Namma Singara Chennai Challenge Sparks a New Era with AI Solutions for a Smarter Chennai
Chennai, (11 February 2025): Blackstraw AI, an enterprise-grade AI Solutions Provider, presents the Namma Singara Chennai Challenge, a platform to bring innovative minds together to solve some of Chennai’s biggest urban challenges. Focused on safety, community engagement, and sustainability, the challenge offers a platform for individuals, startups, and organizations to submit bold, practical ideas that can make a lasting impact. Submissions are open until March 15, 2025, with exciting prizes in funding from a total prize pool of ₹50 lakhs for the top three winners, to bring their visions to life.
The challenge will unfold in three stages:
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Share Your Vision: Submit your application and a short video detailing your solution by March 15, 2025.
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Impress the Panel: Shortlisted candidates will participate in virtual interviews. The top 10 finalists will be announced by March 31, 2025.
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Celebrate Your Success: Finalists will present their ideas to Chennai‘s leading changemakers on April 12, 2025, for a chance to win the grant.
This challenge is an open invitation to forward-thinkers and changemakers who are passionate about shaping a better future for Chennai. Blackstraw AI’s initiative seeks to ignite innovation and demonstrate the transformative power of AI in addressing real-world urban challenges. Open to students, researchers, tech enthusiasts, and businesses, the challenge welcomes anyone with a vision for a safer, greener, and more connected Chennai. It’s about turning bold ideas into practical, sustainable solutions that can drive meaningful change for the city and its people in the long run.
“We are thrilled to launch the Namma Singara Chennai Challenge, an initiative that aligns with our vision of empowering communities through AI,” said Atul Arya, Founder and CEO at Blackstraw.AI. “Our goal is to inspire innovative minds to come together and propose solutions that will help create a better future for Chennai. By supporting local talent, we hope to drive impactful change in the city’s urban landscape.”
As Blackstraw continues to champion AI-driven solutions for a variety of sectors, the Namma Singara Chennai Challenge represents an important step forward in fostering community-centered innovation. This challenge is designed to inspire further collaboration, helping to address urban challenges while promoting AI education and skill development.
Celebrate Love and Joy this February at Ronil Goa A JDV by Hyatt
February 11th 2025: This February, Ronil Goa – A JdV by Hyatt hotel, invites you to celebrate love in all its beautiful forms—with heart, soul, and a whole lot of joy. With 135 cozy rooms featuring private balconies, two distinct pools—the Energy Pool for vibrant gatherings and the Tranquil Pool for laid-back moments—and a signature vibe that blends comfort with charm, JdV by Hyatt, Goa sets the perfect stage for unforgettable memories. Nestled on the lively Calangute-Baga Road, just minutes from Goa’s most iconic beaches, it’s the ideal spot to toast with your girl gang or indulge in a romantic escape with someone special.
GALENTINE’S DAY – A TOAST TO YOUR GIRL GANG
At JdV by Hyatt, Goa we believe love is best celebrated with those who bring you the most joy—your girl gang. Gather your tribe at Patrao’s – our 24X7 bar and let the night be about sisterhood, laughter, and vibrant cocktails crafted just for the occasion. Sip on Galentine’s Special Cocktails featuring Punk Gin at INR 499 while soaking in the lively energy of Pataro’s.
VALENTINE’S DAY – ROMANCE WITH A TOUCH OF SUSEGAD
Price: INR 4,999 per couple 5-course menu, paired with house wine and two signature cocktails.
Ronil Bistro & The Hub set the stage for an unforgettable evening with a five-course dining experience, crafted to celebrate love. From indulgent seafood bisque and truffle-scented asparagus soup to herb-crusted lamb, slow-braised duck leg, and decadent chocolate fondant, every dish is designed to spark joy and connection. Savor delicacies like prawns à la plancha with zucchini salsa, smoked salmon and avocado tartare, wild mushroom risotto with crispy enoki, and beetroot Wellington with truffle cheese sauce. Indulge in sweet endings such as strawberry mille-feuille, molten chocolate fondant with cinnamon ice cream, and passionfruit cheesecake with white chocolate drizzle.
Beverage offerings include a welcome glass of house wine, signature Valentine’s cocktails, and an exquisite selection of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines in collaboration with Rock Paper Rum and Fratelli wines.
Entertainment for the evening will feature a live performance by Agnes La Minotte, a French singer, adding the perfect romantic ambiance to your Valentine’s celebration.
Add on: Poolside Table: INR 1,999 for an exclusive table by the pool with unlimited mimosas.
Cabana Experience: INR 2,999 for a private cabana setup with a bottle of sparkling wine.
UP YOUR VACAY – A VALENTINE’S GETAWAY TO REMEMBER
Make it a Valentine’s weekend getaway with Ronil Goa – A JdV by Hyatt Hotel’s Up Your Vacay Room Package is inclusive of accommodation for two adults in a King Room, with a complimentary mini-bar stocked with local beers and snacks, arrival and departure shots to set the mood, and a Farmhouse Breakfast with a Bloody Mary Bar at Ronil Bistro. Guests can indulge in a Chef’s Choice Set Menu for lunch or dinner at Ronil Bistro daily, along with access to both pools—The Energy Pool for vibrant gatherings and The Tranquil Pool for laid-back moments.
Guests can also enjoy an exclusive 20% off on BBQ Picnics, Garden Picnics, Floating Breakfasts, food and soft beverages across Ronil Bistro, Patrao’s, The Hub, and In-Room Dining. Additionally, 20% off is available on laundry services and Spa Rituals treatments at The Spa.
At Ronil Goa – A JdV by Hyatt Hotel, Valentine’s isn’t just a day—it’s a celebration of love, friendship, and the joy of togetherness. Whether you are raising a toast with your best friends, planning the perfect romantic escape, or simply indulging in some well-deserved self-love, February at Ronil Goa promises unforgettable memories in the heart of Goa.
EY GDS Reinforces Environmental Commitment on World Wetlands Day
Pune, India – February 11, 2025: EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) had launched a series of programs across the country on the occasion of World Wetlands Day. The initiative is part of the dedication of EY GDS to support the preservation of wetlands across India, highlighting the organization’s broader commitment toward environmental conservation.
To mark the event, around 200 EY GDS volunteers constructed 15 floating wetlands at the Pashan Lake in Pune, each measuring three feet by four feet, and planting close to 240 saplings of the Canna Indica species. The Pune event is part of a larger project undertaken by EY GDS on World Wetlands Day. Apart from Pashan Lake in Pune, the other lakes selected for this initiative include: Chacharia Lake, Kolkata, on 07 February; Ulsoor Lake, Bengaluru, Karnataka, on 14 February; and Durgam Cheruvu Lake, Hyderabad, on 14 February.
Floating wetlands enhance wetland biodiversity by promoting the growth of vegetation, which plays a key role in improving water quality, controlling shoreline erosion, and mitigating climate change. The initiative incorporates hydroponic technology for water filtration, potentially improving the overall water quality. This global observance of the event highlights the crucial role wetlands play in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Manesh Patel, Global Operations Leader, EY GDS, said, “At EY GDS, we believe in driving meaningful change through collective action. On World Wetlands Day, our initiatives across the country showcase our commitment to environmental sustainability as our volunteers actively contribute to wetland restoration across India. By protecting these vital ecosystems, we take a step toward a greener, more sustainable future.”
Rumi Mallick Mitra, Director, Corporate Responsibility, EY GDS, said, “At EY GDS, we believe that even small actions can lead to a significant collective impact in protecting our planet. Our initiatives are designed to foster a culture of sustainability, and through our latest project, we aim to improve the ecological health of some of India’s most important water bodies.”
EY GDS has undertaken several initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint and promote sustainability. In FY24, globally, EY GDS planted 150,000 saplings as part of its sustainability program. By investing in such impactful sustainability initiatives, the organization continues to play a key role in fostering environmental stewardship and driving positive change for communities and ecosystems alike, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Jaipuria School of Business, Ghaziabad, conducts International Conference 2025
February 11th 2025: Jaipuria School of Business, Ghaziabad, conducted its two-day International Conference on Emerging Frontiers (ICEF) 2025 on February 7 and February 8 at the institution’s campus.
The prestigious two-day conference was held under the patronage of Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman of Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, and focused on the theme ‘Digital Innovation and Sustainable Business Practices.’ The conference brought together scholars, researchers, and industry experts from around the globe to discuss and explore the latest trends and innovations in these crucial areas.
The inaugural function was graced by eminent speakers including Manjeev Singh Puri, former ambassador to Nepal; Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, CEO, NASSCOM; Prof. Joseph M. Cheer, Western Sydney University; Vinod Malhotra, former civil servant and adviser to the Jaipuria Group; Prof. Weng Marc Lim, Dean of Sunway Business School, Sunway University, Malaysia; Prof. Emeritus Dr. Sushil, IIT Delhi and Prof. Ravinder Rena, Professor of Economics at University of the Western Cape, South Africa.
Dr. Rajiv Thakur, Director General of Jaipuria School of Business, set the tone for the event, describing ICEF as a “magical conference” that brings together innovators and thought leaders.
In his address, Manjeev Singh Puri emphasized the imperative of business transformation in today’s fast-evolving landscape. Prof. Ravinder Rena emphasized on the need to adopt sustainable practices. He said, “As we navigate this complex landscape, it is crucial that we prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring that the benefits of digitalization are shared equitably and that its negative consequences are mitigated.”
Prof Joseph Cheer underscored the importance of adopting responsible tourism practices. He said, “By prioritizing responsible tourism practices, respecting local cultures and environments, and being mindful of our footprint, we can ensure tourism benefits both travelers and host communities alike.”
Joining virtually, Prof. Weng Marc Lim spoke of the need to embrace the philosophy of science, which emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning, the need for businesses to navigate complex challenges and discover new opportunities. Prof Emeritus Dr. Sushil talked about innovation as the means to drive the change.
ICEF 2025 featured a series of keynote speeches, and paper presentations on a broad range of topics, including business, technology, and management. A key highlight of the event was the Best Paper Awards, recognizing outstanding research contributions in the field. The conference served as a platform for participants to share their research findings, exchange ideas, and collaborate on future projects. The conference also featured distinguished international speakers, including Dr. Kim Lim, TAN, faculty and researcher at James Cook University Singapore, and Dr. Cordelia Mason, Professor at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Business School, Malaysia.
In addition to these international speakers, several other eminent speakers and contributors shared their valuable insights and expertise, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of emerging domains.
The conference allowed participants to network with peers and industry leaders and explore potential associations for mutual growth.
ICEF also featured discussions on the partnership proposal with the delegation of James Cook University, Singapore and signing MOU with DAV College, Nepal, which marked a significant step towards academic collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Kapston Services Ltd: Standalone Financial Results – Q3 & 9M FY25
Hyderabad, February 11th, 2025: Kapston Services Ltd., an end-to-end manpower solutions provider, has declared its financial results for the Q3&9MFY25 ended December 31, 2024.
| Particulars | Q3FY25 | Q3FY24 | YoY (%) | 9MFY25 | 9MFY24 | YoY (%) | |
| Total Revenue | 182.41 | 137.47 | 32.69 | 504.40 | 379.72 | 32.83 | |
| EBITDA | 8.34 | 5.88 | 41.84 | 22.49 | 16.76 | 34.19 | |
| PAT | 4.53 | 2.69 | 68.40 | 11.79 | 9.81 | 20.18 |
Q3FY25 – Highlights
- Total Revenue in Q3FY25 was at Rs. 182.41 crore, as compared to Rs. 137.47 crore in Q3FY24, up by 32.69%
- EBITDA was at Rs. 8.34 crore as compared to Rs. 5.88 crore in Q3FY24; registered a growth of 41.84%
- PAT stood at Rs.4.53 crore, as compared to Rs. 2.69 crore, grown by 68.40%
9MFY25 – Highlights
- Total Revenue was at Rs. 504.40 crore, as compared to Rs. 379.72 crore in 9MFY24, up by 32.83%
- EBITDA was at Rs. 22.5 crore as compared to Rs. 16.76 crore in 9MFY24; registered a growth of 34.19%
- Net Profit was at Rs. 11.79crore, as compared to Rs. 9.81 crore, grown by 20.18%
Shareholders of the company had approved the sub-division of one equity share of face value of Rs. 10 each in to two equity shares of face value of Rs. 5 per share, the effective date for the same was August 09, 2024.
Operational Highlights
Commenting on the results, Mr. Srikanth Kodali, Managing Director said,
“We are delighted to declare good set of numbers.
The growth in PAT is improved on both QoQ and YoY due to increase in scale of operations and increasing contributions from newer geographies.
Our client addition during the quarter and last nine months has been strong and we continue to add marquee clients to our current clientele.
Having said that our endeavour to expand across India would continue and would adopt same strategy of continuous investment in expanding in newer geographies consolidate and again expand with a great focus on profitability of the company.”
Novotel Hyderabad Airport Launches ‘Love Yourself’ Campaign for Valentine’s Season
Mumbai / Hyderabad, 10th February 2025: This Valentine’s season, Novotel Hyderabad Airport introduces the new wellness initiative – The Love Yourself Campaign. A thoughtful, designed experience focused on the power of self-love and all-around well-being, it is curated for those who seek the opportunity to rediscover self, embracing the path of self-care. While Valentine’s Day is often about celebrating love for others, this unique initiative encourages guests to embrace the most important love of all self-love.
Novotel Hyderabad Airport invites guests to indulge in serene spa indulgences, precisely curated with a focus on wellness and relaxation to soothe the senses and promote inner harmony. Clean eating options further enhance this experience, ensuring nourishment from within. Guests can also indulge in a solo retreat, providing a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, relaxation, and reconnection with oneself.
“At Novotel Hyderabad Airport, we believe that self-care is the foundation of a fulfilling life. This Valentine’s season, we want to remind everyone that love begins within. Our Love Yourself campaign is designed to create meaningful moments where guests can truly indulge in self-appreciation and well-being,” said Mr Sukhbir Singh, General Manager at Novotel Hyderabad Airport.
This campaign is a testament to the wellness commitment that Novotel Hyderabad Airport embodies, offering guests a holistic approach to relaxation and self-discovery. By joining this transformative journey, each moment becomes an opportunity to reconnect, recharge, and truly love oneself.
PVR INOX Launches Valentine’s Gamification Campaign
National, February 10, 2025: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, is adding a touch of cinematic romance to the celebrations with an exciting and interactive gamification campaign – ‘What’s Your Love Language?’ This initiative is designed to engage moviegoers in a fun and insightful way, helping them discover their unique love language through the lens of movies. The campaign will run from 7th February, 2025 – 16th February, 2025.
With this engaging game, participants will answer five love and movie-themed questions to determine their love language. To make the experience even more filmy, they will also discover which iconic movie character embodies their love language, making the results both fun and relatable.
To participate, audience can scan the QR code or click the provided link to start the online game where they need to answer five situation-based questions to uncover their love language and also get the opportunity to share the results with loved ones on social networks, sparking engaging conversations about love and cinema.
“Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love in its many forms, and at PVR INOX, we believe cinema has always been one of the most powerful media for storytelling. With this engaging gamification initiative, we aim to bring movie lovers closer through a fun and personalized experience, making their Valentine’s celebrations even more memorable,” said Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO, Revenue and Operations, PVR INOX Ltd.
J.K. Simmons Talks Working with Seth Rogen on Invincible S3
Prime Video’s original adult animation series, Invincible S3, has been earning rave reviews ever since its release, boasting a stellar 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Packed with surprises, this season has left J.K. Simmons, the voice of Omni-Man, eager for fans to experience what’s in store. As the storyline delves into Omni-Man’s complex dynamic with Allen the Alien, voiced by Seth Rogen, Simmons is all praise for the season’s ability to masterfully bring out the humanity in his character. As Omni-Man’s armour begins to crack, he teases a season filled with interesting subtlety in the characters, evolving dynamics in their relationships, and an adrenaline-fueled premise that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Adding to the excitement, Simmons also confirms that the production for Invincible season 4 is already underway.
J.K. Simmons highlights the depth of Omni-Man’s dynamic with Allen the Alien and shares his experience voicing scenes alongside Seth Rogen. He said, “Well, it’s unexpected, I hope. And I’m always loath to even get close to any spoilers, but I loved the whole season, the whole third season, and exploring the relationship between Omni-Man and Allen the Alien that, you know, based on the first two seasons, you know, there was a continuing surprise to me. And also getting to play scenes with Seth Rogen was, you know, even though we were never in the room at the same time, I did get to respond to what Seth had already laid down a few times.”
Simmons further said, “Well, it’s that inner turmoil, right? There’s the alpha, the Viltrumite, the Omni-Man, and then he’s sort of reluctantly feeling these tinges of humanity invading his being. And then, he spends a significant amount of time, basically in a very intimate one-on-one situation with Allen the Alien, of all beings. It was a really fun season to continue to explore what that brings out in Omni-Man/Nolan.
Well, you’re in a room with Allen the Alien/Seth Rogen. You either have to just listen to him never shutting up, or you have to get chatty in return. I love the way that, first of all, plot brought us to that point and we really got to just kind of wallow in it, and see more, hear more, of Omni-Man philosophizing and justifying and arguing and even being funny from time to time.
Yeah, I think that’s it. He continues to sort of chink away at the armor, that Viltrumite armor, and Allen is a smart alien. He’s just continuing to do that because he senses that there is a tinge of humanity there and that he’s not talking to a brick wall that you usually are when you’re talking to a Viltrumite. So, yeah, again, I think it’s one of those really nice — I’m surprised, I guess, to use the word subtle, because it’s an animated show about superheroes, but there is a lot of really interesting subtlety in the characters and the relationships, and that continues to be one of the things that makes it an interesting job to continue with when you do this kind of long-form storytelling, whether it’s animated or live-action. It’s nice not to feel like your character ever stagnates.”
Developed by Robert Kirkman, Invincible S3 features a stellar voice cast, including Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, and Sandra Oh. The eight-episode animated adventurous drama, based on Robert Kirkman’s award-winning comic book series, follows 17-year-old Mark Grayson, as he inherits his father’s superpowers and embarks on a journey to become Earth’s greatest defender. The first three episodes of Season 3 are now streaming exclusively on Prime Video in English and Hindi, with new episodes dropping weekly on February 13.
Love is in the Air with Rangriti’s Collection for Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re going out to a romantic dinner, staying home to snuggle on the couch, or spending the holiday hanging with single pals, Rangriti with its exclusive range of unique ethnic, contemporary fusion wear, and Ino-Western styles adds a sense of romance and love on the occasion of Valentine’s day. With an extensive array of choices to choose from, Rangriti offers the trendiest silhouettes and impeccable designs to level up your ethnic look. The collection dazzles with an unparalleled curation of mix-and-match, voguish ethnic, all-time classics, dresses, festive wear and matching bottom wear- all available at one destination to elevate your shopping experience.
The Colour of Love
Brighten the day by giving your girls the colour of the season. Rangriti’s red kurta set dazzles with intricate embroidery with a unique neckline. Paired with a matching coloured dupatta and straight pants, this piece is the epitome of grace and elegance.
The Colour of Comfort
Stun your partners by donning our mustard-coloured kurta set paired with a matching dupatta and straight pants. Accompanied by a complementing dupatta and pants, this piece exudes royalty and richness.
The Colour of Liveliness
Our lime three-piece kurta set is tailored for girlies who love donning fresh ethnic colours. The delicate embroidery and fine print over the neck and the hem of the pants make your morning dates effortless and lovely.
Amazon MX Player & Yatra Unveil Brand Film with Jackie Shroff
Mumbai, 10 February 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service today unveiled a quintessential brand film starring Jackie Shroff as he navigates through challenges with on-the-go solutions from Yatra Online Limited (Yatra.com). The brand film brings MX Vdesi to the forefront, the stellar international content library of the service featuring Korean, Turkish, and Mandarin shows that are dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu for viewers to watch, absolutely free.
The brand film in association with Yatra highlights how booking through Yatra’s platform ensures a smooth, hassle-free journey at the best prices with Jackie Shroff bringing in his signature swag. While he assures the travelers of a great experience, he reveals that what will stand out in their upcoming journey is his Bhidu, Amazon MX Player providing non-stop free entertainment with titles ranging from K-Dramas, and Mandarin Dramas to Hindi blockbusters, action-packed thrillers, and laugh-out-loud comedies.
Entertainment meets Edutainment in Amazon MX Player’s brand film with Duolingo as Jackie Shroff relies on Duo to help order food at a restaurant where he is unfamiliar with the language. Jackie goes on to mention how learning new languages does not only help in such instances but also helps watch Korean, Turkish, and Mandarin shows that are available on Amazon MX Player. For those who are still learning, there’s still an easy way out with the available titles dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu for audiences to watch.
Speaking about the partnership, Aruna Daryanani, Director, Amazon MX Player, shared, “At Amazon MX Player, we are always looking for innovative ways to engage our audience, and collaborating with brands to communicate our message using sung quirky, fun brand films. Partnering with Yatra and Duolingo allows us to blend entertainment with utility, making streaming even more engaging. We look forward to more such creative collaborations that bring fresh, entertaining content to our users for absolutely free.”
Commenting on the brand films and partnership with Amazon MX Player, Dhruv Shringi, Whole-time Director cum CEO, of Yatra, said, “We are thrilled to have joined forces with Amazon MX Player on this innovative and engaging campaign. We believe that travel should be seamless, enjoyable, and memorable, and this collaboration aligns perfectly with that vision. With Jackie Shroff bringing his inimitable charm to this campaign, it’s a testament to the power of creative collaborations in delivering a complete and enjoyable experience to our customers.”
Amazon MX Player offers premium content to audiences across India for free. These include award-winning scripted series, reality shows, international content dubbed in local languages and more. The service is available through its apps on mobile, Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.