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 entertainment packs 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 |
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 2025 — Brand 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.”
Tata AIA Expands ‘Bimarath’ Initiative to Empower West Bengal with Insurance Awareness and Health Support
Kolkata, 27th May 2025: Tata AIA Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (Tata AIA), one of the leading insurers in India, has launched its fourth ‘Bimarath’ campaign, to boost life insurance awareness and reach among young professionals, homemakers, seniors, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs in Kolkata Metropolitan Region.
Throughout the month of May, the Bimarath, a mobile van, equipped with loudspeakers and a large LED screen, will travel through 15 key locations in the city, playing educational videos about the importance of life insurance. Over 500 Leaders and Advisors of Tata AIA’ extensive Agency network will engage directly with residents through one-on-one sessions, helping them understand why life insurance is a crucial part of their financial planning.
Free health check-up camps will complement the campaign, providing on-the-spot basic health assessments to thousands of citizens. With over 50,000 individuals expected to be reached throughout the month and more than 1,000 people benefiting from health check-ups, this initiative stands out not only as a means to secure the future but also as a way to encourage overall well-being.
In FY25, Tata AIA conducted three Bimarath campaigns, engaging over 1.5 lakh people and onboarding 420+ new Insurance Advisors. The first phase (May-June 2024) covered 15 districts, followed by a dedicated Kolkata drive led by Tata AIA Advisors in Nov-Dec 2024. The third phase, held in January 2025, focused on districts like Purulia, Birbhum, Malda, and Darjeeling, extending outreach beyond traditional financial hubs.
Girish Kalra, Chief Marketing Officer of Tata AIA, said, “Tata AIA remains deeply committed to spreading insurance awareness across West Bengal and bringing more individuals under the protective umbrella of life insurance. Through initiatives like Bimarath, Masik Bima Diwas and collaborative efforts with our Advisors, we are reaching diverse segments of society. Our latest Bimarath campaign covering 15 key locations in the Kolkata Metropolitan Region will reinforce our promise to help the people of West Bengal live more secure and ‘Fikar-free’ lives.”
This campaign is a continuation of the successful Bimarath initiative conducted in Kolkata last year, which led to the recruitment of over 115 young advisors and generated INR 1 crore in new business premium. By building strong relationships with the community, Tata AIA is helping more people understand the value of life insurance in securing their futures.
As part of Tata AIA’s commitment to IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, the company has launched multiple initiatives across the state in FY25, including Masik Bima Diwas, targeted media outreach, and on-ground engagement activities.
Masik Bima Diwas:
- Masik Bima Diwas, a monthly insurance awareness initiative, engaged over 2,500 consumers in FY25.
- Held on the second Thursday of each month since November 2023 at Tata AIA branches statewide, the event aims to educate the public on the importance of life insurance.
Social and Digital Media Campaign:
- · Tata AIA ran Social Media and Digital campaigns on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, using local influencers and cultural themes in English and Bengali to raise life insurance awareness.
- · These campaigns reached nearly 3.5 crore users, boosting engagement and awareness.
Breakthrough in Concealed Hinges: Sugatsune HES2S-140
Sugatsune Surface Mount Concealed Hinge HES2S 140 A125 is a game changer for modern residences and apartments, offering a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic finesse. Designed for flush mount applications, it allows doors to integrate effortlessly into the surrounding architecture, creating a clean and sophisticated look.
The HES2S–140 features groundbreaking 3D adjustment, allowing vertical, horizontal, and depth modifications even after installation. This ensures a flawless fit and unmatched convenience for professionals and homeowners alike. Its surface mounts on the jamb side for easy installation, opens to 125°, and features a compact, durable design that is simple to maintain. For added reliability, a door stopper is recommended to protect the hinges and extend the lifespan of the door.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the hinge is supplied with stainless steel flathead screws and a refined cover that conceals all screw heads for a pristine finish. Available in three elegant colors: dark grey, light grey, and black, the HES2S–140 enhances the functionality and appearance of aluminium profile doors and can also be fitted in marble frames, particularly in bathrooms. Its design ensures smooth integration, contributing to a modern and sophisticated aesthetic, ideal for stylish apartments where both functionality and elegance are paramount.
Reflecting Sugatsune’s commitment to combining innovation and craftsmanship to elevate everyday living, the HES2S–140 has already gained global recognition. It proudly holds the prestigious Interzum Award 2023 and the iF Design Award 2023, judged by an international jury of experts in design, material science, and architecture, which is a testament to Sugatsune’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of hardware innovation.
JioBlackRock Gets SEBI Nod for Mutual Funds Business
Mumbai, May 27, 2025 : Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited (JioBlackRock Asset Management), a 50:50 joint venture between Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) and BlackRock , has received regulatory approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to commence operations as an investment manager for their mutual fund business in India.
JioBlackRock Asset Management will bring an innovative investment proposition to the growing number of Indian retail mutual fund investors, as well as to institutional investors in India. The asset management company will seek to leverage the unique strengths of its two sponsors: JFSL’s digital reach and its deep understanding of the local market, alongside BlackRock’s global investment expertise and leading risk management technology.
Key differentiators for all investors of the JioBlackRock Asset Management offering will include competitive and transparent pricing and innovative products, supported by the application of BlackRock’s pre-eminent risk management expertise. This includes Aladdin, BlackRock’s globally renowned proprietary technology platform that unifies the investment management process through a common data language. For retail investors, the offering will also be distinctive for its digital-first customer proposition. JioBlackRock Asset Management aims to launch a range of investment products, including those that apply BlackRock’s industry-leading capabilities in data-driven investing, over the coming months.
Isha Ambani, Non-Executive Director, JFSL, said: “India’s rapid growth is driven by a new generation with bold aspirations. Our partnership with BlackRock is a powerful combination of global investment expertise and Jio’s digital-first innovation. Together, we are committed to making investing simple, accessible, and inclusive for every Indian. I am confident that JioBlackRock Asset Management will play a transformative role in shaping the future of financial empowerment in India.”
Rachel Lord, Head of International at BlackRock, said: “The opportunity in asset management in India today is tremendously exciting. JioBlackRock’s digital-first customer proposition, delivering institutional quality products at a lower cost directly to investors, will enable more people in India to enjoy the many benefits of access to the capital markets. Together with our partner JFSL, we look forward to contributing to the country’s continued evolution from a nation of savers to a nation of investors.”
JioBlackRock Asset Management is also pleased to announce the appointment of Sid Swaminathan as it’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Sid Swaminathan brings over 20 years of asset management experience to the role. He was previously Head of International Index Equity at BlackRock, where he was responsible for an AUM of $1.25 trillion. Prior to that, he served as the Head of Fixed Income Portfolio Management for Europe at BlackRock, responsible for Systematic and Indexed strategies.
Sid’s deep understanding of investments – across asset classes, investment styles and geographies – will play a key role in his leadership of JioBlackRock Asset Management, as the JV works to deliver innovative investment products to millions of investors in India.
Sid Swaminathan, Managing Director & CEO, Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited said: “JioBlackRock Asset Management aims to digitally deliver institutional quality investment products to investors across India and contribute to the growth of the country’s investment ecosystem. I am honoured to lead JioBlackRock Asset Management and help transform asset management in India by empowering investors to directly harness the potential of investing.”
Tata BlueScope Steel Wins ‘Innovation in Roofing & Cladding’ Award at BAM 2025
“This award highlights our relentless focus on innovation and quality in roofing and cladding solutions. At Tata BlueScope Steel, we are committed to staying agile in meeting market demands while also making a meaningful contribution to building sustainable and resilient communities. Through our #ShelterForAll initiative, we are determined to make an impact across the nation by providing durable roofing in regions prone to adverse climates or delivering robust solutions for infrastructure projects like the Pune and Delhi Metro stations, or the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Guwahati. This recognition motivates us to continue advancing solutions that not only meet the evolving infrastructural needs but also positively impact the communities we serve,” said Ms. Priya Rajesh, Chief Marketing Officer, Tata BlueScope Steel.
Mahindra Powerol Recognized as Leading Genset Manufacturer in India for FY25 by Frost & Sullivan
Sanjay Jain, Sr. Vice President and Business Head, Mahindra Powerol said, “Being recognised as the number one player in India’s genset market reflects our continued focus on innovation, reliability, and meeting customer needs. Our leadership in the Telecom sector, expansion in Retail, and readiness for CPCB4+ norms have all played an important role in this journey. We thank our partners, customers, and teams across India for their continued trust and support. We remain committed to delivering efficient and future-ready power solutions that support India’s progress.”