Sportz Interactive’s 2025 Hackathon spotlights future of fan engagement with GenAI-led innovations
MUMBAI, 25th August 2025: Sportz Interactive (SI), a global leader in sports technology and fan engagement, hosted the final of its 2025 Hackathon today, unveiling a range of GenAI-powered solutions designed to redefine the future of digital fan engagement. The annual event, held at SI’s Mumbai headquarters, brought together talent from across the company to develop cutting-edge ideas addressing complex challenges in the sports industry.
Seventeen teams competed with concepts aimed at creating deeply personalised and interactive fan experiences – all developed within just 48 hours ahead of the finale presentations. Highlights included an AI-powered content management system that streamlines publishing while reducing costs, an automated design and calendar assistant that transforms sports data into campaign-ready media, and an AI “factory” capable of turning text prompts into playable mini-games in minutes. Other innovations showcased an intelligent cricket platform for real-time coverage and a plug-and-play trivia widget for digital platforms that taps into proprietary sports data to deliver real-time, personalised and context-aware trivia. After multiple rounds, five standout teams advanced to the finale.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the day’s finale opened with a spirited performance by The SIgnature, SI’s in-house band, whose renditions of popular tunes set the stage for the presentations.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Jake Lush McCrum (CEO, Rajasthan Royals), Binda Dey (Group CMO, Knight Riders Sports), Jatin Sapru (sports broadcaster), and Nikhil Raghavan (Partner, Marathon Edge), joined SI’s leaders Arvind Iyengar (Chairman) and Siddharth Raman (CEO) in evaluating the finalists.
“This year’s Hackathon was a testament to the incredible talent within our industry and a clear signal that GenAI is the key to unlocking the future of fan engagement,” said Siddharth Raman, CEO of Sportz Interactive. “The solutions presented today were more than just concepts; they were a direct look at the future of how sports organisations can connect with their audiences in smarter and more meaningful ways. We are empowering our teams to lead the charge in this new era of sports technology.”
Ashiana Housing Launches Swarang Phase II Senior Living Project in Chennai
Chennai, 25 August, 2025: Ashiana Housing Ltd. , India’s leading developer in senior living, has launched Swarang Phase II, a sophisticated extension of its flagship senior living project along East Coast Road (ECR), Near Sheraton Resort, Chennai.
Phase I of the Swarang was a resounding success, with 99 of the 134 homes sold swiftly, generating sales of ₹110.58 crore. Building on this trust, Ashiana Housing, in collaboration with Kairav Developers and Arihant Foundations & Housing, is unveiling Phase II. Spread across 1.35 acres, this thoughtfully designed addition comes with an investment of ₹45 crore as part of the larger ₹230 crore project.
Delightful in every sense, Swarang Phase II has been crafted as a sophisticated haven for seniors, where state-of-the-art amenities blend seamlessly with a serene coastal setting. Homes are priced between ₹1.29 crore and ₹2.5 crore, offering the perfect balance of comfort, safety, and elegance for a fulfilling post-retirement lifestyle.
Speaking about the launch, Ankur Gupta, Joint Managing Director, Ashiana Housing Ltd., said, “Phase I showed us the depth of trust and demand for well-thought-out senior living in Chennai. With Phase II, we are taking that vision further, building not just homes, but a community where seniors can enjoy independence, companionship, and care in an environment that inspires confidence. Swarang is about celebrating life, not slowing it down.”
Strategically located in Nemmeli, where the backwaters meet the sea, Swarang Phase II offers residents a serene yet connected environment. Designed to ensure a vibrant lifestyle, the community integrates modern comfort, medical support, and activity-driven spaces that encourage active and meaningful living.
Swarang follows a low-rise, low-density planning approach, with around 40 units per acre, allowing for more open areas within the community. Its location, nestled between the backwaters and the sea, provides residents the advantage of natural breezes and a refreshing setting.
The project features landscaping planned by one of India’s noted landscape architects, bringing an international standard of design to the project. In addition, the semi-furnished apartments are intended to make the process of moving in relatively convenient for residents.
With this phase, Ashiana continues its focus on senior living in Chennai, aiming to provide thoughtfully designed spaces that balance functionality, aesthetics, and a supportive environment.
OnGrid Urges Financial Sector to Reinforce Video KYC
India , 25th August 2025: As India accelerates its digital onboarding of financial customers, it also faces an invisible threat – synthetic identity fraud powered by deepfakes. A 700% rise in such attacks in 2023 alone has prompted security experts and fintech leaders to urge for immediate reinforcement of India’s Video KYC protocols. OnGrid, a leading digital trust platform, is sounding the alarm and offering a tech-forward solution that not only meets compliance but actively prevents identity spoofing.
“The future of financial fraud is synthetic. Without native deepfake detection and anti-spoofing layers, companies are only protecting themselves on paper—not in practice,” said Vaibhav Yadav, Product Head at OnGrid.
Deepfake technology has become commoditized, with over 2,000 facial manipulation tools, 1,000 voice-cloning apps, and dozens of KYC bypass kits available on underground markets. These tools allow imposters to masquerade as legitimate users, create synthetic identities, or launch replay attacks often with little technical expertise required. What once took expertise and resources can now be executed in minutes at negligible cost.
Despite RBI’s digital push, gaps remain: no regulatory definition of deepfake fraud, no mandatory reporting of spoofing incidents, and underinvestment in anti-spoofing infrastructure.
OnGrid’s Smart Video KYC directly addresses this challenge by embedding:
● Active and passive liveness detection
● Real-time facial and voice-video synchronization checks
● AI anomaly detection in biometrics
● Device and geolocation audit trails
“Anti-spoofing must be embedded at the protocol level, not just layered on top as a cosmetic add-on,” said Vivek Kumar, Product Manager at OnGrid.
OnGrid is urging regulators to classify synthetic identity fraud, mandate anti-spoofing in Video KYC, and enable sector-wide threat intelligence sharing. Initiatives like OnGrid’s advanced deepfake & spoof-resistant video KYC demonstrate that robust defenses are possible, if institutions are willing to invest ahead of the threat curve.
ROHL Signs New Property in Jabalpur
Bengaluru, 25 Aug, 2025: Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) is strengthening its presence in Central India with a new signing in Jabalpur – a city fast emerging as a hub at the crossroads of Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. The upcoming 54-key Regenta Resort Jabalpur, developed in partnership with TRIUMPH DEVCON & TRADING PRIVATE LIMITED, will operate under a management agreement. This move reflects ROHL’s clear strategy to scale aggressively without owning physical assets while staying true to its vision of taking quality hospitality to high-potential, underexplored markets.
Purpose-built for both leisure and business travellers, the resort offers more than just a stay. Guests can expect a multi-cuisine restaurant, bar, gym, spa, and swimming pool all under one roof. For events, the property features three banquet halls (7,000 sq. ft., 3,500 sq. ft., and 3,500 sq. ft.) and two expansive lawns spread over 40,000 sq. ft., ideal for *destination weddings, corporate offsites, and large social gatherings*. Its location is another advantage, just 5 km from the railway station and 18 km from the airport, with direct access to the national highway.
Commenting on the signing, Arjun Baljee, President Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. Said, “Jabalpur is at an exciting turning point. It’s a city with deep cultural roots and growing business importance. With this property, we’re tapping into that potential. At Royal Orchid Hotels, we’ve always believed in identifying emerging markets and delivering dependable hospitality experiences. This signing is another step in that direction, and we’re delighted to bring Regenta’s service promise to Jabalpur.”
Long known for the iconic Dhuandhar Falls, Marble Rocks, and rich heritage, Jabalpur is now stepping up as one of Central India’s most dynamic growth centres. With improving infrastructure, better connectivity to metros, and its role as a defence and administrative hub, the city is seeing strong demand for quality hospitality. ROHL is among the first national chains to place a long-term bet here.
On behalf of the development partners, Mrs. Tavinder Gujral said, “We are proud to collaborate with Royal Orchid Hotels to introduce Regenta to Jabalpur. Together, we want to create a property that blends comfort, reliability, and the signature warmth the brand is known for.”
Tata Motors and DIMO Expand Mobility Leadership in Sri Lanka, Launch 10 New Trucks and Buses
Bengaluru, 25 August 2025: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and a global leader in mobility solutions, today introduced 10 new commercial vehicles in partnership with DIMO, its authorised distributor in Sri Lanka. This significant launch underscores Tata Motors’ commitment to provide advanced transport solutions and marks a major expansion of its presence in the country. It also commemorates 65-years of trusted partnership with DIMO — a collaboration rooted in shared growth and a relentless pursuit of customer excellence.
The newly launched commercial vehicles are engineered to meet a wide range of cargo and passenger mobility needs. Designed with purpose and precision, they offer smart, reliable, and performance-driven solutions tailored to the evolving needs of enterprises and transporters in Sri Lanka. These vehicles exemplify Tata Motors’ focus on delivering high-performance mobility solutions that are rigorously tested for durability across demanding terrains, while offering superior comfort and operational efficiency elevating every trip.
Unveiling the new line-up, Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said, “With a rich legacy and deep understanding of the Sri Lankan market, we have introduced application-oriented vehicles to meet the country’s growing infrastructure, public transportation, and logistics needs. This enhanced portfolio delivers a compelling proposition of superior performance, reliability, and optimized total cost of ownership — empowering customers to achieve greater efficiency and profitability. Backed by DIMO’s enduring partnership of six and a half decades, we are confident that these advanced offerings will set new benchmarks and catalyze the next phase of progress in Sri Lanka’s growing mobility landscape.”
Alluding to the long-standing partnership with Tata Motors, Mr. Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman, DIMO, said, “For over 65 years, DIMO has proudly represented Tata Motors in Sri Lanka, introducing advanced commercial vehicles that continue to set new benchmarks in performance and reliability. This latest range embodies the future of transport — blending world-class engineering with solutions designed for our market’s evolving needs. Underpinned by DIMO’s unmatched after-sales expertise we ensure every vehicle delivers sustained performance and value throughout its lifecycle. Together with Tata Motors, we remain committed to driving sustainable growth and shaping a high-performance mobility ecosystem for the country.”
Key Highlights: Launch of Segment-Centric, Application focused Vehicles
Cargo Mobility Solutions
- For agile, high-efficiency intra-city logistics and last-mile delivery: The Ultra range of trucks — including models T.7, T.9, T.12, T.14, and 1918.T — is built on Tata Motors’ next-generation smart truck platform, offering high fuel efficiency, enhanced performance, maneuverability, and operational productivity.
- For long-haul and heavy-duty transport operations: The Prima 5530.S and Signa 5530.S prime movers are equipped with advanced technologies that enhance fuel efficiency, elevate safety standards, and optimize fleet productivity — making them ideal for demanding logistics and infrastructure applications
Passenger Mobility Solutions
- For long distance, inter-city travel with enhanced passenger comfort: The LPO 1622 Magna bus is engineered to deliver superior performance and best-in-class total cost of ownership. It features advanced safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Control for a safe travel experience, and air suspension for a smooth ride across varied terrains, ensuring enhanced passenger comfort over long distances
- For efficient, convenient staff transport: The Ultra Prime LPO 8.6 and LPO 11.6 buses offer fuel-efficient performance with ergonomic seating for 34 and 40 passengers, respectively. Designed for high uptime and enhanced safety, these buses provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for daily employee mobility
Customer-Centric Services:
- 15 Strategically Located Service Centers: DIMO’s nationwide network ensures convenient access to genuine spare parts and timely maintenance support
- Extended Warranty Coverage: Select models come with extended warranty of up to 3 years or 300,000 km, offering both peace of mind as well as long-term value
- Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC): Customised AMC packages designed to meet varied operational requirements, ensuring optimal vehicle performance and cost efficiency
Tata Motors’ commercial vehicles are sold in over 40 countries worldwide, with a portfolio that spans sub- 1-tonne mini-trucks to 60-tonne heavy-duty trucks and 9 to 71-seater passenger transport solutions. With over seven decades of experience in commercial mobility, the company continues to deliver on its promise of performance, durability, and total cost efficiency — built on a foundation of frugal engineering and global innovation.
Mohan Brothers Mesmerized Delhi with Unique Jugalbandi of Sitar and Sarod with Monsoon Ragas
New Delhi, 25th August 2025 : The internationally acclaimed Mohan Brothers, Lakshay Mohan (Sitar) and Aayush Mohan (Sarod), presented the much-anticipated second edition of Monsoon Ragas on 21st August at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi. Building on the overwhelming success of their debut in 2024, this year’s live concert left the audience captivated with its profound emotional depth and technical excellence. As a tribute to the spirit of the monsoon, the performance highlighted seasonal ragas traditionally linked with rain, romance, and reflection.
The evening featured a mesmerizing jugalbandi, weaving together the delicate intricacy of the sitar with the soulful depth of the sarod in a rare and harmonious exchange that showcased the brothers’ deep musical bond. Every note reflected not only their mastery but also a heartfelt connection with the audience, who were drawn into a soundscape that was both timeless and immersive.
Enhancing the performance were Pt. Ramkumar Mishra (Tabla) and Pt. Fatehsingh Gangani (Pakhawaj), whose exceptional accompaniment created a vibrant interplay of melody and rhythm that heightened the evening’s experience. The concert hall resonated with standing ovations and heartfelt applause, a testament to the impact of the performance.
More than just a concert, the evening reaffirmed the transformative power of Indian classical music as a source of mental well-being and joy.
Coastal Calm to Urban Luxe: Lumeil’s Style-Based Lighting Categories Explained
25th August 2025, Jaipur : In high design, every choice is a self-portrait in form. The curve of a chair, the warmth of a finish, the fall of light at dusk — all of it becomes vocabulary in the language of space.
It is this understanding that defines Lumeil, India’s most refined e-commerce platform for premium decorative lighting. With its newest enhancement — style-based lighting categories — Lumeil reimagines the way design professionals and high-net-worth individuals discover lighting.
1. Coastal Calm
This style whispers of barefoot mornings, linen-draped lounges, and sunlight dancing across pale oak floors. Lumeil’s Coastal Calm category curates lighting that feels effortless — woven textures, sculptural whites, and soft diffusions that nod to the serenity of the sea.
Think handwoven rattan pendants, alabaster table lamps, and matte ceramics that glow as gently as a Goan sunset. Perfect for vacation homes, breezy verandahs, and clients who understand that simplicity is not minimal — it is mindful.
2. Urban Luxe
Bold, confident, and unapologetically tailored — Urban Luxe is for homes that reflect the skyline. This collection leans into strong silhouettes, warm metallics, and moody tones. Brass meets black glass. Marble meets matte gunmetal.
Each piece here is a quiet power move — lighting designed not to impress, but to intrigue on the second. Ideal for city penthouses, art-filled apartments, and homes where luxury is always lived, never performed.
3. Timeless Heritage
An homage to enduring Indian artistry, Timeless Heritage is where tradition meets taste. These are pieces that feel rooted, but never rustic — featuring inlay work, blown glass, hand-finished brass, and detailing inspired by temple architecture, Mughal motifs, and Rajasthani craftsmanship.
This category speaks to those who collect with connoisseurship — who see lighting not just as function or décor, but as a continuation of cultural legacy.
4. Modern Organic
For those who appreciate quiet restraint, Modern Organic blends the architectural with the elemental. The edit includes natural finishes, abstract forms, and tonal palettes — lighting that pairs effortlessly with natural stone, textured walls, and spaces designed to breathe.
Here, light is not cast — it is exhaled. This category is a favorite among contemporary architects and wellness-led homes — those who design with both atmosphere and aura in mind.
A Digital Platform Curated Like a Private Gallery
Lumeil’s categorization is not an algorithmic filter. It is an editorial lens — created by and for design professionals who believe that selection should inspire, not overwhelm.
With each style, the platform offers nuanced discovery, designer notes, and pieces that feel less like “SKUs” and more like signature pieces in a collector’s cabinet.
“We do not curate for clicks. We curate for character. These style categories are designed to give clarity to chaos — to help both designers and homeowners discover pieces that feel aligned with who they are, not just what’s trending.” Naman Jain, Co-Founder, Lumeil