Axis Bank Launches B2B Collections Solution for Fortune 500 on Bharat Connect
Nagpur, April 2025: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, today announced that it has partnered with a Fortune 500 company in India to provide B2B collections utilising NBBL’s Bharat Connect (Erstwhile BBPS). With this, Axis Bank becomes the first Bank to go live in implementing this pioneering solution, leveraging its best-in-class, robust API stack.
The solution can integrate multiple ordering applications across sectors; FMCG, Pharma, Automotives, Healthcare facilitating collections for the company’s wholesale distributors, stockists. Retailers can initiate invoice payments directly from the application. As the Biller Operating Unit capable of offering this unique service, Axis Bank has developed this seamless, agile, scalable and customisable solution and with support from NBBL Bharat BillPay.
Commenting on the launch, Neeraj Gambhir, Group Executive & Head – Treasury, Markets & Wholesale Banking Products, Axis Bank said, “Axis Bank has been at the forefront in rolling out pioneering digital payments & collections for its clients. Our partnership with the corporate in coming up with a first of its kind B2B collections solution is a testament to our best-in-class Corporate API banking stack. This initiative is an example of innovation in India’s Digital journey that ensures high customer convenience and seamless payment experience.”
Noopur Chaturvedi, CEO, NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL) said, “Bharat Connect is expanding its horizon with the introduction of Business to Business (B2B) invoice payment and financing platform with an aim to streamline manual processes of large supply chain and distribution networks. We are happy to have Axis Bank as our key partner and the first bank to go live with the expanded solution. This further deepens our already strong relationship with the bank and reflects our shared commitment to democratizing the payments and collections space.”
Infinix India Launches Bold ‘Question the Noise’ Campaign
India, March 24, 2025: Infinix, a rapidly growing new-age technology brand, has launched its latest brand film titled ‘#QuestionTheNoise’. In a market saturated with flashy advertisements, Infinix takes a refreshingly honest approach by highlighting its dedication to product excellence rather than marketing hype. The film features rising star Piyush Khati, known for his performance in Netflix’s acclaimed series Class, in a satirical narrative that resonates with the discerning new-age audience.
At the heart of this campaign is the launch of Infinix Note 50x 5G+, a smartphone designed to redefine performance, processor and user experience. Breaking away from traditional marketing strategies, Infinix introduces a witty concept in the film that portrays how the company’s marketing team was left with minimal budget for advertisements because the engineers invested every resource into perfecting their products. This tongue-in-cheek approach cleverly conveys Infinix’s commitment to innovation and quality, suggesting that superior products don’t need excessive promotion.
The core message of ‘#QuestionTheNoise’ centers on Infinix India’s unwavering focus on creating breakthrough technology that delivers genuine value to consumers’ lives. By taking this bold and strong stance against industry norms, Infinix reinforces its dedication to providing best-in-class features at accessible price points. The brand film adopts a chaotic, high-energy approach to its surroundings. Amidst this frenzy, Piyush injects humor, playfully navigating the chaos while steering the focus back to what truly matters—the product.
“As a new-age brand, we understand that today’s consumers seek authenticity and real value. With #QuestionTheNoise, we emphasize that true innovation speaks louder than marketing hype,” said Anish Kapoor, CEO, Infinix India. “This film playfully showcases our commitment to investing every resource into building a smartphone that redefines performance and user experience. At Infinix, we believe that great products speak for themselves. The Note 50x 5G+ is a testament to that—designed to deliver the right innovation at the right price. With #QuestionTheNoise, we invite consumers to focus on what truly matters: real value, meaningful features, and a smartphone that delivers where it counts.”
The Note 50x 5G+ boasts cutting-edge technology with Android 15-based XOS 15, offering features like improved personalization, fluid animations, and smarter AI features, a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate SoC, ultra-fast charging, and Military grade certification, all packaged in a sleek, stylish design. With this launch, Infinix continues to challenge industry norms by prioritizing innovation and real value for consumers over extravagant marketing spend.
Infinix has established itself as a pioneer in new-age technology, with an expanding portfolio spanning smartphones, laptops, TWS, Tablets and smart TVs designed for the tech-savvy new-age demography. Known for exceptional design, quality craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technologies, Infinix products consistently deliver value that goes beyond marketing promises.
iQOO Seeks Gen Z Chief Gaming Officer with INR 10 Lakh Reward
New Delhi, March 21, 2025: iQOO, a high-performance smartphone brand, is on the hunt for its Chief Gaming Officer (CGO) for 2025 to co-create its smartphones, lead the brand’s eSports vision, and actively engage with India’s top eSports gamers. The opportunity offers young gaming enthusiasts, under the age of 25, a chance to turn their passion into a fulfilling and rewarding career. The CGO will gain access to iQOO’s latest products and represent the brand at major gaming events across the world.
Talking about the quest for Chief Gaming Officer, Nipun Marya, CEO, iQOO, said: “We have always believed in the power of India’s gaming community, and the phenomenal response to our previous CGO hunt reaffirmed this. After receiving countless requests from our community, we knew we had to bring it back. At iQOO, we are committed to empowering young gaming enthusiasts by giving them a platform to step into the eSports industry and shape the future of mobile gaming in India. With CGO as an I.P, we continue to create opportunities for Questers to turn their passion into a profession and be a part of the vision.”
The number of gamers in India has grown at an annual rate of 14.6% over the past six years, from 2018 to 2024, with the latest estimate of gamers reaching approximately 48 crore, based on trends from the IMARC report. In 2023, the gaming population stood at 43.9 crore, according to the same report. With the CGO 2.0, iQOO aims to further engage its rapidly expanding community, fostering innovation, and empowering young gaming enthusiasts to shape the future of mobile gaming in India.
iQOO recently teamed up with seven of India’s biggest gaming icons—Dynamo Gaming, GamerFleet, Mortal, Payal Gaming, Scout, Shreeman Legend, and UnGraduate Gamer—in the largest co-creation initiative in mobile gaming. These top gamers are putting iQOO’s gaming smartphones to the test, providing real-time feedback, and certifying devices.
In December 2024, the brand also joined forces with six top BGMI eSports teams and over 100 gamers to fuel the eSports boom in India.
Somany Ceramics launches six State-of-the-Art Showrooms in Karnataka
Bengaluru 19 Mar 25; Somany Ceramics, a leader in the tiles, sanitaryware and bathware industry, has marked a significant milestone with the launch of six new showrooms across Bengaluru, Tumkur, and Mysuru. Spanning a total area of over 16,000 square feet, this strategic expansion under the ‘Karnataka Rising’ initiative – reinforces the brand’s focus on bringing world-class surfaces and innovative designs closer to homeowners, architects, and interior designers in the region.
Speaking on this landmark expansion, Amit Sahai, CEO, Somany Ceramics, said, “Karnataka remains a key market for us, and this expansion reinforces our commitment to premium surfaces. With six new showrooms launched today and three last month in Bengaluru, Tumkur, and Mysuru, we are strengthening our retail presence in critical regions. These showrooms enhance accessibility while elevating the customer experience, serving as hubs for consumers and architects to explore our diverse range of contemporary and high-performance surfaces.”
With each showroom offering a carefully curated selection of the latest in tiles, bathware, and sanitary solutions, customers can explore a diverse range of premium products that merge cutting-edge technology with artistic craftsmanship. The newly launched showrooms include Somany Atelier, Somany Duragres Lounge, and Somany Exclusive format stores – each designed to provide an immersive experience, showcasing the brand’s extensive portfolio in an inspiring environment.
Located in prime areas such as Hosur Main Road, Hennur Main Road, Bannerghatta, and Tumakuru, each showroom is set to redefine the retail experience in the ceramic industry. The collections on display include Somany’s flagship Coverstone 15, Duragres, Vitro, and newly launched collections like Colorato, Sedimento, Porto, Everstone, Eternastone, and Harmony ranges, featuring advanced surfaces and trendsetting finishes.
ConfirmTkt Renews RCB Partnership for T20 2025
Mumbai, 19th March 2025: ConfirmTkt, India’s leading online train-utility and ticketing platform, has renewed its association with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as their official Train Ticketing Partner for the T20 season of 2025. This year, ConfirmTkt’s brand logo will be prominently displayed on the sleeve of RCB’s official and training jerseys.
This partnership marks an exciting milestone for both brands, with ConfirmTkt strengthening its association with RCB through engaging fan-driven initiatives. As part of this collaboration, ConfirmTkt will roll out a 360-degree marketing campaign across television, outdoor, and digital platforms, featuring RCB stars Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Krunal Pandya. ConfirmTkt is also bringing back its popular and exciting in-app game with a new edition, Ticket to Cricket, for the second year in a row, along with social media contests, giving RCB fans a chance to win match tickets, signed merchandise, and travel vouchers.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO, ixigo Trains & ConfirmTkt, said, “We look forward to another exciting season with RCB as we continue to simplify travel for cricket fans. This collaboration goes beyond just the game – it’s about bringing the excitement of cricket into every journey. Whether fans are traveling to catch a live match or celebrating victories on the go, we want to be a part of their experience, ensuring they stay connected to the action both on and off the field.”
Rajesh Menon, COO, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said, “We’re thrilled to renew our partnership with ConfirmTkt. This collaboration will bring the excitement of cricket to every journey, ensuring our fans stay connected to the action and their favourite team.”
Entering its 18th season, the T20 league remains a global spectacle, with the last edition drawing a television viewership of over 54.6 crore. As ConfirmTkt renews this strategic partnership, it is set to keep the cricket fever alive, ensuring fans stay engaged long after the cheers fade.
TimesPro & AWS Drive Innovation with GenAI Hackathon
March 18, 2025: Amazon Web Services (AWS) successfully concluded the inaugural ‘AWS Hackathon’ in Mumbai in collaboration with TimesPro a leading higher edtech platform—an event designed to drive GenAI-powered innovation, accelerate AI adoption, and develop cutting-edge automated solutions. This milestone initiative not only fostered an innovative mindset but also equipped employees with future-ready skills through hands-on experimentation with GenAI technologies.
The three-day hackathon brought together 14 teams comprising over 80 participants, who tackled critical challenges in education and business. Participants developed AI-driven solutions aimed at improving post-class support, automating interview processes, and enhancing competition tracking—key factors influencing learner experience, operational efficiency, and workforce development. The most promising prototypes are set for further refinement to meet production standards and integrate into future product roadmaps.
Among the standout innovations was a GenAI powered resume builder trained on a dataset of 32,000 resumes. This tool enables users to generate professional CVs through text or voice commands in multiple regional languages, significantly enhancing accessibility. Another groundbreaking solution was a GenAI-driven academic companion designed to provide personalised post-class support. This tool assists students with step-by-step answers to queries, generates interactive quizzes, summarises lectures using word clouds and enables precise topic searches with timestamps for efficient revision.
Additionally, an AI-based interview automation platform was developed, featuring proctoring capabilities such as human-object detection and eye-tracking to ensure integrity and efficiency in hiring. The hackathon also produced an AI-driven career guidance tool that helps users define career goals based on their profile and aspirations. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including Amazon Bedrock, Claude, these innovations not only addressed pressing business challenges but also provided employees with hands-on experience in AI-driven problem-solving.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Anish Srikrishna, CEO, TimesPro, stated, “Technology will be the driving force behind all services and the TimesPro-AWS Hackathon is a testament to our commitment to tackling core challenges that shape our industry. Learning is transforming at an unprecedented pace and will be unrecognisable in five years. Our teams have demonstrated remarkable dedication, leveraging GenAI to build innovative solutions that will enhance student learning and drive business impact for TimesPro and the industry. The outcomes of this hackathon will play a pivotal role in shaping the future and we look forward to continued collaboration with AWS to drive innovation.”
AWS played a crucial role in supporting the hackathon, conducting GenAI-centric workshops for TimesPro’s engineers to enhance their AI competencies and providing a robust infrastructure to enable seamless AI and ML integration. A panel of experts, including TimesPro’s leadership, AI specialists, business heads and AWS representatives, evaluated the projects based on criteria such as technical feasibility, business impact and scalability, ultimately identifying the most promising innovations for further development.
The hackathon also served as a foundational step in embedding AI across TimesPro’s digital initiatives. It reinforced TimesPro’s commitment to integrating AI into future projects, ensuring a scalable and customisable approach that caters to specific use cases and extends across partner institutions. Looking ahead, TimesPro aims to deepen its collaboration with premier institutions such as IITs, IIMs and IISc, fostering knowledge exchange and co-creating innovative solutions with a lasting impact.
Times Music Acquires Symphony Recording Co. and Arc MusicQ
Mumbai (March 18, 2025): Times Music announces today their acquisition of two leading Indian regional Record Labels – Symphony Recording Co. and ARC Musicq. These two deals are the company’s first acquisitions since partnering with Primary Wave Music, the world’s leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music, in 2023. That partnership saw the publishing giant invest significant capital to help accelerate the company’s growth in the global markets. Both Symphony Recording Co. and ARC Musicq are exciting additions to the Times Music empire as both labels have established universal appeal in the growing Indian music markets.
Growing from a retail music store in 1983 to South India’s top devotional music label, Symphony Recording Co. maintains a position as the undisputed leader of Tamil spiritual and devotional music. Housing the largest catalogue in the genre, with over 350 audio and 100 video albums, Symphony’s collection of music is deeply embedded in Tamilian culture worldwide. With collaborations from legendary artists in the Indian music space like Dr. Balamurali Krishna, Dr. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, and Chitra, the company has set industry benchmarks in music and video production. The label’s devotional songs contribute to a majority of its YouTube revenue, which has doubled in the past 4 years, and the label’s six channels have a viewership of nearly 2 billion. As Symphony continues to dominate the devotional and folk music space, this acquisition will now strengthen Times Music in the Tamil market as a Spiritual market leader.
ARC Musicq, a time-tested label whose music has been distributed by Times Music since 2017, also upholds a place as a leading Kannada music label. As a pioneer in the entertainment industry since its initial inception in 1985, the label has played a key role in the expansion of Indian folk music and film soundtracks, contributing to over 75% of A-grade movie OSTs. The company is home to a diverse collection of film, devotional, and folk music within the Kannada music market, which has also taken a major foothold across YouTube. The label’s four channels have seen significant growth, and much like Symphony Recording Co., has a viewership of over 2 billion views, with YouTube revenue having quadrupled in the past three years.
Spiritual and Devotional music finds itself having a strong and stable listenership across India as it transcends the country’s religion and caste system. With the rise of digital streaming platform investments surging in the past two years – over 230% according to Spotify’s Culture Next Report – these acquisitions situate Times Music as a major player in the spiritual and devotional genre and aim to strengthen the company’s presence in the Kannada music market.
“These acquisitions by Times Music represent a major milestone in the company’s growth journey and the Times Group’s ongoing expansion in the broader entertainment space,” Vineet Jain, Managing Director, Times Group shares.
Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music also notes, “Times Music has an array of exciting premium partnerships coming up and we are proud to work with Symphony Music & ARC Musicq catalogues to further their global appeal.”
Primary Wave Music’s David Loiterton adds, “Primary Wave partnered with Times Music because growth in our business will come from emerging markets like India, and there are libraries of legendary music that live in the hearts of local consumers.” He goes on, “These are the first of what we hope will be many more investments in legendary Indian music.”
Trackon Expands Logistics Network with Franchise Growth in South India
Bangalore, March 18, 2025: Trackon, a leader in India’s logistics industry, is significantly expanding its franchise network across South India to enhance last-mile delivery capabilities and accelerate business growth. With a strong focus on Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, this expansion aligns with Trackon’s mission to provide seamless logistics solutions to businesses and consumers across the region.
Trackon’s franchise model has been a key driver of its growth, contributing significantly to its annual turnover, which has now surpassed INR 500 crore. With over 6500 franchise partners, the company has successfully expanded its reach to over 15,000 pin codes, making deliveries more efficient and accessible in both urban and rural areas. This year alone, Trackon plans to onboard 1500 new franchises, with a majority focused on strengthening its presence in South India’s rapidly growing logistics market.
“Our expansion in South India is a strategic move to meet the increasing demand for reliable, cost effective and efficient logistics services in the region. By empowering local entrepreneurs with business opportunities and equipping them with advanced technology and logistical support, we are not only expanding our network but also contributing to regional economic growth,” said Rajesh Kapase, CEO, Trackon.
As part of its expansion strategy, Trackon is also investing in technology to streamline franchise operations. The company is integrating AI-driven tracking systems, automated dispatch management, and real-time delivery updates, ensuring enhanced efficiency for franchise partners and customers alike. Additionally, Trackon is actively hiring skilled professionals across South India to support its growing operations, ensuring seamless logistics services. The expansion will also facilitate improved connectivity for e-commerce businesses, MSMEs, and individuals requiring fast and secure deliveries.
Trackon’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and accessibility continues to position it as a frontrunner in India’s logistics industry.
Navi UPI Becomes Official UPI Partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for T20 2025
National, 17th March, 2025: Navi UPI has partnered with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as their Official UPI Partner for the T20 Season 2025. This partnership gives Navi UPI users an exclusive 24-hour early access window to book tickets for RCB’s home matches, allowing them to secure their spots before general sales begin.
RCB, one of the most followed teams in the league, heads into T20 season 2025 with a refreshed squad led by Rajat Patidar. Backed by a passionate fan base, the team boasts a formidable lineup of key players featuring Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, aiming to set its mark this season. The 18th edition of the T20 will feature ten teams competing across 74 matches from 22nd March to 25th May in 13 cities across India.
Rajiv Naresh, CEO, Navi Technologies, said: “We are thrilled to partner with RCB. Navi UPI has been growing rapidly, and with cricket being the most celebrated sport in the country, our partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru was a natural fit. RCB and its fans share an unshakeable bond, making this partnership an opportunity to create something truly special for the Bengaluru audience. By bringing together the passion of cricket and the power of seamless digital payments, we aim to enhance the fan experience in a meaningful way.”
As part of this partnership, Navi UPI users will have priority access to RCB home match tickets before general sales:
- For the first four matches, early access for Navi UPI users starts at 11 AM on 18th March, while public sales open at 11 AM on 19th March
- For the remaining three matches, ticket sales will go live later in the season, with Navi UPI users once again getting early access 24 hours before the general public.
A banner on the Navi app will provide direct access to these exclusive tickets.
How to Book Tickets via Navi UPI:
- Download the Navi app from the Play Store or App Store.
- Open the app and tap on the RCB ticket booking banner for exclusive early access.
- Choose your match and preferred ticket category.
- Pay securely using Navi UPI and confirm your booking.
Through this partnership, Navi strengthens its presence in digital finance, offering seamless transactions while bringing fans closer to the game.
Speaking on the partnership, Rajesh Menon, Chief Operating Officer, RCB, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Navi as our official UPI partner. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing seamless and innovative experiences for our fans. With Navi’s convenient payment solutions, we’re excited to make game experiences more convenient, enhancing the overall fan journey.”
Zee 24 Ghanta’s ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo’ Premieres on 17th March 2025
Zee 24 Ghanta is set to revolutionize prime-time journalism with its latest news show, ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo’, premiering on 17th March 2025, which will be telecast daily at 9 PM. With a sharp focus on truth and accountability, the show aims to deliver in-depth reporting and fearless analysis, providing viewers across Bengal with journalism that goes beyond the headlines.
In an era of rampant misinformation and political biases, Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo stands out as a fearless voice committed to fact-based journalism. Hosted by Pew Roy, the newly appointed Deputy Editor of Zee 24 Ghanta, the show cuts through speculation and sensationalism to bring unfiltered, fact-checked news to the forefront. By challenging those in power, questioning narratives, and demanding accountability, it aims to ensure transparency in news reporting. At a time when many take sides with political parties, Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo remains dedicated to uncovering the true and unbiased story, empowering viewers with news they can trust.
Designed to be a powerhouse of investigative journalism, ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo’ will feature in-depth investigations, exclusive reports that challenge misleading narratives. Each episode will uncover compelling stories, raise crucial questions, and offer fact-based insights that impact everyday lives. Covering a wide range of topics—from political developments to social issues and economic affairs—the show is set to become the go-to platform for audiences seeking the unvarnished truth.
Mr. Ashish Dave, Channel Head, Zee Rajasthan & Zee 24 Ghanta, emphasized the show’s core mission, stating, “At a time when sensationalism is rampant, our goal with ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo’ is to bring back the essence of truth-based journalism. We will uncover facts, challenge misinformation, and deliver the truth with integrity. This show is about asking tough questions and ensuring that our viewers are truly informed.”
Mr. Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Limited, highlighted the channel’s unwavering commitment to impactful journalism, highlighting, “Our mission has always been to deliver fearless, fact-based journalism. With ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo,’ we are taking this commitment to the next level—challenging misinformation, demanding accountability, and ensuring that viewers receive news that truly matters. This show is not just another addition to our lineup; it is a statement of our dedication to truth-driven storytelling that makes a real impact.”
With the launch of this show, Zee 24 Ghanta reinforces its commitment to fearless journalism. The channel has built a reputation for its dedicated news coverage, and ‘Jaa Bolbo Shotyi Bolbo’ is the next step in strengthening that legacy. Viewers can expect content that is investigative, thought-provoking, and focused on real issues that matter.
Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 21 News channels, reaching more than 555+ million viewers in current year through its linear properties.