New Delhi, January 2025: Worldskills recently appointed Samantha Kochhar as the Skill Competition Manager for WorldSkills International. This historic milestone further solidifies India’s presence on the global stage of excellence in the hairdressing industry.

Samantha Kochharr, a trailblazer in the hair and beauty industry, has been shaping the sector since the age of 11. With an impressive career spanning decades, she brings extensive experience in national and international film, fashion, and creative arts. As the Managing Director of Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic and the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, she has successfully combined entrepreneurial expertise with her creative flair.

She is the first Asian to hold this position, breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks for the industry.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Samantha Kochharr is also an author and her spiritual journey has profoundly influenced her work, reflected in her book, Arribada: The Arrival, which provides a unique perspective on healing and self-discovery.

Speaking about her new role, Samantha Kochharr said, “I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the Skill Competition Manager for WorldSkills International. This role represents an opportunity to contribute to the global standards of the hairdressing industry.”

Samantha Kochharr’s appointment is a testament to her relentless dedication, vision, and commitment to nurturing talent and innovation. Her leadership continues to inspire professionals worldwide, while her achievements pave the way for India’s continued recognition as a global leader in the beauty and wellness sector.

Atrangii, Ullu, and Hari Om OTT have announced the appointment of Abhay Chheda as Vice President – Syndication and Distribution. With nearly two decades of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Abhay is a distinguished professional renowned for his proficiency in content acquisition, syndication, and digital distribution. Prior to this , has held leadership roles at GoQuest Media Ventures, where he led key business verticals for over eight years. He has also been associated with Buddha Pictures, overseeing international syndication and Disney UTV Studios, where he contributed to global marketing campaigns and international theatrical distribution.

He will lead the Business Syndication team, with his role encompassing syndication and distribution of content across the platforms.

Vibhu Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Hari Om, Atrangii, and Ullu, shared, “Abhay Chheda’s appointment marks a significant step in our journey to explore content syndication across various languages and genres, along with the distribution of our content. His experience, creativity, and leadership will play a pivotal role in driving our vision for all three varied platforms forward.”

On taking up his new role, Abhay Chheda shared, “I am genuinely excited to join Vibhu Agarwal Group’s OTT platforms and collaborate with a team that is deeply committed to revolutionizing content on Indian OTT. With my expertise in international content syndication and distribution, I look forward to taking the platforms to newer heights and audiences worldwide”

Atrangii, Hari Om, and Ullu OTT are set to embark on an exciting new chapter, delivering a diverse array of content from different Indian and international languages that captivates audiences and sets new benchmarks in entertainment.

Oxford, UK and Bengaluru, India – January 29, 2025: Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, one of Europe’s leading entrepreneurial business schools, today announced the launch of the ‘Springboard StartSmart: Foundations for Entrepreneurs’ course. Leveraging Infosys Springboard, the free digital learning and reskilling platform, the course is aimed at new entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The collaboration aims to empower entrepreneurs and SMEs with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Through this collaboration, Oxford Saïd’s accredited courses will be tailored to the specific needs of young entrepreneurs empowering them at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from early-stage founders to those considering starting their own businesses. The course will aim to democratize the overall learning process and equip learners with the knowledge and tools required to embrace digital transformation, apply fundamental business concepts, and leverage the potential of emerging technologies, including AI tools.

Manos Kapterian, Chief Operating Officer at Oxford Saïd, said, “While the UK fosters a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, nearly 60 percent of small British businesses and start-ups face failure within the first three years. Providing access to the right tools and mentorship are vital ingredients to the success of these start-ups. We are pleased to form this collaboration with Infosys, bringing our world-class business education to even more aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs, helping them to have a positive impact in their communities.”

Thirumala Arohi, EVP and Head – Education, Training, and Assessment, Infosys, said, “We are committed to harnessing the collective strength of our technology and people to transform the communities we work in. By bridging the digital divide through world-class digital learning opportunities, we aim to create a more equitable society and nurture a new generation of business leaders. Our collaboration with Oxford Saïd Business School and our digital learning platform, Springboard, provide the tools to achieve this goal. In the UK, one of the most entrepreneurial countries globally, this course has the potential to equip entrepreneurs with the right tools, enabling them to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape while solving important global challenges.”

Infosys’ joint efforts with Oxford Saïd build on Infosys’ successful collaborations with local councils across the UK to provide access to learners with vital digital skills and resources. Since the launch of the initiatives in 2021 over 50,000 registered users are actively benefiting from over 10,000 courses offered through the Infosys Springboard platform.

Bangalore; India 2025 – Bangalore’s ever-evolving food scene has a fresh addition that’s making waves—CHICBUN, a gourmet slider concept created by Skope Kitchens. Known for its innovative approach to dining, Skope Kitchens has poured its expertise into crafting a brand that elevates sliders from overlooked menu items to culinary highlights.

With CHICBUN, Skope Kitchens has taken a thoughtful approach by helping them to fill a gap in Bangalore’s burger landscape. Sliders – smaller, flavor-packed versions of traditional burgers; are brought to life with premium ingredients, bold flavor pairings, and meticulous preparation. Each slider tells a story of quality and creativity, setting CHICBUN apart from typical fast-casual options.

The experience extends beyond the food. CHICBUN‘s vibrant and chic branding ensures the presentation reflects the gourmet nature of the offerings. The packaging has been designed with care to match the brand’s modern and playful identity, making it ideal for casual lunches, quick bites, or social gatherings.

The thoughtfully designed menu caters to a diverse range of palates, with every slider crafted to perfection, ensuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options stand out:

• The Truffler Slider (Beef): Indulge in the richness of a smashed beef patty layered with melted cheese, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a luxurious truffle-infused sauce.

• Maple Blaze Chicken Slider: A harmonious balance of sweet and spicy, featuring crispy fried chicken dipped in maple sriracha butter, complemented by house pickles, creamy coleslaw, and melted cheese.

• Spicy Paneer Stack Slider: Crispy fried paneer paired with crunchy lettuce, house-made pickles, and a drizzle of signature sauce for a burst of flavor.

• Chick’o Slider Duos (Chicken): Double the delight with golden fried chicken, fresh lettuce, house-made pickles, signature sauce, and melted cheese—served with fries and your choice of dip.

• The Wild Buffalo (Chicken): Crispy fried chicken coated in bold buffalo sauce, topped with fresh lettuce, creamy mayo, and house-made pickles—accompanied by fries and a dip of your choice.

To complement the sliders, the menu offers a tempting selection of appetizers, including a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fries, onion rings, and chicken tenders.

For a sweet finish, foodies can indulge in desserts such as  the Hazelnut Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream, Double Chocochip Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream, or the decadent CHICBUN Choco Fudge Sundae.

Enhancing the overall couch cuisine, loaded fries and distinctive house-made dipping sauces further elevate the menu, making it a treat for all occasions.

“Our vision with CHICBUN was to reimagine sliders in a way that combines accessibility with gourmet quality,” says Arvind Krishnan, Krishna, Founder and CEO at Skope Kitchens. “We saw an opportunity to innovate and create something that delivers bold, satisfying flavors without compromising on creativity or quality.

Skope Kitchens plays a crucial role in bringing CHICBUN to life, from concept development to execution. By sourcing premium ingredients and designing a creative menu, it ensures CHICBUN stands out for its quality and innovation. As CHICBUN makes its mark on Bangalore’s culinary scene, Skope Kitchens solidifies its reputation as a key player behind exciting food ventures.

New Delhi, January 28, 2025: Axis Max Life Insurance (“Axis Max Life”/ “Company”) has announced the launch of the Axis Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus (UIN: 104N127V01), a non-linked, non-participating, individual pure-risk life insurance plan designed to address diverse needs and life stages, with coverage tailored for customers’ needs. It offers a benefit to receive up to 200% of the total premium, paid-back as a special exit value with no additional premium to be paid to avail this benefit.

The plan also offers women-centric features tailored to the unique requirements of this customer segment. It includes a maternity cover benefit that safeguards against pregnancy complications and also covers the new-born for congenital anomalies for upto 3 years of birth. It offers Lifeline Plus benefit that allows the female Life Insured to increase the coverage in case of her spouse’s death for upto 50% of Base Sum Assured, or Rs. 50 lakhs (whichever is lower). Most significantly, the plan offers a 15% discount on premiums for female policyholders compared to male policyholders. Moreover, salaried females are eligible for an additional 15% discount on the first year premium which can be up to total discount of 27.75% on first year premium.

Prashant Tripathy, Managing Director and CEO, Axis Max Life, comments, “While awareness of term insurance is increasing, its penetration in India remains significantly low, leaving a substantial protection gap for many families. The Axis Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus is designed to address this critical need by offering affordable and accessible protection to a wider segment of the population. With its flexible options and competitive pricing, the plan is an attractive and budget-friendly choice, particularly for young customers. I am confident that by making term insurance more accessible and affordable with this plan, we can play a crucial role in bridging the protection gap and building a more financially secure India.”

Key Features of the Axis Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus (subject to policy terms and conditions):

• Rebalancing cover: One of the variant (rebalancing cover) of the plan offers auto rebalance of Life cover Sum Assured and Accidental Death Benefit (ADB) cover Sum Assured.
• Multiple Plan Options: The policy includes unique variants, such as “Return of Premium,” “Early ROP Plus,” “Smart Cover,” and “Whole Life Cover,” each designed to address specific customer needs.
• Special Exit Value: Policyholders can receive up to 200% of the Total Premiums Paid back (excluding GST) from the 30th policy year onwards, ensuring higher value at the point of exit.
• Smart Cover: Designed for families with young children, this feature provides 1.5X coverage for the first 15 years, helping ensure more robust protection during the early years of financial responsibility.
• Whole Life Cover: Offers coverage until the age of 100 years, providing policyholders with long-term financial security, regardless of when the claim occurs.
• Income Protection Cover: Option to receive monthly income payouts in the event of death, available as either level income payout or inflation-proof payout.
• 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals: The plan offers a 15% discount on the first-year premium for all salaried professionals, making it more accessible for a wider range of customers.
• Inbuilt Cover Continuance Benefit: Flexibility to defer the due premium for a period of up to 12 months from the due date of first unpaid premium, while maintaining the full risk cover under the base plan and attached riders (if any).

The Axis Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus, which has 7 variants, meets the rising demand for adaptable financial security in India. Despite growing awareness, only 31% of urban Indians have term insurance (Axis Max Life IPQ 6.0 Survey) revealing a protection gap. This plan, with its flexible options, empowers individuals to create a safety net for their families, aligning with Axis Max Life’s commitment to financial empowerment

New Delhi, 28th January 2025: Gallant Sports and Infra, a pioneer in sports infrastructure development, is transforming India’s sports landscape with the successful completion of multiple landmark projects across the country. These achievements reinforce Gallant Sports’ mission to lead India’s sports infrastructure agenda, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity in both urban and rural areas.

From advancing grassroots sports in Bihar to building state-of-the-art facilities in the challenging terrain of Ladakh, Gallant Sports is paving the way for a brighter future for Indian athletes.

Transformative Projects:

• Chapra, Bihar: A 22,000 sq. ft. multi-sports facility was developed under SAIL’s CSR initiative. This facility features a Box Cricket ground with football field markings, two tennis practice walls, and two cricket practice pitches. By introducing artificial surfaces, it empowers aspiring athletes in rural Bihar to compete at state and national levels.

• Leh, Ladakh: In one of its most ambitious undertakings, Gallant Sports built a 12,000 sq. ft. Futsal ground in Leh, overcoming harsh winter conditions with temperatures dropping to -20°C. This project exemplifies the company’s dedication to ensuring world-class sports facilities reach even the remotest parts of India.

• Faridabad, Haryana: A sprawling 51,408 sq. ft. sports complex in KRM Faridabad offers facilities for football, basketball, tennis, paddle tennis, and cricket. Designed for diverse sporting interests, this complex sets a new benchmark for multi-sports infrastructure, enabling athletes to train at professional-grade venues.

• Trivandrum, Kerala: Gallant Sports developed a 21,900 sq. ft. football field for the Green Valley Education Society. This facility underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing young talent by providing high-quality infrastructure to educational institutions.

• Pickle Ball and Padel Tennis Courts: Gallant Sports has been a pioneer in the installation of fastest growing sports: pickleball and padel tennis. Gallant Sports is now a certified pickleball court builder meeting USP standards, having installed outdoor and indoor vinyl pickleball floors. Key projects include Pickle Ball courts at Conscient, Gurgaon, and Kolhapur, along with six Padel Tennis courts across Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Delhi.

Nasir Ali, CEO of Gallant Sports, expressed his vision: “For us, building sports infrastructure isn’t just about constructing facilities; it’s about creating opportunities. Each project embodies our belief in India’s potential to become a global sports powerhouse. From grassroots development to overcoming extreme climates, our work is a testament to innovation, resilience, and passion.”

Shaping the Future of Indian Sports

Gallant Sports continues to push boundaries, redefining the standards for accessible, world-class sports infrastructure. By addressing diverse needs and delivering excellence across varied terrains, the company is empowering athletes nationwide to chase their dreams and elevating India’s position in the global sports arena.

Indore, January 28th, 2025: SVKM’s NMIMS Indore Campus hosted an inspiring, thought-provoking and memorable event TEDxNMIMS Indore 2025. Centred around the theme “Rewriting the Narrative”, this event brought together ten talented speakers who shared their personal stories and offered their insights and perspectives to a large audience.

Bhavana Singh, a lifestyle coach, couturier, and fashion influencer with 2.8 million Instagram followers, inspired the audience to become the best version of themselves while sharing insights from her personal experiences. Mrs Jasmine Saluja Lulla, the founder of Cakes and Crafts, shared an impactful story in which she talked about overcoming any adversity with a resilient mindset. Shridhar Venkat, CEO of Akshaya Patra Foundation, and an alumnus of NMIMS, talked about the profound impact of giving and delved into why he believes in doing charity. He took the stage to express his views on the true meaning of life.

Another proud NMIMS Mumbai alumna, Hetal Dalal, President and COO of Institutional Investor Advisory Services India Limited, Hetal Dalal offered her insights on the importance of shareholder activism. Puru the Guru, an enigmatic speaker with a doctorate in finance, spiritual thinker, fitness enthusiast, and the author of ‘The Monk Who Sold His BMW’, took to the stage and shared his life experiences. EKI Energy’s founder, Manish Dabkara, discussed the crucial role of carbon credits in combating climate change and talked about his mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

Representing Andretta Pottery, Subham Sankhyan shared his thoughts on the beauty of pottery as well as its therapeutic nature while emphasising the importance of preserving traditional crafts. Record-breaking Paralympic swimmer and Arjuna Awardee, Mr Sharath Gayakwad used the platform to share his life’s journey. He talked about overcoming challenges, shared his perspective on ‘burnouts’, and voiced his belief that one can get past their passions and move on to newer pursuits. Sanra Shaw, a passionate advocate for community development, showcased the remarkable work of Rehwa Society which is empowering the women of Maheshwar through handlooms sarees.

Finally, Rohit Khandelwal, actor, model, and TV host took to the stage. He talked about his journey as the first Indian and Asian to win Mr World in 2016 and shared his insights on adaptability, perseverance and dedication.

By creating and providing a platform like TedX, NMIMS Indore’s commitment to innovation and diverse thinking is evident. This campus was the ideal platform for exchanging ideas and engaging in profound discussions at TEDxNMIMS Indore 2025. Every speaker reinforced the theme, “Rewriting the Narrative”, and used their personal insights and life experiences to deliver talks that were inspiring, motivating, and meaningful.

Closing Ceremony
The TEDxNMIMS Indore 2025 event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by the TEDx licensee, Ms Ananya Bahadur. Dr Anshuman Jaswal, Director at NMIMS Indore, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all the speakers and audience members, and said, “Hearing the success stories and personal insights of distinguished speakers was truly a remarkable experience. TEDxNMIMS serves as a platform to share ideas which only furthers the mission of NMIMS Indore Campus to cultivate informed innovators and encourage learning.”