Archives February 2025

Bangalore – 5h February 2025 – RummyCulture, India’s leading rummy app from the house of Gameskraft – the online skill-based gaming and entertainment company, announced its latest accolade as ‘India’s Number One Rummy App’ as per the latest research by Unomer in partnership with CyberMedia Research (CMR). This certification highlights RummyCulture’s continued excellence in offering a superior gaming experience to its users.

The comprehensive research survey, conducted from October 14 to 23, 2024, involved 1,044 real money gamers across seven major Indian cities—Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. The survey connected with individuals aged between 21 to 35 years, focusing on their gaming behaviors, spending patterns, and app preferences.

Participants were invited to take part in a mobile in-app survey, with strict screening criteria to qualify for the study. The survey employed Unomer’s digital river sampling methodology, ensuring a randomized and unbiased selection of respondents. This method eliminates interviewer bias and social desirability bias, leading to more genuine responses. The survey questions were neutrally worded to further enhance the accuracy of the results.

Real money gamers in India dedicate an average of 12 hours per week to gaming on smartphones, driven primarily by the expectation to win rewards (76%), followed by entertainment (69%) and relaxation (59%). A significant majority (93%) are comfortable playing real money games, with UPI emerging as the preferred payment method, followed by digital wallets, credit/debit cards, and net banking.

Divya Alok, Co-Founding Member, Gameskraft, said ” Being recognized as ‘India’s Number One Rummy App’ is a remarkable achievement that underscores the trust and loyalty of our users. This accolade reflects our dedication to providing a top-tier gaming platform that prioritizes user experience, security, and innovation. We are committed to continually enhancing our offerings to ensure that RummyCulture remains the preferred choice for rummy enthusiasts across the country. Our goal is to consistently deliver a seamless, secure, and enjoyable gaming environment, and this recognition motivates us to push the boundaries even further to exceed our users’ expectations.”

In the research study, RummyCulture was identified as ‘India’s Number One Rummy App’ based on in-app spends. The study covered various aspects of the real money gaming market, including revenue, profitability, and brand preference among rummy apps. RummyCulture emerged as the leader, with higher spending rates and user engagement compared to its competitors. The survey results underline RummyCulture’s dominance in the rummy segment and its strong financial performance.

In the world of television, there are moments when fiction feels all too real, and Shemaroo Umang’s popular show Main Dil Tum Dhadkan recently brought one such moment to life. The gripping episodes transported viewers into the depths of a family’s worst nightmare—echoing similar real-life tragedies.

In this storyline, Kanha, played by the talented child actor Kavish, is pushed into an open borewell by Pankaj, who wants to take revenge on Vrinda. What follows is a heart-wrenching sequence in which the family’s joy-filled world is turned upside down. As the rescue team works tirelessly to save the little boy, his parents, Vrinda and Keshav, are left grappling with a storm of helplessness, fear, and desperation.

Speaking about the intense sequence, Radhika Muthukumar, who plays Kanha’s mother Vrinda, shared her deeply personal connection to the scene “Honestly, the emotions came very naturally. It’s been almost two months since I started working with Kavish, and I’ve grown to feel like his real mother on set. When I learned about this sequence, I did some research and watched interviews of parents and villagers involved in such tragedies. It helped me understand the gravity of the situation. While shooting, I could genuinely feel the helplessness of a parent in such a moment. My heart goes out to families who have faced such unimaginable circumstances.”

The scene not only tugged at heartstrings but also reminded audiences of the resilience of families and communities in moments of crisis. While the rescue team works tirelessly, Vrinda and Keshav leave no stone unturned to save Kanha and pray for his safe return.

Bengaluru, India – February 05, 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today commenced early deliveries of its flagship Galaxy S25 series smartphones for customers who had pre-ordered the devices. Samsung is committed to bringing utmost delight to its customers by delivering its latest flagship smartphone to early bird customers, ahead of the official sale date of February 07, 2025.

Galaxy S25 is available in colours such as Icyblue, Silver Shadow, Navy and Mint. Galaxy S25+ is available in Navy and Silver Shadow while Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Gray, Titanium Whitesilver and Titanium Black.

Consumers buying Galaxy S25 Ultra through Samsung.com will also get the option of choosing from three exclusive colours – Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Jetblack & Titanium Pinkgold. Those buying Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ from Samsung.com will also get the option of three exclusive colours – Blueblack, Coralred & Pinkgold.

Customers pre-ordering Galaxy S25 Ultra will get pre-order benefits worth INR 21000. This includes a storage upgrade worth INR 12000 wherein customers will be able to get 12GB 512GB variant at the price of the 12GB 256GB variant; along with an INR 9000 upgrade bonus.

Customers pre-ordering Galaxy S25+ will get benefits worth INR 12000 as they will get 12GB 512GB variant at the price of 12GB 256GB variant. Meanwhile, customers pre-ordering Galaxy S25 will get benefits worth INR 11000 as an upgrade bonus.

Galaxy S25 series changes the way users interact at every touchpoint by seamlessly integrating AI agents and multimodal capabilities. A first-of-its-kind customized Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy chipset delivers greater on-device processing power for Galaxy AI and superior camera range and control with Galaxy’s next-gen ProVisual Engine.

Bangalore, February 05, 2025: In observance of World Cancer Day, HCG Cancer Centre Bengaluru organized a successful cancer awareness heath mela providing free oral and breast cancer screenings for over 1,000 road transport workers across Karnataka along with an informative health awareness session. The event aimed to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and the significance of regular screenings. Held in association with KSRTC, the HCG cancer awareness health mela was inaugurated in the presence of Ms. Manisha Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Karnataka and Mr. V. Anbu Kumar, IAS, Managing Director of KSRTC. The dignitaries underscored the importance of cancer awareness and the vital role of early intervention in saving lives.

The event saw the enthusiastic participation of over 1,000 road transport workers, making it one of the largest cancer awareness initiatives for the road transport workforce. Throughout the day, participants attended an informative health awareness talk on cancer, delivered by Ms. Manisha Kumar, Dr. Mahesh Bandemegal and other senior doctors from HCG Cancer Centre, and benefited from free oral and breast cancer screenings. The health mela aimed to detect early signs of cancer, empowering road transport workers to take charge of their health and seek timely medical intervention when needed.

Ms. Manisha Kumar, Chief Operating Officer Karnataka, Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited said “At HCG Cancer Centre, we are committed to making a positive impact on the community by offering the support needed to take charge of one’s health. By focusing on cancer prevention and early detection, we can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Through today’s health mela, we aim to equip individuals with the knowledge they need to make proactive health choices and take steps toward a healthier future. We believe that every small step, whether it’s getting screened or learning about early warning signs, can make a significant difference in the fight against cancer. We are honored to initiate and support road transport workers in taking control of their health.”

Mr. V. Anbu Kumar, IAS, Managing Director of KSRTC said, “This health mela organized by HCG Cancer Centre is a remarkable opportunity for our employees to become more aware of cancer, its symptoms, and the critical role that early detection plays in treatment. We recognize the importance of supporting our workforce’s health, and this collaboration with HCG Cancer Centre is an essential step in our ongoing efforts to improve their well-being.”

Dr. Mahesh Bandemegal, Surgical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, KR Road, Bangalore said “”Early detection of cancer significantly enhances the chances of successful treatment and improves the patient’s quality of life. Regular screenings and timely medical intervention can make a significant difference in the fight against cancer.”

Sony Entertainment Television, that introduced Indian audiences to the iconic horror show Aahat, is set to redefine the genre with its latest Horror offering; Aami Dakini. This intriguing new show promises to take horror storytelling a notch up with its gripping narrative infused with mystery, drama, and eerie supernatural elements. Set against the perfect mix of beautiful & haunting backdrop of Kolkata, Aami Dakini unravels a dark and mysterious tale of love, loss, and revenge. Bringing this enigmatic and eerie character to life is the talented Sheen Dass, who steps into the role of Dakini.

At its core, it unravels the emotional and psychological turmoil of Dakini—a woman whose soul has been trapped between life and death for decades. Burdened with grief, longing, and injustice, she returns in search of the husband she lost, embarking on an unrelenting quest that will send shivers down the spine.

Sheen Dass who makes her much-anticipated debut in the horror genre expresses her excitement saying, “What excites me the most about the show is the blend of horror, mystery and human emotion. I’m thrilled to be a part of the show that brings something fresh to the horror genre. Playing Dakini will be a challenge as she’s more than just a ghost, but she has a past, a story to tell. To bring this complexity to life, I had to undergo extensive character study and training. She is not just a ghost seeking revenge—her emotions are deeply rooted in trauma and injustice. There is so much emotion packed into this one character, and I can’t wait for the audience to experience it”

Bangalore, February 5, 2024: Payments company Cashfree Payments, has raised USD 53 Million/INR 450 Crore in a funding round led by Korean digital entertainment giant, KRAFTON and existing investor Apis Growth Fund II, a private equity fund managed by Apis Partners Group (UK) Limited (“Apis Partners”). The capital will accelerate Cashfree’s payments offering and boost market outreach. This collaboration will also position Cashfree to leverage synergies with KRAFTON, fueling innovation and pioneering new solutions across multiple digital sectors.

Cashfree helps businesses collect payments online and make payouts. With an easy onboarding and integration process, and compatibility with popular merchant platforms like Shopify, Wix, WordPress, WooCommerce, WhatsApp, Cashfree enables businesses to start transactions within a day. It offers features like one-click checkout, abandoned cart recovery, and return prediction, helping businesses improve the payment experience, boost conversions and grow profitably. Cashfree connects directly with major payment networks, ensuring high success rates and reliability at scale, enabling large businesses to process 12,000 transactions per second during peak demand with ease. It has also introduced Embedded Payments, allowing platforms, ERPs, and SaaS businesses to integrate payments as a feature into their product with ease and in a compliant manner.

Akash Sinha, CEO & Co-Founder, Cashfree Payments, said, “We are excited to welcome KRAFTON as a strategic partner with continued support from our existing investors, Apis Growth Fund II and the team at Apis Partners. Our mission at Cashfree Payments has been to empower Indian businesses with the ability to transact in the digital economy with unparalleled security and efficiency. This investment will help us accelerate our key efforts – across cross-border and security innovations and international expansion – as we enter the next phase of our growth journey. Growing sustainably has been core to our identity and how we function at Cashfree Payments. We are focused on driving profitable growth as we scale. Our mission is clear: to create long-term value for our customers and lead innovation in the payments space, both in India and internationally.”

Among recent innovations, the company has built Secure ID, an identity verification stack with a comprehensive suite of APIs and KYC components, addressing the surge in fraud. SecureID enables fintechs and startups to build onboarding and KYC flows by intelligently minimising user inputs, thus reducing drop-offs, intelligently reading and verifying identity documents, and precisely detecting frauds and anomalies. SecureID has completed more than 1 billion identity and user verifications till date.

Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, said “India’s fintech industry is experiencing remarkable growth, and we believe Cashfree Payment’s dominant position in India can be replicated globally. As the media and entertainment sector and content consumption patterns in India continue to evolve, full-stack payment systems that specifically address the needs and requirements of the sector are crucial for enhancing user experience. The investment is part of KRAFTON’s ongoing efforts to support innovative solutions that drive growth and foster a dynamic startup ecosystem. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership and exploring future opportunities.”

Matteo Stefanel and Udayan Goyal, Co-Founders and Managing Partners at Apis Partners, commented: “As an industry leader with a history of pioneering innovations, Cashfree Payments’ proven track record continues to put it in a leadership position. We are excited to continue our support for its continued growth and success. Apis’ investment philosophy is that there should be no trade-off between returns for LPs and positive societal impact, and the investment in Cashfree is proving to be a perfect example of that.”

In FY25, Cashfree has seen merchant signups grow 130% as compared to previous years and anticipates robust revenue growth, driven by increased wallet share from existing customers and continued success in cross-selling to its broad client base. Cashfree currently processes $80 billion annually and works with 800,000 businesses, from internet startups to public enterprises.

New Delhi 05.02.2025 Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, a leader in contract development and manufacturing, has launched Dapagliflozin + Pioglitazone tablets; an advanced combination therapy designed to tackle the growing challenge of diabetes management. While conventional treatments often fall short in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, this dual-action formulation offers a more potent solution for individuals struggling with existing metformin-based regimens. Approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), it goes beyond glycemic control, overcoming broader obstacles associated with diabetes care.

This dual-action therapy combines two complementary mechanisms of action. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, aids in eliminating excess glucose via urine while delivering additional benefits such as improved cardiovascular and renal outcomes, along with better weight management. Pioglitazone, on the other hand, augments insulin sensitivity in key tissues, such as muscles and the liver, helping combat the root issue of insulin resistance. Together, they provide sustained results while minimising risks like hypoglycemia and weight gain, which are common hurdles in diabetes care.

Compared to monotherapy, this dual approach ensures more comprehensive blood sugar regulation by addressing multiple pathways simultaneously. While single-drug regimens may provide partial benefits, the combined action of Dapagliflozin and Pioglitazone offers superior control, reducing fluctuations in glucose levels more effectively. Moreover, dual therapy lowers the likelihood of treatment failure, ensuring long-term stability without necessitating frequent medication adjustments. Its once-daily dosing further enhances adherence, making diabetes management simpler and seamless for patients.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has emerged as a significant health challenge in India, with over 77 million adults affected and an additional 25 million on the brink of developing the condition, as per World Health Organisation estimates. What’s more alarming is that a significant portion of these cases remain undetected, often leading to severe complications. By 2045, this number is projected to climb to an astounding 134 million, highlighting the critical need for impactful interventions.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sandeep Jain, Managing Director of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, stated, “The rise in diabetes cases in our country calls for novel and accessible solutions. By introducing Dapagliflozin + Pioglitazone tablets, we aim to equip healthcare providers with an advanced treatment option that caters to the diverse needs faced by patients. Our goal is to deliver therapies that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Adding to this, Mr. Sanjeev Jain, Managing Director of Akums, noted, “The fight against diabetes requires a collaborative effort between healthcare providers, patients, and pharmaceutical innovators. Managing the condition often presents significant lifestyle hurdles for those affected. At Akums, we are committed to elevating well-being and enabling sound health outcomes. Backed by robust research, this dual-action therapy is developed to progress patient outcomes and overall well-being.”

Pune, India – Sayaji Pune, a distinguished 5-star business hotel, is thrilled to receive the prestigious ‘Iconic Business Hotel’ award from the Times of India Group, recognizing its excellence in business hospitality. This recognition highlights the hotel’s commitment to providing an exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and functionality tailored to business travelers.

 Conveniently located off the Pune-Mumbai Highway, near major IT hubs Hinjewadi and Baner, Sayaji Pune is the preferred choice for corporate travellers. The hotel has established itself as a prime destination for professionals seeking convenience and world-class amenities.

 The hotel offers luxurious rooms with comfortable beds, high-speed internet, and spacious work desks, ensuring a seamless work-life balance. Business guests can also access state-of-the-art boardrooms, banquet halls, and event spaces for meetings and corporate gatherings.

 For wellness-focused travellers, Sayaji Pune features a fully equipped gym with expert trainers and an in-house spa for relaxation after a busy day.

 The hotel’s diverse culinary offerings include an extensive buffet catering to varied tastes, with options ranging from healthy selections to indulgent favourites at Portico. Guests can enjoy dining at Turque offering a delightful culinary experience in a luxurious setting. Dining spaces are designed for both quick bites and leisurely meals.

Tampa, FL (February 5, 2025) – Dart Tech and LNS Solutions have joined forces to operate under the Dart brand, becoming the leading Managed Service Provider in the Tampa Bay area. The new Dart is redefining the region’s IT services landscape. Dart provides local businesses with scalable, forward-thinking solutions tailored to meet the challenges of today’s changing market.

“LNS and Dart Tech have always shared a deep respect for each other and the common goal of our clients’ success,” said John Lorelle, former owner of LNS Solutions and now CEO of the new Dart. “By blending our resources and skills, we are building a stronger, more innovative organization that will set new standards for excellence and help clients thrive in an increasingly connected world.”

A New Era for IT Solutions

Operating under the established Dart brand, the strategic merger combines Dart Tech’s expertise in cutting-edge technology with LNS Solutions’ personalized, client-focused approach. Leveraging the strengths of these two industry leaders, the new Dart is committed to innovation, growth, and delivering tangible results, ensuring local businesses succeed.

The integration of Dart Tech and LNS Solutions is more than a business move—it’s a commitment to shaping the future of IT client experiences. As the leading Managed Service Provider in Tampa Bay, the new Dart offers comprehensive support for businesses of all sizes in the key areas of cloud computing, cybersecurity, Managed IT services, and consulting services.

What This Means for Clients

• Expanded Expertise: The united organization brings together top talent from both companies, supported by a national team of over 350 skilled professionals, providing clients with unparalleled expertise and advanced capabilities.
• Enhanced Services: Clients benefit from a broader portfolio of IT solutions, including advanced cybersecurity measures, seamless cloud integration, and proactive managed services.
• Continued Excellence: The new Dart remains committed to the personalized, responsive service that both Dart Tech and LNS Solutions clients have come to trust.

NTPC and Indian Army signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) on 3rd February for sale of power (200 kW RE-RTC) from Solar-Hydrogen based Microgrid at Chushul (Ladakh) for a period of 25 years. The agreement was signed by Shri DMR Panda, CGM (NTPC-Hydrogen) and Shri Aditya Harshey, Brigadier and Chief Engineer (Indian Army), Leh.

Solar-Hydrogen based microgrid offers a solution to replace Army’s existing diesel gensets thus avoiding fossil fuel logistics arrangement and 1500 ton/year CO2.

This is world’s most unique hydrogen based off-grid microgrid project at an altitude of 4400m and temperatures dipping to -30 deg C in winter. Once operational, it would usher in a new era of decarbonisation and modernisation of the defence sector in the border locations of the Himalayas.