1, Jan 2026
Smile Foundation’s Santanu Mishra honoured at BW Disrupt Social Impact 2025
New Delhi, Jan 01: Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee of Smile Foundation was awarded at BW Disrupt Social Impact 2025. He was honoured for Smile Foundation’s initiatives, which are anchored in the idea that as artificial intelligence, digital ecosystems, and data-driven public infrastructure will reshape development models. Hence, the future of social impact must remain firmly people-centred.
The forum underscored a critical shift underway across the social sector: while technology today enables scale, precision, and real-time insight, meaningful change continues to depend on human intent, ethical leadership, and deep community engagement. BW Disrupt Social Impact 2025 brought together social entrepreneurs, non-profit leaders, CSR professionals, policymakers, technologists, and impact investors to examine how emerging tools can strengthen transparency, improve decision-making, and extend services to underserved communities—without losing sight of dignity, inclusion, and participation. The conversations reinforced that technology is most powerful when it acts as an enabler of empathy-led action rather than a substitute for it.
The recognition process followed a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation, with nominations assessed on measurable outcomes, authenticity of impact, quality of governance, scalability of models, and the responsible use of technology as a force multiplier. Shortlisted initiatives underwent detailed qualitative review, examining how programmes support inclusion, build resilient local ecosystems, and deliver sustainable, long-term transformation. Final selections were made after comprehensive jury deliberations, bringing together perspectives from policy, development, technology, corporate citizenship, and social innovation.
Reflecting on the recognition, Santanu Mishra said, “This acknowledgement feels meaningful because it highlights collective purpose rather than individual achievement, which resonates well with the theme of “Tech with Soul”. At Smile Foundation, our work is grounded in partnerships, and in the belief that progress must be inclusive, ethical, and people-first. The discussions at BW Disrupt Social Impact 2025 reaffirmed that technology finds its true value only when guided by empathy and social responsibility.”
He added that the platform provided a valuable space to reflect on how tools such as AI can strengthen education, healthcare, livelihoods, and community welfare, while keeping human dignity at the centre of development efforts. “This recognition belongs to our teams across geographies whose quiet, consistent work translates intent into impact every day,” he said.
BW Disrupt Social Impact 2025, convened in partnership with BW Businessworld, highlighted the growing consensus that the next phase of social progress in India will be shaped not by technology alone, but by how thoughtfully it is integrated into human systems, values, and institutions.
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- By Neel Achary
1, Jan 2026
Abakkus Mutual Fund raises INR 2,468 cr during NFO period of its maiden fund
Mumbai, Jan 1, 2026: Abakkus Mutual Fund has cited that the new fund offer (NFO) of their maiden fund – Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund, which opened on December 8, 2025 and closed on December 22, 2025, secured assets under management (AUM) with the subscription value of ₹2,468 crores. This is a reflection of strong interest from investors across the country, recording participation from nearly 5,518 pin codes from across 2,000 cities. About 36,688 retail and 1,060 institutional investors subscribed the flexi cap fund during the NFO period. To bring investment inclusivity and business scalability, Abakkus Mutual Fund has built an extensive network of 4,700 empanelled distributors.
Vaiibhavv Chugh, Chief Executive Officer, Abakkus Investment Managers Private Limited said, “Favourable reception from investors across the country for our maiden fund is a testament of strong brand capital of Abakkus Group and trust built through prudent advisory offered by our sales team & distributors during the NFO period of Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund. Our portfolio construction is true to label flexi cap product with diverse spread across market cap classifications and appropriate allocation to the conviction ideas. We will be aiming to launch more funds in the coming years.”
The Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund is managed by Sanjay Doshi, Head of Investments and Research, and re-opened for investments from December 30 2025, available in both regular and direct plans.
Sanjay Doshi, Head of Investments & Research, Abakkus AMC said, “Our flexi cap fund will be aligned to market conditions offering right balance of allocation across large, mid and small caps. The fund will have notable allocation to conviction ideas and will be supported by a well-defined risk management framework aligned to long term wealth creation.”
The equity scheme invests across large, mid and small cap stocks, offering portfolio flexibility across market capitalisations. The fund is benchmarked against the BSE 500 TRI and will invest a minimum of 65 percent of its assets in equities and equity-related instruments, with the balance allocated to debt, money market instruments, and up to 10 percent in REITs and InvITs.
All schemes under Abakkus Mutual Fund will follow the in-house MEETS framework, which focuses on Management pedigree and track record, Earnings quality and the ability of companies to multiply profits, Events/Trends that affect or disrupt operations, Timing of investment at reasonable pricing and Structural aspects like size of the opportunity and competitive positioning.
30, Dec 2025
Thermals vs “Just One More Layer”: The warmth myth, explained
Chandigarh, Dec 30:- When winter sets in, the first instinct is often to reach for “just one more layer.” A sweater over a tee, a jacket on top, and maybe even a scarf thrown in for good measure. It seems practical, but it does not always keep the body truly warm. What matters is not the number of layers, but the type of layers chosen.
Thermals work in a way regular clothing cannot. They hug the skin, trap a thin layer of heat, and manage moisture so the body stays dry. Extra layers only add bulk, and when they hold sweat, they can leave a person feeling chilled instead of snug. Let’s see why thermals make a bigger difference than simply adding “one more layer.”
Heat retention begins at the base layer
On cold mornings when one steps out for a quick walk, a commute, or even a grocery run, the first layer decides how warm and relaxed the body stays. Adding thermal-wear like the ultra warmth full sleeve thermal top by Jockey as the base layer changes how winter dressing feels. Made with soft touch microfiber elastane stretch fleece it holds in body heat without adding weight. StayWarm Technology keeps the temperature balanced from within, while StayFresh Treatment helps control odour through long hours. With colours like skin, black, and classic white, it blends easily under any winter outfit and makes layering smoother than relying on “just one more layer.”
The smarter winter bottom
Stacking layers below the waist can feel reassuring at first, but once the day gets moving, those extra layers often trap sweat and make the body feel colder. This is why bulky winter bottoms may work briefly but fall short during real life movements like brisk walks, metro rides, or rushing between meetings. The ultra warmth thermal leggings offer a smarter alternative. Designed to sit close to the skin, the microfiber elastane stretch fleece helps create steady insulation without feeling heavy or tight. The leggings allow easy movement and pair well with other winter layers, making them a versatile essential for the season.
All-day warmth needs balance, not bulk
During a busy winter day, the body needs steady insulation without feeling closed off. A good thermal ensures this by keeping heat close while allowing natural air flow. The extra warmth full sleeve thermal set is designed for full-day comfort. The super combed cotton rich fabric feels gentle on the skin, and the StayWarm Technology maintains consistent insulation without feeling stuffy. With StayFresh anti-microbial properties that helps control odour, a concealed waistband and colors like charcoal melange and black, this set keeps the body cozy and fresh through long hours without depending on multiple layers.
In the end, winter dressing is less about piling on layers and more about choosing the right ones. Thermals create a foundation that works with the body rather than against it, letting every layer above perform its job. They keep movement effortless, daily routines simple, and long outings manageable, proving that a smarter base layer makes all the difference in navigating the season with ease and confidence.
30, Dec 2025
Business Barons 2025: Leaders Driving a Year of Promise and Execution
New Delhi, Dec 30:- As we close the year 2025, it is evident that the business environment in India has been a reflection of continuity, growth, and promising outlook. This is made evident by the successes achieved by sectors such as manufacturing, real estate, energy, education, healthcare, and others.
Indian real estate managed to maintain uninterrupted momentum throughout 2025 and was sustained by capital inflows worth approximately USD 6-7 billion. Against this backdrop, Mr. Ajay Chaudhary, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, ACE Group, emerged as one of the sector’s most execution-driven leaders. He said, “For ACE Group, 2025 has indeed been a strong year, marked by several milestones achieved through precision, planning and disciplined execution across the choicest range of high-end projects. As the premium housing market continues to evolve, our focus remains firmly on refined design, thoughtful living environments and timely delivery of future-ready homes with enduring value.”
From the developer’s standpoint, the year reflected continuity in demand and a clear preference for well-planned projects. Mr. Arjunpreet Singh Sahni, Executive Director, Solitaire Group said,
“The real estate market has shown steady momentum through 2025 supported by firm buyer confidence and continued demand for well-planned developments. Our priority has been delivering projects that meet the expectations of today’s homebuyers. As we move into the New Year, we will continue to build projects keeping current buyer expectations in mind.”
From the real estate advisory space, Mr. Vijay Jain, Managing Director, Star Estate, distinguished himself with a pulse on hanging buyer behaviour. He noted,
“Residential sales remained strong across leading cities with well-thought out decisions from buyers during 2025. We saw greater emphasis on location quality, developer credibility and long-term value. This has reinforced the role of organised advisory, where transparency, market data and structured guidance play a critical role.”
The renewable energy sector also made significant headway in 2025 with India’s installed renewable capacity moving close to 200 GW. Highlighting the sector’s evolving maturity, Mr. Sanjay Garg, Director, Shweta Solar Pvt. Ltd observed,
“India’s solar sector did consistently well in 2025, with customers becoming increasingly informed about performance, efficiency and long-term returns. This has pushed the industry to raise execution and service standards across the board.”
Reflecting leadership in distributed and rooftop solar adoption, Mr. Vinod Sharma, Director, Joint Solar concurred, “The steady rise in rooftop and distributed solar adoption shows how energy decisions are driving the growth. Beyond installation, customers are now focusing on durability, maintenance support and long-term savings, which are shaping the next phase of growth.”
From the grid automation space, Mr. Sanjay Verma, Executive Director, Sharika Enterprises Limited noted,
“With the rapid scaling of renewable capacity under India’s energy transition agenda, grid operators in 2025 have significantly accelerated investments in advanced grid monitoring, protection, and automation solutions. The growing penetration of intermittent generation sources is driving utilities and large energy consumers to prioritise grid resilience, real-time visibility, and intelligent control architectures to ensure system reliability, stability, and regulatory compliance.”
Education and healthcare continued to hold their fort through 2025. Mr. Utkarsh Gupta, Managing Director, Ramagya Group, a young and dynamic leader driving a more integrated education approach, shared,
“At Ramagya, the year witnessed a sharper focus on emotional well-being, values and real-world skills, alongside academics. This inclusive approach is reshaping how institutions prepare students for the future.”
Ms. Poonam Sharma, Chairperson, Accurate Group of Institutions, who has been steering the institution’s focus on industry-linked higher education, added,
“In 2025, our effort at Accurate has been to ensure that classroom learning is supported by exposure, confidence-building and regular interaction with the real world. As we step into the next academic year, the emphasis will stay on keeping our programmes relevant to industry expectations, while helping students build practical skills and the confidence required to transition smoothly into professional roles.”
Ms. Sneha Rathor Khandelwal, CEO, Sanfort Group of Schools, one of the early education sector’s leading women voices said,
“2025 marked a milestone for Sanfort with the successful rollout of India’s first IB preschool chain. As we move into 2026, our focus remains on measured expansion, deeper academic integration and maintaining consistent learning standards across centres. Our franchising model continues to play a pivotal role in this journey and it has grown commendably this year. We look forward to expanding it further in the coming year.”
Mr. Arvind Kumar, CEO of Abante Integrated Management Services, one of India’s fastest-growing integrated asset management firms said,
“2025 has been a year of steady execution for us, with a clear focus on strengthening project delivery, operational discipline and on-ground coordination across assignments. As we move into 2026, the emphasis will be on scaling selectively, improving efficiency across the value chain and taking on more complex, integrated projects that demand both technical depth and execution reliability.”
Representing the technology distribution segment, Mr. Manoj Gupta, Managing Director, Fortune Marketing Pvt. Ltd, a seasoned industry professional shared, “India’s electronics and IT distribution ecosystem emphasised the importance of scale, reach and operational discipline in 2025.Building stronger channel networks and improving supply responsiveness became fundamental to supporting technology adoption.”
In the pharmaceutical space, companies used the year to sharpen portfolios and strengthen partner networks. Mr. Sumit Arora, Director, Alniche Lifesciences said, “Over the past year, our focus remained on strengthening our product portfolio and ensuring consistency in quality across markets. As we move into the New Year, we are looking at expanding our reach and building deeper relationships with our partners.”
Healthcare delivery also progressed steadily. Dr. Richa Rai, CEO, Heritage Hospitals, a forward-looking healthcare leader driving patient-centric care stated, “2025 was a year of consolidation for hospital-led healthcare. Investments in diagnostics, specialised services and digital systems helped improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.”
Consumer-facing and technology-led businesses reported stable demand. Mr. Aman Choudhary, Executive Director Marketing, Anmol Industries Limited observed,
“India’s packaged food market maintained its uninterrupted growth in 2025, supported by daily consumption, and deeper market penetration. Strengthening distribution reach, ensuring affordability and maintaining consistent quality were the focus areas. Anmol continues to focus on building trust through reliability and value as we move into 2026.”
Retail and lifestyle brands, particularly in fashion and consumer categories, continued to grow through 2025. Devo, a men’s premium occasion wear brand and a Siyaram’s initiative, expanded its presence across key markets during the year. Commenting on this, Mr. Gaurav Poddar, Executive Director, Siyaram’s said, “In 2025, Devo strengthened its retail presence with flagship openings across key North Indian cities including Prayagraj, Lucknow, Jalandhar, Delhi and Dehradun, taking our premium occasion wear to more than a dozen markets. The year was centred on refining craftsmanship, elevating design detail and creating in-store experiences that reflect evolving consumer tastes. Going forward, our priority remains on deepening our footprint in culturally strong markets while balancing tradition, modern elegance and consistent quality.”
Taken together, 2025 had been a year of good buyer sentiment with continuous performance of business. As 2026 beckons, business leaders across industries seem to be pretty determined to scale higher growth, cement trust-building and create long-term value.
30, Dec 2025
Nykaa Beauty Rewind 2025: What India Loved, Layered and Lived In
Mumbai, Dec 30: If beauty in 2025 had a headline, it would read: India flirted hard and swiped right on what worked.
This wasnʼt a year of blind loyalty or long-term commitment. It was the year of curious, confident experimentation. Consumers chased what was viral, sampled what was trending, and moved fast, but only the products that truly delivered earned repeat screen time in their routines.
Ingredient lists were scanned like subtitles. Reviews mattered. Reels influenced carts. And routines evolved in real time.
With a community of over 45 million beauty lovers across 19,000+ pincodes, Nykaaʼs Best of 2025 doesnʼt just decode what sold, it captures the beauty zeitgeist of India in 2025: what people flirted with, fell for, and folded into everyday life.
Because in 2025, beauty behaved less like a long marriage, and more like dating apps on a good day: fast, curious, trend-led, and brutally honest.
Some Categories Didnʼt Just Trend. They Went Monumental.
- The Pout Power: We sold 1,750 lipsticks every hour. Whether it was a swipe of the M.A.C MACximal Matte in Mehr or the cult-favorite Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk, somewhere in India, a pout was being perfected every two seconds.
- Infrastructure for the Eyes: Stack all the kajals sold in 2025 and youʼd build 575 Burj Khalifas. Clearly, a sharp wing isnʼt a phase; itʼs infrastructure.
- Base Camp: The volume of foundation sold could paint 250 football fields. From the high-coverage NARS Natural Radiant Longwear to the “skin-first” Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer, India is committed to the base like never before.
- The Pink City: Blush sales hit such heights this year that if they were paint, Jaipur wouldnʼt need a refresh for the next century. (Yes, Kay Beautyʼs Velvet Crème Blush deserves a mention.)
- Reviews as the final word: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (Dry to Normal Skin with Niacinamide) won without breaking a sweat. With 1.3 lakh+ ratings and a stellar 4.5-star rating, it officially became Indiaʼs most-reviewed beauty product on Nykaa, proof that sometimes, the quiet classics win the loudest applause.
- Brand Topper: Dot G Key didnʼt just sit pretty on vanities this year, it lived rent-free in peopleʼs search histories. In fact, “Dot & Key Face Moisturiserˮ emerged as the fastest-growing beauty search keyword on Nykaa in 2025, clocking 63% growth. From ceramides to sunscreen, the brandʼs barrier-first, no-fuss philosophy struck a chord with a generation that wants skincare to work hard and feel good doing it. Cute packaging helped, but performance sealed the deal.
Some people shop. Some people commit.
A shopper from Nagpur placed Nykaaʼs single highest-value order of 2025, ₹4 lakhs in one go, 91 products, no browsing, no second thoughts.
Was it a wedding? A launch? A glow-up era? We donʼt know. But we do know the face was going to be camera-ready for anything.
Moral of the story? When India loves beauty, it loves it wholeheartedly.
Skin First, Always: The Barrier Era
In 2025, “glow” was the result, but “barrier health” was the requirement. Consumers stopped chasing miracles and started playing the long game with ceramides and peptides.
Forever Status: Icons like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facewash proved they never go out of style. India is clearing the shelves at warp speed, with 19 cleansers finding a new bathroom mirror every single minute.
Moisture Mania: Nykaa sold 25 moisturisers a minute, making hydration the most consistent step in beauty routines. Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Cetaphil Moisturising Cream topped the charts in this category. So by the time you finish this paragraph, 50 more routines just got a hydration upgrade.
Serums: The Power Move
If moisturisers were the foundation, serums were the intentional “main character.”
The Glow-Getter: Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum For Face For Glowing Skin became the ultimate bright spot in Indiaʼs vanity, leading the charge for radiant, even-toned skin.
Ingredient Literacy: India memorized percentages like passwords. From The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to targeted peptides, these were the go-to solutions for consumers who know their molecules from their marketing.
K-Beauty – From Discovery to Discipline: Not a Trend. A Habit.
2025 marked the year K-beauty completed its transition from curiosity to core routine.
Trust over Hype: Products like Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen didnʼt just go viral, they stayed, were repurchased, and relied upon.
Lips as Self-Care: Glossy finishes, lip oils, nourishing balms, and creamy textures officially dethroned old-school mattes. Cult favourites like LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm became the sweet spot where self-care met self-expression, making lips the main character of the beauty routine.
The Glass Skin Standard: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence remained a staple, aligning perfectly with Indiaʼs growing preference for barrier care and skin longevity. K-beauty wasnʼt being explored anymore. It was being trusted.
Fragrance: Building an Aura Wardrobe
India stopped looking for “the one” signature scent and started building wardrobes. 5 fragrances were sold every minute.
Main Character Energy: From the luxury of DIOR Sauvage to the sweet comfort of Plum Bodylovinʼ Vanilla Caramello EDP, scents became a daily personality trait.
Makeup, But Make It Intelligent: The Era of the Multitasker
Heavy glam took a backseat this year, not because makeup disappeared, but because it evolved. Consumers leaned into skin tints, breathable bases, and formulas that worked overtime. Makeup didnʼt want attention; it wanted performance.
Tint-Meets-Treatment: Products like Smashbox Halo Tinted Moisturizer and LʼOreal Paris Infallible 24H Tinted Serum led the movement.
Lips, but Smarter: Liquid lipsticks became the statement piece of 2025, long-wear, no-transfer formulas ruled the day. Standouts included LʼOreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick and Nykaa Matte To Last! Transferproof Liquid Lipstick that color and performance can coexist effortlessly.
Enduring Icons: Meanwhile, classics like Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer reminded everyone that cult status isn’t a trend; it’s a legacy.
In 2025, makeup didnʼt shout. It showed up and did the job.
The Ritual Upgrade: Bath, Body & Hair
Body care moved from “functional hygiene” to “intentional ritual,” with Bath & Body Kits surging by 93%.
The Shower Scene: It wasn’t just a wash; it was a treatment with Chemist At Playʼs Exfoliating Body Wash (4% Lactic Acid) and the comforting Dove Relaxing Care
Shea Butter & Vanilla.
Scalp is the New Skin: Haircare got serious. Through the last year, over 1 crore rosemary-based products were sold. WishCare Hair Growth Serum moved at a rate of one unit every minute, proving India is officially over the “quick fix” and into the “thick fix.”
The Gloss Factor: LʼOréal Professionnel Absolut Repair and LʼOréal Paris Hyaluron Moisture shampoos kept the frizz at bay for 72 hours at a time.
Nykaa Now: For the “I Need It Yesterdayˮ Generation
Imagine this, youʼre halfway through packing for a holiday when you realize your face wash is bone dry. One shopper in Bangalore found herself in this exact “pre-flight panic.” Realizing she was flying to Delhi that same night, she didn’t think a restock was possible. She ordered her favorite cleanser via Nykaa Now while still at her office desk. The result? The package didn’t just meet her at home; it beat her there. Thatʼs not just delivery; thatʼs a travel hack.
When “Instant” Actually Means Instant:
The 6-Minute Flex: In Hyderabad, someone restocked their full barrier-repair kit, Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum and CeraVe Moisturizer, while a Bella Vita Perfume Set landed in Delhi… all in 6 minutes. Thatʼs faster than deciding what to watch on Netflix.
The “Everything Everywhere All At Once” Order: While most people use us for quick fixes, Chennai went for the “full vanity overhaul.” Our largest basket of the year featured 96 products in a single order, a makeup-heavy haul of Nykaa Cosmetics, Lakme and Neutrogena that proved our assortment is as deep as our delivery is fast.
Whether it’s one serum or ninety-six lipsticks, Nykaa Now is making sure the only thing you waited for in 2025 was your nails to dry.
The Big Picture: Smarter, Softer, More Intentional
Beauty in 2025 wasnʼt about chasing whatʼs next, it was about building routines that last. Beauty in 2025 wasnʼt about chasing whatʼs next, it was about moving fast, choosing smart, and switching without guilt.
Indian consumers explored freely, followed trends unapologetically, and built routines that evolved with them. From barrier-first skincare to intelligent makeup, indulgent body care and mood-led fragrances, beauty became deeply personal, and joyfully flexible.
And as always, Nykaa remained the space where curiosity met with credibility, trends met trust, and discovery happens at the speed of now. Shop these favourites on www.nykaa.com or at a Nykaa store near you.
30, Dec 2025
ICAI Conducts Convocation Across 15 Locations; Inducts Nearly 20,000 New Chartered Accountants
30, Dec 2025
Airtel Launches Exclusive Cartoon Network Classics for Enhanced Entertainment
Pune, Dec 30:- Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today announced the launch of the “Airtel Cartoon Network Classics” an exclusive value-added service available on Airtel Digital TV in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery. The new channel brings together some of the most iconic animated franchises from Cartoon Network, creating a dedicated destination for timeless storytelling and family-friendly entertainment.
Airtel Cartoon Network Classics brings back a beloved lineup of timeless favorites such as Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Johnny Bravo and several other classics. Curated for audiences who grew up with these much loved and timeless shows, the channel will also allow families to introduce new generations to the animated stories that became part of the cultural zeitgeist of the ’90s and 2000s while continuing to resonate today.
Commenting on the launch, Pushpinder Singh Gujral, DTH-Business Head, Airtel said;
“Airtel Cartoon Network Classics adds a unique entertainment layer to our portfolio and offers customers a chance to reconnect with iconic stories and characters that are loved even today. We are pleased to make this channel available to all our DTH & IPTV users and look forward to bringing more such experiences to our customers.”
Priced at INR 59 per month and available on Channel 445 in both English and Hindi language, the ad-free channel can be accessed across both connected set-top boxes such as Xstream and IPTV, as well as non-connected HD and SD boxes, enabling uninterrupted viewing without the need for any additional equipment.
Talking about the collaboration, Arjun Nohwar, Managing Director, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery said;
“Cartoon Network Classics celebrates the enduring legacy of characters and stories that have entertained audiences worldwide for generations. At Warner Bros. Discovery, our focus is on keeping these stories accessible and relevant for today’s audiences. Through our collaboration with Airtel, we are pleased to bring these iconic favourites to Indian screens in a new and accessible format, enabling fans to reconnect with cherished childhood memories while introducing a new generation to the original cartoons that helped shape global pop culture.”
The collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery adds to Airtel’s increasing array of value-added entertainment services, underscoring its commitment to providing high-quality, distinctive, and family-friendly content. By introducing Cartoon Network Classics as an exclusive offering, Airtel is expanding its content leadership and deepening interaction with viewers of all ages.
Customers can activate Airtel Cartoon Network Classics through set-top box, missed call, through the Airtel Thanks app. With multiple easy-to-use options, subscribers can begin enjoying their favorite classic cartoons within seconds, without any complex steps or waiting times.
30, Dec 2025
Mastek Strengthens its Board with the Appointment of Google Tech Leader Marc Berson
Mumbai, India; Dec 30: Mastek Inc, a step-down subsidiary of Mastek Limited (NSE: MASTEK; BSE: 523704), a global leader in AI-first, digital engineering and cloud transformation, announced the appointment of Marc Berson to its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026.
Based in the United States, Marc currently serves as the Head of Google Internal Systems (CIO). His appointment signals Mastek’s commitment to deepening its North American footprint and integrating world-class Silicon Valley expertise into its strategic oversight.
Marc is a distinguished figure in the global CIO community. His career spans leadership roles at Gilead Sciences, HP, IBM, and Philips, where he spearheaded massive enterprise transformations. He was recognized by Inspire CIO as both a Super Global ORBIE Award Finalist in 2023 and Winner in 2024. His expertise bridges the gap between complex processes, systems, and cutting-edge digital innovation, making him a pivotal asset for Mastek’s “Lead with AI” roadmap.
Umang Nahata, CEO of Mastek, added,
“Marc brings a rare combination of deep technology insight and practitioner-led experience in navigating the complexities of global scale. His counsel will be invaluable as we solidify Mastek’s position to lead with AI as the preferred partner for delivering best-in-class ROI to clients. By integrating his Silicon Valley perspective, we are better positioned to accelerate our mission of driving high-impact, AI-driven business outcomes for the modern enterprise.”
Marc Berson added,
“I am pleased to join the Mastek Board as the company accelerates its global growth and innovation agenda, having led large-scale technology transformations at organizations like Google, I see a clear alignment between Mastek’s AI-first strategy and the evolving needs of the modern enterprise. I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to help shape a future-ready roadmap that delivers lasting value for all stakeholders.”
Marc holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from Penn State University and a Master’s in Project Management from George Washington University.
30, Dec 2025
Shivoham Shiva Temple Welcomes Devotees for Divine New Year 2026 Celebrations
Bengaluru, Dec 30:- As the world prepares to bid farewell to 2025 in grand celebration and welcome the promise of a new year, the iconic Shivoham Shiva Temple in Bengaluru warmly invites devotees and spiritual seekers to mark this transition in a soulful way. Devotees can join the Jeevan Sangeet Sandhya on the evening of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 10:45 PM to midnight, welcome the New Year 2026 with Spiritual life-transforming music and visit the temple for the New Year special rituals and ceremonies for the full day on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
The Shivoham Shiva Temple has become an annual destination for people seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings for a prosperous year. Large crowds are expected to continue, with even more visitors likely on January 1, 2026. The temple offers a sacred space for reflection, devotion and a renewed commitment to Spirituality.
Founded in 1995 by the spiritual leader and philanthropist AiR Atman in Ravi, Shivoham Shiva Temple is famous for its striking 65-foot statue of Lord Shiva in a meditative pose with the holy Ganga flowing from his matted locks against a Mount Kailash backdrop. The temple also has a 32-foot statue of Lord Ganesha, a 25-foot Shiv Linga at the entrance and unique recreations of sacred pilgrimages like the Paanch Dham Yatra and the Barah Jyotirlinga Yatra all set within its peaceful grounds on Old Airport Road. In 2025, two new iconic Yatras were inaugurated. One recreated the journey to the Vaishno Devi shrine situated in the Trikuta Mountains in the Himalayas, and the second one aimed at Enlightening everyone with the Truth of Sanatana Dharma the beginningless and endless faith, the ancient way of life.
On New Year’s Day, guests can engage in a range of unique Abhishek rituals, Aarti, Bhajans, meditative activities or anything else that contributes to inner peace and Enlightenment. The temple’s philosophy of ‘Shivoham’, Realizing the Truth that we each have God within us, serves as an impetus for worshippers to go beyond just performing rituals and begin their journey with the aim of achieving Self-Realization, God-Realization and Liberation or Moksha.
AiR Atman in Ravi, the visionary founder of the temple, shared, ‘As we enter into this New Year, we celebrate Lord Shiva as the essence of the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth; thus, creating room for the new while dissolving the old. Lord Shiva at Shivoham Shiva Temple gives us a chance to awaken his limitless potential through sacred rituals to illuminate the heart. Let 2026 be the year when we awaken to the profound truth that we are all Divine manifestation, Eternal Souls and a part of the Supreme Immortal Power, SIP.’
The Shivoham Shiva Temple offers its doors to all people, regardless of their beliefs or heritage every day. Located at 97, HAL Old Airport Road, Murugeshpalya, Bengaluru, the temple is a place of trust, optimism and humanitarian works that uses the revenues from its visitors to operate homeless shelters across Bengaluru.
Devotees and seekers can visit the temple on the evening of 31st December 2025, 10.45 pm onwards and the full day of January 1, 2026, for an unforgettable spiritual start to the New Year 2026. Experience the divine grace of Lord Shiva and make 2026 a year of Enlightenment and SatChitAnanda Eternal Bliss in Truth Consciousness.
30, Dec 2025
From Franchises to Fresh Formats, Amazon MX Player Powered India’s Streaming in 2025
Mumbai, Dec 30:- In a year where Indian OTT viewing shifted from mindless scrolling to intentional, high-stakes selection, Amazon MX Player emerged as the ultimate destination for stories that truly matter. Viewers gravitated towards shows that felt familiar yet bold, rooted yet entertaining. By blending the raw grit of unscripted reality with star-studded original dramas, Amazon MX Player became the engine that made India stream, offering a slate that moved seamlessly across power, ambition, friendship, and fear, all within a free-to-watch ecosystem.
The year kicked off with StreamNext, where Amazon MX Player outlined an ambitious roadmap of 100 titles, including 40 Hindi Originals, streaming for FREE. Strong, long-running franchises continued to anchor viewership, led by Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 starring Bobby Deol as Baba Nirala, the show shattered streaming myths by attracting over 250 million viewers, consistently dominating the Ormax Media charts as India’s most-watched series. The strength of the scripted slate was further bolstered by returning giants like Half CA Season 2 starring Ahsaas Channa, Hunter Season 2 with the powerhouse duo of Suniel Shetty and Jackie Shroff, Jamnapaar Season 2, and Gutar Gu Season 3. These titles didn’t just bring back familiar faces; they delivered the high-intensity drama and emotional vulnerability that contemporary viewers crave. The service proved its versatility with Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery, a psychological thriller inspired by real events that relied on atmospheric investigation rather than spectacle, starring Karan Tacker and Kalki Koechlin.
Reality programming became a primary driver of excitement in 2025, evolving into idea-led formats that captured the national imagination. Rise and Fall, hosted by the unfiltered Ashneer Grover, featuring faces like Pawan Singh, Arjun Bijlani, Kiku Sharda, Dhanashree Verma and more, became a breakout social experiment on power dynamics, amassing a staggering 500 million views and ranking among the Top 2 reality shows in India as per Ormax ratings. Performance-led shows also hit new peaks, with Hip Hop India Season 2 featuring Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora as judges, which emerged as the country’s 1 reality show between Jan-Jun 2025 as per Ormax trending for 11 consecutive weeks, while competitive formats like Battleground and I-
Newer originals like First Copy and Aukaat Ke Bahar, featuring Munawar Faruqui and Elvish Yadav respectively, brought fresh takes to the service with creator-led shows, while youth-focused narratives like Lafangey and Gamerlog
This scale of storytelling attracted a roster of premium sponsors, including Samsung, boAt, Lux Cozi, Haier, and Sprite, reinforcing the service’s position as a preferred destination for brands aiming to connect with India’s streaming audiences. By the end of 2025, Amazon MX Player’s growth was undeniable, crossing 1.4 billion app downloads and reaching 250 million monthly active users. Now widely available across Prime Video, Fire TV, and the Amazon Shopping App, the service concludes the year not just as a streaming service, but as a cultural staple that prioritizes consistency and stories that feel close to home.
