M3M Foundation has completed the plantation of 1,700 trees across Gurugram under its ongoing ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, transforming India’s para-sport achievements into a lasting environmental legacy. 

M3M Foundation’s plantation drive across Gurugram

Of these, 700 trees have been planted in honour of seven Commonwealth Games 2026 para medallists, with 100 trees dedicated to each athlete, while another 1,000 trees have been planted in honour of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

This special tribute forms part of M3M Foundation’s larger monsoon commitment to plant over 1 lakh trees across 11 Panchayats in Gurugram and Tauru Block. Through this community-led campaign, the Foundation aims to strengthen green cover while taking the message of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ to villages, schools and local communities—encouraging collective responsibility towards a greener and more sustainable future.

The initiative reflects the vision of Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India and Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, to take the celebration of para-sport beyond the podium and create meaningful community impact. By connecting sporting excellence with environmental action, the initiative seeks to turn moments of national pride into a legacy that continues to grow.

The seven athletes honoured are Sharmila Dhankar, Shilpa Shyla, Jhandu Kumar, Soman Rana, Shubham Juyal, Dilip Manadu Gavit and Mohammed Basil. The 100-tree tributes have been planted in Kadarpur, Ullawas, Ghata, Shikhopur, Ramgarh, Jhund Sarai and Bajghera, respectively. Sharmila Dhankar won Gold in Women’s Shot Put F57; Shilpa Shyla won Bronze in Women’s Shot Put F57; Jhandu Kumar secured Bronze in Para Powerlifting; Soman Rana won Gold in Men’s F57 Shot Put; Shubham Juyal won Silver in Men’s F57 Shot Put; Dilip Manadu Gavit secured Gold in the Men’s 100m T47; and Mohammed Basil won Silver in the Men’s 100m T47.

The plantations saw participation from Sarpanches and local leaders, government officials, government school students and teachers, Gaushala pandits, grassroots athletes and community members. Their participation transformed the drive into a collective celebration of India’s para champions while creating shared responsibility towards the environment.

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India and Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Our para athletes have shown the nation that determination can overcome barriers and create extraordinary possibilities. Their Commonwealth Games achievements are moments of immense pride, but their journeys carry a message that reaches far beyond sport.”

“My vision is to ensure that the achievements of our para athletes inspire greater inclusion, participation and possibility across society. By planting 100 trees in honour of each of our seven medallists, along with 1,000 trees in honour of PCI, we are taking their stories beyond the podium and creating a living legacy within communities.”

“As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, progress must be inclusive and sustainable. ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ gives us an opportunity to turn that vision into action—celebrating those who inspire the nation while creating something meaningful for future generations.”

As India moves towards the centenary of its Independence, nation-building is also about the legacy we leave behind. These 1,700 trees bring together sporting excellence, inclusion, community participation and environmental responsibility—honouring the India we are today while contributing to the India we aspire to build by 2047.

M3M Foundation will continue to expand this vision through initiatives that connect sport, inclusion, environmental action and community development, ensuring that achievements continue to inspire meaningful action on the ground.

Because a medal celebrates a moment. A tree keeps the legacy growing.
 
About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Medusa Beverages, has announced its entry into New Zealand starting in August. This marks the next phase of its international expansion following its earlier foray into the GCC region this year. The company will roll out its portfolio through strategic distribution partnerships starting from Auckland, Queensland, Tauranga and Wellington, as part of its broader strategy of building a globally recognised Indian brand.

Amardeep Singh, Executive director, Medusa Beverages

As part of its New Zealand expansion strategy, Medusa is targeting 10,000 cases sold in its first year of operations. The company also plans to expand its presence to 1,000 stores nationwide. Through a phased market-entry approach focused on distribution partnerships, retail visibility and consumer engagement, Medusa aims to steadily build brand awareness and establish itself within New Zealand’s premium segment. The company is committed to its long-term growth in the market and its ambition to emerge as a leading international brand originating from India.

New Zealand’s brewing industry contributes NZD 3.58 billion to the country’s annual GDP, underlining the scale and maturity of its culture. Within this, premium segment is most closely associated with international brands and has seen a 15 percent rise in popularity even as overall consumption patterns shift toward more selective, quality-driven drinking. This growing appetite for premium choices makes New Zealand a strategically well-timed entry point for Medusa as it looks to build long-term brand equity beyond India.

Speaking on the announcement, Amardeep Singh, Executive Director, Medusa Beverages, said, “New Zealand is a natural next step in our international growth journey. It is a market where consumers have a deep appreciation for quality lagers and are open to discovering new brands. We are entering with a focused strategy, building through retail channels first, while establishing a strong distribution network and earning consumer trust. India continues to be our largest market and the foundation of our global ambitions, and every international market we enter is an opportunity to take an Indian brand to a wider audience.”

As part of this launch, Medusa Beverages will introduce its portfolio through bottle stores, off licences and retail outlets including supermarkets across New Zealand. The company will also be entering the on-premises or HORECA segment, with its go-to-market strategy spanning both off-premise retail channels as well as on-premise outlets. 

For years, luxury housing in NCR was largely defined by scale, specifications and exclusivity. That definition is now changing. As for today’s affluent homebuyer, the value of a luxury residence increasingly extends beyond the four walls of the home to encompass wellness, convenience, connectivity, design and community.

NCR’s luxury housing market evolves towards wellness, connectivity, convenience and quality of life

The changing definition comes amid strong momentum in NCR’s residential market, where expanding supply and rising values are reshaping the luxury housing market. According to JLL’s Residential Dynamics Report for Q1 2026, Delhi-NCR recorded 13,631 new residential launches, registering a 64% year-on-year increase. The region was also among the markets that recorded annual price growth of more than 12% during the quarter.

Behind this momentum is a buyer whose expectations are becoming more sophisticated. Greater exposure to international standards of living, higher purchasing power and increasing attention to personal well-being are influencing buyers’ purchase decisions. The emphasis is consequently moving towards elements that shape everyday routines, from landscaped surroundings and wellness and fitness facilities to recreational spaces, smart-home features and carefully planned common areas. Access to retail, healthcare, education, workplaces and entertainment is becoming equally relevant, as convenience increasingly forms part of the value proposition.

This shift in expectations is prompting a corresponding change in residential planning. Developers are moving towards communities where architecture, open spaces, amenities and social infrastructure are considered together, rather than being treated as individual features. According to Cushman & Wakefield, 8,793 residential launches were recorded across NCR in Q2 2026, taking H1 2026 launches to approximately 18,470 units. Additionally, Gurugram accounted for 73% of Q2 supply, while Noida and Greater Noida continued to contribute 20% and 6%, respectively. Also, Noida Extension alone accounted for 15%.

Within this expanding landscape, Gurugram continues to represent NCR’s established high-end residential market, while Noida is developing a distinct position as newer luxury residential corridors emerge. The city’s improving connectivity, growing commercial ecosystem and expanding social infrastructure are supporting this evolution. The trend is evident in Noida’s progressing appeal as a luxury residential destination, with the city increasingly drawing demand on the strength of its expanding infrastructure, connectivity and lifestyle ecosystem.

Alongside this, the wider Noida-Ghaziabad belt is also gaining relevance as emerging micro-markets mature. As infrastructure improves and residential clusters become more established, the surrounding ecosystem is becoming an important part of the purchase proposition. More importantly, proximity to employment hubs, retail, education, healthcare, leisure and transportation can influence residential choices alongside the characteristics of the home itself. As these micro-markets develop, their growing connectivity to employment centres and expanding social and commercial infrastructure could further strengthen their appeal to affluent homebuyers seeking a more integrated lifestyle. This is creating greater scope for developments that bring multiple aspects of urban living together within a well-planned community.

As expectations change, so too is the way residential communities are being conceived. Developers such as Prateek Group, County Group , Gulshan Group and Gaurs Group are responding with projects that place greater emphasis on design, open spaces, lifestyle amenities and community-oriented planning. Prateek Group’s growing portfolio, including Prateek Grand Begonia and Prateek Canary located in Siddharth Vihar and Sec-150, Noida respectively, indicates this broader industry movement towards more integrated residential environments. Prateek Grand Begonia combines distinctive architectural character with contemporary comforts, while Prateek Canary in Noida’s Sector 150 places greater emphasis on greenery, wellness and thoughtfully planned spaces. Together, these developments illustrate how the focus is extending beyond the individual residence to the everyday needs and aspirations of residents, with the quality of the overall living experience becoming an increasingly important dimension of luxury. The market insiders anticipate something exciting coming up soon in Noida’s residential segment, raising the luxury living standards and bar high.

NCR’s luxury housing story is moving beyond the traditional equation of space, specifications and status. The market is increasingly rewarding developments that bring together design, wellness, convenience, connectivity and community in a more cohesive manner. For Noida and its surrounding growth corridors, this evolution could create a new standard for quality of life and further diversify the meaning of luxury across NCR.

Landmark Group, a prominent real estate developer in Delhi-NCR, has announced the appointment of seasoned industry veteran Mr. Pankaj Pal as its Management Advisor. In this strategic role, Mr. Pal will work closely with the executive leadership to guide the group’s overarching business growth, project conceptualization, project funding frameworks, brand management, and comprehensive sales and revenue strategies across its commercial and residential portfolio.
 

Landmark Group appoints industry veteran Pankaj Pal as Management Advisor to drive strategic growth and expansion
 

An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur with a degree in Architecture & Planning and a postgraduate diploma in Marketing from AIMA, Mr. Pal brings over three decades of rich, multifaceted leadership experience across the Indian real estate landscape. Over his career, he has spearheaded large-scale developments, corporate finance, and business expansion across marquee developers, having held senior leadership roles including Managing Director at Whiteland Corporation, Group Executive Director at AIPL, Chief Sales Officer at M3M India and Ireo, and Executive Director of Sales & Corporate Finance at Vatika Group. Having previously served Landmark Group as Executive Director, his return in an advisory capacity brings strong institutional knowledge and strategic vision to drive the group’s ongoing and upcoming projects.
 

Welcoming him to the organization, Mr. Sandeep Chhillar, Founder and Chairman, Landmark Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Pankaj Pal back to the Landmark family in an advisory role. His deep-rooted expertise across architectural planning, capital strategy, and large-scale execution aligns seamlessly with our vision for the next chapter of growth. As we scale our footprint across prime micro-markets in Delhi-NCR, Mr. Pal’s strategic insights will be instrumental in elevating our project benchmarks, enhancing stakeholder value, and delivering exceptional quality to our customers.”
 

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Pankaj Pal, Management Advisor, Landmark Group, said, “I am excited to advise Landmark Group at such a transformative stage of its growth trajectory. The Indian real estate sector is witnessing robust momentum that demands a balance of architectural innovation, financial discipline, and client-centric execution. Having been associated with the group earlier, I look forward to collaborating closely with Mr. Sandeep Chhillar and the leadership team to streamline strategic initiatives, strengthen brand presence, and maximize revenue across Landmark’s dynamic development portfolio.”

About Company
Landmark Group, an NCR-based real estate company, is driven by our company mission of being a trusted leader of Indian realty. Through the creation of aesthetically pleasing residences, dynamic workplace hubs, and vibrant shopping destinations, we are dedicated to making a constructive impact on our urban landscapes and the communities within them.

Ai+ Smartphone today announced the rollout of Nova_2_Ultra_SW_V10 (build Nova_2_Ultra_SW_V10_20260823) for the Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra, focused on enhancing camera stability, connectivity, and the overall system experience. The update is part of Ai+ Smartphone’s ongoing effort to refine the user experience through continuous software optimisation and feedback-led improvements.

Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra gets a new software update, bringing enhancements across camera experience, performance and security

Key Updates

1. Refined Bokeh Algorithm for Natural Portraits — The Nova 2 Ultra’s camera algorithm has been optimised for smoother, more natural background blur, helping deliver a more refined portrait photography experience. The update also addresses an intermittent connectivity-loss issue that could occur when triggering the bokeh blur algorithm, making the experience more consistent.

2. Enhanced Fluidity Across the UI — Optimisations to scrolling, app animations, app switching and system navigation deliver a smoother and more responsive interaction experience across the device.

3. August Security Patch & Stability Improvements — The update includes the latest August security patch, along with fixes for app crashes, unresponsiveness and other stability issues, supporting a more reliable overall experience.

With this update, Ai+ continues to invest in the software experience of its flagship device, refining camera performance, system fluidity and reliability through ongoing updates. The update is rolling out to Nova 2 Ultra users starting today and can be downloaded via Settings > System > Software Update > Check for Updates.

About Ai+ Smartphone

Ai+ Smartphone is an Indian technology brand delivering high-performance, accessible mobile experiences powered by NxtQuantum OS — India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. By combining clean design, long battery life and privacy-first software across its smartphone and Connected AIoT ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is establishing a new standard for trust, performance and user-owned technology.

Dilmah, the globally acclaimed pioneer of Single Origin Ceylon Tea, has announced the launch of its Thambapanni Luxury Collection. The ultra premium teas are crafted exclusively for India, and presented by Dilhan C. Fernando and son Amrit in a series of invite-only events across Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. Created for luxury hospitality in India, the collection brings Dilmah’s distinctiveness as growers with uncompromising commitment to purity, provenance, taste and goodness and their philosophy of ethical business to discerning consumers in the country.

Dilhan C Fernando (Dilmah Chairman) & Amrit Fernando (Dilmah Generation 3)

The launch is a significant milestone in Dilmah’s renewed focus on India, with Thambapanni being introduced through a curated and hospitality-led distribution model. The collection will be available through select luxury hotels, speciality cafes and fine dining restaurants. Fresh & Honest is Dilmah’s distribution partner in India.

With a presence across 105+ countries globally, Dilmah has built its reputation on offering the finest teas and designing extraordinary tea inspired hospitality experiences while remaining deeply connected to its values as a family business. Founded by the late Merrill J. Fernando in 1985, the company pioneered the concept of Single Origin Tea. Dilmah was the world’s first producer-owned tea brand. From growing and handpicking to manufacturing and packing it at source, Dilmah crafts tea, and since 2001 also grows Ceylon Cinnamon, upholding its commitment to quality, authenticity and freshness.

Dilmah Thambapanni Luxury Collection

Emphasizing the ancient connection between India and Sri Lanka, the teas are named Thambapanni, the name Prince Vijaya and his followers gave Sri Lanka when he arrived on the island in 543 BC. Touching the earth near Mannar, their hands were covered with the ochre coloured soil, hence Thambapanni – copper coloured palms. The collection was developed over 12 months of rigorous tasting and refinement. The teas and infusions are designed to offer a distinctively Dilmah experience rooted in provenance and respect for each of the tea, spice and herb ingredients.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman of Dilmah, said, “There is a revolution happening in India – the food culture is transformed by a new generation that demands purity, sustainability, authenticity, wellness, heritage and indulgence. Tea has all that and more. Our proposition for India is conditioned by my family’s uncompromising commitment to the culture, art and science of teamaking, and our emphasis on tea inspired innovation and wellness. These are all framed in Thambapanni, the ancient connection between India and Sri Lanka,. We created these teas exclusively for India. Each ingredient is perfected by us and made in India; it is an invitation to Indian consumers to experience tea differently and to appreciate the provenance, indulgence and kindness in every cup.”

The company’s vision begins, ‘Every cup of Dilmah is an act of kindness — and defiance. Merrill J. Fernando built our company on a refusal to accept commoditisation, compromise, or indifference to the people who grow the world’s food. That is our inheritance and our promise.’ The launch of Thambapanni represents the expression of that philosophy in a country whose tea industry struggles that the same challenges as Sri Lanka, as much as it is presents the passion of a family of teamakers.

At the heart of Dilmah is its Founder’s philosophy of business serving humanity – expressed in kindness to people and nature. Now stewarded by Merrill J. Fernando’s 2nd and 3rd generations, Dilmah dedicates 15% of pre-tax profits to directly impacting people and nature, through the work of the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. 

Thambapanni is key to the brand’s ambition to elevate the appreciation of fine teas, their sensory and functional attributes, their interaction with fine food and drink. With this suggestion, framed in family values, Dilmah brings the company’s experience of four decades with luxury hospitality around the world to India. Dilmah aims to build a deeper connection with India’s evolving tea culture while staying true to the philosophy, integrity and purpose that have shaped the brand.

About Dilmah
Sri Lankan family tea company Dilmah, founded by Merrill J. Fernando, the world’s most experienced teamaker, has championed quality, authenticity and variety in tea. Dilmah pioneered the concept of Single Origin Tea in 1985 when the family company went against industry trends to declare its commitment to authenticity. Garden fresh, unblended tea is a hallmark of Dilmah and offers a unique taste of unblended Ceylon tea packed at source – where it is grown.

Dilmah takes the lead in bringing innovation to a global tea category that has suffered decline as a result of commoditisation. Signature events such as the Chefs & the Teamaker and Real High Tea are innovations that seek to educate and inspire hospitality professionals to offer their guests a completely new tea experience. The events foster greater respect for this healthy, natural and versatile beverage. 

The Dilmah School of Tea seeks to inspire passion in tea through knowledge of the artisanal aspects of tea amongst hospitality professionals, tea aficionados and consumers. The emphasis is on the importance of Real Tea and the versatility of this natural herb in Tea Gastronomy, food pairing and Tea Mixology. www.schooloftea.org.

Dilmah is Ethical Tea, in that all packaging profits are retained in Sri Lanka and fund the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation.

Ahead of the sale of its first smartphones, boltt, the homegrown smartphone brand from the house of Fire-Boltt, is reinforcing its commitment to customers with 250+ service centres across India from Day One. The initiative is aimed at giving consumers greater confidence in their purchase, with accessible repair and warranty support backed by Fire-Boltt’s established service infrastructure.

boltt service centres

The service network spans key markets across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna and Guwahati, alongside several other cities. Customers can walk into their nearest service centre with their device and purchase invoice for repair and warranty assistance, including component-level repairs, replacements and software diagnosis and resolution, in accordance with applicable warranty terms.

As boltt scales its smartphone business, the brand is also working towards expanding its service network to 350–400 centres across India within the next 6–8 months, giving customers greater choice and convenience when seeking support. The brand is also working towards introducing doorstep service in the future, further enhancing convenience throughout the ownership journey.

Complementing the physical service network is Boltt Care, a dedicated support platform built directly into every boltt smartphone. Customers can raise service requests through the device and connect with boltt’s backend support team and live agents, providing a direct channel for assistance. Dedicated support is also available through email, WhatsApp and phone, giving customers multiple ways to reach the brand when they need help.

Commenting on the company’s approach to customer support, Arnav Kishore, Founder & CEO, boltt, said, “At boltt, we believe our relationship with customers begins with the purchase and continues throughout the ownership journey. As we enter the smartphone category with the Evo and Ace 5G, our focus is on building trust through accessible, responsive and accountable support. We are building boltt for the long term, and we are committed to standing firmly behind every device we sell.”

The service infrastructure forms an important part of boltt’s consumer-first approach as the brand establishes itself in India’s smartphone market. By leveraging Fire-Boltt’s existing network and expanding its service footprint, boltt aims to ensure that customers have access to reliable support as its smartphone user base grows, reinforcing trust well beyond the point of purchase.

To locate nearby service centers: www.boltt.com/pages/boltt-service-centers.pdf.

For Support & Warranty guidelines: www.boltt.com/pages/boltt-warranty-policy.pdf 

About boltt
boltt is a homegrown smartphone brand from the house of Fire-Boltt, built on the trust of over 4 crore users. Created for India’s evolving digital lifestyle, the brand brings together deep consumer insight and a consumer-first approach to design and innovation. boltt is focused on delivering dependable, relevant smartphone experiences tailored for modern India.

About Fire-Boltt
Fire-Boltt is India’s No. 1 smartwatch brand and one of the country’s leading homegrown consumer technology companies. With a growing ecosystem of connected devices and more than 4 crore users, Fire-Boltt is committed to creating innovative technology products that are accessible, relevant, and designed for Indian consumers.

Krisala Developers, one of the leading real estate developers in Pune and PCMC, is set to welcome a significant cultural and spiritual landmark next to its flagship Land of Dreams township, with a Swaminarayan Temple proposed across approximately 1.5 acres. The proposed temple is expected to be the first Swaminarayan temple in Pune to be situated in such close proximity to a large residential development.

Artist’s impression of the grand entrance to Krisala’s Land of Dreams, showcasing its distinctive architectural design and landscaped surroundings

Located in the Vadgaon-Lonavala Growth Corridor, one of Pune’s fastest-emerging residential and infrastructure belts, Krisala Land of Dreams is part of a rapidly evolving micro-market witnessing increasing residential activity and infrastructure development. The proposed temple is expected to add a distinctive spiritual and cultural dimension to the corridor, complementing its growing residential ecosystem and contributing to the emergence of a more integrated community destination.

Mr. Aakash Agarwal, Managing Director, Krisala Developers said, “For families living at Land of Dreams, having a Swaminarayan Temple within the township adds something that cannot be created through residential amenities alone. It gives residents a place of faith that is close to home, where they can attend prayers, celebrate festivals and take part in community and cultural activities without having to travel far. We see this as an important addition to the everyday experience of living at Krisala Land of Dreams, particularly for families who value having these traditions and community spaces within easy reach.”

The temple is currently in its planning and development phase, with construction timelines to be confirmed by the temple trust in due course. Once complete, it is expected to host regular religious observances, cultural programmes, and community events, adding to the corridor’s evolving social infrastructure.

With Pune’s western and southwestern growth corridors witnessing sustained residential demand, the addition of institutions such as this temple is expected to further validate the long-term destination value of the Vadgaon-Lonavala belt — reinforcing its shift from a peripheral location to a self-sufficient, well-rounded micro-market.

About Krisala Developers

Krisala Developers is a Pune-based real estate developer with over 14 years of experience across residential, commercial, plotted and integrated developments. Driven by its philosophy of “Innovating Lifespaces,” Krisala combines customer insight, thoughtful design, technology and execution to create spaces that respond to evolving lifestyles and aspirations. The company has delivered 20+ projects and homes to 9,000+ families, with over 2.5 million sq. ft. developed and 10.5 million sq. ft. under development. From pioneering formats such as the +0.25 BHK to developing large-scale, lifestyle-led communities, Krisala continues to focus on innovation, quality, transparency and customer-centric development. The company is expanding its presence across emerging growth corridors, with a growing portfolio spanning residential, commercial and integrated developments.