Delhivery, a third-party logistics company, has announced its decision to acquire Ecom Express Limited for ₹1,407 crore. The company’s board approved the acquisition of approximately 99.4% of Ecom Express shares during a meeting held on April 5, 2025.

In an official exchange filing, Delhivery stated: “We wish to inform you that the board of directors of Delhivery Limited at its meeting held today has considered and approved the acquisition of shares equivalent to at least 99.4% of the issued and paid-up share capital of Ecom Express Limited. The purchase consideration will not exceed ₹1,407 crore.”

The acquisition is pending approval from the Competition Commission of India and, once completed, Ecom Express will become a subsidiary of Delhivery.

Sahil Barua, Managing Director and CEO of Delhivery, commented on the acquisition, stating, “The Indian economy requires continuous improvements in cost efficiency, speed, and reach of logistics. We believe this acquisition will enable us to serve the customers of both companies more effectively.”

Previously, Ecom Express faced challenges, including the layoff of around 500 employees in February and the suspension of its initial public offering (IPO) plans as part of cost-cutting measures. The company’s expenses slightly increased to ₹2,921.5 crore in FY24 from ₹2,902.8 crore in FY23, while revenue grew by 2.2% to ₹2,609.2 crore. Notably, losses decreased to ₹255.8 crore compared to ₹428.1 crore the previous year.

Ecom Express, which delivered goods to over 27,000 pin codes, had approximately 15,600 employees and associates. The company previously planned to go public, but market volatility led to a pause in those efforts.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) had granted approval for the IPO in December, which remains valid until later this year. Ecom Express filed papers in August to raise ₹2,600 crore through the IPO, involving a combination of fresh shares and an offer-for-sale.

In conjunction with this news, Delhivery recently launched a Rapid Commerce service, designed for sub-2-hour deliveries to enhance customer experience for direct-to-consumer brands and e-commerce platforms.

Manoj Kumar, affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his iconic roles as patriotic figures in films like “Upkar” and “Kranti,” was laid to rest with full state honours and a three-gun salute at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai, on Saturday, April 5.

The veteran actor-director passed away on Friday at the age of 87 due to age-related health issues at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He is survived by his wife Shashi and their two sons.

The funeral commenced around 11:30 AM, attended by notable figures from the Indian film industry, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan and esteemed screenwriter Salim Khan. Kumar’s sons, Vishal and Kunal, performed the last rites, lighting the funeral pyre in a poignant farewell to their father.

Among the dignitaries present were Raj Babbar, Abhishek Bachchan, Jimmy Sheirgill, Arbaaz Khan, Subhash Ghai, Anu Malik, Zayed Khan, Prem Chopra, Rajpal Yadav, Ranjeet, and Sunil Darshan, all gathering to pay their respects.

Following the cremation, Amitabh Bachchan, joined by his son Abhishek, and Salim Khan with his son Arbaaz, extended their condolences to Kumar’s grieving family. Prem Chopra, who starred alongside the late actor in numerous films, reflected on their long friendship, stating, “We have been together since the beginning. It has been a wonderful journey. Everyone who worked with him gained from the experience. His legacy lives on, especially when ‘Shaheed’ airs on television — I still receive calls about my performance in that film.”

Raj Babbar, a veteran actor and politician, reminisced about the time he sought Kumar’s blessings before embarking on his 1999 film “Shaheed Udham Singh.” He highlighted Kumar’s significant impact on Indian cinema, saying, “The film industry has lost a true gem. He brought dignity to India and its culture, portraying the pride of our nation both at home and abroad. A noble soul, he will always hold a special place in the hearts of the public.”

At Kumar’s Juhu residence, a large portrait from his youth was displayed at the entrance, allowing friends and admirers to pay their final tributes. The ambulance transporting Kumar’s body, adorned with a floral tribute in the colors of the Indian flag, left for the crematorium at 10:30 AM, symbolizing his lifelong commitment to themes of nationalism in his films.

In the wake of his passing, numerous veterans from the film industry, including Dharmendra and Madhur Bhandarkar, visited Kumar’s home to offer their condolences.

Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad, which is now in Pakistan, Kumar’s family relocated to Delhi following India’s partition in 1947. After graduating from Hindu College at Delhi University, he moved to Mumbai to pursue a successful acting career, leaving behind a rich filmography that included, besides “Shaheed” and “Upkar,” titles like “Roti, Kapda aur Makaan,” “Himalaya Ki God Mein,” and “Do Badan.”

New Zealand completed a dominant 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan in the ODI leg of their white-ball tour, thanks to historic performances from Ben Sears and Daryl Mitchell, who etched their names into the record books during the third ODI at Mount Maunganui on Saturday, April 5.

Sears’ sensational spell stuns Pakistan again

Pacer Ben Sears produced another fiery display, bagging his second consecutive five-wicket haul in the series—making him the first New Zealand player to achieve back-to-back fifers in ODI cricket. Not even Kiwi pace greats like Shane Bond or spin wizard Daniel Vettori have managed this feat, making Sears’ performance truly one for the ages.

The 26-year-old seamer’s remarkable consistency earned him the Player of the Series award, underlining his emergence as a key asset in New Zealand’s bowling arsenal.

Mitchell becomes fastest Kiwi to 2000 ODI runs

All-rounder Daryl Mitchell also joined the history books with the bat. His 43-run knock not only steadied the innings but helped him breach the 2000-run milestone in ODIs. He achieved the feat in just 47 innings, becoming the fastest New Zealander to reach the mark.

Mitchell surpassed the previous Kiwi record held by Andrew Jones, who took 52 innings back in 1991. Former captain Kane Williamson is now third on the list, having reached the milestone in 54 innings. Globally, Mitchell is now joint-eighth fastest overall, in a list topped by India’s Shubman Gill (38 innings).

The third ODI, reduced to 42 overs per side due to a wet outfield, saw New Zealand post 264/8 after being put in to bat. Debutant Rhys Mariu notched up his maiden half-century, while Mitchell, Tim Seifert, and Michael Bracewell chipped in with vital contributions during the middle and death overs.

Pakistan began their chase with promise as Abdullah Shafique and skipper Babar Azam added early stability. Babar reached yet another half-century, keeping the visitors in contention. However, the tide turned quickly as wickets fell under scoreboard pressure, especially after the asking rate climbed above 10 runs per over.

Imam-ul-Haq, who suffered a facial injury in the previous match, was substituted with Usman Khan, but the latter failed to leave a mark. Pakistan eventually crumbled to 221 all out, losing the match by 43 runs and conceding a clean sweep.