Voltas to Showcase Energy-Efficient Refrigeration at AAHAR 2025
New Delhi, 4th March, 2025: Voltas Limited, India’s No. 1 AC & Commercial Refrigeration company, from the house of Tata’s, announced its participation in the 39th edition of AAHAR. AAHAR is an international food and hospitality fair powered by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi. Voltas will be showcasing its cutting-edge, energy-efficient Commercial Refrigeration products at AAHAR 2025.
Voltas has been leading in the commercial refrigeration space with innovation in technology. With a focus on quality and cutting-edge solutions, the company has helped businesses reduce their operating costs, improve their environmental impact, and optimize their cold chain and refrigeration solutions.
As a market leader in Freezer and Water-Cooling products category, Voltas will launch its new range of 5-star Hard Top Convertible models along with the new ISI Mark Water Cooler and Water Dispenser line-up at this event.
With Voltas’ established expertise and leadership in the commercial refrigeration space, the Company’s entire spectrum of commercial refrigeration product categories including Modular Cold Room is on display at the event that supports the growing demands of Indian consumers for impulse consumption products such as ice-creams, chocolates and beverages and helps you take your food business to new heights.
Speaking on the launch of its new products at AAHAR 2025, Mr. Pradeep Bakshi, Managing Director & CEO of Voltas Ltd , said, “We are delighted to be at AAHAR 2025 and launch our new products here. With our new products, we are committed to strengthening our relationship with partners and consumers across India. Our commercial refrigeration products are amongst the most trusted for the superior quality that we offer and are used by prominent players operating in the category. The new products that we have launched in the category are best-in-class.”
He added, “Through this event, we aim to have fruitful conversations with our stakeholders and grow our business while engaging with new as well as existing customers from the industry.”
With a strong focus on innovation, quality, energy efficiency and sustainability, Voltas is committed to develop more products, boost its market presence further and penetrate across geographies while being at the forefront of
DotMe Hits INR 1.25M Valuation with INR 150K Investment from Mirza L. Baig
National, March 04: DotMe, the leading link-in-bio platform for creators, has raised $150,000 in funding, propelling its valuation to $1.25 million. The investment round was led by strategic investor and ex-cofounder of Jimmy Cocktails, Mirza L. Baig, whose expertise in brand-building and business incubation will play a pivotal role in DotMe’s growth trajectory.
With over 100,000 unique monthly users, DotMe has evolved beyond a tool; it’s now a cultural hub. From top collectives like Sunburn Union to breakout creators like Justin Joy (Hyperfitx), DJs like Almost Human, and popular venues like FLO and Chin Lungs, the platform has become the go-to destination for those shaping audience engagement. The newly raised capital will enable DotMe to enhance its platform, simplify monetization, and strengthen connections between creators and brands.
This investment represents a strategic alignment for DotMe. “The creator economy is evolving rapidly, and DotMe is at the forefront of this transformation,” said Mirza. “They’re not just developing tools; they’re shaping the future of how creators and brands connect.”
A seasoned industry leader with 28 years of experience in building and scaling global brands, Baig brings a wealth of expertise to the table. As the ex-cofounder and former CMO of Jimmy’s Cocktails, he drove 300% year-on-year growth. He also leads Hammerhead Global, an award-winning experiential marketing firm, and his deep connections in the creator ecosystem further strengthen DotMe’s trajectory. With his backing, DotMe is not just positioned for growth—it is set to lead.
DotMe, under the dynamic leadership of Harsh Vijaykumar, Founder, and CEO, and his visionary co-founders Ajay Ghanti, Pranay Jain, and Akshay ND, is poised to dramatically reshape the link-in-bio landscape for the burgeoning creator economy. The team’s prior achievement in establishing Brandemic, a leading creative and tech transformation agency, demonstrates their ability to innovate and execute at a high level. “The creator economy is evolving beyond content into a powerful ecosystem of commerce and community. At DotMe, we’re building the infrastructure that helps creators not only showcase their work but also monetize effectively and forge stronger connections with their audiences.” said Harsh. “With Mirza’s strategic backing and industry expertise, we are poised to scale rapidly, introduce innovative features, and transform how creators and brands collaborate in the digital space.”
The creator economy is witnessing unprecedented growth, with the global market projected to expand from $127.65 billion in 2023 to $528.39 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 22.5%. In India alone, the digital content creation market is expected to reach $4.40 billion by 2030, driven by a rapidly growing community of over 100 million creators.
As more creators look for streamlined ways to monetize and engage their audiences, platforms like DotMe are becoming essential tools for enabling these connections. With fresh funding and strategic backing, DotMe is well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum and redefine how creators and brands collaborate in the evolving digital landscape.
L’Opéra Unveils Exquisite New French Menu
New Delhi, India, 4th March 2025 – L’Opéra, the capital’s favorite French Pâtisserie, Boulangerie, and Salon de Thé, unveils an exquisite new menu that places the traditions and finesse of French cuisine at its core while offering patrons a refined taste of Europe and the Mediterranean.
Across its various locations in Delhi, the menu is carefully curated to suit distinct dining experiences. The Pâtisseries specialize in delicate pastries and desserts, including buttery, flaky croissants, melt-in-the-mouth macarons, indulgent tarts, luscious puddings, and more. The Boulangeries offer a selection of freshly baked breads, sandwiches, and light meals, focusing on simple yet refined offerings. Meanwhile, the Salon de Thé provides a more expansive dining experience, bringing together the finest elements of French culinary tradition.
L’Opéra’s new menu offers a refined gourmet experience. Start with the rich Mushroom Cappuccino or the zesty Panzanella salad. The Grilled Chicken Pesto Wrap blends Mediterranean flavors with French finesse, while the Garlic Pesto Risotto with Sautéed Prawns and slow-cooked Chicken Confit showcase European classics. The Stuffed Cottage Cheese with Brown Rice is a hearty option. From quesadillas to risottos and flavorful wraps, the menu highlights the best of L’Opéra’s offerings.
Expertly crafted by L’Opéra’s Executive Chef, Kevin Duthel, the menu reflects his 20 years of experience in Michelin-starred establishments across France and England. Speaking on the new launch, Chef Duthel said, “At L’Opéra, we honor tradition while embracing creativity. This menu reflects my passion for authentic French cuisine, crafted with a contemporary edge. We’ve meticulously selected the finest ingredients and applied time-honored techniques to ensure that every bite tells a story of excellence and innovation.”
Laurent Samandari, Co-Founder and CEO of L’Opéra, shared his excitement: “L’Opéra has always been about bringing the elegance of French cuisine to India, and this menu is a testament to that vision. We’ve combined timeless flavors with modern techniques, ensuring our guests experience the very best of French gastronomy in every dish.”
Hafele Expands in Indore with New Licht Experience Centre
Hafele, a global leader in interior solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its new Licht Experience Centre in Indore, marking its second centre launch in India following Chandigarh. Located at Uniko Lights, Plot no. 74 Sch no. 54 PU4, Behind C21 Mall, Indore. Designed to offer an immersive experience, the Licht Experience Centre in Indore unites cutting-edge lighting solutions to inspire architects, interior designers, lighting consultants, electrical contractors, and end consumers alike. The name “Licht,” which means “light” in German, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this centre, inviting visitors to explore innovative product displays and interactive installations that highlight the future of interior aesthetics and functionality.
The centre was inaugurated by Mr. Manish Mahajan, Sales Director – Hafele South Asia, and Mr. Manish Kumat, Principal Designer – Manish Kumat Design Cell. The Licht Experience Centre features a versatile range of lighting solutions—Architectural lighting and Furniture lighting—each tailored to offer high-quality illumination that enhances the aesthetic and functionality of interiors.
Hafele’s new Licht Experience Centre in Indore showcases a comprehensive range of lighting solutions, merging aesthetics with technology. The Loox Range, designed for furniture lighting, ensures simplicity, flexibility, and reliability. It seamlessly integrates into various home applications, from task and decorative lighting to mood and functional illumination. Hafele’s Furniture Lighting Solutions stands out for offering a remarkable 10-year guarantee, an industry-first in India, reflecting the brand’s unwavering confidence in the durability and performance of its products.
In 2019, Hafele expanded into ceiling cove lighting, addressing the market gap in architectural lighting by offering high-quality solutions that balance design, performance, and affordability. Hafele’s Architectural Lighting Range includes downlights, spotlights, and wall washers, ensuring ergonomic, glare-free illumination. Built on the principles of ‘easiness’ and ‘flexibility,’ the range features plug-and-play assembly, customizable components, and multiple luminaire finishes.
Mr. Manish Mahajan, Sales Director – Hafele South Asia, said, “In Indore, we see an emerging market that is increasingly embracing modern design and innovative interior solutions. We are excited to bring our Licht Experience Centre to this vibrant city, as we believe it will not only elevate the local design landscape but also serve as a hub for creative inspiration and transformation.”
Building on the success of its Chandigarh launch, Hafele’s new Licht Experience Centre in Indore reaffirms the brand’s commitment to delivering unmatched interior experiences across India. Complementing the centre’s offerings are its specialized services: Meister Services ensures precise installations that optimize functionality and reduce the need for replacements, Lighting Design Services provide bespoke solutions tailored to unique requirements, and the Hafele Academy provides continuous training to maintain the highest service standards. Together, these initiatives highlight Hafele’s dedication to excellence in interior solutions. With a steadfast focus on quality, innovation, and customer engagement, Hafele consistently sets new industry standards.
TreadBinary Launches IT Initiative to Empower Rural Talent in Dapoli
Mumbai, 4th March 2025: TreadBinary, a leading technology and consulting (TechCon) company, is pioneering a rural IT empowerment initiative in Dapoli, Maharashtra, with the goal of creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that nurtures untapped talent, provides global exposure, and transforms small-town professionals into industry leaders. This initiative is not merely a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort but a long-term, business-driven model ensuring economic growth, skill development, and IT decentralization.
Recognizing the immense, untapped potential of skilled professionals in non-metro regions, TreadBinary has launched this pilot project to create sustainable IT job opportunities. Spearheaded by founders Darshil Shah and Yuvraj Shidhaye, the initiative seeks to empower deserving talent often sidelined by their distance from major IT hubs and limited access to premier campus placements. By cultivating a self-reliant tech ecosystem, the company is poised to narrow the urban-rural divide in India’s technology sector.
At the core of this vision, TreadBinary will establish a new Dapoli-based entity, primarily owned by the company and its key stakeholders. The initiative begins with recruiting and training local talent over six months, equipping them with cutting-edge skills and global exposure to excel in competitive IT roles. Unlike traditional outsourcing, this model fosters a thriving, independent enterprise by reinvesting all initial revenues into the entity. This ensures long-term viability, positioning Dapoli as an emerging hub of innovation with the potential to contribute significantly to the global technology landscape.
“Talent should not be confined by geography,” said Yuvraj Shidhaye, Founder and Director, TreadBinary. “Many bright minds in smaller towns lack access to the opportunities they deserve, and our mission is to change that. By bringing IT jobs to rural India, starting with Dapoli, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem where potential is nurtured, careers are built, and local economies flourish. This is just the beginning of a larger movement to redefine how talent is discovered and empowered.”
The ripple effects of this initiative promise to revitalize Dapoli’s local economy. By enabling IT professionals to prosper in their hometowns, TreadBinary will ignite growth in ancillary businesses, strengthen infrastructure, and elevate community well-being. With a clear blueprint to scale this model beyond Dapoli, the company envisions rural India as a powerhouse in the global IT arena.
TreadBinary is committed to bridging the urban-rural talent gap, promoting global careers from small towns, and proving that top tech talent doesn’t have to come from metros. This initiative is a scalable model for IT decentralization, setting an example for India’s digital workforce evolution. It underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable progress, setting a new benchmark for technology-driven empowerment across the nation.
India’s Opportunity to Lead the Blockchain Revolution
By: Mr. Ashish Singhal, Co-founder, CoinSwitch on this move.
“The golden age of crypto is here, and the world is taking notice. With the US spearheading the creation of a Strategic Crypto Reserve, we could be on the brink of a global accumulation race—one that could push regulatory clarity forward and accelerate Web3 innovation. This is more than just a milestone for digital assets; it’s a shift that could redefine global finance and technology.
India stands at a crucial crossroads. With our deep pool of tech talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and thriving startup ecosystem, we have everything it takes to lead the next wave of blockchain-driven transformation. But to do so, we must act now—embracing progressive policies, fostering innovation, and positioning ourselves as a hub for decentralization. The future of the internet is being rewritten, and India has the potential to be at the forefront. This is our moment to seize the opportunity and build, not just for India, but for the world.”
Honda India Posts 4,22,449 Units Sold in February 2025
Mumbai, March 4, 2025: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India today announced its sales numbers for the month of February 2025.
The company’s total sales for February’25 stood at 4,22,449 units. This includes domestic sales of 3,83,918 units and 38,531 units exports.
It is worth mentioning that HMSI’s YTD FY25 (April’24 – Feb’25) total sales stand at 54,04,216 units. This includes domestic sales of 49,25,241 units and 4,78,975 units exports.
HMSI’s Key Highlights of February 2025:
- Product: HMSI introduced the updated OBD2B compliant versions of the Shine 125 and Hornet 2.0 with advanced new features. Moreover, the company also launched the all-new NX200 with OBD2B compliant engine and upgraded equipment.
- Business: HMSI surpassed 2 crore sales in South India and 10 lakh cumulative sales for Shine 125 and SP125 in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting its consistent growth and product appeal.
- Road Safety: Expanding road safety awareness in India, HMSI promoted campaigns in 10 locations across India – Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), Saputara (Gujarat), Amravati (Maharashtra), Amritsar (Punjab), Angul (Odisha), Ballari (Karnataka), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), Darbhanga (Bihar) and Goa. As part of its ongoing project, Mindset Development for our Future Generation, HMSI also organized a Road Safety Convention with school principals in Mumbai (Maharashtra). Additionally, HMSI celebrated the 6th anniversary of its Traffic Training Park in Chennai, advancing its efforts towards responsible road habits.
- CSR: With the aim to support and strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Uttar Pradesh, Honda India Foundation signed the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Government of Uttar Pradesh for ‘Project Annadata- Sashakt Kisan, Samridh Rashtra.’
Delhi Roared Simba Uproar 2025 Redefined Underground Culture
March 4, 2025, Delhi was set ablaze as Simba Uproar turned Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium into the pulsating heart of underground culture. From pulse-racing performances to awe-inspiring art, the festival electrified the city, uniting thousands in a shared celebration of music, creativity, and adrenaline.
A killer lineup of India’s hip-hop royalty—King, Raga, Karma, Trick Singh, and Pho—set the stage on fire with electrifying performances. King’s triumphant return to Simba Uproar after performing in its first edition was met with roaring cheers, while Raga’s razor-sharp verses, Trick Singh’s electrifying presence, and Pho’s raw energy kept the crowd hooked. Each performance pushed the boundaries of India’s hip-hop scene, turning the night into an unforgettable spectacle.
Simba Uproar was not just about the music—it was an all-out sensory adventure, celebrating art, high-octane action, and boundary-pushing experiences. The live art spaces pulsed with creativity, while the adventure zones and interactive showcases kept the crowd on their toes. Furthermore, the adrenaline-packed skateboarding arena and a striking bespoke art installation became crowd favourites, setting the festival ablaze with excitement. Taking the thrill up a notch, a massive ramp in front of the main stage hosted gravity-defying FMX stunts, leaving audiences stunned. Meanwhile, a monster truck-turned-DJ-console pumped out beats at the second stage as Dhiraaj, founder of Crab Culture, kept the energy soaring.
The festival was also a haven for food lovers and brand enthusiasts. Festival-goers indulged in a curated feast of flavors, while brands like New Republic, Shady Gators, and Boring Socks redefined retail with innovative activations and exclusive drops. Among the highlights was the limited-edition Boring Socks x Simba collaboration, drawing in festival-goers eager to grab a piece of this exclusive drop.
For those desiring more than just music and fashion, the Power Pit delivered high-octane gaming experiences, featuring a claw machine and other interactive challenges that kept competitive spirits alive. Meanwhile, the Beat Street Bar carved out a laid-back escape, with a DJ curating relaxing beats to set the perfect mood for revellers looking to unwind without missing a moment of the action.
Simba Uproar isn’t just an event—it’s a movement redefining the future of culture. This year’s edition not only glorified the underground but also backed the festival’s mission of nurturing grassroots talent and intensifying the voices that drive India’s hip-hop and street culture forward.
“We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response to Simba Uproar Delhi 2025,” said Ishwaraj Singh Bhatia, Co-Founder and COO, Simba and ZigZag. “This edition marked another milestone in our journey of reimagining urban culture, and we’re proud to see the community come together to herald authenticity, talent, and creativity.”
As Simba Uproar continues to grow, it remains committed to pushing boundaries and nurturing a community that bridges the underground and mainstream like never before. To stay updated on future editions and exclusive content, follow @roarwithsimba and @simba.uproar on Instagram.
With its unmatched energy and bold vision, Simba Uproar Delhi 2025 has set a new benchmark for cultural festivals in India, leaving attendees eager for the next chapter of this extraordinary event.
Andhra Pradesh Takes Green Energy Leap with CM Naidu’s Inauguration
Mumbai, March,4 2025 – Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, today virtually inaugurated Hero Future Energies’ (HFE) first-of-its kind Green Hydrogen plant at Rockman Industries in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. This project reinforces HFE’s commitment to driving India’s green hydrogen ecosystem, and accelerating industrial decarbonisation, while also testifying to Rockman Industries consistent focus on sustainable business operations.
The plant was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh today virtually from Amravati in the presence of Sri K. Vijayanand, Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. N. Yuvaraj, Secretary Industries, Govt. of AP, Sri CM Saikanth Varma, IAS, CEO of APEDB, Sri Rahul Munjal, Founder and CMD, Hero Future Energies, and Sri Ujjwal Munjal, Managing Director of Rockman Industries.
At the Rockman Plant near Tirupati, the following dignitaries and officials of Tirupati and senior management from the two Companies namely, Sri Bojjala Sudhir Reddy, MLA, Srikalahasti, Dr. S. Venkateshwar, IAS, Collector, Sri V Harshavardhan Raju IPS, Superintendent of Police, Sri K. Santhosha Rao, CMD, Southern Discom, Sri NSRCM Maruti Prasad, Joint Director, Department of Industries, Sri V Ramakrishna Reddy, Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories, Mr Srivatsan Iyer, Global CEO, Hero Future Energies, Mr Kaushik Manna, CEO, Rockman Industries, and Mr Arne Ballantine, CEO, Ohmium, were present.
This plant is considered a pioneering initiative for its unique blending of green hydrogen with PNG/LPG for an industrial furnace application- a breakthrough feat in industrial de-carbonization, setting a new benchmark for India’s energy transition. This technology integration promises significant reductions in emissions, laying the groundwork for a scalable model that can be replicated across hard to abate industries in AP and the rest of India.
On this occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, said, “Congratulations to Hero Future Energies and Rockman Industries on the commissioning of this pioneering Green Hydrogen Plant at Rockman’s factory in Tirupati. Andhra Pradesh, with its strong industrial base and forward-thinking energy policies, is uniquely positioned to become a hub for green hydrogen adoption. With ample renewable energy resources and industrial demand, the state can lead the way in scaling up green hydrogen use across refineries, fertilizers, steel, mobility, and other key sectors—supporting India’s energy transition story. I commend Hero Future Energies and Rockman for choosing Andhra Pradesh for this one-of-a-kind project which opens up another pathway towards India’s energy transition. I wish them all success in this endeavour. I assure that the Government of Andhra Pradesh will extend all support to investments in clean energy projects, making use of the liberal provisions under the new ICE Policy that I announced in October 2024.”
Rahul Munjal, Founder CMD, Hero Future Energies, thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister for inaugurating the project amid his very busy schedule and said, “This plant has the unique capability of blending green hydrogen with LNG which opens the door of possibilities for industries to decarbonize their hard to abate operations. This pioneering project will give a boost to adoption of green hydrogen by industries and catalyse development of the green hydrogen eco system in India. I am grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister for his blessings and demonstrating his commitment to innovative clean technologies for sustainable Industrial growth in AP and India.”
Ujjwal Munjal, Managing Director, Rockman Industries, stated, “We are extremely happy that the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh inaugurated this green hydrogen plant, set-up in partnership with Hero Future Energies, our sister company in the Hero Group. Together, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and leading the way in eco-friendly innovation in the automotive component industry. Looking ahead, we aim to expand green hydrogen usage across our processes and collaborate with HFE to implement further advancements in renewable energy technologies.”
Conan O’Brien goes desi as he addresses India during Oscars 2025
4th March 2025: The 97th Academy Awards brought Hollywood’s biggest night to screens worldwide, and this year, Indian viewers got a special surprise.
Host Conan O’Brien gave a desi twist to the ceremony by addressing India in Hindi, saying, “Namaskar, wahan subah ho chuki hai toh mujhe umeed hai ki aap nashte ke saath Oscars dekhna!” The unexpected greeting instantly won over audiences, making the moment go viral.
The Oscars 2025 were live-streamed in India on March 3 at 5:30 AM IST and will be re-telecast at 8:30 PM IST on Star Movies for those who missed it. With breathtaking red carpet moments, star-studded performances and historic wins, this year’s ceremony is a must-watch!