National, 20 February 2025: Veer Pahariya graces the February cover issue of Filmfare, emerging as a fresh talent in the entertainment industry. With a deep-rooted passion for acting, music, and storytelling, he embodies a new generation of artists who refuse to be boxed in. As he continues to grow and push boundaries, Veer is undoubtedly a talent to watch out for in Hindi Cinema. Veer Pahariya made his Bollywood debut earlier this year, starring alongside Akshay Kumar in the film Sky Force. Filmfare, one of the country’s most prestigious entertainment magazines renowned for celebrating cinema, fashion, and emerging talents in the industry, serves as the perfect platform for Veer’s story, marked by dedication, perseverance, and a drive to redefine the norms.

In an exclusive chat with Filmfare, Veer reflected on his dream. He shared, “I think it was my lifelong dream to become an actor. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want this. When I was about five years old, I used to collect Filmfare magazines. I still have them in my collection.”

Highlighting his early hustle before stepping into the world of films, Veer recalled, “I had a YouTube channel where I built a small audience and would get paid for performing at college festivals and schools. I also worked on a few ad jingles.”

Discussing Sky Force, Veer revealed how he approached the pressures of a high-profile debut with a sense of gratitude, highlighting, “I didn’t have any fear at all before Sky Force released. I was just grateful for the opportunity to live my dream. Every day on earth is a good day.” He recounted his experience sharing the screen space with Akshay Kumar, noting, “Working with Akshay sir was overwhelming at first because he’s someone we’ve all grown up watching. But when I went on the set, he was so welcoming and comforting that he immediately broke the ice with me.”

Veer’s transformation for the role of Squadron Leader T Krishna Vijaya in the film was drastic – both physically and mentally. Recalling his transformation for the character, he shared, “On the day of the look test for Sky Force, I had long hair and a beard, and they transformed me completely. I had no idea what the film was about at that point. They cut my hair short, gave me a military-style moustache and put me in overalls. Months later, I heard the narration, and it was an easy decision.”

Cementing his stance as a disruptor in the industry, Veer said, “I know I don’t look like a typical hero. But I’m aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I’m here to bring something new to the table. I’m aiming to break barriers and change the game.”

On his self-made journey, Veer acknowledged the realities of navigating Bollywood without a legacy to lean on, saying, “I’m the first artiste in my family. So, my association with the industry is purely based on the work I’ve done. Anyone who comes to Mumbai gets associated with people from the film industry.” Talking about his early inspirations, he revealed, “Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan were my early inspirations. I also really admire Sushant Singh Rajput’s choice of roles; he had such an original voice.”

Filmfare’s February issue chronicles and celebrates all that’s hot and happening in the world of movies and OTT.

Pune, India – February 20, 2025: The Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation conducted an awareness session on noise pollution at the College of Engineering, Manjari, aiming to educate students and faculty about its adverse effects and the importance of collective action.

The session was led by Dr. Garima Kavathekar, Founder Director of Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation, alongside distinguished speakers Mrs. Neena Singh, Mrs. Shashikala Kumbhar, Mr. Manoj Channa, and Shri Rajendra Kulkarni. Volunteers from IIEBM also actively participated, engaging students in discussions and interactive awareness activities.

The program covered key aspects of noise pollution, including its health implications, environmental consequences, and relevant legal frameworks. Speakers emphasized practical solutions and community-driven initiatives, encouraging students to take an active role in promoting noise-free environments.

As part of its ongoing mission, the Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation continues to drive awareness, advocacy, and policy initiatives to combat noise pollution. Events like these play a crucial role in fostering environmental responsibility among the younger generation.

Special appreciation was extended to government-appointed corporator Shri Ajeet Ghule for facilitating connections with Dr. R.V. Patil, Principal of the College of Engineering, Manjari, to make this initiative possible.

February 20, 2025 | Lucknow, India: The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is back and bigger than ever with its seventh edition in Lucknow. This special night will bring together India’s top sports stars under one roof to celebrate their achievements.

This year’s event will honor 175 outstanding athletes from 36 sports, ranging from cricket and hockey to kabaddi and kho kho. It shows how Indian sports have grown, and how our athletes are making the country proud in many ways.

Some of India’s greatest sports stars will choose the winners. The jury includes Anju Bobby George, who made history in the long jump, Olympic medal winners Yogeshwar Dutt and Vijendra Singh, hockey great Dilip Tirkey, and Paralympic champion Devendra Jhajharia. These sports icons know what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

The event will welcome two very special guests. Uttar Pradesh Honorable Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend as the chief guest, and cricket legend Kapil Dev will join the celebration. Their presence shows how important TOISA has become for Indian sports.

“TOISA has evolved into India’s most prestigious sports recognition platform, reflecting our nation’s growing sporting excellence. Having 175 athletes from 36 sports disciplines under one roof in Lucknow demonstrates the incredible depth and diversity of Indian sports talent. Our vision is to not just celebrate achievements, but to create a legacy that inspires future generations,” said Puneet Gupta, COO,of  Times Internet.

“TOISA 2024 represents more than an awards ceremony – it’s a celebration of India’s remarkable sports journey. By bringing together champions from cricket fields to kabaddi courts in Lucknow, we’re not just honoring medals and records, we’re showcasing how sports unite our nation. This seventh edition speaks to the incredible growth of Indian sports, from our villages to international arenas. As we gather the finest athletes, sports legends, and leaders under one roof, we’re creating a powerful platform that inspires the next generation of Indian sports talent,” explains Prasad Sanyal, Business Head at Times Internet.

TOISA is more than just an awards show. It tells young athletes across India that their hard work matters, and that they can achieve great things in sports. As we prepare for February 22, TOISA 2024 will not only honor today’s champions but also inspire tomorrow’s sports stars.

This special night in Lucknow will remind everyone how far Indian sports have come, and show the bright future ahead. TOISA continues to grow as India’s way of saying thank you to the athletes who make our country proud.

Delhi, February 2025 – ITM Vocational University (ITMVUG) in Vadodara, Gujarat, has been awarded a ‘B+’ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). This accreditation, valid until October 29, 2029, underscores the university’s dedication to maintaining high standards in teaching, research, and infrastructure.

The NAAC accreditation serves as a testament to ITM Vocational University’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education. As the university continues to evolve, it remains focused on fostering innovation, skill development, and holistic growth, ensuring that its students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the dynamic professional world.

Dr. Anil M. Bisen, Provost, of ITM Vocational University, shared his excitement about this achievement, saying, “This accreditation is a proud moment for all of us. It proves our dedication to providing the best learning experience for our students. At ITMVUG, we focus on building strong academic foundations, developing practical skills, and preparing students for successful careers. Our goal is to create professionals who are ready to take on real-world challenges and make a positive impact. We will continue to upgrade our courses, improve our facilities, and work closely with industries to ensure our students get the best opportunities. This achievement motivates us to keep growing and delivering education that truly makes a difference.”

Established in 2014, ITMVUG is part of the ITM Group of Institutions, which has a legacy spanning over three decades. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including BBA, B.Tech in Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronics, and Computer Science Engineering, BCA, B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry, Medical Lab Technology, B.Optometry, MBA, M.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry, and M.Sc. in Medical Lab Technology. These programs are designed to align with current industry demands, ensuring students are well-prepared for their professional careers.

The university’s commitment to practical learning is evident through its modern infrastructure. State-of-the-art classrooms, well-equipped seminar halls, a comprehensive library, and advanced laboratories provide students with an environment conducive to both academic and personal growth. These facilities support a hands-on approach to education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

ITMVUG’s robust placement cell has forged strong ties with leading companies across various sectors. Notable recruiters such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Syon Software, Lenskart, Sun Pharma, Xylem, Befree International, Jaro Education, Sunrises Engineering, PTSI, Avenza Pharmaceuticals, Lupin Limited, Bruket Ind Pvt Ltd, Dots and Coms, VNC Global, Amitron, Cosmos Impex, Motilal Oswal, Grace Laboratory, Mangalam Steel Cast, and HCG have participated in campus placement drives. The highest salary package offered was up to ₹12 lakh per annum, reflecting the quality of education and the employability of its graduates.

Bengaluru, February 20, 2025: Yuma Energy, one of India’s largest and fastest-growing battery-as-a-service (BaaS) companies, has announced the acquisition of Grinntech Motors & Services Pvt. Ltd., a Chennai-based growth-phase start-up specializing in the design and development of innovative, affordable, and high-quality energy storage solutions.

The milestone acquisition furthers Yuma Energy’s mission to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions by individual users and businesses. Integrating Grinntech’s expertise in battery technologies, R&D, and manufacturing will enable Yuma Energy to build a vertically integrated BaaS ecosystem that encompasses battery design and production, intelligent charging units, a multi-city swapping network, technology-driven operations, and a seamless customer app. With its broad portfolio, industry-leading performance, and efficient energy infrastructure, Yuma Energy is well-positioned to lead the rapidly growing electric mobility market in the country.

“This acquisition is a strategic step towards bolstering our in-house expertise in battery management systems, advanced R&D, and manufacturing,” said Muthu Subramanian, Managing Director & General Manager, Yuma Energy. “By assimilating Grinntech’s technology and manufacturing capability, we will continue to surpass industry and customer service benchmarks in performance, reliability, and safety.”

In January 2025, Yuma Energy unveiled its next-generation battery, developed in collaboration with Grinntech, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo’s Bharat Battery Show in New Delhi. The acquisition is, thus, a natural progression of the successful partnership between the two companies over the past 18 months.

Founded with a vision to drive battery innovation, Grinntech has developed state-of-the-art solutions tailored to the evolving energy needs of electric vehicles and industrial applications. This acquisition will enable rapid advancements in battery performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making clean energy solutions more accessible.

“We are excited to become a part of Yuma Energy’s journey and contribute our expertise to revolutionizing battery technology,” said Puneet Jain, Co-founder of Grinntech. Added Nikhilesh Mishra, Co-founder of Grinntech, “Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and accelerate India’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Mumbai, 20 February 2025: E-commerce has become a fulcrum of change for the Indian retail industry, finds a joint report by ANAROCK and ETRetail released today at The Economic Times Great India Retail Summit 2025 in Mumbai at the Jio Convention Centre.

The report finds that Indian e-commerce is expected to touch USD 550 Bn by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 15%. In 2024, the value of this vibrant and disruptive retail segment was estimated at USD 125 Bn. It is likely to touch USD 345 Bn by 2030-end.

Increasing Internet penetration, smartphone adoption, digital payment infrastructure, and a young, tech-savvy population are driving this growth. Government initiatives like ‘Digital India’ and rapid improvements in the country’s logistics and supply chain networks have further boosted its growth prospects.

“Besides the metros, e-commerce players are also tapping the growing demand from smaller towns and cities. Resultantly, the share of online shoppers from Tier 2 and 3 cities has increased to 56% in FY2024 from 46% in FY2020, and is expected to reach 64% by FY2030,” says Anuj Kejriwal, CEO & MD – ANAROCK Retail. “Meanwhile, the overall Indian retail industry’s market size is expected to touch USD 2,500 Bn by 2035, witnessing a three-fold increase compared to 2019. The report states that this growth is powered by rising disposable incomes, increasing urbanization, a young and tech-savvy population, and an ever-expanding middle class. Today, the industry is defined by sprawling malls and thriving e-commerce alongside traditional bazaars.”

” New mall supply across the top 7 cities was a mere 1 Mn sq. ft. in 2024, while absorption stood at 6 Mn sq. ft.,” says Anuj Kejriwal. “New supply is lagging far behind demand. Current supply and demand trends for mall spaces indicate a post-pandemic rebound in leasing, now largely driven by experiential retail. Apparel and the F&B sectors consistently contribute nearly 45% of demand, remaining the top footfall drivers. Also, post-COVID, the mall vacancy rate has declined from 15.4% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2024.”

The report highlights that major domestic and international retailers have ambitious plans to increase their footprint in India’s smaller towns and cities, resulting in a surging supply of malls in tier 2 and 3 markets which will, potentially, account for over 26 million sq. ft. of mall spaces by 2030.

The Pantry- (Healthy Keto Pizza)

For a guilt-free indulgence, The Pantry serves up healthy yet delicious alternatives. Their healthy creations are as delicious as they are wholesome. The Flower Power Pizza boasts a gluten-free cauliflower crust topped with mushrooms and roasted garlic; The Vegan Delight features creamy homemade cashew cheese and mashed avocados; The Arabian Rooster offers a unique flavour profile with za’atar-spiced grilled chicken, La ferme lofabu, homemade ricotta, pickled red cabbage, and microgreens.

Mad Doh:

Mad Doh Sourdough Pizzeria is slinging wood-fired sourdough pies with toppings so good, you won’t even miss the meat. Spice things up with the Spicy Cipolla, a fiery mix of Pomodoro, onions, chillies, and jalapeños, or savour the Indian-inspired Pizza Indiana with tandoori paneer. Mushroom lovers will rejoice over the Ai Fungi. Cheese aficionados can indulge in the Pizza Classic Bianco or the Quattro Formaggi. For a taste of fresh vegetables, the Pizza Ortolana showcases zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and black pepper.

Blabber delivers bold, flavor-packed combinations with pizzas like the Funghi, loaded with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, and the Pollo di Piccante, where roasted chicken, capers, and pickled jalapeños create an explosion of taste. The Diavola, stacked high with chicken salami, pepperoni, and bacon, is a must-try for meat lovers.

For those who love a cozy vibe with great food, The Bluebop Cafe offers pizzas that fit every occasion. Their Amore Loves Veggie is a plant-based delight, while the Fiesta Chicken packs a punch of bold flavors. The Pepperoni Passion is a crowd favorite, and the Three Meat Pizza is perfect for those who love a protein-loaded bite. The Smoked Chicken & Pesto pizza is another must-try, combining herby goodness with smoky richness.

From artisanal sourdoughs to experimental flavour fusions, Mumbai’s pizza scene is bursting with creativity. Whether you’re craving a simple, elegant slice or an all-out topping-loaded masterpiece, these pizzerias guarantee a bite of perfection.

STAMFORD, Conn., February 20, 2025 — Thirty percent of chief data and analytics officers (CDAOs) said their top challenge is the inability to measure data, analytics, and AI impact on business outcomes, according to a new Gartner, Inc. survey.

The annual Gartner Chief Data & Analytics Officer Agenda Survey was conducted from September through November 2024 among 504 data and analytics executive leaders across the world.

“There is a massive value vibe around data, where many organizations talk about the value of data, desire to be data-driven, etc., but there are few who can substantiate it,” said Michael Gabbard, Sr. Director Analyst at Gartner. “Often, organizations that regularly align to data themes outperform their peers.”

For the overwhelming majority (more than 90%), value- and outcome-focused areas of the data and analytics (D&A) leader’s role have become their main remit over the past 12 to 18 months and will continue to be a concern going forward. However, only 22% of the surveyed organizations have defined, tracked, and communicated business impact metrics for the bulk of their D&A use cases.

“Organizations are increasingly prioritizing the development of a robust D&As strategy to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency and this falls to D&A leaders,” said Gabbard. “CDAOs must accelerate data-driven and decision-centric vision by spotting important trends early to make proactive, informed choices about D&A strategy and building operational context around these drivers.”

According to the Gartner survey, 91% of CDAOs said that creating an actionable D&A strategy is a primary responsibility for them.

“We found that while creating an actionable D&A strategy is a primary responsibility for these CDAOs, more than one-third of them do not identify establishing and evolving the operating model as a primary responsibility,” concluded Gabbard. “There is a perennial gap between planning and execution for D&A leaders.”

Gurugram, 20 Feb 2025 – NOTO Ice Cream, India’s leading guilt-free ice cream brand, has raised ₹15 crore in its latest funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), with participation from JITO and Lets Venture. The funds will be utilized for expanding into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, launching innovative flavors and formats for the summer, supporting marketing on food-tech aggregators and quick-commerce platforms, upgrading infrastructure, and boosting brand awareness through experiences.

Founded in 2019, NOTO Ice Cream has disrupted the ice cream industry by offering indulgent, healthy ice cream options that don’t compromise on taste. With a mission to provide healthier alternatives without sacrificing flavor, NOTO is rapidly becoming a market leader in the good-for-you ice cream category. The brand is also backed by well-known personalities such as John Abraham, Rannvijay Singha, and Kunal Bahl, who share NOTO’s vision of making guilt-free indulgence accessible to all.

NOTO was co-founded by Varun Sheth, a chef and serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, and Ashni Shah, a design and fashion enthusiast with expertise in marketing and operations. Varun’s entrepreneurial journey began with 1Tablespoon, which pioneered the concept of sourdough pizzas in Mumbai, while Ashni’s background in creative entrepreneurship helped establish her as a force in the hospitality sector.

Vinay Bansal, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says: “Health-conscious consumers often struggle between satisfying their sweet cravings and adhering to a healthier lifestyle. The existing options often compromise on taste or nutritional value, creating a gap in the market for truly guilt-free indulgence. NOTO ice-cream is solving this problem with its unique flavours that don’t compromise on either taste or nutritional values. At IPV, we are drawn to the startup’s commitment to address a real consumer need. Their vision to redefine desserts aligns with lots of Indians, making it a scalable startup with meaningful impact.”

NOTO is operational across multiple cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune, and is expanding aggressively into new markets such as Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow. The brand is listed on food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, as well as quick commerce platforms such as Zepto, Blinkit, Instamart and Flipkart.

NOTO stands out in the competitive ice cream market by offering guilt-free indulgence with premium quality ingredients that ensure no compromise on taste. Its innovative flavors and formats, combined with its focus on healthier alternatives like low-calorie, low-sugar ice creams, have made it a top choice among health-conscious consumers. The brand’s ethos, “Eating, Not Cheating,” resonates strongly with customers.

Varun Sheth, Co-Founder & CEO, NOTO, says “At NOTO, Eating, Not Cheating is at the heart of everything we do – we serve desserts that are guilt-free and full of flavor. This funding fuels our expansion into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, paves the way for more NOTO-riously good innovations. As we continue to redefine the ice cream experience, we’re excited to scale new heights. We appreciate IPV’s support in this journey.”

NOTO Ice Cream has garnered significant recognition, with notable achievements including being awarded “Product of the Year” for Chocolate Mini Bites at the Channelier FMCG Awards in 2022, being named “Most Loved Brand on Social Media” and “Top Consumer Packaged Brand” in 2023 by LBB x Nykaa, and receiving the title of “Best Vegan Ice Cream” for its Vegan Mango Raspberry flavor at the Peta India Vegan Food Awards in 2023.

The Indian ice cream market, valued at ₹228.6 billion in 2023, is projected to reach ₹956 billion by 2032. With a shift towards premium, healthy, and innovative ice cream offerings, the market is poised for significant growth, driven by higher disposable incomes and the increasing penetration of quick commerce platforms.

New Delhi, February 20, 2025: Engineers India Limited (EIL), a Navratna CPSE, is proud to announce that it will host the 43rd PSPB Inter Unit Badminton Tournament at the prestigious Thyagraj Stadium, New Delhi. Scheduled to take place from February 19 to 22, 2025, the tournament will witness participation from top players representing leading Oil and Gas companies, including ONGC, IOCL, GAIL, BPCL, Oil India, HPCL, NRL, EIL, IGL, and Petronet LNG.

The event is set to feature an impressive line-up of national and international badminton stars who will represent PSPB member organizations. Renowned players such as Lakshya Sen, Ashwini Ponappa, H S Prannoy, Aditya Joshi, Guru Saidut, Ruthvika Gadde, Saurav Verma, and K Sathish will take center stage, showcasing their exceptional skills and making the tournament a thrilling experience for badminton enthusiasts.

As one of the most prestigious sporting events in the petroleum sector, the PSPB Inter Unit Badminton Tournament serves as a significant platform for talented shuttlers from PSPB member organizations to compete at an elite level. The competition not only fosters sportsmanship and camaraderie among industry professionals but also underscores the commitment of the Oil and Gas sector to promoting excellence in sports.

With intense matches and an electrifying atmosphere anticipated, the tournament promises to be a spectacular display of skill, determination, and competitive spirit. EIL is honored to host this esteemed event and looks forward to welcoming players, officials, and spectators to witness world-class badminton action.