Category: Business

Bengaluru, March 28:

Excelsoft Technologies Limited, a leading provider of technology-driven learning solutions, today announced the appointment of Doreswamy P as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately following approval by the Board of Directors.

The Board has expressed strong confidence in Doreswamy’s leadership to guide Excelsoft into its next phase of accelerated growth and global expansion.

Doreswamy P brings over 25 years of leadership experience across technology, services, and financial management. He has a proven track record of building scalable businesses, strengthening governance frameworks, and delivering long-term value creation.

 

He has held senior leadership roles at organisations such as ISS, Quess Corp, SMS, and KPIT, where he drove business growth, operational excellence, and strategic transformation. As Co-Founder and former CEO of CredoPay Technology Services Private Limited, he led the development of a global payment orchestration platform and built strategic partnerships with banks, fintechs, and international stakeholders.

A Chartered Accountant by training, Doreswamy has extensive experience working with Boards and investors, including leading IPO readiness, investor engagement, and post-listing governance.

Notably, he has previously been associated with Excelsoft Technologies as an Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee, where he played a key role in strengthening governance practices and supporting the company’s IPO journey.

Dhananjaya Sudhanva, Chairman & Managing Director, Excelsoft Technologies Limited, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Doreswamy P as our Chief Executive Officer. His deep expertise in technology leadership, financial governance, and strong understanding of Excelsoft’s vision make him uniquely positioned to lead the company forward. We are confident that under his leadership, Excelsoft will scale new heights, expand into new markets, and deliver sustained value to all stakeholders.”

CEO Statement

Doreswamy P, Chief Executive Officer, Excelsoft Technologies Limited, said:
“I am honoured to take on this role at Excelsoft Technologies. Having previously served as an Independent Director, I have a deep appreciation for the company’s talent, culture, and transformative potential. My focus will be on expanding into new geographies, strengthening our technology capabilities, and accelerating growth to position Excelsoft as a global EdTech leader. Together, we will build an organisation that delivers lasting impact for our customers, employees, and investors.”

Strategic Priorities

In his new role, Doreswamy P will focus on:

• Accelerating revenue growth and expanding into new geographies
• Strengthening technology capabilities through AI-led innovation, including AI-Levate, intelligent proctoring, and automated assessment solutions
• Reinforcing Excelsoft’s position as a global vertical SaaS leader in EdTech through its platforms — SARAS eAssessments, EasyProctor, EnablED, and OpenPage
• Driving strategic acquisitions in EdTech and building geographically diverse sales teams across North America, the UK, Asia, and emerging markets

Jaipur, Mar 28 : In recent years, contemporary menswear has begun to move beyond strict minimalism. While clean tailoring and restrained palettes continue to define modern wardrobes, designers are increasingly exploring the role of craft within men’s clothing. Subtle embroidery, textured surfaces, and artisanal detailing are gradually becoming part of a new design language that blends heritage techniques with modern silhouettes.

This shift reflects a broader change in fashion where craftsmanship is gaining renewed appreciation. Today’s consumers are not only interested in how a garment looks but also in the story behind how it is made. As a result, traditional craft techniques are finding a natural place in contemporary menswear, adding depth and character to otherwise simple forms.

“Menswear has traditionally leaned toward restraint,” says Chirag Sogani, Founder of Plyene. “What we are seeing now is a more thoughtful integration of craft, where traditional techniques are used in a subtle way to enhance the garment rather than dominate it.”

Reinterpreting Craft for Modern Menswear

India has long been home to a rich textile heritage that includes embroidery traditions, hand stitching methods, and decorative techniques developed over centuries. While many of these crafts have historically appeared in ceremonial garments, designers today are adapting them for modern wardrobes.

Techniques such as Kantha stitching, appliqué work, bead embellishments, and French knot embroidery introduce texture and detail while preserving the refined aesthetic that contemporary menswear demands. When used thoughtfully, these elements elevate a garment without compromising its simplicity.

The key lies in restraint. Rather than creating heavily embellished pieces, designers are focusing on subtle craftsmanship that complements clean silhouettes.

Craft in Plyene’s Spring Collection

This philosophy is reflected in Plyene’s latest collection inspired by the mood of March, a season associated with blooming landscapes and new beginnings. The collection draws on the calm, bright energy of spring, expressed through soft pastel tones and lightweight fabrics suited for warmer days.

Silhouettes such as Nehru jacket sets and relaxed kurta ensembles form the foundation of the collection. Within these designs, craft techniques appear as delicate accents that bring a sense of artistry to the garments.

Colourful bead embellishments, abstract floral motifs, appliqué techniques, Kantha stitching, and French knot threadwork are thoughtfully integrated across the collection. These details echo the subtle beauty of spring flowers, adding dimension and character while maintaining a refined aesthetic.

“For this collection, we wanted the craftsmanship to feel almost like an extension of the season itself,” explains Chirag Sogani. “The detailing is inspired by the quiet appearance of blossoms in spring. It is delicate, expressive, and carefully balanced.”

Fabrics That Complement Craft

The fabric choices in the collection further support this approach. Soft linen and silk serve as the primary materials, allowing the garments to remain breathable while retaining a sense of elegance.

Linen provides a natural texture that enhances the handcrafted details, while silk introduces a subtle sheen that elevates the overall look. Together, these fabrics create garments that feel both comfortable and polished.

According to Chirag Sogani, fabric plays a critical role in ensuring that craftsmanship feels effortless. “When the base fabric is light and breathable, the craft details naturally integrate into the garment. The idea is to create pieces that feel refined but still easy to wear.”

Craft as a Modern Expression

The integration of craft techniques into contemporary menswear reflects a broader evolution in fashion. Rather than viewing craft as something traditional or ceremonial, designers are now positioning it as a modern form of expression.

Subtle embroidery, textured embellishments, and hand finished details allow garments to carry individuality and narrative without losing their versatility.

A Balance of Heritage and Modernity

For brands like Plyene, this balance between heritage craftsmanship and modern design lies at the core of their creative philosophy. By combining traditional techniques with contemporary silhouettes, the brand presents a wardrobe that feels both rooted and forward looking.

As menswear continues to evolve, craft techniques are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of design. They bring authenticity, texture, and cultural richness to garments that might otherwise remain purely functional.

In this new landscape, craftsmanship is not simply a decorative addition. It is a defining element of modern menswear, offering a deeper connection between clothing, culture, and the individual who wears it.

Kishangarh, Mar 28:  In architecture, every meaningful space begins with a decision that shapes everything that follows. While layouts, forms, and lighting play critical roles, the choice of material often becomes the foundation upon which the entire design evolves. Among all materials available today, marble continues to hold a unique position. It is not merely applied to complete a space. It often becomes the starting point that defines its direction.

For architects, marble offers something that manufactured materials cannot replicate. It brings natural depth, visual continuity, and permanence. Its presence influences how light moves through a space, how surfaces connect, and how the architecture is ultimately experienced.

This is why, in many projects, marble is considered early in the design process rather than at the final stage.

“Marble has the ability to guide architectural thinking from the beginning,” says Mr. Praveen Gangwal, Founder of Tilak Marbles. “When architects select a marble block, they are not just choosing a surface. They are defining the tone, character, and continuity of the entire space.”

One of the defining qualities of marble is its ability to create cohesion. Its natural patterns and tonal balance allow large surfaces to feel connected rather than fragmented. This becomes especially important in contemporary architecture, where openness and spatial flow are central to the design intent.

When marble is selected early, architects can align the material with structural elements, lighting, and spatial proportions. This ensures that the material integrates seamlessly into the architecture rather than appearing as an afterthought.

White marble, in particular, plays a significant role in contemporary design. Its ability to reflect light enhances spatial clarity and creates a sense of openness. Collections such as Pigus White by Tilak Marbles, which include compositions like Ashen Matter, Polar Reflection, Luminous Plane, Cloud Schema, and Snow Algorithm, allow architects to choose marble that aligns precisely with their design vision while maintaining consistency across the space.

Beyond aesthetics, marble also contributes to the long term integrity of a project. Its durability ensures that it continues to perform over decades, while its natural character allows it to remain relevant even as design trends evolve.

“In our experience, architects who begin with marble are able to achieve greater material harmony,” explains Mr. Praveen Gangwal. “It allows them to design with clarity, knowing that the material will support the architecture for the lifetime of the space.”

This approach is evident across both residential and commercial architecture. In luxury residences, marble often defines entrance areas, living spaces, and circulation zones. In hospitality and commercial environments, it helps establish identity and reinforces the architectural narrative.

The process begins with careful block selection. Each marble block carries its own visual composition and structural characteristics. Selecting the right block ensures consistency, strength, and suitability for its intended application. This level of attention requires expertise and a deep understanding of natural stone.

At Tilak Marbles, this process is guided by over three decades of experience in sourcing and evaluating marble blocks. The focus extends beyond supplying material to supporting architects in making informed decisions that enhance their design outcomes.

As architecture continues to evolve, the importance of material authenticity has become even more pronounced. Architects are increasingly choosing materials that bring permanence, integrity, and clarity to their projects. Marble fulfills this role naturally.

“Marble becomes part of the architectural identity,” says Mr. Praveen Gangwal. “When chosen at the beginning, it helps create spaces that feel complete, balanced, and enduring.”

In this way, marble continues to hold its place not simply as a material of tradition, but as a material of architectural intent. By beginning with marble, architects are able to create spaces where material and design exist in complete harmony, shaping environments that remain relevant for generations.

Chandigarh, Mar 28:The Buildings & Factories (B&F) business vertical of L&T has secured multiple orders across several states in India.

In Gujarat, it has secured an order for the construction of a Float Glass Plant. The scope includes design and construction of all civil, steel, mechanical, electrical & plumbing and associated external development.

In Andhra Pradesh, the business has secured an order from a leading two-wheeler company for the construction of their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The scope includes civil, steel and architectural works.

Further, the business has secured multiple add-on orders in existing projects, reflecting its strong execution capabilities and the customer confidence it commands.

The B&F business vertical possesses strong domain knowledge, proven expertise and extensive experience in delivering EPC solutions across segments such as, hospitals, public spaces, airports, data centre, residential buildings, commercial spaces and factories, including automobiles, proving tracks, new energy facilities like solar panel and battery storage plants, paint and chemical plants, glass plants, food processing units and other complex industrial structures

Background:

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 30 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing, and Services, operating across multiple geographies. A strong, customer–focussed approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

 

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the food processing industry has attracted investments worth ₹9,207 crore, indicating steady growth and strong industry participation.

Officials stated that the scheme has encouraged companies to expand capacity, adopt modern technology, and improve processing infrastructure. These developments are expected to enhance efficiency and support the sector’s long-term growth.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Industry experts note that the initiative is promoting value addition across key segments such as ready-to-eat products, processed fruits and vegetables, and marine goods. It is also helping strengthen supply chains and improve product standards.

The scheme is further expected to boost exports, create employment opportunities, and increase demand for agricultural produce, benefiting farmers.

Overall, the response to the PLI scheme highlights its role in supporting the growth and competitiveness of India’s food processing industry.

Hyderabad, Mar 28: Gillette has announced the launch of its all-new Gillette Guard 3-in-1, reinforcing its commitment to delivering superior grooming solutions for young Indian men. The launch is supported by a new campaign titled ‘Bade League Ka Shave’, featuring rising cricket star Abhishek Sharma.

 Designed specifically for Indian consumers, the Guard 3-in-1 is positioned as a high-performance upgrade in the value segment, catering to a new generation seeking better grooming experiences. The campaign highlights a shift from basic shaving routines to a more confident, elevated lifestyle.

The product features three platinum-coated blades, an anti-slip rubber grip handle, and an aquagel lubrastrip, delivering on its promise of a smooth shave in a single stroke with minimal irritation.

Speaking about the campaign, Abhishek Sharma said,

“Every young guy today is working hard to get to the next level—whether in sports, career, or life. Grooming plays a big role in feeling confident and match-ready. Gillette Guard 3-in-1 is a clear step up, delivering a smooth shave without cuts or irritation.”

Kapil Sharma, Vice President and Category Head – Grooming, Gillette India, added,

“With Gillette Guard 3-in-1, we aim to bring a superior grooming upgrade to millions of young men. It delivers the performance of a 3-blade shave at an accessible price point, making quality grooming more inclusive across India. Our collaboration with Abhishek Sharma reflects the mindset of today’s ambitious and evolving youth.”

The campaign will roll out through a 360-degree strategy, including digital films, on-ground activations, and widespread consumer engagement initiatives.

The Gillette Guard 3-in-1 is now available across retail outlets and e-commerce platforms nationwide.

DENVER, COLO. Mar 27: As interest grows in how lifestyle factors can influence people’s  appearance, dermatologists are taking a closer look at how diet may affect the internal and structural changes  that contribute to the appearance of aged skin. Emerging research on the role of nutrition in skin aging is one  of the timely and impactful topics that will be discussed at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)  Annual Meeting, held March 27-31 in Denver, Colorado.  

Lawrence J. Green, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Professor of Dermatology at  George Washington University School of Medicine, in Washington, D.C., will define “skin aging” and explore the internal changes that can cause wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and other visible signs of aging. He will also  examine nutritional factors that may help people reduce the appearance of aging and which items in your  grocery cart may slow your skin’s biological clock.

“Skin aging is influenced by a complex interaction of a number of factors,” said Dr. Green. “Emerging research  suggests that nutrition may play a meaningful role in supporting skin health and potentially reducing some  visible signs of aging. This is an opportunity to examine how evidence-based dietary strategies complement  dermatologic care and how dermatologists can better partner with patients to improve skin health, discuss  desired outcomes, and create a personalized treatment plan.”  

In addition to advances in understanding skin aging, leading dermatologists at the AAD Annual Meeting will  present the latest research and clinical insights on today’s most pressing dermatological topics.  

Hair Health Across Life Changes

Hormonal changes and personal hair care practices influence hair health, hair loss, and treatment outcomes  across different life stages and diverse communities.

Paradi Mirmirani, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair disorders and an  associate clinical professor in the department of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, will discuss how patients can navigate hair changes before and during menopause, and how  the complex hormonal shift affects patients’ hair. Oyetewa Asempa, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology  and Director of the Skin of Color Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, will highlight how  patients with hair loss can integrate hair care practices to improve results, particularly among people  with curly or coily hair types, where styling practices and hair identity are often deeply interconnected. Personalized Approaches to Acne for All Ages

For people of all ages, acne and rosacea are far more than cosmetic concerns or “rites of passage.” These  inflammatory skin conditions can leave lasting marks — whether through scarring or changes in pigmentation  — that can significantly affect self-esteem, social confidence, and overall mental well-being.

Dawn Eichenfield, MD, FAAD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist at Rady Children’s Hospital-San  Diego and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at University of California, San Diego School  of Medicine, will discuss how pediatric acne and rosacea differ from adult disease and why early  diagnosis and individualized treatment are essential. Alexandra Y. Zhang, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Lucent  Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center in Ohio, will present how innovative, tailored approaches to acne scar treatment for different skin types are helping patients achieve safer and more effective results than  ever before.   Inflammation: Connecting Skin to Overall Health

Chronic inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis extend beyond the surface of the skin  and may contribute to broader health risks, including cardiovascular disease.

Carmen M. Salavastru, MD, IFAAD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist and Professor of  Dermatology at Colentina Clinical Hospital in Bucharest, Romania, will explore how skin inflammation is  connected to the heart and how effectively managing inflammation may not only improve a patient’s  skin health but also potentially reduce their long-term cardiovascular risk.   Jennifer Soung, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and Director of Clinical Research at  Southern California Dermatology in Santa Ana, California, will examine how recognizing psoriasis as a systemic inflammatory disease helps explain its link to obesity, increased disease severity, and  comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and joint pain. As interest grows in the  connection between metabolic health and inflammation — particularly with the widespread use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss and diabetes — understanding how obesity influences inflammatory  skin disease has become increasingly relevant. Dr. Soung will highlight the shared inflammatory  pathways linking obesity and psoriasis and their implications for patient care. Across nearly 330 educational sessions led by more than 800 board-certified dermatologists, this year’s 2026  AAD Annual Meeting will highlight emerging research and clinical strategies that address skin, hair, and nail  health through a whole-patient lens.  

Delhi, Mar 28: Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as one of the country’s leading hubs for investment and infrastructure development. In this direction, a significant strategic partnership has been established between Noida International Airport and the rapidly growing airline Akasa Air. Under this partnership, Akasa Air’s first Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility will be set up within the premises of Noida International Airport.

This state-of-the-art MRO center will create a comprehensive network for aircraft maintenance, repair, and technical services, providing a new boost to India’s aviation sector.

Due to the investment-friendly policies and improved infrastructure development under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the confidence of global companies in Uttar Pradesh continues to grow.

The MRO facility being developed at Noida International Airport will play a key role in establishing the state as a new hub for aviation, logistics, and high-tech industries.

This partnership between Noida International Airport and Akasa Air will not only enhance the country’s aircraft maintenance capacity but will also prove to be a major step toward making Uttar Pradesh a leading center for aviation maintenance and technical services.

With the development of this MRO facility, airlines will be able to access high-quality maintenance services within the country itself, which will reduce operational costs as well as turnaround time.

The establishment of this advanced MRO facility will generate large-scale employment opportunities in the region and provide local youth with skill training in aviation technology and aircraft maintenance. At the same time, the project will accelerate the regional economy and promote industrial development.

This initiative aligns with the vision of the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh to develop Noida International Airport as one of the country’s leading MRO hubs. It will enhance India’s self-reliance in aviation services and strengthen its competitiveness at the global level.

The Chief Executive Officer of Noida International Airport, Christoph Schnellmann, said, “Akasa Air’s decision to establish its first MRO facility at Noida International Airport reaffirms the vision of developing the airport into a world-class aviation hub.”

He added, “This partnership will strengthen India’s MRO capabilities and create new opportunities for employment and skill development in the region.”

Akasa Air Founder and Chief Executive Officer Vinay Dube said, “Considering the rapidly growing aviation market in India, developing strong domestic MRO capabilities is extremely important. This partnership with Noida International Airport is an important part of Akasa Air’s long-term growth strategy and will help make India’s aviation sector more self-reliant.”

Tashkent, Mar 27: A roadmap for cooperation in the nuclear and related fields was signed in Tashkent between the Rosatom State Corporation and the Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Uzatom), as well as an additional agreement to the nuclear power plant construction contract. The documents were signed by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadzhaev

The roadmap covers all key areas of cooperation on the nuclear power plant construction project, including personnel training, public awareness of modern nuclear technologies, and the creation of a future “nuclear” city at the plant. The signing of the roadmap demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the partnership between Russia and Uzbekistan in the nuclear sector, and the nuclear industry provides impetus for the development of all spheres of life.

The supplemental agreement to the contract, signed along with the roadmap, provides for a new, integrated nuclear power plant configuration. The project will include two high-capacity power units based on VVER-1000 Generation III+ reactors and two power units with RITM-200N reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW. Once fully operational, the nuclear power plant will generate approximately 17.2 billion kWh per year, accounting for up to 14% of Uzbekistan‘s total energy consumption. The project’s implementation will mark an important step in deepening the two countries’ strategic cooperation.

Concrete work began simultaneously at the nuclear power plant construction site in the Farish district of the Jizzakh region for the construction of a low-power nuclear power plant unit with a RITM-200N reactor. Pavel Bezrukov, Vice President and Director of the NPP Construction Project in the Republic of Uzbekistan at JSC Atomstroyexport (the Engineering Division of the Rosatom State Corporation), and Abdizhamil Kalmuratov, Director of the Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction in the Republic of Uzbekistan, launched the concrete work. Approximately 900 cubic meters of concrete will be poured during the concrete foundation work for the reactor building, scheduled for completion in April 2026. Following this phase, the foundation for the reactor building will be leveled, waterproofed, and grounded. The next key event at the construction site will be the pouring of the first concrete for the reactor building’s foundation slab

In anticipation of concrete work, permission to use the site for two power units with two RITM-200N reactor units was received. This important decision formalizes the selected location and allows for the commencement of full-scale construction of a small nuclear power plant within the approved combined nuclear power plant configuration. The permission was issued in accordance with national regulations and international safety standards.

“”The signing of the roadmap and agreement for the construction of the integrated nuclear power plant, and the subsequent commencement of concrete work at the site, mark Uzbekistan‘s emergence as a leader in global nuclear energy. The country is launching a unique project that will contribute to socioeconomic growth and strengthen its technological sovereignty for decades to come. For Rosatom, the project in Uzbekistan is another important step in the development of nuclear energy and in strengthening friendly relations with our strategic partners,” said Alexey Likhachev.

Conference participants at the Rosatom stand were also able to learn about the state corporation’s experience in isotope production: today, Rosatom is one of the world’s top five suppliers and produces the widest range of radionuclides.