1, Apr 2025
inDrive Transforms India’s Mobility Landscape with Its Unique Ride-Booking Model

India, 1 April 2025: inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has redefined mobility in India through its unique model. The company has pioneered the ‘Set your Fare and Choose your Driver’ in India, which allows passengers to decide the price, driver, and type of vehicle, irrespective of the smartphone model, battery time, and other parameters. This is unlike other ride-hailing services, where pricing is determined by AI models and algorithms. Global ride hailing giants and homegrown startups in India are now adopting inDrive’s model which is a testament to its astounding success.

The company clocked a 18% year-on-year (Y-O-Y) increase in rides across India in 2024. The company attributes its success to its unique model which ensures greater customer satisfaction compared to other models.

Pavit Nanda Anand, Communication Lead-APAC, inDrive said: “We launched inDrive in India 6 years back with the ‘Set your Fare and Choose your Driver’ model. inDrive was the first ride hailing player in the market to bring such a feature which enables people to offer their fare and choose the drivers based on driver ratings, vehicle model, pick up time and distance. The Indian consumer has shown a strong preference for this feature, which provides fare flexibility and customized ride options. It’s inspiring to see that both established RH giants and emerging Indian RH startups are recognizing the value of this unique feature and are exploring similar features to achieve their product-market fit. inDrive remains the pioneer of the fair pricing model, making it the second most downloaded app globally and the fifth most downloaded app in the travel category.”

inDrive has been the world’s second-most downloaded ride-hailing app for the third year in a row, according to leading market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. It also ranks as the fifth most downloaded app globally in the travel category. Globally, the inDrive app was downloaded over 6.1 million times in December 2024 alone.

“inDrive is built on fairness, creating an ecosystem where both passengers and drivers thrive. They decide the price and choose their ride themselves. This is the reason why our users, both passengers and drivers love us and every ride with inDrive is a happy ride.” she added.

1, Apr 2025
Society Tea Steps into Sports: Sponsors Billiards Champion Venkateswaran Subramanian for Global Glory

India, 1st April 2025 – Society Tea, a brand synonymous with excellence and tradition, proudly announces its partnership with Indian billiards sensation Venkateswaran Subramanian (Raja) as he competes on the global stage at the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) Championship, set to take place from April 12 to 16, 2025, in Ireland. In a gesture of unwavering support, Raja will sport the Society Tea logo on his waistcoat, symbolizing a bond that goes beyond sponsorship—one of trust, encouragement, and shared values.

Raja Subramanian - 2

Venkateswaran Subramanian (Raja), a name that stands out in the Indian cue sports arena, has carved an inspiring journey marked by unwavering dedication and skill. Rising from local circuits to representing India on the global stage, he embodies perseverance and excellence. Remarkably, Raja is among the very few sportsmen who, despite facing multiple disabilities, competes against the world’s top able-bodied cueists, demonstrating exceptional resilience and determination.

Chintan Shah, Director, Society Tea, expressed his enthusiasm for the association, “Raja is more than just a champion in his sport—he is family. We have seen his journey up close, and supporting him as he represents India on the global stage is an absolute honor. At Society Tea, we believe in standing by our own, and Raja is a perfect example of that. We are proud to support him in this journey and look forward to celebrating his achievements as he represents India at the IBSF Championship.”

Expressing his gratitude, Venkateswaran Subramanian (Raja) said, “India has secured an impressive 45 World Championships in the twin sports of Billiards and Snooker, showcasing its rich legacy of excellence. It is truly commendable that Society Tea is stepping forward to support and promote this magnificent sport, setting an example for corporate backing in the sporting arena.”

1, Apr 2025
Drape Yourself in Festive Grace: Rangriti Unveils Its Chand Mubarak Eid Collection

chand

From dressing your best to gifting your loved ones with special eidi, Rangriti celebrates joy and happiness with its beautiful Eid collection that is a combination of unique ethnic, contemporary fusion wear, and Indo-Western styles. Celebrations become even more special and memorable with the fashionable silhouettes and voguish designs that enriches your ethnic vibe. From dazzling mix-and-match, stylish traditional, all-time classics, dresses, festive wear, and matching bottoms, Rangriti is one stop destination for all your festive shopping experiences.

The Colour of Hope

Your Eid celebrations come to a climax when you dress for the D-day in Rangriti’s Emerald Green Embroidered Anarkali Kurta Set. The lightweight Chanderi fabric and intricate embroidery flow gracefully for a flattering silhouette. Ideal for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, this set steals the show with its stunning amalgamation of traditional craftsmanship and modern flair.

The Colour of Excitement

Make your rozas brighter with our Red Tiered Color Block Kurta Set that is not just comfortable but also gives off a luxurious look. The Chanderi fabric in vibrant hues with elegant embellishments creates a sophisticated and polished aesthetic. The complementary churidaar and a printed dupatta make your celebrations even more grand and opulent.

1, Apr 2025
From Impressions to Performances: Aditya Syal Shares His Acting Evolution in Exclusive Interview

ishq

While some stumble upon their passion, others seem born for it—like Aditya Syal, who plays Vyom in Ishq Jabariya on Sun Neo. Aditya’s journey into entertainment began long before he stepped onto a television set, and he recently shared how it all started.

Speaking about the artistic influence his family had on him, Aditya said, “My father was involved in theatre in Nainital, working with renowned artists such as Nirmal Pandey and acclaimed NSD actors like Idris Malik. So, I grew up in a household filled with creativity. Since childhood, I’ve been doing voice-overs, mimicking famous actors, capturing their voices, and closely observing people around me. Sometimes, I would mimic Amitabh Bachchan, sometimes Farhan Akhtar, and sometimes even my teachers and friends. My journey started with imitation, but over time, I became serious about acting.”

Recalling an early moment that ignited his passion, Aditya shared a fond childhood memory: “When I was in fifth grade, I visited Mumbai during my holidays. At the time, there was a popular show called Boogie Woogie, and my father’s friend, who was a writer for the show, noticed my playful nature. He said, ‘Your son is very mischievous; I think he should say a fun punchline about Nag Panchami as a filler with Javed Jaffrey and Naved.’ I was thrilled and immediately agreed! When I performed, it was done perfectly in just one take. That day, I felt an undeniable excitement, a spark that hinted at my future in acting.”

The Ishq Jabariya actor also shared the moment he realized the power of being on screen: “After my three-month winter vacation in Mumbai, I returned to school, and my classmates told me, ‘Hey, we saw you on Boogie Woogie!’ That was the moment I understood how even a small appearance on television could leave an impact. I thought, ‘If such a tiny role can make a difference, imagine what would happen if I pursued this seriously.’ Thankfully, my family supported me. My mother was also into English theatre—she performed in plays by Anton Chekhov and Shakespeare and had a passion for modeling as well. So, I guess, from both sides, art and creativity were always in my blood.”

Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo at 10:00 PM, is an engaging love story centered around Gulki, a determined young woman with big aspirations. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Dipshikkha Nagpal, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in key roles, bringing depth and emotion to this captivating narrative.

1, Apr 2025
Action-Packed Polo Tournament: Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 Set to Dazzle Fans

Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup:

  • The annual Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 is India’s premier polo tournament, attracting some of the finest players from both India and around the world.
  • This prestigious event honors the late Shri Aditya Vikram Birla’s deep passion for horse riding and polo and was created to celebrate his love for the sport. In 2018, the Aditya Birla Group, in collaboration with the Amateur Riders Club, launched an annual National Polo Championship to inspire polo enthusiasts both in India and globally, fostering a greater appreciation for this magnificent game.
  • Over the years, the Annual Championship has evolved into a prestigious tournament, attracting numerous dignitaries and celebrities.
  • For the 2025 finals of the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup, the Aditya Birla Group has partnered with the Army Polo & Riding Centre in New Delhi.

 Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025: the game

  • The Grand Finale of the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 was nothing short of thrilling, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The esteemed trophy was lifted by the Rajnigandha Achievers consisting of Dino
  • Dhankhar, Shamsheer Ali, Abhimanyu Pathak, Bk Mr Daniel Otamendi after a fiercely contested match against Jindal Panther.
  • The coveted cup was presented to the winning team, Rajnigandha Achievers, by Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Honourable Vice President of India, Mrs Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, The Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiative and Rural Development and Mr Askaran Agarwala, Group Advisor, Birla Group Trusts and special community projects.
  • Jindal Panther team consisted of Naveen Jindal (captain), Hurr Ali, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Bk Mr JP Clarkin
    This year’s edition featured three teams battling it out, with polo enthusiasts cheering for their favourite team.
  • Participating teams included Jindal Panther, Rajnigandha Achievers, and Cavalry Royal Enfield.
31, Mar 2025
Amazon MX Player’s ‘First Copy Team’ Cast – Gulshan Grover, Munawar Faruqui, Krystle D’Souza, and Others – Spread Festive Cheer on Mohammed Ali Road During Ramzan

MUMBAI, India–March 31, 2025: The holy month of Ramzan is synonymous with togetherness, celebration, and, of course, mouth-watering dishes. Joining in the festivities the cast of Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming service’s highly anticipated series, First Copy, made sure to embrace it all. Taking a flavourful trip to Mohammed Ali Road, one of Mumbai’s most iconic food hotspot, the cast, including Gulshan Grover, Munawar Faruqui, Krystle D’Souza, Meiyang Chang, Saqib Ayub and Ashi Singh, joined the revelry in full swing at Shalimar Hotel. They not only indulged in the city’s most-loved Ramzan delicacies but also soaked in the vibrant festive atmosphere, celebrating the true essence of the holy month. From biryani to malpuas and phirni, the cast savoured it all with fans gathered in excitement, catching glimpses of the stars as they shared laughter, stories, and bites of Mumbai’s finest festive fare.

gulshan

The visit comes amidst growing anticipation for First Copy, which was officially announced at Amazon MX Player’s flagship event, StreamNext, in January, earlier this year. With Munawar Faruqui making his acting debut alongside a powerhouse ensemble, the buzz surrounding the series only continues to grow. With the stars embracing the spirit of Ramzan, their visit to Mohd Ali Road only heightened fans’ excitement, making the upcoming crime saga one of the most awaited releases of the season.

31, Mar 2025
India’s First Ghibli Ad by CashKaro Challenges ‘Bakwas Coins’ and Celebrates True Cashback Rewards

India, 31 March 2025: CashKaro, India’s leading cashback platform, has unveiled India’s first-ever Ghibli-style advertisement, delivering a playful yet hard-hitting message about the inefficacy of coin-based cashback. The animated campaign takes a cheeky dig at coin apps, emphasizing that “Coins Are All Bakwas, Real Cashback is CashKaro Ke Paas.”

In an era where many platforms lure users with virtual coins that often have complex redemption value, limited usability or expiry dates, CashKaro reinforces its promise of real cashback — directly credited as real money via UPI that users can transfer to their bank accounts. The visually stunning ad, inspired by the iconic Studio Ghibli animation style, sets a new benchmark in digital advertising with its unique storytelling approach and vibrant, hand-drawn aesthetics.

Swati Bhargava, Co-founder of CashKaro and EarnKaro, said, “People are tired of earning Cashback coins that feel more like a gimmick than real savings. Today’s consumers see through marketing fluff and focus on the real value, not just flashy cashback coins that are hard to use. At CashKaro, we give users ‘Real Cashback’ — real money that can be transferred to the bank accounts and actually spent, rather than being stuck with coins and points that have restrictions. Over the years, we have returned more than ₹1,000 crore in real cashback to our users, proving that savings should be tangible and beneficial. This campaign is a fun yet powerful way to reinforce that CashKaro is the real cashback king.”

Ishan Agarwal, Director – Brand & Creative at CashKaro and EarnKaro, added, “We are always looking out for creative ways to connect with our audience, and this campaign is a perfect example of how storytelling can make an impact. The idea behind this campaign was to blend art with advertising. The Ghibli-style animation is not just visually stunning but also helps us deliver our message in a fun, engaging, and memorable way. In a market flooded with apps that offer coins with limited usability, we wanted to highlight how CashKaro stands apart by providing real cashback that users can spend. This campaign cuts through the noise, grabs attention, and helps in connecting with the audience with more lighthearted and visually striking content.”

31, Mar 2025
WeSchool Triumphs at the 32nd Inter-B-School Cricket Tournament, Leading the Charge for Holistic Education in IMPACT 2025

Mumbai, March 31, 2025: The 32nd edition of the IMPACT Cricket Tournament, hosted by Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), recently concluded at Matunga Gymkhana, Mumbai.

As one of the most prestigious inter-B-school sporting events, the tournament saw outstanding participation from 12 leading business schools, competing in 33 matches over two weeks.

runner

The grand finale witnessed an intense contest between WeSchool and Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management, with WeSchool securing the championship title. The winning team was awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000, while the runner-up received ₹25,000 and a trophy.

Individual excellence was also recognized, with Pranesh Dhuru (WeSchool) earning the Man of the Match title. Jatin Shelke (Lala Lajpatrai) was named Best Batsman, while his teammate Vinay More dominated the awards, winning Best Fielder, Best Bowler, and Player of the Tournament.

Reflecting on the significance of such events while handing over the awards, the Group Director of WeSchool, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe remarked, “Sports is not just an extracurricular activity; they are integral to management education. They raise the bar for teamwork, leadership, and decision-making, qualities that every manager needs. At WeSchool, we believe in fostering not only academic excellence but also the physical and emotional intelligence that sports brings to the table.”

31, Mar 2025
Rajiv Lakshman Joins Infinitum Network Solutions as Group Head, Intellectual Properties

Rajiv Lakshman, Group Head, I.P, Inifinitum Network Solutions

Infinitum Network Solutions, a rapidly growing Indian content network reaching audiences in over 160 countries, today announced the appointment of renowned content creator Rajiv Lakshman as Group Head, Intellectual Properties. This strategic association brings together one of India’s most celebrated media personalities with Infinitum’s ambitious vision for expanding its IP portfolio across multiple platforms. Lakshman, widely recognised for co-creating iconic youth formats including MTV Roadies and MTV Splitsvilla, brings more than two decades of experience in developing successful television and digital formats. His appointment represents a transformative development for Infinitum’s content strategy as the company continues its evolution from a traditional multi-channel network to a comprehensive global ambassador for Indian creativity.

“Rajiv’s exceptional track record in creating formats that resonate with Indian audiences across diverse cultural backgrounds perfectly complements our mission to help talented creators grow from non-metro, tier 2, tier 3 cities, and bring their voice to a global stage,” said Satyadev Chada Krishna, Founder of Infinitum Network Solutions. “His expertise in developing IP that captures the zeitgeist of Indian youth culture will accelerate our mission of taking Indian stories to the world while building a versatile content portfolio that spans children’s programming to thrillers and romantic comedies.”

Founded in 2017 in Hyderabad, the company has successfully positioned itself as a hybrid organisation that combines content creation capabilities with digital marketing expertise, completing over 400 projects and delivering results for more than 300 brands worldwide.

“Infinitum’s innovative approach to content creation and distribution represents the future of Indian digital media on the global stage,” said Rajiv Lakshman. “I’m excited to join an organisation that has achieved such impressive global reach while staying true to its Indian roots. Together, we’ll create compelling intellectual properties that showcase India’s cultural richness while transcending boundaries. By reaching out to creators from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, we aim to create opportunities for young talent across diverse languages and regions, empowering them to grow, build careers, and establish a launchpad for the next generation of content creators.”

Lakshman’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Infinitum as the company expands its original content offerings across multiple formats and platforms. His experience transitioning from traditional television to OTT platforms mirrors Infinitum’s evolution as a hybrid entity that bridges conventional media production with digital distribution while amplifying Indian voices globally.

31, Mar 2025
Leadership and Business Excellence at the Forefront: IIM Raipur’s New MDPs to Empower Professionals

Mumbai, 31th March, 2025: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners has unveiled its line-up of immersive Management Development Programs (MDPs) for April & May 2025. These development programs are scheduled from 4th April 2025 to 8th May 2025.

These short-term, high-impact programs are tailored to equip professionals, executives, and business leaders with advanced knowledge, strategic insights, and leadership capabilities essential for navigating today’s dynamic business environment. A special Faculty Development Program (FDP) titled “FDP on Classroom Communication for Teachers” is also scheduled from 30 Apr – 02 May 2025, to enhance the classroom delivery of teachers.

IIM Raipur

Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, shared, “Our MDPs are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and expert-led discussions, these programs will enable professionals to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth within their organizations. Each programme is crafted by experienced faculty, combining research-backed strategies with interactive methodologies for an engaging learning experience.”

The curriculum will focus on domains like Strategic Management, Communications and HRM & OB. The MDPs will be conducted by esteemed faculty members, combining academic rigor with real-world applications.

The programs are curated around Franchising for Business Growth, Communicating with Franchisees, and Enhancing Employee Performance & Well-Being Through Leadership, Justice, Support & Spirituality, each designed to enhance the participant’s skills with practical knowledge for navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape.

These programs offer a valuable platform for professionals to engage with leading academicians, gain industry-relevant knowledge, and develop a strategic mind-set. Participants will benefit from interactive discussions, case studies, and practical frameworks that can be applied directly to their organizations.