17, Jun 2025
Backed by Goa, Spintly Receives Certificate of Appreciation under Startup India Mission

17th June 2025: Spintly, a startup based in Goa founded by two engineers focused on simplifying access control, has evolved into a global solution for smart buildings and secure spaces. Its wireless, cloud-based system now positions it as one of India’s fastest-scaling IoT ventures.

 Startup India Mission

Last week, Spintly was recognized at the Sankalp Se Siddhi celebration—marking 11 years of the Modi Government and one year of Modi 3.0—with a Certificate of Appreciation under the Startup India Mission for its contribution to innovation and entrepreneurship. The certificate was awarded by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, whose leadership has strengthened Goa’s vision of becoming an innovation hub. It marks a moment of pride not just for the founders but for the growing startup ecosystem in Goa.

Co-founders Malcolm Dsouza (CTO) and Rohin Parkar (CEO), didn’t just build a product—they built belief. It was one of the first recipients of the Seed Capital Scheme under Startup Policy, a state-backed initiative administered by the Startup and IT Promotion Cell under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications. That initial investment helped them build, test, and grow, long before venture capital arrived.

“This recognition reflects the passion and perseverance of our team. Building world-class tech from Goa has always been our vision, and the state gave us both the foundation and the launchpad to grow,” said Malcolm Dsouza, Co-founder and CTO of Spintly.

Today, Spintly operates from Goa and the U.S., has raised ₹50 crore from investors across India and abroad, and is valued at ₹300 crore. But the real story is bigger: Goa is becoming more than just a place to unwind, it’s becoming a place to build.

With rising infrastructure, access to funding, and a startup community that’s gaining momentum, Goa is emerging as a preferred startup destination in India. And as Spintly shows, the next big innovation can come from right here.

16, Jun 2025
Sun Neo’s ‘Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani’ Turns Metro Rides into a Magical Journey

SUN

In today’s entertainment world, it’s no longer just about what you watch—it’s about where and how you experience it. As storytelling becomes more immersive, finding unique ways to connect with audiences in the real world is important. And when it comes to everyday life in India, few things are as constant as the metro. That’s exactly where Sun Neo is making a mark with its latest campaign for Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani.

Taking this idea to heart, the show made a powerful impression in Delhi by turning metro rides into a world of mystery and emotion. Commuters were greeted by the chilling voice of Karn Mohini (played by Kavita Banerjee) whispering “Sab Maaya Hai…”, and the spiritual strength of Divya (played by Megha Ray) saying, “Mayavan ki Karn Mohini aur uski maaya ki hogi haar, kyunki kan kan mein basa hai Mahakal.” These audio teasers sparked curiosity and gave listeners a taste of the gripping story to come.

Sharing her excitement about this fresh approach, Megha Ray said, “It’s magical to connect with people in such an unexpected way. The metro is where everyday stories unfold—and now, ours joins that space. It’s a beautiful way to build a connection with the audience even before our show Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani airs on Sun Neo.”

Kavita Banerjee, who plays the mysterious Karn Mohini, added, “My character thrives on illusion and mystery, and this campaign brings that alive. The voice, the echo, the surprise element—it draws people in. It’s a creative and bold way to spark interest even before the show launches on Sun Neo.”

The story follows Divya, a young girl from Ujjain, whose life changes magically when destiny brings her face to face with Prem. Set between two realms—one of light and one of darkness—this tale weaves mystery, love, and ancient powers. As their paths intertwine, a forgotten past begins to influence their remarkable journey. Watch Divya Prem: Pyaar aur Rahasya ki Kahani premiering on Sun Neo from 16th June 2025.

16, Jun 2025
Canara HSBC Life Ropes In Jasprit Bumrah and Sanjana Ganesan as Brand Ambassadors

Canara HSBC Life Insurance signs Indian cricket icon Jasprit Bumrah and celebrated sports presenter Sanjana Ganesan as brand ambassadors

Bangalore , India | June 16, 2025 — In a country where music is not just entertainment but a way of life, Mastercard is turning up the volume. As India’s live music and performing arts scene experiences a dynamic resurgence, it is evolving beyond traditional genres to embrace a rich tapestry of artistic expression. The blend of Bollywood ballads, classical ragas, improv comedy, and diverse stage formats reflects a cultural renaissance that unites people across generations, languages, and geographies.

Tapping into that passion to create truly priceless moments and experiences for its millions of cardholders, Mastercard has entered a landmark collaboration with EVA Live, one of India’s premier live entertainment companies, to bring over 20 unforgettable performances to cities across India from October to December 2025.

jasprit

The excitement kicks off on October 30 in Mumbai with global pop icon Enrique Iglesias, marking his return to India after 13 years. Fans can then enjoy soul-stirring performances from A.R. Rahman and high-energy sets from DJ Tiësto among other global stars. Each performance promises a vibrant celebration of rhythm, culture, and connection. For Mastercard cardholders, these are more than just performances—they are gateways to exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

This marks Mastercard’s first-ever performing arts sponsorship asset in South Asia, and with exclusive rights in the payments category, the collaboration ensures cardholders enjoy unmatched access, visibility, and privileges throughout the series. It is available to Mastercard cardholders from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and those willing to travel from other parts of the world.

Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard, said: “India’s love for entertainment—especially music—is unparalleled, deeply emotional, spiritual, and cultural. Mastercard’s partnership with EVA Live is designed to create unforgettable moments that connect with people’s hearts and leave lasting memories. At the same time, it strengthens brand engagement and fuels the passion economy.”

A Symphony of Benefits for Mastercard Cardholders:

  • Early access to tickets during presale
  • A 10% discount post-presale
  • Access to Mastercard’s signature Priceless Experiences, including artist meet-and-greets and exclusive Mastercard lounges
  • Tickets can be purchased using all Mastercard cards – credit, debit, or pre-paid

Julie Nestor, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, added, “Mastercard has built a powerful global legacy of connecting people to priceless possibilities—through our long-standing collaboration across a range of passion categories globally, including music and entertainment. This collaboration with EVA Live extends this legacy to India in a way that’s immersive, inclusive, and deeply rewarding for our cardholders.”

Deepak Chaudhary, Founder & Managing Director, EVA Live, said, “This seminal collaboration with Mastercard heralds a transformative era for live music in India. By synergistically combining our proven expertise in executing large-scale, impactful events with Mastercard’s expansive global footprint and unwavering commitment to delivering priceless experiences, we are poised to significantly elevate the national live music scene and cultivate deeper connections between fans and the artists they deeply admire.”

With more legendary artists to be announced, Mastercard is orchestrating a cultural movement—one that brings Indian fans closer to the entertainment they cherish.

Mastercard is a long-time supporter of the music industry. Building on its sponsorships of the GRAMMY Awards®, Latin GRAMMY Awards® and BRIT Awards, Mastercard has created countless innovative, inclusive Priceless Experiences connecting fans and artists. The brand even launched an album titled Priceless® through a collaboration centered on mentoring rising artists.

16, Jun 2025
Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card Unveils Surreal New Ad Film, Narrating the Origin of Extraordinary

New Delhi, 16th June, 2025: Since its grand launch at the historic Gateway of India in December, the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card has made a remarkable impact on the industry. Following its meteoric rise, the brand has now launched a short film that narrates the origin story of the card. Designed to cater to the needs of its discerning members, Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, powered by Visa, is forged to introduce a ‘new you’.

The visually stunning brand film takes viewers on a surreal journey through dreamlike landscapes and transformative moments, embodying the visionary concept behind the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card. It beautifully narrates the card’s origin story, emphasizing its unique position as a premium offering designed for those who seek the exceptional.

“Born from the powerful convergence of The Times of India Group’s legacy of trust and influence with ICICI Bank’s unwavering banking heritage, the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card is rapidly establishing itself as a legacy of distinction in the world of premium banking. The film subtly highlights this powerful synergy, underscoring the card’s foundation of heritage and innovation.” said Harshita Singh, Business Head – Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card.

This informative film is an elegant, self-explanatory piece designed to articulate the core proposition of Times Black. This multifaceted video clearly defines what the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card is, what it offers, and what it truly means to own one. Beyond enhancing brand perception, the film is intended to serve as a powerful communication tool, helping audiences understand the card’s unique positioning and aspirational value with clarity and conviction.

Ramakrishnan Gopalan, Head – Products & Solutions, India & South Asia, Visa, added, “Today, true luxury is not just in premium materials or exclusive access; it’s about creating meaningful moments that elevate everyday experiences. Visa is proud to be the partner of choice powering the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card with our worldwide reach and superior global standards of security and excellence. This co-created film captures the very essence of what the card stands for – convenience, curated experiences and the consumer at its center.”

This film represents a joint commitment to redefining what premium means in the fintech space: a seamless blend of heritage, innovation, and personalization that anticipates our members’ needs before they even arise. We’re not just launching a credit card; we’re crafting a new standard for how discerning individuals engage with their finances and experience the world.

16, Jun 2025
Bajaj Allianz Life Offers Fast-Track Claims Support After Ahmedabad Tragedy

Chandigarh, June 16, 2025: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, one of India’s leading private life insurance providers, expresses its deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic aircraft crash in Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. In response to this unfortunate incident, the Company has activated special measures to assist families of its policyholders affected by the crash.

Understanding the immense challenges faced by the affected lives assured’s families during this difficult time, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has established a dedicated special claims settlement desk to prioritize the processing of death and disability claims for its customers impacted due to this tragedy. With utmost urgency, an expeditious process has been established to swiftly settle these policy claims.

To simplify the process, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has listed a minimal documentation process that nominees, legal heirs or policyholders need to submit to process their claims. In case the Death Certificate is not immediately available, a certificate issued by the municipal authority or hospital will also be accepted to initiate the claim process along with nominee KYC and bank mandate. Claims can be notified, and details can be submitted through any of the following convenient modes:

16, Jun 2025
Tanishq Unveils ‘Radiance in Rhythm’ Diamond Collection Celebrating Bold Design & Craftsmanship

Chandigarh 16, June, 2025: Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the House of Tata, presents its latest natural diamond collection Radiance in Rhythm. Crafted with expertise, soul, and storytelling, this collection draws inspiration from the modern muse: the woman who is distinct, discerning, and effortlessly ahead of the curve. Radiance in Rhythm is more than jewellery; it is an expression of her—shaped by artistry and told in sparkle.

Designed for the woman who leads with conviction and creative force, Radiance in Rhythm is an ode to bold self-expression. She doesn’t just walk in—she arrives, turning every moment into an entrance. With an innate sparkle, impeccable taste, and a flair for the extraordinary, she captivates effortlessly. Her individuality shapes this collection. Tanishq diamonds honour her spirit through intricate design and masterful craftsmanship—jewellery that speaks her language: powerful, personal, unforgettable.

tanishq

Building on this spirit of self-expression, the Radiance in Rhythm collection distinguishes itself through exceptional diamonds and design excellence. Each piece is a masterclass in craftsmanship, from the superior quality of natural diamonds to the thoughtful design language and unique setting styles. The collection features a rich array of precious and semi-precious gemstones, including emeralds, citrine, aquamarine, tsavorite, malachite, tanzanite, and amethyst, arranged in design distinguished and innovative patterns. Prominent settings such as pavé, prong, channel, snow-pave, bar, and plate prong settings enhance the brilliance of every stone. Beautiful modulations, including the use of fancy-cut diamonds in select designs, add a distinctive sparkle. Artisanal techniques like bunching, beading, and custom-cut stones elevate the collection further. In a bold step forward in design innovation, Tanishq introduces its first-ever signature gemstone engravings — The Tanishq Cut and The Origin Cut — as a part of the Radiance in Rhythm Collection. These iconic cuts mark a thoughtful evolution in Tanishq’s design journey and refined approach to gemstone artistry.

With every curve of gold and sparkle of natural diamond, Radiance in Rhythm celebrates the woman’s inherent sparkle by offering her the finest diamond designs she truly deserves. Going beyond statement necklaces, the Radiance in Rhythm collection presents a thoughtfully curated ensemble of contemporary pieces — from chandelier earrings and finger rings to pendant sets and bangles — providing versatility for every occasion and style. At the heart of the collection lie Tanishq’s natural diamonds, among the rarest in the world. Only 5% of natural diamonds meet the exceptional standards required for this selection. Each diamond is handpicked for its brilliance, purity, and perfection, meticulously chosen to ensure flawless symmetry and precise cuts. These diamonds deliver unmatched sparkle, making every piece a true celebration of excellence and craftsmanship.

Speaking on the launch, Revathi Kant, Chief Design Officer said, “With Radiance in Rhythm, we wanted to redefine the boundaries of diamond design—creating a deeply personal collection, unapologetically modern, and exquisitely crafted. Each piece is a reflection of a woman’s inherent sparkle, strength, and individuality. Rare natural diamonds are hand-selected, and every setting is designed with precision, merging bold form with expressive detail. From striking silhouettes to unexpected gemstone pairings, every element is intentional. This is not just jewellery—it is a celebration of self, shaped by craftsmanship and created to honour confidence in its most radiant form.”

16, Jun 2025
Carrum Mobility Expands partnership with Uber

Mumbai, 16 June 2025: Carrum Mobility, the fleet-management services company and part of the CarDekho Group, strengthens its partnership with Uber to manage the fleet for its premium offering ‘Uber Black’ category.

As part of the initial rollout, Carrum has deployed over 250 SUVs across Delhi NCR and Mumbai. This collaboration reflects Carrum’s aim to focus on service excellence, advanced fleet management systems, and professional driver training protocols, aligning with its vision of sustainable, technology-driven urban mobility.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Karan Jain, Founder of Carrum, said, “We are pleased to take our partnership with Uber to another stage, as we strengthen our value offering of fleet management services to Uber for its category ‘Uber Black’. The expansion reinforces trust and confidence in our partners.

Commenting on the partnership, Aditya Kapoor, Head, Supply and Electrification, Uber India and South Asia, said, “At Uber, we are dedicated to providing premium riders an exceptional experience through our Uber Black category. Our partnership with Carrum Mobility strengthens our ability to deliver consistent, high quality service with premium comfort.”

Carrum aims to ensure a good standard of service by putting in place daily inspections of both vehicles and driver partners. The company has dedicated teams and tech-enabled systems to monitor and manage performance across its fleet.

To ensure quality service and professionalism, Carrum has implemented training and grooming programs for drivers under this segment. These include clearly defined operating procedures, uniforms, and training sessions. Additionally, there is a certain reward and recognition programs for drivers who adhere to quality and service protocols.

16, Jun 2025
Aamir Khan blessed Darsheel Safary’s film debut, Salman Khan blesses his OTT Debut, ‘Gamerlog’ on Amazon MX Player

MUMBAI, India–June 16, 2025: When Bhaijaan speaks, the world listens. This time, Salman Khan’s words of praise are for the team behind Gamerlog— Amazon MX Player’s latest and most unique offering yet. Featuring Darsheel Safary and Anjali Sivaraman in the lead, the series is produced by Abhinay Deo, Neeta Shah, Bharat Kumar Shah, and Yug Deo under their banner RDP Pulp Fiction Entertainment and directed by Arya Deo.

Gamerlog dives deep into the high-stakes, emotionally-charged world of competitive E-sports — a universe that has never been explored in a fiction web series or film.

Gamerlog _ Salman Khan

This marks the first time that a mainstream Indian series tackles the world of gaming in such a grounded, dramatic, and relatable way. Gamerlog also marks the OTT debut of Darsheel Safary, making it an even more anticipated launch. The recently released series has already been met with enthusiastic responses, with viewers praising its fresh take, compelling characters, and emotional depth.

In a special reveal moment, Salman Khan unveiled the official poster of the series and extended his best wishes to the entire team. “Congratulations to all of you, very nice,” said Salman, as he pulled back the curtain on the vibrant poster — applauding producers Abhinay Deo and Neeta Shah, director Arya Deo, and Arya’s proud father Ajinkya Deo.

‘Gamerlog’ is as much about “the log” as it is about gaming. Their struggles, their emotions, and their conflicts between each other and with their families, only to make a mark in the competitive world of E-Sports.

16, Jun 2025
India’s Piyush Choudhary and Taarushee Tarun Selected for NBA and FIBA’s Basketball Without Borders Asia 2025 in Singapore

Taarushee Tarun

India’s rising basketball talents, Piyush Choudhary and Taarushee Tarun, have been selected to participate in the prestigious Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia 2025 camp, organized by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). The camp will take place in Singapore from June 19 to 22, bringing together the top 30 boys and 30 girls aged 17 and under from across the Asia-Pacific region. BWB, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, was previously held in Singapore in 2010.

BWB Asia 2025 will bring together 30 boys and 30 girls ages 17 and under from across Asia-Pacific to learn directly from current and former NBA and WNBA players and coaches and compete alongside their peers from across the region. The campers will also take part in life-skills, leadership development and social responsibility programming.

Piyush Choudhary, a national-level player from Rajasthan, has represented his state for over three years and comes from a proud basketball lineage. His father, Ranjeet Singh, is an international player and his brother a national-level athlete. With six years of competitive experience, Piyush has already earned five medals at national tournaments, including three golds at the Youth and Junior National Championships in 2024. He has also been selected for five India national camps across U16, U18, and senior levels.

Taarushee Tarun, a 16-year-old power forward from Bangalore, Karnataka, is among India’s top young basketball prospects. In 2024, she was selected for the Under-18 Indian National Camp and named MVP at the Under-16 Nationals in Kolkata. Her performance earned her the prestigious Khelo India Scholarship for 2025, recognizing her as an emerging national talent.

16, Jun 2025
DCVMI Inaugurates New Manufacturing Plant in Cikarang

Chennai – Daimler Truck today marked a significant milestone in its regional expansion with the opening of Daimler Commercial Vehicles Manufacturing Indonesia (DCVMI)—a cutting-edge greenfield manufacturing facility located in the Cikarang Industrial Area, Indonesia. This strategic investment underscores Daimler Truck’s long-term commitment to Southeast Asia, tailored to meet the region’s dynamic and evolving mobility needs.

The new DCVMI plant spans 15 hectares and has an annual production capacity of 5,000 Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses. With a total investment of IDR 500 billion, this facility embodies Daimler Truck’s commitment towards strengthening the commercial vehicle industry in Indonesia and serves as a cornerstone of the company’s regional growth strategy—acting as a hub for vehicle assembly and distribution across key Southeast Asian markets. What sets this initiative apart is its collaborative foundation, rooted in the precision of German engineering, the strength of Indian manufacturing, and the insight of Indonesian market experience.

dcvmi

India plays a pivotal role in this regional synergy. The new Indonesian facility will be seamlessly supported by Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), based in Chennai, which will supply high-quality Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits. DICV’s proven excellence in cost-efficient, world-class manufacturing ensures operational efficiency and supply chain resilience, while optimizing localisation and scalability.

Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, emphasized the plant’s significance as part of Daimler Truck’s long-term strategy in Southeast Asia. “India remains a cornerstone of our global export strategy. Leveraging Indonesia for the ASEAN region is about expanding our reach, not shifting our focus. As DICV becomes further integrated into Daimler Trucks’ global manufacturing network, we will play a key role in building capabilities in Indonesia—transferring knowledge, developing talent, and strengthening the regional ecosystem.”

The opening of DCVMI’s new factory is a concrete realisation of the “Bigger and Better” vision. More than just expanding the scale of its facilities, this step also brings improvements in agility, improved workflow, and the resilience of solutions for customers in Indonesia. This initiative affirms the company’s commitment to providing commercial vehicles that truly meet local market needs, from production efficiency and service reliability to the ongoing adoption of innovation. The collaboration between Daimler’s global technology and the strength of the local Indonesian team serves as a solid foundation, ensuring that every product supports the business growth of customers throughout Indonesia.

“The integration of India’s advanced manufacturing capabilities into our Southeast Asian operations highlights our unified global approach,” Satyakam said. “By combining German engineering excellence with India’s production strength and deep Indonesian market understanding, we are creating a robust platform for long-term success in the region,” he added.

The plant will continue producing flagship models such as the Mercedes-Benz Axor Trucks: 2528 CH, 4928 T, 4028 T, 4023 T, 2528 RMC, 2528 CX, and 2528 C, as well as Mercedes-Benz bus chassis: OH 1626 L and OH 1626 S, specifically designed for the Indonesian market.

Sankaranarayanan Ramamurthi, President Director of DCVMI, stated that the inauguration of the plant marks a new growth phase for DCVMI in Indonesia. “This plant is not merely an addition to our infrastructure—it is a manifestation of our vision to make a tangible contribution to Indonesia’s economy, empower local communities, and build a stronger industrial ecosystem. Each unit produced here reflects not only engineering excellence but also the spirit of collaboration and our confidence in Indonesia’s future. We are committed to continually creating job opportunities, innovating, and contributing to growth in and for Indonesia,” he explained.

DCVMI’s new plant in Cikarang adopts an integrated manufacturing system under one roof, enabling more efficient and streamlined production processes. It is equipped with a test track to simulate various road conditions and an advanced paint booth to enhance paint quality, all aligned with Mercedes-Benz’s global manufacturing standards.