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  • Turquoise Health Announces $40 Million Series C to Become the Operating System for Healthcare Contracts and Payments

    SAN DIEGO, CA —March 17– Turquoise Health (“Turquoise”), a multi-sided healthcare pricing and payment platform, today announced it has raised $40 million in Series C funding. The round was led by Oak HC/FT, with participation from existing investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Adams Street Partners, and Yosemite.

    Healthcare’s financial infrastructure is broken in a way that costs the industry nearly $1 trillion in administrative spend annually. The core problem is structural, with the contracts underlying every payment decision stored in disparate systems, inconsistently interpreted, and effectively invisible to the parties bound by them. The result is a world where it’s difficult for anyone to translate those rates into accurate payment amounts. The current system results in both sides losing money due to denials and administrative overhead, or needing to maintain teams of analysts to manage complex reimbursement scenarios and reviews of documentation. This also leads to the poor experience that most patients have with medical bills and the financial infrastructure supporting care. By centralizing data, contract information, and clinical coverage rules, Turquoise addresses the industry’s pricing opacity and revenue leakage, transforming the cost of care from a source of conflict and confusion into a clear, actionable source of truth.

    Turquoise’s platform creates a new way to price, contract and transact in healthcare. Clear Rates synthesizes machine-readable files, claims data, Medicare benchmarks and all other relevant pricing signals into a single, auditable rate for every payer-provider combination. Contracts leverages AI to tag every rate and provision across a customers’ contract portfolio, turning static documents into a dynamic operating system so teams can find contract details, compare performance and model negotiation scenarios in a few clicks. Together, they lay the foundation for a fundamentally different healthcare transaction, one where standardized pricing and aligned contracts dissolve administrative waste and improve the patient experience by making same-day, transparent transactions the norm. Woven across the platform is AskTQ, the AI-powered pricing and contracting layer that cuts weeks of manual research down to seconds.

    “Our goal has always been to move the industry toward clear, accurate, and actionable healthcare pricing,” said Chris Severn, CEO and Co-Founder of Turquoise. “By evolving from a data vendor to a full workflow and transaction platform, we are building the infrastructure for transparent, real-time payments. This round allows us to ensure that this model becomes the industry standard.”

    Turquoise has demonstrated significant market momentum, with 35% of monthly active users now leveraging multiple products on the platform. The company’s platform is now utilized by more than 280 customers, including 10 of the top 25 health systems, 4 of the 5 national payers, 9 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies, and 6 of the top 10 insurance brokers. The new capital will be used to assist with additional go-to-market efforts, accelerate the buildout of the product roadmap, and increase headcount. Turquoise has grown its team to nearly 200 employees since its founding 5 years ago and looks to add more talented, motivated people to the team.

    “Turquoise is uniquely positioned at the center of the healthcare economy, leveraging a data moat bolstered by their subject matter expertise, extensive library of over 65,000 contracts and best-in-class user interface,” said Vig Chandramouli, Partner at Oak HC/FT. “We have tracked Chris and the team since 2021 and are impressed by their ability to expand adoption simultaneously across providers, payers, employers, and life sciences. Their platform doesn’t just provide data; it embeds transparency directly into the negotiation and payment workflows of the industry’s largest stakeholders.”

  • Pine Launches Message Gateway, Turns Everyday Messages Into AI-Powered Tasks

    PALO ALTO, Calif. – March 17, 2026 – Pine, the trusted AI agent for consumers’ digital chores that delivers results, today announced Message Gateway, a new communication layer that allows users to interact with Pine’s AI assistant from anywhere, including messaging platforms, voice notes and phone calls, while Pine executes tasks in the background through AI agents.

    By turning everyday messages into real-world actions, Message Gateway transforms Pine into an always-available assistant that operates across a user’s digital life. Message Gateway enables Pine to operate across time and channels, managing tasks that may run for minutes, hours or even weeks.

    It transforms messaging from simple conversations into a control interface for AI agents that can perform real-world work.

    “Most AI assistants today still live inside a single app,” said Pine CEO Stanley Wei. “But real life doesn’t happen inside one interface. With Message Gateway, Pine can meet users wherever they already communicate, whether that’s messaging, voice or mobile. Our goal is simple: You talk to Pine naturally, and Pine takes care of the work.”

    Instead of having to open a specific application or interface to interact with an AI assistant, Message Gateway users simply send a message or speak naturally via channels like Telegram, WhatsApp, Slack or the Pine mobile app. Pine will understand the request, launch the appropriate AI agents and manage the task over time. The AI assistant tracks progress and keeps the user updated while tasks are completed.

    Unlike most voice assistants designed for quick commands or chatbots built primarily to answer questions, Pine is designed to manage long-running tasks that require coordination, follow-up and execution across multiple systems. Instead of returning a single response, Pine can start tasks that unfold over time, interacting with services, making calls, researching information and keeping users informed as progress is made.

    Key capabilities of Message Gateway include:

    ·        Multi-channel access: Users can interact with Pine through messaging platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, Slack and the Pine mobile app.

    ·        Voice and audio support: Voice notes and audio messages are automatically transcribed and processed, allowing users to speak naturally instead of typing.

    ·        Persistent task management: Tasks can run asynchronously for minutes, hours or days, while Pine tracks progress and provides updates.

    ·        Single assistant experience: Users interact with one assistant, while multiple AI agents work behind the scenes to complete tasks.

    ·        Real-world execution: Pine can perform actions such as negotiating bills, making calls, booking appointments, researching information or generating documents.

    ·        Context and memory: Pine remembers important details from conversations so users do not need to repeat themselves.

    “What makes Pine different is that it doesn’t just answer questions; it actually handles things for you,” said a Pine user. “Being able to send a message and have Pine take care of a task in the background feels like having a real assistant.”

    Message Gateway is part of the Pine AI assistant platform, a subscription-based service designed to help consumers delegate everyday digital tasks through natural conversation. Users can interact with Pine through messaging channels, voice or the Pine mobile app, while Pine manages the work through AI agents operating in the background.

    Message Gateway represents a key step toward Pine’s broader vision of building an AI assistant that operates across a user’s entire digital life. Rather than requiring people to adopt another standalone app, Pine aims to create an AI operating layer for everyday tasks, where simple conversations become the interface for getting things done.

  • Godrej Enterprises Group brings together Architects and Designers for the 3rd GVCC Cricket Championship

    Chandigarh, 17 March 2026 – Locks and Architectural Solutions, a business unit of the Godrej Enterprises Group, successfully hosted the 3rd edition of the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club (GVCC) Cricket Championship 2026. Designed as a platform to foster deeper relationships within the Architects and Interior Designers (AID) community, the tournament once again brought together leading design firms from across the city for a spirited celebration of cricket, collaboration and camaraderie.

    Held on 14th & 15th March 2026, the championship saw enthusiastic participation from prominent architecture and design firms, who came together beyond the boardroom to engage through India’s most loved sport. Over the course of several closely contested matches, teams showcased exceptional sportsmanship and competitive spirit, reinforcing the sense of community within the AID ecosystem.

    Godrej Enterprises Group brings together Architects and Designers for the 3rd GVCC Cricket Championship

     

    The tournament concluded with an exciting final that saw SPA11 (Shashi Prabhu and Associates) secure the GVCC Cricket Championship 2026 title after a closely fought match against SSA Strikers (Sandeep Shikre Architects).

    Following the success of the event, a spokesperson from Locks and Architectural Solutions, Godrej Enterprises Group, shared, “The GVCC Cricket Championship has evolved into a meaningful platform that brings together the architect and interior designer community beyond the professional engagements. At Godrej Enterprises Group, we believe that enduring industry partnerships are built through successful projects, shared experiences, and meaningful interactions. Through the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club, we strive to create platforms that foster deeper engagement and collaboration within the AID ecosystem. This year’s championship witnessed participation from over 230 architects and interior designers / 16 teams / 14 firms, reflecting the growing strength of this community and the shared spirit that continues to drive the industry forward.”

    Throughout the championship, the participating teams demonstrated their cricketing prowess and the collaborative spirit that defines the AID community. The event witnessed strong engagement from industry members, further strengthening the platform’s role in bringing together professionals who contribute to shaping India’s architectural and design landscape.

    The GVCC Cricket Championship is a key initiative under the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club (GVCC), a platform created to nurture stronger engagement with the AID community. In addition to sporting engagements, the platform also hosts the GeeVees Awards, an annual recognition programme celebrating excellence and innovation in architecture and design.

    By bringing the industry together through shared experiences, initiatives such as the GVCC Cricket Championship reinforce Godrej’s commitment to building lasting relationships with its value co-creators while fostering a collaborative and connected ecosystem. Building on the success of previous editions, the GVCC Cricket Championship 2026 further strengthened its position as a distinctive industry engagement platform, bringing together design leaders in an environment that celebrates teamwork, sportsmanship and community spirit.

  • 51 Couples Begin a New Journey: Narayan Seva Sansthan Hosts 45th Mass Wedding for Differently-Abled and Underprivileged

    Chandigarh, Mar 17: In a powerful celebration of compassion, dignity, and social inclusion, Narayan Seva Sansthan successfully concluded its 45th Free Mass Wedding Ceremony for Differently-Abled and Economically Weaker Couples at the Seva Mahatirth, Liyon Ka Guda campus in Udaipur.

    51 Couples Begin a New Journey: Narayan Seva Sansthan Hosts 45th Mass Wedding for Differently-Abled and Underprivileged

     The two-day ceremony witnessed 51 couples from different parts of the country solemnize their marriages amid Vedic chants and sacred rituals, marking the beginning of a hopeful new chapter in their lives. The ceremony was graced by chief guests Darshana Mehta, Yash Mehta, and Om Prakash Soni, along with the institution’s founder Kailash ‘Manav’ Agarwal, Kamla Devi, Vandana Agarwal, Palak Agarwal, and numerous donors, social workers, and distinguished guests.

    Held with the objective of empowering persons with disabilities and promoting social harmony, the ceremony brought together couples who have faced significant challenges in life but chose to embrace the future with courage and companionship. With the sacred fire as witness and priests reciting traditional mantras, the couples took the seven sacred vows, symbolizing lifelong commitment, trust, and partnership.

    Many of the newlyweds are individuals living with different forms of disabilities, some with mobility impairments, others visually impaired, and some with limb disabilities. Despite these challenges, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to build meaningful lives together. Several of these beneficiaries had earlier received free corrective surgeries, artificial limbs, calipers, and rehabilitation services at the institution, enabling them to regain mobility, confidence, and independence. Through skill-development programs offered by the organization, many have also gained livelihoods and become self-reliant.

    Of the 51 couples, 25 include persons with disabilities, while 26 belong to economically weaker sections of society. Among them is Vijay Gamar from Banaskantha district in Gujarat, who married Manju from Chikhla Guda in Udaipur, who has a disability in her legs. Vijay shared that while Manju may be physically challenged, he believes she will bring immense joy, strength, and hope into his life.

    Addressing the gathering, Prashant Agarwal, President, Narayan Seva Sansthan emphasized the organization’s mission by stating,

     “Our goal is to ensure dignity, confidence, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. When society comes together with empathy and a spirit of service, it becomes possible to build a more inclusive and compassionate nation.”

    The wedding festivities began with the ceremonial welcome of the couples amid traditional music and auspicious chants. The ceremony formally commenced with the Toran ritual, followed by the exchange of garlands. Priests then conducted the wedding rituals at 51 sacred altars, where the couples took the seven vows, pledging lifelong companionship and support.

    To help the newlyweds begin their married life with dignity and stability, the institution presented each couple with essential household items, including beds, bedding, wardrobes, utensils, gas stoves, dinner sets, fans, and other daily necessities. Guests, donors, and well-wishers also blessed the couples with gifts such as mangalsutras, bangles, anklets, and other traditional ornaments.

    The celebration also featured vibrant cultural performances depicting the divine weddings of Shiva–Parvati and Krishna–Rukmini, followed by symbolic doli farewell of the brides, an emotional moment where families and guests witnessed tears of joy and heartfelt blessings as the brides embarked on their new lives.

    With this ceremony, Narayan Seva Sansthan has now facilitated 2,510 marriages of differently-abled and underprivileged individuals, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to compassion, empowerment, and social upliftment.

  • New Renault Duster Launched in India; Dispatches Begin Nationwide

    New Renault Duster Launched in India; Dispatches Begin Nationwide

    Chandigarh, Mar 17:  Renault India, the wholly owned subsidiary of French carmaker – Renault Group, today announced the launch of the all-new Renault Duster, with turbo petrol prices starting at INR 10.49 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and dispatches now underway nationwide. Built on the advanced Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), the new Renault Duster has been developed with a clear focus on structural robustness, efficiency and future-readiness. Its true SUV proportions, best in segment approach and departure angles and high ground clearance reinforce off-road credibility while supporting everyday usability.

    The new Renault Duster combines strong performance with best ride and handling, engineered and tested specifically for Indian driving conditions. The Turbo TCe 160 delivers 163 PS and 280 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed wet-clutch DCT calibrated for Indian conditions or a 6-speed manual transmission. Vehicle dynamics have been validated by IDIADA across ride, handling, steering and braking performance, with the chassis tuned for stability, comfort and confidence across varied Indian road surfaces.

    Inside, the driver-focused cockpit features improved ergonomics, strong outward visibility and enhanced seating comfort, alongside Google Automotive Services integrated into the OpenR Link multimedia system for seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play.

    The new Duster is offered in five trims: Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+ and Iconic. Key highlights include full LED lighting, OpenR Link multimedia with Google built-in, panoramic sunroof and electric powered tailgate, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, 17 ADAS features, and a 360-degree camera

    Strong early demand has been led by the Turbo TCe 160, which accounts for over 90% of petrol bookings across markets.

    Customers can access a special introductory price of INR 10.29 Lakh until March 31, 2026 through the R-Pass pre-booking programme. Renault is also introducing flexible subscription options alongside a 7-year Renault Forever warranty for customers adhering to scheduled maintenance at authorised Renault service centres.

    According to Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Renault India, “The new Renault Duster reflects exactly what Indian customers expect today: strong performance, real-world durability and everyday usability. With 163 PS from the Turbo TCe 160 and the advanced RGMP platform, it delivers genuine gains in ride, handling and robustness. Backed by flexible ownership options including subscription and a 7-year warranty, the SUV is engineered for how India actually drives.”

    The E-Tech Strong Hybrid combines a 1.8-litre engine with a 1.4 kWh battery, enabling up to 80% EV driving in city conditions while balancing efficiency with performance. In major metro markets, nearly 40% of customers opted for the hybrid during pre-bookings, and Renault confirmed that planned hybrid capacity for 2026 is already fully allocated, with bookings set to reopen ahead of deliveries around Diwali.

    VARIANTS: KEY FEATURES

    1.AUTHENTIC, is the essential car with all necessary features

    ·Eco LED headlamps

    ·LED tail lamps

    ·Signature grill with DUSTER emblem

    ·skid plates

    ·LED turn indicators on ORVM

    ·Reinforced wheel arches & door side protection

    ·7” TFT driver display

    ·All power windows with auto up/down

    ·Central console with sliding armrest

    ·Auto headlamp

    ·One touch LED room lights

    ·Rear AC vents

    ·Remote keyless entry

    ·35 safety features as standard including 6 Airbags, TPMS, HSA, ESP

    2.EVOLUTION. mid-range offer, a perfect balance between look, equipment, comfort and safety.

    ·LED horizontal rear light bar

    ·43.18cm (17-inch) ocean alloy wheels

    ·longitudinal roof bars with 50kg load capacity

    ·shark-fin antenna

    ·rear wiper, washer & defogger

    ·10.1” openR link multimedia

    ·steering mounted audio & phone controls

    ·wireless smartphone replication

    ·turn by turn navigation and music information on driver display

    ·cruise control & speed limiter

    ·electrical adjustable door mirrors

    ·2 front & 2 rear Type C USB sockets

    ·Rear view camera

    ·Electric parking brake (DCT only)

    ·Paddle shifters (DCT only)

    3.TECHNO: a high range car combining comfort and connected equipment.

    ·Full LED headlamps

    ·LED fog lamps

    ·LED puddle lamps

    ·Skid plates

    ·electric panoramic sunroof

    ·electric powered tailgate

    ·connected car services with MYR app

    ·Renault hands-free access card with push button start

    ·Welcome & goodbye sequence

    ·Approach unlock & walkaway closing

    ·Wireless smartphone charging

    ·Autofold ORVM

    ·Bezel less auto-dimming rearview mirror

    ·Automatic dual-zone air conditioning

    ·High center console with e-shifter (DCT only)

    ·Center console with cooling storage (DCT only)

    4.TECHNO+: a bridge between the comfort of techno & the fully loaded iconic

    ·45.72cm (18-inch) “outback” diamond cut alloy wheels

    ·Acoustic windshield

    ·hill descent control

    ·blind spot warning

    ·front & side park assist

    ·10.25” TFT driver display

    5.ICONIC: a fully loaded car for most demanding customers who want no compromise and want to have the full experience on board.

    ·10.1” openR link multimedia system with google built-in

    oGoogle Play

    oGoogle Assistant

    oGoogle Maps

    ·Map replication in driver display

    ·Electric front seats with 6-way adjust & manual lumbar adjust

    ·Ventilated front seats

    ·mountain jade leatherette seat upholstery with Renault logo pattern

    ·mountain jade leatherette wrap, carbon finish and Duster emblem with iconic yellow stitch on upper dashboard

    ·360⁰ around view 3D camera

    ·17 ADAS features

    ·rain sensing wipers

    ·multisense driving modes with 48 colour ambient lighting customization (comfort, eco, perso)

    ·PM2.5 filter with Clean Air AQI display & ionizer

    ·Arkamys auditorium sound system with 6 speakers

    An iconic launch edition trim will also be available with exclusive design elements celebrating the Duster spirit of outdoors and adventure.

    ·Himalayan-inspired side embellisher

    ·iconic yellow door decal

    ·iconic yellow accents on front grille, roof bars & tailgate

    ·45.72cm (18”) “Adventure” black alloy wheels

  • NMDC & GMDC SIGN AN MOU Join Forces to Unlock Rare Earth Potential

    NMDC & GMDC SIGN AN MOU Join Forces to Unlock Rare Earth Potential

    Hyderabad, Mar 17th: Indian mining powerhouses – NMDC Limited and GMDC Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaborations in Rare Earth Elements and associated minerals on Monday.

    Guidance for this strength-based partnership is to develop an integrated and sustainable critical mineral supply chain for India. This partnership paves the way for exploration of rare earth deposits in the country, along with the expansion of R&D capabilities and carbon conscious initiatives in this sub-sector.

    The two companies signed the Understanding in the presence of Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC and Shri Roopwant Singh, IAS, Managing Director, GMDC accompanied by Senior Officers from both sides at the NMDC Headquarters in Hyderabad. Effective from March 16, 2026 for a period of two years, the MOU recommends the formation of a Steering Committee and Working Group to evaluate and enrich the proposed collaboration.

    This tie-up is expected to bolster the development of rare earth mining and downstream operations nationwide.

    Speaking on this move, Shri Amitava Mukherjee said, “India’s interest in Rare Earth Elements is now a strategic national priority. These minerals sit at the heart of energy security, defence capability, and the push for a truly self-reliant Bharat. Mining companies have been called upon to rise to the occasion. NMDC with GMDC is determined to build a resilient critical mineral supply chain for the country as soon as possible.”

    NMDC and GMDC, with their respective momentum in critical mineral mission and rare earth corridor, are also looking at the possibilities of a Joint Venture, Special Purpose Vehicle and strategic business collaborations going forward.

  • Bark Out Loud by Vivaldis launches ‘ThriveSharedJourney’ campaign with Huma Qureshi, redefining pet wellbeing as a shared journey

    Bark Out Loud by Vivaldis launches ‘ThriveSharedJourney’ campaign with Huma Qureshi, redefining pet wellbeing as a shared journey

    Mumbai, India, Mar 17th: Bark Out Loud by Vivaldis has unveiled its latest campaign for the ‘Thrive’ range of pet food, #ThriveSharedJourney, in collaboration with actress Huma Qureshi. The campaign introduces a powerful shift in perspective, positioning pet wellbeing not as a routine responsibility, but as a shared journey of growth between pets and their parents. 

    Today’s pet parents are increasingly intentional about their own lives. They track milestones, upgrade their lifestyles and make conscious choices for long-term growth. However, when it comes to their pets, growth can unintentionally become routine, and progress can be reduced to maintenance. The campaign challenges this behavioural gap and reframes thriving as an active, mindful decision and a result of a truly shared journey

    At the heart of the narrative lies a simple yet compelling idea: thriving doesn’t happen by proximity. Thriving happens when growth is shared. A shared journey is not about doing everything together – it is about moving forward together. 

    The campaign brings actor and pet parent Huma Qureshi on board as the face of Thrive, not as a celebrity endorsement, but as a lived voice for a belief the brand stands for: thriving is never a solo journey. It is always shared.

    Speaking on the launch, Kunal Khanna, CEO of Bark Out Loud by Vivaldis, said, “With Thrive, we wanted to move the conversation beyond just product features. Pet parents today love their pets deeply, but there is still a gap when it comes to everyday nutrition awareness. #ThriveSharedJourney is our way of building a more responsible culture of feeding, where thriving becomes a shared commitment between the pet and the parent. Huma brings authenticity to this thought because she genuinely lives it.”

    Speaking about the campaignDevika Khanna, Business Head of Bark Out Loud by Vivaldis, said, “The daily pet food category in India has largely been driven by habit and availability. Thrive has been created to bridge that gap with clean, thoughtfully developed recipes that support digestion and overall wellbeing. Partnering with Huma allows us to tell this story in a way that feels real and relatable. She represents a generation of pet parents who want to do better, not just feel better.”

    #ThriveSharedJourney is not positioned as a one-time launch moment, but as an ongoing narrative platform for the brand. Through digital films, creator collaborations and community-led conversations, the campaign will spotlight everyday stories of pet parents who actively participate in their pets’ growth journeys.

    The intent is to create a long-term shift in how Indian pet parents view food not as a routine purchase, but as a daily responsibility that directly shapes their pet’s quality of life.

    By placing responsibility at the centre of pet love, Bark Out Loud aims to build a new benchmark for everyday nutrition in the Indian market.

  • Beyond Meetings: Why Flexibility Matters in Business Travel

    Mar 17: Corporate travel is no longer defined by rushed itineraries and back-to-back meetings. Today, it is evolving into a more thoughtful experience that balances productivity with comfort. As Indian companies expand into new markets, business travel is picking up pace. But with packed schedules, flight changes and tight itineraries, many professionals are finding that work trips can quickly become exhausting rather than productive. As travel increases, expectations are shifting. Today’s business travellers are looking for smoother, more flexible journeys, whether that means easier booking options, the ability to adjust plans on the go or a travel experience that allows them to stay focused and refreshed.

    1. Flexibility is Essential
    Business travel often requires a degree of flexibility. Meetings run over, schedules shift, and priorities change. Flexible fares and booking options allow companies to adjust plans effortlessly, ensuring travel stays smooth.

    2. Supporting Both the Company and the Traveller
    As business travel grows, companies are increasingly looking for programmes that offer both convenience and added value. With MHcorporate by Malaysia Airlines, businesses can manage work travel more efficiently while offering employees additional benefits – not only for work trips but also when travelling for leisure with their loved ones. When employees book their personal travel through the portal, companies can also earn Corporate Loyalty Points that can be redeemed for flights across the Malaysia Airlines network. This allows organisations to streamline travel management while rewarding both the business and its employees.

    3. Travel Supports Business Growth
    For many organisations, travel remains a key driver for building partnerships and expanding into new markets. Strong airline networks and reliable regional connectivity help teams move efficiently across key destinations in Asia-Pacific and beyond. Corporate programmes such as MHcorporate by Malaysia Airlines offer structured benefits while keeping travel simple and manageable.

    4. Efficiency Makes a Difference
    Time saved during travel can be reinvested into business priorities. Reliable routes, convenient connections and smooth coordination all contribute to a more efficient travel experience. For small and medium-sized businesses in particular, a dependable travel programme helps reduce uncertainty and allows teams to focus on their core work.

    5. Smarter Travel Planning
    Frequent business travellers are increasingly choosing airline partners based on reliability, connectivity and ease of booking. In response, companies are taking a more strategic approach, prioritising long-term value over one-off bookings.

    As business travel continues to grow, companies of all sizes are rethinking how they manage it. Flexible options, clear benefits and strong global connectivity are now central to decision-making. Programmes such as MHcorporate by Malaysia Airlines – offering corporate fare benefits, greater booking flexibility, and access to the airlines’ international network – provide a practical way for companies to manage business travel with greater flexibility and value.

     
  • Gurugram Comic Con Debut Draws 22,000 plus Fans, Brings Pop Culture Fest to Millennium City

    Gurugram Comic Con Debut Draws 22,000 plus Fans, Brings Pop Culture Fest to Millennium City

    Gurugram, Mar 17th:  Gurugram Comic Con, presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena and powered by Crunchyroll, wrapped up its inaugural edition at Gym Khana Club Ground, marking the city’s first-ever Comic Con and drawing over 22,000 footfall across a two-day celebration of pop culture. The debut weekend reflected Gurugram’s fast-growing community of comic readers, anime enthusiasts,  gamers and pop culture fans who brought their energy to the Millennium City’s newest cultural gathering.

    From the moment gates opened on March 14, young professionals, students, creators, and fandom communities moved across the venue exploring artist alleys, graphic novel displays, collectible stalls, gaming arenas, and live stage programming.

    Attendees navigated between creator sessions, live performances, and immersive brand activations. In a city known for its corporate parks, global offices, and bustling tech corridors like Cyber City and Udyog Vihar, the weekend offered fans a chance to step away from boardrooms and coworking spaces and step into a world of comics, cosplay, and fandom.

    The creators’ stage remained one of the biggest attractions across the weekend. Fans gathered for sessions with artists and storytellers including internationally acclaimed comic artist Raymund Bermudez alongside Indian creators and illustrators who shared insights into storytelling, visual design, and the growing global footprint of comic culture.

    Another highlight of the programming included conversations around animation and storytelling with the team behind Mahavatar Narasimha, offering audiences a closer look at the craft behind bringing mythology to animated life. Creator-led sessions and live art showcases continued to draw enthusiastic participation, reinforcing the strong creative culture within India’s comic and illustration community.

    Music, performances, and comedy kept the stage buzzing throughout the weekend. Comic Con Jukebox delivered energetic live sets featuring performers by prominent Indian rappers like Ikka, Dharmik (Madhusubdhan Sharma), while Gini, a young rising star in the Indian independent music scene also swayed the fans, turning the arena into a lively celebration of fandom and music. The Comic Con Comedy Showcase also played to packed audiences, with comedians including Jaspreet Singh and Onkar Yadav entertaining fans with humour drawn from everyday life and pop culture references.

    Cosplay once again emerged as one of the defining highlights of the Gurugram edition. Participants brought a wide spectrum of characters to life from anime, gaming, films, and comic book universes, including fan favourites such as Spider-Man, Deadpool, Batman, Naruto Uzumaki, Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer, Monkey. D. Luffy from One Piece, Harley Quinn, and Geralt of Rivia from the Witcher. The Gurugram Comic Con Cosplay Contest drew large crowds across both days as more than 250 cosplayers competed for a daily cash prize of ₹30,000, showcasing detailed costumes and performances that captured the imagination of the audience.

    The Indian Championship of Cosplay – Gurugram Qualifier, presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena, concluded on Sunday, where Vandana Sharma, cosplaying as an Orc from Warcraft, won the title along with ₹50,000 and a qualifying entry to the ICC Finals 2026. The competition saw over 250 cosplayers from across the region bring their favourite characters to life on stage.

    The NODWIN Gaming Arena remained one of the most active zones of the venue across the weekend, with fans testing their skills through competitive challenges and interactive gameplay. Experience zones by Maruti Suzuki Arena and Crunchyroll also attracted strong participation as anime fans, gamers, and first-time visitors explored installations, activities, and exclusive fan experiences.

    Shefali Johnson, CEO, Comic Con India, said, “Gurugram is a city full of energy. During the week people are busy building companies, working across global teams, and moving between offices in Cyber City and along Golf Course Road. This weekend we saw many of those same people come together as anime fans, gamers, comic readers, and cosplayers. Watching superheroes and anime characters walk through the Millennium City created some really special moments for all of us. A large part of the Comic Con India team works out of Gurugram, so bringing the festival here for the first time felt very personal. The warmth and enthusiasm from the community has been wonderful to see, and it gives us a lot of excitement about growing Gurugram Comic Con in the years ahead.”

    Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, said, “Gurugram is home for us at NODWIN Gaming, so bringing Comic Con here felt incredibly personal. Our headquarters is in this city, and over the weekend it genuinely felt like the entire extended NODWIN family showed up, colleagues, friends, partners, and families all coming together to experience Gurugram’s grandest pop culture celebration. Even my own family spent a good part of the day at the festival and had a great time soaking it all in. Seeing Comic Con come alive in the same city where we built NODWIN made this first Gurugram edition a really special moment for our entire team.”

    Across two days, Gurugram Comic Con brought together comic readers, anime fans, gamers, cosplayers, and families under one roof. The inaugural edition demonstrated how strongly pop culture resonates within the Millennium City’s young, globally connected audience.

    As the curtains close on its first Gurugram chapter, the festival firmly establishes itself as a new addition to the city’s cultural calendar, setting the stage for even larger celebrations in the years ahead.

  • Tata Power Renewables & Tata Capital Launch ‘SunSmart Flexi EMI’ for C&I Solar

    Tata Power Renewables Collaborates with Tata Capital to Unveil First of its kind SunSmart Flexi EMI Scheme – ‘Pay As you Save’ for Commercial & Industrial Customers

    Mar 17: Tata Power Solaroof, India’s leading provider of rooftop solar solutions and part of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), has announced the launch of an innovative solar financing solution for C&I customers under the SunSmart Flexi EMI Scheme, in partnership with Tata Capital. The scheme is designed to make rooftop solar adoption more affordable, flexible and accessible for businesses across India.

    Tata Power Renewables & Tata Capital Launch ‘SunSmart Flexi EMI’ for C&I Solar

     In an industry-first move, the SunSmart Flexi EMI Scheme aligns customer repayments with estimated solar energy generation, enabling C&I customers to effectively “pay as they save.” The scheme offers the flexibility of monthly EMIs or lease rentals linked to projected power output, helping businesses optimize cash flows while transitioning to clean energy.

    The SunSmart Flexi EMI Scheme features collateral-free financing, competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and seamless digital processing, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free financing experience for businesses of varying sizes and energy requirements.

    Through this initiative, Tata Power Solaroof continues to strengthen its commitment to enabling clean energy adoption for India’s C&I sector. By choosing rooftop solar, businesses can achieve long-term cost savings, improve energy resilience, and contribute meaningfully to India’s clean energy transition and its Net Zero ambition by 2070.

    Through this scheme, Tata Power Solaroof aims to cater variety of C&I segments, which include Automobile, textile, IT, steel, HVAC, cold storage, FMCG and quick commerce to name a few.

    In the current financial year, Tata Power Solaroof has completed around 6700 installations for C&I customers sparing diverse industries, having a cumulative capacity of more than 580 MWp.

    Tata Power Solaroof has successfully completed over 3.7 lakhs installations which includes both residential and C&I segment, achieving a cumulative installed capacity exceeding 4.5 GWp.