In 1965, the OMEGA Speedmaster was the only watch to pass the tests of the American space agency NASA. That was exactly sixty years ago, on March 1, 1965. As part of the development of the American space program, NASA required a watch that was reliable, precise, easy to read, and easy to use for its space missions. The objective: to have a qualified timepiece for all future manned space flights, amidst the race to conquer the moon.

MOONSWATCH 1965

As a government agency, NASA was obliged to issue a formal call for tenders, requesting “RFPs” (Request for Proposal) from watch manufacturers. The U.S. space agency required series models. OMEGA submitted its Speedmaster model (ST105.003 from 1964), Longines proposed its Wittnauer 235T model and the ….X brand sent its reference 6238. NASA then tested these chronographs through 11 successive trials, following rigorous criteria specially designed for the occasion by the U.S. space agency. Of the three timepieces tested, only one was awarded the prestigious flight qualification for all NASA manned space missions and extravehicular activities on March 1, 1965: the OMEGA Speedmaster. The new MOONSWATCH 1965 pays tribute to the unique watch and the flight qualification by NASA six decades ago.

NASA testers preferred and recommended the OMEGA Speedmaster for its “superior precision, reliability, legibility and ease of use” over the other models. The flight qualification awarded to OMEGA soon became a reality. Three months after the tests and during the “Gemini IV” mission, on June 3, Ed White ventured more than 20 minutes outside the spacecraft with the OMEGA Speedmaster on his wrist.

The MOONSWATCH 1965 bears all the visual hallmarks of the Speedmaster tested sixty years ago by NASA. The OMEGA logo used at that time (also present on the strap and crown), the hands and the typeface of the inscriptions all echo the style of the original watch, giving its modern version an appealing vintage feel. But the watch holds even more surprises. The dial, for example, is another nod to the immaculate, white-dialed OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional launched in March 2024 (310.30.42.50.04.001)

The two counters at 10 and 2 o’clock on the new MOONSWATCH 1965 are also new. The first indicates the number 19 (normally 60) at the top, while the other displays the number 65 (normally 10), referencing the year 1965.

To this end, the chronograph counters have been modified to total:

Counter at 10 o’clock: 19 hours

Counter at 2 o’clock: 65 minutes

In this way, 19 and 65 are highlighted on the dial, making it possible to read 1965, as well as 60 at the small second at 6 o’clock (which remains unchanged). The chronograph reading is a little different, as the counter first totals 65 minutes and only after the hours. More specifically, the hands of both counters operate as follows:

• The 10 o’clock counter (19 hours) and the 2 o’clock counter (65 minutes) make a “lap of honor” at the end of the 64th minute.

• The 10 o’clock counter rotates once and displays 1 hour (or rather, one hour more).

• The 2 o’clock counter rotates once and displays the 5th minute.

In this way, and without restarting the 2 o’clock (minute) counter at zero, the time can be read normally by adding up the hours and minutes. This animation repeats every 65 minutes, with both hands performing the movement simultaneously.

The counters also display the year 1965 and the 60th anniversary of the NASA flight qualification. The number “19” appears on the counter at 10 o’clock, the number “65” on the counter at 2 o’clock and the number “60” on the counter at 6 o’clock, which are also visible under UV light. The hands and hour markers are coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova for optimal visibility in the dark.

The MOONSWATCH 1965 features its mission statement on the case back and the OMEGA X SWATCH logos on the dial and crown. A gray VELCRO strap, suitable for space suits, completes the astronaut chic style, and features contrast stitching that matches the color of the case and strap. The main features of the original OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch are still present: the asymmetrical case, the famous tachymeter scale with dot over ninety and the distinctive Speedmaster counters. Like all Bioceramic MOONSWATCH models, this new watch features a chronograph function. The non-limited “1965”, like all the watches in the OMEGA X SWATCH collaboration, is made of Swatch’s patented Bioceramic material, a unique blend of two-thirds ceramic and one-third biosourced materials derived from castor oil.

The new model in the Bioceramic MOONSWATCH Collection is available from March 1 (the date NASA qualified the Speedmaster back in 1965) only in selected Swatch stores worldwide. As with the entire Bioceramic MOONSWATCH Collection, only one watch can be purchased per person, per day and per Swatch store.

NASA’s eleven successive tests

NASA demanded a great deal from the watches tested, in order to qualify them and send them on manned space missions. Reliability was paramount during the 11 successive tests it put the chronographs of three different brands through. The prerequisite was a precision of 5 seconds over 24 hours, ideally within a range of +/- 2 seconds per 24 hours. The watches needed to feature a stop function, be easy to read, and antimagnetic.

1. High temperature test: 70C for 48 hours, then 93C for 30 minutes in a partial vacuum.

2. Low temperature test: -18C for 4 hours.

3. Vacuum test: heated in a vacuum chamber and then cooled to -18C for several cycles.

4. Humidity test: ten 24-hour cycles in >95% humidity with temperatures ranging from 25C to 70C.

5. Corrosion test: in an atmosphere of oxygen at 70C for 48 hours.

6. Shock resistance test: six 40 G shocks in six different directions.

7. Acceleration test: progressive acceleration to 7.25 G for about five minutes and then to 16 G for 30 seconds in three axes.

8. Low pressure test: pressure of 10-6 atmospheres at 70C for 90 minutes, then at 93C for 30 minutes.

9. High pressure test: in an air pressure of 1.6 atmospheres for 60 minutes.

10. Vibration test: random vibrations in three axes between 5 and 2,000 Hz with an acceleration of 8.8 G.

11. Sound test: 130 decibels at frequencies from 40 to 10,000 Hz for 30 minutes.

(Source: OMEGA archives)

Mr. Prashant Kumar, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, KSB Limited

Summarizing the business highlights, Mr. Prashant Kumar, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, KSB Limited, said, “This year, we have registered good sales revenue with a 12.7% YoY growth. We have seen good growth in Solar, Valves, Building Services, Waste Water, and Domestic segments. Although there was a slowdown in the project business this year due to various reasons, including elections, we have made progress in the Marine sector and received some breakthrough orders from Green Hydrogen and Railways. Our focus on standard business and exports will keep us insulated from any shock due to macroeconomic conditions. We continue to maintain a global presence with our export business.”

About KSB Limited

KSB Limited Founded in 1960 in India is a part of KSB SE & Co. KGaA., one of the world’s leading suppliers of pumps, valves and systems. Combining innovative technology and excellent service to provide intelligent solutions, the company has been offering innovative and sturdy solutions to cater to the myriad needs of the Indian Customer may it be in power, oil, building services, process engineering, water treatment, water transport, etc. The activities of KSB’s in-house research centre focuses on the areas of hydraulics, sealing technology, materials, production technology and automation.

Today the KSB group has a presence on all the continents with its own sales and marketing companies, manufacturing facilities and service operations. More than 15,000 employees generate annual consolidated sales revenue of over Two billion Euros.

Axis Max Life Insurance and YES BANK celebrate a significant milestone – 20 years of steadfast partnership – demonstrating one of the most enduring bancassurance collaborations.

Axis Max Life Insurance and YES BANK Celebrate Two Decades of Bancassurance Partnership

Since the commencement of the partnership on February 23, 2005 followed by issuance of their first Insurance Policy on May 28, 2005, the partnership has played a pivotal role in delivering seamless life insurance solutions, reinforcing financial security for customers across India. Over the years, the partnership has served approximately 3.62 lakh customers, processed over 3,725 claims, and disbursed more than ₹267 crore in claims, with a total sum assured exceeding ₹64,000 crore. Backed by YES BANK’s 1,266 branches nationwide, the collaboration continues to drive insurance penetration and enhance customer protection across the country.

Backed by YES BANK’s 1,266 branches nationwide, the collaboration continues to drive insurance penetration

Dr. Rajan Pental, Executive Director, YES BANK, said, “Our long-standing partnership with Axis Max Life Insurance reflects our commitment to providing holistic financial solutions. With a strong foundation of digital capabilities, customer focus, and a shared commitment to excellence, we are confident that the next phase of collaboration will bring even greater value to our customers and stakeholders alike.”

Mr. Prashant Tripathy, Managing Director & CEO, Axis Max Life Insurance, said, “Our partnership with YES BANK stands as a shining example of how two leading institutions can come together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Over the years, we have helped secure lakhs of lives, and as we move forward, our focus will be on innovation, customer-centricity, and strengthening our bancassurance model to create exceptional value for our customers.”

As Axis Max Life Insurance and YES BANK advance on their shared journey, they remain dedicated to driving digital transformation and elevating customer engagement, through:

• Digital Innovation: The seamless integration of InsurePro CRM across all life insurance partners, along with mSmart, a cutting-edge governance and tracking platform, will sharpen sales strategies and enhance customer engagement.

• Expanding Business Horizons: A strategic focus on need-based selling for YES BANK’s customer base will unlock new growth avenues and deepen client relationships.

• Customer-centric Excellence: A shared commitment to delivering best-in-class financial protection will continue to drive business quality, ensuring superior customer satisfaction.

• Empowering People: Recognising talent as their greatest asset, both organisations are investing in leadership development programmes for Branch Managers (BMs) to build a robust foundation for long-term success.

Explainers:
InsurePro CRM (owned by YES BANK), is a marketplace for all life insurance/ non-life/ health insurance partners.

mSmart (owned by Axis Max Life Insurance), an industry-leading governance and tracking platform will enhance sales choreography and improve customer engagement.

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited
Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life Insurance offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per the annual audited financials for FY 2023-24, Axis Max Life Insurance has achieved a gross written premium of INR 29,529 Cr.

For more information, please visit the company website at www.maxlifeinsurance.com.

About YES BANK
YES BANK, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Mumbai, offers a wide array of products, services, and digital solutions, catering to Retail, MSME, and Corporate clients. The Bank operates its Brokerage business through YES SECURITIES, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. The Bank has a pan-India presence including an International Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, and a Representative Office in Abu Dhabi.

For more information, please visit the Banks website at www.yesbank.in.

The Fashion Business Summit 2025, hosted by renowned fashion business coach Harvi Shah, concluded on a high note at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai International Airport. This two-day power-packed event on February 20th and 21st brought together some of the most influential minds in fashion, entrepreneurship, and personal development, offering invaluable insights to aspiring and established fashionpreneurs alike.

Harvi Shah Leads the Way: Fashion Business Summit 2025 Honors Trailblazing D2C Fashion Entrepreneurs

With a stellar lineup of speakers, the summit featured Tanvi Johri, Co-founder of Carmesi, Gayathri Shivaram, Healing & Manifestation Coach, and Marisha Lakhiani, Chief Growth Officer of Mindvalley, along with Harvi Shah herself. These industry stalwarts shared their expertise, providing attendees with actionable strategies to build and scale sustainable fashion businesses while integrating personal and professional growth.

“This summit was designed to bridge the gap between fashion entrepreneurship and business acumen,” said Harvi Shah. “Our goal was to equip attendees with the tools, mindset, and network required to thrive in the competitive fashion industry. The overwhelming response and engagement from the audience reaffirm that the future of fashion business is brighter than ever.”

Empowering a Thriving Community

Harvi Shah’s coaching initiative, which began post-COVID, has grown into a thriving community of over 10,000 members. Of these, approximately 900 members have successfully launched their own D2C fashion brands, with many seeing impressive business growth. The summit saw the participation of 200 community members, and over 70 individuals were felicitated for their achievements, including 10 entrepreneurs who scaled their businesses to exceed Rs. 1 crore in revenue after joining the community.

Harvi herself has been running a successful D2C fashion jewelry brand, BlingBag, for the past 10 years, teaching from first-hand experience. Her journey as a fashion entrepreneur adds a unique depth to her mentorship, allowing her to share practical insights rooted in real business challenges and successes.

Key sessions delved into brand-building strategies, digital transformation, mindful entrepreneurship, and unlocking business potential through manifestation techniques. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in networking sessions, expert-led workshops, and interactive panel discussions that provided deep industry insights and practical takeaways.

Event Highlights & Recognition

The summit commenced with a captivating light show and an introductory session by Harvi Shah, followed by a high-impact activity emphasizing the event’s theme. Notable moments included an inspiring fireside chat with Manish and powerful testimonials from community members who transformed their businesses through Harvi’s guidance. Gayathri Shivaram’s session on healing and manifestation and Marisha Lakhiani’s insights on AI in fashion further enriched the learning experience.

A major highlight of the event was the awards and recognition segment, celebrating entrepreneurs who have achieved significant business milestones. From those who have just launched their ventures to those earning multi-crore revenues, the summit served as a testament to the success and impact of Harvi Shah’s mentorship.

As the curtains close on this year’s summit, Harvi Shah and her team look forward to expanding the reach and impact of this initiative, ensuring that fashionpreneurs continue to receive the knowledge and support they need to scale their ventures.

The Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO), a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has partnered with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a leading non-profit organization in India, to support visitors at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

Bharatarshabha Dasa, Trustee, National President, TAPF and Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman, Managing Director, HUDC join hands for Kumbh Mela

HUDCO through its CSR assistance, is supporting establishment of a temporary community kitchen and kitchen-on-wheels, providing free meals for 50 days to the elderly and underprivileged visitors attending the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative has been run from January 13 to February 26, 2025, during which millions from around the world will gather to celebrate faith, tradition, and cultural heritage.

HUDCO’s CSR assistance has facilitated the procurement of essential kitchen equipment and other resources for this initiative. After the Mela, the equipment will be repurposed at nearby Akshaya Patra kitchens to continue serving nutritious meals to schoolchildren under the PM Poshan Program and at similar events.

Shri Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman & Managing Director of HUDCO, along with officials from HUDCO’s Lucknow Regional Office, visited the facility and participated in meal distribution to the pilgrims. Other HUDCO officials also visited the facility periodically to participate and support the meal distribution efforts.

Sri Bharatarshabha Dasa, Trustee & National President, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, “We are immensely grateful for HUDCO’s generous support, which enables us to serve the visitors of the Maha Kumbh Mela. This partnership represents a beautiful synergy of service and spirituality, fulfilling both the physical and spiritual needs of countless devotees. We are honored to contribute to this revered tradition with HUDCO’s support.”

Shri Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman & Managing Director, HUDCO, “At HUDCO, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on society by supporting initiatives that go beyond our core operations. Through this partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, we are privileged to contribute to a centuries-old tradition, ensuring nourishment for vulnerable pilgrims and enhancing their spiritual journey.”

This partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in celebrating India’s rich spiritual heritage. Together, HUDCO and The Akshaya Patra Foundation aim to make a lasting impact, fostering unity and devotion at this monumental event.

About Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO)

Established in 1970, HUDCO is a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Guided by the motto “Profitability with Social Justice”, HUDCO has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s urban landscape by providing sustainable housing and infrastructure solutions. Over its 54-year journey, HUDCO has focused on addressing the housing and infrastructure needs of underserved communities. Recognized as a Non-Banking Financial Company – Infrastructure Finance Company (NBFC-IFC) by the Reserve Bank of India, HUDCO continues to contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by facilitating sustainable asset creation.

About The Akshaya Patra Foundation

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to eliminating classroom hunger and addressing malnutrition in India. As an implementing partner of the PM Poshan Program, it provides nutritious mid-day meals to children in government and government-aided schools, thereby encouraging education and improving health outcomes.

Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has grown from serving 1,500 children in five schools to becoming the world’s largest not-for-profit mid-day meal provider, currently serving over 2.25 million children across 23,000 schools in 16 states and two union territories. Akshaya Patra’s state-of-the-art kitchens are internationally recognized and continue to inspire visitors from around the globe.

For more details, please log on:www.akshayapatra.org.

In 2024, India witnessed a shift in the car market. More people were opting for used cars than ever before, and the demand even outpaced new car sales! So, what exactly sparked this change in the second hand car market Well, a few key reasons – the rising cost of new cars, the need for budget-friendly options, and the rapid growth of urban areas. People wanted reliable, affordable ways to get around, and pre owned cars fit the bill perfectly. Read the full story on 2024s best second hand cars to know more about the best selling variant, transmission & fuel preferences of the above cars.

Best-Selling Used Cars in India

According to CARS24’s report, “Gears of Growth,” Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai dominated the scene, with Maruti leading the pack, accounting for 36% of all used cars sold, while Hyundai followed closely with 22%. But which used cars were the real stars of 2024 Lets dive in and find out which models took the spotlight!

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift
First up, the pre-owned Maruti Suzuki Swift – this little hatchback was the undisputed champion, accounting for 6% of all used car sales in 2024. The Swift had been a bestseller for years in the second hand car market, and its popularity showed no signs of fading. People loved its sporty look, reliable performance, and budget-friendly price. It was a hit with both young buyers and families looking for an affordable yet stylish option. The Swift’s fuel efficiency (up to 25 kmpl!) and low maintenance costs made it a no-brainer for many.

2. Hyundai i10
Next, we have the pre owned Hyundai i10. Even though it was getting a bit older, the i10 still managed to stay relevant in the used car market, accounting for 4% of sales. Its compact size made it perfect for city driving, and it offered a smooth, comfortable ride with features like power windows and a responsive steering system. With a fuel economy of around 19 kmpl, it was a great choice for daily commuting.

3. Honda City
Now, let’s talk about the second hand Honda City, the go-to sedan for comfort and luxury. In 2024, the City was the most popular used sedan, making up 3.5% of all used car sales. Known for its spacious interior, plush features, and smooth ride, the City was a favorite for those who wanted a little extra refinement without breaking the bank. Whether it was the third or fourth generation, the Honda City was all about performance and efficiency, with the petrol version offering around 17 kmpl and the diesel clocking in at over 22 kmpl.

4. Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire
If you were looking for something a bit more stylish than the Maruti Suzuki Swift but still practical, the second hand Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire was the perfect option. This compact sedan captured 3.5% of the used car market in 2024. With a spacious cabin, decent tech features, and a smooth ride, the Dzire struck the ideal balance between comfort and affordability. And with fuel efficiency of up to 25 kmpl, it was an economical choice for those who wanted to save on running costs.

5. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.0
The used Wagon R, a staple on Indian roads for years, was another favorite in 2024, especially the 1.0-liter variant. Its tall-boy design, roomy interiors, and practicality made it perfect for families and first-time car buyers. With fuel efficiency around 21 kmpl and extremely low maintenance costs, it was an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers. The best part 95% of used Wagon Rs sold in 2024 had a manual transmission, proving that people loved the simplicity and control it offered.

6. Hyundai Grand i10
Finally, we have the Hyundai Grand i10, a car that continues to shine in the pre owned car market. Its compact design and feature-packed interior made it especially popular with urban buyers. With features like rear AC vents, keyless entry, and a touchscreen infotainment system, the Grand i10 offered a lot of bang for the buck. The petrol version, with a mileage of around 19 kmpl, was the most preferred, and Hyundai’s extensive service network made ownership hassle-free.

Wrapping it up
In 2024, the used car market in India was driven by value-conscious buyers looking for reliable, affordable options. The Swift, i10, Wagon R, and City stood out for their practicality and performance, while the Dzire and Grand i10 offered extra comfort and features. As the second hand car market continues to grow, it’s clear that consumers are making smart, well-researched choices to get the most out of their purchases – and it looks like the trend is here to stay!

Cultivating Leadership, a global leader in leadership development, hosted two transformative leadership sessions in New Delhi and Mumbai in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Led by Dr. Jennifer Garvey Berger, Co-founder and CEO of Cultivating Leadership, the session brought together India’s top business leaders to explore new approaches to navigating complexity and redefining leadership for the future. The event also marked a significant milestone, celebrating 15 years of CII’s Leadership Centre of Excellence and its ongoing commitment to shaping visionary leaders for Indian industry.

Jennifer Garvey Berger, CEO, Cultivating Leadership

With organizations facing rapid market shifts, technological disruptions, and workforce transformations, the sessions provided an invaluable opportunity for leaders to engage with Jennifer’s globally recognized insights on leadership in complexity. The discussions emphasized the need for adaptability, systemic thinking, and collaboration as key leadership capabilities for the future. Attendees actively participated in thought-provoking conversations, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies designed to challenge conventional leadership models and inspire new approaches to strategic decision-making.

Reflecting on the event, Shweta Anand Arora, Director, Cultivating Leadership, India, said, “The overwhelming response from Indian business leaders reaffirms the urgency of redefining leadership in today’s dynamic environment. Complexity is not a challenge to be solved but a reality to be embraced. Jennifer’s insights have provided Indian leaders with practical tools and mindsets to navigate uncertainty with confidence, shaping a more resilient and forward-thinking leadership culture.”

Jennifer Garvey Berger, known for her work with global organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and Novartis, shared her insights for building adaptability in leadership in her 2-hour workshops, focussed on the mindtraps leaders tend to deal with and how that changes the way they show up for their teams and eventually lead.

Speaking about her experience of the sessions, Jennifer emphasized, “The leaders in the room were incredibly diverse, coming from so many different places and organizations-it was like a small version of a giant society right there with us. I was delighted by how thoughtful their questions were, how deeply they sought to understand, and how happy they were to share with one another. Often, leaders can feel disconnected from those outside their industry, but this group was so warm and welcoming of all the differences in the room. I found that truly inspiring.”

“Leadership today is more challenging than ever, with rapid technological disruption, economic volatility, and geopolitical shifts redefining the business landscape,” said Avijit Bhattacharya, Member, CII National Committee on Leadership and HR & CHRO, Tata Capital Limited. “Traditional models are struggling to keep pace, making it imperative for leaders to embrace complexity, foster innovation, and build resilience to drive sustained success.”

CII also highlighted the strategic importance of such engagements in strengthening India’s leadership capabilities. The sessions featured an engaging dialogue with top industry leaders, reinforcing the growing recognition that leadership development must evolve in response to today’s challenges.

The events were attended by senior leaders from prominent organizations, including BCG, Apple, Godrej Agrovet, Samsonite, CP Plus, Hindalco, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Barmalt, Grant Thornton, Diageo, Egon Zehnder, and Deloitte, amongst others, highlighting the widespread interest in redefining leadership approaches in India’s corporate landscape.

Strengthening their collaboration, CII and Cultivating Leadership have signed an MoU to jointly design, develop, and deliver leadership development interventions for Indian corporates. This partnership will focus on curating high-impact programs, workshops, and masterclasses, engaging renowned faculty and industry experts, and leveraging cutting-edge pedagogies, including technology-enabled and blended learning, to equip leaders with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving business landscape.

The sessions not only provided deep insights but also facilitated meaningful networking among industry peers, creating a platform for collaborative growth and shared learning.

Cultivating Leadership established its presence in India in 2024 through a joint venture with The Core Questin, aiming to empower leaders with the tools to thrive in complexity. This successful event marks the beginning of a broader effort to reshape leadership development in India, equipping leaders to turn uncertainty into opportunity.