15, May 2025
Actors Reflect on the Values Instilled While Growing Up in Joint Families
Joint families are more than just a household. They are a way of life that fosters shared values, deep bonds, and lifelong memories. From learning the art of compromise to finding strength in unity, growing up in such close-knit families teaches lessons that shape who we become. On International Family Day, &TV artists reflect on the deep-rooted values instilled in them while being raised in joint families. These include Smita Sable (Dhaniya, Bheema), Sonal Panwar (Malaika, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabhi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Smita Sable, aka Dhaniya from Bheema, shares, “Growing up in a joint family of twelve taught me the true meaning of unity and sharing. Our mealtimes were split into two rounds because we could not all fit at the table together, but those meals were the heart of our day. They were filled with laughter, stories, and a sense of belonging. That environment taught me how important it is to relate to those around you. Even today, on the sets of Bheema, I make sure to eat with my co-actors. We laugh, we bond, and it feels just like home. I firmly believe that togetherness strengthens every bond and that’s a value I carry with me wherever I go.”
Sonal Panwar, aka Malaika from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, adds, “Life in a joint family was my first school of values. My cousins were my best friends; we played, fought, and celebrated every moment together. Whether it was playing cricket in the lanes or sleeping under the stars during power cuts, those moments taught me that joy multiplies when shared. Even now, that sense of belonging drives me. In Mumbai, I have found friends who feel like family, and I am always available for them. On set, too, we play games and look out for each other. Being raised in a joint family taught me how to nurture relationships, and that’s a lesson for life.” Vidisha Srivastava, aka Anita Bhabhi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, reflects, “Joint family life gave me a foundation of unconditional support. Sure, we fought over things like the TV remote or who got the last snack, but when it came to being there for one another, we stood as one. That experience taught me to be a dependable presence for the people I love. Today, I apply those values in every relationship, be it family, friends, or colleagues. If someone close to me needs help or support, I show up, no questions asked. That spirit of solidarity, loyalty, and love is the legacy of my joint family upbringing.”
Watch Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM—Monday to Friday, only on &TV!
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- By Neel Achary
15, May 2025
Human library event at Stonehill Lit Fest 2025 – Books have voices too
15th May, 2025: In an inspiring initiative to foster empathy, dialogue, and deeper understanding, Stonehill International School organised a ‘Human Library’ as part of its annual Literature Festival – Stonehill Lit Fest 2025 that was a week-long celebration of books, literature and storytelling.
Drawing from a movement that started in 2000 at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark – The Human Library Organization, the Human Library in Stonehill invited staff members to become ‘human books’ sharing their personal stories with students in small group settings, aligning with the theme of the Lit Fest – ‘I am a Story. You are a Story. We are a Story’.
This experience nurtured open-mindedness, communication skills, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse journeys that shape who we are, among students.
The event provided students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with the lived experiences of teachers and staff — from tales of overcoming adversity and navigating cultural shifts, to humorous anecdotes and reflections on life’s unexpected turns; from adopting an abandoned pet to being a motorbike enthusiast!
Each of the 12 sessions every day allowed students to ‘borrow’ one human book based on their interest. Students asked questions, and learned not just through facts, but through feelings and firsthand accounts.
The event highlighted the power of storytelling as a bridge across generations and backgrounds. Aayaan (Grade III), said, “I liked the Human Library book which spoke about us being ourselves and overcoming our fear”.
What turned out to be one of the most impactful events of the Human Library, was the inclusion of the school’s support staff such as drivers and gardeners as storytellers. To bring out the richness of their experiences, the personal accounts were translated, allowing students to access stories in multiple languages. This emphasized not only inclusivity but also the value of communication beyond linguistic boundaries.
Vijay Kumar, a support staff at Stonehill, narrated his journey from being a farmer to becoming a gardener at the school. “I truly enjoyed telling my story to students. From farming to working at Stonehill, every step has taught me something valuable. I feel proud and happy to be where I am today,” he said.
“I learnt what the Support staff do when they are here in school. I liked how the support staff had a chance to express themselves about how they feel. We often don’t see the support staff and without them the school wouldn’t be able to function,” said Jonathan (Grade III).
15, May 2025
Tension Talent and Twists Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 Now Streaming on Amazon MX Player
MUMBAI, India– May 15, 2025: Amazon MX Player – Amazon’s free video streaming continues to set the stage ablaze with its high-octane dance reality series – Realme Hip Hop India Season 2. This week, the legendary Dharmesh Sir is back to infusing his swift moves as the guest judge, injecting his signature moves and infectious energy back to the dance floor. With the pressure peaking, the hunt for India’s next hip hop superstar heats up— the second finalist will be revealed, setting the stage for an epic finale. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping performances, dramatic moments as the journey intensifies!
This week’s promo opens with a shocking twist — Remo D’Souza announces that the grand finale will feature a showdown of the Top 4, leaving the contestants stunned. As the news sinks in, the atmosphere grows thick with tension, emotions run wild, and rivalries hit breaking point. As the announcement of the second finalist hangs in the balance, it now carries the weight of a dream. Just when the stakes couldn’t feel higher, Dharmesh Yelande steps off the judges’ panel and onto the stage, unleashing a powerful performance that leaves everyone speechless: Who will rise, who will fall, and who will dance their way to the top? Don’t miss what’s next!
From electrifying face-offs and surprise appearances to unforgettable musical moments, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to raise the bar. Season 2 is now streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available on the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.
15, May 2025
Himachal Pradesh Government to Conduct Statewide Scholarship Test in Over 3,500 Schools Across the state
Himachal Pradesh; 15th May 2025: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Government of Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with Crack Academy, is set to conduct the state’s biggest scholarship examination – “Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratan” – on May 20, 2025. The aim is to identify and reward academic brilliance among students from every corner of the state, creating equal opportunities for all.
Over 6 lakh students are expected to participate in this landmark exam, which will be conducted across 3,500+ examination centres, including 2,800 government schools. All Government Senior Secondary Schools, Government High Schools, and affiliated private schools are being designated as test centres, ensuring maximum accessibility and outreach across Himachal Pradesh.
This ambitious scholarship drive is being undertaken by the state government to democratize access to quality coaching and provide a platform for talented students—especially those from underrepresented or remote areas. The top 100 students from each of the 68 constituencies will be awarded full coaching scholarships by Crack Academy, amounting to a total of 6,800 full scholarships. Additionally, the next 200 students per constituency will receive a 75% concession, while the following 500 students will get a 50% concession.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed how this initiative will benefit talented students across the State. He launched the ‘Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratna’ programme in March 2025, which aims to provide free coaching for various competitive examinations to 6,800 students across Himachal Pradesh.
“This initiative is a massive step toward educational upliftment and social inclusion,” said Neeraj Kansal, Founder and CEO, Crack Academy. “We are honoured to support the Government of Himachal Pradesh in its mission to unlock the academic potential of students across the state. This exam isn’t just about ranks—it’s about recognising dreams, regardless of background.”
With its scale and intent, “Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratan” is set to become a milestone in the educational journey of Himachal Pradesh. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to making quality education accessible and equitable for every aspiring student in the state.
15, May 2025
Apply by May 26 for Top Programs in Engineering, Law, Commerce and More
NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies), one of India’s top-ranked universities, is inviting final applications for its undergraduate programs for the academic year 2025. Students who have recently completed their Class 12 exams and are exploring career options in Engineering, Law, Commerce, Pharmacy, Management, or Analytics can apply through the university’s dedicated entrance exams.
The NPAT, NCET, NLAT, and MST entrance exam registration closes on May 26, 2025.
The NMIMS NPAT (National Test for Programs After Twelfth) is the entrance exam for admissions to undergraduate programs in Commerce, Economics, Liberal Arts, Branding & Advertising, International Studies, and Marketing. These programs are offered across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Indore, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh campuses.
Programs in Liberal Arts, Branding & Advertising, International Studies, and Management are available exclusively at the Mumbai campus.
The NCET (NMIMS Common Entrance Test) is the gateway to Pharmacy and Engineering programs at NMIMS. The five-year dual degree B Pharm + MBA (Pharma Tech) program offered in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Shirpur, combines pharmaceutical sciences with essential business management fundamentals. The School of Technology Management and Engineering offers B.Tech and MBA Tech degrees with specialisations in AI, Cybersecurity, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Civil, and Computer Engineering.
Placement outcomes for Engineering and Pharmacy graduates have been strong. Engineering students have received packages up to ₹30 LPA, with an average of ₹11 LPA, and are placed at companies such as EY, Deloitte, KPMG, PWC, and Goldman Sachs. Pharmacy students have received offers up to ₹21 LPA, with an average package of ₹10 LPA, from companies such as Sun Pharma, Zydus Life, Merck, Cipla, and Glenmark.
The MST (Mathematics and Statistics Test) is the entrance exam for students interested in careers in data science, statistics, and analytics. It is the gateway to programs offered by the Nilkamal School of Mathematics, Applied Statistics & Analytics (NSOMASA), Mumbai. Graduates have been placed at companies such as Amazon, KPMG, Unilever, HDFC, and CRISIL, with top offers up to ₹22 LPA and average packages at ₹19 LPA.
The NLAT (NMIMS Law Aptitude Test) is for admissions to the School of Law. The school offers a five-year integrated Law and Management program, covering core subjects such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, and business subjects like Finance and Management. Graduates have been placed at leading firms such as Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, Trilegal, and HDFC Bank, with average packages at ₹10 LPA and top offers at ₹19 LPA.
How to Apply
To register for the NMIMS entrance exams (NPAT, NCET, MST, NLAT), follow these steps:
- Visit the official NMIMS application portal: https://apply.nmims.edu/
- Fill out the application form with the required details.
- Verify your email ID and mobile number.
- Log in again using your registered email ID and password.
- Select your entrance exam (NPAT, CET, LAT, MST), preferred school(s), program(s), and campus(es). You may apply to multiple programs and exams.
- Pay the registration fee.
- Schedule your exam based on your preferred date and centre. Please note: Slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
15, May 2025
Qlik Launches Open Lakehouse to Break Through Traditional Data Architecture Limits
Orlando, FL / Bengaluru, India, May 15, 2025 – Qlik®, a global leader in data integration, data quality, analytics, and artificial intelligence, today announced the launch of Qlik Open Lakehouse, a fully managed Apache Iceberg solution built into Qlik Talend Cloud. Designed for enterprises under pressure to scale faster and spend less, Qlik Open Lakehouse delivers real-time ingestion, automated optimization, and multi-engine interoperability — without vendor lock-in or operational overhead.
This marks a major step forward in the evolution of modern data architectures. As organizations accelerate AI adoption, the cost and rigidity of traditional data warehouses have become unsustainable. Qlik Open Lakehouse offers a new path: a fully managed lakehouse architecture powered by Apache Iceberg that delivers 2.5x–5x faster query performance and up to 50% lower infrastructure costs, while maintaining full compatibility with the most widely used analytics and machine learning engines.
“Performance and cost should no longer be a tradeoff in modern data architectures,” said Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik. “With Qlik Open Lakehouse, enterprises gain real-time scale, full control over their data, and the freedom to choose the tools that work best for them. We built this to meet the demands of AI and analytics at enterprise scale — without compromise.”
Qlik Open Lakehouse is built from the ground up to meet the scale, flexibility, and performance demands of modern enterprises — without the tradeoffs. It combines real-time ingestion, intelligent optimization, and true ecosystem interoperability in a single, fully managed platform.
- Real-time ingestion at enterprise scale: Ingest millions of records per second from hundreds of sources — including cloud apps, SaaS, SAP, and mainframes — directly into Iceberg tables with low latency and high throughput.
- Intelligent Iceberg optimization, fully automated: Qlik’s always-on adaptive Iceberg optimizer handles compaction, clustering, and pruning automatically, delivering up to 5x faster queries and 50% lower storage costs — no tuning required.
- Open by design, interoperable by default: Access data in Iceberg tables using a variety of Iceberg-compatible engines, including Snowflake, Amazon Athena, Apache Spark, Trino, and SageMaker — without re-platforming or reprocessing.
- Your compute, your cloud, your rules: Runs natively in your AWS VPC with Bring Your Own Compute (BYOC), giving you full control over performance, security, and cost.
- One platform, end to end: From ingestion and transformation to governance, data quality, and FinOps visibility, Qlik provides a unified lakehouse experience — no patchwork, no handoffs.
“Enterprises are increasingly adopting lakehouse architectures to unify data across on-premises and cloud environments,” said Matt Aslett, Director of Research, Analytics and Data at ISG Software Research. “Qlik Open Lakehouse, which leverages open standards such as Apache Iceberg, is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for real-time data access and multi-engine interoperability, enabling enterprises to harness the full potential of their data for AI and analytics initiatives.”
As AI workloads demand faster access to broader, fresher datasets, open formats like Apache Iceberg are becoming the new foundation. Qlik Open Lakehouse responds to this shift by making it effortless to build and manage Iceberg-based architectures — without the need for custom code or pipeline babysitting. It also runs within the customer’s own AWS environment, ensuring data privacy, cost control, and full operational visibility.
“Qlik Open Lakehouse initiative is a significant development we’re keenly watching,” shared David Navarro, Data Domain Architect at Toyota Motor Europe. “Large corporations like ours urgently need interoperability between diverse business units and partners, each managing its own technology stack and data sovereignty. Apache Iceberg is emerging as the key to zero-copy data sharing across vendor-independent lakehouses, and Qlik’s commitment to delivering performance and control in these complex, dynamic landscapes is precisely what the industry requires.”
Qlik Open Lakehouse is available now in private preview and is scheduled to be generally available in July 2025. Private preview is limited — early access is encouraged for teams looking to modernize ahead of GA. To learn more and request early access, visit our website or connect with us at Qlik Connect, May 14–17 in Orlando.
15, May 2025
Smart hiring platform Third Bracket raises close to Rs. 5 crore in seed funding
National, 15th May 2025: Third Bracket, a next-gen smart hiring platform, today announced that they have raised close to Rs. 5 crore in seed funding from a group of HNIs at a substantial valuation. The investment will fuel the venture’s mission to transform hiring through advanced AI capabilities, radically improve speed-to-hire and bring significant efficiencies to recruitment. Besides accelerating product innovation, expanding the AI engine that powers smarter, bias-free hiring, the funds will be used to scale operations to meet the growing demand from enterprises.
In his comments, Chhandan Chakraborty, Co-Founder, Third Bracket, said, “We didn’t start Third Bracket to just tweak the hiring process—we started it to rebuild it from the ground up. Talent is a company’s biggest differentiator, yet the way we hire is still riddled with inefficiencies, bias and guesswork. This funding allows us to double down on our vision of intelligent, inclusive and fast hiring—designed for modern teams. We’re not here to match résumés to job descriptions—we’re here to ensure every hire is the right hire while saving time and cost involved in talent acquisition.”
In under a year, the venture has gained traction in high-growth sectors such as FinTech and IT, partnering with a mix of unicorn start-ups and mid-sized enterprises to solve critical talent acquisition challenges.
15, May 2025
Naptapgo secures 2 crore pre-seed funding from Inflection Point Ventures
Delhi NCR, 15th May 2025– Naptapgo, a pod hotel startup redefining affordable hospitality, Naptapgo secures ₹2 Cr funding in Pre-Seed round from Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will be used to drive growth across key areas like franchise development, marketing, technology enhancements, and developing innovating techniques to enhance customer experience. This strategic investment will accelerate Naptapgo’s expansion across urban and religious hubs, strengthening its commitment to offering clean, affordable, and flexible accommodations at affordable price.
Naptapgo is pioneering a new hospitality model by providing affordable luxury through compact, efficient spaces. The startup operates in the NCR business city vertical and will expand to religious cities like Katra and Amritsar in FY26, aiming to reach 20 properties by FY27. Its innovative approach, including flexible check-ins, hourly stays, and sustainability-driven operations, sets it apart in the competitive hospitality market.
Founded by Nitin Malhotra (Founder & CEO) and Himanshu Shukla (Co-Founder & VP Ops), Naptapgo is backed by their extensive industry experience. Nitin, an MBA graduate from Symbiosis and incubated at IIML, previously founded 247around (acquired) and held leadership roles at Texas Instruments and ST Microelectronics. Himanshu, also incubated at IIML, brings deep hospitality expertise from his tenure at Chaayos, Taj, and Jaypee Resorts, supported by his hotel management background from IHM Lucknow. Together, they aim to disrupt the hospitality industry with innovative, guest-centric solutions.
Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO, IPV, says ‘The hospitality industry is at its peak with globalisation and digital connectivity, yet customer satisfaction has not kept pace. Over the time, hotel prices have surged while service standards have remained stagnant. NapTapGo is changing this by offering an innovative pod-hotel experience at an economical price without compromising on quality. Its accessibility and affordability for luxury spaces connects with millions of travelers seeking short-stay accommodations. At IPV, we believe NapTapGo is poised to tap into a massive market of travelers looking for smart, cost-effective lodging solutions”
Naptapgo’s rapid expansion is fueled by its unique operational model. Currently active in NCR, the startup plans to launch properties in Gurgaon, Bangalore, Mumbai, Katra and Amritsar, with a goal of 20 properties by FY27. The company’s ability to achieve 65% direct bookings through its website and WhatsApp channel underscores its customer-centric approach and operational efficiency.
A key strength of Naptapgo lies in its affordable luxury model, combining strategic location focus, compact efficiency, and flexible stay options through strong technology plugins. The company’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence ensures an optimized guest experience while maintaining cost efficiency. This innovative model has earned Naptapgo accolades such as “Franchisable Concept of the Year 2024” and “Best Booth of the Year 2024.”
Nitin Malhotra & Himanshu Shukla, Co-Founders of NapTapGo, says, “We have had an incredible journey with the IPV team, receiving constructive feedback that has strengthened our business framework. At Naptapgo, our goal is to be a significant player in the $1300 billion global hotel market, starting with India, and to redefine the perception of the Indian affordable hotel segment. Customer experience remains our key differentiator as we strive to create value for both our franchises and shareholders.”
Naptapgo has garnered significant industry recognition, including a strategic investment from Government of India PSU Balmer Lawrie and a notable endorsement from Anand Mahindra, who highlighted how the startup addresses the affordable hospitality challenge.
The Indian hotel industry is valued at $30 billion and is projected to grow to $55 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 10.8%. Globally, the market is worth $1300 billion, presenting a substantial opportunity for Naptapgo as it scales its innovative hospitality model.
15, May 2025
Tower 5 Success Reflects Strong Buyer Confidence at Piramal Revanta
Mumbai, 15th May, 2025: Piramal Realty, the real estate arm of the Piramal Group, proudly announces a significant milestone for its residential development in Mulund – Piramal Revanta. The project has achieved remarkable sales with over 1 Mn sq. ft. of residential real estate sold, firmly establishing itself as a benchmark for aspirational living in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs. Furthermore, the recently launched Tower 5 – Raynav witnessed a phenomenal response with over 50% of its inventory sold in just a few months, reflecting strong buyer confidence and sustained demand. Notably, Piramal Revanta continues to attract interest from the global Indian diaspora, with 15% of the units sold to NRI homebuyers.
As of April 2025, Towers 1, 2 and 3 have been delivered and over 600 families have been handed over their dream homes, reinforcing Piramal Realty’s commitment to timely construction and delivery. Keeping the momentum, Tower 4 is soon slated for handover.
Tower 5 – Raynav stands tall at 37 storeys, within a 3-acre private paradise (also known as Vana) which is part of an extensive 12-acre ecosystem at Piramal Revanta. It offers a range of spacious 2BHKs to 3BHKs + Study residences with decks. Raynav launched with a successful gross revenue of over ~350 Cr. This momentum was driven by the popularity of unique offerings such as the Lumina Collection and the Park Grove residences — a limited curated selection of premium residences featuring larger configurations, garden views, and private decks that cater to evolving family lifestyles.
“The strategic investments we have made over the years to transform Mulund into a premium residential destination are paying dividends. Piramal Revanta has emerged as a benchmark for elevated living in this micro-market, driven by its strategic location, design-led approach, expansive biophilia, and timely delivery. We are redefining low-density living in Mulund, ensuring that our residents experience not just spacious homes, but also an abundance of greenery and recreational spaces. The overwhelming response to the launch of Tower 5 has strengthened our confidence in maintaining this momentum and this success further strengthens our resolve as we prepare to launch the last tower at Piramal Revanta.” said, Mr. Abhijeet Maheshwari, CEO of Piramal Realty.
Offering unmatched connectivity, Piramal Revanta rests comfortably at the intersection of Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Marg and the upcoming Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR). Its residents enjoy sprawling views of ~25,000 acres of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)—a rare offering in the city’s dense urban fabric.
A standout feature of the development is Club Rasa — an opulent lifestyle and wellness clubhouse spanning ~20,000 sq. ft., which has already been delivered. A second clubhouse, spanning ~10,000 sq. ft., is under construction and is set to further elevate community living experience. Piramal Revanta redefines urban wellness with low-density planning, over 5.5 acres of amenities, 30% green spaces, and a focus on biophilic design in a city often lacking open spaces.
15, May 2025
Samarpan Becomes India’s First and Only CARF-Accredited Residential Rehabilitation Center
Mumbai, 15th May 2025: Samarpan, India’s premier residential rehabilitation center is proud to announce that it has received a Three-Year Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International for its Residential Program for Substance Use Disorders/Addictions (Adults). With this recognition, Samarpan becomes the first and only residential program in India and the second in entire Asia to earn this globally respected accreditation.
What makes this achievement especially significant is that Samarpan has reached this milestone in just three years since its inception, an extraordinary feat in an industry where CARF accreditation typically takes much longer to secure. The Three-Year Accreditation is CARF’s highest level of recognition and is only awarded to programs that demonstrate full conformance to over 1,500 rigorous international standards related to quality, safety, and outcomes.
Located in a serene, private estate near Pune, Samarpan is India’s premier residential rehabilitation center for adults dealing with substance use, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders. The center offers evidence-based, individualized care in a discreet, world-class facility that blends the comforts of a boutique retreat with the clinical sophistication of a global treatment provider. Samarpan’s model combines compassion, privacy, and professionalism, making it a preferred choice for discerning clients in India and abroad.
“Obtaining this accreditation places Samarpan among a global league of elite treatment providers,” said Martin Peters, Chief Operating Officer. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to clinical and ethical excellence and provides assurance to those seeking or referring to our services that we operate at internationally recognized standards. We’ve been working toward this since Samarpan’s inception. While this is a milestone, it also marks the beginning of continuous improvement.”
The accreditation journey has strengthened systems across the organization and reaffirmed Samarpan’s dedication to client outcomes and global best practices. The team now looks ahead to pursuing CARF accreditation for its growing Outpatient Services, powered by an expanding team of credentialed clinicians.
Obi Unaka, Chief Clinical Officer, added: “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our entire team. We thank our staff, clients, and stakeholders who made this possible. Together, we are raising the bar for behavioral health and recovery in India.”
CARF International is a globally recognized accreditor for health and human services, including behavioral health, rehabilitation, and addiction treatment. Their endorsement is considered the gold standard in the field and reflects an organization’s commitment to continuous quality improvement.
