Harbhajan & Shoaib Gear Up for Champions Trophy at DP World ILT20 Finale on ZEE
Dubai, February 10th 2025: The DP World ILT20 Season 3, streaming exclusively on Zee Network, culminated in a thrilling finale as the Dubai Capitals clinched their maiden title with a four-wicket victory over the Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Adding a layer of excitement to the final, legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar engaged in a lighthearted banter that playfully rekindled their on-field rivalry. In a staged yet entertaining moment, Harbhajan was seen preparing to bat while Akhtar held a ball, both adopting an aggressive stance as they walked toward each other, creating the illusion of a tense face-off—only for it to be revealed as a friendly exchange.
The playful interaction was a nod to the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan and Dubai. The video encapsulated the excitement and competitive spirit surrounding the high-stakes encounter between the two cricketing nations.
Student Tribe Launches Beast: Where Fashion Meets Student Expression
National, 10th February 2025: Student Tribe, India’s largest and fastest-growing student community, announces the launch of Beast, a groundbreaking movement that transforms the creative dreams of students into reality. Beast is not just a brand, but a platform for young artists to showcase their unapologetic, raw talent, where every design is a story that speaks to the heart. Born from the spirit of Student Tribe, Beast stands as a celebration of individuality, empowering the next generation to wear their stories with pride.
The first collection from Beast features three exceptional student designers: D. Tulasi Reddy, V. Krishna Priya, and Dheeraj all between 20 and 21 years old. The collection includes three key pieces – Skull, an intricate doodle art exploring human emotions with cartoonish faces, flora, and symbols of chaos like lightning and flames; Heart, which features “The Bird in the Heart,” symbolizing the courage to break free and embrace personal growth; and the Be the Beast mascot hoodie, embodying Beast’s belief in every student’s inner strength and creativity. This collection encourages individuality, imperfection, and self-expression. Beast is about more than fashion – it’s about empowering students to express their individuality, embrace their imperfections, and share their stories with the world.
Speaking about the launch, Sri Charan Lakkaraju, Founder & CEO of Student Tribe said, “Beast is more than just clothing, it’s a statement. When you wear Beast, you’re not just putting on fabric, you’re wearing a piece of someone’s soul. Every design tells a story, reflecting the artist’s journey, their struggles, and their triumphs. At the ages of 20 and 21, these students are at a pivotal moment in their lives, and empowering them now gives them the confidence and platform to turn their creative visions into reality and make their voices heard. At Beast, we are not just creating fashion; we are building a community of bold, fearless creators ready to embrace their power and make their mark on the world.
Student Tribe is now inviting all students to submit their designs to be featured in upcoming collections. This is a unique opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their work on a platform that champions student creativity and gives them the chance to make an impact on the fashion world. Students can submit their designs by email.
Beast is more than just a clothing line; it’s a movement that is set to change the way students express themselves through fashion. As the community grows, Beast aims to inspire others to embrace their creativity, embrace their imperfections, and confidently wear their stories.
Stress Strategist Launches India’s First Interactive Self-help Book
Mumbai, February 2025: Dr Anuja Luniya, a stress strategist, physiotherapist, and behavioral health coach, launched her groundbreaking book, “Relax Play Thrive,” at the Ministry of New, Mumbai, on February 6th, 2025. This innovative interactive activity book is the first of its kind in India, designed to help individuals effectively regulate stress and cultivate resilience. Dr Anuja Luniya’s vision is to create a less stressed India by equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to regulate stress and live more fulfilling lives.
Dr. Anuja Luniya and the Relax Play Thrive team unveiled the book. Dr. Anuja gave the keynote address. Notable attendees like Dr S Natarajan, a renowned eye surgeon and a Padma Shri awardee, witnessed the moment. The attendees participated in numerous interactive and immersive activities inspired by the book. “Relax Play Thrive” uniquely blends the elements of a health planner, puzzle book, journal, and activity guide into one engaging package. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Anuja’s childhood experiences – puzzles, arts and crafts, stories, and games – “Relax Play Thrive” demonstrates that stress regulation can be enjoyable and not just another chore.
The Urgent Need for Stress Regulation in India
India ranked 126th out of 146 countries in the 2024 World Happiness Report—lower than all its neighboring nations. Around 77% of Indians had shown at least one symptom of stress. These statistics caused Dr. Anuja to take action to equip individuals to fight this invisible epidemic. The book is a perfect blend of theory and application, providing an overview of the biological reasoning behind our stress responses and dedicated activities for unique stress behaviors.“Stress clouds your vision. Regulate it, and you’ll feel better, make better decisions, and spark a ripple of clarity, empathy, and authenticity that can transform families, communities, and nations.” said Dr Anuja Luniya, urging us to understand the importance of stress regulation.
Key Features of Relax Play Thrive
- India’s first interactive stress regulation activity book
- 111 engaging activities and 140+ science-backed strategies
- Interactive QR codes for self-assessments and guided techniques
- A unique blend of a health planner, puzzle book, journal, and activity guide
- Gamified elements like treasure maps, ciphers, arts & crafts, and interactive stories
“Relax Play Thrive” is a compassionate companion, empowering individuals to navigate the challenges of modern life.
NXP India Reignites the Tech Startup Challenge 2025 with Season 5
India, February 10, 2025: Continuing its mission to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, NXP India, one of the largest R&D centers for NXP Semiconductors and a leader in secure connectivity solutions, proudly announces the return of Season 5 of the NXP India Tech Startup Challenge.
Organized in collaboration with Startup India Hub, this initiative aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem by driving global visibility and network scalability for tech startups. It provides access to incubation, mentorship, and global exposure. The Top 3 Winners will be invited into the Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) to take part as finalists in global competitions. For the global competition, finalists will be publicized by XTC and have their company evaluated by an elite panel of investors for global exposure. The program’s goal is to foster technical innovation and strengthen the ESDM and semiconductor ecosystem in the country.
Additionally, Electropreneur Park (ESDM Incubator), SFAL, and INCeNSE will extend critical resources such as equity-free pre-incubation, advanced lab facilities, and expert mentorship to the top 10 selected startups, helping them refine their innovations and scale their solutions.
The challenge is dedicated to supporting startups working on IP development, processors, semiconductor fabless ASIC design, and embedded product development across key domains, including Automotive, Industrial & IoT, Smart Cities, Smart Homes, Healthcare, and Energy Management.
“As we increasingly embrace smart technologies, the future is shaping up to be one where everything is interconnected, with systems that not only predict our needs but also automate solutions. With continuous advancements in tech and a surge of innovative business ideas, it will be fascinating to see the exciting developments that Season 5 of the NXP India Tech Startup Challenge unveils. We’re thrilled to offer startups the opportunity to gain global exposure and access to scalable networks, empowering them to make a transformative impact on the world market” said Lars Reger, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at NXP Semiconductors.
“The future of technology lies in intelligent, connected solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability. NXP India’s ongoing efforts to support the startup ecosystem through various initiatives with the Tech Startup Challenge being one of our premier programs since 2021. As we launch Season 5 of the NXP India Tech Startup Challenge, we are excited to engage with emerging startups that are set to redefine the tech landscape. Our goal is to provide these startups with the platform, mentorship, and global exposure they need to thrive” said Hitesh Garg, Vice President and India Managing Director, NXP Semiconductors.
Key Program Benefits:
The top 3 winning startups will receive:
- INR 10 Lacs in prize money, equally distributed among the winners
- Exclusive mentorship (three interactive sessions per month for three months) with NXP India experts
- Finalist positions at Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC), offering global exposure through evaluation by a high-profile panel of investors
Top 10 selected startups will benefit from:
- Networking and industry visibility through NXP and its partners
- Up to 3-month equity-free pre-incubation at Electropreneur Park (ESDM Incubator), featuring state-of-the-art lab equipment, business plan mentorship, technical support, supplier connections, and reimbursement of up to INR 50,000 for prototyping expenses
- Up to 4-month equity-free cohort program at SFAL, granting access to high-value In-kind Partner (IKP) assets, FPGA Innovation Lab@SFAL, specialized tools, business guidance, and investment mentorship
- Up to 3-month equity-free pre-incubation at INCeNSE at IISc Bengaluru, with benefits including in-kind partner support worth INR 50,000 per startup, nanofabrication and characterization facility access, faculty mentorship, and participation in industry events
Program Timeline:
- Application Open Date: February 6, 2025
- Application Closure Date: March 6, 2025
- Application portal link: Startup India
Eligible applicants must be startups incorporated in India as Private Limited Companies with at least 51% Indian ownership. The challenge seeks the most innovative technology startups working in AI, ML, IoT, 5G, Edge Computing, Functional Safety, Security, Ultra-Wideband, Wi-Fi 6, and beyond.
Season 4 winners, including Muse Diagnostics, Reflex Drive (Sunmint Energy), and Glovatrix, gained significant industry traction. Past winners have also been featured on platforms like Shark Tank India, showcasing the impact of this initiative.
VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Launches Gopichand Hinduja’s Book I Am
Mumbai: At an elegant function at the Vice President Enclave attended by an eminent group of leaders from the political and business classes along with members of the diplomatic community, Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the book compiled by the noted business tycoon and Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Mr. Gopichand P. Hinduja’s “I Am?”
Addressing the August gathering, the Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar stated, “This is indeed a profoundly unique moment. The release of ‘I Am?’, a thoughtful and thought-provoking assimilation by Shri Gopichand P. Hinduja. This launch taking place in Bharat, the land of Sanatan, the cradle of one of the oldest civilizations and global spiritual center, carries deep significance. This book underscores the universal relevance of Bharatiyata, virtuosity that is discernible in all faiths. We can respect and appreciate others’ truth without alluring conversions. Unity means no uniformity. Bharatiya is a perfect example. It exemplifies unity in diversity.
Let me buttress my comment, King Charles III of the United Kingdom had accreditations for these treatises. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, minister of faith and tolerance and will, has glorified it.”
Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, of Hinduja Group of Companies (India) in his inaugural address said, “Navigating different cultures across several geographies while maintaining its Sanaatan Traditions has always been a way of life for our family. Our businesses have flourished because promoting multicultural understanding has been an article of faith for us. GP often wondered, if religion is a stepping stone to discover one’s spirituality then how ‘that which is supposed to unite’ create division?
Inspired by the conversations with different spiritual masters, intellectuals, and world leaders on this subject, GP felt compelled to compile this book for the younger generation to help them positively and influence them to navigate the globalized and interconnected world”
President of Parmarth Niketan Trust, Swami Chiddanand Saraswati said, “Gopichand P. Hinduja’s book talks about inclusivity… It’s about the journey from ‘I’ to ‘We’ because only then can humanity move from illness to wellness. This embodies the message of the Rig Veda — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — that the world is one family.”
Notable attendees at the event included Mr. Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor; Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, eminent jurist, and Rajya Sabha MP; British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron; Vipul Rungta, MD CEO HDFC Capital; Navin Jindal, Chairman, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd and Member Lok Sabha.
Valentine’s Day Celebrations – Sheraton Grand Palace Indore
Love is in the air, and at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, romance takes center stage this Valentine’s Day. Araana and S Café transform into havens, offering dining experiences designed to ignite romance and create unforgettable moments.
Experience an exquisite spread curated by Chef Karam Dogra and his team. The evening will unfold with vibrant appetizers like Caramelized Fig with Stewed Berry Compote and Beetroot Carpaccio with Feta followed by indulgent mains, including Aloo Banarasi Ka Pyaar, Guldastan Dil Korma, and Dal-e-Mumtaz, perfectly paired with refreshing beverages like the Rose & Basil Cooler and Pomegranate Sparkler.
For those looking to elevate their celebration, an exclusive poolside candlelight dinner setup awaits, offering a breathtaking ambiance under the starlit sky.
To conclude on a sweet note, savor a trio of exquisite desserts—the delicate Heart Strawberry Entremets, the charming “Love You” Fresh Fruit Gateaux, and the luscious Cherry Valentine Entremets—each thoughtfully crafted to make your celebration truly special.
What: Valentine’s Day Celebrations
Where: Sheraton Grand Palace Indore
When: 14th February 2025
Time: 7 pm – 11 pm
Garuda Aerospace Unveils the MV 1000 AMARAN at Aero India 2025
Bengaluru, India – February 10, 2025 – Garuda Aerospace, a leading force in India’s drone technology sector, proudly presented its latest innovation, the MV 1000 AMARAN, at Aero India 2025, unveiled by former DRDO Chairman & Advisor to Defence Minister Dr.Satheesh Reddy and Mr. Sampathkumaran S T, Executive President (Defence Business), HFCL Limited, . This advanced rocket launcher drone is poised to significantly bolster the nation’s defense capabilities and shape the future of security and humanitarian efforts. The AMARAN is a tribute to the memory of Major Mukul Varadharajan, a hero whose life story was immortalized in the film ‘Amaran’, starring Sivakarthikeyan.
“The MV 1000 AMARAN is a testament to our dedication to innovation and excellence in drone technology,” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, of Garuda Aerospace “We believe this drone will play a crucial role in strengthening our nation’s defense infrastructure. We are honored to dedicate this achievement to the memory of Mukul Varadharajan, a true inspiration for our country,” he concluded
Signature Global trims net debt by 29 Percent in Q3 FY25
Signature Global has reduced its net debt by 29 percent in the October-December quarter to Rs 720 crore on strong pre-sales and collections from customers. The net debt of Signature Global stood at Rs 1,020 crore at the end of the second quarter of this fiscal year.
In its latest operational update, Signature Global mentioned that the net debt has come down 38 percent to Rs 720 crore as of December 31, 2024, from Rs 1,160 crore at the end of the 2023-24 financial year.
The company’s collection of funds from customers has risen 54 percent to Rs 3,210 crore in the first nine months of this fiscal from Rs 2,090 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year. Signature Global sold properties worth Rs 8,670 crore during the April-December period of this fiscal, registering a sharp rise from Rs 3,120 crore in the year-ago period.
Average pre-sales realization for the April-December period of 2024-25 increased to Rs 12,565 per square foot compared to Rs 11,762 per square foot in the entire 2023-24.
Signature Global has set a target of achieving sales booking of Rs 10,000 crore in the current fiscal year as against Rs 7,270 crore in the preceding year.
Last month, Signature Global Chairman Pradeep Kumar Aggarwal expressed confidence that the company would be able to meet pre-sales targets easily.
Signature Global has so far delivered 120 lakh sq ft of housing area and has a robust pipeline of 350 lakh sq ft of saleable area in its forthcoming projects, along with 158 lakh sq ft of ongoing projects.
The company has been buying land to expand its business amid strong demand.
Last month Signature Global bought a 16.12-acre land in Gurugram for nearly Rs 300 crore to develop a housing project, comprising 27-28 lakh square feet of developable area.
It is also looking to expand its presence in the Noida and Greater Noida markets of the Delhi-NCR region.
Mahindra Percussion Festival Honors Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Legacy
Indiawide Release, 10th February 2025: Mahindra Group has been at the forefront of the movement to preserve ancient traditions of Indian musical heritage through their cultural initiative, the Mahindra Percussion Festival. After the resounding success of its first two editions, the festival is back for its third edition. This year, the festival will be a homage to the enduring legacy of Padma Vibhushan, the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, through a myriad group of celebrated homegrown talents on March 1st and 2nd, 2025, at the Prestige Centre of Performing Arts, Bengaluru.
Ustad Zakir Hussain was the tour de force behind evoking the transcendental nature of music, which is not merely limited to geographical boundaries and gharanas. Through his innovative and mesmerising musical endeavours, he helped Indian classical music gain global status, and the third edition will celebrate this novel outlook of his towards music as a universal entity.
The Mahindra Percussion Festival, for the last two editions, witnessed some of the most celebrated artists from the country, as well as the globe, perform a musical symphony, uniting diverse sounds and rhythms in an amphitheatre. The latest edition will combine the spirit of traditional as well as modern sensibilities of percussion through renowned ensembles and soloists.
On the first day, the audience will revel in the magic of globally renowned virtuoso percussionist Trilok Gurtu. Known as a ‘serial collaborator’ in the world of music, Trilok Gurtu is a disciple of the nontraditional principle of classical music tradition: freedom just within a discipline. Having collaborated with legends like L. Shankar, John McLaughlin, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and others, the artist will bring a world-class set of different rhythms from around the world.
Another remarkable set of the evening will be Aruna Sairam’s Thrillana Project. Aruna Sairam is an important name in the Carnatic world, and during the third edition, she, along with a bunch of diverse talents, will weave an aural tapestry. The project includes artists like Sangeet Haldipur, BC Manjunath, Jyotsana Srikanth, Arun Kumar, Giridhar Udupa, and Shalini Mohan. The artists will bring a chapter from mythology to life through sonic storytelling.
Son of noted tabla player late Pt. Prabhakar Chary and tutelage of maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, Ravi Chary will also enthral the attendees with his solo project ‘Crossing.’ The album was launched by Zakir Hussain himself and featured some of the previous performers at the festival, like Ranjit Barot, Taufiq Qureshi, and others.
The second day will present the new sound of Indian percussion, with composer Ranjit Barot and theatre director Roysten Abel staging their musical production, BeatRoute. This musical ode bridges the past and present, the masculine and feminine, and the everyday with the divine, amalgamating folk rhythms with modern electronic music and Barot’s drumming.
SNAX, a musical duo from Chennai, will fuse the energy of rock, metal, and jazz by Ramkumar Kanakarajan to the soothing aura of mridangam by Sumesh Narayanan, at the culmination of ancient and contemporary music.
Jay Shah, Vice President -Cultural Outreach at Mahindra Group, said, “The Mahindra Percussion Festival aims to put Percussion on centre-stage. It explores the multitude of percussive instruments and styles – some are known but many of which remain relatively unknown. In line with all of our Cultural Outreach programs, this festival, too, discovers, inspires and celebrates artists and artforms”
VG Jairam, Founder of Hyperlink Brand Solutions, said, “Mahindra Percussion is more than a festival; it’s a journey into the soul of rhythm. Through masterful curation with stalwarts such as Trilok Gurtu, Aruna Sairam, Ranjit Barrot, Ravi Chary, Sumesh Narayan, and Roystel Abel, we bridge tradition and innovation, inviting fans to discover the universal language of beats, where every pulse tells a story and every rhythm sparks a connection.”
Mahindra Percussion Festival strives to curate a set of artists who bring a unique energy, rooted in the diverse culture of music and percussion. Through collaborations, bringing together the new and old, the festival contributes uniquely to the world of music, creating new harmonies. The coming together of varied sensibilities is the perfect tribute to the legacy of Ustad Zakir Hussain who envisioned a world that creates a dialogue through music, transcending the geographical boundaries. The two-day musical gala will unite the symphonies from the heartland and the West, giving an immersive aural experience to fans and aficionados alike.
GoMechanic to Invest INR 100 Crore in Two Wheeler Servicing Launch
(New Delhi) 10th February, 2025— GoMechanic, an India-based technology-driven automotive service and repair company recently acquired by Servizzy, is redefining the two-wheeler servicing landscape with a game-changing ₹100 crore investment in the next two years. With two-wheelers comprising over 75% of India’s total vehicle sales, this strategic expansion aims to bring affordable, high-quality, and standardized servicing to millions of riders nationwide.
GoMechanic’s two-wheeler service rollout will be executed in two phases, already executed with metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, followed by expansion into Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, and other cities. By leveraging its established expertise in automotive servicing, GoMechanic aims to address long-standing industry challenges—fragmentation, inconsistent service quality, and lack of transparency—through a tech-driven, scalable service ecosystem.
“Two-wheelers are the backbone of Indian mobility, yet servicing remains unorganized. With 2Wheels by GoMechanic, we bring structure, efficiency, and trust to the market. Our goal is to make bike servicing as seamless as booking a cab—affordable, reliable, and just a few clicks away. This is a game-changer for millions of riders, and we are thrilled to lead this transformation,” said
Himanshu Arora – CEO and Co Founder of GoMechanic.
GoMechanic’s two-wheeler servicing will include a full spectrum of maintenance and repair solutions, ensuring superior care for every rider. From routine servicing, oil changes, and brake pad replacements to advanced diagnostics, engine overhauls, and performance tuning, the company offers a one-stop solution for all two-wheeler needs. With exceptional service, genuine spare parts, and highly trained technicians, GoMechanic guarantees quality, convenience, and affordability, redefining the way India maintains its two-wheelers.
The two-wheeler servicing industry in India has long struggled with inconsistent service quality, a fragmented service network, and affordability concerns. The majority of servicing is handled by local garages with varying skill levels, unverified spare parts, and non-standardized pricing, making it difficult for riders to find reliable, cost-effective solutions. Organized service centers are limited, often expensive, and primarily cater to high-end models, leaving a major gap in the market for everyday commuters.
GoMechanic is tackling these challenges by introducing structured, tech-driven solutions that standardize servicing across the board. By leveraging trained professionals, genuine spare parts, AI-driven diagnostics, and a digital-first approach, GoMechanic ensures high-quality, transparent, and affordable maintenance for all two-wheeler owners. The company offers cost-effective service packages, doorstep convenience, and an expansive network of workshops, creating a scalable model that modernizes and transforms India’s two-wheeler servicing industry.
With this expansion, GoMechanic aims to onboard millions of two-wheeler owners in the first year while expanding to over 100 cities. By prioritizing quality, convenience, and affordability, the company is set to redefine two-wheeler servicing in India. “At GoMechanic, we have always been at the forefront of automotive service innovation. With “2Wheels” expanding into the two-wheeler market is a natural step in our mission to provide standardized, high-quality, and affordable servicing to every Indian rider. With our ₹100 crore investment in two years, we are setting new benchmarks, ensuring that two-wheeler owners receive the same reliability and transparency that car owners have come to expect from us,” said Muskan Kakkar, COO & Co-Founder, GoMechanic.