Archives February 2025

Mumbai, February 2025: Get ready to meet your new glow-to essential: Maybelline New York’s Sunkisser Highlighter & Blush. This innovative 2-in-1 marvel brings together the radiance of a highlighter and the warmth of a blush, designed to make multitasking effortless. With its ability to deliver a golden, lit-from-within glow that lasts up to 12 hours, Sunkisser is the ultimate companion for a luminous look, no matter where your day (or night) takes you. One swipe, and you’re good to glow.

Designed for a glow-on-the-go, Sunkisser delivers a stunning warm radiance with minimal effort. Its plush dot applicator ensures precise application and a flawless finish, while the melt-to-skin pigments, infused with light-reflecting pearls, blend seamlessly for an all-day luminous effect. Enriched with Vitamin E, Sunkisser provides a lightweight, hydrating feel for moisturizing comfort that lasts. Housed in luxe-inspired packaging, it’s as elegant and practical as it is effective—perfect for both your vanity and your bag.

No need to chase that golden hour, glow all year round with melt-to-skin pigments that blend seamlessly onto skin for a natural, sunkissed glow

With five versatile shades to choose from, Sunkisser has the perfect match for every skin tone and every moment—whether it’s a casual brunch or a night under the stars: These versatile shades can be used as blush, bronzer, highlighter all in one. Just a dot, dot, blend, and you’ll be transported to a world of sunkissed beauty. Embrace the warmth and radiance with each application from our 5 shades.

• Downtown Rush – Peach
• Uptown Glow – Coral
• Shades On – Rose Gold
• Midnight Shimmer – Gold
• Electric Bronze – Brown

Love has a unique way of uniting two souls, often in the most unexpected places. For actor Ashish Dixit, who portrays Kartik in Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya on Sun Neo, destiny worked its magic on the sets of a horror film. On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, Ashish shares his love story, what began as a simple friendship on set soon evolved into something much deeper.

Recalling their journey, Ashish shares, “We first met on the set of a horror film while shooting at Rajvant Palace in Baroda. That’s where our friendship started. Over time, our bond grew stronger, and we felt a special connection between us. Slowly, we realized that this was not just friendship it was something deeper, a relationship close to the heart. After returning to Mumbai, we started dating. For about three years, we got to know and understand each other, spending a lot of time together. Eventually, we realized that our love was strong enough to last a lifetime. That’s when we decided to take the beautiful step of getting married.”

Ashish also cherishes a special trip that remains one of the most beautiful moments of their love story, “There are many beautiful memories in our love story that I will never forget. But one of the closest to my heart was during a time when I was working on another show. I got a short break of about four to five days, so Shweta and I decided to make it special by taking a trip to Goa. Every moment there was magical! Walking peacefully by the beach, candlelight dinners, romantic evenings, and lots of fun it was all unforgettable. Those days were some of the most beautiful in our lives because there was no stress, no rush just us and our little world of happiness.”

Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya, airing on Sun Neo at 7 PM, follows Vaishnavi, an orphan who draws strength and comfort from her unshakable faith in Chatti Maiyya, who acts as a motherly figure in her life. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Sneha Wagh, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit.

Mumbai, February 2025: Showcasing the bold, vibrant flavors of Sri Lanka, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar in collaboration with Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort presents an opportunity to indulge in an exquisite Sri Lankan Cuisine at JW Café. From 15th to 23rd February, 2025, this experience will take guests on a rich and aromatic culinary journey, bringing the island’s diverse culinary heritage to Mumbai’s discerning gourmands. Complementing the theme, JW Café invites you to an exclusive Srilankan Cuisine Inspired Brunch on 16th February, 2025.

The exclusive gastronomic journey features a specially curated cyclic menu by Chef Chaminda De Silva from Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort and Chef Prakash Chettiyar, Director of Culinary from JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, bringing Sri Lanka’s most beloved dishes to Mumbai. Chef Chaminda De Silva, with over 17 years of experience, hails from the vibrant landscapes of Sri Lanka & has mastered the art of Sri Lankan cuisine, drawing inspiration from the rich flavours and traditions of his homeland! With a passion for crafting authentic Sri Lankan dishes, he also takes pleasure in preparing Indian cuisine, delighting guests with a fusion of familiar and exotic tastes.

A land of time-honored traditions, Sri Lanka’s cuisine is a celebration of fragrant spices, fresh seafood and wholesome ingredients. From soul-warming soups like Sri Lankan-style Thamibum Hehodi and Mutton & Rice Kanji to crisp and flavorful starters like Isso Wade, Colombo Chicken Masala Coconut Roti, Chicken drum stick lollipop and Fish Cutlets, each dish is a testament to Sri Lanka’s culinary landscape. A vibrant selection of salads add depth and texture to the dining experience, featuring the tangy zest of Pineapple & Biiturd Cucumber Green Chili Salad Raw Mango &Ambarella Salad and the refreshing crunch of Bitter gourd Salad, Tomato Onion Green Chili Salad. The feast continues with a lavish main course spread spotlighting Sri Lanka’s signature dishes like the Srilankan style Mutton Rice, Stew Devil Prawn, Dhal Thampala, Tempered Okhra, Devil Fish, Colombo Chicken and Baby jack fruit curry. Complementing these are fiery condiments including Male Achcharu, Sinhala Achcharu, Lime Pickle, Coconut Seibel Sultana pineapple Achcharu and Sini Sambal Lunumeris. A dedicated live station will serve freshly prepared Kottu, Hoppers and Sri Lankan Street Food adding an interactive element to the feast. Complete this Sri Lankan feast with sweet indulgences like Kevum, Watalappan, Puhul Dosi, Curd & Treacle, Pane Bundhi and Sago Pudin.

Every dish at this celebration tells Sri Lanka’s story of tradition, warmth and epicurean craftsmanship. With its vibrant flavors, rich traditions and an immersive dining experience, the Sri Lankan Cuisine Promotion at JW Café is set to transport guests to the heart of the island nation.

Srilankan Cuisine at JW Café , JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar:

Date: 15th – 23rd February, 2025

Time: Lunch: 12:30pm to 3pm

Dinner: 7pm to 11pm

Srilankan Cuisine Inspired Brunch at JW Café, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar:

Date: 16th February, 2025

Time: 1pm to 4pm

14th February 2025: TTF Bengaluru, one of India’s premier travel trade shows, is back at Palace Grounds this week, bringing together a diverse mix of national and international exhibitors, top buyers, and enthusiastic travellers under one roof. As the gateway to South India’s booming travel market, this event offers unparalleled business and networking opportunities for exhibitors while giving buyers and consumers direct access to a world of travel options, best deals and packages. TTF Bengaluru is scheduled to take place from 13-15 February at Tripuravasini, Palace Grounds (near Mekhri Circle, entry from Gate no 2).

This year TTF Bengaluru will be inaugurated by Smt. Salma K Fahim, IAS, Secretary to Government, Tourism Department, Government of Karnataka and Shri. Dr. Rajendra KV, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, and Managing Director of Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation.

With Bengaluru’s reputation as the “Silicon Valley of India” and a thriving hub for corporate travel, destination weddings, and high-spending travellers, TTF Bengaluru 2025 is opening doors to the next big travel market and players after Mumbai, Delhi and Gujarat for the travel industry.

A Vital Platform for Exhibitors to Tap into South India’s Travel Market
South India is a rapidly growing travel market with a high concentration of outbound and domestic travellers, making Bengaluru a strategic location for tourism stakeholders. TTF Bengaluru provides 150+ exhibitors—including tourism boards, travel companies, hospitality brands, airlines, and travel tech providers—a unique opportunity to connect with key buyers and decision-makers from the region.

The upcoming TTF Bengaluru will feature an impressive lineup of national and international tourism boards, such as the Nepal Tourism Board, India Tourism, Goa Tourism, Karnataka Tourism, Meghalaya Tourism, Telangana Tourism, Gujarat Tourism, Tamil Nadu Tourism, Jharkhand Tourism, and many others. Additionally, private exhibitors showcasing at TTF include Briar Tea Bungalows, Southern Travels, Kolahoi Green Hotel & Resorts, Timbertales Hotels & Resorts, SOTC Travel, SR Jungle Resort, Indian Circuit Holidays, and many more.

TTF is more than just exploring new destinations—it’s about building valuable connections with industry leaders by engaging in exclusive networking sessions, exchanging ideas with top travel professionals, and unlocking new business opportunities.

Exclusive Access for B2B Trade Visitors
For the first one and a half days, TTF Bengaluru is exclusively open to B2B trade visitors, allowing exhibitors to engage with top travel agents, tour operators, MICE planners, corporate travel managers, and wedding planners. This dedicated time ensures high-quality networking and deal-making, positioning TTF Bengaluru as a must-attend event for those looking to expand their reach in South India’s flourishing travel industry.

A One-Stop Destination for Travel Enthusiasts
On the final one-and-a-half days, the event welcomes general visitors, offering travellers the perfect chance to discover new and exciting destinations, compare options, and secure the best flight and travel deals for their next adventure. From domestic getaways to international vacations, visitors can explore various travel opportunities, discover exclusive discounts, and make informed travel decisions—all in one place.

Analysis by Antonio Di Giacomo, Financial Markets Analyst for LATAM at XS

“The S&P 500 fell more than 1%, February 14, 2025, reaching the 6,005-point zone after releasing Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which came in higher than expected. This report significantly reduced the Federal Reserve’s expectations of interest rate cuts, creating uncertainty in financial markets. Investors reacted with massive sell-offs, pushing the index to last week’s lows.

The year-over-year CPI stood at 3.0%, while the core CPI rose to 3.3%, both above forecasts. On a monthly basis, January 2025’s CPI increased by 0.5% versus the expected 0.3%, while the core CPI registered a 0.4% rise, exceeding the projected 0.3%. These figures reinforce the perception that inflation remains challenging for U.S. monetary policy. The price rise for essential goods and services also suggests persistent inflationary pressure.

The market had been anticipating potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve to stimulate economic growth. However, the persistence of higher-than-expected inflation makes monetary easing in the short term more difficult. Investors now fear the Fed will maintain its restrictive policy longer than expected. This scenario generates increased volatility in financial markets, impacting the performance of other risk assets.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell reiterated that while inflation is approaching the 2% target, it has not yet reached a level that justifies rate cuts. This message further heightened market concerns, suggesting that rate reductions could be delayed until late 2025, depending on economic data trends. Powell’s comments made it clear that the Fed needs to see more consistent signs of controlled inflation before shifting its stance.

The market’s initial reaction was a sharp decline, reflecting the impact of uncertainty surrounding monetary policy. However, as the session progressed, the S&P 500 showed signs of recovery, reaching the 6,050-point zone by the close of trading in New York. This behavior highlights market volatility and sensitivity to macroeconomic data. Despite the rebound, uncertainty persists, and further declines could occur in the short term.

Despite the partial recovery, the outlook remains uncertain. Investors may now focus on upcoming economic reports and statements from Fed officials, looking for clues on the future direction of monetary policy and its impact on markets. External factors such as labor market trends and geopolitical stability will also play a key role in shaping the stock market’s trajectory.

In conclusion, releasing higher-than-expected inflation data has caused market nervousness, affecting the S&P 500’s performance and dampening hopes for near-term rate cuts. In the coming months, uncertainty over future Federal Reserve decisions will remain a key factor in market developments. Investors must stay vigilant for new economic signals to adjust their strategies in an increasingly challenging environment.”

Jaipur, 14th February 2025: Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur, successfully hosted the ‘Youth for India @ 2047’ International Youth Conference, an inspiring platform that brought together industry leaders, young achievers, and researchers to shape India’s vision for 2047.

The conference was graced by Devina Mehra, Chairperson, Managing Director and Founder of First Global, and recipient of Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women 2022, as the Chief Guest. On this occasion, Devina inspired the students and professionals, emphasizing that learning is the driving force behind Viksit Bharat. The conference also saw a keynote address by Suraja Kishore, CEO of BBDO India & TeamX for Mercedes-Benz, India, followed by engaging discussions with Kumara Raghavan, Head, Startups, AWS India and Monica Dubey, Head – Brand Management, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Prabhat Pankaj, Director, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur motivated the attendees and said that Viksit Bharat is built on the pillars of knowledge, innovation and the courage to unlearn and evolve. In the conference, 40 research papers were presented during the technical sessions, reflecting key perspectives on India’s economic, technological, and social advancements. A book titled ‘Viksit Bharat: Idea of India as a Developed Country’, published by Bloomsbury was also released.

A thought-provoking session on “From Forbes and Fortune: Stories Penned by Powerhouses,” featured Viraj Mithani, a Forbes India 30 Under 30 artist and founder of Carpe Arte, who shared insights on creativity and innovation. Attendees also participated in an insightful session on the theme ‘Creating a Life You Love,’ with Ashdin Doctor, Author of ‘One Habit a Day: 31 Habits to Transform Your Life’ and ‘Change Your Life: Small Actions, Big Results’. The Youth Achiever Session featured performances by renowned stand-up comedians Ravi Gupta and Vivek Samtani, who brought humour and inspiration to the gathering.

The conference concluded with Bollywood actor Vikram Kochhar leading an engaging discussion on “Breaking Barriers: Creativity, Confidence, and Career Growth,” inspiring students to embrace challenges fearlessly. The conference highlighted India’s roadmap to becoming a global powerhouse by 2047, emphasizing research, leadership, and youth-driven innovation. Dr. Daneshwar Sharma, Convener presented the vote of thanks. Dr. Ramzan Sama and Dr. Akash Dubey also co-convened this conference. The conference was attended and widely appreciated by individuals from leading corporations and academia, including students and professionals.

Pune, February: CITTA, the premium skincare brand that won hearts with its gentle yet effective baby care products, has made a bold move into the adult skincare arena. This expansion is a revolution in conscious skincare, meticulously crafted for the unique needs of Indian skin. Rooted in the Sanskrit word  consciousness, CITTA has always been about mindful formulations that prioritize purity, efficacy, and transparency. Now, recognizing a gap in the market for high-performance skincare designed for India’s hot and humid climate, the brand is bringing its expertise in gentle yet potent formulations to adults. This is skincare, reimagined for the modern Indian consumer.

“Indian skin is naturally resilient but prone to concerns like hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and environmental stressors. And so, we’ve formulated each product with these skin-related concerns in mind. CITTA’s game-changing adult skincare range is thoughtfully formulated to tackle these concerns head-on, combining the healing power of nature & science,” says Akanksha Sharma, CEO & Co-Founder, CITTA. “Our approach isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about long-lasting, effective skincare,” adds Tanay Sharma, COO & Co-Founder, CITTA.

Available across multiple retail channels, both online and offline, CITTA’s skincare range is crafted for individuals aged 18-45 years who are looking for effective solutions tailored to Indian skin. What makes this range special? Each product is powered by a carefully curated blend of ingredients that deliver visible results without compromising skin health. Natural ingredients like Centella Asiatica, Saffron, Aloe Vera, Pomegranate, and Ashwagandha are all celebrated for their healing, brightening, and rejuvenating properties. Additionally, CITTA has also carefully blended science-backed actives like AQUAXYL™, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Niacinamide in its formulations that work synergistically with natural extracts to deeply nourish, hydrate, and restore skin. The range includes products with unique textures, such as the Aqua Boost Face Gel for women and men, India’s first frosted-texture gel. It delivers a luminous matte finish with 5x hydration power. Another product, the CITTA Cica Face Scrub for tan and dead skin removal, is India’s first clear frosted-texture face scrub.

Love is in the little things—the quiet gestures, the thoughtful moments, and the subtle ways we say, “I’m here.” Inspired by these everyday acts of love, Shaya by CaratLane introduces its adorable new Valentine’s collection, a heartwarming tribute to the love that surrounds us. Whether it’s a best friend who remembers your coffee order, a partner’s small yet meaningful gestures, or the warmth of self-love, this collection captures it all—because love is found in the smallest of moments.

Designed to jingle with every move, each piece in this collection reimagines the charm of timeless Swiss bells into romantic, wearable treasures. Crafted in high-polish 925 silver and delicately kissed with soft pink and lavender enamel, these heart-shaped beauties add a playful yet elegant touch to everyday love stories. With 49 stunning designs, this collection is a perfect way to celebrate love in all its forms—be it for yourself or someone special.

Shaya makes it effortless to gift a piece of love that lingers. Whether it’s a dainty pendant, charming earrings, or a statement ring, each piece is a reminder that love is always around us—in every hug, every smile, and now, in every delicate jingle. This Valentine’s, wear love your way!

Paytm Money, a wholly-owned subsidiary of One97 Communications Limited (OCL) and a leading wealth-tech platform that simplifies wealth management and equity investments through a technology-first approach, has announced the appointment of Shri Rajeev Krishnamuralilal Agarwal as an additional Non-Executive Independent Director on its Board. Shri Agarwal will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee as well as the Chairperson of the Risk Management Committee and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee at Paytm Money.

Shri Agarwal brings more than 40 years of valuable experience, including a distinguished 28-year tenure with the Indian Revenue Services. During his time as a Whole-Time Member of SEBI, he played a pivotal role in driving key market reforms, including the revival package for the mutual fund industry in 2012 and the landmark merger of the Forward Markets Commission with SEBI in 2015. He also spearheaded major initiatives such as enhancing transparency through IPO reforms, introducing the offer-for-sale mechanism for PSU disinvestment, and championing the growth of the SME exchange, which significantly expanded funding opportunities for small businesses and startups.

In addition to his role as a Non-Executive Independent Director on the Board of Paytm Money, Shri Agarwal currently serves on the board of One97 Communications (Paytm) as well. He holds key positions as Chairman and Independent Director at Trust Mutual Fund, and as Independent Director at ACC Ltd., Star Health Insurance, UGRO Capital Ltd., and MK Ventures Capital Ltd. His wealth of experience will bring invaluable insights and guidance to Paytm Money, strengthening its commitment to innovation, transparency, and investor empowerment.

Rakesh Singh, CEO – Paytm Money said, “Our mission is to democratize access to financial markets and simplify the investment journey for millions of Indians. Having made significant strides in enhancing our governance framework, we continue to innovate and expand our investment offerings. With Shri Agarwal’s deep expertise in governance and risk management, we are confident that his guidance will further strengthen these efforts and drive long-term, sustainable growth.”

Shri Agarwal joins the illustrious Board of Paytm Money, which also includes the likes of Shri Narasinganallore Venkatesh Srinivasan and Mr. Cyrus Khambata, both of whom bring over 4 decades of experience in banking, capital markets, finance, and risk management. With these veterans on the Board strengthening the Company’s governance, Paytm Money remains committed to drive compliance-first innovation in wealth-tech.

The platform also offers ‘Margin Pledge,’ allowing traders to use their stock holdings for leverage in trades, along with the Pay Later (MTF) facility for further leverage. The platform has expanded its range of services, including the launch of BSE Futures & Options (BSE F&O) trading, enabling traders to trade SENSEX and BANKEX Option contracts. Recently, the company launched a major revamp of its app, designed to make investing simpler and more seamless than ever. The redesigned app offers a more intuitive interface, personalized dashboards, and smarter tools to empower investors at every stage of their journey. With enhanced portfolio insights, smoother transaction flows, and actionable dashboards for Stock and F&O trading, the upgraded experience caters to the evolving needs of today’s investors, making informed decision-making easier and more efficient.

New Delhi, 14 February, 2025: In a focused effort to enhance skilling and employability for neurodivergent youth, Nasscom Foundation, in collaboration with MathCo, a global leader in Enterprise AI and Analytics has launched Data Annotation Skill Development Program for Neurodivergent Youth. The initiative aims to skill neurodivergent individuals with specialised, job-specific training in data annotation which is a highly sought-after skill in the fast-growing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

What makes this inclusion program special is the focus on providing employment opportunities for the neurodivergent individuals. The program focuses not only on providing participants with specialised training in data annotation but also equipping them with soft skills, mentorship and building confidence to enhance their employability and support their long-term career success.

Through a strong post-placement intervention, it also seeks to assist organizations in continuing to provide neurodivergent youth with a supportive and inclusive environment. This promotes a more diversified workforce, career advancement, and job retention while also aiding in the development of an inclusive culture.

The launch event, held on 12th Feb 2025 at MathCo’s Bangalore office, celebrated the power of inclusivity and the potential of neurodivergent individuals in the corporate sector. The event was attended by over 75 people, including those joining online via Zoom. Attendees included the MathCo team led by Aditya Kumbakonam, Chief Operating Officer and Cofounder, the Nasscom Foundation team led by Roy C Thomas, Orchvate representatives, program beneficiaries, and their parents. The launch event underscored the program’s intended impact: empowering neurodivergent youth and providing them with the skills to thrive in the tech industry.

Commenting on the collaboration, Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation, said, “We believe that a truly inclusive India begins with creating accessible and empowering environments. We are proud to launch this initiative in collaboration with MathCo, as we believe that Neurodivergent individuals bring unique strengths that drive workplace innovation, and as organizations prioritize inclusivity, this initiative will help them build sustainable and diverse workplaces.”

At the launch of the program, while wishing the 50 individuals good luck, Aditya Kumbakonam, COO and Cofounder, MathCo said, “At MathCo, we believe that learning is the first step toward empowerment, and continuous learning is key to staying ahead in an evolving world. I am confident that these young individuals will not only make the most of this opportunity but will also continue to grow and adapt as they build their careers.”

The Nasscom Foundation – MathCo collaboration led initiative will train 50 neurodivergent individuals, requiring a foundational level of education. To ensure that the program is tailored to the specific needs of the Neurodivergent community, we have also partnered with Orchvate, experts in training and coaching neurodivergent youth to leverage on their insights in skilling neurodivergent individuals. The training would run in two phases, each consisting of 25 participants. Participants will undergo assessments, receive specialised data annotation training and earn industry-certified certification to enhance their career prospects.

This initiative will provide neurodivergent youth with a very critical and relevant skill of data annotation. Data Annotation entails labelling or tagging data with relevant information to create high-quality training datasets for machine learning-based AI models. It forms the foundational layer for AI applications so that the machines can understand, interpret and process various types of data. This skill is essential for the continued growth and accuracy of AI systems across various use cases and industries and hence is in demand.