National, February 14, 2024: BookMyShow Foundation proudly announces the launch of BookAChange, dedicated to enriching the lives of underprivileged talent through the transformative power of music and performance arts.

Originally launched as BookASmile in 2014 by BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, the impact-led initiative has now evolved into BookAChange, with a renewed vision to democratise access to music and the performing arts, for individuals and communities from marginalized backgrounds. At the core of BookAChange lies a powerful pledge towards inspiring and nurturing future pioneers in music and performing arts. Beyond just music and performance skills, BookAChange encourages holistic development, fostering emotional, social, and intellectual growth in its beneficiaries. This approach aims to instill qualities such as responsibility, self-esteem, empathy, purpose, and resilience, creating well-rounded individuals ready to make their mark on the world.

BookAChange is excited to introduce its new music scholarship program, pledging 500 music scholarships, aimed at empowering talented individuals from underprivileged backgrounds across India.BookAChange Music Scholarships will support students and street artists pursuing education in music and the business of music at accredited institutions. This includes, but is not limited to music education in fields such as Instrumental, Vocals, Audio Production, Business of Music, and Songwriting. BookAChange will offer financial assistance to students from marginalized backgrounds. The application process to avail of  a BookAChange Music Scholarship is now open

Seamlessly integrated with the BookMyShow platform, BookAChange harnesses the collective spirit of millions of entertainment enthusiasts to drive meaningful change. With each ticket purchase, starting from donating just Re. 1/-, consumers are invited to be a part of something bigger – fueling a movement that touches lives through music. Direct contributions, beyond these micro-donations, are also welcome here.

Speaking about the launch of BookAChange, Farzana Cama Balpande, Head – of BookAChange, said, “BookAChangemarks the beginning of a new chapter where our commitment to making a difference through the arts deepens and expands. With BookAChange, we aim to amplify our impact by nurturing dreams, bridging gaps, and creating inclusive access where everyone has the chance to flourish. We want to democratize access to music and the performing arts, empower marginalized individuals and communities, and inspire the next generation of industry trailblazers. Our journey ahead is not just about the arts; it’s about inspiration, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of a brighter world for all.”

BookAChange is set to launch a series of transformative initiatives across India, reinforcing its mission to make music education accessible to all. In Mumbai, 30 students from Dharavi are receiving specialized training in Rap and DJing, equipping them with essential skills under expert mentorship to showcase Dharavi Dreams, India’s first-ever hip-hop musical theatre. Additionally, 125 children from Mumbai’s BMC schools are currently on an intensive 10-month journey in Hindustani classical music through a specialized choir program, opening doors to advanced learning and certification.

Expanding its reach to Delhi, BookAChange supports a Music Bus, a mobile recording studio that provides over 6,000 children with hands-on experience in songwriting, recording, and music production. Further spreading the joy of music, the‘#MusicForAll’initiative brings therapeutic music sessions to senior citizen homes, and orphanages reaffirming the profound healing power of melodies across generations. Through these impactful programs, BookAChange continues to champion music as a force for empowerment, expression, and social change.

In a powerful demonstration of its impact, BookAChangerecently took 25 beneficiaries, comprising 20 students and 5 music educators, on a transformative journey to Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour in Mumbai, marking a life-changing first for many. For the students, attending this concert was nothing short of exhilarating. Nikhil Bidlan, one of the beneficiaries, shared his excitement, stating, “I’m so excited to have attended the first concert of my life! The music, the lights, the energy – everything felt like a dream. It made me feel like anything is possible if you believe. I will never forget this day”. Arya Bhoir echoed this sentiment, adding, “When the music started, I felt so happy inside. I closed my eyes and just listened. It was the best feeling ever. Now, I want to learn more, practice more, and maybe one day, I can be on a stage like that too.”

The experience was equally impactful for the music educators. For them, it was not just about witnessing a world-class performance but also about drawing inspiration to enrich their teaching. The event provided invaluable lessons in music appreciation and the power of live performances, inspiring both students and educators alike. Pooja Waghela, a music educator, said, “Seeing my students experience live music like this was very special. It showed them how powerful music can be. It also gave me new ideas to teach them and make learning more exciting. Thank you, BookAChange, for making this possible for us.”

Additionally, the second edition of the Red Lorry Film Festival will be brought to you by BookAChange, by BookMyShow Foundation, aiming to raise funds to support emerging artists and daily wage workers in the cinema industry.

For a decade, BookASmile has been the heart of BookMyShow which spreads countless smiles, enriching the lives of underprivileged children through experiences in music, art, theatre, dance, and sports. This spirit of uplifting and empowering those from disadvantaged backgrounds has always been the essence of BookASmile. Through the transition to BookAChange, it will carry forward this legacy with a renewed focus on the transformative power of music and performing arts. BookAChange will now fuel its commitment towards music and performing arts, continuing to build on the foundation laid by BookASmile.

National, February 14, 2025; In a strategic bet on AI-driven engagement solutions, the promoters of the country’s leading snacks company Haldiram’s and JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF), a platform for startup funding and mentorship have invested Rs 16 crore in Almonds Ai.

Almonds Ai, a rising player in channel loyalty, rewards, and engagement solutions, aims to disrupt how brands interact with their distribution networks.

The funding round also saw participation from Venture Catalysts, Ever Grow Capital, Nine ALPS, and prominent industry leaders such as Hemant Jain (MD, KLJ Group & President, PHDCCI) and Nitin Jain (Co-founder, Of Business), further underscoring investor confidence in AI-driven business models.

Almonds Ai, through its business model, aims to redefine how brands engage with their distribution networks through cutting-edge AI technology, enhancing engagement, education, and rewards for retailers, dealers, and influencers.

The startup plans to utilize fresh capital infusion to accelerate R&D initiatives, expand the team, and enhance product offerings, ensuring the platform continues to innovate and transform the channel loyalty landscape.

“At Haldiram’s, we have always believed in investing in ideas that create real impact. Almonds Ai’s innovative approach to channel partner engagement is transforming the industry. We see immense potential in their platform as it aligns with our vision of delivering exceptional customer experiences,” said Manohar Lal Agarwal, Chairman & MD, of Haldiram.

“JITO-JIIF is committed to supporting businesses that leverage technology to bring transformative change. Almonds AI is revolutionizing channel engagement with AI-powered solutions that drive efficiency and scalability. We believe this investment will help them expand their reach and create a lasting impact across industries” Sagar Gosalia, COO, JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation

The startup’s flagship Channelverse™ ecosystem and Green Loyalty Programs are trying to set benchmarks in AI-driven loyalty management and sustainability, enabling businesses to build deeper, data-driven relationships with their distribution networks.

With over 100 distribution-led organizations and a network of 6 million channel partners, including retailers, dealers, and professionals such as drivers, painters, and mechanics, Almonds Ai aims to position itself as a leader in the channel loyalty sector.

“This funding marks a pivotal moment for Almonds Ai as we expand our AI-driven engagement solutions. It will allow us to scale operations, enter global markets, and empower businesses with tools that foster meaningful, long-term relationships with their channel partners,” said Abhinav Jain and Apurv Modi, Co-founders, of Almonds Ai.

Industry experts believe that AI-powered platforms like Almonds Ai will play a crucial role in optimizing sales channels, improving partner engagement, and driving customer retention across sectors.

Mumbai, 14 February 2025: Tata Capital, the Associate Sponsor of the Women’s Premier League, is proud to launch its latest campaign, “Game Bolega.” This campaign celebrates the essence of cricket—where skill, determination, and performance take center stage, not perceptions. Featuring some of WPL’s finest players, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol, and Yastika Bhatia, “Game Bolega” delivers a powerful message: “Ab hum nahi, humara game bodega.” Because in the end, it is the game that speaks.

At its core, is a gripping teaser and powerful rap anthem film featuring popular Tata WPL players. This portrayal underscores that women’s cricket is defined by talent, performance, and undeniable skill.

The Tata WPL 2025 season 3 kicks off on February 14 in Vadodara, with the ‘Game Bolega’ campaign. The campaign will be live across Tata Capital’s social media platforms, featuring interactive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and engaging contests.

The tournament will begin in Vadodara, followed by Bengaluru, and Lucknow, and conclude with the playoffs and final in Mumbai.

Speaking about the campaign, Ms. Abonty Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer of digital and Marketing at Tata Capital, said, “Our continued association with WPL reflects our belief in the transformative power of sports. By challenging stereotypes and celebrating the spirit of the sport, ‘Game Bolega’ aims to inspire athletes and fans while highlighting the increasing influence of women’s cricket on the broader sporting landscape.”

Bengaluru, India – February 14, 2025: Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd. (“Paras Defence”), a leading player in the defence and space sector, has announced a strategic investment in a deep tech company, Logic Fruit Technologies Private Limited (“Logic Fruit”), by acquiring an approx. 8% stake in the company for a value of Rs. 10 Cr. The announcement was made at AERO India 2025, one of the world’s premier aerospace and defence exhibitions, reinforcing India’s commitment to cutting-edge indigenous technology development.

Logic Fruit is a deep-tech, research-driven company, specializing in high-performance computing, FPGA/SoC-based embedded solutions, and advanced signal processing. With a strong focus on R&D and breakthrough technology development, the company plays a crucial role in designing mission-critical systems for the aerospace, defence, telecommunications, and semiconductor industries.

Through this partnership, Paras Defence will be able to leverage Logic Fruit’s expertise in high-speed data processing, AI-driven embedded solutions, and real-time computing architectures to enhance the capabilities of its subsidiary, Paras Anti-Drone Technologies Private Limited. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation in next-generation defence technologies and open new avenues for advanced research and commercialization of high-performance computing solutions.

Speaking at AERO India 2025, Munjal Sharad Shah, Managing Director of Paras Defence, stated: “This investment reinforces our vision of being at the forefront of India’s defence and aerospace technology landscape. Logic Fruit’s strong research orientation and deep-tech expertise make them a valuable partner in developing next-generation solutions. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of high-performance computing and defence technology, contributing to India’s technological self-reliance.”

Logic Fruit has successfully delivered over 100 high-end technology solutions, working closely with defence research organizations, aerospace innovators, and global tech leaders. Its clientele includes ISRO, DRDO, HAL, and international giants like Collins Aerospace (USA), Kandou (Switzerland), Lattice (USA), and Achronix (USA). The company’s research-led product portfolio includes single-board computers, IF and RF Recorders, scalable data acquisition systems, and AI-powered avionics displays—all critical to modern aerospace and defence applications.

Mumbai, 13th February 2025: This Valentine’s Day, Faasos, the flagship brand of Rebel Foods, the world’s leading internet restaurant company is back with its much-loved, offbeat celebration of singledom—DATE A WRAP! From tracking down lonely singles in Instagram comment sections to setting them up on a one-of-a-kind movie date with wraps, Faasos is taking fun and food to a whole new level.

Mr. Nishant Kedia, CMO, of Rebel Foods and the driving force behind the campaign, says, “At Faasos, we believe being single is something to celebrate, and what better way to do it than with mouthwatering food? A wrap won’t ghost you, break your heart, or leave you hanging—it’s the most loyal Valentine you’ll ever have! We’re also thrilled to partner with Cinepolis to bring this celebration to the big screen, making it a truly unforgettable experience for our customers.”

In collaboration with Cinepolis, Faasos will host an exclusive “Date A Wrap” movie night across three major cities—Mumbai, NCR, and Bengaluru—screening the romcom Loveyapa, a film that perfectly captures the rollercoaster ride of love.

HOW IT WORKS:

• The Great Instagram Singles Hunt – Faasos’ team will scout for lonely souls crying in comment sections, slide into their DMs with flirty texts, and set them up for the ultimate wrap-date.
• The Cinepolis Experience – Lucky singles will get exclusive movie tickets for a special screening of Loveyapa, where their seat partners will be none other than Faasos wraps and a surprise Valentine’s Day hamper.
• The Social Experiment – Their reactions will be recorded as they experience this unique date, with fun interactions and candid moments shared on social media.
• Long-Distance Wrap Love – For those who can’t attend, Faasos will send special V-Day hampers featuring the exclusive Date-A-Wrap collection, available on Eatsure, Swiggy, and Zomato.

So, if you haven’t found the perfect Valentine yet, Faasos has got your back—and your bite! Get ready to ditch the heartbreak and date a wrap this Valentine’s Day.

New Delhi, 13 February 2025: Minute Maid, Coca-Cola’s fruit beverage brand, has unveiled its latest campaign, “Shake it Up with Minute Maid Pulpy Orange” curated to resonate with Gen Z and young adults seeking a shift in vibe during everyday dull moments. The campaign reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering relevance in everyday consumers’ life while providing real orange juice with real pulp, making every sip more enjoyable & fun.

The campaign features a brand film that brings this idea to life with popular actors, Shraddha Kapoor and Nani. The film transports the actors on a jungle safari adventure where they encounter animals with no activity, leading to lull moments. Adding a humorous twist to the wild, the actors elevate the dullness by shaking the bottle of Minute Maid, transforming the scene into a fun sight.

Ajay Konale, Director – Marketing, Nutrition Category, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Minute Maid is at the forefront of evolving consumer preferences, delivering the goodness of real fruit juice with the differentiation of added real pulp. With our latest ‘Shake It Up,’ campaign, we are encouraging youngsters to embrace everyday boring moments in today’s fast-moving digital era with a sip of Minute Maid pulpy orange juice.

Talking about her association with the brand, Shraddha Kapoor said, “I love how Minute Maid Pulpy Orange shifts the vibe from dull to fun. The campaign is all about finding fun in the unexpected, and I had a blast bringing that to life on screen.”

Actor Nani shared, “Being part of this campaign was a refreshing experience. The idea of shaking things up resonates brilliantly with the youth, and I believe Minute Maid Pulpy Orange is the perfect beverage companion for sipping on something special.”

Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India, commented, “The idea for the ‘Shake It Up’ campaign came from a key product ritual. Minute Maid Pulpy Orange is a drink that requires shaking before consumption because of its pulp. That was it. What if the world was shaken up by something that breaks the everyday monotony every single time the bottle is shaken? That’s where the creative idea came from.”

With “Shake It Up with Minute Maid Pulpy Orange”, Coca-Cola India is reaching consumers across multiple platforms through a 360-degree campaign. With an engaging YouTube film, interactive social media activations, and the “Plot Twists with Minute Maid Pulpy Orange” influencer-driven content series, the brand remains part of consumers’ daily experiences across all touchpoints, TV, digital, and social media.

BENGALURU (Feb. 13, 2025) – Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has signed an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the HAL Accessories complex in Lucknow. The licensing and spares agreement will enable the facility to provide repair and overhaul on electrical power generation systems for India’s indigenous warfighter – the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

The facility will provide repairs and overhaul services for Collins Aerospace’s Integrated Drive Generators (IDGs) and the Generator Control Units (GCUs) that power some Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets.

“The new MRO facility expands upon our long-standing partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. We are fully committed to in-country, long-term sustainment of India’s warfighter fleet,” said Ryan Hudson, vice president of Aftermarket, Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace.

Once operational, the MRO will support all LCA Mk 1 aircraft operational within the Indian Air Force. The facility’s capabilities can be scaled in the future to cater to similar Collins Aerospace systems on other military platforms.

“The establishment of an MRO facility will enhance self-reliance and result in reduced Turn-around Time (TAT) in repair and will also enable HAL to provide better customer support for the LCA fleet. This MRO facility is also technically capable of meeting future requirements for new platforms,” said Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Collins Aerospace has supported the IAF for more than 80 years and has products on various platforms like the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk 1, C17, C295, C130J, P-8I, AH-64E, CH-47F and MH-60R. With an Indian workforce of more than 7,000 employees across Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, RTX has one of the largest presence amongst aerospace and defense firms in India.

Chennai, India, 13th February 2025: Agilisium, a leading data innovation partner for the Life Sciences industry, today announced that AWS has recognized it as one of 13 global partners with both Generative AI and Life Sciences Consulting competencies. This recognition underscores the strong technological capability and deep domain expertise in transforming businesses and delivering long-term customer value.

Agilisium offers a Generative AI Advisory Program (GAAP) designed to help organizations refine their strategy and achieve measurable business impact across the value chain. Notable GenAI implementations include conducting biomarker-based smart assessments, optimizing supply chains, enhancing omnichannel and HCP engagements, and drafting research papers from clinical study reports.

“We are pleased that AWS has recognized Agilisium’s investments in and success with over two dozen GenAI solutions—including, Gene Inspector, Drug Watch, and MLR Review—that specifically target the Life Sciences industry,” said Mr Raj Babu, Founder & CEO, Agilisium. “By deploying GenAI solutions, we are empowering our clients to accelerate discoveries, enhance patient outcomes, and make decisions backed by insights. This recognition reinforces our commitment to building scalable, future-ready AI solutions that will shape the future of the Life Sciences industry.”.

India, February 2024: Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty, and SOEZI, the leading nail solutions brand, have launched a fun campaign for Valentine’s Day. Featuring popular actress Sonakshi Sinha, the campaign emphasizes the two companies’ recent collaboration.

The campaign video showcases Sonakshi Sinha racing against time to get ready, only to discover that the new Hello Kitty collection saves the day with nails that perfectly match her outfit. It highlights how effortless it can be to look great with the hassle-free and time-saving press-on nail extension kit that features Hello Kitty’s iconic design elements, including her signature bow. With Valentine’s Day chaos in full swing, Sanrio and SOEZI come to the rescue. In just 10 minutes, you can go from “OMG” to “Hello, gorgeous!” thanks to the SOEZI Hello Kitty Valentine’s Collection.

SOEZI’s Hello Kitty collection is designed to bring a touch of Hello Kitty’s signature kawaii style to the world of nail art. This exclusive collection marks a significant milestone in Hello Kitty’s expanding presence in India and highlights the increasing excitement surrounding Sanrio and its portfolio of iconic characters.

Highlighting the unique spirit of the collaboration, Sonakshi Sinha, Actor, and Co-Founder of SOEZI shares “SOEZI’s Hello Kitty collection is a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and individuality. By combining SOEZI’s modern, fuss-free press-on nails with Hello Kitty’s timeless charm, we’ve crafted a collection that’s as fun to flaunt as it is to share. With social media at its core, this partnership invites our community to showcase their favorite Hello Kitty-inspired nail designs, transforming self-expression into a joyful, shared experience of style.”

Adding to the excitement, Srishti Raai, Co-Founder of SOEZI “SOEZI’s Hello Kitty collaboration represents a unique fusion of modern beauty and timeless charm, bringing together two iconic brands to celebrate creativity and individuality. This partnership not only enhances SOEZI’s market presence by aligning with Hello Kitty’s global appeal but also drives engagement through social media, encouraging our community to showcase their favorite nail designs. By blending innovation with nostalgia, we’re turning self-expression into a business-driven celebration of style and connection.”

India, 13th February 2025 – The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), a leader in technological innovation and engineering education, has launched a groundbreaking PG Certificate Program in AI, GenAI, Agentic AI, and Machine Learning Applications for Engineers in partnership with Futurense. This cutting-edge initiative is India’s first AI-focused program tailored specifically for engineers and technocrats, designed to bridge the critical gap between industry and academia in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

This 11-month hybrid program offers a unique blend of live and recorded sessions, along with an optional campus immersion at IIT Roorkee. The curriculum, developed by IIT Roorkee faculty and AI industry leaders, is designed to equip engineers with hands-on expertise in Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL)—ensuring they are at the forefront of AI-driven industrial transformation.

Bridging the Industry-Academia Gap with Futurense
Industry experts have long emphasized the lag between academia and AI advancements. Raghav Gupta, Founder and CEO of Futurense, addressed this critical gap, stating:

“AI is not just evolving—it’s becoming the defining force in global power dynamics. Sam Altman has warned that AGI could arrive sooner than expected, and nations are racing to secure dominance in AI innovation. The gap between academia and real-world AI advancements, now nearly 4-5 years, is a critical vulnerability. As models like Deepseek push the boundaries of AI reasoning and autonomy, engineers must be equipped not just with theoretical knowledge but with the ability to drive cutting-edge AI development. IIT Roorkee’s PG Certificate in Generative & Agentic AI is designed to bridge this gap. Backed by IIT Roorkee’s academic excellence and the Futurense Leadership Council’s deep industry expertise, this program ensures that Indian engineers are not just keeping pace but leading the charge in the global AI revolution.”

A Next-Gen Learning Model for Engineering Professionals

The program is structured to cater to both working professionals and aspiring engineers, offering flexibility without compromising academic rigor. With an emphasis on real-world problem-solving, 15+ industry projects, and an immersive capstone project, it enables students to build AI-driven applications across various engineering domains such as software development, data science and analytics, embedded design, construction and manufacturing industry, and biomedical engineering.

Highlighting the significance of AI in reshaping engineering disciplines, Prof. Durga Toshniwal, Program Director, IIT Roorkee, stated:

“The rapid advancements in AI, particularly in Agentic and Generative AI, are redefining engineering. For future engineers, mastering these technologies is not just an opportunity but a necessity. At IIT Roorkee, we nurture talent that combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of societal needs. This program prepares students and researchers to lead in this transformative era, driving solutions that are impactful, sustainable, and inclusive.”

What Makes This Program a Game-Changer?

•  Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Covers Agentic AI, Generative AI, LLMs (Large Language Models), and AI Agents
•  Hands-On Learning: 150+ hours of practical experience with cutting-edge AI algorithms like GPT-4, LangChain, Hugging Face, Autogen, PyTorch, and TensorFlow
•  Hybrid Learning Model: Live online and self-paced weekend classes
•  IIT Roorkee Certification: A globally recognized credential to boost career opportunities
•  Futurense Leadership Council Mentorship: CXOs from Fortune 500 companies mentor students, ensuring real-world AI applications

Expanding the Horizons of AI Education
With this innovative program, IIT Roorkee aims to equip engineers with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in the AI-driven world. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will gain expertise in developing AI systems for real-world applications. The program combines academic rigor with hands-on experience, ensuring that learners master emerging AI technologies such as multi-agent systems, and decision-making AI.

In addition to technical skills, students will engage in leadership and problem-solving exercises, preparing them for senior AI roles in global enterprises, tech startups, and research institutions. This next-gen education model fosters a multi-disciplinary approach, encouraging participants to innovate and push the boundaries of AI in diverse industries.