The Future of Free Entertainment in India: Amazon MX Player’s StreamNext Reveals 100+ New Shows

The first edition of Amazon MX Player’s – StreamNext event featured global marketing leaders like Sir Martin Sorrell, Benedict Evans and prominent entertainment industry personalities. The star-studded event showcased the evolving landscape of content consumption in India and how Amazon MX Player is becoming a transformative partner to advertisers for building strong and memorable brands. Amid stellar appearances by Bobby Deol (Aashram 3), Suniel Shetty & Jackie Shroff (Hunter 2), Remo D’Souza & Malaika Arora (Hip Hop India 2), Ashneer Grover (Rise and Fall) and more, Amazon MX Player showcased its remarkable slate of over 100 new shows for 2025.

“Today’s gathering is all about bringing together the vast reach of Amazon MX Player, with ad tech that leverages Amazon’s trillions of customer signals,” said Girish Prabhu, Head of Amazon Ads India. “It’s about enabling all brands, not just the ones selling on Amazon, to reach and deliver relevant advertising to over 250 million unique users in India. It’s about directly measuring outcomes from the very top of the funnel to the very bottom. Full funnel advertising is here!”

With hit Originals, reality shows, and MX Vdesi content that includes K-dramas, Mandarin, Turkish shows and more, Amazon MX Player is one of India’s largest entertainment destinations. “There is no other streaming service in India that offers such a massive selection of content for free,” said Karan Bedi, Head of Amazon MX Player.

Bedi also highlighted that the MX Player app is one of the most downloaded apps in India with over 1.4 billion downloads on Play Store. In addition, Amazon MX Player can be seamlessly accessed across a wide range of surfaces including India’s largest eCommerce app Amazon.in, on Prime Video, and Fire TV. This widespread availability ensures that customers can enjoy shows on their preferred channel. “Amazon MX Player is uniquely positioned to drive the shift from linear television to video streaming, its reach is already at par with some of the leading general entertainment channels in India.”

Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, unveiled an exciting lineup of more than 100 new shows set to launch in 2025, including 40 new Hindi originals and returning seasons of India’s beloved and award-winning shows like Aashram, Hunter, Jamnapaar, Half CA, Hip Hop India, Sixer, Who’s your Gynac and Playground. New series with innovative story lines were also announced, such as Bhay centering around an Indian paranormal investigator, The Titan Story, which tells an inspiring tale of India’s first super brand, along with a new reality show – Rise and Fall, a unique competitive format where players begin as equals, vying to become a ruler or remain a pauper. Viewers can also look forward to a new MX Vdesi series every week, dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, alongside an extensive movie library. Dusad shared how the service leverages deep consumer insights to craft fresh storylines that are rooted and authentic, while rapidly experimenting with new content formats. “We are committed to keeping India entertained—free of charge!”

The event also showcased the marketing fraternity an expanded suite of new interactive and shoppable ad formats for Amazon MX Player. These formats include in-stream shoppable ads where viewers can browse a product during ad breaks, immersive formats where brands can effectively communicate their message. Viewer interaction with such native ad formats is 6-7 times higher as compared to other industry offerings. “Our audiences are highly engaged viewers and we have a strong understanding of their shopping patterns, an advantage that only Amazon MX Player can provide. Even brands that don’t sell products or services on Amazon can connect to customers through this premium world of content and by levering our first-party shopping signals, to enhance their campaign effectiveness”, said Aruna Daryanani, Director, Amazon MX Player. Om Jha, Director of Media & Partnerships at PepsiCo, shared insights on how the service has contributed to their brand’s success.

University of Southampton Delhi Launches Prestigious Scholarships for Indian Undergraduate and Graduate Students

National, 31st January 2025: University of Southampton Delhi has announced two prestigious scholarship schemes, Delhi Presidential Scholarship and Future Talent Scholarship.

These are competitive scholarships for aspiring undergraduate and graduate Indian students with an aim to recognise, nurture and encourage exceptional talent. Eligibility criteria information and scholarship applications will be available in the last week of February to all those applying to study at the University from August 2025.

The Delhi Presidential Scholarship is a competitive scholarship awarded to one undergraduate and one graduate and covers tuition fees for the entire course duration. Aspiring students must exhibit continuous academic rigour and exemplify the University’s community spirit and values to attain the scholarship and to sustain it throughout their respective course duration. The recipients of the scholarship will be announced in June 2025 for the graduate programme and in July 2025 for the undergraduate programme.

The Future Talent Scholarship is a competitive scholarship designed and offered by University of Southampton Delhi for up to 12 undergraduate and graduates, offering INR 220,000 contribution towards the first-year tuition fees. The scholarship is available to applicants across all the six programmes offered by the University for August 2025 entry. Recipients will be awarded based on strong past academic achievements and their scholarship application. The shortlisted recipients will be announced in two tranches, in June 2025 and then in July 2025.

Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, said: “We are proud to offer these scholarships, which are designed to recognise and reward academic excellence and will provide real, tangible support for students embarking on their higher education journey.

“A considerable proportion of tuition fees will be invested in scholarships making it possible for many of those who enrol to receive financial support when they meet our academic excellence or widening participation criteria.

“By studying at University of Southampton Delhi, students will be part of a global academic community, with access to the same high-quality resources, expert faculty, and UK-style education that Southampton is renowned for.

“These scholarships will empower our students to excel in their academic pursuits and become future leaders and innovators, prepared to make a lasting impact on society.”

Pre Budget Expectation Quotes by Experts

 Pankaj Dhingra, Managing Partner, FinTram Global LLP

“Budget 2025 presents an opportunity to make tax filing more accessible and transparent for everyone. Leveraging AI-based income tax systems can not only streamline processes but also help identify fraudulent practices efficiently, ensuring fairness and accountability.

Further, revising outdated tax slabs and increasing the 80C deduction – that has remained unchanged for years – will provide a much-needed relief to taxpayers.

Next, to boost entrepreneurship, introducing tax holidays and other benefits for startups and young entrepreneurs can provide the necessary impetus for innovation and job creation for common man.

Additionally, reducing GST on education to 5% will make learning and skilling more affordable, empowering students to invest in their future.

If implemented thoughtfully, these measures can create a simplified, inclusive, and growth-oriented tax framework for all.”

Mike Capone, CEO, Qlik

“The AI race won’t be won by creating the most sophisticated model; it’ll be won by embedding AI into business systems to generate tangible economic value. Global leadership in AI should be measured by its application, not just its invention.”

Niranjan Nayak, Managing Director,  Delta Electronics India 

 We are optimistic about measures to propel India’s technology and AI sectors, which are pivotal for the nation’s economic transformation. Advancements in AI, machine learning, and digital infrastructure are driving global competitiveness, and this budget presents a unique opportunity to reinforce India’s leadership in these domains.
Opportunities such as higher R&D incentives, policies to promote AI adoption across industries, and investments in digital upskilling will help build a future-ready workforce. Upgrading digital infrastructure—particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—could effectively democratize access to technology and spur regional growth.
By incentivizing sustainable technologies and AI-driven solutions for energy management and manufacturing, economic growth can be aligned with environmental goals. A robust focus on collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector will be key to accelerating India’s journey toward becoming a global technology hub.
At Delta Electronics India, we are committed to supporting India’s digital ambitions through innovative, energy-efficient solutions that empower industries to achieve operational excellence and sustainability.”

 “We want Union Budget 2025, to focus on driving India’s transition to a greener, more sustainable economy. At Delta Electronics India we are particularly keen on seeing robust measures aimed at accelerating the growth of the EV sector, which plays a pivotal role in reducing the country’s carbon footprint. We are positive about the upcoming budget and are expecting it to offer good incentives to facilitate the growth of EV infrastructure, particularly charging networks, which is an essential element for such wide adoption.
One of our major expectations is the implementation of financial incentives and tax rebates that would promote both public and private investments in EV charging infrastructure. This would form a good foundation for the adoption of EVs throughout the country. Furthermore, we expect to see more focus on public-private partnerships, which will help ease the process of charging station rollouts, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where infrastructure development has been relatively slow.
We also look forward to increased funding on R&D initiatives that push energy-efficient technologies, especially in making renewable integration with the infrastructure for EVs. This will not only meet the objectives of Delta in supporting an enhanced greener India but most importantly ensure long-term sustainability and innovation.
We are looking forward to a budget that not only supports the EV ecosystem but also puts India at the forefront of global sustainable energy and mobility. And at Delta, we will be committed to actively playing a part in this transformation, building a sustainable future for India.”

 “India stands at the unique juncture where the demographic dividend has offered an unparalleled opportunity for nations economic growth and for social transformation. The Union Budget 2025-26 can support the nation potential, particularly through sectors like electronics and telecom that are critical to India’s technological and economic future.

To add more value and increasing the domestic production, the government can expand the scope of PLI schemes to cover a broader range of components and technologies. Strengthening the supply chain ecosystem with focused investments in infrastructure, skill development, and capacity building will be important. Research and development incentives through tax benefits can accelerate innovation and make India a global leader in advanced technologies.

We also believe that sustainability should form the core of India’s growth strategy. The government can introduce benefits and reform in form of performance-based incentive system to recognize companies that consistently exceed environmental standards and investing continuously in sustainable practices. Expedited environmental and forest approvals, clearances, and permits to such organizations will not only encourage sustainable practices but also attract long-term investments.

At Delta Electronics India, we align our efforts with the nation’s vision for a self-reliant and sustainable economy. A bold and inclusive budget that supports domestic manufacturing, technological innovation, and sustainability will pave the way for India to become a global manufacturing and technology hub, driving economic resilience and environmental stewardship for years to come.”

Ms. Rachna Kango, Senior Director, ESG and Strategic Marketing, Delta Electronics India

 “The Union Budget 2025 presents a fantastic opportunity to accelerate India’s energy transition and bolster its energy security. To meet the ambitious 2030 target of achieving 500 GW renewable energy capacity, enhanced budgetary allocations for emerging sectors like offshore wind and green hydrogen are crucial. Viability gap funding and financial support for solarizing MSMEs can drive wider adoption of clean energy solutions.

Incentives for the domestic manufacturing of solar panels, cells, and storage batteries will further strengthen the “Make in India” initiative and reduce import dependency. Additionally, a comprehensive energy transition policy is needed to outline a clear roadmap for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and integrating diverse energy sources for a balanced energy mix. Such measures will play a pivotal role in advancing India’s renewable energy goals and ensuring sustainable growth.”

 Kalpana Apte, Director,FPA India

“The Union Budget 2025-2026 should facilitate the required resources for initiating HPV vaccination among eligible young girls under 15 years of age, in India, besides scaling population-based screening for cervical cancer among eligible women, through capacity building of mid-level providers, investment in HPV DNA testing and technology to improve the quality of screening in the outreach.

FPA India, has been actively engaged in promoting public awareness and action to prevent cervical cancer through our ongoing campaign Race To Erase Cervical Cancer.

We have provided over 1000 doses of HPV vaccines and more than 20,000 screenings for cervical cancer since the launch of the campaign in September 2023.

We envisage stepping up the campaign to complement and supplement the efforts of the Government of India towards early diagnosis and complete treatment for improving cervical cancer survival rates.

Budgetary allocation for procurement of HPV vaccines, roll-out of the vaccination drive through a targeted communication campaign, coupled with investment in highly sensitive screening tests and competency-based training of providers in the screen, triage and treat protocols in the public sector, will be a game-changer for improving equity and access to Cervical Cancer prevention in India.”

Ruchi Sogarwal, Director, Corporate Affairs – Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd

“The upcoming Union Budget 2025-26 holds immense potential to strengthen the pharmaceutical sector and position India as a global pharmaceutical leader. By increasing public healthcare spending, fostering innovation through public-private partnerships, and investing in advanced research and development, the government can accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge therapies. These initiatives will enhance internal capabilities, drive drug discovery, and improve the accessibility of innovative medicines. Additionally, a robust allocation towards healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, will ensure that quality care reaches underserved regions. We are optimistic that this budget will build upon the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthier India while ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all.”

Naresh Kumar, Director of Sigma-HSE (India) Pvt. Ltd

We anticipate the Union Budget to emphasize industrial safety and compliance, particularly in high-risk sectors like oil & gas, chemicals, and manufacturing. Increased budget allocations for safety initiatives, stricter enforcement of compliance standards, and subsidies for safety audits, training, and equipment are critical expectations. Tax benefits for industries investing in advanced safety protocols and equipment can further encourage proactive adoption of risk mitigation measures. Additionally, policy frameworks that mandate periodic safety audits and promote global best practices will create opportunities for service providers to support industries in achieving compliance and operational excellence.

The sector also looks forward to government incentives for digital transformation in safety, including the adoption of IoT, AI, and predictive analytics for risk management. Support for R&D in innovative safety technologies and skill development programs for safety professionals can address talent gaps and drive innovation. Including safety equipment manufacturing under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme would boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. By addressing these areas, the Union Budget can foster a culture of safety, enhance industrial resilience, and support sustainable growth for process safety services providers in India.

Gaurav K Singh, Founder and Chairman- Womeki Group

The Indian real estate sector is a vital contributor to the GDP. The upcoming budget will focus on various measures to boost growth, affordability, and sustainability. The industry is expecting policies promoting affordable housing, rationalisation of GST, and incentives to promote green real estate. For Delhi NCR, infrastructure development and smart city initiatives remain key. Better road networks, metro expansion, and seamless connectivity to Delhi and surrounding areas will further enhance the region’s position as a top real estate investment destination. The growing commercial and luxury residential segments highlight the need for reforms which enable ease of doing businesses and streamlined approvals. The real estate market will reach new heights if the upcoming budget addresses these areas, attracting domestic and international investors. With supportive policies, Delhi NCR is poised to remain at the forefront of India’s real estate growth.

Kapil Garg, Managing Director, Asian Energy Services Limited

“The oil and gas sector has experienced considerable momentum in recent months, and sustaining this growth hinges on focused policymaking in the Union Budget 2025. First and foremost would be the passage of the Oilfield (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, which can mark a turning point for the industry. The proposed changes will expedite approvals, simplify arbitration processes, and particularly benefit unconventional hydrocarbons like shale and coalbed methane, improving not only investments but also enhance resource utilization. Collaboration between public and private players must also be a priority. Initiatives like OLAP, DSF, and PEC have demonstrated the benefits of partnership in unlocking India’s hydrocarbon reserves. Expanding these frameworks and incentivizing private participation will further boost domestic production and reduce import dependency. The recent collaboration between ONGC and BP in Mumbai High can serve as a blueprint for public-private synergies for technological innovation and enhanced production outputs going ahead.

Another important aspect to consider is the need to rationalize gas pricing formulas to minimize price distortions faced by producers and consumers under the existing multi-pricing mechanisms. By adopting a more streamlined formula that aligns with previous frameworks linking gas prices to crude oil benchmarks, India can enhance accessibility to cleaner fuel. These moves would be even more effective if implemented alongside the long-pending inclusion of oil and gas in GST, particularly natural gas. Its implementation would simplify taxation, improve the fuel’s competitiveness, and foster greater adoption of natural gas as a cleaner energy source, in line with India’s energy transition goals. The industry would also benefit from capital allocations for expanding midstream infrastructure, including pipelines and gas terminals. India’s current pipeline network, at approximately 20,000 kilometers, falls short of meeting future demand. Expanding this network and modernizing fuel transport infrastructure are critical to de-bottlenecking supply chains and unlocking production potential in newly explored basins.

Sri Kumaraswamy Mineral Exports Boosts Akshaya Patra Foundation’s Efforts with Vehicle Donation

Bengaluru, Jan, 31st 2025: In a significant boost to its mission of feeding school children, The Akshaya Patra Foundation today received a generous donation of two delivery-vehicle vans from Sri Kumaraswamy Mineral Exports Private Limited. The handover ceremony took place at the company’s Cunningham Road office, marking a pivotal moment in the partnership.

Each of the donated vans has the capacity to carry 5,000 meals, extending the foundation’s reach to approximately 90 government & government-aided schools in the Bellary area. This contribution will play a crucial role in ensuring timely and safe meal deliveries to thousands of children, aiding their educational journey.

Mr. Dhananjay Ganjoo, Chief Resource Mobilization & Marketing Officer at The Akshaya Patra Foundation, attended the event. Expressing gratitude, Mr. Ganjoo stated, “This generous donation from Sri Kumaraswamy Mineral Exports Private Limited greatly enhances our logistical capabilities to serve children better. It is through such partnerships that we can continue to make a significant impact.”

The Akshaya Patra Foundation thanks Sri Kumaraswamy Mineral Exports Private Limited for their commitment to supporting child nutrition and education.

Addressing Supply Chain Challenges in the Indian Furniture Industry: Expectations from the Union Budget

By-Mr. Tushar Verma, Executive Vice President, REHAU

India’s furniture industry, valued at approximately ₹1.9 lakh crore in 2024, is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. According to the Furniture Industry Outlook Report 2024, this sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13-15% over the next five years. Yet, despite this remarkable growth, the industry faces significant supply chain challenges that hinder its true potential. As the Union Budget approaches, stakeholders in the furniture manufacturing ecosystem are eagerly awaiting measures that could help overcome these obstacles and drive the sector towards sustainable growth.

Polymers Manufacturing Challenges in India
The polymer manufacturing sector in India faces several significant challenges that hinder its growth and global competitiveness. One of the primary issues is raw material unpredictability, as fluctuations in global oil prices directly impact the cost of key inputs, creating financial strain for manufacturers. Additionally, the industry grapples with a shortage of skilled labor, limiting its ability to optimize production processes and adopt advanced technologies. Energy shortages further compound the problem, with frequent disruptions in power supply significantly affecting the energy-intensive polymer production processes.

Another critical challenge is the increasing focus on environmental regulations related to polymer waste, which demands significant investments in research and development to create sustainable solutions. The need to comply with global standards and regulations introduces additional costs and complexities, as manufacturers must align with international benchmarks to remain competitive. Moreover, continuous investment in research and development is essential to innovate polymer technologies, develop new applications, and improve existing products to compete in both domestic and international markets. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach between policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability and growth.

Sourcing Challenges: Ensuring Raw Material Availability

India’s furniture industry relies heavily on raw materials such as wood, metal, and engineered products like Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and Particle Boards. However, domestic production often falls short of the demand. For example, India imported MDF worth ₹3,700 crore in 2024, highlighting the gap in local manufacturing capacity. Additionally, fluctuations in import duties have further increased cost pressures for manufacturers.

To address these challenges, industry leaders are looking to the Union Budget for specific measures:

• Reduction in Import Duties: Lowering duties on key raw materials will help reduce costs for manufacturers and improve competitiveness in global markets.
• Incentives for Domestic Production: Extending the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to furniture components could promote investment in domestic MDF and plywood manufacturing.
• Sustainability Incentives: Policies supporting the use of certified, sustainable wood and alternative materials like bamboo can reduce the environmental impact and ensure long-term material availability.
• Logistics Bottlenecks: Bridging the Infrastructure Gap

India’s fragmented logistics network remains a key bottleneck for the furniture industry. As reported by the National Logistics Policy 2024, the average logistics cost in India is approximately 14% of GDP, significantly higher than the 8-10% range seen in developed countries. This inefficiency disrupts the timely delivery of components and finished goods.

Key measures anticipated in the Union Budget include:

• Investment in Infrastructure: Enhanced funding for multi-modal transport networks, including railways and inland waterways, would help ensure smoother and cost-effective transportation of bulky furniture components.
• Digitization of Logistics: Incentives for adopting digital platforms for real-time tracking, inventory management, and supply chain analytics could significantly reduce delays and inefficiencies.
• Warehousing Support: Grants or subsidized loans for setting up advanced warehousing facilities near industrial hubs would improve storage and distribution.
• Labor Shortages: Bridging the Skills Gap

The furniture manufacturing sector employs over 5 million workers, but there is a severe shortage of skilled labor. According to the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) Report 2024, more than 70% of workers in the sector lack formal training, leading to low productivity and compromised product quality. The rise of automation and digitization further amplifies the need for a technologically proficient workforce.

Measures proposed to address labor challenges include:

• Skill Development Programs: Expanding initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), tailored specifically for furniture manufacturing, could enhance worker capabilities in modern production techniques.
• Incentives for Workforce Retention: Offering tax breaks or subsidies for manufacturers investing in employee training and welfare could improve workforce stability and productivity.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations with furniture component manufacturers can create industry-relevant training modules and internships, improving overall skill levels in the sector.

 Rising Expectations from the Union Budget

The upcoming Union Budget is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of India’s furniture industry. Key expectations include:

• Export Promotion Measures: Despite India’s furniture exports contributing less than 1% of global trade, export incentives such as tax rebates and easier credit access could help manufacturers tap into international markets, particularly in Europe and North America.
• Cluster Development Programs: Establishing furniture manufacturing clusters equipped with shared resources like advanced machinery, testing labs, and training centers could enhance small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Sustainability Grants: Financial support for adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy and recycling materials, would position India as a global leader in sustainable furniture production.

 The furniture industry is hopeful for several key measures aimed at enhancing its growth and competitiveness. One major expectation is the granting of infrastructure status to the sector, which would facilitate easier access to financing and incentivize investments in production and logistics infrastructure. The industry is also anticipating tax reforms and incentives, particularly the reduction of import duties on essential materials or tax deductions aimed at improving manufacturing and logistics processes, which would help reduce operational costs.

Additionally, the sector is eager for increased investments in skill development programs and support for technology adoption, especially in supply chain management, to drive higher productivity and efficiency. There is also a push for GST rationalization, with the hope that simplification or reduction of GST rates on furniture will make products more affordable, boosting both domestic consumption and export potential.

Another focus is the support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form a significant part of the industry. Measures such as easier access to finance or subsidies could help formalize operations, improve supply chain management practices, and increase overall sector efficiency. Collectively, these expectations highlight the industry’s need for policy support that addresses critical supply chain management challenges, fostering enhanced competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Expectations from Union Budget 2025 for the Polymer Industry
The polymer industry has high expectations from the Union Budget 2025 to address critical challenges and propel the sector toward sustainable growth. One of the key demands is the introduction of Production Linked Incentives (PLI) or tax benefits for adopting green technologies, encouraging manufacturers to shift toward environmentally friendly production practices. Reducing import duties on raw materials is another crucial ask, as it could stabilize costs, making Indian products more competitive both domestically and globally. Additionally, the industry seeks increased funding for research and development (R&D) to foster innovation, enabling the development of new polymer types and advanced applications.

Investments in infrastructure development, particularly in energy, are also vital to mitigate manufacturing disruptions caused by power shortages. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at skill development are necessary to equip the workforce with advanced manufacturing techniques and sustainable practices, addressing the industry’s labor challenges. Lastly, the industry looks forward to policy measures to improve ease of doing business, such as simplifying regulatory compliance and revising GST frameworks, to reduce operational burdens and encourage investment. These budgetary interventions, if implemented, could create a robust foundation for the polymer industry’s long-term growth and global competitiveness.