New Delhi, April 5, 2025 — The Health and Bio-Tech Pavilion at Startup Mahakumbh came alive on Day 2 with an electrifying mix of high-stakes pitching, insightful panel discussions, and powerful knowledge sessions that highlighted the sector’s growing synergy between technology, public policy, and startup innovation.

One of the day’s most electric moments came early on with Lightning Pitches: The 10-Minute Challenge—a high-octane session where health-tech entrepreneurs pitched their groundbreaking ideas to a jury. Each startup had just ten minutes to make their case, receiving direct feedback on product improvement, business model refinement, and funding opportunities. The room buzzed with innovation, with solutions ranging from diagnostics to preventive care and digital health.

In the session on Public-Private Partnerships for Scale Impact, Mayank Sharma, Senior Program Officer, PATH, highlighted how collaborative models between the government and private sector are revolutionizing healthcare delivery. From digital platforms like e-Sanjeevani to large-scale insurance schemes under PM-JAY, technology-driven PPPs are enabling accessible, quality care at scale.

Shibu Vijayan, Chief Medical Officer, Global Health, Qure.ai, led an engaging session on AI in Healthcare: Challenges & Opportunities, where he addressed the potential of AI to streamline diagnostics and improve outcomes, while also cautioning about the regulatory, ethical, and implementation challenges that come with rapid adoption.

A critical highlight of the day was the panel on Obesity – A Metabolic Disorder: Impact on Health, Economy, and Gut Health, which urged recognition of obesity as a disease requiring medical and policy attention. The session focused on the role of gut health, personalized nutrition, and interventions like GLP-1 and prebiotics. Moderated by Pariksha Rao, Director- Nutrition and Medical Affairs, The Good Bug, the expert panel included Dr. Harshal Ramesh Salve, Additional Professor Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi, Dr. Ritesh Bansal, Diabetologist and Founder, Saroj Diabetes & Research Centre, Ishi Khosla, Founder, Whole Foods India, Revant Himatsingka, Certified Health Coach and Influencer, Shubhda Bhanot, Chief Diabetes Educator, Max Healthcare Hospital, and Dr. Brij Mohan Makkar, Physician, Diabetologist, Obesity Specialist. Imm. Past President of RSSDI.

The role of technology in transforming public sector operations was explored in the panel Emerging Technologies in Industrial Services – Transforming Government Procurement and Operations, moderated by Ashutosh Bhargava, IOCL. Panelists discussed how public sector units are leveraging AR/VR, blockchain, and AI to make procurement smarter and operations safer. Speakers included C.B. Smita, Manager (MM), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, Mohammad Salimuddin, Manager (MM), ONGC, Shri Prakash Mirani, Chief Marketplace Officer – Services, GeM, and Udaya Arun Panigrahi, Additional General Manager (Contracts and Material), NTPC Limited.

The conversation deepened with a panel on Enhancing Procurement of States Through Startups, where discussions centered around trust, ease of onboarding, and incentives for state-level procurement to catalyze innovation. The panel featured A.V Muralidharan, Chief Buyer Officer (States/UT), Government e Marketplace (GeM), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Ankita Anand IAS, District Magistrate (DM), North West District, GNCTD, Dr. Deepak Murari, Joint Director Industries & Team In-Charge, Startup Uttarakhand Cell, Directorate of Industries, Govt of Uttarakhand, Rajat Jain, Founder and CEO, Sunfox Technologies Private Ltd, and Vicky Nanda, Chief Operating Officer, Niramai Health Analytix.

A special focus was given to the central government’s efforts to unlock market access for startups in the panel Unlocking Opportunities – Startups & Central Government Buyers. The session was moderated by Shri. Sagar Sachdeva, Director – Buyer Management (Central Ministries & CPSEs) and featured key officials from GeM—Shri. Aditya Chauhan, Director – Buyer Management (Central Ministries & CPSEs), Government e Marketplace (GeM), Shri. Ashish Saxena, Dy. CEO – Buyer Management (Central), Government e Marketplace (GeM), Shri. Samarth Sharma, Director – Buyer Management (Central Ministries & CPSEs), Government e Marketplace (GeM), and Shri. Vishal Singh, Director – Buyer Management (Central Ministries & CPSEs), Government e Marketplace (GeM)—who discussed how initiatives like Startup Runway are simplifying procurement processes and onboarding over 10,000 startups into government contracts.

The final panel of the day, Business Opportunities of Growth for Startups through Categories on GeM, underscored how category-based procurement is boosting inclusivity and efficiency by enabling startups to align better with government buyer needs. The session was co-moderated by Shri. Y.K Pathak, Addl. CEO & Chief – Product Categories Officer, Government e Marketplace (GeM), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and Shri. Ayush Agarwal, General Manager – Category Management (Product), Government e Marketplace (GeM), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Speakers included Anagh Dutt, Director, Government e Marketplace (GeM), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Dr. Makhan Kumar, Assistant General Manager – R&D, Mylab Discovery Solutions Pvt Ltd, and Shri. Sumedh Bhoj, Co-Founder, Spruce Up Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Day 2 at the Health and Bio-Tech Pavilion demonstrated that the future of healthcare lies in bold partnerships, breakthrough technologies, and the willingness to reimagine traditional systems. As Startup Mahakumbh continues, the momentum around India’s health-tech revolution is only getting stronger.

Each year, on April Fool’s Day, people across the globe embrace the spirit of light-hearted mischief, indulging in playful pranks that bring a welcome break from the everyday routine. It is a day filled with laughter, surprises, and the joy of shared amusement. This April Fool’s Day, &TV actors share their most memorable and laugh-out-loud prank moments with co-stars and loved ones, creating cherished memories and stronger bonds. Among them are Tejaswini Singh (Bheema, Bheema), Sonal Panwar (Malaika, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai), who recall their funniest April Fool’s Day experiences from clever tricks that left everyone in splits to epic prank fails that became unforgettable stories on set. Tejaswini Singh, who plays Bheema in Bheema, shares, “I have a mischievous side that thoroughly enjoys playing pranks on my co-stars, not just on April Fool’s Day but all year round! One of the funniest pranks I pulled was on Smita Didi, who plays my on-screen mother, Dhaniya, in Bheema. One day, I sneaked into the makeup room before she arrived and replaced her phone’s ringtone with a loud goat-bleating sound. Then, I asked one of the crew members to call her just as she sat down for a serious scene rehearsal. The moment her phone rang, the entire room burst into laughter while Smita Didi looked around, completely baffled, trying to figure out where the goat sound was coming from! She took it sportingly and could not stop laughing once she realised it was me behind the prank. That day, the complete set was filled with giggles, and it is still one of our favourite memories!”

 Sonal Panwar, who plays Malaika in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, reveals, “Malaika might be serious on-screen, and I am opposite off-screen, especially on April Fool’s Day! One year, I brought a box of what looked like delicious chocolate laddoos for everyone on set. But here is the twist: they were not laddoos at all! I had carefully shaped mashed potatoes and coated them with cocoa powder to make them look like real sweets. Everyone got so excited seeing the box, especially Aaryan Prajapati (Hritik) and Zaara Warsi (Chamchi). But the moment they took a bite, their expressions went from delight to total confusion! We could not stop laughing for hours. Of course, I later treated everyone to real sweets as a peace offering. But till today, no one trusts my ‘gifts’ on April 1st.” Vidisha Srivastava, known for her role as Anita Bhabhi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, says, “April Fool’s Day is my absolute favourite. I just love seeing the priceless reactions! One year, I decided to play a little prank on my husband Sayak that he still has not let me forget. I called him in the middle of our shoot day and told him, in the most serious voice, ‘Listen, do not panic. but I accidentally coloured my hair neon pink for a new Anita Bhabi track, and it is permanent.‘ There was a long silence on the other end, and then he said, ‘Neon… what now?!’ I even sent him a photoshopped selfie with bright pink hair (thanks to a little help from our makeup team). He started Googling hair colour correction clinics near our set! I finally burst out laughing and yelled, ‘April Fool!’ The poor guy was so relieved and maybe just a little mad, too! But he admitted later that it was a well-played prank. Now he is always extra cautious when I call him on April 1st.”

 

Watch their stellar performances in Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM every Monday to Friday only on &TV!

In a surprising twist that no one saw coming, Face of the Nykaa Fashion campaign ‘Wear What’s Next’, Sharvari recently paid a visit to a fortune-teller — but this wasn’t just any mystical encounter. While most would expect answers about her career or love life, Sharvari’s fortune had something far more unexpected in store: a glimpse into her fashion future.

This astrology-inspired campaign from Nykaa Fashion, Wear What’s Next, adds a playful spin to the ancient art of fortune telling. As Bollywood actor Sharvari steps into a candlelit den filled with mystery and intrigue, she’s greeted by the fortune teller, played by the talented Sheeba Chaddha. But instead of predicting love or career paths, the prophecy reveals an entirely different future: Sharvari’s wardrobe is destined to be filled with bold power dressing—ruffles, frills, and a denim-on-denim comeback! Now, the question is: Was it the crystal ball revealing this future? Or could it be that Nykaa Fashion already knows exactly what’s on the horizon for style lovers?

Well, the answer is clear—it’s Nykaa Fashion!  This ultimate style destination is at the forefront of fashion trends, ensuring you always stay ahead of the curve. With the latest seasonal trends ready for your wardrobe, Nykaa Fashion unlocks the key to styling your next major fashion moment.

New Delhi, April 5, 2025: The second day of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 continued to accelerate momentum at Asia’s largest startup celebration, with a spotlight on transformative conversations around gaming, women-led innovation, and the evolving landscape of game distribution.

At the heart of the day’s programming was the Gaming Pavilion, which hosted a series of compelling sessions featuring trailblazing founders, leading investors, and ecosystem enablers. The pavilion underscored India’s growing influence in the global gaming space while amplifying voices that are driving innovation and inclusivity. The highlight was the panel discussion with Asia’s biggest digital creator and gaming influencer Ajey Nagar, popularly known as CarryMinati engaging with aspiring gamers, sharing insights in a high-energy conversation alongside Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore, co-founders of WinZO. Ajey explained about his journey as an influencer and challenges he has faced in his journey.

“There was a point in my life that changed everything. Before that, I was experimenting and trying almost everything — just exploring. The real turning point came when a few of my videos started gaining traction on YouTube. That’s when I decided to take content creation seriously and committed myself fully. Making videos has never been easy — each one comes with its own set of challenges. It takes a lot of time, effort, and creativity. But with every video, I’ve grown, not just as a creator but as a person. It’s incredibly rewarding. I feel truly lucky and grateful to be able to do what I love. Today, the space is far more competitive than when I started. New creators face constant comparison and a cluttered environment. But if you’re passionate, it’s all worth it — because despite the pressure, there’s so much joy in creating that you simply can’t take it for granted.” said Ajey Nagar popularly known as CarryMinati.

Women Making an Impact in the World of Gaming – Powered by WinZO GCoE
The session titled “Women Making an Impact in the World of Gaming”, powered by WinZO Games’ GCoE (Gaming Centre of Excellence) explored how women are not only reshaping leadership in the gaming industry but also contributing uniquely to product design, player engagement, and community building. Moderated by Ramanjot Kohli, Growth & Strategy, WinZO Games, the panel featured inspiring industry leaders including Anupriya Sinha Das (Nazara Technologies), Jaya Chahar (JCDC Sports), and Priya Meenakshi Narasimhan (Indus App Store).

Meta Solutions powering growth across gaming lifecycle

The session on Game Distribution Leveraging Meta brought together experts like Shefali Arora (Agency Partner Manager Meta India), Ankush Takyar (Strategy and Growth, WinZO) and Sagrika Sharan (Client Partner Meta). The panel explored how Meta is redefining game distribution through creator-led engagement and powerful tools like Reels. With 75% of purchases influenced by Reels and 40% of users’ time spent on them, Meta is driving both discovery and business growth. Speakers emphasized how the platform empowers authentic communities, enabling game creators to launch, scale, and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

In a masterclass on How a venture capitalist thinks at his stage Aditya Deshpande, Vice President, Lumikai took the audience through the 5Cs for Founding Team – Competence, character, commitment, clarity, curiosity. He emphasised on market dynamics a venture capitalist should keep in mind while investing and how critical details on market size, competitive dynamics, timing and growth prospects play an important role in decision making.

Founder’s Cut: Navigating the highs, lows, and future of interactive entertainment.

The session with eminent founders from the industry darsh Muthappa (AutoVRse), Krishnendu Mukherjee (GigaFunStudios) and Aman Satija (Buystars) moderated by Aditya Deshpande, Vice President, Lumikai revealed that while a solid pitch and clear business model are vital, it’s the unique story and vision of the founder that truly captures investors’ attention. Emphasizing the need to adapt fundraising strategies with shifting investor expectations, they advised learning from past efforts and staying in tune with market trends.

Delhi, Saturday, 5^th April 2025: IndiGrid [BSE: 540565 | NSE: INDIGRID], India’s leading power sector Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), today proudly announced the commissioning of India’s first regulated utility-scale standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project with a capacity of 20 MW / 40 MWh in Delhi – Kilokari BESS Private Limited (KBPL).

IndiGrid’s maiden commercial BESS endeavor, KBPL marks a symbolic milestone in India’s energy transition journey and is a testament of IndiGrid’s commitment towards building more resilient and sustainable power infrastructure. KBPL has been designed to seamlessly integrate renewable energy into the distribution level grid system, facilitate grid stabilization, manage peak power demand, and address various ancillary needs.

The project was awarded to IndiGrid in October 2023 by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), and thanks to the overarching support of BRPL, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Ampere-hour Energy (AHE) and IndiGrid’s other partners, KBPL has been commissioned in record time.

Commenting on the occasion, Harsh Shah, Chief Executive Officer, and Whole Time Director of IndiGrid, said, “We are excited to announce commissioning of KBPL on time and within budgets while maintaining the highest level of safety during the construction.

Battery energy storage is a key enabler of a resilient and efficient power system in India as the country moves toward a cleaner energy mix. The ability to store and dispatch power intelligently will be essential in maintaining grid stability and optimizing renewable integration. This project represents a step forward in that direction, reinforcing our commitment to advancing the country’s energy infrastructure with innovative and sustainable solutions.”

IndiGrid owns and operates a diversified portfolio of assets across transmission lines, solar generation, and BESS spread across the length and breadth of the country. Over the last few years IndiGrid has also successfully ventured into greenfield projects and expansions. And since then, IndiGrid has commissioned six projects under TBCB and RTM for both transmission and BESS. IndiGrid has honed its execution capabilities from strength to strength and continues to expand its footprint meaningfully.

Bangalore, India, 5^th April 2025: In celebration of World Health Day, QNET India, has launched its latest campaign – #HealthyCookingFirst, aimed at promoting healthier dietary habits through conscious cooking choices. The campaign is centered around Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil, one of QNET’s flagship wellness products, encouraging consumers to rethink the very foundation of their meals.

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, the choices made in the kitchen directly impact long-term wellness. QNET’s campaign encourages individuals and families to embrace nutritious alternatives and elevate everyday meals with Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil – a product known for its purity, versatility, and health-enhancing properties.

The #HealthyCookingFirst campaign seeks to drive conversations around smart cooking swaps and nutritional awareness, especially among urban households. The campaign will span across digital platforms, social media channels, and customer engagement touch-points, encouraging users to share their healthy recipes and cooking rituals using Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil.

 Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil stands out for being cold pressed, 100% pure, and rich in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to support metabolism and energy. Its antioxidant-rich and heart-friendly profile makes it a safer alternative to refined oils. Beyond its health benefits, its subtle aroma and versatility make it ideal for cooking, baking, and even personal care routines.

On the occasion of World Health Day, celebrated Chef Ayesha Nallaseth, in collaboration with QNET, India region, unveiled her personal fitness journey and the pivotal role Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil played in transforming her cooking habits. In a recently released video, Ayesha speaks passionately about making mindful ingredient swaps in everyday recipes and highlights the nutritional benefits of using cold-pressed oils. As part of the campaign, she showcased a wholesome and flavorful dessert – Coconut and Jaggery Besan Ladoo – prepared using Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil. The recipe not only celebrates traditional Indian flavours but also demonstrates how easy it is to make healthy yet indulgent choices from the comfort of home.

This campaign aligns with QNET’s broader wellness strategy, which has previously seen initiatives around immunity, holistic wellness, and fitness. Through interactive content, expert tips, and community participation, #HealthyCookingFirst aims to spark a nationwide movement that celebrates the connection between health and what we eat daily.

Speaking about the campaign, Nischal C, head–corporate communications, QNET India region, said, “Our commitment to well-being goes beyond just offering quality products – it’s about building a lifestyle rooted in awareness, conscious choices, and balance. With #HealthyCookingFirst, we aim to inspire healthier cooking habits starting from the most essential ingredient – oil. Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil is a testament to our focus on natural, sustainable, and nutrition-first solutions.”