Archives April 2025

Mumbai, 2ndApril 2025: As India endeavours to nurture and realize US $80 billion creative economy potential, the leading home-grown consultancy firm, Primus Partners deep dives into the talent pool spotlighting key gaps in the students’ education and preparedness with 21st century skillsets. In its recently released report titled ‘Shaping Education to Nurture the $80 Billion Creative Economy’, Primus Partners attempts to find answers to evaluate the preparedness of Indian students to meet the demand of this dynamic landscape and the changes needed in the education and skill-building frameworks. Emphasizing the integration of critical skills into curricula, it calls for policy interventions and frameworks to prepare students for a world driven by innovation and creativity.

Key insights of the report include:

• Only 9% of students demonstrate high readiness in essential skills like design thinking, critical thinking, and research, indicating strong problem-solving abilities and an investigative mind-set. High readiness would also imply students create real-world solutions, think critically, and verify information sources rigorously
• 30% of government and 13% of private school students exhibit low readiness for real-life application of learning, indicating a gap in integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application.
• 1 in 5 exhibit low readiness in critical skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and research, often resulting in superficial engagement and requiring additional support.
• Private schools excel in practical learning, while public schools demonstrate strong observation skills and responsiveness to environmental stimuli.
• A small group of students, particularly from IB boards, demonstrate high readiness in design thinking and real-world problem solving, but their numbers are limited.

Sharing her perspective about the findings, Charu Malhotra, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Primus Partners, said, “To fuel India’s $80 billion creative economy, the education system must evolve from traditional rote learning to a competency-based curriculum that fosters innovation and creative problem-solving. Employers must also take the lead by prioritizing re-skilling and assessing competencies within their organizations to ensure they are equipped for the future. Digital skills such as logic, process thinking, problem-solving, and creativity have become indispensable in this new era. To better understand how ready our students are to thrive in this dynamic landscape, we conducted an in-depth survey, which forms the foundation of this report. It is crucial that we empower the next generation with the right skills to navigate and contribute to the creative economy.”

The report also explores various methods for students and the nation at large to build and hone their core competencies, along with actionable strategies, including pedagogical shifts that can catalyse the development of India’s youth. It features insights and perspectives from some of the leading education and industry experts, including Sunanda Sudhir, Principal Middle School at Pathways School Noida; Manit Jain, Co-Founder of The Heritage Group of Schools; Sunil Razdan, Chief Coordinator at Gyan Shakti Vidyalaya; and Mahesh Balakrishnan, Senior Manager, South Asia at International Baccalaureate; Sudipta Mukherjee, Educator, Curriculum Developer, Teacher Trainer, and Dyslexia Language Therapist; Shweta Khurana, Director for Asia Pacific and Japan, Government Partnerships and Initiatives, Global Government Affairs at Intel Corporation; Pooja Kwatra, Educational Consultant, Curriculum Developer, and Teacher Trainer; and Sabeer Bhatia, Co-Founder of Showreel and Hotmail.

Sample Size and Methodology

The “Shaping Education to Nurture the $80 Billion Creative Economy” report by Primus Partners was created basis a survey of over 1,500 students from over 22 states and union territories in India, ensuring broad geographical and demographic representation. The target population included students from Class VI–VIII, IX–X, and XI–XII, studying in government and private schools across South, West, East, North, and Central India. A structured questionnaire was developed using Google Forms, featuring multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to assess eight key skills critical for success in the creative economy: Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking & Creative Solution, Brainstorming, Teamwork, Real-Life Application of Learnings, Design Thinking, Observation Skills, and Research Skills. The questions were scenario-based, encouraging students to apply their skills in real-world contexts, with four response options representing different proficiency levels—low, medium, and high.

2nd April 2025 – Proudly Indian, PETA-approved bags and luggage brand, Zouk recently expanded its offline presence by opening 5 new stores across the country, including Phoenix Market City Pune, Lulu Mall Lucknow, Elan Miracle Gurgaon, Mantri Mall Bangalore and M5 Mall Bangalore. These five new locations mark an exciting chapter in Zouk’s journey as the brand continues to bring its high-quality, ethically made products to more customers across India.

 Zouk had recently raised $10 million in Series B funding round to scale up the brand and expand its offline store network. The brand has also onboarded National Film Award winner, Kriti Sanon as its brand ambassador, marking another significant milestone in the brand’s journey.

 With a focus on blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary designs, Zouk’s 100% vegan collection includes a variety of bags, from everyday handbags to versatile luggage bags. The brand’s commitment to ethical fashion has garnered a strong following, particularly among eco-conscious consumers looking for stylish alternatives.

 “We are thrilled to expand Zouk’s offline presence with five new stores across India. This marks a significant milestone in our journey as we bring our proudly Indian, 100% PETA-approved vegan products closer to our customers. This expansion is just the beginning, as we continue to make Zouk more accessible across the country!” said Pradeep Krishnakumar, co-founder of Zouk.

 Each of the stores are designed to offer a personalized shopping experience, allowing customers to explore Zouk’s complete range up close and discover products that blend style with tradition.

Mumbai April 2, 2025— Amagi, a cloud-based SaaS solutions provider for broadcast and streaming TV (CTV), announced that it has been chosen by Sports Studio, Inc., a premier sports platform with consumer-facing apps and Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels under the FreeLiveSports.TV. (FLS) brand, to be a technology, content, and monetization partner.

Amagi has provided Sports Studio with cloud streaming and monetization solutions for seamless channel distribution as part of this engagement. This relationship has been helpful for Sports Studio’s creation of Free Live Sports, which makes it easy for viewers to find their favorite sports channels among many other channels on the platform.

This partnership intends to improve how sports content reaches its target audience. Sports Studio is leveraging Amagi’s suite of solutions to empower sports rights holders to connect with their audience effectively on the Free Live Sports platform and across the entire FAST ecosystem.

Additionally, Sports Studio offers full-service channel creation and operation for rights holders who may lack internal capabilities, simplifying the process and expanding the reach of their sports content. This will enable content owners to monetize their content better via valuable distribution channels on top-tier streaming services secured by the Sports Studio team.

Free Live Sports’ lineup includes 120 dedicated FAST channels, including 40 premium sports channels provided by Amagi, making it one of the world’s largest collections of FAST sports.

Sports Studio selected Amagi because it is a one-stop technology partner that streamlines channel creation, distribution, and monetization for sports content rights holders, bridging a critical gap in the industry. The partnership is intended to create a go-to destination for sports fans, expand the audience reach for Sports Studio’s channel partners, and facilitate the distribution of new sports channels.

“This partnership with Sports Studio underscores Amagi’s commitment to growing audiences for our content partners,” said Srinivasan KA, Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Amagi. “By providing our robust cloud-based technology along with our content marketplace, we enable rights holders to reach new audiences effectively and streamline their content monetization efforts.”

“Partnering with Amagi is crucial in realizing our vision for a premier sports platform,” Sports Studio Co-President Cathy Rasenberger said. “Their comprehensive technology and deep understanding of the streaming ecosystem will enable us to offer unparalleled channel creation and distribution capabilities to sports rights holders. This will allow content creators to reach their target audience more effectively and monetize their content to its fullest potential.”

Amagi provides a suite of channel creation, distribution, and monetization solutions. The company’s clients include some of the world’s biggest names, including A+E Networks UK, ABS-CBN, Astro, Cox Media Group, DAZN, Globo, Lionsgate Studio, NBCUniversal, Tastemade, and VIZIO.

On October 19, LISA International Autism School celebrated its sixth anniversary, marking a remarkable journey of transforming the lives of children with autism. Founded as a non-profit social initiative in 2018 under the name Leaders and Ladders International School of Autism, the institution has since evolved into a beacon of hope for many families. Today, the school stands as a testament to social commitment and innovation in autism care. The most significant achievement of LISA International Autism School is integrating 18 autistic children into mainstream life. Located in Kothanallur, Kottayam district, the school has become a sanctuary for children with autism and their families, providing comprehensive education and therapeutic care.

LISA International Autism School was born from a shared vision among friends to make a difference. Founders Jaleesh Peter (Chairman) and Minu Alias (MD & CEO) had no prior experience in autism care when they started the school. Driven by a desire to bring innovative solutions to autism education, they established a nurturing environment where children with autism and ADHD could thrive.

LISA Autism School is recognized as the world’s first international autism school and the first boarding school dedicated exclusively to children with autism. Since launching the boarding division in April 2023, the school has offered round-the-clock care combined with the CBSE curriculum, providing both day and residential schooling on a single campus. “Our aim is to provide holistic development through a combination of education and therapy,” says Minu Elias. “Every child here receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs”, she added.

Over the past six and a half years, the school has successfully integrated 18 autistic children into mainstream life. Chairman Jaleesh Peter emphasizes that practical experience is the foundation of their approach. “Our journey has taught us that early intervention and personalized therapy can work wonders. Autism is not a disease, and it cannot be treated with medicine. Instead, comprehensive therapies combined with lifestyle adjustments yield the best outcomes,” says Jaleesh Peter, the Founder and Chairman of the School.

L ISA Autism School’s unique ‘Lisa Autism Model of Rejuvenation’ combines various therapies and educational practices, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, behavior therapy, yoga therapy, music therapy, play therapy, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and life skill training. The curriculum is designed to meet each child’s individual needs while providing a structured school experience. Children range from ages 2.5 to 15, and every child is given an integrated care plan following a comprehensive one-month assessment.

LISA Autism School offers free preliminary autism assessments on campus. These assessments are conducted by a team of experts and require prior booking. The assessment is followed by counseling sessions with parents to design a personalized therapy plan. “The first step for parents is to accept their child’s autism diagnosis and seek appropriate therapies. With early intervention and the right support, children can achieve remarkable progress,” explains Jaleesh Peter.

Set on a three-acre green campus, the school boasts world-class therapy facilities. The infrastructure includes a fully air-conditioned sensory integration unit, smart classrooms, and specialized therapy rooms. Education follows the CBSE syllabus, with individualized learning plans to match each child’s developmental stage. The school’s residential facility provides a supportive environment where children receive continuous care and education.

In just six years, LISA Autism School has emerged as a global pioneer in autism care. Through their innovative approach, 18 children have successfully transitioned to mainstream life, offering hope and inspiration to countless families. As the world observes Autism Awareness Day, Lisa International Autism School stands as a shining example of how commitment, innovation, and compassion can transform lives.

National, India, 2nd April 2025 – TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, a hospitality chain owned by Karma Hospitality, has announced the launch of TreeHouse The Royal Chandra Mahal , a well located and boutique hotel near the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Known as the “Pink City” for its magnificent pink-hued buildings and rich cultural heritage.

Jaipur is home to some of India’s most celebrated landmarks, including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, and Jantar Mantar. Strategically located just 20 minutes from Jaipur Railway Station and Bani Park, and in close proximity to the Jhotwara Industrial Area, the resort offers modern, well-appointed Rooms & Suites, ADD – an all-day multi-cuisine dining restaurant, and two opulent banquet halls designed for royal weddings, conferences, and social events. It has a poolside lawn for your outdoor events, TreeHouse The Royal Chandra Mahal t is poised to become a great venue for grand celebrations and corporate gatherings in Jaipur.

The hotel features three categories of well-appointed Rooms & Suites, designed with plush interiors and modern amenities to ensure a relaxing stay. The Deluxe Room features contemporary amenities such as a Tea/Coffee Maker, Flat Screen LED Smart TV, In-Room Safe, and ample storage space. Guests can indulge in a delightful dining experience at the multi-cuisine restaurant, which serves a hearty buffet breakfast every morning, along with a curated selection of local Rajasthani dishes, comforting meals, coffee, and snacks, the restaurant is designed to cater to every palate.

TreeHouse The Royal Chandra Mahal is equipped with two Royal Mahal Banquet Halls and a Poolside Lawn, providing an exquisite setting for weddings, conferences, and social events. The banquet halls span 2,800 sq. ft. each, accommodating up to 200 guests in a reception-style setting. The Poolside Lawn, spread over 8,040 sq. ft., can host up to 500 guests, offering a picturesque backdrop for open-air celebrations.

Speaking on the launch, Jayant Singh, Managing Partner, TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, said, “Jaipur is a city of timeless charm and vibrant culture, and we are delighted to introduce TreeHouse The Royal Chandra Mahal to this incredible destination. Our vision is to offer travelers a seamless blend of heritage elegance and modern luxury, ensuring a memorable stay with world-class hospitality.”

Bengaluru, 2 April 2025: Myntra has announced the launch of HUEMN, one of India’s most popular avant-garde fashion labels, on Myntra Street Luxe. Renowned for its bold visual storytelling, handcrafted luxury, and unconventional silhouettes, HUEMN’s arrival on Myntra underscores the platform’s commitment to strengthening its portfolio, while the designer fashion label becomes more accessible to Myntra’s premium fashion-forward audience across the country.

Designed for those who see fashion as a powerful form of self-expression, the collection features 80+ styles including oversized T-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts, handcrafted pieces, and versatile outerwear that embody HUEMN’s signature aesthetic. HUEMN’s latest launch showcases some of its most defining designs, featuring key elements from the Mud collection, the Blood capsule— an artistic exploration of the beauty of life and death— and the Diversity collection. This release also includes HUEMN’s most recognisable visual identities, such as the HUEMN Gorilla, which has become synonymous with the brand’s bold storytelling, and the HUEMN Devil, a powerful representation of rebellion and individuality. Additionally, the Lay’s x HUEMN collaboration, a tribute to the universal love and connection people share with their favorite potato chips, will be available on Myntra Street Luxe, symbolising both comfort and the joy of indulgence. The centerpiece of the collection is the latest HUEMN x Shreyas Iyer drop, meticulously designed to enable seamless movement both on and off the field.

Speaking on the launch, Jayanti Ganguly, VP, Category Management, Myntra, said, “HUEMN is a pioneer in India’s evolving luxury streetwear movement, and we are thrilled to bring its bold, handcrafted designs to Myntra Street Luxe. As streetwear continues to gain momentum, this addition to the portfolio strengthens our commitment to bringing more luxury offerings to our fashion-forward customers. The collaboration will be an extension of HUEMN’s vision, as Myntra enables them to reach a wider audience across the country.”

HUEMN’s design philosophy is deeply anchored in craftsmanship and storytelling. The brand collaborates with skilled artisans to integrate traditional techniques into contemporary silhouettes while partnering with specialists to develop innovative, unprecedented forms, shapes, and textures. Gender fluidity is fundamental to HUEMN’s approach— each piece is crafted for movement, comfort, and self-expression, transcending conventional distinctions of fashion.

Pranav Misra, Co-Founder and Creative Director, HUEMN adds, “HUEMN is proud to join forces with Myntra, a platform that shares our passion for innovative, fashion-forward designs. This association marks a significant step in our mission to champion diversity and inclusivity in Indian fashion, breaking away from traditional norms and making high fashion more accessible to all. We believe fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, transcending age, size and background. We’re excited to have Myntra customers join the HUEMN community, and we look forward to empowering more individuals to express themselves unapologetically through our designs.”

Streetwear in India has been witnessing an increasing demand. From hip-hop and skate culture to homegrown street styles, the rise of socially conscious, community-led fashion is shaping the way young India dresses today. With over 30 streetwear brands like Extra Butter, BAPE, By Parra, Casablanca, Gramicci, Real Bad Man among others, Myntra Street is tapping into this culture, marking a significant step in the platform’s expansion of trend-driven fashion.

Mumbai, 2nd April, 2025: CaratLane – A TATA Product, India’s leading omnichannel jewellery retailer, simultaneously marked the debut of two exquisite collections—Sol & Luna—inspired by nature’s celestial wonders in their truest and most brilliant form. The collection launches, perfectly timed for the auspicious occasions of all the regional New Years and Akshaya Tritiya, beautifully capture the significance of new beginnings with their intricate designs.

Saumen Bhaumik, CEO & MD – CaratLane, remarked, “At CaratLane, we’re committed to making stunning jewellery. This festive season, we’re bringing 2 distinct collections – Sol and Luna, deeply symbolic of blending celestial grandeur embraced with prosperity and auspiciousness. Sol, the dawn of your brilliance is a tribute to new beginnings and endless possibilities. Inspired by the moon’s ever-changing beauty, Luna is a tribute to every phase of you. These collections perfectly reflect our vision of high-jewellery craftsmanship and everyday elegance, designed to be effortlessly wearable at accessible price points.”

Sol—crafted in 18KT yellow gold, SIFG diamonds & special-cut yellow gemstones—is inspired by the golden hues of sunrise and its reflection on the horizon. The designs embody the dawn of brilliance, marking an auspicious start to every journey, symbolising fresh opportunities captured through the brilliance of diamonds.

Luna, on the other hand, is inspired by the ever-changing phases of the moon, metaphorically representing the different sides and transformative journey of its wearer. Crafted in 18KT gold, the intricate diamond-studded designs capture the moon’s serene yet powerful aura, symbolizing elegance, resilience, and transformation. Luna is a timeless addition to any jewellery collection, embodying the essence of life’s cyclical changes.

To mark the launch of Sol & Luna, CaratLane is making a strong impact with a high-visibility campaign, ensuring these collections reach a wide audience. As an associate sponsor of the IPL, exclusively with Star Sports HD and JioHotstar, the brand is making a bold statement by showcasing its designs to millions of viewers. This is further amplified by strategic OOH ads in key markets and newspaper ads across The Times of India publication, ensuring maximum visibility and impact.

New Delhi, April 02, 2025: As a part of the world’s largest startup event, Startup Mahakumbh, an exclusive dinner program is being hosted on April 4, to synergize the efforts of the venture capitalists (VCs) – Limited Partners-General Partners (LPGP) with India’s startup ecosystem.

This exclusive gathering will be graced by the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal and dignitaries from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Shri Amardeep Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Chairman along with other eminent leaders including Shri Manoj Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and key stakeholders from the venture capitals, the startups and ‘Organizing Committee’ members of the Startup Mahakumbh.

Talking about the exclusive program, Dr. Arvind Gupta, Startup Mahakumbh Organizing Committee Member and Head of the Digital India Foundation, said, “With the Startup Mahakumbh poised to be a game-changer for the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem and the LPGP being its vital, this program will serve as an essential touchpoint for fostering meaningful investor-startup collaborations.

He added, “Initiatives like Fund of Funds for Startups have revolutionized India’s startup ecosystem. Under PM Narendra Modi ‘s vision, our domestic VCs are now powering incredible innovators from tier 2-3 cities which is enabling Bharat’s startups to truly lead India’s techade.”

The Indian government, through the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) scheme, provides financial support to startups by contributing to the capital of SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), with a corpus of Rs.10,000 crore. Through this initiative, Rs. 11,688 cr. has been committed through 151 AlFs, catalyzing a capital pool of around Rs.91,000 cr. which clearly reflects the great success of this program.

The Limited Partners (LPs) are institutional investors such as pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices that provide capital to venture capital (VC) firms, while General Partners (GPs) are the fund managers responsible for investing this capital into high-potential startups.

In recent times, India’s venture capital sector has seen unprecedented growth, with record-breaking funds raised and increasing foreign investment. The country’s VC ecosystem has played a transformative role in fueling innovation, creating jobs, and driving economic growth, with top investors backing deep-tech, fintech, AI-driven enterprises, and green energy startups. This influx of capital is helping Indian startups expand beyond domestic markets and positioning them as global players.

NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated power utility, has achieved remarkable growth in its operational performance during the financial year 2024-2025 with a significant increase in total power generation by 3.88% as compared to the previous financial year (FY24).

The NTPC Group recorded a total generation of 438.6 Billion Units (BU) in FY’25, surpassing the previous financial year’s generation of 422.2 BU. These accomplishments reinforce NTPC’s commitment to delivering reliable and affordable power to the nation.

In addition to this, NTPC Group also made substantial strides in expanding its installed capacity. During FY25, the Group successfully added 3,972 MW of capacity, bringing its cumulative installed capacity to around 80 GW by the end of FY25.

Apart from operational capacity of approx. 80 GW, additional 32 GW capacity including 15 GW Renewable capacity is under construction. The company is committed to achieve 60 GW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2032.

Along with power generation, NTPC has also ventured into various new business areas including e-mobility, battery storage, pumped hydro storage, Waste-to-Energy, Nuclear, Green Hydrogen solutions etc. and participated in the bidding for power distribution of Union Territories.

NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing 1/4th of the power requirement of the country. With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the Nation. The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.

MUMBAI, India–April 2nd, 2025: Buckle up for an adrenaline-packed ride as Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to redefine dance battles like never before. Streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, the competition has hit a fever pitch, with every performance pushing the limits of skill, passion, and raw energy. But beyond the battle for the top spot, the latest episodes delivered a moment so iconic, it’s already being hailed as one of the greatest in the show’s history.

This week, the legendary Jaaved Jaaferi stepped in as the guest judge, bringing his signature energy and charisma to the Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 stage. But that’s not all! The real show-stopper of the episode was the jaw-dropping dance-off between Jaaved Jaaferi and Remo D’Souza — a never-seen-before sight that fans won’t stop talking about anytime soon. This first-of-its-kind clash not only bowled audiences over but also cemented this season as one for the books.

Speaking about the face-off, Remo D’Souza said, “Dancing alongside Jaaved Jaaferi was a lovely experience. His energy is unmatched, and to go head-to-head with him was surreal. Moments like these are what make Hip Hop India Season 2 so special—pushing boundaries, creating memories, and celebrating the joy of dance. I’m beyond excited for what’s yet to come!”

Filled with high-voltage performances, unparalleled energy, and a stage that features the country’s best hip-hop talents, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 is now streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.