Malaika Arora on What Makes Dancers Shine in Hip Hop India S2

MUMBAI, India–May 28, 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming platform, is turning up the tempo as Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to dominate the charts and capture viewers’ hearts across the country. As the show inches closer to the ultimate showdown, the competition is only getting more intense, and the rivalries sharper than ever. With tension running high, surprises around every corner, and energy that never lets up, judges Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora are seeing dancers go harder, bring their A-game to each performance, and command the stage like never before.

Reflecting on what sets a standout performer apart, Malaika Arora shared, “For me, presence and expression are everything. When a dancer steps onto that stage and instantly commands the space, even before the music drops, you know you’re in for something special. It’s not just about executing choreography. It’s about owning the moment and connecting with the audience from the very first beat.”

She further added, “Technique is important, of course, but it’s the emotional connection that transforms a good performance into something unforgettable. When a dancer is truly living every note, and telling a story, that’s when I know I’m witnessing something special. There’s a kind of authenticity in those moments that you don’t see often, and when that happens, it stays with you.”

As rivalries intensify and emotions run highRealme Hip Hop India Season 2 keeps the adrenaline pumping with performances that are as explosive as they are emotionally charged. New episodes drop every Thursday, only on Amazon MX Player, accessible on the Amazon Shopping App, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.

A Culinary Ascent: The Fern Hotels and Resorts Presents ‘Cuisines of the Hills in India’ Food Festival

Mumbai, May 28, 2025This summer, The Fern Hotels and Resorts presents Cuisines of the Hills in India, a thoughtfully curated food festival that celebrates the diverse and time-honoured culinary traditions of India’s picturesque hill stations. Set to be hosted across 16 Fern properties from May 23-June 1, 2025 between 7 PM-9 PM, this festival promises a sensorial journey through the cool climate and vibrant cultures of India’s mountainous regions ranging from the misty Himalayan valleys to the verdant slopes of the Western Ghats.
 

Renowned for their natural beauty, India’s hill stations are also culinary treasure troves shaped by regional produce, climatic conditions, and deep-rooted cultural influences. The food festival draws inspiration from the rich gastronomic heritage of iconic hill towns such as Manali, Shimla, Nainital, Darjeeling, Munnar and Coorg etc. With menus reflecting everything from indigenous tribal practices to colonial-era cooking techniques, ‘Cuisines of the Hills in India’ offers an immersive experience steeped in authenticity.

Guests can relish delicacies like Chana Madra and Dham from Himachal Pradesh, Aloo ke Gutke and Gahat ki Dal from Uttarakhand and Tibetan-inspired favourites such as Thukpa and Momos from Darjeeling. The bold and earthy flavours of Coorg shine through in dishes like Pandi Curry and Kadumbuttu, while Kerala’s hill cuisine is represented through offerings such as Appam with Stew and Kappa with Meen Curry. These dishes are authentically prepared using locally sourced ingredients including millets, barley, wild herbs, lentils, and region-specific spices.

​Adding to the ambiance is a thoughtfully designed setting that evokes the warmth and charm of hill homes. Guests will dine in rustic wooden spaces adorned with handwoven rugs, local artifacts, and crockery made from clay, wood, and copper. The immersive experience is further enhanced by region-specific uniforms worn by the staff. The culinary journey is complemented by traditional and ambient music, creating a harmonious backdrop. Guests may hear the rhythmic beats of Himachali folk instruments, the meditative hum of Tibetan throat singing, or the soulful notes of Coorgi drums and flutes, all thoughtfully blended with contemporary ambient sounds to recreate the serenity of the hills.

“We are pleased to introduce ‘Cuisines of the Hills in India’ as a tribute to the country’s elevated culinary culture. Through this festival, we aim to spotlight the culinary depth and cultural richness of India’s hill stations, offering our guests not just a meal, but a story on every plate,” shares Chef Ritesh Sen, General Manager – Food & Beverage, The Fern Hotels & ResortsPromising a refreshing escape into India’s culinary highlands, Cuisines of the Hills in India invites food lovers and cultural enthusiasts to savour the soulful simplicity and regional richness that define the hills of India.

Antara Senior Care Launches Care Home in Chennai for Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Care Needs

Chennai, 28th May 2025: Antara Senior Care, India’s leading provider of holistic seniorcare solutions and a wholly owned subsidiary of Max India Limited, has launched the first of its care homes in Chennai. The ~30,000 sq. ft., 43-bed facility on East Coast Road (ECR) addresses the growing demand for specialized senior care. It offers assisted living for seniors who need support with daily activities, as well as rehabilitative and recovery services for those recuperating after major health events.

Chennai is one of India’s leading medical tourism hubs. It draws a significant number of domestic medical tourists with its robust medical infrastructure, and attracts a large number of international patients, many among them seniors. However, despite the strong medical setup, the infrastructure that aids structured recovery and rehabilitation remains underdeveloped. Additionally, Chennai has a growing population of senior citizens, underlining the urgent need to create systems that support those without relevant care backup at home to regain health with ease and dignity.

Ishaan Khanna, CEO, Antara Assisted Care Services, said, “With the launch of our new Antara Care Home on the East Coast Road, we are excited to bring to Chennai a facility that is built to deliver the highest standard of rehabilitative and recuperative care to seniors, as well as assisted living services for those requiring long-term support. Antara‘s commitment to high-quality clinical governance in coordination with the treating doctor, and professional caregiving is directed to help residents get the support needed to tide over health setbacks, even when they live independently. For those needing ongoing assistance with daily activities, our assisted living solutions provide a secure, dignified environment with 24/7 professional care. We aim to provide seniors and their children a stress-free recovery experience and quality assisted living option in an environment built around their needs.” 

STF and Mann Deshi Foundation Transforming Dantewada, One Maidan at a Time

In the remote corners of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, where shadows of a dark past and volatile present loom over the villagers, Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF) and the Mann Deshi Foundation are ushering in a new dawn. Coordinated efforts, with support from the district administration, are helping shape a sports-empowered future for children, one maidan at a time.

Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF), committed to empowering children through sports, in partnership with the Mann Deshi Foundation, have introduced— the Maidan Cup Competition, to give under-privileged children a platform to perform. For this competition, a total of 50 playgrounds across 50 participating villages across the Dantewada district are being carved out of barren lands. Already in action, the initiative is coming to fruition with active support from the District Collectors Mayank Chaturvedi, Kunal Dudawat and the villagers.

For villagers long affected by naxalism, their children getting some scope and exposure for development through sports, is a promising start in their overall stride towards a better future. Over 10,000 children are going to get benefitted from this initiative with a projected 40% participation from girls, signalling a paradigm shift in girl child empowerment and gender equality. Broader impact from the Maidan Cup is aimed at reducing the crime rates in conflict zones by around and above 20% through sports programmes. With zeal and unified spirit from all involved, including the villagers, a grass roots revolution is about to take shape in the conflict-ridden corners of Dantewada.

Pocket FM has the back of Jaipur Patriots for UTT this season

India, May 28, 2025: Every great match has a story. And every story needs someone who believes in it. This season, audio series platform Pocket FM steps into the arena, partnering Jaipur Patriots as their official back-of-the-jersey partner for Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2025.

“At Pocket FM, we build stories that resonate with stories of ambition, setbacks, and second chances,” said Vineet Singh, Head – Brand Marketing and Communications. “In the Jaipur Patriots, we saw a story we wanted to stand behind. And that’s exactly what we are doing, both literally and in spirit.”

The Patriots return this season with a fierce lineup: India’s top-ranked women’s singles player, Sreeja Akula, international stars like Kanak Jha and Britt Eerland, and a fresh wave of Indian talent. Coached by Pavel Rehorek (Czech Republic)  and Sachin Shetty (India), the team will be playing  #Fortheglory and is focused on rewriting the script for table tennis in India

Jaipur Patriots is on a mission to make table tennis matter more in India to turn matches into moments that stay with our fans,” said Parina Parekh, Co-owner, Jaipur Patriots. “Pocket FM understands that spirit. They have built a platform rooted in storytelling that speaks to young India, and we commend their effort to back a sport that’s still finding its spotlight. This partnership brings together two teams driven by purpose, and we are excited to build stories and meaningful moments together.

To mark the partnership, Pocket FM is also launching an internal table tennis face-off across its India offices, beginning May 29. As UTT unfolds on the professional stage, Pocket FM’s own players will take up the paddle, bringing the spirit of the sport to its own floors.

Ultimate Table Tennis Season 6 begins May 31, 2025 at EKA Arena, Ahmedabad. Matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on JioCinema. 

Airtel introduces India’s First All-in-One OTT Entertainment Packs for Prepaid Users 

New Delhi, May 28, 2025: Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today, announced new unparalleled entertainmentpacks for prepaid customers. With access to an industry-leading portfolio of 25+ top OTT platforms—including Netflix, JioHotstar, Zee5 and SonyLiv — Airtel is the only telco in India offering such an extensive entertainment experience. Starting at an attractive introductory price of ₹279 for 1 month validity, customers will get access to a wide variety of popular streaming platforms, of value worth ₹750, making it the only telco to enable access to such a wide bouquet of OTT streaming options. The company has also bundled entertainment packs with unlimited 5G data and unlimited calls at ₹598 facilitating unlimited entertainment.  

 

Packs 

Benefit 

Validity 

MRP 

Direct subscription via Airtel Xstream Play App 

Netflix Basic + Zee5 +JioHotstar + Airtel Xstream Play Premium 

1 month 

₹ 279 

Prepaid Content Only Packs 
(incl. 1GB data for 1 Month) 

Netflix Basic + Zee5 + JioHotstar + Airtel Xstream Play Premium 

1 Month 

₹ 279 

Prepaid Data Bundles (Unlimited 5G And Unlimited calls) 

Netflix Basic + Zee5 + JioHotstar + Airtel Xstream Play Premium 

28 days 

₹ 598 

Netflix Basic + Zee5 + JioHotstar + Airtel Xstream Play Premium 

84 days 

₹ 1729 

Customers can now access wide variety of TV shows, blockbuster movies, and documentaries from leading OTT platforms such as Netflix, JioHostar, Zee5, SonyLiv, LionsgatePlay, AHA, SunNxt, Hoichoi, ErosNow, and ShemarooMe, among others, all through a single pack. By consolidating these various OTT services into one affordable package, the company seeks to meet the changing entertainment preferences of its prepaid users. This enables them to effortlessly enjoy international, Bollywood, and regional content in more than 16 languages, including their preferred shows, films, and original content without the complications of managing individual subscriptions. This strategic initiative not only enhances Airtel‘s value proposition but also highlights the company’s dedication to offering its customers unmatched convenience, flexibility, and a diverse range of entertainment options. 

Summer Research Methodology Workshop 2025 concludes with a clear vision to research leadership

27 May, 2025, Bengaluru: 

“If you want to be a good scholar, you need to be an engaged one”, said Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore, while addressing participants of the Summer Research Methodology Workshop 2025 at IIM Bangalore, hosted by the Office of Research and Publications (R&P) from 19th May 2025. The workshop concluded earlier today with the Editors’ Panel and valediction. Altogether 97 candidates from across India, including faculty and PhD students from other Indian Institutes of Management, took part in this workshop. Around 12 IIMB faculty members, who are well published in their respective domains, were involved with the workshop.

Providing valuable insights on ‘Research Leadership’ during the valediction, Professor RT Krishnan listed rigor, insight and relevance as the essential criteria for engaged scholarship. “However, the outcome of all this should be impact; you need to figure out how to extend the benefit of your research beyond academic journals. If you are smart in designing your research, you can take the outcome of your research in different directions to benefit academia, industry, policy making, and more.”

He quoted from papers co-authored by IIMB faculty and Doctoral scholars to explain the model of engaged scholarship further, adding, “To make research more impactful, you have to find interesting problems and provide unique solutions for the same. In India, the different and unique phenomena going around us give us a plethora of ideas to work on our research and publish in top journals. Working in the sustainability domain has also become crucial.”

He summed up his talk listing how to draw an action plan to be successful and impactful in research. “Remember that being a scholar is akin to a marathon, not a sprint, where personal vision as well as aspiration, focus, strategic intent and research plan are vital. View yourself as more than just a teacher – but as an engaged scholar. Benchmark yourself against the best in the world. Be committed to continuous improvement and embrace new technology as well as pedagogy. Manage time judiciously – try to align teaching, research and writing. This should be your individual agenda as a scholar.” He also explained the importance of personal effectiveness adding, “Prioritize and put first things first.”

“As an outstanding teacher, as a rigorous researcher, through contribution to practice, and sometimes through all three, can you be truly impactful. Become experts in your domains, an expert in an emerging method or approach, identify or build a unique dataset and then mine it. Develop a knack to identify interesting problems across domains and ways of addressing them.” He concluded by telling the participants that the best return gift they could give to IIMB faculty engaged in this workshop was to practise all that they have learnt in the workshop.

Brand Raga Repositions as 360° Marketing Consultancy with ‘YouFlexible’ Approach

National, May 27th  2025Brand Raga, one of India’s most effective marketing agencies soecialising in the metro cities landscape, today announced its strategic repositioning as a 360° marketing consultancy. At the heart of this evolution is the launch of its proprietary YouFlexible model—a transformative approach designed to deliver deeply customized marketing solutions that adapt to the ever-evolving needs, pace, and growth challenges of each client. Unlike conventional, one-size-fits-all agencies, Brand Raga’s YouFlexible framework combines brand strategy, digital performance, political communications, creative storytelling, and on-ground execution into one unified engine. It is this integration, paired with deep regional expertise, that has helped the agency dominate in markets often underserved by national agencies.

Delivering Growth in every assignment. Brand Raga’s success across metro cities to Tier 1  and government sectors has set a new benchmark. From amping women-led self-help groups triple their sales to ₹2.52 crore via hybrid campaign models, to generating 50% of monthly sales for a regional F&B brand purely through digital leads, the agency has consistently delivered measurable impact.

In the government and political space, Brand Raga has maintained a 100%-win record for election clients since 2018 and led historic campaigns like Karnataka’s Janaparashakti manifesto initiative—reaching over 2 crore citizens, conducting 200+ on-ground events, and collecting 3.5 lakh public inputs to co-create a genuinely people-powered vision.

Even in crisis scenarios, Brand Raga has shown remarkable agility—turning a modest ₹71,000 campaign budget into ₹28 lakh worth of donations for Karnataka’s 2019 flood relief fund through sharp messaging and digital precision.

A Model for the Future of Indian Marketing

“Our repositioning is not just about how we market—it’s about how we partner,” said Shivkumar Mamadapur, Founder and CEO of Brand Raga. “Today’s clients, especially in emerging markets, demand flexibility, integration, and results. The YouFlexible model was built exactly for this: to break silos, move fast, and create campaigns that are both contextual and high converting.”

Brand Raga’s integrated model has made it the go-to partner for political leaders, real estate developers, government bodies, and social enterprises alike. Campaigns like Yuva Dasara, which converted 62 lakh digital impressions into packed ground attendance, exemplify how Brand Raga bridges digital storytelling with real-world action.

AHPI and MedLern to Host Digital Health Workshop for Healthcare Professionals

New Delhi, 27th May ’25: The Association of Healthcare Providers – India (AHPI) the largest representative of private hospitals in the country, in collaboration with MedLern, a leading digital learning and training platform for healthcare professionals,  hosted a System Integration Digital Health (SIDH) Class in Bhopal at Enrise by Sayaji. The workshop engaged over 150 healthcare CXOs from 80+ hospitals and institutions, reinforcing the growing momentum for digital transformation in India’s healthcare ecosystem.

This one-day workshop was a part of Koita Foundation’s ongoing initiative to enable healthcare providers—particularly those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—to adopt digital tools and improve service delivery. The session focused on practical applications and implementation strategies for technologies such as Hospital Management Information Systems (HMIS), Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), and clinical decision-support systems.

Participants at these workshops gain a leadership perspective with digital solutions designed to enhance patient care, streamline hospital workflows, and strengthen institutional resilience. In addition, discussions addressed common barriers to digital adoption and explored pathways to long-term digital maturity in healthcare.

Dr. Sunil Khetarpal, Director, AHPI, shared “System Integration Digital Health (SIDH) is an initiative developed by Koita Foundation and PwC in association with AHPI, which has consistently been committed to capacity building across the healthcare sector. Operating through its 20 state chapters, AHPI has already trained over 250 healthcare professionals from more than 120 hospitals across four states—Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Karnataka. The goal is to expand these workshops to various cities across the country.

This time, AHPI and MedLern have partnered to bring digital health education to the forefront and make it more accessible to healthcare providers beyond the major metropolitan areas. Over 150 registrations were recorded for the workshop in Bhopal, thanks to the strong support of the AHPI Madhya Pradesh Chapter, MedLern and the MP Nursing Home Association (MPNHA). 

The Association of Healthcare Providers – India (AHPI), a key partner in this initiative, emphasized the importance of strengthening digital capabilities across hospitals of all sizes.

Mr. Deepak Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO of MedLern, stated “This collaboration with Koita Foundation and AHPI is a testament to our shared vision of transforming healthcare through continuous learning and digital readiness. We are creating a local network and ecosystem in each city to provide ongoing support and knowledge resources to Hospital CXOs to help them approach digital transformation with confidence. Indian healthcare’s opportunity to achieve significant gains in patient care and delivery efficiency is possible only with rapid digitization.”

The session focused on serving as a platform for peer learning, allowing professionals to exchange insights and rethink traditional care models in light of emerging technologies. With a strong emphasis on real-world impact, the workshop highlights the role of knowledge-sharing in driving systemic change.

Celebrating World Nutrition Day: MTR Powers 10 million+ Meals with Akshaya Patra

Mumbai, 27 May 2025: MTR Foods proudly announces its contribution of 10 million+ nutritious meals to children, in collaboration with The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Building on the legacy of its 100-year journey, this milestone reflects MTR’s sustained commitment to addressing hunger, supporting education, and nurturing young futures. It also marks over a decade of impactful collaboration between MTR and The Akshaya Patra Foundation, working together to create lasting change in communities across India.

Since the inception of this collaboration in August 2014, MTR has been instrumental in supporting the PM POSHAN (mid-day meal) programme across Karnataka, directly impacting the lives of close to 60,000 children. The initiative spans across 1,000+ schools in four key cities, including Mysore, Hubli, Bangalore, and Bellary, serving more than 10 million meals to date.

The partnership between MTR and Akshaya Patra Foundation exemplifies how collaborative efforts can create lasting social impact, addressing immediate needs while building foundations for long-term community development. MTR’s support for the PM POSHAN programme through the Akshaya Patra Foundation continues to be a vital part of its CSR journey – one that feeds futures, supports dreams, and reaffirms the company’s purpose of creating healthier lives through the power of food.

Speaking on achieving this milestone, Mr. Sunay Bhasin, CEO, MTR said, “At MTR, we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive — and that journey begins with a nutritious meal. Our partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation is deeply meaningful to us, as it allows us to play a small part in shaping brighter futures for children in need. Reaching the 10 million+ meal mark is not just a milestone; it’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to care, compassion, and community. We are inspired to continue this journey and extend our impact in the years to come.”

Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, added, “As we mark a decade of meaningful partnership with Orkla India Pvt Ltd (MTR Foods) on World Nutrition Day, we reflect with gratitude on a shared journey rooted in purpose and progress. Over the past 10 years, MTR’s steadfast support has helped us serve over 10 million nutritious meals to nearly 60,000 children across Karnataka. This collaboration stands as a shining example of how corporate purpose and social responsibility can converge to nourish not just children, but a brighter future for our nation. We deeply value MTR’s commitment to enabling nutrition and education and look forward to continuing this impactful association in the years ahead.”