Ekart, one of Indias leading 4PL supply chain companies, has partnered with IKEA to power last-mile deliveries for its home furnishings business, enabling seamless doorstep fulfillment of orders placed on IKEA’s website.

Ekart and IKEA announce a partnership to power seamless, sustainable last-mile deliveries for home furnishings in India, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency

As part of this collaboration, Ekart will play a crucial role in executing the optimized fulfillment of large parcels across IKEA’s extensive catalog of over 7,000+ products, including furniture, home dcor, and household essentials, across North India. Ekarts robust logistics capabilities will enable IKEA to fulfill most customer orders within 24 hours, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence. With a relentless focus on precision, Ekart consistently delivers streamlined logistics at scale, achieving an industry-leading 99%+ success rate in pre-paid shipments – setting new benchmarks in reliability and customer satisfaction.

Ekart will facilitate deliveries through IKEA India’s recently launched fulfillment hub in Delhi-NCR, leveraging high-performance logistics solutions. The integration of real-time tracking will further ensure seamless deliveries and provide customers with enhanced visibility. With sustainability at the core of this partnership, Ekart will leverage its fleet of electric vehicles to align with IKEA’s commitment to eco-friendly logistics.

Mani Bhushan, Chief Business Officer, Ekart, said, “This partnership is a testament to Ekart’s ability to offer enterprise grade supply chain solutions to large retail brands. IKEA’s vision is to create a better everyday life for many people, and Ekart is proud to be an enabler in this mission. For us, it has been about shared values of transparency and sustainability in the supply chain with an uncompromising commitment to customer delight and reliability. Through this collaboration, we will continue to unlock the world-class customer experience that IKEA is known for. IKEA satisfies its customers through a philosophy of close listening, engagement and support, and it matches well with Ekart’s mantra of reliability, response, and resolution. We look forward to delighting customers with this partnership.”

Saiba Suri, Country Customer Fulfilment Manager, IKEA India, said, “EV-led deliveries are at the heart of our expansion in the north of India. This move also brings us closer to our global EV100 goals. We are glad to extend this partnership with Ekart in our new market and look forward to powering IKEA India’s expansion story with greater efficiency and sustainable means as we grow together.”

Ekart powers end-to-end logistics for 400+ retail brands, offering last-mile delivery, part-truckload (PTL), full-truckload (FTL), warehousing, and industry-first innovations like Open Box Delivery and product refurbishing for seamless, transparent operations. By bringing together IKEA’s world-class retail experience and Ekart’s robust logistics network, the collaboration aims to redefine home furnishing deliveries in India, making them faster, greener, and more customer-centric.

About Ekart
Ekart is one of the largest Supply Chain companies in India. Starting out in 2009 with an aim to fulfill the supply chain requirements of customers across India, Ekart today provides 4PL services to many small and large-scale businesses across the country. It provides integrated supply chain solutions encompassing warehousing, distribution, dropship, as well as multi-modal heavy/non-unitized inventory movements to customers across industries. With state-of-the-art grade A warehouses across 20+ locations, 7000+ trucks running daily across the length and breadth of the country, Ekart delivers across 15,000 pin codes.

Ekart strives to empower every Indian’s dream by delivering value through Innovation in Technology and Commerce.

For more details please visit the website here.

With technology advancing quickly, people want more than just what meets the eye. They want the best of both worlds without compromise – sustainability, durability, and top-notch quality all rolled into one. Polycarbonate sheet are now one of the top choices for construction and design for their perfect feature mix of strength, clarity, and flexibility to meet todays needs.

Bringing the Best in Polycarbonate Sheet Solutions, Sri Ramana Leads the Way

Leveraging such advantages, Sri Ramana Enterprises has come up as one of the premier providers of high-end LEXAN™ polycarbonate solutions. Their sheets, made of the perfect blend of durability, versatility, and design innovation, have made their mark across India, operating in cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Vizag.

As the cornerstone of Sri Ramana Enterprises product line, LEXAN polycarbonate sheets are well known for their superior impact resistance, optical clarity, and versatility. From building construction and architecture to automotive and aerospace sectors, LEXAN sheets have made themselves the premium standard, better than glass and acrylic materials in wide-ranging critical applications for various industries.

Sri Ramana Enterprises caters to a wide range of industries, each taking advantage of the unique properties of LEXAN™ polycarbonate sheets. In the construction and architecture fields, these sheets are valued for their strength and flexibility, which enable the creation of curved roof structures and intricate glazing without compromising on safety and durability. Automotive industries benefit from the light nature of LEXAN, giving the vehicle parts a critical impact resistance whether it comes to headlights, taillights or roof panels. Agriculture also benefits due to the high light transmission feature and UV protection provided by sheets that protect greenhouses with perfect plant growth conditions. Besides that, these sheets are also used in the electronics and medical device industries due to their high thermal resistance and clarity, which is essential for protective coverings and sensitive equipment housings.

The commitment of Sri Ramana Enterprises to quality and innovation has made it the preferred provider for polycarbonate solutions. It provides the best in the market by ensuring its LEXAN™ sheets keep up with international stringent, developed safety and performance standards. Its proactive approach to customer service involves thorough consultation and bespoke solutions to ensure that every client receives products perfectly tailored to meet their specific needs. This customer-centric approach, combined with continuous investment in technology and sustainability, positions Sri Ramana not just as a supplier but as a reliable and forward-thinking partner for diverse industries looking for top-tier polycarbonate solutions.

LEXAN™ polycarbonate sheets have transformed the way industries approach material usage in design and functionality. Theyre lightweight but rigid, making installation easier and able to handle harsh conditions while prioritising safety. These sheets can be shaped and moulded to fit creative architectural designs without losing strength, plus they offer excellent thermal insulation-perfect for skylights, roofs, and wall panels.

With over a decade of industry experience, Sri Ramana Enterprises has become a trusted name in the polycarbonate sheet market. By continuously delivering high-performance, eco-friendly recyclable products that reduce environmental impact, Sri Ramana continues to meet the changing needs of todays industries, staying ahead as a market leader.

• The Airbnb Community Fund will distribute $100 million to communities by the end of 2030.

• In the Fund’s fourth year, over 160 organizations across 30+countries will receive donations totaling more than $8.5 million USD.

• Four Indian nonprofits organizations will receive the Airbnb Community Fund.

• Recipients include nonprofits working to make a difference in economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and ending abuse and exploitation.

Airbnb is proud to announce the latest recipients of Airbnb Community Fund grants, including four organizations in India that are making a profound difference across various sectors.

Airbnbs $8.5 Million Community Fund Boosts Local Organizations in India and Beyond

Launched in 2020, the Airbnb Community Fund is a $100 million initiative to directly support local communities and the people who live there. Each year, Airbnb donates to organizations that are supporting and strengthening communities around the world, including donations made in partnership with local hosts in many of these communities.

Each year, Airbnb partners with hosts to identify important issues and many of the non-profit organizations to receive donations. Airbnb hosts are deeply connected to their communities and by involving them in this process, Airbnb aims for the Fund to drive meaningful local impact. As in previous years, hosts helped direct a majority of the donations.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Head, Airbnb India and Southeast Asia, said, “At Airbnb, we believe in the power of community, and we are thrilled to support organizations across India that are working towards creating a lasting positive change. This year’s grants are a testament to our commitment to empowering local nonprofits that are driving impactful initiatives in critical areas like waste management, education, and womens empowerment. The Airbnb Community Fund is not just about financial support; it’s about amplifying the efforts of organizations that make a real difference in peoples lives.”

Airbnb Community Fund Recipients in India
This year’s Community Fund grants were directed to organizations focusing on three key areas identified by the Airbnb Host Advisory Board: economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and ending abuse and exploitation.

The nonprofits receiving donations in India are:

• Waste Warriors to create awareness around responsible waste management in the Indian Himalayan Region.

• Maher Ashram to support the shelter and care of destitute elderly women at the Sukhsandhya Home located at Maher Vatsalyadham Centre in Pune.

• Pratham to provide quality education to young people, primarily women and girls, in the underserved communities across India and beyond.

• Concern India Foundation to support higher and professional education for underprivileged youth across India.

Etosha Chatterjee, Director, Programs for Waste Warriors, shared, “The multi-year support from Airbnb Community Fund will continue to play a key role in helping us strengthen waste management systems in the Indian Himalayas. Our focus is on empowering local communities, especially women, and creating sustainable solutions. The Fund will allow us to expand our work and drive long-term change.”

Keshav Aggarwal, a member of the Airbnb Host Advisory Board, shared, “The people at Maher Ashram are natural hosts, welcoming everyone with warmth and compassion. Their inclusivity inspires us to bring the Airbnb host community closer to their mission. We’re excited to organize host meetups at Maher Ashram, focusing on volunteering and cultural immersion, which will help Airbnb hosts contribute meaningfully and build deeper connections with the incredible individuals at Maher Ashram.”

The Airbnb Community Fund in action
To date, the Airbnb Community Fund has distributed more than $36 million to organizations in nearly 70 countries, with hosts providing input each year. To learn more about the Airbnb Community Fund, please visit the website.

This year’s Airbnb Community Fund grants were distributed from July 2024 through early 2025. Airbnb works with grantmaking partners to support due diligence and facilitate payment to many nonprofit grantees.

About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

Simta Astrix excelled in redefining designs with its innovative building materials ranging from uPVC windows and doors, ABS doors, steel doors, system aluminium, and modular interior solutions at two prestigious expos-ACETECH in Bengaluru on October 18th-20th, 2024, and the Zak Doors & Windows Expo in New Delhi on December 5th-7th, 2024. As a renowned manufacturer of uPVC windows and doors, Simta Astrix brings the best to the market. They made their mark with high-quality products and launched their new line of modular uPVC interiors during these events. The design and setup of Simta Astrixs exhibition areas received much praise as attendees showed their love for how the quality and benefits of their products are showcased, and it made a focal point for many.

Simta Astrix Presents Innovative Architectural and Interior Products at ACETECH and Zak Expo

ACETECH is a premier platform with more than 4,000 exhibitors, attracting 8 Lakh plus visitors at their Bengaluru Expo. Among the array of displays, Simta Astrix stood out with its distinctive product line and also, notably, their introduction of uPVC modular kitchens, wardrobes, and TV units attracted an exciting response from architects, engineers, builders and developers alike. They received positive responses, with attendees browsing the brands standout qualities, such as the durability and sturdiness of the frame, the lightweight design making the function smooth at ease, and their sleek aesthetics making the headlines at the event.

At the Zak Doors & Windows Expo, Simta Astrix once again presented their versatile range. This Expo, featuring 256 exhibitors and with over 30,000 registered attendees interested in the latest fenestration solutions for windows and doors, draws a specialized audience of fabricators, builders, designers and more. It proved to be the perfect venue for Simta Astrixs appealing offers and contribution to the construction industry.

Visitors at the Simta Astrix booths were especially impressed with the uPVC modular interior solutions, praising them as better alternatives for conventional wood interiors. They garnered significant attention with advantages like water resistance, lightweight, and durability. The attendees also appreciated the modern and elegant aluminium systems, crediting their slim interlocks and concealed fittings as standout features.

Simtas presence at ACETECH and Zak Expo was a phenomenal success. With invaluable feedback from the industrys best, ranging from individual clients to large-scale builders, these platforms allowed them to demonstrate their commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

Simta Astrix continues to expand its footprint in the market. The success at ACETECH and Zak Doors & Windows Expo has cemented Simta Astrixs reputation as a trusted provider of top-notch, durable, and aesthetically pleasing building solutions. This recognition sets them apart and positions them as top choices for fabricators, architects, builders and developers seeking the best.

ASICS, the Japanese sportswear brand, today launched the limited-edition merchandise collection as the official sports good partner, inspired by the tranquility and sweeping vistas of the Nandi Hills for the World Athletic Gold Label Race TCS World 10K Bengaluru. The limited-edition merchandise was launched digitally, unveiling the official race day look for the upcoming race scheduled on Sunday, April 27th, 2025. This exclusive collection is now available on ASICS website and across stores.

ASICS x TCS World 10K Bengaluru Raced Day Merchandise

The limited-edition collection of Tata Consultancy Services World 10K 2025 Bengaluru run showcases Nandi Hills, standing as a majestic testament to nature’s beauty and the city’s spirit of adventure. With its panoramic views, mist-covered peaks, invigorating sunrises and verdant landscapes, it has long been a destination for those who lace up their shoes as these hills embodies the true essence of endurance, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness. The official race day collection reflects the same vibrant color palette featuring Arctic Sky and Vapor hues, offering the perfect synergy between performance and nature-where each stride taken, whether on the hills or the streets of Bengaluru, echoes the power of perseverance and achievement.

The race day Graphic Tee offers both function and style, crafted from 100% polyester interlock fabric that ensures lightweight breathability and sweat-wicking performance ensuring comfort and ease throughout their run. The unique design elements symbolize the ethereal experience of Nandi Hills, inspiring runners to embrace the freedom of movement and the serenity of nature.

The highlight of the collection is the Novablast 5 Limited-Edition Running Shoes featuring FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning technology, delivering superior bounce and responsiveness. This shoe comes in brilliant white sky colorway with the imprints of Nandi hills embodies the fresh, airy aesthetic of running ‘above the clouds’ which perfectly complements the event’s spirit. The limited-edition race day merchandise of TCS World 10K is not just a tribute to Namma Bengaluru’s natural grandeur but a symbol of athletic excellence for runners to wear.

Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India & South Asia said, “We return humbled and excited as the official sports goods partner for TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2025 edition. As a landmark event for the running community, ASICS is thrilled to introduce this year’s limited-edition race day collection, inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Nandi Hills. Our vision is to provide runners with not just apparel and footwear, but a complete race-day experience that resonates with the city’s vibrant running culture. The cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design of the merchandise will empower participants to run stronger, feel lighter, and truly embrace the spirit of movement.”

Vivek Singh, Joint MD, Procam International, said, “ASICS has been a steadfast partner of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, continuously elevating the running experience with state-of-the-art merchandise. The 2025 race day collection reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation and community-inspired running gear.

As we gear up for another exciting edition of the race, we look forward to seeing participants celebrate the joy of running.”

The official TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2025 race day merchandise will be available at ASICS flagship stores across India and online at www.asics.co.in/tcsw10k

About ASICS
Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body’ is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded in 1949, more than 70 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of running shoes, as well as athletic and SportStyle-inspired footwear, apparel, and accessories.

ASICS currently has 117 stores across India. More details can be found at. www.asics.com/in/en-in/store-locator.

For more information, visit www.asics.com/in/en-in

In line with the #BrighterLivesBetterWorld vision, Signify, the world leader in lighting, has brightened up 55 villages in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh under its Har Gaon Roshan Corporate Social Responsibility program. Impacting over 70,000 lives, this initiative, empowers women safety, promotes tourism, enhances security, and socio-economic development through sustainable lighting solutions.

Signify Team at the Inauguration of the Har Gaon Roshan CSR Project in Chattarpur District

The project is executed in partnership with Haritika, NGO, which includes the installation of 2000 energy efficient LED streetlights, 700 solar home lighting system, and 100 solar streetlights across these tribal villages, ensuring the safety of the residents and tourists.

Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India, shared his thoughts on this project, “At Signify, we believe in the transformative power of light to uplift lives. By installing sustainable lighting solutions in these villages, we aim to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone. This initiative reflects our dedication to leveraging the best of lighting technology for social impact, and we are honoured to play our part in brightening these tribal communities.”

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers, and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2023, we had sales of EUR 6.7 billion, approximately 32,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for seven consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for four consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

MMTC-PAMP, India’s only London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Good Delivery gold and silver refiner, today unveiled a new film series campaign titled ‘A Legacy of Gifting Tradition‘ to redefine the gifting culture at Indian weddings. A brand renowned for purity and craftsmanship of its gold and silver products, MMTC-PAMP launched the unique and heartfelt four-part wedding film series that transcends conventional gifting.

New wedding film series by MMTC-PAMP highlights the timeless tradition of gifting gold and silver

The innovative campaign comprises a series of wedding stories from different regions of India, highlighting traditional customs and cultural nuances while showcasing MMTC-PAMP’s curated range of gifting products. The films presents unforgettable moments of gifting, where precious assets are passed on from one generation to the next, creating legacies and memorable experiences for both the giver and the receiver.

The aim of these films is to transform the gifting culture around weddings. Instead of the common practice of cash gifts, MMTC-PAMP offers purest 24k 99.99%+ gold and silver products that hold long-term value, beauty, and sentiment, positioning them as ideal choices for those seeking to gift something truly unique and valuable. Through this campaign, MMTC-PAMP will highlight the importance of legacy gifting – where every gift is more than just a material offering; it becomes an asset to cherish and pass down for generations.

Mr Kashish Vasishta, Deputy General Manager – Marketing & Ecommerce at MMTC-PAMP said, “In today’s modern world, where gifting options are aplenty, cash gifts and generic presents are common. MMTC-PAMP aims to change that narrative by offering products that stand out as meaningful, valuable, and long-lasting. Our gold and silver bars, coins, and other precious products are meticulously crafted to be cherished and passed down through generations.”

For each region, the film series feature four different gold and silver product offerings from the house of MMTC-PAMP. Ram Lalla Gold & Silver Bars, which represent a meaningful and cherished way to carry forward the divine blessings of Lord Ram. The Lakshmi Shankh, a highly revered and symbolic item that can be passed down as a legacy piece within the family. Lotus Gold Bar, a fine representation of elegance and significance, perfect for gifting to mark a monumental moment in life and the Lakshmi Ganesh Coin, which is both auspicious and valuable, offering the bride an everlasting reminder of her friends’ love and the blessings she carries into her married life.

Links to the Wedding Film

Hindi: www.youtube.com/watchv=sy9JaRCf5Z8

Bengali: www.youtube.com/watchv=v9VNtkU1sKg

Tamil: www.youtube.com/watchv=dJtBBSCss58

Marathi: www.youtube.com/watchv=ipfNGe2kRTg

About MMTC-PAMP

A joint venture between Switzerland-based bullion refinery, PAMP SA, and MMTC Ltd., a Miniratna and Government of India Undertaking. MMTC-PAMP is the only LBMA-accredited gold & silver good delivery refiner in India and is accepted across global commodity exchanges and central banks. The company seamlessly marries Swiss excellence with Indian insights. MMTC-PAMP India Pvt. Ltd. is internationally recognized as an industry leader in bringing global standards of excellence to the Indian precious metals industry.

MMTC-PAMP has received several awards since its inception from local and global industry bodies for Refining, Brand and Sustainability. Notably, MMTC-PAMP is Indias First Precious Metals Company to have Science-based Emissions Reduction Targets Approved by SBTI. Recognized by the Asia and India Book of Records, MMTC-PAMP is acclaimed as the country’s only brand providing the purest gold and silver coins and bars with 999.9+ purity levels and positive weight tolerance to consumers. Adding to its laurels, MMTC-PAMP was honoured as India’s Most Trusted Brand of the Nation at The Brand Story- Indian Brand and Leadership Conclave & Awards, 2024.

Wild animals in captivity everywhere need urgent rehabilitation, including the elephants used for riding in Amer Fort in Jaipur in Rajasthan. In the recent past, we have witnessed several cases of captive elephants killing and injuring humans in Kerala. These tragic incidents bear resonance with the captivity of elephants all over India, including in Jaipur, where the proximity of captive elephants has caused injuries to tourists, mahouts and vendors. These elephants, that include those of wild origin, live a life of constant stress and pain, caused by their captivity and constant exposure to human activity, which is alien to their natural behaviour.

Elephant in Haathi Gaon in Jaipur Credit Shubhobroto Ghosh

For years, the captive elephants of Jaipur have endured brutality of all sorts, including the use of the ankush and food and water deprivation to bend them to the will of humans who seek to exploit them for rides and activities like painting and handling. Experience of the coronavirus pandemic gives us evidence that proximity to wild animals in confined spaces can give rise to zoonoses that can afflict both humans and animals. Apart from compromised animal welfare and abetment to wildlife trade, both legal and illegal, wild animals in entertainment, like the elephants of Amer Fort in Jaipur, represent a travesty of man’s relationship with nature.

Wild animals have evolved to live free where they belong in the wild, elephants and tigers in pristine forests and dolphins in the open ocean. To incarcerate these animals in captivity for human pleasure is not only animal abuse but also representative of the wrong kind of education about the natural world and the nature of animals in general. The need of the hour is to protect wildlife in the wild, in protected areas and beyond. There is also a need to be mindful of current factory practices that destroy the habitat of wild animals and cause untold suffering to domestic livestock. Dietary patterns and livestock rearing practices have to change to safeguard the welfare of domestic and wild animals.

There is a new proposal of the Rajasthan government to create a zoo in Alwar. “World Animal Protection proposes to the government of Rajasthan to allocate some space in the proposed zoo to accommodate the sick elephants of Amer Fort,” says Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection in India. “By aiding the cause of rehabilitation of the captive elephants that are suffering in Amer Fort and Haathi Gaon, the new zoo in Alwar can set an example for all captive animal facilities in India and abroad that wild animals can be rehabilitated within a zoo setting. This act of accommodation of abused wild animals in a zoo facility can redefine the role of zoos in conservation and animal welfare.”

“In addition to addressing the needs of wild animals directly, we need to be mindful of livestock farming practices to ensure that animal welfare is not compromised and that wildlife habitat is not destroyed,” added Mr Sharma.

Every day is World Wildlife Day and for animals like the captive elephants of Amer Fort in Jaipur, relief and rehabilitation cannot come sooner to drive home the concept that wildlife belongs in the wild.

For more information please contact : Mr Gajender Kumar Sharma : gajenderksharma@worldanimalprotection.org.in. Phone : 9313333283