Courtyard By Marriott Debuts In Andhra Pradesh With The Opening Of Courtyard By Marriott Tirupati

* The 130-key hotel pairs seamless connectivity with flexible spaces, welcoming pilgrims, business travelers, and leisure seekers alike

Courtyard by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, bringing the brand’s intuitive hospitality to one of India’s busiest pilgrimage destinations. This will be the first Courtyard by Marriott in Andhra Pradesh. Home to the sacred Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, the city welcomes millions of visitors annually. Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, easily accessible via road, a 15 minutes’ drive from the railway station and a 20 minutes' drive from the Tirupathi Airport is thoughtfully designed for discerning pilgrims and modern travelers alike, blending timeless styles with contemporary comfort, creating an atmosphere that is both peaceful and inviting.

“This opening represents an important milestone in our growth strategy in India, as we continue to expand our footprint in high-demand destinations and enter newer markets with strong travel potential”. Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President - South Asia, Marriott International commented, “Tirupati is one of the country’s most prominent spiritual destinations, drawing significant year-round footfall, and establishing a presence here is a meaningful achievement for us. It reflects our ambition to serve a broader spectrum of guests and to bring trusted, high-quality hospitality to destinations where travel demand is both substantial and evolving. Courtyard by Marriott is well positioned to serve a destination like Tirupati, where travelers are looking for comfort, connectivity, and a stay experience that is both seamless and relevant.”

The 130-room hotel features accommodation tailored for every guest. The rooms and suites are designed to maximize space and natural light and feature plush bedding, ergonomic workspaces equipped with high-speed connectivity, and design elements that facilitate both relaxation and productivity - a hallmark of the brand. After a full day of activities, guests can relax at the spa or enjoy refreshing cocktails at the outdoor pool. In addition, the hotel has a 24/7 fitness center, to ensure guests’ exercise routines go uninterrupted.

Dining at the hotel is anchored by three distinct food and beverage outlets that cater to different moments of the day. The Kitchen Collective, the hotel’s all-day dining, offers a mix of wellness-inspired fare, global favourites, and authentic Andhra flavours in a lively setting. The Spirit Society, a chic lounge, brings together crafted cocktails and globally inspired small plates in a space designed to transition effortlessly from day to evening. For a more relaxed, open-air experience, Deck9 offers poolside refreshments and a curated selection of small local and international dishes, making it an inviting setting for leisurely afternoons and sunset gatherings.

For events and celebrations, the hotel offers extensive banquet and meeting facilities spanning 6,220 sq. ft. highlighted by a grand pillarless ballroom complemented by additional flexible event spaces. Designed to host weddings, conferences, corporate meetings, and social gatherings, these venues pair modern technology with elegant interiors, positioning Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati as one of the city’s premier destinations for events and large-scale celebrations.

Speaking on the opening, Samata Danday Chand, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati shared, "We are delighted to introduce Courtyard by Marriott to Tirupati, a city that holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. The hotel is aimed at creating an environment where great things can happen, enabling our guests to focus on their journeys, or simply relax. Connecting travelers through comfortable and innovative spaces, intuitive service and a commitment to personal fulfilment is at the foundation of what we offer at Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, while also creating a vibrant destination for memorable gatherings.”

Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

For reservations and more information, visit https://www.marriott.com/TIRCY

Photo Caption: From Left to Right: M Babureddy - Director, STAARTURN HOTELS LLP;C. S. Puttaraju - Agriculturalist and former Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly; D. Kupendra Reddy - Entrepreneur and former Member of Rajya Sabha; UB Venkatesh - MD (Vishala India Commercial Developers Pvt Ltd); Samata Danday Chand - General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati; Hemant Tenneti, Market Vice President at Marriott International.

Kulmeet Bawa Appointed As Managing Director And Group Vice President, ServiceNow India And SAARC

ServiceNow, (NYSE: NOW), the AI control tower for business reinvention, has announced the appointment of Kulmeet Bawa as Managing Director (MD) and Group Vice President (GVP), ServiceNow India and SAARC. This strategic appointment reinforces ServiceNow's commitment to one of the world's fastest-growing markets and a vital driver of digital transformation.

Kulmeet brings a distinguished career spanning over two decades in enterprise technology and SaaS businesses across the region and globally. Most recently, he served as Global Chief Revenue Officer at SAP, where he led worldwide revenue strategy and execution, having previously served as President and Managing Director for SAP India. Earlier, he was the President and Managing Director for South Asia at Adobe.

Before embarking on a career in technology, Kulmeet served for over 12 years as a Cavalry officer in the Indian Army, an experience that has shaped the discipline, integrity, and strategic clarity that define his professional life.

As MD and GVP, ServiceNow India and SAARC, Kulmeet will be responsible for accelerating growth, strengthening customer relationships, and advancing ServiceNow’s leadership in digital transformation across the region.

"We are delighted to welcome Kulmeet to lead our India and SAARC business into its next phase of growth,” said Adrian Johnston, President APAC, ServiceNow. “India is more than a growth market for ServiceNow, it is a critical engine for our global ambitions. Kulmeet's rare combination of global CRO experience, deep regional expertise, and the discipline forged through military service makes him uniquely positioned to drive that mission forward."

"ServiceNow is transforming the way the world works, and India sits right at the heart of that mission," said Kulmeet Bawa. "I am energised by the opportunity to lead this exceptional team, deepen our partnerships with customers, and help enterprises across India and SAARC unlock the full power of the ServiceNow platform."

Based out of New Delhi, Kulmeet will lead ServiceNow’s business operations across India and the SAARC region, effective 06 April 2026.

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) is the AI control tower for business reinvention. The ServiceNow AI Platform integrates with any cloud, any model, and any data source to orchestrate how work flows across the enterprise. By unifying legacy systems, departmental tools, cloud applications, and AI agents, ServiceNow provides a single pane of glass that connects intelligence to execution across every corner of business. With more than 75 billion workflows running on the platform each year, ServiceNow helps organizations turn fragmented operations into coordinated, autonomous workflows that deliver measurable results. Learn how ServiceNow puts AI to work for people at www.servicenow.com.

Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival Marks Its 10th Edition, Celebrating 25 Years Of Genesis Foundation’s Legacy Of Saving Little Hearts

As India continues to grapple with gaps in access to timely and affordable pediatric cardiac care, the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival (KRBF) returns on 3rd and 4th April at Baikunth Resort, Kasauli. Organised by Genesis Foundation, the festival marks its 10th edition while also celebrating 25 years of the Foundation’s sustained efforts in supporting life-saving treatment for critically ill, underprivileged children suffering from Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). Since its inception in 2012, KRBF has evolved into a purpose-led platform that brings together communities, artists and partners, with proceeds directed towards surgeries, catheter-based interventions and post-operative care for children in need.

Over the past 25 years, Genesis Foundation has supported the treatment of over 5400 critically ill children across the country, building a strong network of hospitals and medical experts to ensure timely diagnosis, treatment and recovery support. Congenital Heart Defects remain among the most common birth abnormalities in India, often requiring urgent medical intervention that is financially out of reach for families from lower-income backgrounds. Through KRBF, the Foundation continues to create a consistent and transparent funding channel, enabling access to critical healthcare for children who need it the most.

Speaking about the upcoming edition, Jyoti Sagar, Founder Trustee of Genesis Foundation, said, "Access to timely medical care can make the difference between life and loss for children with congenital heart defects. KRBF has been instrumental in helping us extend this support to families who need it the most. As we mark 25 years of our journey and the 10th edition of the festival, we remain committed to strengthening this impact and reaching many more children across India."

The upcoming edition will bring together a diverse line-up of artists including Indian Ocean, Nirmala Kannan, Shamaji and The Happy Factory, Prince, Mansa Jimmy, Shrey Tandan, True Blue and Sanjeeta Bhattacharya bringing together well-known names alongside emerging artists, all coming together to create a shared stage rooted in purpose.

KRBF goes beyond fundraising to create a platform where audiences become active participants in a larger social impact journey. Tickets purchased contribute directly to a child’s treatment, reinforcing the role of collective action in addressing systemic healthcare challenges while offering a curated and immersive live music experience in the hills.

The 2026 edition is in association with 1842 Kasauli by Scapes, whose development philosophy aligns with the festival’s ethos of responsible and community-focused engagement. With an emphasis on sustainability, heritage preservation and mindful development, the association reflects a shared commitment to creating impact while respecting the local environment.

Sameer Mutreja, Founder & Promoter, Scapes Hospitality, added, "KRBF represents a meaningful convergence of purpose, community and responsible engagement. We are proud to support an initiative that not only raises awareness around critical healthcare needs but also contributes directly to creating tangible impact."

Held over the Easter weekend, the festival continues to draw support from audiences across Delhi NCR, Chandigarh and neighbouring regions, offering them an opportunity to be part of a platform that goes beyond entertainment to drive meaningful change.

Tickets for the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival 2026 are available on BookMyShow at https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/kasauli-rhythm-blues-festival/ET00483296. Children below 12 years can attend free of charge. Travel, accommodation and food are not included in the ticket price.

About Genesis Foundation:

Genesis Foundation facilitates medical treatment for critically ill under-privileged children suffering with Congenital Heart Defects. The support required in the said critical illness varies from specific surgeries (including neonatal), Cath Lab Interventions along with recovery and recuperation post-surgery. We Save Little Hearts.

So far, we have supported medical treatment of over 5400+ critically ill children. The children supported by the foundation belong to families with an income of less than or equal to Rs 20,000 per month, whose parents are unable to afford treatment for their children. GF is registered under section 12-A and 80-G of the income Tax Act, which entitles 50% tax exemption. GF is also registered under FCRA allowing it to receive foreign funds. 100% of donations from individual donors are used towards the treatment of children with no allocation towards administrative costs.

About 1842 Kasauli

1842 Kasauli, developed by Scapes Hospitality, is a luxury enclave set across 10 acres of pristine forest in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. The project comprises just 39 exclusively designed villas that blend heritage charm with contemporary comfort and nature-centric living. With a focus on sustainability, heritage preservation and community engagement, 1842 Kasauli offers a unique residential experience that celebrates the serene beauty and rich character of the hill.

India’s Safest Private Bank’ And ‘India’s Best For Premier Banking For HDFC Bank At Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2026

HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, was adjudged as ‘India’s Safest Private Bank’ and ‘India’s Best for Premier Banking’ at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2026. The awards were organised by Euromoney magazine.

On its website, Euromoney wrote:

Best safest private bank: HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank's recognition as the safest private bank in India is underpinned by three central areas of strength: its capital resilience, disciplined credit risk approach, and institutional commitment to robust risk foundations.

Best for premier banking: HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank secures this year's title as India's best for premier banking, supported by the bank's steady progress across performance, product depth, digital capability and people development.

Rakesh K Singh, Group Head - Investment Banking, Private Banking, International Banking, Digital Ecosystems and BaaS, HDFC Bank said, "We are happy to have been recognised as India’s Safest Private Bank and India’s Best Bank for Premier Banking.

These awards reflect our team's unwavering commitment to serve clients and the trust they have placed in HDFC Bank for nearly three decades. Our relationship managers are equipped to understand and meet the unique investment needs and goals of our clients. We leverage technology for wealth management via our application – SmartWealth that provides a highly personalised experience and democratises wealth management across customer segments.”

Euromoney’s Private Banking Awards is the distinguished annual awards programme of the worldwide private banking and wealth management industry. For over two decades, the programme has recognised the private banks of distinction across key categories. This includes high to ultra-high net worth, family office services, succession planning, digital services, discretionary portfolio management, sustainability and more.

About HDFC BANK

For more information, please log on to: https://www.hdfc.bank.in/

Tata Motors Delivers Strong Sales With 1,32,465 Units In Q4 FY26; Sustains Robust 25% Year-On-Year Growth

Q4 FY26 sales in the domestic & international markets stood at 1,32,465 units, compared to 1,05,643 units during Q4 FY25. March 2026 sales in the domestic & international markets stood at 47,976 units, compared to 41,122 units during March 2025.

 

Category	March ’26	March ’25	% Change	Q4 FY26	Q4 FY25	% Change	FY26	FY25	% Change
HCV Trucks	14,614	12,856	14%	40,864	31,738	29%	1,20,056	1,06,462	13%
ILMCV Trucks	8,337	7,181	16%	22,985	18,131	27%	74,360	62,512	19%
Passenger Carriers	7,983	6,088	31%	18,093	15,025	20%	55,301	50,854	9%
SCV cargo and pickup	14,891	12,759	17%	43,620	34,870	25%	1,50,396	1,38,742	8%
Total CV Domestic	45,825	38,884	18%	1,25,562	99,764	26%	4,00,113	3,58,570	12%
CV IB	2,151	2,238	-4%	6,903	5,879	17%	28,216	18,333	54%
Total CV	47,976	41,122	17%	1,32,465	1,05,643	25%	4,28,329	3,76,903	14%

 

Domestic sales of MH&ICV in March 2026, was 23,805 units vs 20,474 units in March 2025 (16% YoY); In Q4 FY26 it was 64,904 units, compared to 51,551 units in Q4 FY25 (26% YoY).

Domestic & International sales for MH&ICV in March 2026, was 24,703 units vs 21,226 units in March 2025 (16% YoY); while in Q4 FY26 it stood at 68,007 units, vs 53,995 units in Q4 FY25 (26% YoY).

EV volumes saw 59% YoY growth in FY26

Mr. Girish Wagh, MD & CEO, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “FY26 saw a subdued first half for the commercial vehicle industry, followed by a decisive recovery in H2 as demand conditions improved with the rollout of GST 2.0 and gained momentum through Q3 and Q4.

In Q4 FY26, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles registered sales volumes of 1,25,562 units, the highest since Q4 FY21, and representing a 25% year‑on‑year (YoY) growth, reflecting improving freight activity and renewed customer confidence.

For the full year (FY26), sales volumes grew by 14% from 3,76,903 to 4,28,329 YoY, showcasing broad-based growth across product lines, customer segments and markets. During the year, we expanded our portfolio with the launch of new products including Ace Pro and Winger 9S, upgraded our entire truck range to meet European safety norms (ECE R.029 03), and introduced the new Azura range, strengthening our competitiveness and deepening our presence across key segments.

In March, the monthly double‑digit YoY sales growth saw some moderation amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its impact on select sectors of the economy. We have intensified efforts to support customers by ensuring smooth and uninterrupted logistics operations as they address emerging operating challenges.

Looking ahead, we remain agile, closely tracking geopolitical developments and the evolving macro environment. Diesel prices remain a key monitorable, given their impact on total cost of ownership. In parallel, we are actively assessing the risk landscape and have put in place appropriate mitigation measures to strengthen resilience and manage production continuity. With a refreshed and comprehensive product portfolio, supported by smart digital solutions, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles is well positioned to capture emerging opportunities. We continue to execute with discipline, maintaining a sharp focus on customer centric solutions and delivering sustained value through our products and mobility solutions.”

About Tata Motors Ltd (Formerly TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd):
Part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors Ltd., is India’s largest and a globally renowned manufacturer of utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses. With over eight decades of leadership in commercial mobility, the company is known for its innovation, reliability, and performance. Its advanced powertrains, connected technologies, and intelligent fleet solutions support a wide range of applications—from last-mile delivery to public transport while seamlessly driving the wheels of the nation’s economy. Guided by its brand promise Better Always, Tata Motors delivers future-ready solutions that enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth. The company operates in India and South Korea, with a global presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

As per the Composite Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench—among Tata Motors Limited, TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (the Company) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited—the Company’s name was changed to Tata Motors Limited (effective 29 October 2025), and its equity shares have been listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, effective 12th November 2025.

Godrej Enterprises Group And Tata Capital Join Forces To Accelerate India’s Intralogistics Growth With Smart Finance Leasing

* The partnership introduces CAPEX-light, OPEX-aligned leasing solutions to boost adoption of modern intralogistics equipment across high-growth sectors

Godrej Enterprises Group and Tata Capital have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate India’s intralogistics transformation by introducing structured finance lease solutions—an emerging and differentiated model in the Indian forklift and material handling equipment market. The collaboration enables businesses to scale operations without large upfront capital expenditure and aims to finance lease assets worth ₹100 crore over the next three years.

With sectors such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, retail, logistics, and manufacturing rapidly shifting to electric, lead-acid and lithium-ion forklifts, the higher upfront CAPEX, typically 50–60% more than diesel trucks, often slows adoption. Leasing eliminates this barrier, allowing enterprises to transition to modern, energy-efficient intralogistics equipment and upgrade from generic to application-specific solutions.

Godrej’s Material Handling Business has consistently pioneered industry-first solutions, from indigenous lithium-ion forklifts with Indian BMS to fleet management systems, rental models, and customised maintenance contracts. Building on this legacy, the introduction of finance leasing, still nascent in India’s intralogistics space, will help customers scale faster with new technologies.

Under this model, Tata Capital leases Godrej forklifts to customers over 3–5-year terms with predefined buyback values. The shift from CAPEX to OPEX offers predictable monthly outflows and provides an estimated 6% cost advantage over outright purchase, while complementing Godrej’s existing purchase and rental offerings.

Anil Lingayat, Business Head, Intralogistics (Material Handling) Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “As businesses transition to electric and lithium-ion forklifts and specialised solutions, upfront CAPEX becomes a significant hurdle. Our alliance with Tata Capital removes this barrier by offering safety-led, Indian-engineered intralogistics equipment through predictable OPEX-based leases. With Godrej ensuring lifecycle service and Tata Capital enabling asset value, customers can focus on growth while we help drive long-term supply chain productivity. This is Make in India innovation with customer centricity at its core.”

Narendra Kamath, COO - SME Finance, Tata Capital, said, “At Tata Capital, our equipment financing and leasing solutions are designed to help businesses access the right assets through flexible, customer-centric models. Through this partnership with Godrej Enterprises Group, we aim to widen access to high-quality intralogistics equipment, support OPEX-based operations, and help companies modernise while preserving working capital.”

This financing solution aligns with national priorities under the National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti, which aim to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce logistics costs to global benchmarks. Recent assessments peg India’s logistics cost at ~8% of GDP, reflecting structural improvements across the ecosystem.  

Kangaroo Kids Launches Screen-Free Summer Program ‘KanKamp 2026’

* The program focuses on experiential learning and hands-on skill building, away from screens

Kangaroo Kids International Preschool, India’s No.1 Premium International Preschool brand, has announced the launch of KanKamp 2026, a thoughtfully designed, screen-free summer program aimed at fostering creativity, confidence, and real-world learning among young children aged 2–6 years.

At a time when concerns around excessive screen exposure, reduced attention spans, and limited social interaction among young children are growing, KanKamp emerges as a purposeful intervention reimagining summer as a structured, skill-rich developmental journey. Built on Kangaroo Kids’ progressive pedagogy, the program integrates experiential learning, creative expression, movement-based exploration, and cultural immersion in an engaging, age-appropriate format.

Unlike conventional summer camps, KanKamp is designed not as a series of activities but as a holistic learning experience. The program places equal emphasis on cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional development, ensuring that learning is immersive, participative, and meaningful. The curriculum is structured across two distinct age groups to align with developmental needs. For younger children (2–4 years), the program unfolds as an ‘Exploration Escape’, where learning is driven by sensory play, imagination, and movement. Themes such as Elements of Earth, Monsters & Magic, Movement, and DIY Creations introduce children to the world through hands-on discovery and creative engagement.

For older children (4–6 years), KanKamp takes the form of an ‘Incredible India Expedition’, offering a culturally rich journey through India’s traditions, art forms, and stories. From exploring national symbols and festivals to engaging with classical dance forms and learning about inspiring Indian personalities, children gain a deeper sense of identity, expression, and cultural awareness.

What sets KanKamp apart is its screen-free philosophy, encouraging children to engage with the physical world through tactile, collaborative, and movement-led activities. By replacing passive consumption with active participation, the program aims to build essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, confidence, and curiosity.

KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, Lighthouse Learning (Kangaroo Kids International Preschool), said, “At Kangaroo Kids, we believe that early childhood is not meant to be confined to screens but expanded through experiences. KanKamp is designed as a space where children can rediscover the joy of doing, of creating, of moving, of expressing, and of connecting. It is through these lived experiences that children build not just skills but also a sense of self and confidence that stays with them for life.”

With over three decades of expertise in early childhood education, Kangaroo Kids continues to champion experiential and child-centric learning approaches that go beyond traditional classroom methods. Through initiatives like KanKamp, the brand reinforces its commitment to creating enriching environments where children develop holistically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

Registrations for KanKamp 2026 are now open across centres. Parents are encouraged to explore the summer programme with their children and discover a fun, engaging learning experience.

About Kangaroo Kids

Kangaroo Kids International Preschool is an education brand with over 30+ years of experience and has a presence in 36+ cities & 6 countries. It has pioneered a whole new concept in learning and kick-started a movement that has transformed the face of preschool education in India. With its iCan Learning System, Kangaroo Kids International Preschool aims to prepare children to not just live but thrive in an extremely disruptive external world by harnessing their inner selves with the right skills and habits.

The Group

Lighthouse Learning Group, formerly known as EuroKids International, is India's leading Early Childhood & K-12 Education group, backed by global investment firm KKR. Driven by its purpose to unlock human potential by igniting the love for learning through its institutions, which include leading brands like EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, EuroSchool, Billabong High International, Centre Point Group of Schools, Heritage International Xperiential School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School and Finland International School Maldives. Nurturing over 200,000 students every day, Lighthouse Learning emphasises a 'Child First' philosophy, innovative pedagogy, and child safety. With 2,000 Preschools and 60 K-12 Schools, it empowers 1,850 women entrepreneurs and employs a direct and indirect workforce of over 25,000 people.