New Delhi, 31st January 2025: Charged, the electrifying drink by Coca-Cola India, takes centerstage with return of the Cave Man in the new season of “Mind Charged, Body Charged.” Featuring the maverick Aamir Khan in a caveman avatar, Charged has launched its new campaign for the summer of 2025. This launch also introduces a refreshed product identity with a new mascot, the wolf, representing strength and agility.

‘Charged’ differentiates itself in the market as a catalyst to accomplish impossible solutions and big achievements which require both physical agility and mental alertness. This is illustrated through a diverse range of films featuring Aamir Khan in an unprecedented caveman role facing the unexpected adventures with an invigorated mind and body! This campaign’s creative vision is developed by Ogilvy India. In a series of films, Aamir Khan portrays a Cave Man engaging in various scenarios with his own ‘Charged’ bottle —whether outsmarting a dinosaur, starting a dance event, or managing a surprising situation on a date night. In each instance, ‘Charged’ uplifts his mind and body to think of unexpected solutions to the problems.

Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head, Sparkling Flavours (India & Southwest Asia) at The Coca-Cola Company, said, ” The Charged drink has been highly praised by consumers, particularly for its taste. We are thrilled to introduce our new packaging, which is bold, sharp, and unstoppable, perfectly reflecting the character of the drink. The brand has consistently pursued innovative storytelling that remains exciting and unpredictable. Portrayed by the legend himself, Aamir Khan, our favorite Cave Man makes a comeback with his whole universe.”

Aamir Khan said, “Being a part of Charged is truly special for me. It’s a brand that embodies boldness and originality, values I deeply respect. The ‘Mind Charged, Body Charged’ campaign aligns perfectly with my belief in striving for balance and excellence in every aspect of life. Collaborating on this has been a unique experience, and I’m eager to see how audiences embrace it.”

Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India said, “Charged is back and this time Aamir Khan goes back in time as the Stone Age man. The quirky adventures of the pre-historic era beautifully marry with the need of the modern world – the kick to stay sharp, both physically and mentally. The campaign will engage the TG in a fun and fresh way with something that’s completely unseen in the category, charging up the audience as much as the drink, if not more.”

NTPC Ltd., India’s largest integrated power generation company, has announced the launch of its first CO2 battery energy storage project – a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainable and innovative energy solutions. The project shall be executed on a Turnkey basis by M/s. Triveni Turbine Limited along with their technology partner M/s. Energy Dome.

The plant will be set up in NTPC Kudgi plant premises with a capacity of 160MWhr and represents an important step in NTPC’s broader strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and increase the share of renewable power generation in its total capacity.

The adoption of CO2 Battery is well aligned with the Government of India initiative of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’ policies, providing significant opportunities for the existing industrial supply chain in India, not only for domestic CO2 Battery projects but potentially also for global export markets.

Commenting on the development, Shri. Gurdeep Singh, Chairman & Managing Director – NTPC, said “This is a landmark development in the domain of ‘Long Duration Energy Storage’ (LDES). NTPC is proud to be in the technology forefront and setup the ‘CO2 Battery’ at NTPC Kudgi. With several advantages viz very long lifetime (>25 year), no need of critical minerals viz Lithium, Cobalt, topography agnostic, minimal performance degradation – unlike BESS where intricate electrochemistry is involved, very high depth of discharge (100%) – successful demonstration of this technology shall open new vistas in the field of ‘Electrical Energy Storage’.”

Claudio Spadacini, Founder & CEO, Energy Dome further added, “The best projects are those that create win-win opportunities. Our collaboration with Triveni Turbines and NTPC to deploy the CO2 Battery achieves this by advancing NTPC’s decarbonization goals and round-the-clock (RTC) power delivery while strengthening India’s local supply chain through domestic sourcing. This project not only demonstrates the potential of sustainable innovation but also establishes a key global reference for our transformative technology, contributing to a cleaner and more resilient energy future.”

Mr. Dhruv M Sawhney, Chairman & Managing Director – Triveni Turbines, observed “We are delighted to win this landmark order from NTPC that aims to accelerate India’s energy transition efforts by making renewable energy (RE) dispatchable. It is a testament to our expertise in designing and developing innovative, energy-efficient solutions addressing our customers’ demands. Our CO2-based products and solutions underscore Triveni Turbine’s commitment to growth and excellence through strategic opportunities that align well with our existing solutions and strengths. Our partnership with Energy Dome, aims to deliver sustainable alternative green storage of energy also aligns well with our energy transition solutions.”

Runa, the leading global fintech infrastructure for the next generation of payouts experiences, today announced its expansion into India, opening access to the country’s $8.9 billion gift card market. With this expansion, Runa allows its business customers the ability to easily send instant, domestic and cross-border payouts to consumer recipients in India, dramatically reducing the traditional barriers of cost and complexity.

India’s rapid digital payment transformation—expanding at a notable rate of 44% CAGR by transaction volume from 2017 to 2024—paired with a surge in cross-border consumer transactions, which grew by 121% in the last nine months of 2024 alone, has created a strong demand for alternative consumer payout solutions.

By unlocking access to India, Runa emerges as a strategic partner for companies looking to tap into India’s thriving gift card sector for consumer disbursement, rewards, recognition and incentives. With the Indian market growing by 15.3% year over year, Runa enables companies to simplify regulatory compliance, reduce foreign exchange risks, and provide flexible funding options when sending funds to Indian recipients.

“We’re proud to bring Runa to India, where digital payments and gift cards are transforming how people connect and transact,” said Aron Alexander, CEO of Runa. “India’s fast-growing market is full of opportunity, and we’re here to help businesses effortlessly join one of the world’s most exciting economies and connect with millions of new consumers.”

Through Runa’s technology, businesses can now deliver instant payouts via an expansive network of thousands of global and leading Indian merchants, including e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, Shoppers Stop and popular digital wallets like Amazon Pay. Runa’s customers benefit from:

• Real-Time Payouts: A streamlined solution for instant payments, eliminating the delays and costs associated with traditional cross-border transactions.
• Flexible Funding & Foreign Exchange Options: Mitigation of capital control risks and seamless transactions without the need to hold Indian Rupees.
• Built-in Regulatory Compliance: Comprehensive handling of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, GST regulations, and data protection requirements.
• Extensive Merchant Network: A single integration granting access to top Indian and global merchants.

The expansion comes at a pivotal time, as The International Trade Administration reports that India is experiencing a digital payments revolution and e-commerce boom, fueled by rapid smartphone adoption, 650 million users in 2024, and internet connectivity extending to more than 950 million people.

“Runa has done all of the heavy lifting to pave the way for us to launch in India, sourcing popular merchants and alleviating the hassles and compliance challenges,” said Mike Bowles, Senior Director of Operations at Augeo Marketing. “We’re looking forward to launching our program into the Indian market

Timex Group India Ltd (TGIL), a prominent player in the Indian watch industry and part of the globally renowned Timex Group, has reported an impressive financial performance for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2025. Driven by the launch of innovative and premium products, expansion of distribution channels, and strong traction in the luxury and fashion segment, the company achieved a record total income of 120 crores, reflecting a double-digit growth of 27% vs last quarter. Both EBITDA and PBT show the upward journey of the company, each reported at 4.6 crores, and 2.6 crores respectively.

The quarter’s results highlighted strong performance across channels, with traditional trade taking the main stage as the largest sales contributor with an impressive growth of 30%. E-commerce maintained the growth momentum this quarter, while the defence sector demonstrated significant progress, underscoring Timex Group India’s ability to diversify and cater to varied markets effectively.

Timex continues its strong momentum, with the core brand Timex delivering an impressive 36% growth this quarter. In the fashion segment, Guess recorded a solid 17% growth. Notably, Philipp Plein, a key brand in the licensed luxury portfolio, 82% Growth in Q3, underscoring the segment’s robust performance.

Business Performance

• Total income reached ₹403.7 crores, showing an impressive 23% double-digit growth
• Profit Before Tax (PBT) also saw an increase of 62%, indicating strong financial health
• Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) grew by 44%

Channel Performance

• E-commerce grew by 31%,
• Trade saw an impressive growth of 22% while other channels had a healthy double-digit growth

Brand Performance

• Timex maintained the growth momentum with a 22% increase
• Luxury brand Versace saw a spectacular growth of 37%
• Guess grew by 29%
• Philipp plein at 337%

Mr. Deepak Chhabra, Managing Director, Timex Group India Ltd, commented on the quarter’s performance, “We are excited to share yet another successful quarter performance, which is a result of our continuous focus on delivering exceptional craftsmanship and tapping into emerging market opportunities in the premium segment. The outstanding performances of our flagship Timex brand coupled with fashion and luxury segments, inspire us to keep innovating and expanding our reach to meet India’s growing appetite for premium timepieces.”

The quarter was also marked by the 170th-anniversary limited edition 1-dollar watch launch, showcasing the legacy of Timex in the art of watchmaking, amplifying the brand’s visibility, and strengthening consumer engagement across platforms. Collaborations with globally recognized brands and designers such as Fortnite, James Brand, and Jacquie Aiche further solidified Timex’s appeal among India’s modern, style-conscious consumers. The festive season launches witnessed the acceptance of premium collections, including the Timex Fria Peekaboo range which introduced watches with unique, modern designs.

Timex Group India Ltd is charting a clear course for sustained growth reaching new milestones each quarter. The company plans to deepen its presence in high-potential areas including airport retail, introducing premium brands, and diversifying its portfolio with new categories like Guess Jewellery further enhancing its consumer connection.

Timex continues with its commitment to watchmaking with the launch of a limited-edition watch designed by Timex’s Milan-based Creative Director, Giorgio Galli, whose passion for minimalist design and functional elegance has set him apart in the watch industry. Limited to just 500 pieces, the Giorgio Galli S2Ti is the final evolution of the iconic S series that redefines sophistication, seamlessly blending contemporary design with exceptional durability. Enhanced digital experiences are a top priority to keep pace with India’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape.

Mumbai, January 31, 2025: Cricket legend M.S. Dhoni and Emcure Pharma’s Whole-Time Director Namita Thapar have come together in a powerful conversation to highlight the urgent need to prioritize women’s health.

A video shared by Namita on her podcast on women’s health, Uncondition Yourself with Namita, highlights how women, despite being the core of the family, often have their health neglected and mocked. The video emphasizes the need to destigmatize and have an open dialogue about women’s health, advocating for a shift away from dismissive attitudes and encouraging women to be vocal about their health concerns.

The discussion was part of Emcure’s Arth campaign, dedicated to shedding light on social attitudes and empowering women to take charge of their health.

In a candid conversation, Namita throws a googly at Dhoni by asking if he knows the hemoglobin levels of himself and Sakshi (his wife). Caught off guard, Dhoni admits he has no idea. Namita and Dhoni both agree that despite being the nucleus of the family and taking care of everyone, women often tend to ignore their own health.

When women talk about their own health, family members may be dismissive. Dhoni points out, “Mocking remarks like ‘ye normal hai’ need to be replaced with empathy and action. Women must be heard and supported, not dismissed.” He insists that men and women must play an equal role in bringing about this shift, advocating for a culture, free from mocking remarks or indifferent attitudes towards women issues. We should encourage women not only to talk openly about their health but also to take timely action, such as opting for regular health check-ups and timely treatment.

Namita Thapar, a passionate advocate for women’s health, echoes Dhoni’s sentiment. She says, “A condescending attitude, with remarks like ‘maybe she’s going through PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or hormonal mood swings,’ often discourages women from speaking up. Addressing these health-related challenges by creating a supportive and empathetic environment is essential, ensuring that health is never a barrier to women’s personal and professional growth.”

Dhoni aptly concludes the video with a simple yet powerful message: “Health is wealth. Sacrifice some comfort, give some time to yourself and invest it in your health; it will pay good dividends.”

Gurgaon, 31st January 2025 – Channelplay, a leading retail distribution and sales management solutions provider, has been entrusted with the responsibility of launching and scaling the offline distribution of Bombay Banta in the Indian market. The initiative will commence in the Delhi NCR region, leveraging a combination of direct and indirect distribution models to service small and mid-sized retail outlets effectively.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in Bombay Banta’s journey to expand its footprint in India, bringing its innovative and refreshing offerings to a broader audience. With Channelplay’s extensive expertise and cutting-edge technology platform, 1Channel, the distribution strategy is poised for efficiency, transparency, and scalability.

Channel, Channelplay’s flagship technology platform, will serve as the backbone of this initiative, ensuring seamless operations across the supply chain. Known for its robust capabilities in retail distribution management, the platform enables real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders, making it the ideal tool to support Bombay Banta’s growth aspirations.

Mr. Lakshya Das, Senior Vice President at Channelplay, says, “I am very excited about the opportunities in the mocktail market in India. This sales and offline distribution partnership between Bombay Banta and Channelplay is a significant step forward for both organizations. It combines Bombay Banta’s innovative product offering with Channelplay’s proven expertise in retail distribution. Together, we aim to deliver refreshing value not only to consumers but also to our channel partners, creating a win-win for all stakeholders,”

Akkshita Malhotra, Co-Founder & Director, Bombay Banta added, “This partnership with Channelplay is a pivotal moment for Bombay Banta as we take our brand to the next level in the Indian market. With Channelplay’s extensive expertise in offline distribution and their innovative technology platform, we are confident in our ability to reach small and mid-sized retail outlets effectively. Together, we aim to offer a refreshing and exciting product to our consumers while creating strong value for our channel partners,”

The collaboration between Channelplay and Bombay Banta represents a strategic alliance aimed at transforming the offline distribution landscape for innovative beverage products in India. With Channelplay’s years of industry expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to operational excellence, coupled with Bombay Banta’s refreshing and unique offerings, this partnership is poised to create significant value for consumers and channel partners alike.

Manipal, 31st January 2025: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) collaborated with Deakin University, Australia to organize a prominent International Symposium on Technology for healthcare. The two-day symposium concluded with the purpose of improving medical technology and healthcare outcomes by bringing a diverse group of academic and clinical experts together to discuss revolutionary themes and establish meaningful partnerships.

Professor K. Baskaran, Associate Dean (International), Faculty of SEBE, Deakin University, and Dr. Satish Rao, MAHE, in their respective speeches, reflected and highlighted their institution’s shared vision of revolutionizing global healthcare through technology.

Professor K. Baskaran, Associate Dean (International), Faculty of SEBE, Deakin University, in collaboration with MAHE, said, “Deakin University is proud to partner with MAHE in this pivotal initiative, where technology and research converge to address the critical healthcare challenges of our time. As the global demand for innovative and accessible healthcare solutions intensifies, this collaboration exemplifies our shared vision to harness cutting-edge research and technological advancements to create tangible, life-changing impacts for communities worldwide.”

Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, shared his thoughts, “The partnership between Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Deakin University will possibly bring out an advanced transformation of technology not only within the realm of the healthcare sector but also help establish the power of technology by setting an example.”

The symposium highlighted engaging discussions on crucial themes in digital health technologies and identified at least three joint research projects poised to push the boundaries of medical technology. Participants gained insights into MAHE’s robust research infrastructure and Deakin’s expertise in technology-driven healthcare solutions by getting involved in clinical and lab tours at Kasturba Medical College (KMC).

Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Technology & Sciences, MAHE, expressed his views, “The Deakin-MAHE partnership demonstrates how the convergence of interdisciplinary research and expertise sharing between Australia and India can address global healthcare challenges. This symposium underscores the transformative power of partnerships in fostering innovation and creating meaningful solutions.”

Priyanka Singh, Executive Director (South Asia), Deakin University, said, “By leveraging our collective strengths, we are not just advancing research but also paving the way for impactful outcomes that benefit both nations and beyond The International Symposium not only highlighted the importance of global partnerships in cultivating meaningful progress in healthcare technology but also symbolized another milestone in the longstanding collaboration between MAHE and Deakin University.

Kolkata, 31 January 2025 –The British Council, UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, hosted a seminar on Online, Distance and Digitally delivered Learning to shed light on the current, rapidly changing landscape of opportunities and challenges in online learning segment. The seminar explored the best practices of universities for online courses.

Taking a step further and to deep dive into the quality and effectiveness of Online, Distance, and Digitally Delivered Learning (ODDL), the organisation announced a Going Global Partnerships grants. The Going Global Partnerships programme promotes collaboration and innovation in teaching and learning and transnational education in higher education institutions between India and the UK.

The grant will support collaborative efforts to enhance mutual understanding of UK-India educational systems, identify areas for further collaboration, and harness technology to improve the learning experience. Special attention will be given to improving student engagement, developing innovative teaching practices, and addressing the challenges of assessment quality and course completion rates.

Lord Jo Johnson, Former Universities Minister of the UK, offered a look into the future trends of online and digitally delivered education. Meanwhile, Prof. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Former Member of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training, provided an overview of the regulatory landscape for education in India.

A thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director of Education- India, British Council, was organised during the seminar which delved into the ideal framework for distance education. Esteemed panellists, including Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, and Joshua Fleming, Director Strategy Office for Students UK, shared their perspectives on creating scalable, accessible, and high-quality online learning systems.

Throughout the seminar, experts examined the evolving landscape of online, open, and digitally delivered education. The event featured a series of innovative demonstrations by leading online education providers and addressed key issues such as student engagement, regulatory frameworks, and the scalability of digital learning models. With global demand for higher education expected to rise, the seminar underscored how digital education can effectively meet these challenges while ensuring equity, access, and quality.

At the event, Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director of Education- India, British Council, said, “Understanding and improving the quality and effectiveness of Online, Distance, and Digitally Delivered Learning (ODDL) is crucial as we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of education. The Going Global Partnerships grant represents a significant step towards fostering collaboration between India and the UK, aiming to enhance the learning experience through innovative teaching practices and technology. We hope this will complement the brilliant efforts of the Indian authorities in this space through mutually beneficial collaboration.”

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, FRSE, President UUK and Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of St Andrews said, “We are delighted to strengthen the collaboration between the UK and India through initiatives like the Going Global Partnerships programme. This grant will help us to explore innovative approaches to online, distance, and digitally delivered learning, fostering a deeper understanding of our educational systems. By sharing best practices, enhancing student engagement, and addressing challenges in assessment and course completion, we aim to build a more accessible, scalable, and high-quality digital education landscape for both our nations.”

The Going Global Partnerships grant call for online, distance, and digitally delivered learning, in conjunction with the seminar, is expected to build meaningful partnerships that will contribute to the development of a robust digital learning environment, break barriers around access, and ultimately enhance the employability and skill acquisition of students globally.

India-UK collaboration on internationalising higher education focus on research partnerships, future skills for students, improved teaching quality, and capacity building. The UK and India are key partners in mobility and the UK wants more Indian students to work and study in UK. The UK is open and welcomes international students to pursue high quality courses at globally ranked universities that offer excellent graduate outcomes.

Bengaluru, 31st January 2025: India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd., in line with its customer-centric approach and to cater to the growing demand for premium motorcycles, has announced a price reduction of up to INR 1.10 lakh on its flagship models – the Yamaha R3 and MT-03 effective from 1st February 2025. These models, known for their superior performance and Yamaha’s signature racing DNA, are now available at unbeatable prices. As Yamaha celebrates a decade of the R3 legacy globally, this price revision reinforces the brand’s commitment to its customers and the premium motorcycle segment.

The Yamaha R3 is now priced at INR 3,59,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is available in Icon Blue and Yamaha Black colour options. Meanwhile, the MT-03, with its bold design and street performance, is priced at INR 3,49,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and comes in Midnight Cyan and Midnight Black colour options.

Over the last 10 years, the Yamaha R3 has built a cult following among riding enthusiasts globally for its track-oriented precision, exhilarating performance, and timeless design. With its lightweight diamond frame, aerodynamic design inspired by Yamaha’s iconic YZR-M1, and a powerful 321cc engine the R3 offers a thrilling riding experience. The 50/50 weight distribution, sporty riding posture, and advanced braking system make it the perfect companion for both track and road enthusiasts.

The Yamaha MT-03, a hyper-naked streetfighter, stands out with its aggressive styling and torque-focused performance. Designed for agility and everyday usability, it features an upright riding position, twin-eye LED headlights, and mass-forward bodywork that highlights its bold character. The MT-03 is powered by the same 321cc engine as the R3, ensuring thrilling acceleration and smooth performance, while its compact design and mono-cross rear suspension offer unmatched manoeuvrability in city traffic.

With this change in pricing, Yamaha reaffirms its commitment to offering accessible premium motorcycles that deliver on performance, design, and innovation. This strategic move is expected to further strengthen Yamaha’s foothold in the premium motorcycle segment in India and attract a wider audience of riding enthusiasts.

Have you ever wondered what your favourite actors would be doing if they weren’t in the entertainment industry? It turns out these talented individuals have unique skills and passions that could have led them to completely different career paths! From teaching and singing to dancing, &TV actors share how their alternate professions would still reflect their creativity, dedication, and desire to inspire. Here’s a look at the professions they might have pursued if not acting, featuring Neeta Mohindra (Kailasha Bua from Bheema), Sonal Panwar (Malaika from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabhi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Neeta Mohindra, known for her role as Kailasha Bua in Bheema, says, “If I weren’t an actor, I would have fully committed myself to teaching acting and the art forms that I hold dear. Alongside my acting career, I’ve been fortunate to teach students, especially in acting and Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art that blends discipline, strength, and grace. With a master’s degree in fine arts and a Ph.D. in Tribal Art Forms, I am passionate about preserving and passing on our cultural heritage. Teaching allows me to guide aspiring artists, helping them discover their potential and refine their craft. Had acting not been my main focus, I would have devoted my time entirely to nurturing the next generation of performers, combining my love for art, storytelling, and education into a fulfilling teaching career.”

Sonal Panwar, who plays Malaika in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “If I weren’t an actor, I would have pursued a career as a singer. Music has been a constant part of my life since childhood, and I’ve been learning to sing for as long as I can remember. The power of music to express emotions and connect with people deeply resonates with me. Singing brings me immense joy and allows me to convey feelings that words often can’t. I find myself humming tunes or singing my favourite songs during my free time—it’s like therapy for me. If I hadn’t been performing on screen, I would have loved to perform on stage or even teach music, sharing the magic of melodies with others. Singing will always be an integral part of who I am.” Shubhangi Atre, known for her portrayal of Angoori Bhabhi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, reveals, “If I hadn’t become an actor, I would have definitely pursued a career as a Kathak dancer and teacher. Dancing has been a part of my life since childhood, and Kathak holds a special place in my heart. The rhythm, expressions, and grace of this classical dance form have always fascinated me. I’ve spent countless hours practicing, and it has brought me immense joy and peace. Teaching Kathak would have been a dream come true, as it would allow me to share my passion for this beautiful art form with others and inspire them to embrace our rich cultural heritage. Even now, whenever I get the chance, I love performing Kathak, and it reminds me of the timeless beauty of Indian classical arts.”