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.

Mumbai, 10th February 2025: BML Munjal University (BMU) recently hosted the inaugural BML Munjal Memorial Lecture titled “India 2047: Strategies for a Viksit Bharat” at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The event featured renowned economist and sustainable development expert Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, who delivered an insightful address on the transformative strategies needed to create a prosperous and sustainable India by 2047.

In his keynote, Prof. Sachs, Director, of the Center for Sustainable Development, at Columbia University emphasized the critical importance of balancing development, equity, and environmental sustainability. He outlined strategies that will enable India to navigate key challenges in areas such as energy transitions, sustainable growth, and inclusive development, ensuring that the nation thrives on its path to becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Prof. Sachs highlighted the need for robust policy frameworks and collaboration between public institutions and the market to achieve equitable growth. “India’s journey to becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires a bold and adaptive approach, balancing economic growth with sustainability and social equity. The biggest challenges ahead include environmental degradation and global instability, but India has the potential to lead in sustainable development. Its ability to effectively integrate state and market dynamics, as seen in successful Asian economies, will be crucial. By fostering innovation, strategic policymaking, and global and regional cooperation, India can emerge as one of the world’s top three economies, shaping a resilient and inclusive future,” he remarked during the session.

Shyam B. Menon, Vice Chancellor, BMU, remarked, “The BML Munjal Memorial Lecture is envisioned to become an institution and an integral part of the calendar of institutional and cultural events in the city of Delhi. This is our tribute to the city’s tradition of conversations, reflections, and debates. This series will bring together the most influential scholars, creative minds, and changemakers to deliberate on subjects of contemporary significance, reflecting BMU’s commitment to thought leadership and intellectual inquiry. We are fortunate to have Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, a leading scholar of economics and public policy, to deliver the inaugural lecture of this series. This is also significant as BMU is in the process of establishing a Centre for Public Policy and Governance.”

The lecture was chaired by Prof. Deepak Nayyar, Professor Emeritus of Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, who also steered an engaging discussion, “The aspiration for development is both feasible and plausible. Two things are critical to realize this aspiration: First, we must create equal social and economic opportunities for all irrespective of caste, gender, and religion, and second, make a public provision for education and healthcare for our people. I agree with Prof. Sachs that South Asia must get its act together and if China and India can transform their rivalry into cooperation, the world will be a better place.”

The session was attended by an esteemed audience of policymakers, academics, students, and professionals, all of whom engaged in lively discussions on the challenges and opportunities India faces in its journey towards a sustainable future.

BMU’s commitment to encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and thought leadership was evident in the success of the inaugural BML Munjal Memorial Lecture. The event marked the beginning of a new initiative to inspire critical thinking and innovation in the pursuit of India’s global leadership in sustainable development.

Mumbai, February 10th, 2025: This Valentine’s Day, the talented artists of Sony SAB—Naveen Pandita, Darshan Gurjar, Chinmayee Salvi, and Aditya Redij—share their thoughts on the true meaning of love. For these actors, love goes beyond just romantic relationships — it includes the deep connections they share with their family, friends, and even pets. The actors share their thoughts on love, whether it’s about standing by someone through tough times or appreciating the unconditional bond with loved ones. They also reveal their special plans for the occasion, celebrating love in their own unique ways.

Naveen Pandita who plays the role of Ashwin Patel in Pushpa Impossible said, “For me, love is about trying, staying, and standing by someone, especially when times are tough. True love isn’t just about the good moments—it’s about being there through challenges, struggles, and uncertainties. It’s easy to love when everything is perfect, but real love is tested in difficult times. You don’t walk away from a person, a pet, a partner, or a friend just because things get hard. Love, for me, is about choosing to stay, no matter what. This makes it truly meaningful.”

Darshan Gurjar who plays the role of Chirag in Pushpa Impossible said, “The year 2025 has begun with a lot of positivity, love, and personal growth for me. This Valentine’s week, I will be spending time with a friend who has stood by me through my toughest times since my junior college days. As a token of appreciation, I plan to give her something special because she has been an incredible and thoughtful friend and has been there by my side. My parents don’t particularly know about the day, so I have planned something special for them this time by booking a dinner reservation to make the day memorable for them. After all, it is a day to celebrate love, so everybody should spend their day with their loved ones this Valentine’s Day.”

Pariva Pranati who plays the role of Vandana in Wagle Ki Duniya said, “Love, to me, is about kindness, consideration, and understanding. But above all, I truly believe that self-love is essential. The way we feel about ourselves is reflected in the way we connect with others. Only when we embrace and respect our own emotions can we express love in its purest form to the world around us—including that special someone in our lives? It all begins with how we treat ourselves, and that, in turn, shapes the relationships we build.”

Chinmayee Salve who plays the role of Sakhi in Wagle Ki Duniya said, “Love is not just a feeling; it’s a journey, one of kindness, forgiveness, and selflessness. It’s about showing up, being present, and creating moments that truly matter. It’s about building a space where hearts feel safe, valued, and cherished. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate love in all its beautiful forms—the love we give, the love we receive, and the love we nurture within ourselves.

Aditya Redij who plays the role of Krishnadevaraya in Tenali Rama said, “For me, love is more than just a feeling—it’s an energy that connects, strengthens, and accepts us as we are. It exists in many forms—the care of parents, the honesty of friendship, the support of a partner, and the innocence of a child’s smile. The purest love is unconditional, like the love I share with my parents and my son. Holding him for the first time redefined love for me. Friendship, too, is a cherished bond built on trust and loyalty, and I am grateful for friends who have stood by me. And then there’s my wife, my partner, my guide—whose love is my strength. Love, to me, is about connection, understanding, and standing by the people who matter. This Valentine’s Day, I celebrate all the love that makes life meaningful.”

Mumbai, 10th Feb 2025: Fitness enthusiasm is on the rise, yet competitive platforms remain scarce for those eager to test their limits. To bridge this gap and redefine the fitness competition landscape, cult, India’s leading fitness and wellness brand, launches ‘cult UNBOUND’, an electrifying fitness championship, designed to challenge participants’ strength, endurance, and resilience.

Participants will compete individually, pushing their limits in a high-energy fitness circuit. Designed for all fitness levels, from every day to seasoned athletes, cult UNBOUND provides an opportunity to assess and enhance one’s physical capabilities. What truly sets this event apart is its vibrant community spirit. cult UNBOUND is a celebration where fitness enthusiasts come together, forge lasting friendships, and inspire each other to reach new heights.

Breaking Barriers, One Challenge at a Time

This competition isn’t just about winning, it’s about pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible. The competition kicks off on March 22, 2025, across 90+ cult centers in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. The event is expected to attract fitness aficionados from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to fitness and endurance. Top performers from the Challengers Round will advance to the cult UNBOUND Championship in Bangalore on April 12, 2025. All participants will receive a commemorative medal and detailed performance rankings to track progress.

The cult UNBOUND fitness arena is designed to push participants to their peak performance through a high-intensity course:

•  Multi-Stage Challenge: Participants take on exciting workstations, from strength and endurance tests in the Challengers Round to high-intensity functional movements in the Championship Round.
•  Competitive Categories: Participants compete in Men’s or Women’s divisions, choosing between Open and Pro levels for fair competition.
•  Selection Criteria: Participants will be ranked based on their workout scores, with top performers advancing to the Championship Round in Bangalore.

On the launch of cult UNBOUND, Santhosh Kumar, CTO, cult said, “More than just a fitness challenge, cult UNBOUND is a celebration of human potential and community spirit. Our goal is to provide a platform where everyday athletes and the thriving fitness community can embrace competition while connecting with like-minded individuals. The purpose of the competition is to push people to achieve beyond their limits and discover the unstoppable version of themselves.”

Maha Kumbh, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, has always been more than just a spiritual event — it’s a melting pot of Indian cultures, uniting millions from diverse backgrounds in a shared celebration of faith and heritage.

With a whopping footfall of over 45-50 crore, the Maha Kumbh is a fertile ground for innovative marketing, and this year, IntelliSmart Infrastructure seized the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

As part of the ‘Smart Meter Ek, Faayede Anek’ campaign, IntelliSmart showcased the transformative impact of smart meters through impactful messaging displayed across screens at the Kumbh Mela.

This ingenious approach not only introduced millions to the benefits of the smart metering technology but also aligned the brand’s message with the event’s cultural essence.

The campaign highlighted how smart meters contribute to an efficient and sustainable energy ecosystem by offering seamless billing and payment facilities, better energy management, and consumer empowerment. Leveraging the Maha Kumbh’s massive audience, IntelliSmart’s initiative aimed to bridge the gap between advanced technology and grassroots awareness.

A Strategic Move to Drive Awareness

Understanding the Kumbh’s cultural and spiritual significance, IntelliSmart adopted a simple yet relatable messaging style that resonated with the attendees. By focusing on how smart meters can bring tangible benefits to their lives, the campaign fostered a sense of trust and relevance—key to connecting with an audience spanning rural, urban, and even international demographics.

Interactive Experiences Lead the Way

While the campaign’s core was its widespread visibility, IntelliSmart didn’t stop there. Drawing inspiration from other successful experiential marketing efforts at Maha Kumbh, the company also engaged audiences through on-ground activations. This approach turned the campaign into more than just an informational drive—it became an experience that left attendees with a lasting impression of IntelliSmart’s innovative digital solutions.

Setting a Benchmark for Experiential Marketing

In a setting as unique as Maha Kumbh, where spirituality meets modernity, IntelliSmart’s campaign stood out for its innovative approach and cultural relevance. It wasn’t just about promoting smart metering technology but about demonstrating its benefits in a relatable and meaningful manner.

The success of ‘Smart Meter Ek, Faayede Anek’ at Maha Kumbh marks a new milestone in branding and experiential marketing, setting an example for how brands can creatively leverage cultural events to drive awareness and engagement.

This campaign wasn’t merely a marketing effort; it was a movement to educate and empower millions about the future of energy, ensuring that IntelliSmart remains a frontrunner in India’s journey toward a sustainable and smart energy ecosystem.

Dr. Vikas Gupta, CEO and Chief Investment Strategist, OmniScience Capital

“Indian equity markets remain under pressure due to persistent FII selling, largely driven by US factors—particularly Trump Policy Uncertainty—rather than domestic challenges. Despite the RBI’s rate cut and a pro-growth Union Budget, foreign inflows have yet to recover.

However, the upcoming Modi-Trump meeting could result in a “mini deal” on trade, potentially boosting market sentiment. Additionally, the ₹16 lakh crore capex plan outlined in the Union Budget is a long-term growth catalyst that has yet to be fully appreciated by the market.

With inflation aligning toward the RBI’s 4% target and GDP growth dipping below 7%, the central bank has prioritized economic expansion with a 25 bps rate cut while maintaining a neutral stance—balancing inflation risks with the need for growth.

Meanwhile, the rupee’s sharp depreciation, driven by concerns over potential US trade tariffs, may prompt RBI intervention. Rising US Treasury yields and capital outflows from emerging markets continue to weigh on sentiment. Even as the BJP’s electoral victories in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi should have bolstered investor confidence, global uncertainties have overshadowed domestic factors.

While trade tensions persist, recent US negotiations with Mexico and Canada indicate that tariffs are more of a bargaining tool than a long-term economic threat. Additionally, de-escalation in conflicts like the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars could contribute to a more stable investment climate.

Key growth sectors include banks, power, housing finance, infrastructure NBFCs, EPC, and logistics. Defense, railways, and IT remain attractive but require careful valuation. Despite global headwinds, India’s economic prospects remain strong.”

Bengaluru 10 February 2025: JAIN Online, the e-learning arm of the JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), is pleased to announce admission to its latest program- Master of Commerce in Financial Markets. The admission has commenced from January 24th, 2025. The program structures are designed to furnish students with the requisite knowledge and skills deemed necessary for success in the transitioning world of the financial industry.

The Master of Commerce in Financial Markets will offer learners a strong foundation in financial markets, investment strategies, and macroeconomic analytics. It will prepare them to understand complex financial systems, make informed investment decisions, and develop well-structured portfolios for a rewarding career in finance. The program will also provide insights into the global perspective on financial systems by equipping students with the skills to analyze financial data and assess stock performance to create optimized investment portfolios. The program will enhance learners’ readiness to enter the job market with confidence by blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Dr. Raj Singh, Vice-Chancellor of JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) said, “The financial market plays a pivotal role in India’s fast-growing economy. With a transparent and robust system, India strengthens its position as a global economic leader. Robust knowledge will further enhance the growth.” Talking about the importance of course he said, “Education in financial markets is crucial to make informed decisions about investments, savings, and risk mitigation. The knowledge gives the power to build competence in managing capital and navigating market complexities. The students, after completion of the course, will be able to join the industry and contribute valuable insights toward its growth.”

The MCom program in Financial Markets will serve as an important component in the building of a career in the realm of financial markets and investment management for prospective students as well as those who are already occupied. Upon completing these programs, graduates will step into powerful roles such as Economic Advisor, Investment Banker, Corporate Finance Manager, , and Financial and Equity Research Analyst, and more. In addition, these programs will prepare learners with knowledge and skills in stock market trading and derivatives trading, which are becoming increasingly popular among the youth as a flexible way to generate income outside the constraints of conventional jobs.

Dubai, February 10th 2025: The DP World ILT20 Season 3, streaming exclusively on Zee Network, culminated in a thrilling finale as the Dubai Capitals clinched their maiden title with a four-wicket victory over the Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Adding a layer of excitement to the final, legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar engaged in a lighthearted banter that playfully rekindled their on-field rivalry. In a staged yet entertaining moment, Harbhajan was seen preparing to bat while Akhtar held a ball, both adopting an aggressive stance as they walked toward each other, creating the illusion of a tense face-off—only for it to be revealed as a friendly exchange.

The playful interaction was a nod to the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan and Dubai. The video encapsulated the excitement and competitive spirit surrounding the high-stakes encounter between the two cricketing nations.

National, 10th February 2025: Student Tribe, India’s largest and fastest-growing student community, announces the launch of Beast, a groundbreaking movement that transforms the creative dreams of students into reality. Beast is not just a brand, but a platform for young artists to showcase their unapologetic, raw talent, where every design is a story that speaks to the heart. Born from the spirit of Student Tribe, Beast stands as a celebration of individuality, empowering the next generation to wear their stories with pride.

The first collection from Beast features three exceptional student designers: D. Tulasi Reddy, V. Krishna Priya, and Dheeraj all between 20 and 21 years old. The collection includes three key pieces – Skull, an intricate doodle art exploring human emotions with cartoonish faces, flora, and symbols of chaos like lightning and flames; Heart, which features “The Bird in the Heart,” symbolizing the courage to break free and embrace personal growth; and the Be the Beast mascot hoodie, embodying Beast’s belief in every student’s inner strength and creativity. This collection encourages individuality, imperfection, and self-expression. Beast is about more than fashion – it’s about empowering students to express their individuality, embrace their imperfections, and share their stories with the world.

Speaking about the launch, Sri Charan Lakkaraju, Founder & CEO of Student Tribe said, “Beast is more than just clothing, it’s a statement. When you wear Beast, you’re not just putting on fabric, you’re wearing a piece of someone’s soul. Every design tells a story, reflecting the artist’s journey, their struggles, and their triumphs. At the ages of 20 and 21, these students are at a pivotal moment in their lives, and empowering them now gives them the confidence and platform to turn their creative visions into reality and make their voices heard. At Beast, we are not just creating fashion; we are building a community of bold, fearless creators ready to embrace their power and make their mark on the world.

Student Tribe is now inviting all students to submit their designs to be featured in upcoming collections. This is a unique opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their work on a platform that champions student creativity and gives them the chance to make an impact on the fashion world. Students can submit their designs by email.

Beast is more than just a clothing line; it’s a movement that is set to change the way students express themselves through fashion. As the community grows, Beast aims to inspire others to embrace their creativity, embrace their imperfections, and confidently wear their stories.

India, February 10, 2025: Continuing its mission to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, NXP India, one of the largest R&D centers for NXP Semiconductors and a leader in secure connectivity solutions, proudly announces the return of Season 5 of the NXP India Tech Startup Challenge.

Organized in collaboration with Startup India Hub, this initiative aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem by driving global visibility and network scalability for tech startups. It provides access to incubation, mentorship, and global exposure. The Top 3 Winners will be invited into the Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) to take part as finalists in global competitions. For the global competition, finalists will be publicized by XTC and have their company evaluated by an elite panel of investors for global exposure. The program’s goal is to foster technical innovation and strengthen the ESDM and semiconductor ecosystem in the country.

Additionally, Electropreneur Park (ESDM Incubator), SFAL, and INCeNSE will extend critical resources such as equity-free pre-incubation, advanced lab facilities, and expert mentorship to the top 10 selected startups, helping them refine their innovations and scale their solutions.

The challenge is dedicated to supporting startups working on IP development, processors, semiconductor fabless ASIC design, and embedded product development across key domains, including Automotive, Industrial & IoT, Smart Cities, Smart Homes, Healthcare, and Energy Management.

“As we increasingly embrace smart technologies, the future is shaping up to be one where everything is interconnected, with systems that not only predict our needs but also automate solutions. With continuous advancements in tech and a surge of innovative business ideas, it will be fascinating to see the exciting developments that Season 5 of the NXP India Tech Startup Challenge unveils. We’re thrilled to offer startups the opportunity to gain global exposure and access to scalable networks, empowering them to make a transformative impact on the world market” said Lars Reger, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at NXP Semiconductors.

“The future of technology lies in intelligent, connected solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability. NXP India’s ongoing efforts to support the startup ecosystem through various initiatives with the Tech Startup Challenge being one of our premier programs since 2021. As we launch Season 5 of the NXP India Tech Startup Challenge, we are excited to engage with emerging startups that are set to redefine the tech landscape. Our goal is to provide these startups with the platform, mentorship, and global exposure they need to thrive” said Hitesh Garg, Vice President and India Managing Director, NXP Semiconductors.

Key Program Benefits:

The top 3 winning startups will receive:

• INR 10 Lacs in prize money, equally distributed among the winners
• Exclusive mentorship (three interactive sessions per month for three months) with NXP India experts
• Finalist positions at Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC), offering global exposure through evaluation by a high-profile panel of investors

Top 10 selected startups will benefit from:

• Networking and industry visibility through NXP and its partners
• Up to 3-month equity-free pre-incubation at Electropreneur Park (ESDM Incubator), featuring state-of-the-art lab equipment, business plan mentorship, technical support, supplier connections, and reimbursement of up to INR 50,000 for prototyping expenses
• Up to 4-month equity-free cohort program at SFAL, granting access to high-value In-kind Partner (IKP) assets, FPGA Innovation Lab@SFAL, specialized tools, business guidance, and investment mentorship
• Up to 3-month equity-free pre-incubation at INCeNSE at IISc Bengaluru, with benefits including in-kind partner support worth INR 50,000 per startup, nanofabrication and characterization facility access, faculty mentorship, and participation in industry events

Program Timeline:

• Application Open Date: February 6, 2025
• Application Closure Date: March 6, 2025
• Application portal link: Startup India

Eligible applicants must be startups incorporated in India as Private Limited Companies with at least 51% Indian ownership. The challenge seeks the most innovative technology startups working in AI, ML, IoT, 5G, Edge Computing, Functional Safety, Security, Ultra-Wideband, Wi-Fi 6, and beyond.

Season 4 winners, including Muse Diagnostics, Reflex Drive (Sunmint Energy), and Glovatrix, gained significant industry traction. Past winners have also been featured on platforms like Shark Tank India, showcasing the impact of this initiative.