MG Comet EV 2025 Growth in Innovation Brings Elevated Comfort and Ease

National, March 19, 2025 – Enhancing the style and appeal of India’s street-smart car, JSW MG Motor India introduces the Comet EV 2025. Starting at an attractive price of ₹4.99 lakh (with Battery-as-a-Service at ₹2.5/km), this car features a futuristic design with enhanced convenience and advanced tech features. Car buyers seeking a tech-savvy and practical city commute can visit their nearest MG dealership to book the new MG Comet 2025 and the recently launched Comet BLACKSTORM edition for 11,000.

The MG Comet EV 2025 comes in five distinct variants—Executive, Excite, Excite Fast Charge, Exclusive, and Exclusive Fast Charge—each designed to offer a tailored driving experience. The Excite and Excite FC variants now come equipped with a Rear Parking Camera and Power-folding Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs), enhancing both convenience and safety. The Exclusive and Exclusive FC variants are upgraded with premium leatherette seats and a 4-speaker audio system, elevating the in-cabin experience for a more premium feel. Fast Charging variants are powered by a 17.4 kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of up to 230 km** on a single charge.

 Rakesh Sen, Head – Sales, JSW MG Motor India said, “MG Comet EV’s innovative design and user-friendly features have made it a preferred choice among city dwellers seeking practical mobility solution for daily commute. The increasing acceptance of the Comet EV corresponds to the impressive 29% growth in sales in CY’24 compared to CY’23. The MG Comet EV 2025 highlights our dedication to meeting evolving consumer needs.”

In February 2025, JSW MG Motor India introduced the Comet BLACKSTORM Edition, further expanding the Comet EV lineup. Priced at ₹7.80 lakh with Battery-as-a-Service at ₹2.5 per km, the BLACKSTORM Edition features a sleek ‘Starry Black’ exterior with dark chrome, black badges and red accents. Inside, it offers Leatherette seats with ‘Blackstorm’ embroidery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electronically adjustable ORVMs, and four-speaker audio system.

The Comet EV offers smart ownership package with MG e-Shield, covering repairs and service costs. The special 3-3-3-8 service package provides: 3 years or 1 lakh km warranty, 3 years Roadside Assistance (RSA), 3 free labour services- First 3 scheduled services and 8 years or 1 lakh 20 thousand km warranty.

Markets on Edge as Experts Weigh Strong Signals from the Fed Meeting

1) Narinder Wadhwa, Managing Director & CEO of SKI Capital Services Ltd.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is scheduled to meet on March 18-19, 2025.

Interest Rates: The FOMC is anticipated to maintain the federal funds rate at its current range of 4.25% to 4.50%. This decision aligns with the Fed’s cautious approach amid economic uncertainties, particularly those arising from recent tariff policies.

Economic Projections: Alongside the rate decision, the Fed will release its quarterly Summary of Economic Projections (SEP), offering insights into members’ expectations for GDP growth, unemployment, and inflation. These projections will be closely analyzed for indications of future monetary policy directions.

Market Context: The meeting occurs against a backdrop of market volatility, partly due to recent tariff we was announcements and their implications for global ddddsss dr op CT might influence the Fed’s policy stance in the coming months. The outcome of the March FOMC meeting will have a direct impact on gold and crude oil prices , primarily through its influence on interest rates, the U.S. dollar, and inflation expectations. Here’s how:

Impact on Gold Prices: Gold is highly sensitive to interest rate expectations and the U.S. dollar
No Rate Cut (Status Quo at 4.25%-4.50%) If the Fed maintains rates, gold may see limited upside or a slight pullback, as higher yields make non-yielding assets like gold less attractive. Dovish Signals (Rate Cuts Expected in 2025) If Powell signals rate cuts later in the year, the dollar could weaken, boosting gold prices as lower rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding gold.

Impact on Gold Prices: Gold is highly sensitive to interest rate expectations and the U.S. dollar
No Rate Cut (Status Quo at 4.25%-4.50%) If the Fed maintains rates, gold may see limited upside or a slight pullback, as higher yields make non-yielding assets like gold less attractive. Dovish Signals (Rate Cuts Expected in 2025) If Powell signals rate cuts later in the year, the dollar could weaken, boosting gold prices as lower rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding gold.

While no immediate changes to interest rates are expected, the FOMC’s communications will be pivotal in shaping market expectations for the remainder of the year. His remarks will be scrutinized for any signals regarding the Fed’s assessment of economic conditions and potential policy adjustments in response to evolving economic data.

 

2) Sriram Iyer, Senior Research Analyst, Reliance Securities

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is set to meet on March 18–19, 2025, to assess economic conditions and determine the direction of monetary policy. The meeting comes at a time when U.S. GDP growth is showing signs of slowing, while inflation remains persistent. Investors are also increasingly concerned about the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and federal job cuts, which could heighten recession risks.
Interest Rate Outlook. The Fed is widely expected to hold interest rates steady at the current range of 4.25% to 4.50% as it evaluates the effects of previous policy measures.

Given the economic uncertainty, the central bank is likely to maintain a cautious approach rather than rush into rate cuts.
Economic Projections & Dot Plot. The meeting will also bring the release of the Fed’s updated Summary of Economic Projections, including the “dot plot,” which reflects policymakers’ expectations for future interest rates. Previous forecasts pointed to two 25-bps rate cuts in 2025 (a total of 50 basis points). However, with inflation remaining sticky and growth decelerating, these projections could see some revisions.

Market Impact: Gold & Crude Oil If the Fed maintains a hawkish stance, delaying or limiting rate cuts, the U.S. dollar could strengthen, putting pressure on gold and crude oil. However, gold may still find support due to its safe-haven appeal in times of economic uncertainty. Crude oil prices, on the other hand, could receive some support from optimism around potential stimulus measures in China.

 

Technical Levels to Watch
MCX Gold April Contract: Expected to trade between ₹86,500 and ₹88,500.
MCX Crude April Contract: Likely to fluctuate between ₹5,800 and ₹6,000.
Traders and investors should closely follow the Fed’s announcements, as they will provide key insights into the future path of monetary policy and its impact on financial markets.

 

3) Dr. Bharath Supra Associate Professor (School Of Business Management), NMIMS Navi Mumbai

The Federal reserve’s next meeting is a pivotal one as the markets seek guidance on interest rates. While inflation has eased, it remains above the Fed’s target, raising doubts over any hopes on rate cuts. A dovish policy would reduce borrowing costs and lift the markets, while a hawkish Fed could lead to a selloff. Bond yield, stocks and the dollar are all still volatile, reacting to every policy limit. Investors are looking to the Fed for signals on its future actions. The Federal reserve’s signal on the interest rates will have a major bearing on the gold and crude oil prices. If the Fed hints at cutting rates, decreasing bonds yields and falling dollar would propel gold prices upwards. A hawkish approach, on the other hand, would make the dollar strong and put in more pressure on gold prices. For crude, the Fed’s move impacts the economic growth and demand. Rising interest rates might slow down the economy, lowering energy consumption and putting a lid on the increase in oil prices. While a dovish stance can weaken the dollar making the oil expensive for purchasers. The crude market will definitely be paying attention to Powell’s cues.

 

4) Mayank Mundhra, FRM- VP Risk & Head Research Abans Financial Services Ltd

Markets widely anticipate that the Federal Reserve will maintain the federal funds rate at 4.25%-4.50% during its meeting starting tomorrow. While no immediate cuts are expected, investors are pricing in deeper reductions later this year as inflation eases, with U.S. inflation falling to 2.8% in February due to lower gasoline and fuel oil prices. The Fed’s dot plot, which outlines policymakers’ rate projections, will be closely watched for future guidance. However, caution remains as Trump’s tariff policies could reintroduce inflationary pressures, influencing future Fed decisions. Gold has surged about 14% in 2025, after ~27% in 2024, driven by large political uncertainties and central bank buying. Inflation expectations have not played a major role in the rally so far. Going ahead, with reducing inflation concerns and potential rate cuts, gold rally may continue fueled by uncertainties globally. Delayed cut in rates, will slower the momentum. Crude oil’s reaction will hinge on the Fed’s economic outlook. A dovish stance could weaken the dollar, making oil cheaper for global buyers and boosting demand. However, concerns over inflationary pressures from tariffs may delay cuts, strengthening the dollar and weighing on prices. The Fed’s decision and forward guidance will shape market sentiment. A dovish outlook could support gold and oil, while a cautious stance may strengthen the dollar, keeping commodity prices in check.

Stay Radiant: Your Ultimate Summer Essentials for Glowing Skin

March 19,2025:As the sun shines brighter and temperatures soar, your summer routine needs a refresh! Keeping your skin hydrated, nourished, and glowing is the key to breezing through the heat. Whether you’re heading for a vacation, working long hours, or just chilling at home, a few essentials can make all the difference. Here’s your ultimate summer survival kit with must-have products to keep you feeling fresh and fabulous.

Vivel Red Aloe Vera & Cherry Blossom Shower Gel – A Burst of Freshness

A great shower can set the tone for your day, and what better way to start than with the Vivel Red Aloe Vera & Cherry Blossom Shower Gel? Infused with the goodness of Red Aloe Vera and Cherry Blossom, this body wash is designed to cleanse while keeping your skin soft and hydrated. The plant-based cleansers and Vitamin E ensure a gentle yet effective wash, making it perfect for all skin types. Plus, it’s paraben-free and dermatologist-tested, so you can indulge worry-free.

Fiama Japanese Hokkaido Milk Bar Celebration Pack – Luxurious Indulgence

Who says bathing can’t be a luxurious experience? The Fiama Japanese Hokkaido Milk Bar Celebration Pack brings you three delightful milk bars enriched with Acai Berry, Goji Berry, and Blueberry extracts. Each bar is crafted with 1/3 skin moisturizers to nourish your skin deeply. Infused with Vitamin F and a mood-uplifting fragrance, these creamy, moisturizing bars cleanse without stripping away essential hydration. This pack ensures you have a refreshing summer bath experience every day.

Charmis Vitamin C Deep Radiance Serum – Glow from Within

Summer can be harsh on your skin, making hydration and protection crucial. Enter the Charmis Vitamin C Deep Radiance Serum—your glow booster! Infused with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Salicylic Acid, it penetrates deep into the skin to reduce dark spots, boost hydration, and leave your face radiant. Lightweight and non-sticky, it’s ideal for daily wear, keeping your skin plump and fresh even on the hottest days.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+ – Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable

No summer essential kit is complete without a high-performance sunscreen! The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+ offers superior sun protection with its Helioplex technology, shielding your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, making it a perfect addition to your daily skincare routine.

Nykaa Wanderlust Mediterranean Sea Salt Body Mist – Stay Fresh All Day

Beat the summer heat with a refreshing body mist that keeps you smelling divine all day. The Nykaa Wanderlust Mediterranean Sea Salt Body Mist offers a crisp, oceanic scent that instantly revitalizes your senses. Spray it on after a shower or carry it in your bag for an instant pick-me-up whenever needed.

This summer, let your skin breathe and glow with the right mix of hydration, protection, and freshness. From refreshing showers to deep skin nourishment, plus essential sun protection and a refreshing mist, these essentials are all you need to stay radiant through the season. So, stock up, stay cool, and enjoy a summer full of self-care and sunshine!

Samsung Unveils Exclusive Festive Offers on Bespoke AI Digital Appliances

March 19, 2025, Gurugram: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, is celebrating Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid with exciting offers on its AI-powered refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and microwaves. As families prepare to welcome prosperity and new beginnings, Samsung is making home upgrades more rewarding with exclusive deals on its latest innovations. Available only till March 31, 2025, these limited period offers allow consumers to bring home smarter and more connected appliances at an unmatched value.

Affordability Offers: Consumers can avail up to 48% off on select digital appliances, up to ₹20,000 cash-back, and easy zero down payment options.

Extended Warranty Offers: 2-year extended and comprehensive warranty with Samsung Care+ worth, is available on select Front Load washing machines, while 1-year extended warranty is offered on Refrigerators.

Warranty Offers: Samsung is also ensuring long-term durability with a 20-year warranty on the Digital Inverter Compressor of Refrigerators and Digital Inverter Motor of Washing Machines, a 10-year warranty on the Ceramic Enamel Cavity of Microwaves, and a 5-year Comprehensive Warranty on Air Conditioners, making every purchase a lasting investment.

Installation Offer: Bespoke AI Wind Free™ ACs come with free installation, helping consumers enjoy superior cooling effortlessly.

Allowing consumers to elevate their home living with intelligent and intuitive appliances, these offers will be available on Samsung.com and select Samsung retail outlets across India.

Eurogrip Tyres Welcomes MS Dhoni in Powerful New Brand Campaign

New Delhi, 19th March, 2025: Eurogrip Tyres, India’s leading 2 & 3-wheeler tyre brand, has launched a new brand campaign that brings together MS Dhoni’s passion for riding and Eurogrip’s superior tyre technology. The campaign idea “ENJOY EVERY TURN” is derived from a powerful insight – in the journey of life; every turn is full of possibilities, so take them on with confidence…and who better than Dhoni to personify this.

The brand film is woven around that one intriguing question every fan has been asking – “What’s Next for Dhoni?” and presents an interesting narrative that takes viewers through a scenic journey, where Dhoni is seen enjoying all the turns life and the roads throw at him.

Talking about the campaign, P Madhavan, EVP, Sales and Marketing, TVS Srichakra Ltd said, “We are excited about our new brand campaign with MS Dhoni. The “Enjoy Every Turn” film is an offbeat take on the joy of riding, and we believe it fits perfectly with Dhoni’s personality.  As the bike tyre specialist, we remain committed to offering tyres that allow you to take on any of the challenges the road throws at you with confidence, enhancing every ride, making every journey smoother, safer and more exciting for the new-age rider.”

“As a passionate rider, shooting for this campaign along with Eurogrip was a pleasure for me. The ad film insight and script resonated with me as I have always “enjoyed every turn” life has thrown at me. As an aside, I also got to try Eurogrip’s high performance super bike tyres and it was a fun experience for me to do what I love doing for this film – riding.”, said M.S.Dhoni.

Adarsh Atal, Chief Creative Officer – Tilt Brand Solutions added, “Every biker will tell you that it’s the twists and turns of a road that make their ride interesting. A straight road is never fun. This formed the base insight of our idea. That whether it is on the road, or in life, it is not knowing what’s around the corner that makes things exciting. With Dhoni at that juncture in his life where the whole world is wondering what’s next for him; the idea really came alive.”

Superstar Mohanlal’s Legacy Meets WWE-Style Action in Chatha Pacha: Ring of Rowdies

March 19,2025:Reel World Entertainment, a dynamic new production house, is making a bold entry into Malayalam cinema with “Chatha Pacha: Ring of Rowdies”, a WWE-inspired action spectacle that promises to push the boundaries of the industry.

At the helm of this ambitious project is Adhvaith Nayar, the nephew of legendary actor Mohanlal, who makes his directorial debut with this high-octane entertainer. Having trained under cinematic stalwarts like Jeethu Joseph, Rajeev Ravi, and Mohanlal himself, Advaith brings a fresh, fearless vision to the screen. Blending electrifying wrestling sequences, sharp humor, and a compelling underdog narrative, “Chatha Pacha: Ring of Rowdies” is set to deliver a cinematic experience unlike anything seen before in Malayalam cinema.

At its core, “Chatha Pacha: Ring of Rowdies” is a tale of misfits, ex-convicts, and outcasts who attempt to rebuild their lives by forming an underground wrestling club in Fort Kochi. What starts as a small, makeshift fight club soon evolves into a spectacle, drawing huge crowds and turning the fighters into local icons. Inspired by their childhood WWE heroes, they create larger-than-life personas, develop intense rivalries, and put on electrifying matches. But as old enemies resurface, personal grudges intensify, and authorities begin to close in, the battle extends beyond the ring, turning into a fight for survival. With adrenaline-pumping action, hilarious moments, and an emotional core, the film is a tribute to the spirit of sports entertainment and the power of brotherhood.

Backed by Reel World Entertainment, the film is a collaboration between Transworld Group, led by Ramesh & Ritesh Ramakrishnan, and Lensman Group, spearheaded by Shihan Shoukath. The production is strengthened by the expertise of industry veterans George Sebastian and Sunil Singh, known for their work with Mammootty Kampany, ensuring a large-scale cinematic experience.

One of the biggest highlights of ‘Chatha Pacha: Ring of Rowdies” is the musical collaboration with the legendary trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, marking their first-ever Malayalam film. With their track record of delivering iconic soundtracks, their presence adds an entirely new dimension to the movie’s musical landscape. The film’s lyrics will be penned by Vinayak Sasikumar, whose work has made a significant impact in the industry.

The film boasts a stellar cast featuring Arjun Ashokan, known for his performances in Romancham and Brahmayugam , Roshan Mathew, who has gained recognition in both Malayalam and Bollywood with films like Moothon, Darlings, and Choked , and Ishan Shoukath, fresh off his debut in the ₹125-crore blockbuster Marco . Vishak Nair, who has been making waves with Officer on Duty , also joins the ensemble. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with Pooja Mohanraj, who has impressed audiences with her performances in Journey of Love 18+ and Anuragam .

The technical crew of “Chatha Pacha: Ring of Rowdies” features some of the best in the industry, ensuring a visually stunning and high-impact experience. The action choreography is handled by Kalai Kingson, known for his work in Leo, Marco, and Vikram , while cinematography is led by Chandru Selvaraj, recognized for his contributions to Mahaveeryar and Marco . Editing is in the expert hands of Praveen Prabhakar, whose portfolio includes acclaimed films like Premam, Bangalore Days, Trance, and Kannur Squad . Makeup is designed by Ronex Xavier, known for transformative work in Kammara Sambhavam, RDX, and Mamangam , and costume design is helmed by Melwy, who has previously styled for Kurup and Neelavelicham .

Well, that’s not it! The makers have something exciting in store for fans! The movie is set to redefine fan engagement with an exclusive range of merchandise inspired by its wrestling theme. Fans can look forward to limited-edition action figures, wrestler trading cards featuring film characters, custom sneakers and apparel, and even a video game that brings the film’s world to life. Beyond the screen, these offerings will immerse audiences in the film’s high-energy universe like never before.

With a gripping storyline, a historic musical collaboration, a dynamic cast, and a powerhouse creative team, “Chatha Pacha: Ring of Rowdies” is set to be a groundbreaking film that redefines Malayalam cinema. The production is in full swing, with shooting scheduled to begin in May 2025 and a year-end release planned. Stay tuned for more updates!

SGF India Welcomes Food Lovers to India’s First & Largest Soya Food Festival

New Delhi, India – March 19th, 2025 – SGF India, a renowned name in vegetarian dining, is excited to announce India’s First & Largest Soya Food Festival. On the occasion of  National Soy Food Month from April 1st to April 30th 2025, food lovers in Delhi, Amritsar, Jaipur, Bhopal, and Bahadurgarh will experience a groundbreaking food festival that blends taste, innovation as well as health.

A Movement for Pure Soya Chaap

Soya chaap is a favorite dish among vegetarians that has unfortunately become synonymous with unhealthy additives and unhygienic preparation in many places. But, SGF India is here to change that narrative with a promise of 100% pure soya chaap—no maida, no gluten, just high-protein goodness. This festival is more than just a food event as it is a movement to revolutionize plant-based eating in India.

Introducing SGF Green – The Future of Plant-Based Dining

In a commitment to promoting healthier alternatives, SGF is also launching SGF Green, a special category dedicated to Plant-Based and Gluten-Free dishes. With SGF Green the customers can enjoy innovative plant-based versions of popular delicacies that will ensure they never have to choose between health and taste.

A Curated Menu Where Innovation Meets Flavor

SGF India presents a specially curated festival menu where taste meets innovation, blending SGF’s signature soya delights with SGF Green’s plant-based marvels. Indulge in classics like the creamy Afghani Chaap, spicy Chatpati Chaap, crispy Soya Tangdi, and Tawa Chaap with Rumali Roti or explore bold new flavors with our Chick-Less Leg Piece, Meatless Rogan Josh, and Veggie Fish Nuggets.

Union Bank of India Launches IDEA Hackathon First in PSBs Hackathon Series 2025

Mumbai, March 19, 2025: Union Bank of India, in collaboration with K J Somaiya College of Engineering, Mumbai, successfully concluded the IDEA Hackathon, a flagship event under the PSBs Hackathon Series 2025. This event is part of a larger initiative by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India, and Indian Banks Association, where all Public Sector Banks (PSBs) will conduct a series of Hackathons.

This initiative aims to delve into innovative solutions for real-world problems and critical areas of operations in the BFSI sector.

The event received an enthusiastic response from nearly 300 teams from over 30 colleges across Maharashtra, out of which 42 teams participated vigorously in a 24-hour Hackathon leading to a finale of 10 teams. MD & CEO of Union Bank of India A. Manimekhalai in the presence of Executive Directors of Union Bank of India announced Six teams as winners under various categories, including an all-women team and a differently abled team.

The winning teams received cash prizes amounting to Rs. 11 lacs, with the first, second, third and consolation winners receiving Rs. 5 lacs, Rs. 3 lacs, Rs. 2 lacs, and Rs. 1 lac, respectively.

The event was graced by distinguished delegates and dignitaries from leading banks, financial institutions, fintech firms, and regulatory bodies, including Mr. Dilip Asbe, MD & CEO of NPCI. The attendees included representatives from RBI, IBA, IDRBT, IFTAS, ReBit, PSB Alliance, and top executives from other PSBs.

“We are thrilled to have hosted the IDEA Hackathon, which has provided a platform for young minds to showcase their innovative solutions,” said MD & CEO, A. Manimekhalai, in her address.

The IDEA Hackathon is a testament to Union Bank of India’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation. The bank will continue to support and encourage innovative ideas, driving growth and excellence in the BFSI sector.

Prize/Category Team Name College Name
First prize Entropy SVKM’s Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering
Second prize Init 0 SVKM’s Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering
Third Prize Debug Dynasty KJ Somaiya College of Engineering
Consolation Prize DedSec SVKM’s Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering
All WOMEN Ctrl Alt Elite SVKM’s Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering
PWD Team SWAG Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering and Technology

BLS E-Services Secures Honor for Grassroots Women’s Empowerment Initiatives

New Delhi, March 19, 2025: BLS E-Services, a leading technology-enabled digital service provider, is proud to announce that its grassroots initiatives have been recognized at the recently held  ET Women Conclave 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates the company’s efforts to empower women and promote financial inclusion, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Mr.-Shikhar-Aggarwal-Awarded-at-Women-Conclave

Under the inspiring guidance of our Chairman, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, BLS E-Services, has been at the forefront of promoting women’s empowerment through its various initiatives. A cornerstone of our efforts is empowering women, with more than 20% of our outlets operated by women entrepreneurs (compared to the national average of 14%). The 130+ million transactions processed through our outlets generate significant social impact, ranging from Direct Benefit Transfers and promoting savings habits to micro-insurance, micro-pensions, revenue services, crop insurance, agricultural loans, and agri-enterprise loans. Notably, 55% of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) account holders serviced through the BLS channel are women.

“We are deeply focused on reaching underserved populations with critical services, including financial inclusion, healthcare (insurance and income protection), crop insurance, loan services, revenue services, education, literacy, and youth and women empowerment initiatives like the BC Sakhi program. These initiatives create substantial opportunities to uplift communities and drive inclusive growth. We are honoured to receive this recognition, which celebrates our efforts to empower women and promote financial inclusion,” said Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Chairman, BLS E-Services. “We believe that empowering women is essential to creating a more equitable society, and we will continue to work towards this goal.”

Rooted in the principle of “Customer Service,” the company has established a vast network of over 1 lakh touchpoints and digital platforms, ensuring access to essential services like banking, insurance, and government procedures, especially in underserved regions. Since its listing in February last year, our mission, “Delighting the citizen. Strengthening the Nation,” reflects our dedication to bridging the digital divide.

This recognition underscores BLS E-Services’ commitment to women’s empowerment and financial inclusion. The company’s initiatives have made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of women, empowering them to take control of their financial lives and participate in the economic mainstream, added Mr. Aggarwal.

Cisco Secures AI Growth with NVIDIA’s Cutting-Edge Technology

GTC, San Jose, March 19, 2025 — Cisco [NASDAQ: CSCO] today unveiled an AI factory architecture with NVIDIA that puts security at its core. This collaboration with NVIDIA builds on the expanded partnership that was announced last month, and the companies have moved swiftly to provide validated reference architectures today. Together, the companies are developing the Cisco Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA to dramatically simplify how enterprises deploy, manage, and secure AI infrastructure at any scale.

“AI can unlock groundbreaking opportunities for the enterprise,” said Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO, Cisco. “To achieve this, the integration of networking and security is essential. Cisco and NVIDIA’s trusted, innovative solutions empower our customers to harness AI’s full potential simply and securely.”

“AI factories are transforming every industry, and security must be built into every layer to protect data, applications and infrastructure,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO, NVIDIA. “Together, NVIDIA and Cisco are creating the blueprint for secure AI—giving enterprises the foundation they need to confidently scale AI while safeguarding their most valuable assets.”

Developing and delivering AI applications require high performing, scalable infrastructure and AI software tool chain. Securing this infrastructure and AI software requires a new architecture – one that embeds security at all layers of the AI stack and automatically expands and adapts as the underlying infrastructure changes. Cisco and NVIDIA’s partnership on the NVIDIA Spectrum-XTM Ethernet networking platform provides the foundation for the Cisco Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA. Cisco is integrating security solutions like Cisco Hypershield, to help protect AI workloads, and Cisco AI Defense, to help protect the development, deployment, and use of AI models and applications. Together, Cisco and NVIDIA will provide customers with the flexibility to design infrastructure for their specific AI needs without sacrificing operational simplicity or security.

Building a Secure AI Factory

AI factories – data centers purpose-built to power AI workloads – are designed to be more modular, scalable and agile, but organizations must also look beyond raw compute power. AI Factories must address new and complex security challenges. The recently published Cisco State of AI Security report analyzes dozens of AI-specific threat vectors and over 700 pieces of AI-related legislation to highlight key developments from a rapidly evolving AI security landscape. Organizations that strategically address both their AI infrastructure and security challenges simultaneously will be more agile, scale faster, and derive business value quicker.

Cisco Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA is expected to build on the companies’ unique ability to offer flexible AI networking and full-stack technology options that leverage the planned joint architecture. The partnership will bring together technologies from Cisco, NVIDIA, and our ecosystem partners into a secure AI factory architecture for enterprise customers, including:

  • ComputeCisco UCS AI servers based on NVIDIA HGX and NVIDIA MGX for accelerated computing.
  • Networking: Cisco Nexus Hyperfabric AI and Nexus networking solutions, powered by Silicon One and NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking.
  • Storage: High-performance storage from certified partners Pure Storage, Hitachi Vantara, NetApp, and VAST Data.
  • SoftwareNVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform to streamline the development and deployment of production-grade agentic AI workloads.

The Cisco Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA includes security at all layers:

  • Securing the infrastructureCisco Hybrid Mesh Firewall provides unified security management and consistent policy across multiple enforcement points, including network switches, traditional firewalls, and workload agents. This integrated approach ensures pervasive and consistent security, ranging from deep packet inspection to wide infrastructure coverage, detecting, blocking and containing adversaries. Cisco Hypershield (part of Hybrid Mesh Firewall) will, in the future, extend pervasive, zero-trust security enforcement to every AI node by integrating with NVIDIA BlueField-3 DPUs.
  • Securing the WorkloadCisco Hypershield prevents adversary lateral movement and proactive vulnerability mitigation without the need for patching, all from a single management interface. By monitoring and controlling process executions, file access, and network activities, Hypershield delivers deep visibility and surgical runtime enforcement within AI workloads. Future enhancements will further strengthen workload protection through integration with NVIDIA BlueField-3’s DOCA AppShield for real-time workload threat detection in AI-focused virtual machines and containers.
  • Securing the AI applicationCisco AI Defense empowers security and AI teams with comprehensive tools to protect AI applications from safety (e.g. off-policy, toxic behavior) and security (i.e. prompt injection, data privacy) risks across the development lifecycle. AI Defense integrates into existing CI/CD workflows to provide automated vulnerability testing and a common layer of runtime security across any number of models and applications. Additionally, AI Defense helps companies align to AI security standards with a single integration, including NIST, MITRE ATLAS, and OWASP LLM Top 10. Future enhancements include integration with NVIDIA AI Enterprise to streamline AI security workflows.

Cisco and NVIDIA each bring a unique understanding of customer AI infrastructure needs, and by combining their insights, can offer flexible deployment models alongside proven reference architectures. The Secure AI Factory will provide enterprise customers with scalable, high-performance AI infrastructure that supports customers at any stage of their journey and embeds security throughout.

Cisco Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA will have flexible deployment options, including:

  • Ready-to-deploy: Utilizing Cisco Nexus Hyperfabric AI along with Cisco’s security portfolio and NVIDIA technology, customers can deploy a vertically integrated AI solution that automates and simplifies the secure AI factory lifecycle from design to deployment and ongoing monitoring.
  • Build-your-own: Featuring customizable modular components from Cisco, NVIDIA, and the companies’ storage ecosystem partners, customers can incorporate their current infrastructure and build solutions that are designed precisely for their unique environments.

“In today’s fast-moving market, businesses need more than just technology—they need end-to-end solutions that address their most pressing challenges. I see Cisco and NVIDIA combining their strengths to deliver integrated solutions that I believe will drive innovation, simplify deployment, and streamline operations,” said Patrick Moorhead, Founder, CEO and Chief Analyst, Moor Insights & Strategy. “AI isn’t easy but the combination of the two could be an ‘easy button’ for AI infrastructure. By making AI infrastructure easier to adopt and manage, they could empower enterprises to accelerate digital transformation and achieve their strategic goals with more confidence.”

Cisco and NVIDIA: The journey to a validated and unified architecture

Moving quickly is crucial to meet today’s demand for AI infrastructure, and Cisco and NVIDIA have made progress as part of the collaboration announced in February 2025. Cisco has developed new reference architectures with deployment options for Cisco Nexus Hyperfabric AI or Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches validated and based on the NVIDIA Enterprise Reference Architecture for HGX H200 and Spectrum-X.