Archives May 2025

Mumbai, 29^th May 2025– The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) welcomes the release of the CISAC Annual Report 2025, which showcases India’s strong growth in royalty collections and outlines a global call for ethical AI regulation in the creative industry.

The report underscores the importance of protecting creators’ rights and adapting to technological advancements to ensure fair remuneration and sustainable growth in the music sector.

India’s progress in royalty collections reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening its creative economy. The IPRS remains dedicated to supporting music creators and users by providing guidance on music copyright and facilitating legal music usage. As the industry evolves, the IPRS continues to advocate for policies and practices that uphold the rights of creators and promote the responsible use of technology in creativity.

According to the report, total royalty collections in India crossed Rs. 7 billion in FY24-25, reflecting a 42% increase over the previous year, and a 357% growth compared to 2020. This performance has moved India up significantly in global rankings – making it one of the fastest-growing music markets.

The report also highlights IPRS’s ongoing collaboration with CISAC to develop a strategic roadmap aimed at positioning India among the world’s top 10 creative economies. This includes targeted efforts to strengthen digital collections, address non-digital revenue challenges, and improve the licensing and distribution ecosystem.

Sharing his views, legendary creator and IPRS Chairman, Mr. Javed Akhtar, said, “A society that cherishes music must ensure that its creators are not forgotten in the shadows of technology and commerce. The significant rise in royalty collections is more than a number – it is a reflection of growing awareness around intellectual property, fair value for creative work, and the need for compliance across the industry. Yet, many challenges remain – as music travels far and wide in the digital age and AI presents new threats. From educating creators about their rights to ensuring the ethical use of their work across platforms, our mission is far from over.  As a body representing those behind the music, we at IPRS are committed to protecting the rights of every music creator, addressing systemic gaps, and building an ecosystem where creativity is respected, rewarded, and rightfully owned.”

Highlighting the significance of the report Mr. Björn Ulvaeus, CISAC President, mentioned, “We are living through an era of unprecedented transformation. Nowhere is this more evident that in the rise of generative AI – a force that raises fundamental questions about the nature of authorship and creativity. Protecting creators’ rights in no way means trying to stop the advance of technology. On the contrary, it means embracing and licensing AI tools in a safe, legal environment. I say this as the number one fan of AI and of its possibilities for enhancing human creation. What is pre-requisite, however, is that creators’ rights are respected. Upholding creators’ rights is not only about fairness, it’s also about economic good sense.”

Mr. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, added, “The remarkable growth in India’s royalty collections reflects not just a rising music economy, but also a growing recognition of creators’ rights – though there is still significant ground to cover. At IPRS, we are proud to lead this transformation—empowering creators, strengthening systems, and working with global partners to raise the standards of copyright governance. As technology reshapes the creative landscape, it is critical that innovation does not come at the cost of artistic integrity. Through strategic collaborations and a robust rights management framework, we remain committed to ensuring that every creator is respected, rewarded, and ready for the future.”

The report also spotlights IPRS’s participation in a global pilot project to link ISWC (musical work codes) with ISRC (sound recording codes), a step that will lead to more accurate and faster royalty payments for Indian creators.

On the global front, CISAC has raised a strong call for regulation of Generative AI. Its newly released Global Economic Study, published in partnership with PMP Strategy, warns that by 2028, music creators could lose up to 24% of their revenues if clear policies around AI-generated content are not implemented.

IPRS supports CISAC’s demands for:

• Transparency in AI training data
• Mandatory authorisation before use of creative works
• Fair compensation for creators

National; May 28^th, 2025: Burgers are having their moment, but this year, it’s not just about the juiciest patties or fluffiest buns. It’s about the box they come in. On the occasion of International Burger Day, Swiggy Limited (NSE: SWIGGY/BSE: 544285), India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, has announced its partnership with Zerocircle, India’s most exciting sustainable packaging startup, to launch #IndiasCoolestBurgers, an initiative that brings sustainability to the very box your burger arrives in.

The collaboration will see top burger destinations/ restaurants across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad do away with the plastic-lined containers and adopt Zerocircle’s breakthrough seaweed-coated burger boxes, that are microplastic-free, greaseproof, leak-proof, home-compostable and ocean-degradable.

30 handpicked restaurants will receive 30,000 free boxes in the first phase, giving chefs, cloud kitchens, and cult burger spots a zero-compromise way to serve their food sustainably, without losing the crispness of the bun or the juiciness of the patty.

But this isn’t just about packaging. It’s about creating a new cultural cue- that taste, and thoughtfulness can – and should – go hand in hand. This partnership reiterates that our favourite comfort foods can also be climate-forward.

Commenting on this initiative, Sidharth Bhakoo, Chief Business Officer, Swiggy said, “As India’s leading food delivery platform, we’ve seen first-hand how deeply burgers are embedded in the fabric of urban food culture. We believe that it’s time to ask a more urgent question, can our most loved bites also lead the way in sustainability? With this collaboration alongside Zerocircle, we’re not just celebrating the country’s top burger destinations; we’re empowering them to serve smarter, with packaging that disappears without harming nature. This is not just a pathbreaking idea- it is a message to every eco-conscious consumer that great taste doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. At Swiggy, we’re proud to back innovations that make sustainability feel seamless — baked into every delivery, not bolted on as an afterthought.”

 “As a material science company, launching our products in India is deeply personal — it’s us coming full circle. In India, the impact of plastic pollution isn’t abstract — it’s visible in our rivers, forests, coastlines, and in the lives that depend on them. We’re not just launching another ‘green’ product; we’re introducing a material that is truly safe. Materials that won’t pollute the Ganges, that won’t persist on the foothills of Himalayas or linger in your bodies as microplastics and respect the biodiversity we’re privileged to have.  With partners like Swiggy, this isn’t just about entering a new market for us — it’s about driving a shift from within. We’re a team of scientists and forward-thinkers reimagining what materials can do, and we’re proud to lead the change.” said Neha Jain, Founder & MD, Zerocircle.

The initiative has gone live on International Burger Day and aims to engage better with the eco conscious consumers. Consumers are encouraged to share, tag, and nominate their favourite burger joints to try the new boxes, turning microplastic-free packaging into a public conversation and driving real adoption across the restaurant ecosystem. Swiggy will also drive sign-ups and box trials with restaurant partners, ensuring this isn’t just a one-off campaign but an impactful initiative.

CS TECH Ai (Ceinsys Tech Ltd.), a CMMI Level 5 and ISO-certified enterprise delivering high-impact solutions across Geospatial, Engineering, Mobility, and Emerging Technologies, is pleased to announce the launch of its new website: www.cstech.ai.

This milestone reflects the company’s expanded global vision and unified brand identity—strengthened by the integration of AllyGrow Technologies into CS TECH Ai—and showcases its diverse capabilities across industries and geographies.

“Our new digital platform is more than just a website—it is the expression of CS TECH Ai’s commitment to delivering precision, innovation, and scalable solutions to clients worldwide,” said Vishal Pawar, Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s designed to communicate our core strengths and help our stakeholders discover the breadth of our services across AI, digital transformation, and engineering excellence.”

CS TECH Ai’s expertise spans geospatial solutions for infrastructure and utilities, engineering services for mobility and embedded systems, and digital transformation initiatives for industries that shape the world. With a growing presence across global markets, the new website is a key milestone in reinforcing the company’s position as a leading ITES brand.

Bengaluru, 29 May 2025: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, today launched a new television campaign for Flipkart Minutes across TV and digital platforms. The campaign spotlights quality fresh vegetables starting at just ₹9/-, brought to life through a playful film inspired by the beloved Bollywood movie, 3 Idiots. Tapping into everyday household concerns like rising grocery bills and time crunches, the film captures how Flipkart Minutes makes it easier than ever to get quality fresh vegetables delivered fast, starting at just ₹9/-, bringing unmatchable value and convenience.

Conceptualised by Leo Burnett,  the ad draws inspiration from the timeless classic movie 3 Idiots, reimagining Raju Rastogi’s family in a quintessential Indian household, where Raju’s mother angrily stirs vegetables on the stove, expressing concern over inflation and lamenting the rising costs of everyday vegetables. ‘Bhindi 100 rupaye kilo ho gayi!’ and ‘Aur pyaaz ka toh puchho hi mat!’ Just then, a gust of wind blows a Flipkart Minutes flyer onto the door, announcing farm-fresh vegetables at just ₹9. Raju`s father looks towards the flyer, attempting to communicate the number 9 sign using his fingers. It eventually lands on her face mid-rant, cutting her off. As she reads the flyer, disbelief gives way to elation. She quickly places an order on the Flipkart Minutes app and receives a doorstep delivery of fresh vegetables in minutes. The film concludes with the home filled with joy (and fresh vegetables), as the couple shares a lighthearted moment, sniffing mangoes and onions. The voiceover signs off with a cheerful promise: ‘Veggies at Rs 9/- delivered in 10 minutes!’

Kabeer Biswas, Vice President, Flipkart Minutes, commented on the campaign, “With Flipkart Minutes, we are making daily essentials convenient. This campaign brings to life the most essential needs of our customers – Value, Quality and Convenience at affordable prices. Fresh vegetables at Rs 9/- delivered in minutes is a reflection of our promise to reimagine everyday convenience. Backed by a robust tech-enabled supply chain and close collaboration with Farmer Producer Organisations, we’re able to create a seamless farm-to-consumer experience. Through a familiar story and relatable moments, we aim to connect with our customers in a way that’s both meaningful and reassuring.”

Built on a simple premise, the campaign delivers a clear message that everyday essentials can be made available in minutes without compromising on quality. With quality fresh vegetables at ₹9/- and delivery in minutes, the campaign strikes the right chord of Indian consumers who desire value, convenience, and speed to fulfill their need for daily essentials.

Bengaluru 29th May 2025: VST Tillers Tractors Limited joined with News First Kannada as the AgriTech Partner at the ‘Krushi Devo Bhavah’ Agri Conclave & ‘Bhu Tapasvi’ Awards in Bengaluru. Honorable Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, Shri N. Chaluvarayaswamy was the chief guest at the event.

Mr. E. Prabhu, Sales Head – Tractor Division VST Tillers Tractors Limited, shared how technology & innovation in farm mechanization is changing the way farming is done today. Appreciating Karnataka Government’s renewed focus on agriculture and implementation of various initiatives to help small and marginal farmers he was the panel member on the topic of innovative technologies in Agri mechanization and stressed on the importance of the usage of compact tractors and small farm machines like tillers and weeders He also highlighted the new technological advancements and specifications, performance boosters, and pricing benefits being provided to the farmers.

The ‘Bhu Tapasvi’ Award was presented to 10 successful farmers from Karnataka who shared their stories during the event. The sessions at ‘Krushi Devo Bhavah’ Agri Conclave were focused on topics like sustainability, technology and innovation in agriculture, modern farming methods, and solutions to challenges in modern-day farming in Karnataka.

National, May 27, 2025: Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform, has entered a new chapter with a refreshed look, marking a significant milestone in its journey from a Swiggy sub-brand to a powerful standalone presence.

Instamart pioneered quick commerce in the country when it launched five years ago. Since then, the platform has expanded significantly, growing its product range to over 35,000 items across over 120 cities and serving millions of users every month.

What began as a part of Swiggy has quickly evolved into a category-defining business, with a loyal user base, a distinct personality, and growing scale. In numerous instances, Swiggy Group CEO, Sriharsha Majety has spoken about how the company expects Instamart to surpass food delivery in both penetration and scale. Integrated within the main Swiggy app, Instamart also launched a standalone app earlier this year. As Instamart enters this next phase, its refreshed identity reflects the brand’s identity while remaining true to the Swiggy values that make it so loved.

Instamart has also unveiled a fresh visual identity, headlined by a new primary brand colour. Blue represents reliability, speed, and trust – a fitting evolution for a brand that’s become a daily staple in millions of households.

While the name and colour evolved, the iconic Swiggy ‘S-Pin’ icon remains serving as a subtle tribute to the brand’s origins and a reminder of the commitment that powers its delivery promise and trust it will continue to carry forward.

Mayur Hola, Head of Brand, Swiggy said, “Instamart’s promise has grown beyond grocery categories, tier 1 cities and food delivery users. It’s become a service with its own voice, its own loyal users, and a role in everyday life that’s both personal and essential. This rebrand is not just a visual shift, it’s a declaration: Instamart has grown beyond its origins, while still being backed by the trust of Swiggy. The new identity reflects Instamart’s as a standalone brand, one that is innovating across speed, selection, and daily convenience.”

Chandigarh, May 29, 2025: The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announced the signing of three luxury wildlife lodges under its iconic Taj brand in the Balule Game Reserve, Kruger National Park in South Africa. This signing marks IHCL’s entry into luxury wildlife hospitality in South Africa.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “As the demand for purpose-led travel continues to grow, Taj with its differentiated offerings brings exceptional safari experiences where expert-led jungle drives, community engagement, and conservation-led design come together to create unforgettable journeys. Our foray into Kruger National Park builds on this legacy, offering travellers an authentic connection with nature through a responsible tourism approach. We are delighted to partner with OM USA LLC to bring this vision to life.”

The three luxury lodges, the 30-key Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp, the 6-key Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge, and the 6-key Taj Lion Kings River Lodge will be set amidst the wilderness and offer elevated safari experiences. Each lodge will feature an all-day dining restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and recreation areas, blending comfort with the authenticity of the African wilderness.

Mr. Manish Patel, OM USA LLC, said, “The tightly controlled environment of the Balule Game Reserve ensures exclusivity and privacy, making it an ideal destination for discerning global explorers. Taj has been a favourite with wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers for over two decades. We are happy to partner with India’s largest hospitality ecosystem to bring the legendary Taj brand to Kruger National Park.”

Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves and is home to the legendary Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Located within the Greater Kruger zone, the Balule Game Reserve offers the same rich wildlife experience with its unfenced borders allowing free movement of animals, while off-road game drives and night safaris enable rare and intimate wildlife encounters.

Delhi, 29th May, 2025 – Say hello to the all-new POVA Curve 5G. TECNO, the brand known for turning heads with its innovative products and cutting-edge technology, has officially launched the all-new POVA Curve 5G. The latest entrant in the popular POVA series, this device raises the bar with its stunning aesthetics and intelligent performance, thoughtfully designed for India’s next-gen users who want more than just another smartphone.

With the POVA Curve 5G, TECNO is stepping up to lead the game with its three core pillars: Best Design, Best AI, and Best Signal. The device is a bold representation of TECNO’s commitment to delivering futuristic aesthetics, intelligent features tailored for Indian users, and robust network performance, raising the bar for what consumers can expect from a mid-premium smartphone.

Commenting on the launch, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO said, “At TECNO, innovation is never in isolation — it’s always inspired by the people we serve. With the POVA Curve 5G, we’ve fused our Starship design language, localized AI built for India and best-in-class 5G signal strength into a device that doesn’t just look futuristic, but feels intuitive and deeply personal. It reflects TECNO’s core belief: technology must empower, adapt, and always put the customer first.”

Designed for the Future: Where Form Meets Function

The TECNO POVA Curve 5G redefines smartphone design with its starship-inspired aesthetic and ultra-slim 7.45mm curved frame, making it India’s slimmest curved smartphone with 5500mAh battery. Crafted to command attention, the POVA Curve’s 55° curvature delivers a premium in-hand feel and futuristic appeal. It comes in three bold colors — Magic Silver, Neon Cyan, and Geek Black — built to resonate with young, style-conscious users. The sleek build is further enhanced by a near bezel-less front, a 93.8% screen-to-body ratio, and wet-hand touch compatibility, ensuring beauty meets practicality.

Next-Gen AI Experience: Built for India

The POVA Curve 5G introduces a segment-defining AI experience, custom-built for Indian users. It is the first smartphone in its segment to offer AI with Indian language support, enabling smart replies, voice input, and content recommendations across multiple regional languages. Designed by TECNO for productivity, fun, and safety, this user-first approach ensures seamless accessibility for both tech-savvy and first-time smartphone users.

In addition, the device debuts industry-first AI innovations such as:

• AI Voiceprint Suppression – Ensures crystal-clear calls, even in noisy environments.
• AI Auto Call Answering – Automatically picks up calls and interacts with the caller on your behalf.
• AI Call Assistant – Provides live translations and post-call summaries, including for WhatsApp calls.
• India’s First No Network Communication – Enables seamless connectivity even in low or no signal areas.

These AI capabilities make the POVA Curve 5G not just intelligent but practically smart — simplifying everyday interactions and boosting productivity.

Reliable Connectivity, Wherever You Go

The POVA Curve ensures that your connection never falters, even in low-signal areas, with its Intelligent Signal Hub System. Featuring 86.5% antenna coverage, VoWiFi Dual Pass, and real-time signal optimisation, users can enjoy seamless voice and data connectivity whether in urban basements or rural zones.

Endurance Meets Efficiency with Smart Battery Tech

The POVA Curve features a 5500mAh battery that redefines endurance. Backed by TÜV Rheinland Long Range Certification, the battery supports over 1800+ charging cycles. With 45W fast charging, the phone powers up to 50% in just 15 minutes and 100% in 45 minutes, keeping pace with fast-moving users.

Bengaluru, 29^th May 2025: Michelin, the world’s leading tyre technology company, inaugurated its Michelin Tyres & Services Store in Bengaluru, strengthening its presence in the region. Strategically located in Indiranagar, the new store is opened in partnership with Cherry Tyre Park, India’s largest and fastest-growing tyre retail network.

The new Michelin Tyres & Services Store offers a comprehensive range of tyres for the growing premium vehicle ownership in the city. Spanning across 3000 sq. ft., the store is equipped with cutting edge infrastructure for all the tyre-related services for the customers including precision tyre fitment, wheel balancing, and alignment.

The expansion in Bengaluru reflects Michelin’s continued commitment to enhancing its retail network and customer service capabilities in the southern region. Strategically located in the prime location of Indiranagar, the store is well-positioned to become the go-to destination for all tyre and wheel service needs of the neighbourhood. With an ever-growing market for premium and luxury cars in Bengaluru, there is a demand for high-performance and premium quality mobility solutions.

The store was inaugurated by Siddharth Mehta, Marketing Director at Michelin India, along with the team from Cherry Tyre Park.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “Bengaluru has always been a key market for us with our consumers valuing quality, innovation, and performance. The launch of this new Michelin Tyres & Services store in partnership with Cherry Tyre Park strengthens our commitment to bringing world-class services and a premium experience for our customers in this dynamic and fast-growing market.”

 Cherry Tyre Park has been trusted partner of Michelin for over 12 years. The new exclusive Michelin Tyres & Services store strengthens the deep-rooted partnership with the brand with its robust technology and well-established market presence catering to premium customers.

With Michelin’s focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability, the company’s premium tyre offerings are tailored to complement the advanced performance and design aesthetics of luxury and premium vehicles, meeting the evolving expectations of discerning customers in Bengaluru.

Dehradun, 29 May 2025: Today, the School of Computer Science (SoCS) at UPES, announced a collaboration with, Salesforce, the world’s #1 AI CRM*, to launch a skilling initiative at UPES, reinforcing the university’s commitment to delivering industry-aligned, real-world education. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Uttarakhand marks a significant milestone for UPES and exemplifies its belief in co-creating future-ready learning ecosystems in collaboration with global industry leaders.

Together, they organised ‘Salesforce Day @ UPES’, focused on the theme “Talent. Purpose. Partners. – Co- Creating the Ecosystem of Tomorrow”. The event brought together leading Salesforce partners, including TCS, Wipro and IBM, who will be supporting the Talent Hub with strategic inputs, mentorship, and certification-backed skilling opportunities for students.

The day began with an ‘Executive Dialogue’ featuring Salesforce leaders, partners, and UPES leadership, followed by Trailblazer engagements, where selected students participated in small-group themed discussions and hands- on workshops led by industry experts. Topics ranged from the ‘College to Cloud’ transition and value of certifications, to cultivating a ‘Client-First Mindset’ and exploring how CRM intersects with creativity. The day culminated in a high-energy student address and panel discussion, which allowed the students to gain direct exposure to real-world industry insights, expectations, and emerging opportunities, through an interaction with Salesforce and partner leaders.

The skilling initiative at UPES SoCS in collaboration with Salesforce was envisioned as a platform that will deliver future-ready Salesforce-certified courses—both paid and free—while also encouraging deeper faculty-industry engagement to ensure continuous curriculum enrichment. Additionally, it will act as a high-impact talent pipeline, connecting UPES students with employment opportunities across Salesforce and its globally renowned network of partners.

With a focus on advanced domains such as AI-enabled customer relationship management, low-code/no-code platforms, customer data platforms (CDP), and workflow automation, the hub will ensure that students are well- prepared for enterprise-level digital transformation projects. These capabilities are aimed at making graduates immediately deployment-ready, enabling them to contribute effectively to the evolving needs of industry.

UPES has consistently focused on skilling its students through robust academia-industry collaborations. This collaboration with Salesforce is the latest addition to this endeavour—creating immersive opportunities in AI, data, cloud, and automation, and preparing the next generation of digital professionals with purpose and precision.

Speaking on the launch, Dr. Vijaysekhar Chellaboina, Dean, School of Computer Science, UPES, said, “The collaboration exemplifies our ethos as the ‘University of Tomorrow’, of integrating real-world industry insights into academic learning. In a digital-first economy, students must not only be well-versed in emerging technologies, but they must also gain industry context and mentorship. With support from Salesforce and its global partners, this hub positions our students at the forefront of digital innovation and enterprise readiness.”

Sanket Atal, Managing Director – Operations & Technology at Salesforce India, shared, “As technology continues to redefine every aspect of how we live, work, and learn, it’s critical that we reimagine how talent is nurtured and prepared for the future. Our collaboration with UPES is a meaningful step in that direction – bringing together academia, industry, and innovation to build a workforce that’s not only digitally fluent but also purpose-driven. By embedding Salesforce skills, tools, and mentorship into the learning journey, we’re equipping students with the certifications, hands-on experience, and industry exposure they need to thrive in an AI-first, digital economy.”

This marks not just a milestone for UPES, but a forward-looking investment in the future of digital education and employability. By enabling deeper partnerships and creating platforms for innovation, UPES continues to shape a learning environment that responds to the evolving needs of industry and empowers students to thrive in a tech- driven world.