Category: Business

Mumbai, Mar 10:  The ICANN85 Community Forum, organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and hosted in collaboration with the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has brought together global Internet stakeholders in Mumbai to discuss ways to strengthen an open, secure, inclusive, and resilient global Internet ecosystem.

The forum is being held from 7–12 March 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre, hosting more than 200 sessions featuring governments, industry leaders, technical experts, and civil society participants from around the world.

The official welcome ceremony brought together senior government officials and Internet leaders, including S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY; Rajesh Aggarwal; Sushil Pal; Devesh Tyagi; Tripti Sinha; Kurtis Lindqvist; and Samiran Gupta.

Speaking at the ceremony, S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, emphasized the growing importance of the Internet as a critical global infrastructure supporting economies, innovation, public services, and everyday life. He highlighted the need for continued collaboration among governments, industry, and the technical community to ensure the Internet remains open, secure, resilient, and inclusive.

Rajesh Aggarwal, Chief Secretary of the Government of Maharashtra, noted that the Internet plays a central role in economic growth, governance, and daily life. He emphasized that forums like ICANN provide an important platform for governments, industry leaders, and experts to collaborate on ensuring that the Internet remains accessible, secure, and supportive of innovation.

Tripti Sinha, Chair of the ICANN Board, underscored the importance of maintaining the stability and integrity of the Internet amid a rapidly evolving global landscape. She stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and collective commitment to ensure that the Internet continues to serve diverse communities worldwide.

Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO, highlighted the importance of practical progress and collaboration during the week-long discussions, encouraging broader participation from diverse regions and perspectives within the global Internet community.

Throughout the forum, participants are engaging in discussions on critical topics related to the stable and secure operation of the Internet, including the evolution of the Domain Name System (DNS), cybersecurity best practices, and the upcoming expansion of generic top-level domains (gTLDs).

The discussions also emphasize the multistakeholder model of Internet governance, which enables governments, private sector organizations, technical experts, and civil society to collaborate in shaping policies and solutions that support a globally interoperable Internet.

The ICANN85 Community Forum represents an important opportunity for stakeholders worldwide to exchange ideas, strengthen cooperation, and ensure the continued stability and resilience of the global Internet infrastructure.

Mar 10 | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu:  United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), with CSR support from Kotak Mahindra Bank and in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development, has launched the Model Anganwadi Project to refurbish 10 Anganwadi centres across Coimbatore Corporation zones. The initiative aims to strengthen early childhood development for children aged 0–6 years by creating safe and child-friendly learning environment.

The refurbished Anganwadi centres will be equipped with age-appropriate learning materials, upgraded sanitation amenities, and improved access to nutrition for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The project is expected to benefit approximately 1300 children and positively impact a community of nearly 15,000 people. 

One of the refurbished centres located in Sungam Gandhinagar was inaugurated by Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P, Member of Parliament; M. Sivaguru Prabakaran (I.A.S), Commissioner, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation; R. Ranganayaki, Mayor, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation; R. Vetriselvan, Deputy Mayor, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation; Dhevakumari, District Program Officer – ICDS; Sandhya, CDPO ICDS. Key representatives from Kotak Mahindra Bank included Mr. Karthick C, Regional Business Head, Branch Banking; Vengidasubramanian R – Circle Manager; Guruprasad- ABM, Branch Manager; Kesavraj, Branch Manager along with the UWBe team.

Commenting on this, Himanshu Nivsakar, Head – CSR & ESG said, “At Kotak Mahindra Bank, our CSR commitment focuses on creating sustainable, inclusive, and measurable impact. Early childhood development is a critical enabler of long-term social progress, and upgrading Anganwadi infrastructure directly contributes to this vision. This project with United Way Bengaluru is a testimony of our vision to strengthen education and community well‑being at the grassroot.”

“Under the Born Learning Campaign, our vision for early childhood care is to transform Anganwadis into vibrant, safe, and inclusive spaces that foster learning and growth. For many children, Anganwadis are their first step into education and through our partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank, we are building an ecosystem where every child has the opportunity to thrive. This initiative strongly reflects our commitment to education, health, and holistic community development,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.

Mar 10: Boon, a leading water tech company known for transforming complex water data into intuitive digital intelligence, has been honored with the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for design excellence. The award was presented in the Mobile Application category for the Boon WaterAI™ App, recognizing its innovative approach to turning water quality insights into an intuitive and engaging digital experience.

Established in 1953, the iF DESIGN AWARD is globally recognized as a benchmark of outstanding design. Each year, thousands of designers, architects, and companies from around the world participate, with their work evaluated by an independent jury of leading design and sustainability experts. In 2026, the competition received over 10,000 submissions from 68 countries, with winners selected by a panel of 129 international experts through a rigorous evaluation process — making it one of the most competitive design recognitions globally.

This recognition places Boon among some of the world’s most design-forward technology companies and reinforces the company’s belief that the future of water technology is not only about purity and safety, but also about intelligent, intuitive, and beautifully designed user experiences.

The Boon WaterAI™ App brings the hidden life of water into view by transforming real-time data on pH levels, TDS, pressure, temperature, flow, and filter health into clear visual signals, interactive insights, and a gamified experience that encourages users to build a more conscious relationship with the water they consume. Recognized for its human-centric design, the app simplifies advanced monitoring technology into an intuitive interface that blends information with storytelling.

Designed in Boon’s signature blue and orange palette with green accents, the platform transforms complex system data into an experience that feels less like a utility dashboard and more like a daily wellness companion. More than a traditional monitoring tool, WaterAI™ enables users and organisations to track system performance, monitor water quality trends, and receive proactive alerts, turning previously invisible infrastructure into a transparent digital experience.

Commenting on the recognition, Advait Kumar, Founder & CEO, Boon, said

“Winning the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 is a proud milestone for us and a strong validation of our belief that intelligent design and intelligent technology are not trade-offs. For decades, water technology has been built around anxiety — contamination alerts, compliance dashboards, and complex interfaces that treat water purely as a problem to be managed. With WaterAI™, we wanted to take a different approach by making the invisible visible, translating complex water data into a clear and intuitive experience that people actually want to engage with every day.”

Launched in 2025, the platform currently serves industry stakeholders across Africa, Asia, and Europe. WaterAI™ is part of Boon’s broader product ecosystem, where advanced filtration technology, IoT-enabled monitoring, and premium physical design come together to create a unified experience across digital and hardware products. Today, Boon’s technology is trusted by over 400 corporates and hospitality properties across 11 countries, helping deliver safer and more transparent water systems in workplaces, hospitality environments, and public spaces.

The iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 winners will be celebrated at the official ceremony in Berlin on April 27, 2026, bringing together leading innovators and designers from across the globe.

Interio by Godrej’s Projects Business Set to Cross ₹1,100 Cr Revenue in FY26; Delivers Turnkey Workspace for State Bank of India Office in BKC, Mumbai

Chandigarh, Mar 10: The Projects business of Interio by Godrej, a leading furniture brand from the Godrej Enterprises Group, is set to cross ₹1,100 crore in revenue in FY26, supported by demand for turnkey workspace solutions across banking, corporate, infrastructure and institutional sectors. The brand recently completed a turnkey interior fit-out spanning 75,000 sq.ft. across four floors for State Bank of India’s Local Head Office at Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. The project features India’s biggest dealing room, designed to support the bank’s critical treasury and investment operations.

 The project’s comprehensive turnkey execution features specialized ceiling systems, modular partitions, complete modular furniture, AV Works & Fire Rated Storages. Resource optimisation, process improvements and an extremely committed young professional team transformed this high-pressure challenging work-front to a well appreciated handover by client.

Interio is chasing a sustainable vision of 1500 crs revenue in the coming FY, Projects are on the fast track to scaling its competencies with multiple trusted partners across the country and digital enablement of offline workflows to deliver high quality and timely projects across the diverse sectors. The business has launched and sponsors many programs under its wing to address industry gaps including ProGenXT: A digital way of working enabled by AI for increasing transparency and seamless communication between all stakeholders.

Speaking on the partnership, Swapneel Nagarkar, EVP & Business Head, Interio by Godrej, said, “The Indian banking industry has seen robust growth, driven by strong economic expansion, rising disposable incomes, growing consumerism, and easier credit access. As India’s banking sector continues to modernize its infrastructure to support increasingly sophisticated financial operations, our role is to create workspaces that combine operational efficiency with the scale and security requirements of critical financial functions. The project exemplifies our ability to execute comprehensive turnkey solutions under tight timelines in budget while maintaining the highest standards of quality. We look forward to partnering with more financial institutions to create workplaces that support India’s growing economic ambitions.”

Value addition in terms of fast paced procurement of long lead items well within the client’s budget was achieved by the business’s long-standing partnership and rate contracts established with various OEMs. Project planning and monitoring was done on an inhouse developed project planning software ‘Prostream’ based on Critical Chain Path Method (CCPM) principle which gave complete project stage visibility to all stakeholders. Faster turnaround times were achieved on site by using Godrej developed apps for Safety and Quality. Project management processes based on the Theory of Constraints(TOC) principle enabled a seamless and timely delivery.

The Projects business at Interio by Godrej has solidified its position as a leader in creating innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces for global brands entering the Indian market, having executed over 1000 projects spanning more than 100 million sq.ft. across diverse sectors including Corporate Offices, Government facilities, Banking, Infrastructure (Metros, Airports), Museums, Auditoriums, Healthcare, Hospitality, Warehouse, and Retail spaces.

Recent landmark design and build projects include: ArcelorMittal Design & Engg. regional offices in Surat & Kolkata, CINDA’s clientele in Bangalore, JMS Mining Pvt Ltd head office expansion in Kolkata, NCDFI administrative facility in Anand-Gujarat and the award winning neurodiverse inclusive project for Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited at Infopark, Kochi; to name a few.

The business has also delivered notable projects and working with key clients like ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Federal Bank, Berger Paints India Ltd., Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd., Tokyo Electron Ltd., Tata Motors Ltd., Pinnacle Infotech Solutions, Mindtree Ltd., Cognizant Technology Solutions, Pegatron Corporation, Indian School of Business, Plaksha University, Garware Health Club, Petronet LNG Ltd. and more.

Offering comprehensive Design and Build services, general contracting and interior design services, Projects business of, Interio by Godrej stands ready to deliver ‘Designs with impact’ and world-class interior turnkey solutions that meets the unique need of each client as companies continue to invest in state-of-the-art facilities in India.

Gold eased on Monday, drifting back toward the USD 5,100 per ounce consolidation zone as a firmer US dollar and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve monetary policy weighed on the metal.

Disruptions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices above USD 100 per barrel for the first time since 2022, reigniting fears of renewed global inflation pressures. Rising energy costs affected the monetary policy outlook and reduced the expectations of near-term rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, leading to higher yields. The latter could continue to weigh on gold, limiting its upside potential.

However, geopolitical tensions continue to provide structural support. Ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East maintain elevated risk premia. Institutional demand also remains resilient, as evidenced by continued ETF inflows and ongoing central bank purchases.

Looking ahead, markets will closely monitor US inflation data later this week, including CPI and PCE releases. These indicators could prove decisive in shaping expectations for monetary policy and gold‘s near-term trajectory.

New Delhi, Mar 09: The sixth edition of ‘Lineman Diwas’ was celebrated today in New Delhi by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power, in collaboration with Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. (Tata Power-DDL). The event honoured the dedicated frontline workforce of the power sector, recognising the crucial role of linemen and ground maintenance staff in ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply across India.

The event was graced by Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy; Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power); Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, CEA; and Mr. Dwijadas Basak, CEO, Tata Power-DDL, along with senior leaders and stakeholders from across the power sector.

Around 250 linemen and supervisors from more than 66 State and private power distribution and generation companies, as well as transmission licensees nationwide, participated in the celebrations. The programme provided a platform for experience sharing, discussion of operational challenges, and collaborative learning, with a strong emphasis on safety and best practices in the field.

The event commenced with a safety pledge, reaffirming participants’ commitment to adhere to safety practices to protect themselves, their families, and society at large.

Key Highlights and Remarks:

• Shri Shripad Yesso Naik emphasised the importance of strengthening safety culture, the use of personal protective equipment, proper shutdown protocols, and adoption of modern technologies such as smart grids, AI-enabled predictive maintenance, and drone-based inspections to reduce risk to field personnel. He highlighted the theme of the sixth edition: “Seva, Suraksha, Swabhiman”, reflecting service, safety, and dignity of the workforce.

• Shri Pankaj Agarwal referred to linemen as the warriors of the power sector, noting their dedication during harsh weather and natural disasters. He urged power utilities to institutionalise daily safety awareness, including safety drills and informative videos before each shift.

• Shri Ghanshyam Prasad acknowledged the linemen’s contribution as a key pillar of nation-building and highlighted the evolution of Lineman Diwas into a nationwide movement recognising frontline workers’ efforts.

• Mr. Dwijadas Basak said, “‘Lineman Diwas’ not only honours our frontline warriors but amplifies their voices, enables experience sharing, and reinforces our collective commitment to their safety and well-being.”

Event Highlights:

• Release of a special Lineman Geet dedicated to the courage and contribution of linemen.

• Launch of a ‘Safety Pocketbook’ providing essential safety guidelines for field operations.

• Introduction of a safety awareness video on lightning hazards and precautions.

• Felicitation of High Performing Discoms and Linemen for their contributions to a safe and secure power sector.

• Hands-on display of safety equipment and advanced tools for practical learning.

• Event live telecast across power utilities nationwide to encourage wider participation.

The celebrations of Lineman Diwas 2026 reinforced the power sector’s commitment to safety, service, and empowerment of its frontline workforce, ensuring that linemen remain recognised, protected, and equipped to sustain India’s reliable electricity supply.

Jaipur, Mar 09:  Surya Brasil, the Brazilian clean beauty brand known globally for its natural henna-based hair colour solutions, hosted a two-day gathering in Jaipur that brought together wellness practitioners, industry professionals and invited guests to discuss clean cosmetics, ingredient transparency and plant-based hair care.

 At the centre of these discussions was the brand’s long-standing formulation policy. Surya Brasil stated that it has eliminated more than 9,000 potentially toxic ingredients from its cosmetic products. With consumers increasingly questioning what goes into personal care formulations, the company emphasised the need for greater transparency and more informed decision-making when it comes to everyday beauty products. The brand also noted that its formulations avoid harsh chemicals such as ammonia and its by-products, including ethanolamine and triethanolamine, as well as other commonly used ingredients such as PPD, EDTA, parabens, lauryl sulfate and synthetic fragrance

Held at Pachewar Garh Fort in Jaipur, where the setting provided a distinctive backdrop for conversations around clean beauty and wellness, the programme also featured cultural performances celebrating Indian artistic traditions. Guests witnessed a classical music recital by Grammy Award winner and Padma Bhushan awardee Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, along with a Kathak performance by Uma Sharma.

The discussions also touched upon the growing number of hair and scalp concerns linked to modern lifestyles. Stress, pollution, hard water and environmental exposure are often cited as factors contributing to hair fall and scalp imbalance. Surya Brasil shared how its formulations seek to address these concerns by combining botanical ingredients with contemporary cosmetic science.

One of the key product lines presented during the event was the brand’s Hair Therapy range, developed using herbal ingredients sourced from India, the Amazon and other regions of Brazil. The formulations range from 92% to 100% natural and are designed to support scalp health while strengthening hair using plant-based ingredients.

The company also showcased its Balanced Cleansing Shampoo, formulated to help remove excess oil, mineral residue caused by heavy water, pollutants and chlorine exposure. The shampoo is designed to cleanse the scalp effectively without triggering the rebound oiliness often associated with harsher cleansing agents.

Speaking during the event, Clelia Cecilia Angelon, Founder and CEO of Surya Brasil, said:

“At Surya Brasil, we believe beauty should come from nature and be guided by responsibility. Since 1995, our company has been built on the principles of nature, Ayurveda and technology working together. Consumers today are far more aware about what goes into the products they use, and our focus has always been on developing hair and scalp solutions that rely on plant-based ingredients while remaining transparent about formulations.”

The brand also spoke about the importance of reading cosmetic labels carefully. In some cases, products marketed as ammonia-free may still rely on alternative compounds that perform a similar chemical function. Surya Brasil encouraged consumers to look closely at ingredient lists and make informed choices when selecting personal care products.

The Jaipur gathering forms part of the company’s continued engagement with the Indian market, where interest in clean beauty and plant-based hair care solutions continues to grow.