Mumbai, Mar 2 : Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. today announced that its overall sales including exports in the Trucks and Buses business for the month of February 2026 stood at 3018 vehicles, a y-o-y growth of 13%.
Mahindra’s Trucks & Buses business comprises of Mahindra Trucks & Buses division and SML Mahindra Limited .
According to Vinod Sahay, Executive Chairman – SML, President – Aerospace, Defence, Trucks, Buses & CE, M&M,
“Commercial vehicle industry continues to show strong momentum since last quarter reinforcing confidence in the sector’s trajectory. Looking ahead the outlook remains robust, underpinned by ongoing government investments, accelerated fleet modernization, and steady freight movement. At the same time, we remain attentive to emerging challenges, including geopolitical developments, and other external factors”
Get ready to splash into a celebration of colours, flavours, and festive cheer as Food Exchange and PTG (Permit To Grill) at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre present a high-spirited Holi Brunch. Inspired by the joy and vibrancy of the festival, this lively afternoon brings together bold Indian flavours, playful indulgences, and an atmosphere bursting with energy.
The specially curated brunch features festive favourites such as Gujiya, chilled Thandai, vibrant chaat counters, crispy pakoras, and traditional Puran Poli, alongside an expansive buffet of Indian and global delights. Guests can expect colourful presentations, refreshing beverages, and a thoughtfully crafted menu designed to reflect the true spirit of the season.
With bright décor, thematic elements, upbeat music, and a celebratory ambience, the brunch promises a fun-filled gathering perfect for friends and families looking to celebrate Holi in style minus the mess, but with all the magic.
Event Details:
Venue: Food Exchange & PTG (Permit To Grill), Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre
New Delhi, Mar 02: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, announced that it recorded total sales of 7,212 units with domestic sales of 5,629 units and exports of 1,583 units in February 2026.
Sharing his thoughts on the sales performance, Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “We maintained our sales momentum through February, driven by strong popularity of Honda Amaze as a practical sedan with outclass safety. Honda City and Elevate also recorded steady volumes with exciting promotions during the month. As we approach the final month of the fiscal, we remain optimistic about market performance.”
The company had registered 5,616 units in domestic sales and 4,707 units in exports during February 2025.
LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, Mar 2: Higher oil and gas prices are certain as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens to disrupt 15% of global oil supply and 20% of global LNG supply, with oil prices potentially exceeding $100/bbl if tanker flows are not quickly restored, according to Wood Mackenzie. Following US and Israeli attacks on Iranian government, military and nuclear facilities, Iran warned shipping away from the waterway and insurers withdrew coverage, effectively halting tanker traffic.
The disruption creates a dual supply shock: not only are current exports through the Strait halted, but OPEC+ additional volumes and ultimately most of OPEC’s spare capacity—typically a key lever for balancing the global oil market—are inaccessible while the waterway remains closed.
“The key question is when do vessels re-establish export flows,” said Alan Gelder, SVP of Refining, Chemicals and Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie. “No doubt, tanker rates and insurance will increase dramatically, but these costs would only be a small part of the oil price impact associated with a curtailment of oil flows if they last for more than a few days.”
Given the uncertainty around events, it is plausible that it takes a few weeks for export flows to re-establish themselves in the most optimistic scenario (in which the Iranian regime elects to co-operate with the US), Gelder added.
“During that time, oil prices are heavily risked to the upside,” Gelder said. “The most recent comparison is during the early days of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, when the fear of loss of Russian supplies drove the oil price to over US$125/bbl.”
In the current scenario, oil prices over US$100/bbl are possible if transit flows are not re-established quickly, according to Gelder.
OPEC+ production response
The group of eight OPEC+ countries responsible for voluntary production cuts – Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman – agreed on 1 March to resume unwinding the April 2023 1.65 million b/d cut. They will increase production by 206,000 b/d in April and meet again on 5 April to assess next steps.
“The OPEC+ decision does not come as a surprise, due to the uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran tensions, and that the market for non-sanctioned crudes is tight,” said Gelder. “There is, however, a risk that the OPEC+ decision is moot if flows do not resume through the Strait of Hormuz.”
While there are potential alternative supply routes available to Middle East producers—including Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline to the Red Sea and additional Iraqi volumes via the Mediterranean—no alternatives can fully compensate for the loss of exports that transit the Strait of Hormuz. Strategic stock releases by IEA member countries could provide some relief, but IEA members account for less than half of global oil demand.
Gas market implications
A halt in LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz would be equally disruptive for global gas and LNG markets, according to Wood Mackenzie. Around 81 Mt (110 bcm) of LNG transited the Strait in 2025—primarily from Qatar—accounting for nearly 20% of global LNG supply.
“Disruptions to LNG flows would reignite competition between Asia and Europe for available cargoes, particularly at a time when European storage levels are below seasonal norms and around 10% lower than at the same point last year, following a severe cold spell in January,” said Massimo Di Odoardo, Vice President, Gas and LNG Research at Wood Mackenzie. “With approximately 1.5 Mt (2.2 bcm) of LNG exports at risk for each week that flows through the Strait of Hormuz are halted, both Asian and European markets would need to draw more heavily on existing storage and would increase the need for restocking over the summer. This would tighten market conditions well beyond the eventual resumption of trade through the Strait.”
Precautionary closures of the Leviathan and Karish gas fields in Israel—which supplied more than 10 bcm to Egypt last year—could add further pressure, as Egypt would likely increase LNG imports to offset lost volumes. Potential disruptions to gas exports from Iran to Turkey, which accounted for more than 7 bcm in 2025, could compound the supply strain.
A halt in LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz would be comparable in scale to the curtailment of Russian gas supplies to Europe, which sent prices soaring to nearly US$100/mmbtu at their peak and averaging US$40/mmbtu in 2022, according to Di Odoardo.
“This time, however, the reaction is unlikely to be as extreme,” added Di Odoardo. “Unlike the prolonged disruption of Russian pipeline flows, a blockage in the Strait could be viewed as temporary, tempering the upside. Still, Monday will see a dramatic price jump at market opening, and any signal that disruptions could drag on would add further fuel to the rally.”
Looking forward
“The nearest historical analogue in our view is the Middle East oil embargo of the 1970s, which increased oil prices by 300 percent to around US$12/bbl in 1974,” said Gelder. “That is only US$90/bbl in 2026 terms. Eclipsing this in today’s market concerned about significant losses of supply seems very achievable.
“The global economy is now far less oil intensive than 50 years ago. The shock at the time of the oil embargo was the pace and scale of the price increase. Oil prices would need to reach well over US$200/bbl to exert a similar level of shock to today’s global economy.”
Cairo, Mar 1 – MMD Singapore the manufacturer of Philips displays, announced the regional launch of its latest competitive gaming monitor, the 24M2N3200FQ and 27M2N3200FQ, designed to deliver championship-level performance and immersive visuals to the passionate gaming community across the Middle East. This 24 and 27 inch Fast IPS monitor combines blistering 200Hz speed with cutting-edge image clarity technologies, offering gamers the critical edge needed for victory.
The Middle East’s gaming scene is renowned for its intensity and competitive spirit. The Philips Evnia gaming monitor meets this demand head-on with its ultra-fast 200Hz refresh rate and a near-instant 0.3ms (Smart MBR) response time, effectively eliminating motion blur and ghosting. This ensures every panning shot in an FPS and every high-speed turn in a racing game is rendered with stunning sharpness, giving players a seamless and lag-free advantage.
“Gamers in our region deserve equipment that matches their skill and ambition”, said Carol Anne Dias, Sales Director, Middle East & Africa for Philips Monitors. “The 24M2N3200FQ and 27M2N3200FQ are engineered for those decisive moments where a split-second can mean the difference between victory and defeat. We’re bringing hyper-responsive performance and rich, immersive visuals to a broader audience of dedicated gamers”.
Beyond raw speed, the monitor features Stark ShadowBoost, a proprietary technology that illuminates dark scenes in games without overexposing bright areas, ensuring enemies lurking in shadows are clearly visible. The Smart Crosshair feature dynamically changes color based on the background for maximum visibility, enhancing targeting accuracy.
For a truly captivating visual experience, the monitor supports HDR10 content, delivering a wider range of colours, superior contrast, and more lifelike images. Gamers can further personalize their experience through the Evnia Precision Center software, which offers intuitive controls to fine-tune settings for different game genres or create custom profiles.
Designed with players well-being in mind, the monitor incorporates LowBlue Mode and Flicker-Free technology to reduce eye strain during marathon gaming sessions. It’s sustainable design, featuring chassis made with 85% post-consumer recycled plastic, aligns with a forward-thinking ethos.
The monitors are now available for purchase in the UAE with Naam Electronics. The monitors come with 3 years warranty.
NÜRNBERG, Germany, March 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Guide, a leader in infrared thermal imaging, concluded its highly successful showcase at IWA OutdoorClassics 2026, leaving a lasting impression on the global hunting and outdoor industry. The event served as the official debut for ApexVision technology, and the clip-on flagship TU1260MS, drawing thousands of attendees to Booth 4A-511 for a first-hand look at the future of thermal performance.
Hands-On Success: The ApexVision Deep Dive
The highlight of the event was the exclusive Deep Dive led by Andreas Trenzinger, a seasoned German hunter with extensive field experience. Andreas shared the authentic TU1260MS footage captured live on site during IWA and also the pre-release testing footages of new products, providing undeniable proof of the ApexVision advantage. Attendees witnessed the innovation’s ability to maintain optimal detail, clearly highlight targets from the background, and high dynamic range in demanding, pitch-black scenarios. Andreas’s real-world clips showcased the ApexCore S1 detector’s ultra-high sensitivity of NETD＜15mK, demonstrating how the technology preserves contrast and edge clarity.
Professionals and enthusiasts were particularly struck by the “see-it-to-believe-it” clarity of the ApexVision technology on our flagship of TU1260MS. With a constant stream of visitors ranging from high-volume distributors to dedicated hunting enthusiasts filling the Guide booth, the consensus across the floor was clear: Guide has successfully bridged the gap between advanced, AI-driven software and the rugged, lightweight hardware hunters actually need.
Precision Engineering Meets Portability
The technical discussions at the booth frequently returned to the Orion C thermal clip-ons. Integrating an array of practical features—including an all-night battery life, rugged all-weather capability, and a 26ms ultra-low latency—into a frame weighing just 285g, the series was hailed as a masterclass in minimalist engineering.
As the experts at All4hunters observed during the hands-on sessions, “every gram saved can help support repeatable zero and point-of-impact consistency in the overall setup”, Guide has ensured that the Orion C provides a better-balanced, more stable shooting platform that maintains accuracy through repeated use, which is therefore cited by dealers as the new benchmark for professional-grade attachments.
Guide looks forward to bringing these high-performance devices to the global market, ensuring that hunters no longer have to choose between lightweight portability and elite-tier thermal clarity. Know more at www.guideoutdoor.com or contact enquiry@guideoutdoor.com.
Bhubaneswar, Mar 1: On the eve of National Science Day 2026, Bhojpur Darshan Channel unveiled a profoundly divine and melodious gift to devotees—the spiritual music album Darbar Baba Lingaraj.
Dedicated since 2001 to literature, culture, heritage, and devotion, the channel has released this album to celebrate the glory of Baba Lingaraj Maharaj, the life-force of Bhubaneswar’s sacred Arka Kshetra Malini and revered abode of Maa Samaleswari. Through this offering, Odisha’s unparalleled tradition of bhakti and Utkal wisdom is presented to the world in Hindi, Odia, and Kosali languages.The album features two soul-stirring bhajans: Darbar Baba Lingaraj — Lyrics: Shri Virendra Kumar Pandey; Vocals: Smt. Mamta Das; Presentation: Kishlay Utkarsh & Ullas Utkarsh. A heartfelt bhajan dedicated to Maa Samaleswari — Lyrics: Shri Pappu Gautam.
Music composition and production: Shri Sudhanshu Das; Video editing: Shri Kumar Shanu. The creative inspiration behind this work comes from Shri Rajesh Tiwari, who tirelessly promotes Odisha’s rich culture and devotion through multilingual platforms to reach a global audience.The event was presided over by Prof. Karunakar Nanda, Director of the Institute of Physics, renowned for his contributions to science popularization and the enthusiastic promotion of Hindi as a Rajbhasha in Odisha. Distinguished guests included Prof. T. Som, Registrar Col. B.K. Pattnaik, Dr. K.C. Patra, Dr. M. Bhuiyan, Prof. Ajit Mohan Shrivastava, and Shri Bhagaban Behera. The program was gracefully anchored by Shri Abinash Dash, Librarian and Hindi Officer at the Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar. This album stands as a commendable endeavor to carry the divine aura of Lord Jagannath’s sacred land—Odisha—to the entire world in a trilingual form, blending Rajbhasha Hindi with regional melodies.
Strong footfall, active trade engagements and policy dialogue mark key day at Meghalaya Spice Festival, 2026
Mumbai, Mar 1: The first-ever Meghalaya Spice Festival was inaugurated today at the Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, marking a significant national showcase of the State’s expanding organic spice economy. In a strong statement of intent, a 140-member delegation comprising farmers, entrepreneurs, cooperative leaders and senior officials travelled from Meghalaya to directly engage with buyers from Mumbai and beyond.
The inaugural day witnessed strong footfall, sustained buyer–seller engagement and structured B2G meetings in spices and tourism. A high-level Forum on Opportunities in Meghalaya’s Organic Spice Ecosystem set the tone for policy dialogue, while live processing demonstrations, tasting counters and curated retail displays transformed the venue into an active marketplace. Procurement discussions, export enquiries and partnership explorations continued throughout the day, signalling serious commercial interest.
The Meghalaya Spice Festival aims to amplify the national and global market outreach of Meghalaya’s premium organic spices, and the Inaugural edition itself, has started attracting buyers from Mumbai and beyond. Hosting the festival in Mumbai, India’s commercial capital, reflects Government of Meghalaya’s deliberate push to position its spices in premium domestic and international markets while ensuring that growth translates into higher incomes for farmers. The festival thus has been conceived as a strategic market-linkage platform to directly connect the State’s farmers and spice entrepreneurs with national retailers, institutional buyers and global exporters.
Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, underscored the authenticity of the State’s agricultural base and urged industry stakeholders to engage directly with producers. “You come and interact with our entrepreneurs and farmers- you realise what authenticity is, what sincerity is, what quality is.” He further added, “Fundamentally, our farmers respect nature, they want to protect nature; that’s why we have the cleanest of the rivers, cleanest of the villages, and cleanest of the leadership.”
Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya highlighted the State’s expanding market footprint. Meghalaya’s turmeric, he noted, is already reaching domestic markets as well as markets in America, the Middle East and Europe, with ginger exports to Singapore this year. Emphasising sustainable partnerships, he stated, “We want to find buyers who believe in sustainable agriculture. We want buyers who take our products to the right markets and give the right price to our farmers.”
Referring to the scale of participation, he asserted, “We have the best turmeric in the world. Wherever we go, this is a story we take.” He also informed that the State’s largest spice-processing unit is set to be inaugurated in the coming months, strengthening value addition and market readiness.
Smti. N. Bhavani Sri, IAS, Secretary, National Turmeric Board, described the festival as a structured effort to harness the North-East’s agri-ecosystem through farmer collectivisation, standardised branding and improved post-harvest systems. Referring to the buyer–seller meet held in Shillong, following the Board’s inauguration, she noted that several exporters have since begun sourcing Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya, including firms engaged in high-value curcumin extract and turmeric oil. She emphasised that Meghalaya is well positioned to meet organic standards and tap the growing global wellness market.
Blending commerce with culture, curated performances under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (CM-MGMP) added a distinctive cultural dimension to the festival, showcasing the State’s creative economy alongside its agricultural strengths in the heart of Mumbai.
The festival reflects a broader agricultural transformation underway in the State. Agriculture’s contribution to Meghalaya’s Gross State Domestic Product has more than doubled over the past six years, from ₹5,977.91 crore in 2018–19 to ₹12,332.26 crore in 2024–25, driven by high-value crops and market-linked value chains.
GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric, recognised for its 7–12 per cent curcumin content, anchors this growth. Under the Lakadong Mission, cultivation has expanded to 2,190 hectares, supported by over 20 processing units benefiting more than 13,000 farmers. Ginger and black pepper production have also risen significantly, with over 420 metric tonnes of spices traded across domestic and export markets between 2022 and 2025.
At the core of this expanding spice economy lies the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, under whose leadership Meghalaya has emerged as one of the fastest-growing States in the country. As Meghalaya works towards becoming a USD 16 billion economy by 2032, spices, tourism and the creative sector are being positioned as integrated drivers of inclusive growth.
The Meghalaya Spice Festival continues at Jio World Drive from 1 PM to 10 PM until March 1, inviting industry stakeholders, retailers and consumers to experience the scale, quality and global ambition of Meghalaya’s organic spice ecosystem.
Dignitaries in attendance include Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya; Shri Vikas Chandra Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Maharashtra; Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya; Smti. N. Bhavani Sri, IAS, Secretary, National Turmeric Board; Shri R. Nainamalai, IFS, Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya; and Shri Biswajit Chakrabarty, Assistant Secretary General, FICCI, among other distinguished officials and stakeholders.
Few fruits are as underrated yet profoundly nourishing as papaya. Often seen as a humble breakfast addition, papaya is a nutritional powerhouse with a wide range of benefits for digestion, immunity, skin health, and heart protection. Rich in natural enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre, this tropical fruit has earned its place as a daily wellness staple.
Papaya’s most beneficial aspect lies in its impact on digestion. The fruit contains papain, a natural digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins and eases the workload on the stomach. For people who experience bloating, indigestion, or heaviness after meals, a small bowl of ripe papaya can feel almost therapeutic. Its soluble fibre further supports gut health by promoting smooth bowel movements and maintaining a healthy microbiome.
Papaya is equally impressive in boosting immunity. A small portion delivers more than the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, along with vitamin A andall essential nutrients for strong immune function. These antioxidants help reduce inflammation, support healing, and protect the body from oxidative stress. Consuming papaya regularly supports recovery from illness or experiencing low immunity.
A natural food pigment called carotenoids gives papayas their orange, yellow and pink hues. Like carrots, papayas are especially high in beta-carotene.Your body changes beta-carotene into vitamin A. These nutrients are vital to good vision.A cup of sliced papaya has 68 micrograms of vitamin A, which is a third of the recommended daily value (about 33% DV).
Papaya also adds to long-term benefits by supporting cardiovascular health. Its fibre helps regulate cholesterol levels, while antioxidants like lycopene combat oxidative damage involved in heart disease. The fruit’s potassium content contributes to blood pressure balance by helping counter excess sodium. These benefits make papaya a heart-friendly addition to everyday meals.
Skin care is another area where papaya is quietly impressive. The combination of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fruit enzymes helps repair skin tissues, reduce pigmentation, and support collagen production. If you are looking for a natural glow or improved texture, add papaya to your diet. Whether consumed as fruit or blended into smoothies, papaya nourishes the skin.
Papayas have an enzyme called papain that helps minimise oxidative stress.Oxidative stress occurs when you don’t have enough antioxidants to fight free radicals. The resulting cell damage can lead to chronic inflammation, which increases your risk for health problems.A small review of studies found that phytonutrients and extracts in papayas may protect against ageing, Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Gum disease, and Chronic inflammation
When and how much should you consume papaya?
Papaya is best in the morning on an empty stomach or as part of breakfast. This allows its enzymes to work more efficiently and optimises digestion throughout the day. It can also be consumed in the evening, especially if you areexperiencing post-meal bloating.
As for the ideal quantity, about 150–200 grams of ripe papaya a day is sufficient for most adults. This amount provides the key nutrients without adding excess sugar or calories. Those with diabetes can also consume papaya, but portion control is crucial.
People with latex allergy should also be cautious, as papaya may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Avoid unripe papaya during pregnancy unless advised by a doctor, as it contains compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions.
In essence, papaya is a simple fruit with extraordinary potential. When eaten in the right portion and at the right time, it supports digestion, immunity, skin, and heart health, making it a small yet powerful investment in everyday wellness.
BOSTON – Mar 1: Vodia Networks, Inc., a provider of unified cloud communications solutions to enterprises, contact centers, and service providers, today announced the new Vodia Partner Portal and Partner Program. Vodia partners now have the exact tools they need to provide their customers with Vodia’s industry-standard phone system, in the cloud or on-prem, faster, more efficiently, and more profitably.
The new Vodia Partner Portal and the Partner program help Vodia partners be truly competitive. Vodia partners need to get licenses quickly, access attractive pricing, reduce the burden on sales teams, and focus on CX and higher margins, and the portal and the program have been designed to address these day-to-day needs. Vodia partners can now purchase, manage, and track PBX licenses with just a few clicks.
Partner certification is the first milestone in the Vodia Partner Program. Once certified, partners can move through different levels to gain more benefits. Partner levels and points structure apply to licenses purchased directly through the portal.
The new Vodia Partner Portal and Partner Program
·The partner program is structured around a transparent points system. Completion of the Vodia Partner Certification provides the points required to reach Silver level, after which partners accumulate points and progress to higher membership tiers. Pre-qualified sales leads are accessible within the portal. Vodia partners receive contact information for potential customers who have already expressed interest in a VoIP solution. Vodia partners have access to professionally crafted marketing collateral, sales presentations, and argumentation frameworks for immediate deployment in local markets.
·Partners can now access Vodia Professional Services, implementation support, and other technical assistance via the Portal.
These capabilities are available now, with others to be introduced as the portal and program evolve:
·Purchase experience: direct access to Vodia Professional Services, including training, implementation support, integration support, AI integration, call-flow optimization, and add-ons.
·Knowledge transfer: certifications and regular webinars to help partners build their expertise and enhance their competitive advantage.
·Ordering efficiency: integration of the portal with partner ordering systems.
·Faster PBX customization: call-flow and industry-specific templates to accelerate deployments and tailor the Vodia PBX to customer needs.
To celebrate the launch of the Vodia Partner Portal, every registered partner will receive an exclusive welcome package upon first login. To thank current Vodia partners for their loyalty, Vodia will give each partner complimentary premium support for the first 90 days after login, plus a starter kit with demo licenses and ready-to-use sales materials.
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