Third Wave Coffee And Royal Challengers Bengaluru Unite For A Power-Packed T20 League

* As the exclusive coffee partner, Third Wave Coffee gears up to fuel the cricket frenzy with #WaveForRCB - bringing coffee, cricket, and fandom together through unforgettable experiences this season

Third Wave Coffee (TWC), India’s beloved coffee-first QSR brand, is thrilled to announce its official partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the team’s exclusive Coffee Partner for T20 League 2025, scheduled to begin on 22nd March. This collaboration celebrates two homegrown powerhouses that embody the vibrant spirit of Bengaluru — where BrewBold meets PlayBold. United by the fearless spirit, RCB and TWC are set to create unforgettable moments for fans this season. More than just a partnership, this is a celebration of the shared love for cricket and coffee, brought to life like never before.

All through the season, fans can expect to see this synergy come alive — from exclusive RCB x TWC merchandise drops to the thrill of discovering hidden golden tickets in select purchases, offering lucky fans a chance to win unforgettable match-day experiences. On match days, Third Wave Coffee’s signature brews will fuel fans at RCB’s home stadium, turning every sip into part of the celebration.

And the action doesn’t stop there —Third Wave Coffee cafés will transform into fan zones, screening live matches, hosting giveaways, and building immersive experiences that make every RCB match a community event.

Speaking on this bold partnership, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, Cricket and coffee have a lot more in common than we think — both ignite passion, bring people together, and thrive on boldness. RCB and Third Wave Coffee are both deeply rooted in Bengaluru’s culture — where tradition meets innovation, and every day is an opportunity to brew bold and play bold. This partnership is as seamless as your favourite cup of coffee on a match day — one that feels just right. With #BrewBoldPlayBold, we’re thrilled to create memorable moments for fans through the season, where every sip and every cheer carries the same energy.”

Even off the field, coffee will fuel the bold — with a dedicated Third Wave Coffee pop-up café set up inside the RCB team room, serving handcrafted brews to players as they gear up for the game.

Echoing this excitement, Rajesh V Menon, COO, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, added, "At RCB, we are fueled by passion, dedication, and the strong bond we have built with our fans over the past 18 years. We are excited to partner with Third Wave Coffee, a brand that shares our community-driven values. Bengaluru is home to both of our brands, and this collaboration celebrates the vibrant culture of a city where cricket and coffee are a way of life.”

With #BrewBoldPlayBold as the heart of the partnership, this season is all about bringing together the worlds of coffee and cricket — two things that fuel millions every day. As RCB takes the field with fearless cricket, Third Wave Coffee will be brewing bold flavours, creating experiences that heighten the thrill of the game.

#BrewBoldPlayBold

Zoho's Ulaa Crowned Champion At The Indian Web Browser Development Challenge

Ulaa, Zoho's privacy centric home-grown browser, won the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC). This competition, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Government of India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, aimed to showcase excellence in indigenous browser development. The challenge, which began in August 2023, had a rigorous three-stage evaluation process: Ideation, Prototype, and Productisation. These phases allowed participants to refine their concepts and demonstrate the viability of their browser solutions against international standards.  

Ulaa stood out for its strong security features, such as CCA Root integration, digital signing, and machine learning-based phishing detection. The browser offers a robust ad-blocking system and customisable protection settings for a better online experience. With a 24-hour security patch policy and multi-lingual support, Ulaa is committed to providing advanced functionality and anticipating future browsing experiences.

“Competitions like IWBDC enable an environment for indigenous technology to prosper, where it’s not just about building technology, but about laying the foundation for technological self-reliance, and we are grateful for the recognition Ulaa has received in this respect,” said Mani Vembu, CEO, Zoho. "Ulaa redefines browsing by treating privacy as a fundamental right, not a business model—ensuring it remains free for all individuals while never monetising user data. On the enterprise front, Ulaa Enterprise empowers businesses with advanced security, productivity, and visibility tools that protect sensitive information and minimise risks. This balanced approach delivers value to organisations while setting a new industry benchmark for ethical, secure browsing that never compromises individual privacy."

BMW Group India Is The Luxury Mobility Partner At VIP Terminal Of Bengaluru International Airport

* VIP guests to be ushered in the first-ever BMW i7 and the all-electric MINI Countryman at Kempegowda International Airport.

The first-ever BMW i7 and the all-electric MINI Countryman are now official choice for all VIP movements at VIP Terminal, Kempegowda International Airport - Bengaluru. The flagship BMW and MINI cars will now be used by all dignitaries, leading businessmen and eminent personalities transiting through the VIP Terminal of Bengaluru International Airport.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, "At BMW Group India, we are committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility with innovation, luxury, and responsibility. The first-ever BMW i7 and the all-electric MINI Countryman, now the official choice for VIP movements at Kempegowda International Airport’s VIP Terminal, redefine premium travel with their unmatched elegance and zero-emission performance. As dignitaries, business leaders, and eminent personalities transit through Bengaluru, they will experience the epitome of electric luxury and cutting-edge technology, setting new benchmarks for responsible mobility in India."

BMW i7 is a true all-electric luxury sedan that clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. BMW’s flagship luxury sedan with its enhanced level of comfort and the unique in-car entertainment system takes a pioneering route to maximising wellbeing inside the car. The i7 offers all-electric innovation, visionary design, and powerful driving dynamics so that you can make a striking impression everywhere you go.

The all-electric MINI Countryman represents a significant step forward in MINI’s commitment to sustainability and innovative design. Combining the iconic MINI charm with cutting-edge electric technology, this model offers a spacious interior and versatile cargo space, making it perfect for urban adventures and weekend getaways alike. With its electric powertrain, the Countryman delivers instant torque and a smooth, quiet ride. It is equipped with advanced connectivity features and driver-assistance systems, ensuring a modern driving experience that aligns with the needs of eco-conscious consumers. As part of MINI's electrification strategy, the all-electric Countryman showcases the brand's dedication to creating fun, stylish, and environmentally friendly vehicles.

BMW Group India

With BMW, MINI and Motorrad, the BMW Group has its sight set firmly on the premium sector of the Indian automobile market. Along with cars and motorcycles, BMW Group's activities in India comprise of financial services for its premium clientele. BMW India and BMW India Financial Services are 100% subsidiaries of the BMW Group and are headquartered in Gurgaon (National Capital Region).

BMW India started operations in 2007. The wide range of its activities include a manufacturing plant in Chennai, a parts warehouse in Pune, a training centre in Gurgaon NCR and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country. BMW Group Plant Chennai locally produces 10 car models.

MINI has successfully established itself as a premium small car brand in India since its launch in January 2012.

BMW Motorrad officially started its operations as a part of the Indian subsidiary of BMW Group in April 2017.

With BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad, BMW Group India currently has over 80 touchpoints across the country.

BMW India Financial Services, a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), started operations in 2010. It operates with three business lines: Retail Finance, Commercial Finance and Insurance Solutions (as corporate agents). The services offered through BMW India Financial Services are significantly valuable to the premium clientele who require exclusive and flexible financial solutions.

wienerberger India Revolutionizes Façade Architecture With T-Brick: A Super Premium And Sustainable Building Solution

wienerberger India, a leading provider of green building materials has recently launched T-Brick, a façade tile system that redefines the future of modern brick architecture with a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality.

T-Brick Façade Tiles combine robust design, rich textures, with advanced dry cladding system to create a premium and sustainable brick architecture. With an extensive range of colors & finishes, architects and façade consultants can create visually stunning and impressive structures.

"T-Brick is a game-changer in the façade tiles industry," said Mr. Monnanda Appaiah, Managing Director, wienerberger India. "Its unique blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability makes it the perfect choice for premium and sustainable architecture."

T-Brick's innovative design provides a faster, cleaner, and more secure installation process, saving time and money for builders and developers. Its unmatched durability and weather resistance ensure that buildings adorned with T-Brick tiles retain their elegance for decades.

Key Features of T-Brick:

- Unique and sleek design with extensive range of finishes and colours

- Advanced dry cladding technology for faster, cleaner, and more secure installation

- Unmatched durability and weather resistance for long-lasting elegance

- Sustainable and eco-friendly, integrating seamlessly with green building practices

- Special designed installation board makes the system unique

- Ideal for premium projects, T-Brick can be used in few, exclusive places

"We are committed to providing sustainable and innovative building solutions," added Mr. Appaiah. "T-Brick is a testament to our dedication to excellence and our passion for revolutionizing the facade industry."

With T-Brick, wienerberger India aims to revolutionize the façade architecture industry with a luxurious and sustainable building solution. The company's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence makes T-Brick an ideal choice for architects, builders, and developers seeking to create iconic and eco-friendly structures.

About wienerberger India

wienerberger India provides innovative building solutions, focusing on environmental responsibility and sustainable development. With a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, wienerberger India strives to minimize its ecological footprint while promoting sustainable development.

For more information log on to : https://www.wienerberger.in/ 

Doctors At Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru Performs Asia’s First AI-Designed Intraocular Lens Implantation

·         Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and CMD of Nethradhama, became the first surgeon in Asia to carry out the procedure, which helps cataract and astigmatism patients achieve clear vision across all distances with reduced dependence on glasses.

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, a pioneering institution in eye care, has performed Asia’s first AI-designed intraocular lens implantation. Under the leadership of Professor Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman & Managing Director of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital and Founder Trustee of Shraddha Eye Care Trust, the hospital achieved this milestone, making him the first surgeon in Asia to carry out the procedure using Rayner RayOne Galaxy and Galaxy Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs).

“Our goal is always to provide the best solutions for our patients, and this innovation allows us to offer superior vision outcomes with minimal side effects,” said Dr. Sri Ganesh. “By leveraging AI-driven technology in intraocular lens design, we can achieve greater precision, enhanced customization, and improved patient satisfaction.”

This represents a notable advancement in AI-driven vision correction and a significant step forward in refractive cataract surgery, bringing us closer to more personalized vision solutions.

“The biggest challenge with previous IOLs has been balancing vision quality with night vision clarity,” explained Dr. Sri Ganesh. “This new lens overcomes this by using AI to optimize light distribution, giving patients an exceptional visual experience. It revolutionizes vision with its non-diffractive, AI-optimized spiral design, ensuring seamless clarity at all distances while enhancing contrast sensitivity. Unlike traditional trifocal lenses, it evenly distributes light across all focal points, reducing halos and glare for improved night vision. Its innovative optical structure enhances contrast even in low light, and the toric variant offers optimal rotational stability for precise astigmatic correction."

These lenses are specifically designed for patients with cataracts and astigmatism who seek reduced dependence—or complete independence—from glasses.

“For our patients, achieving true spectacle independence has always been a priority. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who require excellent vision across all distances while maintaining good night vision for driving and other low-light activities,” noted Dr. Sri Ganesh.

According to Dr. Sri Ganesh, the initial post-operative results have been extremely promising, with patients reporting excellent visual clarity within the first 24 hours. He added that long-term studies will continue to assess patient-reported experiences, particularly in real-world conditions like night driving and low-light environments.

Dr. Sri Ganesh is widely recognized for his expertise in high-risk surgeries, earning a stellar reputation in the field of advanced eye care. With an impeccable track record, he has performed over 100,000 Phaco surgeries and 50,000 Refractive surgeries, demonstrating exceptional surgical precision and innovation. His expertise is highly sought after on the global stage, serving on the advisory boards of leading companies such as Carl Zeiss Meditec Germany and J&J Vision USA. Beyond surgery, he has played a pivotal role in ophthalmic innovation, holding multiple patents for groundbreaking solutions that continue to shape the future of eye care.

To ensure an informed decision-making process, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital offers comprehensive counseling and visual simulation sessions for patients considering these AI-designed IOLs. These sessions allow patients to preview their expected vision outcomes, including night vision improvements.

“With AI-driven advancements like these, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in ophthalmology. Our mission at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital is to continually push the boundaries of innovation to provide our patients with the best possible visual outcomes. We are thrilled to bring this revolutionary technology to Asia and look forward to its impact on the future of vision correction,” added Dr. Sri Ganesh.

Under Dr. Sri Ganesh’s leadership, Nethradhama is committed to innovation and excellence, continuously integrating state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the best possible visual outcomes for patients. Through its dedication to research, training, and compassionate care, it has established itself as a trusted name in eye health, both in India and globally.

TKM Reaffirms Its Commitment To Environmental Stewardship And Sustainable Practices On World Forest Day And World Water Day 2025

As the world marks ‘World Forest Day’ and ‘World Water Day’, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) reaffirms its commitment to environmental conservation, embodying the global Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 (TEC 2050) consisting of six visionary challenges ‘Going Beyond Zero Environmental Impact and Achieving Net Positive Impact’, which includes minimising and optimising water usage as well Establishing a Future Society in Harmony with Nature.

Since its inception in 2015, Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 continues to guide the company’s sustainable initiatives, enabling positive contributions to the restoration of the earth’s ecosystem, by addressing pressing challenges such as carbon emissions, resource depletion, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss across its entire value chain. At the heart of TKM's commitment lies a profound philosophy of ‘Respect for the Planet’, that inspires the company’s efforts to minimize environmental impact while enriching ecosystems and local communities.

In this direction, recognizing water as an invaluable & shared resource, Toyota Kirloskar Motor at its plant facility follows a holistic ‘4R’ strategy—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recharge—to optimize water usage. An impressive 89.3% of TKM’s total water requirement for production is met through recycled water and rainwater harvesting. With rainwater harvesting ponds boasting a storage capacity of 51,000 cubic meters and 18 groundwater recharge pits, TKM consistently elevates groundwater levels within its premises annually. A state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant recycles up to 60% of effluent using advanced technologies like MBR & RO, which is then used for industrial and gardening purposes. Further, the groundwater level monitoring showcases clear benefits: pre-monsoon (May-June 2022) levels stood at 25.8 feet, improving significantly to 16.1 feet post-monsoon (November-December). These initiatives help position TKM toward becoming a Zero Liquid Discharge plant progressively moving towards water positivity.

Committed to biodiversity conservation, TKM actively champions extensive afforestation initiatives. Through the Toyota Greenwave Project, TKM has planted over 328,000 saplings across its premises since 2009, nurturing an ecosystem with more than 790 varieties of flora and 410 species of fauna. Following the Miyawaki concept of afforestation, TKM has achieved significant carbon sequestration—totalling 4,826.69 tons—with Miyawaki plantations sequestering 30.86 tons of carbon per acre as compared to 8.45 tons per acre for conventional plantation methods.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. B. Padmanabha, Executive Vice President & Director – Manufacturing at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “For us, sustainability is deeply woven into every aspect of our business. Over these 26 remarkable years of our successful operations in India, our journey has always been driven by a commitment to creating lasting value through innovation, corporate responsibility, and meaningful relationships with the communities. Guided by TEC 2050, we integrate pioneering sustainability practices not only in our plant operations but across the entire value chain, driving real change in the society. Our vision is clear—to create a future where sustainability and well-being thrive together, enriching lives, while protecting our planet.

We take pride in the impact we have made and remain committed to driving lasting, sustainable change. Our work continues, building a brighter, happier future for all.”

Central to TKM’s environmental and community outreach is the 25-acre Ecozone, a state-of-the-art experiential environmental learning hub established under the 'Today for Tomorrow' initiative. Since FY 2020, the Ecozone has been instrumental in conserving native biodiversity and serves as home to over 650 species, including endangered wildlife. This vibrant educational space has reached over 40,000 school children and various stakeholders, creating eco champions, fostering collective environmental responsibility and adopting sustainable practices towards nurturing mother earth.

Expanding community-driven sustainability efforts, TKM adopted the 3.4-acre Abbanakuppe Lake, significantly improving local environmental quality. An impact assessment conducted in FY 2023-24 highlighted remarkable community feedback: 90% noted better water quality, 87% reported increased bird sightings, 72% observed reduced garbage dumping, and 69% appreciated enhanced aesthetics and recreational spaces. Overall, 94% of community respondents expressed high satisfaction, recommending similar projects in the region. Approximately 8,000 residents from six surrounding villages currently benefit from this rejuvenation project.

TKM embraces sustainability as a collaborative endeavour, actively engaging with stakeholders—including community members, employees, suppliers, dealers, schoolteachers, and students. Since FY 2020, more than 250,000 saplings have been distributed within TKM premises, creating expansive green spaces covering over 100 acres.

Moving forward, TKM remains committed to sustainable innovations, strengthening community lives, and diligently preserving natural ecosystems—dedicated to leaving a legacy of environmental stewardship and holistic development for future generations.

Kotak Mutual Fund launches Choti SIP - A Small Way To Plan For Your Dreams

Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd (“KMAMC” / “Kotak Mutual Fund”) today announced the launch of the “Choti SIP” facility. Choti SIP will be available for all eligible schemes of Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund*. SEBI and AMFI recently introduced the Choti SIP (Small Ticket SIP), offering an excellent opportunity to bring more Indians into the wealth creation journey.

Nilesh Shah, Managing Director, KMAMC, said, “Only about 5.4 crore unique investors of India’s population are mutual fund investors—leaving a massive, untapped opportunity for penetration and bringing the Indian saver closer to financial freedom. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have been an excellent way to bring new investors and kick-start their mutual fund journey. With the launch of Choti SIP, a new investor can begin their wealth creation journey with a minimum amount of Rs. 250. We can call it ‘Choti Rakam – Bada Kadam’.”

This initiative enables new investors to invest via SIP with a minimum amount of Rs. 250. The rationale behind "Choti SIP" (small Systematic Investment Plan) is to make mutual fund investments more accessible to a wider audience, particularly first-time investors, by lowering the entry barrier. The investor must not have previously invested in mutual funds (SIP or Lumpsum) at the industry level. The investor must invest in the Growth Option and commit to a minimum of 60 instalments on a monthly basis. The payment of instalments should be made through NACH or UPI auto-pay only.

Investors should consult their financial experts and tax advisors if in doubt about whether the plan is suitable for them. Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited (KMAMC) does not guarantee or promise any returns/futuristic returns.

About Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co. Ltd.

Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited (KMAMC) - a wholly owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (Kotak), is the Asset Manager for Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund (KMF). KMAMC started operations in December 1998 and as of 31st December 2024, has over 70.43 Lakh unique folios in various schemes. KMF offers schemes catering to investors with varying risk - return profiles and was the first fund house in the country to launch a dedicated gilt scheme investing only in government securities. The company is present in 96 cities and has 104 branches as of 31st December 2024.

*Please refer the addendum on our website for complete list of eligible schemes & detailed key features.

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://www.kotakmf.com