Mumbai, April 11, 2025: S8UL, a global force in esports and gaming content, has officially announced its entry into Apex Legends with a new competitive roster. Marking a major milestone, S8UL becomes one of the first Indian organisations to step into Apex Legends on the international stage. Leading this charge is an all-Australian lineup, known for its impressive track record and proven success in global esports tournaments. The team’s participation in Esports World Cup 2025 was announced by S8UL late night on the 10th of April, marking S8UL’s first EWC-related roster reveal.

At the forefront of the lineup is Rick ‘Sharky’ Wirth, one of the most accomplished players in the Apex Legends scene. He gained international recognition after winning the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS): 2022 Championship with DarkZero Esports, where his team secured $500,000 (approx. INR 4.3 crore) in prize winnings. Most recently, Sharky played for Team Burger and also competed in the EWC 2024. Over the years, he has amassed more than $320,000 (approx. INR 2.7 crore) in career earnings, bringing a wealth of experience and tournament pedigree to the S8UL lineup.

Joining Sharky are Benjamin ‘Jesko’ Spaseski and Tom ‘Legacy’ Canty, who previously played together under London-based Guild Esports. The duo has competed in several major tournaments, including the ALGS: 2024 Championship, and were part of the top 10 finishers at last year’s EWC. Together, Jesko and Legacy have earned over $150,000 (approx. INR 1.2 crore) in prize money for their previous team and are known for their synergy and high-impact performances.

Harrison ‘Rogers’ Rogers will serve as the team’s coach, bringing in his tactical expertise and strategic direction to guide this world-class lineup. With deep knowledge of the Apex Legends competitive scene and the players’ playstyles, Rogers’ presence adds immense value to the team’s preparations and in-game execution.

“We’re incredibly excited to take this next step into Apex Legends with a world-class team,” said Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL. “At S8UL, we’ve always believed in pushing boundaries and representing India on the biggest stages. Sharky, Jesko, Legacy, and coach Rogers bring a level of experience and talent that aligns perfectly with our vision for global esports dominance. Representing India on the Apex global stage is a proud moment for us, and we can’t wait to see what this roster achieves at EWC 2025 and beyond.”

Following the recent announcement of its participation in the Esports World Cup 2025 across titles like EAFC 25, Chess, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tekken 8, this move marks another big step in S8UL’s international push. Onboarding a top-tier Apex Legends roster shows that S8UL isn’t just participating up at EWC, it’s aiming to make its mark. With each of these announcements, it’s clear that S8UL, already a well-known force in mobile gaming and content creation, is now strengthening its position in competitive esports. Apex Legends is a major title on the world stage, and with a roster this strong, all eyes will be on how S8UL performs in the months ahead.

“Joining S8UL is a massive step forward for us as a team,” said Rogers, coach of the Apex Legends roster. “This isn’t just about one event- it’s about building something long-term with an organisation that shares our vision and ambition. S8UL’s legacy in esports speaks for itself, and we’re proud to be part of that journey. With their support, we’re ready to push boundaries and compete at the highest level throughout the year.”

With its Apex Legends roster announcement, S8UL continues its journey of scaling Indian representation on the international stage, strengthening its status as a global force in esports and content creation.

Imperial College London plans to open its newest Imperial Global hub in India in May 2025.

Imperial – ranked second best university in the world and top in the UK in the latest QS World University rankings – will establish its Indian hub in Bengaluru to strengthen scientific, education and innovation partnerships between India and the UK.

The new hub, Imperial Global India, builds on longstanding links between the university and partners in India.

The hub – established as a Liaison Office – will focus on strengthening and co-creating new research partnerships between Imperial and leading universities and institutes in India, act as a communication channel to form closer ties with industry and policymakers, and provide a platform for greater collaboration in innovation between India and the UK.

The hub initiative will be spearheaded by Professor Sanjeev Gupta and Dr Elena Dieckmann. Professor Gupta is an Earth Scientist who has researched the role of rivers on early civilisations in the Ganga basin and quantifying groundwater depletion with researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Dr Dieckmann’s research interests lie in biomaterials and the circular economy and is currently working with researchers in India to repurpose waste solar panels for new architectural applications. Both academics will spend time in India to engage with partners and collaborators.

Imperial already has a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, that is supporting joint research projects in a range of scientific areas.

Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, said: “Imperial Global India will be a launchpad for powerful new collaborations in research, innovation and education between the UK and India.

“The hub will open communication channels with researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and industry to apply cutting-edge science, technology and engineering solutions to shared global challenges in areas such as telecommunications, critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, quantum, biotechnology and advanced materials. 

“Our ambition is to strengthen the bridge between the UK and India to drive economic growth and prosperity, create a more sustainable and resilient world and enhance the quality of life for billions of people.” 

Professor Sanjeev Gupta, the Academic Co-Director for Imperial Global India, said: “India is buzzing with scientific creativity and technological innovation. Our aim is to build on our longstanding collaborations to forge deep and sustainable connections with academic and industry partners. We will apply our combined strengths, especially in emerging technologies, to tackle global challenges, such as how we will live in a changing global climate and how to meet our future energy needs.”

Dr Elena Dieckmann, the Academic Co-Director for Imperial Global India, said: “The vision for Imperial Global India is incredibly exciting, particularly the potential to co-create and learn from the entrepreneurs in India’s fast-paced and rapidly expanding innovation community. I see great synergy with Imperial’s ability to take early discovery science and transform it into real-world technologies and applications.” 

The two countries’ governments share ambitions for deeper collaboration on science to drive economic growth, create skilled jobs and improve lives in the UK, India and worldwide.

Through the hub Imperial will seek to develop joint projects that align with the UK-India Technology Security Initiative in areas ranging from telecoms, AI, quantum, biotech and critical minerals.

Imperial Global India will launch with a special event in Bengaluru on Wednesday 21 May 2025. The launch event will convene leaders from across academia, business, industry and policy to explore the next frontiers of UK-India convergence science and innovation for a more resilient world.

Long-standing partners

India has been one of Imperial’s closest international partners for decades, with research partners collaborating across a wide range of areas including health, climate and emerging technologies. Current research partners include the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

Imperial scientists are working with academic, industry and government partners across a wide range of shared challenge areas, from developing next generation technologies for clean energy and co-producing policies for antimicrobial pollution, to training the next generation of infectious disease modelers.

In 2023 Imperial launched the India Connect Fund which supports joint-projects between scientists in India and Imperial. Imperial also launched its biggest ever scholarship programme to support Indian scientists. The Future Leaders Scholarship programme supports talented Indian Master’s students.

Imperial also has a growing number of strong industry connections in India. Imperial and Tata Steel’s Centre for Innovation in Sustainable Design and Manufacturing is developing innovative new manufacturing processes to help decarbonise steel production.

Imperial Global

Imperial’s strategy, Science for Humanity, set out plans to establish a network of hubs in strategic global cities to amplify Imperial’s impact.

The network is building long-term collaborations with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders, fostering new high-impact partnerships with industry, government and knowledge organisations, and developing deeper links with alumni.

Imperial Global India will join the Imperial Global network of hubs in Singapore, San Francisco, USA and Accra, Ghana.

Students from CMR National PU College have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in the recent II PUC examinations, with multiple campuses achieving outstanding results.

Our top achievers include K. Ishani (HRBR Campus), who secured 97.67% in Commerce, closely followed by Meghana M Nambiar (HRBR Campus) with 97.3% in Science. Varsha S. (ITPL Campus) scored 96.8% in Commerce, while R. Jagruti (ITPL Campus) achieved 94.7% in Science. Additionally, Prerana Moolchandani (BTM Campus) secured 96.33% in Science.

These results reflect the consistent academic standards upheld across all campuses of CMR National PU College. The institution’s commitment to quality education and comprehensive student support continues to yield impressive outcomes year after year.

Chennai, 11 April, 2025: In a heartfelt effort to support aspiring parents in their journey toward parenthood, Oasis Fertility will be organizing a Free Fertility Camp across Tamil Nadu from April 11th to 13th, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM at Oasis Fertility, 2^nd Avenue, Anna Nagar East, Chennai.

Themed “Become Parents with the Help of Science”, the initiative aims to raise awareness around fertility challenges and to offer expert led and personalized consultations with experienced fertility specialists, detailed evaluations, and personalized scientific treatment insights. With fertility challenges becoming increasingly common due to changing lifestyles and health conditions, this camp is a timely initiative that combines compassionate care with the affordable and comprehensive cutting-edge scientific treatments in reproductive medicine.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr G Durga Rao, Co-Founder of Oasis Fertility, said, “At Oasis Fertility, our mission is to equip women and couples with the right knowledge, support, and medical expertise to make confident choices about their reproductive journey. Through this free fertility camp, we are bringing advanced fertility care closer to those who need it most—removing barriers, breaking stigmas, and offering real hope backed by science. We are dedicated to creating an environment where conversations around fertility are open, compassionate, and solution driven.”

Dr Hema Vaithianathan, Sr. Consultant Fertility Specialist, Chennai, said, “The Free Fertility Camp is part of our continued effort to make advanced fertility care accessible to everyone. At Oasis Fertility, Chennai, we combine cutting-edge scientific treatments with personalized care to support couples in their journey to parenthood. This initiative aims to break the silence around fertility struggles, provide expert guidance, and offer affordable solutions—all within a supportive and state-of-the-art environment.”

Having a sibling is undoubtedly one of life’s most precious blessings. The exceptional bond that siblings share is unparalleled. They serve as our closest friends and strongest competitors, urging us to excel, sometimes embarrassing us, and always inspiring us to be our best selves. National Siblings Day on April 10th celebrates this bond and honours the laughter, the love, and the enduring togetherness that makes this day a momentous occasion. &TV actors Amit Bhardwaj (Mewa, Bheema), Himani Shivpuri (Katori Amma, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) talk about how their siblings have been their anchor, support system, and source of unconditional love. Amit Bhardwaj, Mewa in &TV’s show Bheema, shares, “My younger brother Sumit is not just my sibling; he is my silent strength and the wind beneath my wings. During my struggling days as an aspiring actor, when dreams felt too distant and hope seemed faint, Sumit stood by me like a rock. He believed in me even when I questioned myself. Whether it was those countless late-night pep talks or quietly transferring money when I needed it most, his actions spoke volumes. He never made me feel small for needing help; instead, he lifted me every single time. His quiet sacrifices and relentless support have deeply touched my heart. I owe a big part of my journey to him. On this Siblings Day, I just want to say thank you, bhai, for never giving up on me. You’ve shown me what it truly means to be family.”

Himani Shivpuri, Katori Amma in &TV’s show Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, says, “My brother Himanshu has been my guiding star throughout life. We have shared joys and sorrows, wins and losses, but through it all, he remained my constant, always calm, always strong. His strength gave me courage when I felt lost. From our childhood to now, he has played every role: friend, guide, and at times, even a father figure. His unwavering presence helped me raise my son, Katyayan, with love and assurance. There were days when I felt the burden of life pressing down on me, and it was Himanshu who lightened it with his wisdom and warmth. On this special day, I honour him not just as my brother but as the solid ground on which I have built my resilience. Happy Siblings Day to the brother who’s been my lifelong companion and protector.” Shubhangi Atre, Angoori Bhabi in &TV’s show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “I feel truly blessed to have two elder sisters who have been nothing short of angels in my life. Our bond is one of unwavering love, resilience, and shared strength. As our father continues his battle with cancer, this journey has tested us emotionally in ways we never imagined. But through every hospital visit, every difficult conversation, and every tear shed in silence, we have stood firmly by each other and, most importantly, by our mother’s side. The three of us have become pillars of strength for one another, holding each other up on days when it feels too heavy to carry alone. Even in the toughest moments, their presence gives me courage and hope. This Siblings Day, I want to say that, being the youngest, I have always looked up to you both, and today, more than ever, I feel grateful for the unity and love we share. Together, we are not just surviving this; we are walking through it with grace, as one strong family.”

Watch your favourite artists in Bheema at 8:30 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!

Mangalore 11th April 2025 , 2025: In its continued commitment to raising awareness about respiratory health and advocating for effective therapy solutions, Cipla Ltd.’s patient support initiative, Breathefree, continues its impactful journey across the country with the Breathefree Yatra. The Yatra is dedicated to helping individuals assess and understand their respiratory health through widespread awareness and direct patient support. Aiming to improve access to screening channels for chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), the Breathefree Yatra has, travelled to more than 335 towns, conducted 6,600+ camps, and supported close to 10 Lakh patients across India.

Emphasizing the need to focus on respiratory health amidst growing challenges, Dr. Megha S.N., Consultant Pulmonologist, Mangalore said, “Millions are exposed daily to harmful levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, construction dust, and agricultural waste burning. Additionally, in cities with an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 500, breathing the air is akin to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day.^[1] These factors significantly contribute to the rising respiratory disease burden, while also triggering frequent exacerbations of asthma and COPD. With a focus on empowering patients and caregivers while providing the public with accurate information, initiatives like the Breathefree Yatra address the growing burden of respiratory diseases in India through education, early diagnosis, and patient support.”

NDTV 24×7 is reinforcing its position as the country’s most trusted English news channel, with a power-packed lineup that is redefining prime-time. The prime-time slate is not only driving consistent viewership growth but also outpacing much of the competition—offering credible journalism that cuts through the noise.

Prime-time kicks off at 7:00 PM with The Southern View, where Veeraraghav brings sharp insights into South India’s political and economic shifts, connecting regional developments with the national narrative. At 7:30 PM, Vasudha Venugopal takes over with Newsbreak, delivering the day’s key headlines with clarity and context, setting the stage for deeper conversations ahead.

By 8:30 PM, The Last Word with Marya Shakil dives into the day’s most pressing stories through powerful ground reports and incisive political analysis. At 9:00 PM, Vishnu Som anchors Left, Right & Centre, a space for respectful and balanced debate that consistently elevates discourse with fact-driven dialogue. Rounding it off, News Night at 10:00 PM with Deepti Sachdeva brings perspective and poise, offering calm, clear analysis that reflects NDTV’s hallmark of thoughtful, fact-first reporting.

Adding strength to this compelling prime-time slate is the arrival of seasoned journalist Shiv Aroor, who now joins NDTV 24×7. Known for his impactful reporting and sharp editorial insight, Shiv brings a distinctive voice to the newsroom, making the line-up truly unmissable.

Speaking about the channel’s growing momentum, Mr. Sanjay Pugalia, Director and Editor-In-Chief, NDTV said, “Our Prime Time line-up reflects the strength and depth of our network and is only set to grow stronger. The rise in viewership during these hours is a clear indicator that we are headed in the right direction and that we continue to earn the trust of our audience.”

 With the unwavering commitment to integrity and innovation, NDTV 24×7 remains at the forefront of credible news, driving conversations that matter.

Mumbai, 11th April 2025 – The Corporate Relations & Placement Team of Vivekanand Education Society’s Institute of Management Studies and Research (VESIM) successfully organized the much-anticipated Industry, Interface and Interaction League 2025 (III 2025). Designed as a powerful platform to connect academia with the ever-evolving corporate world, the event saw enthusiastic participation from approximately 250 MMS students who engaged in dynamic sessions with experienced professionals from leading organizations.

The event featured an impressive lineup of industry stalwarts, each bringing a wealth of knowledge from diverse domains such as finance, HR, marketing, logistics, operations, and fundraising. Among the speakers were Mr. Dharmesh Joshi, Head – New Business at Hilti; Mr. Hemant Verma, Vice President at Fisdom; Mr. Rajeev Kesarwani, Account Director at Razorpay; and Ms. Kripa Patro, HR Business Partner at Aditya Birla – Opus. Adding depth to the discussions were Mr. Virendra Choudhury, Director at Indinet Logistics Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Kamal Mittal, Head – Fund Raising at Rustomjee Realty; Mr. Manish Tolani, Territory Manager at TTK; Mr. Vijay Sonpar, Vice President at Cigaer – CreditCheck Partners; Mr. Hemal Thakkar, Director at Crisil; Mr. Urmil Shah, Senior Research Analyst at Ageas Federal Life Insurance; and Ms. Bhawana Mishra, Category Manager at Tata Croma.

The discussions throughout the event revolved around the future of work, digital transformation, and the rise of emerging job roles. Students gained valuable insights into how personal branding, strategic networking, and consistent upskilling have become essential pillars for sustaining professional relevance and growth in today’s dynamic job market. The speakers emphasized the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning, highlighting how technological disruptions and evolving business models demand continuous evolution from professionals. Real-world corporate challenges, personal anecdotes, and stories of resilience were shared generously by industry leaders, offering students both inspiration and practical guidance. These narratives not only showcased the grit required to navigate corporate complexities but also highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, leadership agility, and ethical decision-making in shaping successful careers. Additionally, domain-specific sessions in HR, Finance, Marketing, and Operations enriched the academic perspective by bridging theoretical frameworks with industry application. Experts discussed current trends like data-driven decision-making, digital marketing strategies, sustainable supply chain practices, and the evolving role of human capital management. These sessions helped students understand sector-specific expectations, skill gaps, and emerging opportunities, empowering them to align their career trajectories with industry needs. Moreover, panel discussions and interactive Q&A segments encouraged critical thinking and active participation, fostering a culture of curiosity and informed dialogue. Overall, the event not only illuminated the future of work but also equipped students with the mindset and tools needed to thrive in it.

Dr. Vijay T. Raisinghani, Director of VESIM, said “At VESIM, we believe in empowering students with not just academic knowledge but also with real-world insights. The Industry, Interface and Interaction League 2025 stands as a shining example of our vision to create future-ready professionals through meaningful engagement with industry leaders. I congratulate the Corporate Relations & Placement Team for this exemplary initiative and extend my gratitude to all the esteemed speakers for inspiring our students.”

The resounding success of the Industry, Interface and Interaction League 2025 underscores VESIM’s unwavering commitment to fostering strong industry-academia partnerships. By providing a vibrant platform for direct engagement with seasoned professionals, VESIM continues to equip its MMS students with the practical knowledge, essential skills, and invaluable connections needed to thrive in the dynamic and competitive corporate landscape, ultimately shaping them into future-ready leaders.

India, 11^th April 2025 – SahiBandhu, India’s most trusted gold loan enablement platform, today announced its rebranding as Manipal Fintech Private Limited. This strategic evolution reflects the company’s accelerated growth, evolving business vision, and future-focused approach to delivering tech-enabled financial solutions. Rooted in the values of the Manipal Group, the company enters this new chapter with a strong legacy and a renewed focus on innovation, agility, and scalable growth.

Over the years, SahiBandhu has built a robust and trusted ecosystem in the gold loan segment, enabling seamless lending journeys in partnership with leading banks across India. The platform has consistently delivered impact by simplifying access to credit, and this shift to Manipal Fintech marks a step forward in delivering simpler, more inclusive, and technology-led financial solutions.

Announcing the rebranding, Puja Singh, CEO, Manipal Fintech, said, “The transition to Manipal Fintech is more than a rebranding, it is a reflection of the evolution we have undergone as a company and the future we are committed to building. Over the years, we have earned the trust of customers and banking partners by delivering transparent, secure, and seamless gold loan services. With this transformation, we are scaling our efforts to make finance more accessible, seamless, and secure for every Indian. Backed by the Manipal Group’s legacy of trust, we are positioned to lead the next phase of financial innovation, delivering long-term value to customers and partners.”

This rebranding highlights the company’s strategic roadmap, which includes entering adjacent financial services categories, expanding its footprint in untapped regions, investing in next-generation fintech infrastructure, and strengthening its partnerships across the financial ecosystem. With this renewed identity, Manipal Fintech is committed to bridging the gap between traditional banking and modern financial expectations, delivering solutions that are faster, smarter, and more accessible to all.

The transition to Manipal Fintech comes with a refreshed visual identity. The logo features a bird forming the letter ‘M’, symbolizing financial freedom, progress, and upward momentum. The blue gradient conveys digital agility, while the gold gradient represents trust, value creation, and sustainable growth.