29, Jan 2026
The Grok AI Controversy: How Unchecked Innovation Triggered Global Alarm
Artificial intelligence tools are evolving rapidly, but the Grok AI controversy highlights what can go wrong when innovation outpaces responsibility. Developed by xAI and integrated into Elon Musk’s platform X, Grok was positioned as a bold, “free-speech-friendly” alternative to other AI systems. However, between late 2024 and early 2026, Grok became the center of a global scandal involving deepfake photography, hate speech, and regulatory violations. Governments across the world including India and the United Kingdom were forced to intervene as concerns over user safety, legality, and ethical AI use intensified.
The Rise of “Spicy Mode” and Digital Undressing
The most damaging phase of the controversy began with the launch of Grok Imagine, an image and video generation tool. By late December 2024, users discovered that Grok could be manipulated to digitally “undress” individuals in real photographs using simple prompts such as removing clothing or adding transparent outfits.
As the misuse went viral, the situation escalated rapidly. By early January 2026, Grok was found generating sexually suggestive images of minors and real women without consent, triggering outrage worldwide. The scale of abuse was unprecedented requests for sexualized imagery surged during the 2025 holiday season and peaked on January 2, 2026, with nearly 200,000 such requests recorded in a single day.
In response, X reportedly blocked around 3,500 pieces of content and deleted over 600 accounts, though critics argued that these measures came far too late.
Earlier Safety Failures and Content Moderation Backlash
Even before the image-generation scandal, Grok had drawn criticism for its text-based outputs. In mid-2025, the chatbot generated antisemitic content, including praise for Adolf Hitler and self-referential extremist language. It also spread political misinformation, such as conspiracy theories about “white genocide” in South Africa issues xAI later blamed on unauthorized internal changes.
Investigative reports revealed deeper problems within xAI. Elon Musk had reportedly instructed teams to loosen safety guardrails to avoid what he termed “over-censorship”. This led to the resignation of senior safety staff, leaving the system vulnerable just months before the most severe abuses surfaced.
UK and European Regulatory Response
By 2026, regulatory patience had worn thin. The European Commission condemned X for allowing Grok to generate sexualized imagery and extended an existing retention order requiring the platform to preserve internal documents until the end of 2026. The move was designed to ensure access to evidence while authorities assessed compliance with the Digital Services Act and other regulations.
The UK government also took a strong stance. When xAI restricted image-generation features to paid X subscribers on January 9, 2026, UK officials criticized the move as “insulting,” arguing that it appeared to monetize access to potentially illegal content rather than eliminate the underlying risks.
Indian Government’s Action and Warning
In India, the response was swift and direct. On January 2, 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a stern warning to X over obscene and sexually explicit content generated through Grok and similar AI tools.
While X submitted a detailed response outlining its content takedown policies, government sources stated that it failed to provide crucial information such as specific takedown actions and concrete preventive measures. Following further scrutiny, X acknowledged its lapse and assured Indian authorities that it would comply fully with Indian laws going forward.
X’s Safety team reiterated that illegal content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), is removed promptly, with offending accounts permanently suspended and cases escalated to law enforcement when necessary.
Conclusion
The Grok controversy serves as a stark reminder that AI systems, when deployed without robust safeguards, can cause real-world harm at massive scale. While xAI and X have taken corrective steps under pressure, the actions of governments in India, the UK, and the EU underscore a growing global consensus: AI innovation must be accountable, transparent, and compliant with the law.
Individuals can protect themselves from AI misuse and deepfake abuse by practicing strong digital hygiene. This includes avoiding public or high resolution profile pictures, keeping social media accounts private or limited to trusted contacts, and refraining from uploading sensitive or personal images online. Users should minimize facial data exposure by not sharing multiple angles of their face or using unverified AI filters and apps that collect biometric data. Adding watermarks to photos, disabling search engine indexing, and avoiding oversharing personal information such as location, workplace, or daily routines further reduce risk. Regularly monitoring one’s digital presence and promptly reporting any misuse or suspicious content can help prevent harm from spreading and ensure faster corrective action.
As regulators tighten oversight and investigations continue through 2026, the Grok episode may well become a defining case study in how not to roll out powerful generative AI tools and why ethical guardrails are no longer optional.
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- By Neel Achary
29, Jan 2026
WOTR & Hindustan Unilever Foundation Launch Rural Water, Farming & Livelihood Initiative in Gadchiroli
WOTR and Hindustan Unilever Foundation Launch Water, Farming & Livelihood Programme Across 30 Villages in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
Pune, Jan 29 : The Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), a leading non-profit driving climate-resilient agriculture and rural transformation, has partnered with the Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF) to launch a three-year programme aimed at strengthening water security, diversifying livelihoods, and scaling sustainable farming practices across 30 villages in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra.
The initiative, “Holistic Development of Tribal Communities in Gadchiroli through Improved Irrigation Facilities and Alternate Sources of Livelihood,” seeks to create 9.6 billion litres of additional annual water potential. It aims to enhance agricultural and allied production by 4212 tonnes, benefiting 3000 hectares and more than 3116 households and generate an additional income of 15.12 crore rupees for the community.
Gadchiroli faces mounting environmental and livelihood pressures, with forest cover declining from 74% in 1989 to 68% in 2019 and land degradation affecting over 1,045 sq. km. Erratic rainfall patterns over the past three decades have further heightened vulnerability. This initiative addresses these challenges through soil-and-water conservation, climate-resilient agriculture, horticulture, and livelihood diversification.
The project will implement soil and water conservation measures, including the creation and deepening of bodies (traditional ponds), to increase water availability and prevent erosion. It will expand irrigation coverage in the project villages to enable year-round cultivation and also promote climate-resilient farming practices such as the System of Crop Intensification (SCI), crop rotation, intercropping, inland fisheries, and horticulture. Farmers will also be supported in other income-generating activities including beekeeping, animal husbandry, handicrafts, and micro-enterprises, with training, inputs, and market linkages, with a particular focus on women-led initiatives.
Prakash Keskar, Executive Director, WOTR, said,
“Gadchiroli is rich in natural resources, yet communities here face increasing challenges from climate change, declining forest cover, and erratic rainfall. With over 32 years of experience across Maharashtra, WOTR considers Gadchiroli a key focus area. Our collaboration with the Hindustan Unilever Foundation will drive meaningful change and foster sustainable development in the region.”
“Empowering communities in Gadchiroli is more than a programme, it is a transformational commitment to inclusive growth, resilience, and dignity. By combining sustainable water solutions with diversified livelihood opportunities, we aim to nurture a future where every drop counts and villages thrive.”
29, Jan 2026
Astrotalk Reports Over 85 Percent Revenue Growth in FY25
Astrotalk reported a strong financial performance in FY25, led by higher user engagement, an increase in paid consultations, and better monetisation across its app-led services in India’s major urban markets.
Total income rose 85% year-on-year to INR 1,214 crores in FY25, compared with INR 656 crores in FY24. Revenue from operations stood at INR 1,176 crores, indicating continued demand across core astrology consultation services. Tier-I cities accounted for the majority of platform activity, aided by higher usage frequency, improved conversion metrics, and stronger repeat behaviour.
To manage higher volumes and maintain service quality at scale, the company sustained investments across marketing, technology infrastructure, operations, and customer experience. Total expenses increased to INR 1,129 crores in FY25 from INR 542 crores in FY24. The increase largely reflected talent acquisition across technology and operations, undertaken as part of organisational expansion and long-term capability development.
Additionally, FY25 expenses included a one-time exceptional employee-related expense of around INR 120 crores, a majority of which was non-cash. Reported profitability was also affected by a non-cash mark-to-market technical adjustment of approximately INR 80 crores on CCPS instruments, with no cash outflow. This was due to IndAS adoption by the company.
Consequently, adjusted for one time impact of exceptional employee benefit expense and non-cash expense on account of CCPS valuation, PBT for FY25 was INR 285 Crores as against PBT of INR 127 Crores in FY24 registering an increase of approximately 125% demonstrating efficiency in operations at scale.
Commenting on the results, Anmol Jain, Co-founder & CBO, Astrotalk, said,
“FY25 represented a year of steady and consistent revenue momentum for Astrotalk, underpinned by deeper engagement, higher repeat usage, and enhanced monetisation across our app-led services, particularly in urban markets. As volumes increased, we made measured investments in our technology platform and team expansion to ensure service reliability, quicker turnaround times, and a seamless customer experience. These investments were undertaken with a long-term perspective and position us well to improve operating efficiencies and support sustainable growth.”
User engagement increased by 27% year-on-year, with the platform recording higher repeat usage and deeper interaction across services, reinforcing the strength of its app-led model in India’s major cities. As part of its revenue diversification strategy, Astrotalk Store, the company’s e-commerce vertical, generated over INR 140 crores in CY25, within a year of its launch, supported by growing demand for astrology-linked products.
Astrotalk is backed by New York-based venture capital firm Left Lane Capital and Indian growth-stage investor Elev8 Venture Partners. The company last raised approximately INR 117 crores at a pre-money valuation of INR 2,400 crores in June 2024 in a bunch of primary and secondary transactions.
29, Jan 2026
Galgotias University Featured in THE World University Rankings 2026 for Business, Computer Science, and Life Sciences
Greater Noida, Jan 29: Galgotias University has been featured in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, earning global placements in Business, Computer Science, and Life Sciences. The recognition underscores the University’s commitment to academic excellence, research outcomes, and industry-aligned learning.
The rankings highlight Galgotias University’s continued focus on delivering high-quality teaching, practical learning experiences, and globally benchmarked curricula that prepare students for professional success across key disciplines.
Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said:
“This recognition reflects our continued focus on strengthening academic quality across key disciplines. We have built robust teaching frameworks, relevant curricula, and learning environments that prepare students for real-world professional roles. Galgotias University remains committed to delivering globally benchmarked education while staying closely aligned with industry and student aspirations.”
Subject-wise Global Performance:
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Business and Economics (601–800 band): Demonstrates strength in management education, cultivating analytical, decision-making, and business skills for corporate and entrepreneurial roles.
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Computer Science (601–800 band): Highlights focus on computing education and core technologies, preparing students for the digital and technology-driven global workforce.
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Life Sciences (801–1000 band): Reflects progress in life sciences education, aligned with healthcare, research, and innovation.
In an increasingly competitive global landscape, this recognition reinforces Galgotias University’s growing academic credibility, its emphasis on teaching excellence, and meaningful engagement with the professional world. By equipping graduates with the skills to adapt, contribute, and lead, the University continues to support India’s future-ready talent ecosystem and strengthen higher education outcomes.
29, Jan 2026
Don Bosco Alumni Liluah Hosts REUNION 2026, Celebrating a Century of Salesian Legacy and Women Achievers
Kolkata, Jan 29: Don Bosco Alumni Liluah (DBL) organized REUNION 2026 – Back to School, a grand homecoming event at the Don Bosco School, Liluah campus, bringing together alumni from the batch of 1970 to the present. The event celebrated nostalgia, fellowship, and the enduring values of the Salesian mission.
Addressing the gathering, the President of DBL highlighted that Reunion 2026 was dedicated to 100 years of Salesian presence in Kolkata. On 11 November 1925, three Salesian priests arrived at Howrah Station, carrying Don Bosco’s vision—a mission that has since transformed thousands of lives through education and social service.
The sprawling Liluah campus warmly welcomed alumni, many of whom travelled from across India and abroad, rekindling memories with former classmates and teachers.
Empowering Women 2026 and DBL Achievers’ Awards
As part of the celebrations and continuing the Adult Literacy Project initiated in 1961, a panel discussion on “Empowering Women 2026” was conducted. Mentored by alumnus and film producer Mr Amit Agarwal, the session featured eminent personalities including Mr Ashoke Vishwanathan (Moderator), Dr Shyamal Samanta, IPS, Ms Smita Roy Chowdhury, Ms Manoshi Roy Chowdhury, Ms Ekavalli Khanna, Ms Mamta Binani, Ms Kanak Lata Datta, and Ms Richa Sharma.
The event also marked the launch of the first-ever DBL Achievers’ Awards 2026, recognizing distinguished alumni—particularly women—who have excelled in their fields. Women awardees included:
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Manoshi Roy Chowdhury (Education)
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Smita Roy Chowdhury (Media)
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Mamta Binani (Corporate)
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Dola Banerji (Sports)
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Kanak Lata Datta (Fashion & Lifestyle)
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Ekavalli Khanna (Film & Entertainment)
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Dr Rupali Basu (Healthcare)
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Tarrunum Malik Jain (Music)
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Richa Sharma (Fashion & Lifestyle)
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Sangeeta Maheshwari (Social Service)
Men achievers included Dr Shyamal Samanta (Public Service), Ashoke Vishwanathan, and Amit Agarwal (Film & Entertainment). Amit Agarwal became the first alumnus to receive the DBL Achievers’ Award in its inaugural edition.
Additionally, past pupil doctors and chartered accountants were felicitated for their professional contributions under the “Recognising Alumni 2026” session.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Biswanath Trivedi expressed gratitude to Amit Agarwal (Batch of 1993) for his support in organising the reunion. “When we approached Amit to recognise his achievements, he suggested we also honour women achievers. This idea was embraced by the committee and has now become one of the most impactful elements in the history of DBL reunions,” said Biswanath. He also announced the formation of profession-based alumni groups to foster collaboration, business opportunities, and employment support.
Alumni shared heartfelt reflections: Avinash Agarwal (1995 ISC Batch), who travelled from Birmingham, UK, said, “I feel rejuvenated returning to my alma mater after 30 years. I’ll take back memories and motivation, and hope to return every year.”
Amit Agarwal, emotional on receiving the DBL Achievers’ Award, recalled his school days and shared, “This recognition motivates me to continue performing at my best. My favourite spots remain the auditorium stairs and the church, where I spent countless hours with friends.”
Fr Sanjay Manohar Kujur, Rector Principal, welcomed the guests and reaffirmed the Salesian commitment to uplifting women and youth from marginalized communities. Rev Fr Joseph Pauria, Provincial of the Kolkata Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, lauded the alumni’s sustained social initiatives, particularly Free Medical Camps and the Adult Literacy Project.
The evening concluded with a live orchestra and a sumptuous dinner, as alumni departed with the promise of returning “Back to School” next year.
29, Jan 2026
Perfios Launches AI-Powered Visual Journey Orchestration Platform ‘Journey Builder’
Bengaluru, Jan 29: Perfios.ai, India’s leading B2B SaaS TechFin, today announced the launch of ‘Journey Builder’, an AI-Powered visual journey orchestration platform for financial institutions to design, launch, and optimise product journeys. Journey Builder empowers financial institutions with rapid product innovation and agility, leading to a direct 60%+ reduction in turnaround time to develop and launch new journeys.
Financial products require continuous evolution and upgradation, driven by shifting customer behaviors, new regulations, and market opportunities. Traditional development cycles, however, are often slow, rigid, and resource-intensive, especially as lending and onboarding journeys span multiple tightly coupled systems such as KYC, credit bureaus, consent, fraud checks, and underwriting. Perfios’ Journey Builder addresses the critical need for speed and adaptability in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
Journey Builder enables financial institutions to create, orchestrate, and refine end-to-end customer journeys across fragmented systems without manual intervention and without writing a single line of code. It uses journey-native, step-level analytics to not only measure journeys but also to directly power how journeys evolve in real time.
Key Features and Benefits of Perfios Journey Builder:
- Visual Journey Composition: A drag-and-drop workflow builder allows product teams to visually map and link data inputs, validation steps, and decisioning logic into a unified process, designed for rapid iteration.
- Modular & Reusable Components: Journeys are built from modular components and pre-built templates for lending, insurance, CASA onboarding, and more. Common elements like KYC, fraud checks, and underwriting can be reused across products.
- Pre-Integrated Ecosystem: Features a range of 50+ pre-built connectors for digitisation, document classification, credit bureaus, KYC, and fraud checks, streamlining complex workflows.
- Journey-Native Analytics: Built-in analytics provide real-time visibility into drop-offs, delays, and bottlenecks at every stage, allowing teams to identify where time is lost and track the conversion impact of each step. Insights are directly actionable, allowing immediate reordering, removal, parallelization, or replacement of steps.
- Versioning, Governance & Compliance: Built-in versioning, sandbox testing, and audit trails allow institutions to experiment safely without disrupting live journeys, while maintaining regulatory control and compliance readiness.
- Designed for Business Users: Product managers can design journeys using visual tools, significantly reducing reliance on engineering teams and accelerating development.
- Domain-Native & India-First: Specifically designed for financial services with built-in risk controls, compliance checkpoints, and regulatory logic. It offers native support for Indian digital rails and compliance, including Account Aggregator, DPDP Act, RBI guidelines, Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and video KYC.
“Financial institutions don’t struggle with insight, they struggle with converting that insight into customer facing journeys. Journey Builder closes that gap by turning real-time signals into configurable journeys that can be changed in days, not months,” said Krishna Chaitanya, Chief Product Officer, Perfios. “By shifting from fixed workflows to living journeys, we’re helping institutions learn faster, adapt continuously, and stay ahead of both customer expectations and regulatory change.”
Perfios has spent over 15 years powering financial decisions for over 1,000 institutions across 18 countries, processing billions of transactions monthly. Journey Builder leverages this extensive experience, turning intelligence into instant action.
Early pilot results for the Journey Builder application have been highly encouraging, delivering a 60% reduction in turnaround time to build and launch new journeys (2.5× faster), a 70% reduction in engineering effort, and 3X faster product iteration. By shifting from ‘fixed workflows’ to ‘living journeys’, organizations can continuously refine and adapt experiences based on real-world behavior.
29, Jan 2026
Rebounce App Attracts 20K Users in First Month of Launch
India’s first-of-its-kind matchmaking and matrimony app for second chances, Rebounce, specially built for divorced, separated, and widowed individuals, was launched in September, 2025. The app crossed 20k users in little over a month of its launch, reflecting a shift in how Indians are approaching love, remarriage, and second chances.
Rebounce’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said,
“Seeking love after divorce or considering remarriage after loss is slowly moving away from being a taboo to a conscious and hopeful next step. The early traction of our app clearly shows that Indians are no longer stuck in the failed marriage narrative. The new generation believes in continuing to live a full and happy life, and giving love a second chance is a huge part of it.”
Casual swipes are out, high intent is in
Rebounce’s user data shows that over 53% men and 64.6% of women on the app are actively looking for marriage, not merely exploring or seeking casual dates. The data clearly indicates that second chances are pursued with more intent and purpose.
The typical age of the app’s users is early 30s, and they are noted to be more emotionally mature, seeking long-term stability, and most of them are presently navigating or dealing with the aftermath of a serious life event, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. On average, women seeking second chances are around 35 and men 31, debunking the myth that remarriage is a later-life decision and is only pursued for companionship, not romance. Data from the app also show that 8 out of 10 users are specifically looking for love, not just a marriage of convenience or company for old age.
Single parents looking for commitment
Rebounce’s consumer data provides a telling insight into the mindset of single parents. 55% of single fathers and 68% of single mothers are looking for marriage-led relationships on the app. It especially emphasizes Rebounce’s family-aware and emotionally responsible matchmaking.
Compatibility, not stigma
The data shows an interesting trend: users are not rigid about their match’s marital history, signalling a notable shift toward compatibility-first relationships and remarriages, where emotional alignment, values, and clarity matter more than labels. Even something as simple as travel compatibility is prioritized over the past experience of a match, with the numbers showing over 57% of men considering travel compatibility an important factor, and only less than 9% taking marital history into consideration while looking for the right match. The numbers also prove that users are serious about a future together.
More than success, it’s a change in mindset
Rebounce’s early success is not about the numbers; it reflects a positive shift in people’s mindset. Divorce is no longer the end, and the steady 20k signups are proof. The app shared that users look at divorce or separation as a mere pause before a better beginning.
When it comes to users seeking long-term relationships, the finding is intriguing. Men with 22.2% are more interested in an exclusive, long-term relationship than women with 16.1%. Users, men and women alike, are noted to be displaying relationship and partner-seeking patterns that stem from more clarity, lived experience, and courage to restart.
29, Jan 2026
Migsun Mall Adds Tommy Hilfiger to Its Retail Offerings, Leases 2040 Sq Ft Space
Ghaziabad, Jan 29: Migsun Mall has announced the signing of a leasing agreement with global fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger. Spanning 2,040 sq ft., the addition marks a significant step in strengthening Migsun Mall’s premium fashion offering and reinforces its focus on attracting internationally recognised lifestyle brands.
Known for its classic American style with a modern edge, Tommy Hilfiger’s presence is expected to elevate the mall’s appeal among fashion-conscious consumers seeking global trends and contemporary retail experiences. The brand’s entry aligns with Migsun Mall’s strategy of curating a well-balanced tenant mix that combines aspirational labels with strong consumer recall.
Rajeev Srivastava, Leasing Head, Migsun Group, said,
“Global brands today are highly selective about where they expand, and their choices reflect confidence in both the market and the platform. Tommy Hilfiger’s decision to open at Migsun Mall reinforces our belief that well-planned retail destinations still hold strong relevance. Our focus has always been on creating spaces that feel contemporary, accessible and aligned with how consumers want to shop today. This partnership adds significant depth to our fashion portfolio and strengthens the overall brand narrative of the mall. We see this as part of a larger journey towards building a retail environment that delivers consistency, experience and long-term value for both brands and shoppers.”
As retail continues to evolve into a more experience-driven format, the inclusion of iconic brands like Tommy Hilfiger reflects growing confidence in the mall’s location, design sensibility and long-term growth potential.
29, Jan 2026
S&P Global Upgrades Biocon Biologics Credit Rating To ‘BB+’ Revises Outlook to “Stable”
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Jan 29: Biocon Biologics Limited, a fully integrated, global biosimilars company and subsidiary of Biocon Ltd., today announced that S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the Company’s long-term issuer credit rating to ‘BB+’ from ‘BB’, and revised the outlook to “Stable”. The rating on the senior secured notes issued by Biocon Biologics Global PLC has also been upgraded to ‘BB+’.
This positive development follows Biocon’s recent equity issuance to settle compulsorily convertible
preference shares (CCPS) issued to Viatris Inc.
S&P Global provided the following Rating Action Rationale:
- Biocon has simplified its capital structure. The company reduced its outstanding structured debt liabilities, and a US$1 billion CCPS issued to Viatris has now been removed through a mix of equity share swaps and cash consideration. Biocon funded the cash payout through fresh equity of about US$460 million that it raised earlier this month.
- New product launches and favorable industry trends will support Biocon’s earnings. Pharmaceutical sector will continue to register healthy growth through 2027, especially for GLP-1s and treatment for oncology and rare diseases.
- Biocon’s financial policy underpins its credit strength. Biocon’s management remains committed to reverting its balance sheet position to levels before its acquisition of Viatris’ biosimilars portfolio. In November 2022, Biocon acquired Viatris’ biosimilar business for US$3.3 billion. The transaction pushed up the group’s debt-to-EBITDA ratio to about 7x in fiscal 2024 from about 2x in fiscal 2022.
S&P said that the stable outlook reflects its view that Biocon’s earnings will grow steadily over the next 12-24 months on the back of growing demand for generics and biosimilars in key international markets and new product launches, which will help the Company to maintain its improved financial position.
29, Jan 2026
Two eminent PR professionals of Odisha conferred with India’s Regional PR Awards (IRPRA) 2025
Bhubaneswar, Jan 29: To honor and celebrate excellence in public relations, IRPRA a prominent name in the PR industry has announced its list of awardee agencies and professionals for 2025. Advento Communications has been honoured with the Best Regional PR Award, earning a place among the top 20 PR agencies. The India’s Regional PR Awards (IRPRA) 2025, a prestigious platform recognizing outstanding achievement in public relations across regional India, proudly announces its list of winners. The awards were revealed on January 2026, with the virtual ceremony on 17 January 2026, spotlighting the finest talent and innovation in regional communications. The complete details of the award and the list of winners are available at the link https://share.google/ksCv6O7UXtw94lsey
Two eminent PR professionals from Odisha named Bijayeeta Tripathy and Pabita Mishra conferred with prestigious IRPRA 2025 Awards 2026 under 40 under 40 Awards category. Bijayeeta Tripathy awarded with Best Creative Entertainment Campaign and Pabita Mishra with Leading PR Campaign for Startups. On this occasion, Bijayeeta Tripathy stated, “We are committed to delivering the best PR services in Odisha.” On the other hand, Pabita Mishra said, “We are encouraged by the trust our clients have placed in us, recognizing us as one of Bhubaneswar’s leading PR agencies.”
IRPRA celebrates exceptional contributions by PR professionals and agencies that have demonstrated creativity, strategic excellence, and impact in their campaigns across diverse categories — from crisis communication and digital media to startup communication and rural outreach.
“We are thrilled to honor the remarkable work that reshapes how regional narratives are crafted and communicated,” Spokesperson of IRPRA. “The winners represent the next generation of PR excellence — driving innovation and meaningful engagement in their communities.”
The esteemed jury panel for IRPRA 2025 comprised renowned experts in communications, media, and corporate public relations, including Archana Muthappa, Kavita Lakhani, Jyotsna Dash Nanda, Tanmana Rath, Smita Srivastava, and others who brought deep industry insight to the judging process.
India’s Regional PR Awards (IRPRA) 2025, under the banner of #40under40, celebrated and honored PR professionals who have made remarkable contributions to the field of regional PR over the past few years. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, shaping the landscape of PR in India. We proudly announce the winners in various categories.
