Mumbai, India – February 20, 2025 – Cohesity, the leader in AI-powered data security, announced the appointment of Mayank Mishra as the new Regional Director of Sales for India and SAARC. In his new role, Mayank will lead Cohesity’s overall business strategy, sales operations, and growth strategy across India and the SAARC region.

Before this appointment, Mayank was the regional director of West and North India for Veritas. In his 17-year tenure with Veritas, Mayank held numerous leadership positions in enterprise sales across the financial, telecom, and pharmaceutical sectors. With his extensive industry experience, Mayank has led the successful delivery of several large and highly complex data protection deals in the South Asia region. Under his leadership, the enterprise sales team consistently exceeded their business revenue targets. Before Veritas, Mayank had successful roles in multi-national firms, including Oracle, Acision, and Tata Teleservices.

“By combining Cohesity’s scale-out architecture and strong AI-powered data security capabilities with Veritas’ broad workload support and partner ecosystem, our customers will gain more from the new combined portfolio offerings. We are committed to prioritizing our customers’ needs to providepeace of mind for their investments in our solutions,” said Mayank Mishra, Regional Director of Sales – India and SAARC, Cohesity.

“Mayank’s appointment comes at a defining moment as we continue to drive innovation and leadership in AI-powered data security and cyber resilience. With his strong track record in delivering business results and proven ability in leading high-performance teams to address pertinent cyber resiliency issues facing customers, I am confident that we will continue to be the preferred choice for data security with differentiated AI capabilities in India and SAARC region,” said Johnny Karam, Managing Director and Vice President of International Emerging Markets, Cohesity.

Under the Uttam Gram Initiative (UGI) program, the S M Sehgal Foundation organized an awareness program on “Behavioral Changes in Sanitation” in Behripur and GujjarpurKhurd villages in Ramgarh block, Alwar, Rajasthan February 18 and 19, 2025. The initiative aimed to enhance community awareness of sanitation and hygiene through an engaging and interactive medium: NukkadNatak (street play). The play was performed by students from the National School of Drama (NSD), the street play powerfully conveyed essential WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) messages, covering safe drinking water, toilet management (solid& liquid waste), handwashing, and menstrual hygiene. Over 900 community members participated in the two-day event, with two shows held in each village including Sarpanch Ahmed Jubair, School Principal Ashok Goyal, Village Development Committee, and School Management Committee members.

Dr.VikasJha, Principal Lead, Local Participation and Sustainability, S M Sehgal Foundation shared that “NukkadNatak is a powerful medium of communication that uses live performance in public spaces to spread awareness, and engage communities on social issues . We highlighted real community challenges and practical solutions. Such behavior-change communication efforts encourage people to adopt best practices for a healthier and more sustainable future. At the end of the play, participants took a pledge to incorporate these practices into their daily lives.”

To ensure wider participation, local community radio Connect FM 107.8 actively supported the initiative by making announcements and spreading information about the entertaining and educating street play shows for maximum outreach.

February 20, 2024 – London – NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and IT services, and Roularta Media Group (RMG), a Belgian leading multimedia group, announced a strategic engagement to digitally transform RMG’s printing facilities, with the deployment of an advanced Private 5G network and NTT DATA’s expertise in managed services. RMG’s decision to invest in a new Private 5G network is part of its corporate plan to greatly increase productivity through advanced technologies.

As part of a multi-year agreement, NTT DATA and RMG will bring to life Private 5G use cases to support RMG’s global operations, transforming Belgium’s largest offset printing company into a state-of-the-art digital printing powerhouse. The partnership will focus on creating new use cases, including intelligent asset tracking and push-to-talk communications, to streamline operations and enhance productivity. NTT DATA’s secure, low-latency Private 5G network will help Roularta Printing move to a fully digital future, both locally and internationally.

“NTT DATA Private 5G empowers organizations, providing the network that underpins digital transformation and edge computing implementations,” said Robin Joncheere, Managing Director, NTT DATA Belgium. “We are thrilled to support Roularta Media Group’s digital transformation journey as they unlock the potential of private 5G, applications at the edge, and data-driven insights for revolutionizing their operations as a digital-first multimedia company.”

NTT DATA conducted an in-depth consultancy assessment of RMG’s network and security, ensuring that the infrastructure is optimized for peak performance. NTT DATA’s Private 5G network is already supporting Roularta Printing across its 40,000-square-meter manufacturing facility in Belgium.

As RMG modernizes its manufacturing operations, the Private 5G network will underpin the optimization of devices used throughout the facility and prepare for future edge computing implementations. Looking ahead, RMG plans to extend the NTT DATA Private 5G capabilities across additional locations throughout Europe in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.

“Our industry demands uninterrupted operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any downtime is a significant risk because news needs to be printed within hours,” said Luc Neysens, CIO, of Roularta Media Group. “As we transform our printing operations and execute our vision for a fully digitized future-proof multimedia company, we’re excited to work with NTT DATA and their team to unlock what is possible with a dependable, secure, and low latency network environment.”

NTT DATA’s Private 5G network currently deployed at RMG’s Belgian facility makes sure the reliability and efficiency of these operations can be ensured at any location within the plant. Additionally, smart, ruggedized devices support push-to-talk communications, a feature that was previously difficult to incorporate on RMG’s legacy network due to moving machinery and signal reflections within the facility.

National, 20 February 2025: Veer Pahariya graces the February cover issue of Filmfare, emerging as a fresh talent in the entertainment industry. With a deep-rooted passion for acting, music, and storytelling, he embodies a new generation of artists who refuse to be boxed in. As he continues to grow and push boundaries, Veer is undoubtedly a talent to watch out for in Hindi Cinema. Veer Pahariya made his Bollywood debut earlier this year, starring alongside Akshay Kumar in the film Sky Force. Filmfare, one of the country’s most prestigious entertainment magazines renowned for celebrating cinema, fashion, and emerging talents in the industry, serves as the perfect platform for Veer’s story, marked by dedication, perseverance, and a drive to redefine the norms.

In an exclusive chat with Filmfare, Veer reflected on his dream. He shared, “I think it was my lifelong dream to become an actor. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want this. When I was about five years old, I used to collect Filmfare magazines. I still have them in my collection.”

Highlighting his early hustle before stepping into the world of films, Veer recalled, “I had a YouTube channel where I built a small audience and would get paid for performing at college festivals and schools. I also worked on a few ad jingles.”

Discussing Sky Force, Veer revealed how he approached the pressures of a high-profile debut with a sense of gratitude, highlighting, “I didn’t have any fear at all before Sky Force released. I was just grateful for the opportunity to live my dream. Every day on earth is a good day.” He recounted his experience sharing the screen space with Akshay Kumar, noting, “Working with Akshay sir was overwhelming at first because he’s someone we’ve all grown up watching. But when I went on the set, he was so welcoming and comforting that he immediately broke the ice with me.”

Veer’s transformation for the role of Squadron Leader T Krishna Vijaya in the film was drastic – both physically and mentally. Recalling his transformation for the character, he shared, “On the day of the look test for Sky Force, I had long hair and a beard, and they transformed me completely. I had no idea what the film was about at that point. They cut my hair short, gave me a military-style moustache and put me in overalls. Months later, I heard the narration, and it was an easy decision.”

Cementing his stance as a disruptor in the industry, Veer said, “I know I don’t look like a typical hero. But I’m aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I’m here to bring something new to the table. I’m aiming to break barriers and change the game.”

On his self-made journey, Veer acknowledged the realities of navigating Bollywood without a legacy to lean on, saying, “I’m the first artiste in my family. So, my association with the industry is purely based on the work I’ve done. Anyone who comes to Mumbai gets associated with people from the film industry.” Talking about his early inspirations, he revealed, “Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan were my early inspirations. I also really admire Sushant Singh Rajput’s choice of roles; he had such an original voice.”

Filmfare’s February issue chronicles and celebrates all that’s hot and happening in the world of movies and OTT.

Pune, India – February 20, 2025: The Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation conducted an awareness session on noise pollution at the College of Engineering, Manjari, aiming to educate students and faculty about its adverse effects and the importance of collective action.

The session was led by Dr. Garima Kavathekar, Founder Director of Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation, alongside distinguished speakers Mrs. Neena Singh, Mrs. Shashikala Kumbhar, Mr. Manoj Channa, and Shri Rajendra Kulkarni. Volunteers from IIEBM also actively participated, engaging students in discussions and interactive awareness activities.

The program covered key aspects of noise pollution, including its health implications, environmental consequences, and relevant legal frameworks. Speakers emphasized practical solutions and community-driven initiatives, encouraging students to take an active role in promoting noise-free environments.

As part of its ongoing mission, the Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation continues to drive awareness, advocacy, and policy initiatives to combat noise pollution. Events like these play a crucial role in fostering environmental responsibility among the younger generation.

Special appreciation was extended to government-appointed corporator Shri Ajeet Ghule for facilitating connections with Dr. R.V. Patil, Principal of the College of Engineering, Manjari, to make this initiative possible.

February 20, 2025 | Lucknow, India: The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is back and bigger than ever with its seventh edition in Lucknow. This special night will bring together India’s top sports stars under one roof to celebrate their achievements.

This year’s event will honor 175 outstanding athletes from 36 sports, ranging from cricket and hockey to kabaddi and kho kho. It shows how Indian sports have grown, and how our athletes are making the country proud in many ways.

Some of India’s greatest sports stars will choose the winners. The jury includes Anju Bobby George, who made history in the long jump, Olympic medal winners Yogeshwar Dutt and Vijendra Singh, hockey great Dilip Tirkey, and Paralympic champion Devendra Jhajharia. These sports icons know what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

The event will welcome two very special guests. Uttar Pradesh Honorable Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend as the chief guest, and cricket legend Kapil Dev will join the celebration. Their presence shows how important TOISA has become for Indian sports.

“TOISA has evolved into India’s most prestigious sports recognition platform, reflecting our nation’s growing sporting excellence. Having 175 athletes from 36 sports disciplines under one roof in Lucknow demonstrates the incredible depth and diversity of Indian sports talent. Our vision is to not just celebrate achievements, but to create a legacy that inspires future generations,” said Puneet Gupta, COO,of  Times Internet.

“TOISA 2024 represents more than an awards ceremony – it’s a celebration of India’s remarkable sports journey. By bringing together champions from cricket fields to kabaddi courts in Lucknow, we’re not just honoring medals and records, we’re showcasing how sports unite our nation. This seventh edition speaks to the incredible growth of Indian sports, from our villages to international arenas. As we gather the finest athletes, sports legends, and leaders under one roof, we’re creating a powerful platform that inspires the next generation of Indian sports talent,” explains Prasad Sanyal, Business Head at Times Internet.

TOISA is more than just an awards show. It tells young athletes across India that their hard work matters, and that they can achieve great things in sports. As we prepare for February 22, TOISA 2024 will not only honor today’s champions but also inspire tomorrow’s sports stars.

This special night in Lucknow will remind everyone how far Indian sports have come, and show the bright future ahead. TOISA continues to grow as India’s way of saying thank you to the athletes who make our country proud.

Delhi, February 2025 – ITM Vocational University (ITMVUG) in Vadodara, Gujarat, has been awarded a ‘B+’ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). This accreditation, valid until October 29, 2029, underscores the university’s dedication to maintaining high standards in teaching, research, and infrastructure.

The NAAC accreditation serves as a testament to ITM Vocational University’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education. As the university continues to evolve, it remains focused on fostering innovation, skill development, and holistic growth, ensuring that its students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the dynamic professional world.

Dr. Anil M. Bisen, Provost, of ITM Vocational University, shared his excitement about this achievement, saying, “This accreditation is a proud moment for all of us. It proves our dedication to providing the best learning experience for our students. At ITMVUG, we focus on building strong academic foundations, developing practical skills, and preparing students for successful careers. Our goal is to create professionals who are ready to take on real-world challenges and make a positive impact. We will continue to upgrade our courses, improve our facilities, and work closely with industries to ensure our students get the best opportunities. This achievement motivates us to keep growing and delivering education that truly makes a difference.”

Established in 2014, ITMVUG is part of the ITM Group of Institutions, which has a legacy spanning over three decades. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including BBA, B.Tech in Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronics, and Computer Science Engineering, BCA, B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry, Medical Lab Technology, B.Optometry, MBA, M.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry, and M.Sc. in Medical Lab Technology. These programs are designed to align with current industry demands, ensuring students are well-prepared for their professional careers.

The university’s commitment to practical learning is evident through its modern infrastructure. State-of-the-art classrooms, well-equipped seminar halls, a comprehensive library, and advanced laboratories provide students with an environment conducive to both academic and personal growth. These facilities support a hands-on approach to education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

ITMVUG’s robust placement cell has forged strong ties with leading companies across various sectors. Notable recruiters such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Syon Software, Lenskart, Sun Pharma, Xylem, Befree International, Jaro Education, Sunrises Engineering, PTSI, Avenza Pharmaceuticals, Lupin Limited, Bruket Ind Pvt Ltd, Dots and Coms, VNC Global, Amitron, Cosmos Impex, Motilal Oswal, Grace Laboratory, Mangalam Steel Cast, and HCG have participated in campus placement drives. The highest salary package offered was up to ₹12 lakh per annum, reflecting the quality of education and the employability of its graduates.

Bengaluru, February 20, 2025: Yuma Energy, one of India’s largest and fastest-growing battery-as-a-service (BaaS) companies, has announced the acquisition of Grinntech Motors & Services Pvt. Ltd., a Chennai-based growth-phase start-up specializing in the design and development of innovative, affordable, and high-quality energy storage solutions.

The milestone acquisition furthers Yuma Energy’s mission to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions by individual users and businesses. Integrating Grinntech’s expertise in battery technologies, R&D, and manufacturing will enable Yuma Energy to build a vertically integrated BaaS ecosystem that encompasses battery design and production, intelligent charging units, a multi-city swapping network, technology-driven operations, and a seamless customer app. With its broad portfolio, industry-leading performance, and efficient energy infrastructure, Yuma Energy is well-positioned to lead the rapidly growing electric mobility market in the country.

“This acquisition is a strategic step towards bolstering our in-house expertise in battery management systems, advanced R&D, and manufacturing,” said Muthu Subramanian, Managing Director & General Manager, Yuma Energy. “By assimilating Grinntech’s technology and manufacturing capability, we will continue to surpass industry and customer service benchmarks in performance, reliability, and safety.”

In January 2025, Yuma Energy unveiled its next-generation battery, developed in collaboration with Grinntech, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo’s Bharat Battery Show in New Delhi. The acquisition is, thus, a natural progression of the successful partnership between the two companies over the past 18 months.

Founded with a vision to drive battery innovation, Grinntech has developed state-of-the-art solutions tailored to the evolving energy needs of electric vehicles and industrial applications. This acquisition will enable rapid advancements in battery performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making clean energy solutions more accessible.

“We are excited to become a part of Yuma Energy’s journey and contribute our expertise to revolutionizing battery technology,” said Puneet Jain, Co-founder of Grinntech. Added Nikhilesh Mishra, Co-founder of Grinntech, “Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and accelerate India’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Mumbai, 20 February 2025: E-commerce has become a fulcrum of change for the Indian retail industry, finds a joint report by ANAROCK and ETRetail released today at The Economic Times Great India Retail Summit 2025 in Mumbai at the Jio Convention Centre.

The report finds that Indian e-commerce is expected to touch USD 550 Bn by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 15%. In 2024, the value of this vibrant and disruptive retail segment was estimated at USD 125 Bn. It is likely to touch USD 345 Bn by 2030-end.

Increasing Internet penetration, smartphone adoption, digital payment infrastructure, and a young, tech-savvy population are driving this growth. Government initiatives like ‘Digital India’ and rapid improvements in the country’s logistics and supply chain networks have further boosted its growth prospects.

“Besides the metros, e-commerce players are also tapping the growing demand from smaller towns and cities. Resultantly, the share of online shoppers from Tier 2 and 3 cities has increased to 56% in FY2024 from 46% in FY2020, and is expected to reach 64% by FY2030,” says Anuj Kejriwal, CEO & MD – ANAROCK Retail. “Meanwhile, the overall Indian retail industry’s market size is expected to touch USD 2,500 Bn by 2035, witnessing a three-fold increase compared to 2019. The report states that this growth is powered by rising disposable incomes, increasing urbanization, a young and tech-savvy population, and an ever-expanding middle class. Today, the industry is defined by sprawling malls and thriving e-commerce alongside traditional bazaars.”

” New mall supply across the top 7 cities was a mere 1 Mn sq. ft. in 2024, while absorption stood at 6 Mn sq. ft.,” says Anuj Kejriwal. “New supply is lagging far behind demand. Current supply and demand trends for mall spaces indicate a post-pandemic rebound in leasing, now largely driven by experiential retail. Apparel and the F&B sectors consistently contribute nearly 45% of demand, remaining the top footfall drivers. Also, post-COVID, the mall vacancy rate has declined from 15.4% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2024.”

The report highlights that major domestic and international retailers have ambitious plans to increase their footprint in India’s smaller towns and cities, resulting in a surging supply of malls in tier 2 and 3 markets which will, potentially, account for over 26 million sq. ft. of mall spaces by 2030.

The Pantry- (Healthy Keto Pizza)

For a guilt-free indulgence, The Pantry serves up healthy yet delicious alternatives. Their healthy creations are as delicious as they are wholesome. The Flower Power Pizza boasts a gluten-free cauliflower crust topped with mushrooms and roasted garlic; The Vegan Delight features creamy homemade cashew cheese and mashed avocados; The Arabian Rooster offers a unique flavour profile with za’atar-spiced grilled chicken, La ferme lofabu, homemade ricotta, pickled red cabbage, and microgreens.

Mad Doh:

Mad Doh Sourdough Pizzeria is slinging wood-fired sourdough pies with toppings so good, you won’t even miss the meat. Spice things up with the Spicy Cipolla, a fiery mix of Pomodoro, onions, chillies, and jalapeños, or savour the Indian-inspired Pizza Indiana with tandoori paneer. Mushroom lovers will rejoice over the Ai Fungi. Cheese aficionados can indulge in the Pizza Classic Bianco or the Quattro Formaggi. For a taste of fresh vegetables, the Pizza Ortolana showcases zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and black pepper.

Blabber delivers bold, flavor-packed combinations with pizzas like the Funghi, loaded with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, and the Pollo di Piccante, where roasted chicken, capers, and pickled jalapeños create an explosion of taste. The Diavola, stacked high with chicken salami, pepperoni, and bacon, is a must-try for meat lovers.

For those who love a cozy vibe with great food, The Bluebop Cafe offers pizzas that fit every occasion. Their Amore Loves Veggie is a plant-based delight, while the Fiesta Chicken packs a punch of bold flavors. The Pepperoni Passion is a crowd favorite, and the Three Meat Pizza is perfect for those who love a protein-loaded bite. The Smoked Chicken & Pesto pizza is another must-try, combining herby goodness with smoky richness.

From artisanal sourdoughs to experimental flavour fusions, Mumbai’s pizza scene is bursting with creativity. Whether you’re craving a simple, elegant slice or an all-out topping-loaded masterpiece, these pizzerias guarantee a bite of perfection.