Category Archives: Business

TEDx IIM Sambalpur: A Platform for Visionaries to Ignite Ideas and Inspire Change

24th February 2025, Sambalpur: IIM Sambalpur, one the premier management institute continues to inspire the aspirations of young future professionals by organising TEDx Talks at the campus. This exceptional platform unites a diverse array of visionaries from across India, sparking inspiration, innovation, and transformative ideas. Under the theme ANAGAT: The Unmanifested Future, this insightful and enriching event featured erudite speakers who shared their perspectives and wisdom, laying the foundation for growth, resilience, and meaningful success among students.

A distinguished lineup of luminaries from diverse fields like Maharaj Kunwarani Sahiba Nivritti Kumari, Founder , Vottary Mewar of Udaipur, Litisha Mangat Panda, Head of Business Digital, Odisha Television Group, Ella D Verma, First runner-up Miss Trans Queen 2023, Mohini Sharma, Founder Mrs India Inc, and Femme International Mrs India World 2016, Dr. Itisha Nagar, Professor in Delhi University, Padma Lakshmi First Transgender lawyer of Kerela, Anjana Tudu, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Commissionerate Police, Odisha, Rohit Shrivastav, Founder, FoodFindo, and Nomadic Narrator and Captain Dharamveer Singh, Founder FORCE, and Ambassador, graced the event with their valuable experiences and knowledgeable perspectives left the audience enriched and inspired.

Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur extended warm welcome and stated,” TEDx at IIM Sambalpur is a platform where ideas transcend boundaries, innovation takes centre stage, and intellectual curiosity is ignited. It is more like a catalyst for transformative thinking, fostering a culture where students engage with thought leaders, challenge perspectives, and reimagine the future. By bringing together visionaries from diverse domains, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders to push boundaries, embrace change, and drive meaningful impact in the world.”

 The insightful TEDx event was embraced by the presence of esteemed faculty members and university associates enriched the discussions, encouraging meaningful dialogue and fresh perspectives. The event left a lasting impact on the audience, empowering future thought leaders to embrace continuous learning.

Game On: Masaba Steps in as Cricket Strategist, Mumbai Indians Women Players Dive into Beauty World

Mumbai, 24th February 2025: LoveChild Masaba returns as the official partner of the Mumbai Indians Women’s Team for the second year in a row, and this time, the game is all about getting ‘Ghuss Ghuss Ke’ – but with a hilarious twist! The brand’s much-loved campaign featuring Masaba Gupta’s hands-on, detail-obsessed approach now makes its way onto the cricket field, as Mumbai Indians stars Harmanpreet Kaur, Yastika Bhatia, and Akshita Maheshwari take centre stage in a fun, light-hearted brand film.

In a playful turn of events, Masaba is seen ‘ghuss ghuss ke’ inserting herself into the team’s game strategy, much to the amusement of the Mumbai Indians players. As she passionately strategizes with the squad, suggesting bold moves and cheeky cricket tactics, the tables soon turn. Harmanpreet, Yastika, and Akshita decide to give Masaba a taste of her own medicine—‘ghuss ghuss ke’ right into LoveChild’s product development! From picking the “perfect” lipstick shade to critiquing the formulations with expert-level sass, the players hilariously take on Masaba’s detail-oriented ways, turning the beauty boss into the one being coached.

Masaba Gupta, Founder of LoveChild Masaba, shares, “Our partnership with Mumbai Indians Women is all about celebrating passion, involvement, and going all-in, whether it’s cricket or beauty. Much like Women’s cricket, with LoveChild its always been about pushing the envelope while keeping the ethos in place; making great hybrid products for all Indian skin tones, whatever it takes!”

A Mumbai Indians Spokesperson adds, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with LoveChild Masaba. The ‘Ghuss Ghuss Ke’ campaign brings out the shared spirit of passion, commitment, and fun that both our team and the brand embody. This playful film is a testament to how cricket and beauty can come together in an exciting way for our fans.”

“Our continued partnership with Mumbai Indians is an attempt to bolster our brand’s ever expanding retail presence and strengthen our brand message. As the worlds of Beauty & Sport collide, we’re excited to bring Masaba’s intricately curated approach with LoveChild products to the cricket field.”, says Pratik Mukherjee, Brand Head, LoveChild Masaba,

Koishii, St. Regis Mumbai Hosts Renowned Peruvian Chefs

The St. Regis Mumbai introduces the latest additions to its culinary team at Koishii, its acclaimed Nikkei dining destination. Peruvian Master Chef Willman Lan Thorne joins as Chef de Cuisine, accompanied by Chef Jesús Caballero as Sous Chef. Together, they bring a combined legacy of over three decades of expertise, passion, and innovation to the city’s vibrant dining scene.

Chef Lan’s 19-year culinary odyssey has taken him to the world’s most vibrant gastronomic destinations, from Lima to Dubai, Cairo, and Panama. A true innovator, he has perfected the art of blending Japanese, Nikkei, Peruvian, and Latin cuisines, earning acclaim at esteemed restaurants like Osaka, Blue Marlin Ibiza, Mezcal, and Noa Nikkei. Now, at The St. Regis Mumbai, Chef Lan continues to weave his culinary magic, crafting dishes that tell stories, evoke emotions, and delight the senses.

Chef Jesús Caballero brings over 16 years of experience, having honed his skills at top-tier restaurants across the globe, including Osaka in Chile, Onze in Dubai and Lebanon, and Ka Lounge in Chile. Chef Caballero’s culinary repertoire is rich and diverse, shaped by his time at Ko Asian Kitchen, Madame Tusan, and Sushi Express in Peru. With a proven record of innovation, menu creation, sushi bar management, and staff training, he has gained a reputation for seamlessly blending technique and creativity to deliver extraordinary dining experiences.

The arrival of Chefs Lan and Caballero marks a bold and new culinary chapter for Koishii, promising a refined yet adventurous gastronomic journey for discerning guests. Koishii will continue to embrace its Nikkei identity while the new menu expands to feature broader Latin American flavors, seamlessly blended with Japanese ingredients and techniques.

Dot Media Surpasses 100-Crore Revenue and Reveals New Identity to Shape Influencer Marketing Future

Mumbai, 24th February 2025: Dot Media, one of India’s fastest-growing influencer marketing agencies, is embarking on a transformative journey to align with its impressive business growth and evolving vision. The agency has surpassed the 100-crore revenue milestone and has unveiled a brand new identity with a dynamic logo, an innovative website and creatively empowered social media platforms. This brand facelift is designed to enhance user experience and engagement, further solidifying Dot Media’s position as a leader in the influencer marketing space.

Having expanded its talent alliances to over 160 creators and celebrities across various categories in India, Dot has recently launched a new vertical ‘Desi Videshi’ for NRI creators to scale its operations significantly in the global influencer domain. Today, Dot Media boasts of a solid clientele roster ranging from digital creators, reality & television celebrities and more. From a small team of 7 back in Kanpur, it now employs 145 professionals, showcasing its ability to attract top-tier talent and deliver impactful results.

Alongside its strategic business expansions, Dot Media has also unveiled its new brand identity that aligns with its future business objectives. With this rebranding chapter, Dot aims to expand into new creator categories and creative and brand communication centric verticals. The new logo, inspired by the beauty of geometry and the simplicity of a box, symbolizes the agency’s strong foundation and innovative spirit. Through this revitalization, Dot Media is positioning itself for even greater success, showcasing its growth and aspirations for the future.

Talking about this transformative exercise, Shubham Singhal, Co-Founder of Dot Media said, “This new identity represents the agency we’ve become and the future we’re building. Our business has grown exponentially with having recorded INR 100 crores in revenue in the last one year. Today, Dot has a strong hold in the influencer marketing category and has collaborated with over 750+ unique clients like Yas Island, Zee5 Global, MTR Foods, T20, T-Series, and boAt. This growth trajectory and transformation of Dot is a reflection of our dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions while staying true to our core values.”

Vaibhav Pathak, Co-Founder, Dot Media further added, “Our evolution is driven by our commitment to offer innovative, end-to-end solutions for our clients and talents. This new identity not only reflects our progress but also positions us to explore new opportunities, including an exciting foray into diverse categories and businesses.”

Om Singh, Co-Founder, Dot Media shared, “Our journey is about more than just growth—it’s about creating impactful, innovative solutions that resonate with audiences and strengthen our relationships with brands and creators. Our expanding presence, including forthcoming ventures into diverse sectors with a more fresh and refined brand identity, highlights our commitment to staying ahead of the curve.”

Actors’ Fitness Resolutions & Their Journey – February 2025

For actors, maintaining fitness is not just about looking good on screen—it is about staying strong, energetic, and mentally sharp. With demanding shooting schedules and unpredictable routines, setting fitness resolutions can be challenging. However, many actors remain committed to their goals, whether it is building strength, improving endurance, or adopting a healthier lifestyle alongside their professional careers. &TV artists share their fitness goals, the challenges of balancing workouts with hectic shoots, and the physical and mental transformations they have experienced. These include Vikram Dwivedi (Vishambhar Singh, Bheema), Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabhi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai).

Vikram Dwivedi, aka Vishambhar Singh from Bheema, shares, “My fitness resolution this year is to maintain my current shape for a lifetime. To achieve this, I have completely cut out sugar and focused on balancing my intake of carbs, protein, and fiber. I prefer a gym-free approach, relying on allied workouts that I practice daily, even amidst a hectic schedule. My fitness journey began in 2019 when I weighed around 58 kg. Today, at 70 kg, I have reached an ideal weight for my height. Since then, my body has undergone significant changes, with noticeable growth and strength in every part. This transformation has not only enhanced my physique but also boosted my overall health and well-being, keeping me motivated to stay consistent.”

Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “My fitness resolution this year is to maintain a healthy, well-functioning heart. I prioritize staying hydrated by consuming ample water throughout the day and carrying a bottle filled with fresh fruit or vegetable juice. Additionally, I incorporate regular meditation breaks between tasks to maintain a sense of relaxation. Despite occasional cravings, I consciously try to avoid junk food, opting instead for a diet rich in leafy greens, fresh vegetables, fruits, and milk. I encourage everyone to prioritize healthy eating habits to support overall well-being and ensure proper hydration for a healthier lifestyle.

” Vidisha Srivastava, aka Anita Bhabhi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “Fitness, for me, is not just about looking good but feeling strong and energetic every day. This year, I am focusing on a well-rounded approach—keeping my body and heart healthy with regular cardio, prioritizing hormonal balance by listening to my body, and strengthening my core for overall wellness. I also believe in making fitness fun! Whether it is trying new dance workouts, hiking, or simply enjoying a mindful yoga session, I want to keep it sustainable and enjoyable. Most importantly, I remind myself that progress matters more than perfection. Small, consistent efforts lead to lasting results, and that is my mantra for a healthier, happier me!”

Watch your favorite artists in Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!

India Should Lead the World with Philosophical AI

24th Feb. 2025, Gandhinagar, Gujarat When India started developing its own GenAI LLM (Large Language Model), AI Expert and Tech Analyst Mr Sumant Parimal believes that India should lead the world with Philosophical AI (Artificial Intelligence), where India gives thought leadership and philosophy on AI opportunities, particularly targeted towards people, governments and businesses problems.

While participating in an AI panel discussion at IIT Gandhinagar during the CoLab 2025 event recently, Mr. Sumant Parimal, Chief Analyst of 5 Jewels Research at Innogress spoke about the need for clear thought, leadership, and philosophy for developing various AI technologies and applications and suggested the need for targeted AI solutions for various problems mankind and businesses are facing. “AI developments should be targeted and focused towards removing poverty, climate change, and natural calamities risks, removing inefficiencies and enabling other ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) & SDG goals. India is known for its philosophies and its thought leadership; hence India should lead the World with Philosophical AI, in which AI Technology development should follow philosophical thought leadership on AI” said Mr Sumant Parimal while giving his thought in the AI Panel discussion at IIT Gandhinagar during recently held CoLab 2025 event.

While addressing a question on the framework of AI adoption by enterprises Mr Sumant Parimal said “AI should be adopted in a such a manner that organizations should become autonomous, running in auto pilot mode, making CxOs- CEO, COO, CFO, CMO etc. invisible, which shall fasten enterprises response towards the changing business and market needs”.

On a question on the emerging AI skill sets required for the industry such that educational institutions like IITs/NITs adapts to that Mr Parimal added “While coding part of the AI development may get automated with the time, but data management skill sets and business domain related skill sets are going to be most critical for making industry to adopt AI technologies and applications in the successful way. Today AI systems development faces unique challenge to gather and harness reliable and unbiased data sets, which can be used for training various AI models including LLMs. Various types of data sets are spread across various sources in multiple formats, we need large number of data analyst, data managers, and business analysts to harness useful data sets and to bring it into the ambit of AI Systems and AI models for giving strategic business outcomes. Industry also needs emerging skill sets on Quantum Cybersecurity and Quantum-AI for making early adopting of Quantum Computing in industry”.

While addressing IIT Gandhinagar students Mr Sumant Parimal emphasized the need to develop Techno-Business skill sets, which essentially means engineering students should not only limit their new knowledge to AI Technologies, but should also learn about the key challenges businesses and the world are facing, and how to align their new AI solution developments with those emerging needs of the businesses and the world.

Indian Engineer Ashok Virmani Honored with ASHRAE F. Paul Anderson Award in Orlando

New Delhi, February 24, 2025 – Mr. Ashok Virmani, Advisor to Shinryo Suvidha Engineers India Pvt. Ltd., has been honored with the 2025 F. Paul Anderson Award from ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers). The award, which represents the society’s highest recognition for exceptional contributions to the global HVAC&R industry, was conferred upon him during the 2025 ASHRAE Winter Conference held in Orlando, USA.

Mr. Virmani is the first Indian to receive this prestigious award, which highlights his remarkable leadership in advancing energy efficiency, engineering excellence, and sustainable practices in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) sector. The F. Paul Anderson Award is named after F. Paul Anderson, the 1927-28 President of the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, and is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to ASHRAE and the HVAC&R industry.

On receiving the award, Mr. Ashok Virmani said, “I am deeply honored to receive the F. Paul Anderson Award from ASHRAE at the Winter Conference in Orlando. I would like to thank ASHRAE for this esteemed recognition, and it is satisfying to note that my contributions to the global HVAC sector over the years have been recognized. As the industry continues to evolve, I remain dedicated to advancing solutions that address its future challenges.”

Mr. Ashok Virmani is a life member of ASHRAE and currently, Advisor to Shinryo Suvidha Engineers India Pvt. Ltd. He has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing HVAC practices in India and internationally. He founded Suvidha Engineers India Pvt Ltd in 1983, and under his leadership, the company became a recognized leader in delivering cutting-edge HVAC solutions in India. In 2018, the company was acquired by Japanese HVAC major, Shinryo Corporation and renamed Shinryo Suvidha Engineers India Pvt. Ltd.

At present Shinryo Suvidha Engineers India Pvt. Ltd. employs over 400 professionals across nine locations in India, offering comprehensive HVAC solutions, including design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning. The company has successfully executed numerous projects in India and abroad, with a focus on providing high-quality HVAC products such as chillers, cooling towers, and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems.

Taufiq Qureshi Clarifies: ‘I Don’t Want Ustad to Be Used in My Name

Mumbai, 24 February 2025: “I don’t want Ustad to be used in my name,” renowned Indian percussionist, Taufiq Qureshi, said, at fourth edition of ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025.

He and equally celebrated Bikram Ghosh refused to use Ustad and Pandit, respectively, with their names.

Both Taufiq Qureshi and Bickram Ghosh, known for their fusion and classical collaborations, left the audience amazed with their ideas, experiences, and musical prowess at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025.

Speaking in the session, ‘Wah Ustads: Magic at Their Fingertips’, Taufiq Qureshi said, “During our childhood, we were given honest feedback and guidance from gurus at home.”

“In my house, we had already covered A to Z of percussions, A for Alla Rakha and Z for Zakir Hussain.” Taufiq Qureshi said on being asked about the pressure of being a part of legacy. “I didn’t feel any pressure growing up. I feel fortunate that I was born in a family which has such rich musical legacy. So, very early in my career, I tried to create my own identity and music and succeeded.”

“With legacy comes responsibility, which can be overwhelming but you gradually find your voice”, said Bickram Ghosh.

“I performed my first concert at the age of 9, and I was immensely praised. But when I returned home, I was debarred from performing for next 10 years so that I don’t get used to attention.” Bickram Ghosh said speaking about the values and discipline instilled from childhood. “In one of my early performances, I was told by someone in live audience that I didn’t perform as well as my father. My father advised that I have to create my own sound instead of following him.”

Taufiq Qureshi added, “Once I was accompanying someone in a musical concert early on. After returning home, my father asked me were you accompanying or playing solo?”

Talking about his musical philosophy, Taufiq Qureshi, said, “The rhythm is always inside us. We have to feel the tempo and rhythm in our hearts that we have learnt.” Bickram Ghosh added, ““All rhythms of the universe resonate in the microcosm of our heart”

Speaking about reinventing themselves, both voiced their willingness to bring percussions to the youth, saying, “We want youngsters to follow our music.”

Speaking about their collaboration for the recently released Ramta album, Bickram said, “A table and percussion based album has released after a long time. Taufiq and I released independent albums 25 and 24 years ago, respectively. This time we have come together to present something unique to the audience.”

Zouk Names Kriti Sanon as Brand Ambassador

Mumbai, 24th February 2025: Zouk, a proudly Indian lifestyle brand, welcomes National Film Award winner Kriti Sanon as its Brand Ambassador. Known for her effortless style and strong connection to modern Indian fashion, Kriti perfectly embodies Zouk’s vision of blending tradition with contemporary design.

Zouk has redefined bags by infusing them with Indian craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and modern functionality. With this collaboration, the brand aims to further strengthen its presence in the bag space, reaching more consumers who appreciate style with functionality.

Disha Singh, Founder of Zouk, shared her excitement about the partnership, stating, “Kriti’s confidence and authenticity make her a great fit for Zouk. She represents the modern Indian consumer—someone who values heritage but also embraces contemporary trends. With her on board, we’re excited to introduce Zouk to even more people.”

Pradeep Krishnakumar, Co-Founder of Zouk, added, “Partnering with Kriti Sanon is a big step forward for us. Her influence and love for Indian craftsmanship align perfectly with our vision of creating stylish, functional, and thoughtfully designed handbags.”

Kriti Sanon expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Zouk’s approach to design instantly resonated with me. Their bags beautifully blend traditional Indian elements with modern aesthetics. I love brands that tell a story, and Zouk does that effortlessly. I’m excited to be part of this journey and represent a brand that truly celebrates contemporary Indian fashion.”

With over 12 lakh happy customers, Zouk continues to expand its presence both online and offline. The brand has opened exclusive stores in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Lucknow, and Gurgaon, bringing its unique designs closer to consumers. Strengthening its commitment to functional and stylish everyday essentials, Zouk has also recently launched its women-first luggage line, designed to cater to modern Indian travelers.

Lenzing Showcases Textile Innovation at Bharat Tex 2025, Boosting India’s Global Presence

Delhi, February 2025:Lenzing Group, a global leader in wood-based specialty fibers, successfully concluded its participation at Bharat Tex 2025, reinforcing its commitment to India’s evolving textile landscape. The event served as a pivotal platform for collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from spinners to brands and highlighting the integration of the entire supply chain.

At Bharat Tex 2025, customers explored the innovative world of TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers at the Lenzing booth, experiencing firsthand how these fibers are setting new standards in sustainability and performance. Visitors engaged with a comprehensive selection of products crafted withTENCEL™ Lyocell A100, TENCEL™ Lyocell LF, TENCEL™ Lyocell x Micro, TENCEL™ Lyocell Fill, and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Black. These fibers enhance fabric versatility, blend-ability, insulation, and color fastness, making them ideal for applications across fashion, home textiles, and performance wear. The response from Indian garment makers, mills, brands, and designers was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the growing demand for eco-conscious and high-performance fibers in categories such as denim, home textiles, intimate wear, and traditional Indian apparel like sarees and kurtis.

Jayaraman, Vice President – Global Sales– “Bharat Tex 2025 has been a phenomenal platform that truly reflects the dynamism and innovation of India’s textile industry. The engagement we’ve seen—from mills to brands, from emerging designers to global buyers—underscores India’s pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable textiles. At Lenzing, we are proud to support this transformation with cutting-edge fiber technologies, and the strong collaborations here reaffirm India’s growing role in responsible textile manufacturing”

Avinash Mane, Senior Commercial Director – AMEA & NEA, Lenzing Fibers, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Bharat Tex 2025 has once again proven to be a remarkable platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Our innovations continue to align with the diverse needs of the Indian textile industry, combining sustainability with advanced fiber solutions. We look forward to strengthening our relationships and driving the future of responsible textiles in India.”

Additionally, Bharat Tex 2025 facilitated meaningful discussions with international buyers, signaling new opportunities for Indian-made textiles featuring Lenzing fibers in global markets. This trend is set to strengthen India’s position as a key player in sustainable textile manufacturing.

Bharat Tex 2025 has once again proven to be a landmark event, uniting the entire textile value chain and showcasing India’s growing influence in the global textile industry. This platform has sparked invaluable collaborations, fostered innovation, and reinforced the industry’s commitment to sustainability. As we conclude this edition, Lenzing celebrates the meaningful conversations, partnerships, and progress made toward a more responsible and resilient textile future. The success of Bharat Tex 2025 is a testament to India’s dynamic textile ecosystem, and we look forward to continuing this journey together, driving sustainable growth and innovation for years to come.