Category: Business

  • Divorced Singles in India Redefine Modern Relationships

    Re-entering the matchmaking and matrimony scene after divorce and separation is not like restarting the dating journey. It takes a lot more smart choices. A study by the one-of-its-kind matchmaking platform for second-chance seekers, Rebounce, reveals that previously married singles from different Indian cities are approaching their second shot at love in their own unique ways, each no less notable than the other. From early cut-offs in Hyderabad to scheduled emotional bandwidth in Bengaluru, divorced singles are creating a highly personalized style of seeking love.

    The survey was conducted among 6843 divorced and separated singles between 28 and 45, who are active on matchmaking platforms. Respondents were chosen from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The data collected highlights the different systems previously married singles have strategically put in place to protect their hearts in their second time seeking love.

    Rebounce’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented,

    “Divorced and separated singles are not hesitant to try new methods of finding love the smart way. They are already self-aware and have a higher level of clarity, so reactive matching is not really their style. What’s more interesting is that every city has a hero style, whether it is setting boundaries or exiting at the first sign of incompatibility, different city singles have different trends that adds an additional layer of protection.”

    3 dates rule, but reverse

    While young daters have been following the 3-date rule, where they wait for at least 3 dates to decide whether or not to commit, the divorced and separated singles between 30 and 40 from Hyderabad are reportedly using the same rule, but in reverse. 31% of these singles shared that they make decisions within the first three interactions. If things don’t seem to be going the way they imagined, after the 3rd date, they choose to respectfully exit the connection. This is not rash but rather a very calculated move. While connections can grow over time, 7 out of 10 divorced singles claimed that if the spark or compatibility is missing in the first three interactions, it is almost always certain that the relationship is not built to last. Their years of lived experience help them identify misalignment and avoid getting into a doomed relationship.

    Scheduled emotional bandwidth

    For 33% of divorced singles in Bengaluru, finding love the second time looks very structured. Rebounce users reveal that they use the “calendar blocking” method to schedule interactions, virtual meetups and maintain regular conversation without overextending themselves emotionally. This careful approach stems from their difficult past, a desire to avoid getting hurt and evade emotional burnout. These singles also avoid multiple matches and tend to focus on one quality match for a less overwhelming and more aligned experience.

    Delhi take accountability

    From the survey data, it is seen that divorced and separated singles in Delhi are more sensitive to inconsistencies. Almost 8 in 10 previously married women and 6 in 10 men disclosed that they pay closer attention to contradictions in talk vs effort, inconsistencies in past history details, unclear communication, mixed signals and overall, not taking any accountability for their failed marriages. Neelam, 35 year old mother of two, said, “I know I have some hand in my marriage not working out. Usually it takes two to make a marriage, and two to break too. For me, a person who shakes all responsibility off their shoulder and places the entire blame on their ex is a red flag. That’s just avoidance and denial and I wouldn’t wanna commit to a person like that.”

    Selective merging in Mumbai

    Rebounce’s internal data and survey show that 29% of divorced singles from Mumbai are opting for selective merging. Instead of blending their entire routine with their partner, they are maintaining individuality in certain aspects while integrating some other parts of their lives quickly. For instance, single parents tend to delay introducing their match to their kids for as long as six months into the relationship.

  • From India to Africa: Sculpture of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Unveiled in Malawi on Baisakhi

    From India to Africa: Sculpture of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Unveiled in Malawi on Baisakhi

    New Delhi, Apr 24: The unveiling of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh sculpture in Malawi, Africa, on April 19 was a beautiful moment that brought together geography, culture, and heritage. The sculpture was made by the famous Indian sculptor Mr Naresh Kumar Kumawat and is another milestone for the Sikh community. The event happened around the auspicious celebration of Baisakhi, which made it even more special.

    The ceremony took place at a Gurudwara in Malawi. About 400 Sikhs were there to see the historic moment. It was a very special time that made them feel proud and connected to their culture. Watching the statue of Sher-e-Punjab find its place thousands of miles away from its homeland was beautiful in more than one way.

    The sculpture’s installation was more than just an artistic achievement. It is a strong symbol of identity, resilience, and belonging for the Sikh community in Malawi. The statue serves as a memory that connects them to their roots in India. It is a beautiful step toward preserving Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s legacy and strengthening a shared heritage across continents.

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Naresh Kumar Kumawat expressed his deep gratitude and emotional connection to the project. “It is very humbling to see my work touch so many people in a community far from home. It was very moving to see over 400 members of the Sikh community come together during Baisakhi to celebrate this unveiling. As an artist, there is no greater reward than knowing that your work becomes a bridge between people and their heritage. Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s legacy of courage and leadership now stands tall on African soil, inspiring generations to come.”

    The unveiling also showed how Indian culture is still present around the world and how art helps keep it alive. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great leader, a secular ruler, and a skilled soldier. He is still an important part of Indian culture today. His statue in Malawi is a tribute to his legacy and a reminder of the values he stood for: unity, strength, and inclusion.

    The event ended with prayers and community celebrations. It renewed the sense of pride among attendees. The sculpture stands tall in Malawi and symbolises the unbreakable bond between the Indian immigrants and their cultural heritage. It also assures that distance can never diminish the identity of one’s roots. 

  • Panerai returns to the Salone del Mobile.Milano as Official Time Keeper of the 64th Edition

    Panerai returns to the Salone del Mobile.Milano as Official Time Keeper of the 64th Edition

    Panerai, the historic luxury watch brand merging Swiss precision with Italian design, confirms for the fourth consecutive year its role as Official Time Keeper of the Salone del Mobile.Milano, sealing its partnership with the most prestigious international design event, now in its 64th edition.

    From April 21 to 26, 2026, Panerai will reopen the doors of its pop-up store in the heart of Milan Rho Fiera, along the very central Corso Italia, offering both visitors and watch enthusiasts the opportunity to experience a new immersive journey into the Maison’s universe.

    In a temporary space of approximately 100 square meters, Panerai will unveil a curated selection of watches from its iconic collections – Luminor, Submersible and Radiomir, in addition to the Luminor 8 Giorni PAM01733, a new timepiece that, unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, will be early available and previewed to the Italian Market during the week of the Salone del Mobile.

    The pop-up has been renovated to further enhance Panerai’s intrinsic and unique identity, including the Maison’s Italian origins, its legendary history, and its connection to the world of the sea, through a carefully curated selection of materials and decorative elements. Among these, the Panerai timeline stands out, tracing the most significant stages of the brand’s history, accompanied by a rich display of evocative images. The narrative finally culminates with a video positioned at the center of the space, inviting viewers to discover the technical innovations and distinctive features of Panerai’s latest releases.

    The Italian bar, conceived as a convivial meeting space, offers customers not only an informal area for a break in perfect Italian style, but also an additional exhibition and sales area.

    “We are pleased to renew our collaboration with Salone del Mobile.Milano, the most important event in the international design landscape. A consolidated bond, founded on common values and similar visions, driven by a passion for excellence, innovation, and functional design. This year, with the return of EuroCucina, we hope to welcome even more visitors, industry experts, and enthusiasts from all over the world to both our pop-up at the Fair and our Milanese flagship in Montenapoleone,” states Alessandro Ficarelli, CMO of Panerai.

    Throughout the entire week, a rich program of appointments and exclusive initiatives will animate the pop-up store in Rho Fiera, while in the city downtown, at number 19 of Via Montenapoleone, Casa Panerai will host a series of evening events marking the time of Fuorisalone 2026, while celebrating the Italian spirit and dynamic essence of the brand.

    Panerai

    Founded in Florence in 1860, Panerai began as a workshop, shop, and subsequently school of watchmaking. This foundational expertise soon led to forging a pivotal partnership with the Royal Italian Navy, commencing in the 1910s, with initial commissions to design precision instruments and leading in 1935 to the development of its first dive watch prototype, Ref. 2533, with a luminescent Radiomir dial. For many decades thereafter, Panerai maintained its role as a highly secretive supplier to Italian Navy commandos, manufacturing professional-grade tool watches and high-precision instruments built to withstand their challenging missions.

    The defining technical features Panerai developed to meet the Italian Navy specifications—exceptional luminescence, superior water resistance, extended power reserve, and robust construction—remained a military secret until 1993. That year marked a key moment: the introduction of the first watches to the civilian public, including the first Luminor 44mm, whose now-iconic crown protecting bridge and bold design would soon achieve international recognition.

    In 1997, Richemont acquired Panerai, leading to its debut at SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) in 1998. This event propelled Panerai’s rise as a prominent international brand within the watchmaking industry.

    Today, Panerai honors its heritage by manufacturing its movements and watches at its Neuchâtel manufacture since 2002, where cutting-edge technology and Swiss precision converge with Italian design. Panerai watches are available worldwide through a carefully selected network of distributors and boutiques.

  • Emerald Month – The Joy of Colour by Gemfields

    Emerald Month: the joy of colour

    Mumbai, Apr 24: Gemfields is celebrating Emerald Month by taking a moment to appreciate the joy of colour. This May, for which the birthstone is emerald, it feels fitting to revere green once again. Emeralds are often associated with hope and growth, with a luscious hue reminiscent of the green shoots of spring and new beginnings.

    In colour theory, green marries the calming stability of blue with the energetic warmth of yellow, bringing a sense of balance and harmony. The green of an emerald comes from traces of chromium, vanadium, and iron. Compared to emeralds of other origins, Zambian emeralds in particular are lacking in vanadium, resulting in their desirable bluish-green tint and often eye-clean crystals, and ever-so-slightly richer in iron,  which is pivotal in bonding the elements more tightly. Consequently, Zambian emeralds boast a distinctive colour, which can be described as a sharp, evenly distributed green that glows with a tint of blue.

    Highly prized emeralds display an even saturation of colour, and a vivid hue. Early humans’ fascination with colour and the desire to own lasting examples of it made them fall in love with gemstones, for their vivid beauty remained unchanged with every passing day. In a world where people aged, flowers wilted, and sunsets faded, only the colour of gemstones remained unchanged. For them, the only logical explanation was that gems were divine, forever linking gemstones to the spiritual world.

    This enduring allure of gemstones continues to captivate and remind us of the beauty and permanence found in a transient world.

    Choosing a Gemfields Zambian emerald of your very own is easier than you might think! Gemfields collaborates with a number of international jewellery brands at differing price points, offering an array of jewellery designs to suit your unique style.

    Mohar Fine Jewels x Gemfields Diamond & Emerald Floral Heritage Necklace (POA); Mohar Fine Jewels x Gemfields Diamond & Emerald Drop Studs (POA); DIACOLOR x Gemfields Majestic Bloom Ring (POA); DIACOLOR x Gemfields Verdant Majesty Ring (POA)

    For a masterclass in the enigmatic allure of emerald, see the DIACOLOR x Gemfields Majestic Bloom Ring, which boasts a 26.49 carat pear-cut Gemfields Zambian emerald, diamond and south sea pearls, or the DIACOLOR x Gemfields Verdant Majesty Ring, which frames a 38.43 carat emerald-cut emerald with diamonds. For a complete emerald celebration, look no further than Mohar Fine Jewels x Gemfields Diamond & Emerald Floral Heritage Necklace, featuring 18 octagon-cut Gemfields Zambian emeralds totalling 35.95cts. An elevated everyday emerald look is easily achieved with Mohar Fine Jewels x Gemfields Diamond & Emerald Drop Studs, which frame striking octagon emeralds with round diamonds, blending bold geometry with refined sparkle.  

  • Curtain call for paper: PPDS delivers crystal clear DooH advertising to historic German theatre with a scene-stealing 12m2 Philips Urban LED 7000 Series installation

    Multitalented solution: Spectacular new 6×2 metre high brightness Philips Urban LED 7000 Series display transforms communication capabilities, helping to eliminate paper waste, boost workplace efficiencies, and drive ticket sales at the acclaimed Saarländisches Staatstheater venue.

     

    Curtain call for paper: PPDS delivers crystal clear DooH advertising to historic German theatre with a scene-stealing 12m2 Philips Urban LED 7000 Series installation

     

     Amsterdam, Apr 24: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is proud to announce the latest results of its rapidly accelerating DooH strategy, with the installation of a new 6 x 2m LED advertising wall at the historic Saarländisches Staatstheater in Southwest Germany. Delivering instant results, this transformative project has helped eliminate paper wastage, boost workplace efficiencies, and increase ticket sales.

     Opened in 1938, the Saarländisches Staatstheater (Saarland State Theatre) is a cultural landmark in Saarbrücken – the largest city in Saarland, bordered by France and Luxembourg – renowned for its diverse entertainment offerings, including opera, drama, ballet, standup comedy, concerts, and movies.

     Hosting around 30 new productions annually, amounting to some 700 events – including outside events – advertising and information are critical to ensuring ticket sales and the theatre’s ongoing success. Previously, all promotional banners and posters had to be created, printed and changed manually by staff daily, which was deemed impractical, unsustainable, and visually limited.

     The stage is set

    Seeking a modern, digitised solution, the theatre teamed up with local AV/IT integration and event technology specialists, DooH Concept and LE-Eventtechnik GbR, with framework from Metallbau Patric Schmidt GmbH, to transform its communications with a fully digital, centrally managed LED solution, enabling fast, simple, and unlimited content creation and updates.

     With PPDS continuing to make significant waves in the outdoor LED market, which has already seen installations and exclusive partnerships with the likes of FC Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven and Oracle Red Bull Racing, the Philips Urban LED 7000 Series was the standout choice for this challenging project, with a stunning 2 x 6 metre wall installed on the front of the iconic building, as well as with.

     To ensure crystal clear advertising, whether viewed up close or from a distance, the 3.9 pixel pitch, high brightness Philips Urban LED 7000 Series was selected, delivering high contrast ratio and refresh rates for smooth broadcasting and more colour subtlety, shading, and saturation.

     Designed for the full range of weather conditions, from bright sunshine to inclement sleet and snow, the Philips Urban LED 7000 Series has been built to perform and last. Thanks to the display’s ambient light adjusted brightness, content remains clear and visible in all conditions, while its IP66 certification (dustproof, waterproof, and salt spray resistant) and level 6 ingress protection ensure product longevity and peace of mind.

     Crowd pleaser

    Completed within a strict 10 day window, the new Philips Urban LED wall has exceeded all expectations, providing a striking and highly effective communication platform. Using a mix of static imagery, animated previews, and video content, the new display has already proven to capture the attention of pedestrians in a way simply unachievable before, while also improving its staffing and sustainability efficiencies.

     The theatre’s marketing department now manages the display centrally and independently. With easy to use, dynamic multimedia templates in place, staff can quickly update content and engage audiences directly, eliminating reliance on paper posters and supporting traditional media channels and social media campaigns.

     Konstantin Flabouriaris, PPDS Sales Director for the DACH region, commented: “Installing the display on a listed building presented several challenges. A key requirement was designing a self supporting substructure that could be securely mounted to the theatre’s façade without causing any damage. The substructure was installed using a mobile crane on day one, with the LED wall fully completed by day ten, just in time for the theatre’s new season the following day. Working closely with the theatre’s team and its partners, it was a challenge we embraced, and the results speak for themselves.”

     Prof. Michael Schulz, General Artistic Director, Saarländisches Staatstheater, added:The new digital daily advertising board from Philips enables us to make the wide ranging program of the Saarländisches Staatstheater even more visible, reaching out directly to visitors. There has been a significant increase in theatre attendance since installing our new LED wall.”

  • Nissan Motor India and Avis India Announce Partnership for Leasing and Subscription-based solutions

    Gurugram, Apr 24: Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL) and Avis India today announced a strategic partnership to strengthen corporate mobility and leasing solutions in India by introducing integrated leasing and subscription offerings. The collaboration aims to address the growing demand for flexible, asset-light mobility models among enterprises, while enabling convenient and cost-efficient access to Nissan’s vehicle portfolio through a structured, end-to-end ecosystem. 

    The offering provides access to Nissan’s product portfolio, including the Nissan Magnite and the All-New Nissan GRAVITE, through flexible leasing and subscription plans designed for a tenure of up to 60 months and 50,000 km usage. The solutions are structured to deliver cost efficiency and convenience to corporate customers.

    Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “This partnership reinforces Nissan’s long-term commitment to the Indian market through strategic, customer-centric initiatives that deliver greater value by expanding accessible and flexible mobility solutions. By collaborating with Avis India, we are enabling a seamless leasing ecosystem that complements our product portfolio and supports the evolving needs of corporate customers seeking efficient, scalable, and asset-light mobility solutions.” 

    Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Aman Naagar, Managing Director, Avis India, added, “This partnership is an opportunity for us at Avis India to strengthen our relationships with key manufacturers and deepen our operational capabilities. It is aligned with our focus on building and providing scalable and structured platforms for enterprise clients.” 

    As part of the partnershipAvis India will manage the complete lease lifecycle, including vehicle procurement, registration, maintenance, insurance, and end-of-term services, ensuring a seamless, end-to-end experience with predictable cost structures, while enabling organizations to adopt scalable, asset-light mobility solutions.

  • 73 Strings Launches Global Operating Model from New York to Power Next Phase of Growth in Private Markets

    Jazmin Hogan to lead global client organization in next phase of growth     

    New York, NY – April 23, 2026 – 73 Strings, the AI-native platform for valuation and portfolio intelligence, today announced the launch of a unified global operating model, bringing together its technology, expertise and client network to deliver the next generation of insights for alternative asset managers.

    As part of this evolution, Jazmin Hogan has been appointed Global Head of Client Operations, based in New York, where she will lead the company’s global client organization.

    With over 20 years of experience as a client-side valuation and analytics professional, including leadership roles at Apollo Global Management Inc., The Blackstone Group and Kohlberg & Company, Jazmin will drive a consistent, high-quality experience across regions, ensuring clients benefit from the full breadth of 73 Strings’ platform, expertise and innovation.

    A key advantage of this global model is a connected client community. Clients benefit not only from 73 Strings’ SMEs, but from shared insight across some of the world’s leading alternative asset managers.

    “Private markets are entering a new era, defined by data, AI and the need to operate at scale,” said Yann Magnan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of 73 Strings. “Our global operating model brings together our platform, our people, and our clients into one connected ecosystem. It allows us to innovate faster and help our clients stay ahead, while maintaining the rigor and trust that underpin investment decisions. Jazmin will play a central role in bringing this vision to life by leading our model.”

    This move marks a significant step in the company’s evolution, aligning its global teams to better support clients operating at scale across private equity, private credit, venture capital, infrastructure and multi-asset strategies.

    At the core of 73 Strings is a single, integrated platform that combines valuation, portfolio monitoring and data extraction, powered by AI and built by practitioners. The firm continues to invest heavily in its technology and AI capabilities, enabling clients to scale operations and unlock deeper portfolio insight.

    73 Strings combines advanced technology with deep domain expertise. Its team of valuation and portfolio specialists, including former industry leaders across private markets, ensures the platform reflects the realities of complex assets, delivering outputs that are robust and audit-defensible.

    As a global, AI-first platform, 73 Strings brings together market insight, data and technology to help clients stay ahead of market shifts. At the same time, it remains focused on delivering consistent, transparent insights on complex assets at scale, without reliance on fragmented, spreadsheet-driven processes.

    This announcement follows continued investment in 73 Strings’ platform, with recent enhancements improving performance, scalability and AI-driven capabilities across core workflows.

  • AZAD Engineering Inaugurates Dedicated Lean Manufacturing Facility for Baker Hughes

    AZAD Engineering Inaugurates Dedicated Lean Manufacturing Facility for Baker Hughes

    Hyderabad, Apr 23: Azad Engineering, at the forefront of precision engineering, marked another significant milestone with the inauguration of a 7,600 sq. m. next-generation lean manufacturing facility at its Centre of Excellence in Tunikibollaram, Hyderabad, this facility is built to meet growing commitments to support global energy technology company, Baker Hughes and is aligned with global manufacturing standards.

    The facility was inaugurated by distinguished leaders from Telangana’s industry leadership, including Shri. D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries & IT, Government of Telangana; Shri. K. Shashanka, VC & MD, TGIIC; Shri. V Madhusudan, Director, Investment Promotion, Inds & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, Shri. Praveen P A, Director- Aerospace & Defence, Government of Telangana and Mr. PVS Raju, Mr. Davide Marrani (Vice President- IET Operations), Mr. Stephen Hinson (Sourcing Vice President), Mr. Marcello Bariani (Vice President- IET Procurement and Logistics), Mr. Vishal Murgudkar, (Senior Sourcing Director, India) along with other senior leadership from Baker Hughes and our Chairman & CEO Mr. Rakesh Chopdar.

    What began in 2018 as a highly demanding engagement to supply critical rotating airfoils for Gas & Steam Turbine Finish stages has evolved into a deep and strategic manufacturing collaboration. The journey to this milestone has been defined by rigor, resilience, and relentless capability building. Over the years, Azad Engineering successfully navigated one of the most stringent global qualification pathways, encompassing multiple-grade raw material qualifications, complex process validations, and product-level approvals across critical components. In parallel, Azad also developed and certified a robust sub-tier ecosystem for specialized processes, ensuring full compliance with global standards across the value chain. Each stage demanded precision, consistency, and the ability to meet uncompromising technical benchmarks set by Baker Hughes which Azad Engineering successfully achieved.

    Through vertical integration, advanced quality systems, state-of-the-art infrastructure and disciplined execution along with building skilled talent capable of delivering components with micron-level precision consistently and at scale, Azad has earned a reputation for delivering under the most stringent timelines and specifications. Today, Azad is also a key participant in the Baker Hughes- Oilfield Services and Equipment program, an integral part of its global supply chain strategy.

    Key facility highlights:

    ●      Built for scale, speed, and precision

    ●      7,600 sq. m. advanced lean manufacturing infrastructure

    ●      Engineered for high-precision, high-volume Baker Hughes IET programs

    ●      ~230 skilled professionals onboard

    ●      Cutting-edge equipment and process flow designed for productivity excellence

    ●      Fully integrated with Azad’s COE & Innovation Centre ecosystem

    ●      Contributing to India’s growing global manufacturing strength

    Marking the occasion, Mr. Rakesh Chopdar, Chairman and CEO, Azad Engineering, said: “The inauguration of this dedicated lean manufacturing facility is a defining milestone in our eight-year journey with Baker Hughes, a partnership that began in 2018 with one of the most rigorous qualification pathways we have ever undertaken. Our journey with Baker Hughes began with supplying critical rotating airfoils for Gas and Steam Turbine Finish Stages, and has since grown into a deep, strategic partnership for the Industrial & Energy Technology business. This 7,600 sq. m. facility at our Centre of Excellence in Tunikibollaram, Hyderabad is part of our deliberate strategy to build a dedicated, world-class manufacturing facility complete with in-house special process capabilities exclusively for Baker Hughes. With about 230 skilled professionals on board, we are creating a high-precision ecosystem capable of delivering complex components at volume and with tolerances measured in microns. This facility is also a statement of confidence in India’s manufacturing future and Azad’s commitment to being at the forefront of it.” 

    Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Davide Marrani (Vice President- IET Operations, Baker Hughes) said: “Azad Engineering’s new facility is a significant milestone that strengthens Baker Hughes’ global supply chain and supports our long-term growth strategy. This expansion enables Azad to deliver scalable, high-quality manufacturing that meets the needs of our business worldwide. Collaborations like this are essential to building a resilient and competitive global supply chain, and we are proud to celebrate this next chapter together.” 

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri. D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries & IT, Government of Telangana, said: “Today marks a proud moment for Telangana as Azad Engineering inaugurates its state-of-the-art facility for Baker Hughes at Tunikibollaram, a true embodiment of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make in Telangana.’ I warmly welcome Baker Hughes, a global energy technology leader operating in over 120 countries, for choosing Hyderabad as its Make in India site, and I congratulate Mr. Rakesh Chopdar and the Azad Engineering family on this remarkable milestone. Telangana’s precision engineering sector has grown 30% year-on-year for a decade, with exports surging 103% last year alone, supported by over 1,500 MSMEs and repeat investments from global OEMs like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, GE Aviation, Safran, Airbus and Honeywell. Backed by India’s most progressive industrial policy and tailor-made incentives, our vision is to move beyond manufacturing and establish Telangana as a Global Centre for Engineering Innovation. This partnership between Baker Hughes and Azad Engineering is a blueprint for the world-class collaborations our ecosystem is built to deliver.” 

    On the milestone, Mr. Vishnu Malpani, Executive Director, Azad Engineering, said: “This facility is the result of years of disciplined investment across every layer of our manufacturing ecosystem, from multi-grade raw material qualifications and complex process validations to the development of a fully certified sub-tier network for specialized processes. Each of these steps was non-negotiable, because the standards Baker Hughes holds its supply chain to are among the most exacting in the world. This lean state-of-the-art manufacturing facility we have built here has been engineered specifically for high-precision, high-volume global OEM production, with process flows designed to deliver productivity excellence without compromising on quality.  As global demand for power generation continues to grow, this facility positions Azad to not just respond to that demand, but to lead in fulfilling it.” 

    This is Azad Engineering’s fourth dedicated facility inauguration, adding to earlier expansions and underscoring the company’s aggressive capacity build-out to meet surging global demand across Aerospace, Defence, Energy, and Oil & Gas sectors.

    This inauguration is more than an expansion. It is a clear statement of intent. Azad Engineering is not just participating in global precision manufacturing; it is shaping it.

  • Third Wave Coffee Launches ‘Third Rush’ A Playground for Desserts Built for Every Mood

    Third Wave Coffee Launches ‘Third Rush’  A Playground for Desserts Built for Every Mood

    Bangalore, Apr 23: Plans are overrated. Cravings aren’t. And Third Wave Coffee is leaning right into that feeling with the launch of Third Rush — a bold new dessert brand designed for impulse, indulgence, and everything in between.

    Built on the idea of being “Made for the Mood”, Third Rush flips the script on how we think about desserts. It’s not about waiting for the perfect occasion; it’s about giving in to the moment. Whether it’s a spontaneous celebration, a post-work wind-down, or simply a late-night craving with friends, Third Rush is where moods turn into something delicious.

    As café culture continues to evolve, especially with younger consumers choosing cafés over bars for unwinding, Third Rush positions itself as the perfect after-7 PM destination. A space where you walk in undecided, and within minutes, you’re sharing bites, ordering seconds, and stretching conversations longer than planned.

    Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “With Third Rush, we’re building something that goes beyond dessert as a category and instead focuses on dessert as an experience. Third Wave Coffee has always been envisioned as a young, fun brand, one that understands how our consumers like to spend time, connect, and unwind. With Third Rush, we’re extending that philosophy into a new space, continuing to build concepts that feel relevant to their evolving lifestyles and social habits. The way consumers engage with cafés today is changing; it’s more social, more spontaneous, and deeply rooted in emotion. Third Rush is our response to that shift. It’s designed to be high-energy, welcoming, and a little indulgent, a space where people can come together, unwind, and fully lean into the moment, whatever that mood may be.”

    At the heart of Third Rush is a menu that feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new – a curated mix of throwback favourites, crowd-pleasers, and playful, new-age indulgences.

    The brand puts a spotlight on Tres Leches as one of its hero categories, and this is where things get seriously fun. Leading the lineup is a playful, nostalgia-loaded Jim Jam–inspired version. For coffee lovers, there’s the Third Wave Tres Leches, infused with the brand’s signature cold brew, bringing coffee and dessert together in a way that feels familiar, but just a little more exciting. It’s the kind of menu where you come for one and end up trying three.

    Beyond this, the menu opens up into layers of indulgence with soft, decadent Layered Cakes, where even the classics get a playful spin. At Third Rush, familiar favourites like the OG Chocolate Cake and Pineapple Cake are reimagined from their usual round form into logs, sliced to serve, so every layer is perfectly visible in each bite. It’s nostalgic, but designed to be a little more visual, a little more shareable. Alongside these are elevated options like Chocolate Pistachio, Carrot & Cream Cheese, and Passionfruit Vanilla, balancing richness with freshness, and comfort with a touch of the unexpected.

    For those who love a little drama in every bite, the Stacks are Third Rush’s take on layered desserts – creamy puddings, crunchy biscuit crumbles, and bold, mood-lifting flavours all coming together in one indulgent moment. From Banana Custard and Strawberry Hazelnut to the ever-addictive Biscoff, each one is built to be scooped, shared, and gone in seconds. Nostalgia makes a strong comeback with playful throwbacks like the Parle-G Stack and a revamped Bombay Cassata, bringing back classic flavours, but cooler, creamier, and far more indulgent. And for the coffee loyalists, the Third Wave Stack ties it all together with a rich, coffee-forward twist that feels right at home.

    The indulgence continues with a wide selection of tarts and pies, including Banoffee, Lemon, and Raspberry Pistachio, as well as more experimental offerings like Matcha White Chocolate and Chocolate Caramel tarts, each designed to deliver a perfect balance of richness and bite.

    For those who lean towards classic decadence, there’s a range of mousses and cheesecakes, from a velvety Triple Chocolate Mousse to a perfectly caramelised Basque Cheesecake, alongside flavour-forward options like Blueberry Lemon and Biscoff Basque Cheesecake. Rounding off the experience are warm, comforting desserts like molten skillet cookies, indulgent brownies including a Pistachio Kunafa Brownie, and Cookies that are equal parts chewy and rich, perfect for those moments when one dessert simply isn’t enough.

    Launching first in Bangalore, Third Rush will soon expand into Third Wave Coffee cafés across the country, adding a new dimension to the brand’s already strong community-driven approach.

    More than just an extension, Third Rush is a natural evolution, one that builds on Third Wave Coffee’s understanding of its audience and their changing lifestyles. It continues to transform cafés into destinations for connection, comfort, and spontaneous joy, where great coffee is always at the heart of it all.

    Because sometimes, you don’t need a plan. You just need a place that gets your mood.

    Details:

    Address: Third Wave Coffee outlets — Koramangala 4th Block, Sadashivnagar, Indiranagar (CMH Road) & Vijaya Bank Layout

  • STCH Comes Out of Stealth with Dollar 5.5 Million Pre-Series A Funding from Omnivore and Kae Capital

    STCH Comes Out of Stealth with Dollar 5.5 Million Pre-Series A Funding from Omnivore and Kae Capital

    Bengaluru, India, Apr 23:  STCH, an AI-native CDMO platform for sustainable textile innovation — building the AI-driven fabric R&D and manufacturing platform that helps global fashion brands develop and deliver trend-aligned, high-performing, sustainable fabrics at scale — today announced its emergence from stealth with a $5.5 million PreSeries A funding round. The round was led by Omnivore, India’s leading agrifood and climate venture capital firm, with participation from Kae Capital and White Venture Capital.

    STCH leverages AI to identify global fashion trends, develop sustainable fabrics, and deliver them through its closely controlled manufacturing network across India and Asia.  

    STCH’s AI engine drives two critical functions: 

    ●        Fabric R&D — continuously innovating on textile recipes to enhance performance, while increasing the share of sustainable fibers, without compromising on the performance or price points of conventional synthetics 

    ●        Supply chain optimization — intelligently matching trending fabrics and designs with the right manufacturing capacities to enable agile, seamless production and delivery at scale 

    Until today, STCH has operated under the radar, building a rapidly growing order book now exceeding $15 million across the UK, Europe, the USA, and India, serving global brands including Roman, Joe Browns, Shein, Crocodile, Being Human, CP Brands, and Rainforest. For its customers, STCH develops high-performing textile formulations, enabling higher use of sustainable fibers while reducing dependence on petrochemical-based synthetics that contribute to microplastic pollution and harm ocean ecosystems. 

    STCH was founded by Narahari Payala and Aseem Chitkara, both formerly of Zetwerk, where Narahari built and led the textiles division globally at scale. Aseem brings deep industry expertise as a fabric veteran and former CXO across multiple textile mills. Their strong, long-standing relationships with global brands, mills, and manufacturers give STCH a distinct execution edge — building not just for materials innovation, but for how textile supply chains operate at commercial scale. 

    According to Narahari Payala, Co-Founder & CEO, “While much of AI innovation in fashion is focused on the front end — largely driven out of the US and Europe — the real opportunity lies deeper in the backend of the supply chain: fiber – fabric – manufacturing. That is where we are focused on driving disruption using AI. Fabric, in particular, remains the most critical — most cost-intensive — yet least optimized layer. With much of this activity centered in Asia, and improving trade dynamics — including free trade agreements with the UK and Europe as well as easing tariffs from the US — we believe this is a defining moment to build a globally leading, AI-native textile innovation powerhouse from India.” 

    Regarding their investment in STCH, Mark Kahn, Managing Partner at Omnivore, noted “Narahari and Aseem bring rare depth — they understand both the materials science and the supply chain realities of getting sustainable textiles to market at scale. India has the raw materials, the mills, and now — with STCH — the AI-native platform to become the world’s leading source of sustainable textile innovation.”

    The capital from the PreSeries A funding round will be used to expand STCH’s AI capabilities, build a world-class fabric R&D laboratory, deepen mill partnerships across India, and accelerate delivery to global fashion brands navigating increasingly urgent sustainability procurement mandates.