. The project is designed to cater to urban lifestyles, providing a perfect balance of comfort and convenience.
Speaking on the offer, a spokesperson from Chandak Group said, “At Chandak Group, we understand the aspirations of homebuyers and aim to make homeownership more accessible. This payment plan ensures minimal financial burden initially while allowing buyers to plan their investments smartly. With Chandak Highscape City, we bring an unparalleled opportunity to invest in a premium home in Chembur.”
With homebuyers increasingly looking for flexible payment options in the real estate market, this scheme at Chandak Highscape City has already generated strong interest. The project is well-suited for both end-users and investors seeking a prime address in Mumbai.
Arrow’s Retail Footprint Strengthens as Jalandhar Welcomes Its Largest Store Yet
March 20,2025:Arrow is proud to announce the grand opening of its largest store in Punjab, strengthening its presence in the region’s menswear market. Located in Model Town, Jalandhar, this expansive store spans over 2000+ sq. ft. of carpet area. The multi-level space is designed to offer a premium shopping experience, making it a top choice for men who appreciate refined style in the region.
This store embodies Arrow’s new identity, seamlessly blending a sophisticated aesthetic with a refreshed shopping experience. In line with this refreshed identity, the store’s design incorporates sleek, modern elements that enhance its refined appeal. The store’s design ensures a seamless and premium experience, allowing customers to engage with Arrow’s latest collections like never before.
Situated in Model Town, Jalandhar, this expansive space is set up with the fresh collection, showcasing Arrow’s complete range, including sophisticated formalwear, versatile smart casuals, and elegant ceremonial wear that helps you celebrate every moment of life, catering to diverse style preferences. Designed with attention to detail, the store’s layout ensures a seamless and enjoyable shopping journey, enhancing convenience and accessibility for customers.
“We are glad to open our doors in Jalandhar, Punjab. This marks the beginning of our focused expansion in North India and reinforces our commitment to the region. The new store is built to be the biggest and is designed in keeping with Arrow’s new look and feel. The collection encapsulates modern workwear, seamlessly blending sophistication with refined style” said Anand Aiyer, CEO at Arrow.