Archives July 2025

The first drop of rain doesn’t just fall. It whispers stories, triggers memories, and for some, brings a burst of joy that even sunshine can’t match. For actress Eshaa Pathak, who plays the lead role of Gauri in Sun Neo’s Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri, this season brings back a wave of childhood happiness and a wish she still holds close to her heart.

Eshaa shared, “Monsoon is honestly my favourite season. Everything looks so fresh and green, and I love how the plants bloom during this time. That smell of wet mitti after the first rain just hits differently. It lifts my mood instantly. And rainy days for me are never complete without hot chai, bhajiyas and roasted bhutta. It’s a must.”

Remembering her childhood, she added, “I have so many sweet memories from back home. Every time it rained, I would run to the terrace, play my favourite songs and dance like nobody was watching. It made me so happy. Those were the best moments.”

While she’s enjoying her journey as Gauri, the monsoon also reminds her of a long-time on-screen dream. “I’ve always wanted to do a rain dance scene like Tip Tip Barsa Pani. There’s just something about it. The rain, the music, the vibe. It’s bold but so iconic. Every time it rains, that song starts playing in my head. If I ever get a chance to shoot something like that, I’m totally ready. Saree, rain, dance. I’m all in.”

Talking about balancing her love for the season with her work, she said, “Monsoon mornings are the hardest because it’s so cozy and chilly. You just want to stay in bed a little longer. But I genuinely love what I do, so I get up and head to set with a smile. The vibe on the Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri set is so much fun. I actually feel FOMO if I’m not there.”

Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri follows the story of a kind-hearted girl named Gauri, whose faith and strength guide her through life’s toughest challenges. When she is faced with an unwanted marriage, she doesn’t give up. She finds her voice in a new home and begins to shape her own destiny. Watch Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri every night at 8:30 PM, only on Sun Neo.

National, Hyderabad, July 17th, 2025: THOMSON, France’s iconic consumer electronics giant powering the future of smart living in India, is back with a bang — and it’s bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever. Launching its stunning new Mini LED TV series in 65” and 75”, THOMSON is ready to transform the way India watches, plays, and listens.

Encased in a premium metallic body design, the TVs combine aesthetics with durability, elevating the style quotient of any modern living space. The new Mini LED TVs are available exclusively on Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, from 17th July 2025.

THOMSON’s latest Mini LED TVs are a visual powerhouse — packed with features like Smart Eye Shield, 540 Local Dimming zones, and Dynamic Backlight technology that brings every frame to life with dazzling highlights and ultra-deep blacks. From explosive action scenes to moody thrillers, viewers will be immersed in breathtaking contrast, vivid realism, and shadow detail so precise, it feels like stepping inside the screen. Movie nights, game marathons, or binge sessions — this is next-level entertainment, redefined.

Loaded with Mini QD 4K displays, a booming 108W speaker system, and powered by Google TV, this is not just a TV — it’s a full-blown home theatre, gaming console, and smart entertainment hub rolled into one sleek frame.

“We’re not just launching TVs — we’re launching the future of Indian living rooms,” said Avneet Singh Marwah, CEO of SPPL, exclusive licensee of THOMSON in India. “Our new Mini LED range brings together the best in global display technology like Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HLG, refresh rate 122Hz, Dolby Atmos-powered audio with 108 Watts output along with 6 speakers and the latest 5.0 Google TV experience — all proudly Made in India.”

“Since THOMSON’s re-entry into the Indian market in 2018, Flipkart has been an important sales partner for us, and we would like to thank them for that. Their unwavering support has helped us grow tenfold and establish THOMSON as one of the most trusted smart TV brands in the country,” he added.

Flipkart continues to serve as a launchpad for democratizing access to technology. With affordability constructs such as no / low-cost EMIs, bank offers, and exchange schemes, the new Mini LED TVs will be within reach for millions of Indian consumers seeking premium entertainment at value-driven pricing.

Rakesh Krishnan, Vice President – Large Appliances, Flipkart said, “As Indian households evolve into smart, connected spaces, Flipkart remains focused on enabling access to innovations that enrich everyday living. The launch of THOMSON’s Mini LED TV series on our platform reflects this commitment. We’re combining trust at every touchpoint with guided discovery and affordability to help customers transition seamlessly from aspiration to ownership. This collaboration represents our vision to make emerging tech more accessible, intuitive, and reliable for every Indian consumer.”

BIGGER, BOLDER, BRIGHTER: The Power of Mini QD 4K

• Mini QD Display with Local Dimming = Mind-blowing contrast & inky blacks

• Dolby Vision + HDR10 + HLG = Every frame cinematic

• 1500 nits peak brightness, 100,000:1 contrast ratio, 1.1 billion colours

• Bezel-less, edge-to-edge design with premium metal stand = Instant statement piece

 AUDIO THAT ROARS — 108W of Pure Sound

• 6 speakers with sky-firing subwoofers — feel the sound all around

• Dolby Atmos + Dolby Digital Plus = Precision audio for every scene

• Custom sound modes for movies, music, sports, and more

THE SMARTEST TV YOU’LL EVER OWN

• Google TV (v4.0) with voice search, personalized suggestions, and seamless UI

• Hotkeys for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube & your favourite apps

• 10,000+ apps supported including JioCinema, Hotstar, Zee5, SonyLIV, Apple TV and more

• Built-in Chromecast & AirPlay — mirror your phone in seconds

GAMING READY, FUTURE PROOF

• 120Hz MEMC, ALLM, and VRR for ultra-smooth gameplay

• Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 3 HDMI ports (ARC + CEC), 2 USB ports

• Supports gamepads, headphones, keyboards & more

 BUILT TO PERFORM

• Powered by MediaTek processor with Mali-G52 GPU

• 2GB RAM + 16GB storage, DVB support

• Optimized for seamless multitasking and app performance

THOMSON MINI LED: WHERE TECH MEETS THEATRE

This launch is more than just a product drop — it’s a revolution in home entertainment. Whether you’re a cinephile, a gamer, a binge-watcher, or a music lover, the THOMSON Mini LED range is designed to elevate every moment. From blockbuster movies to edge-of-your-seat gameplay, this TV isn’t just smart — it’s spectacular.

By – Rishi Verma, Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI COE), Financial Software and Systems (FSS)

“The World AI Appreciation Day is a testament of the scope of AI across industries such as banking where AI is functioning as the core engine powering real-time, intelligent, and inclusive financial services. Right from risk assessment, fraud detection, process automation to hyper-personalising customer experience, AI is poised to elevate and democratise the banking experience for all. We envisage AI as a strategic lever to modernise the financial backbone of banks, helping them move from reactive to predictive systems that directly enhance the financial journeys of millions of consumers. The transformative journey is not onlylimited to automation, but also the ability of AI to bring unseen efficiencies and unlock new value chains within legacy systems. The winners in banking will be those who use AI not just for speed, but for smarter, safer, and more inclusive growth.”

Raksha Bandhan is more than just tying a Rakhi—it is about celebrating the bond you share with your brother and making him feel truly special. This year, go beyond the usual wallets and sweets. Give your brother something stylish, practical, and long-lasting—a great pair of shoes!

From classic leather formals to bold sneakers and rugged boots, here are five top Indian shoe brands that make for perfect Rakhi gifts.

1. Bata – A Legacy of Trust and Comfort

When in doubt, trust Bata. A brand that has been part of Indian households for generations, Bata offers a wide range of comfortable, stylish, and durable shoes for every age and occasion. Whether your brother prefers smart casuals or formal lace-ups, Bata has the perfect pair that balances everyday wear with timeless design.

 Great for: Office-goers, college students, or brothers who prefer fuss-free fashion.

2. Louis Stitch – For the Dapper Gentleman

If your brother has a taste for luxury and elegance, Louis Stitch is the brand to impress him. Known for its handcrafted leather shoes made from rare, pure hides, Louis Stitch brings Italian flair with Indian craftsmanship. From brogues to Chelsea boots, every piece is a style statement.

Great for: Fashion-forward brothers or those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and leather accessories.

 Bonus Tip: Pair the shoes with a Louis Stitch leather belt or watch for a complete style upgrade!

3. Metro Shoes – Chic and Sophisticated

Metro Shoes has carved its place in the premium segment with elegant footwear perfect for formal occasions or festive outings. Their sleek design, comfort, and polished look make them ideal for brothers who like to stay stylish yet grounded in quality.

Great for: Brothers who attend lots of weddings, parties, or love classy dressing.

4. Woodland – For the Explorer at Heart

For the brother who loves nature, trekking, or just has a rough-and-tough personality, Woodland is a no-brainer. Known for its rugged outdoor footwear, Woodland shoes are designed to survive the harshest of terrains—and still look good doing it.

Great for: Adventure-lovers, bikers, or your forever on-the-go brother.

5. Mochi – Trendy, Vibrant & Youthful

Mochi is a perfect gift option if your brother loves keeping up with the latest trends. Bold colors, edgy designs, and affordable prices make Mochi a favourite among India’s youth. Whether he is into street fashion or Indo-western styles, there is something here that will match his vibe.

Great for: Style-conscious younger brothers or trendsetters.

Final Thoughts

This Raksha Bandhan, celebrate your sibling bond by gifting your brother something he will walk proud in—literally! Shoes are not just a fashion statement but a daily essential, and with these top Indian shoe brands, you are giving him the gift of comfort, confidence, and style.

So, pick a pair that suits his personality and wrap it with all your love. After all, brothers deserve to step into Rakhi with style!

India, July 16, 2025 – Turnitin, a leading provider of technology solutions in academic integrity, announced the general availability of Turnitin Clarity, a purpose-built writing solution designed to help foster academic integrity and guide responsible use of AI in the classroom. Turnitin Clarity serves as a bridge between educators and students, delivering transparency, efficiency, and meaningful feedback in writing assessment, especially in today’s AI-powered learning environment.

Building on a newly rearchitected Turnitin Feedback Studio (TFS) foundation, Turnitin delivers flexible assignment workflows, faster access to innovations, and more intuitive grading and feedback tools. With Turnitin Clarity seamlessly integrated, the solution becomes a one-stop environment where students can write, optionally using an incorporated AI assistant, revise and reflect. Educators can then engage, assess, and uphold integrity with full visibility into the writing process.

“Turnitin Clarity is our response to a defining challenge in education, how to uphold academic integrity and embrace the responsible use of AI,” said Annie Chechitelli, chief product officer, Turnitin. “In an AI-powered world, we need more than detection, we need solutions that promote learning, invite dialogue, and equip educators and students to use AI ethically and confidently. That’s why we built Turnitin Clarity.”

Adding to this, Chaitali Moitra, Regional Head, South Asia, Turnitin said, “As AI rapidly reshapes India’s educational landscape, we must provide the education sector with the necessary capabilities to understand and leverage these solutions. Turnitin Clarity creates a flexible and transparent environment for students, as well as empowers educators to better evaluate integrity and improve engagement with students. The resulting understanding of the responsible use of AI will equip both educators and students with the confidence to maintain integrity, while cultivating meaningful and practical learning outcomes.”

The General Availability of Turnitin Clarity: Transparency and AI Literacy in the Writing Process

Turnitin Clarity is a transparent writing solution that enables educators to support students in the writing process with the help of educator-guided AI assistance. It includes a composition space for drafting assignments and an AI Assistant * offering students feedback in the writing process. Educators are equipped with the necessary data and insights into how students constructed their writing, from creation to final submission, which aids in teaching students to write with integrity and foster more meaningful engagement between educators and students.

Key features of Turnitin Clarity include:

· Guided AI assistant: Students receive writing support at every stage, reinforcing structure, originality, and responsible use of generative AI.

· Process transparency and insights: Educators see how work is built through indicators like revision timelines, pasted vs. typed text, and a summary of AI chat history.

· Integrated academic integrity solutions: Similarity checking, AI writing detection , and submission metrics appear in one view, streamlining the educator review.

· Fast and personalized feedback: This solution makes the feedback fast and personalized and serves as a bridge between students and educators, making feedback a natural part of the process, encouraging growth and trust.

The Next Generation of Turnitin Feedback Studio: One Seamless Solution with Insights and Feedback All-In-One Place

Turnitin Feedback Studio reframes the academic integrity conversation as one focused on skills development rather than academic misconduct. This, paired with Turnitin Clarity, means educators can transform instances of plagiarism and AI misuse into valuable learning experiences, enabling students to uphold academic integrity while developing their writing, researching, and critical thinking skills.

New enhancements to Turnitin Feedback Studio include:

· Modern, accessible design: A modern interface designed with educators, students, and accessibility in mind, ensures intuitive navigation and a more streamlined experience for users.

· Enhanced similarity report including AI writing detector: Updated match categories, and integrated AI insights, make originality reports clearer and easier to interpret, helping educators quickly identify and address integrity concerns with precision.

· Flexible feedback and grading workflows: Capabilities to deliver feedback to students faster, more effectively or with more impact, saves time on administrative tasks.

· Supports a variety of educator needs for assessment: Flexible solution for a wider range of assignment types, including handwritten and AI-assisted writing, empowering educators to evolve their practices during a time of rapid change.

Perceptions of AI in education are split between optimism and concern. New global research from Turnitin and Vanson Bourne finds 78% of surveyed students, educators, and administrators alike feel positive about the impacts that AI is having on education. Yet, despite this, 95% believe AI is being misused in some capacity. When asked about the top challenges of AI in education, survey respondents across the board identified the challenge of overcoming the uncertainty of ensuring integrity. To widely unlock the benefits of AI in education without sacrificing academic integrity, workflow transparency between students and educators is crucial

Hyderabad, 16 July, 2025: The snack aisle just got bolder with Doritos®, PepsiCo’s iconic nacho chip brand, brings two of its most iconic global variants – Cool Ranch and Jalapeño Salsa Mexicana – to India, catering to the country’s growing appetite for adventurous snacking. The launch represents a significant milestone for the brand in India, building on the success of popular local variants like Nacho Cheese, Masala Mayhem, and Sweet Chili.

With Indian consumers increasingly exploring layered, internationally inspired flavours, these new launches mark a strategic expansion of Doritos®’ portfolio. Cool Ranch delivers a creamy, herby tang, while Jalapeño Salsa Mexicana packs a chilli punch – both carefully adapted for Indian palates without compromising the signature Doritos crunch that fans know and love.

To dial up the drama, Doritos® has unveiled a series of quirky digital films. Each opens with a high-octane, cinematic montage of the chip-making process – from golden corn to flavour-loaded perfection – only to be hilariously interrupted by a hungry fan who crashes the set, grabs a pack, and makes a run for it. The films, packed with humourous visuals, and that iconic Doritos crunch, drive home one message: these global flavours are just too irresistible to wait for.

Speaking about the launch, Aastha Bhasin, Category Lead – Doritos, PepsiCo India, said, “India’s snacking landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by consumers who seek flavours that are adventurous yet familiar — a reflection of their expanding global outlook. Today’s consumers are drawn to bold taste experiences that connect them to international flavours they admire, while still resonating with local preferences. With the introduction of Cool Ranch and Jalapeño Salsa Mexicana — two of Doritos’ most celebrated global profiles — we’re responding to this growing appetite by bringing iconic, globally loved flavours to India. This launch goes beyond just portfolio expansion; it underscores our commitment to elevate everyday snacking. As world’s no. one* in the nacho chip segment, Doritos® continues to redefine the category with bold flavours and a strong global identity, delivering distinctive, flavour-forward products that speak to the increasingly sophisticated Indian palate.”

The new Cool Ranch and Jalapeño Salsa Mexicana variants are now available in select modern trade outlets, e-commerce platforms, and quick commerce channels across major metro cities. Priced at INR 20 and INR 50, these bold new premium flavours are ready to make their mark on India’s snacking scene. The accompanying digital films are now live on Instagram, bringing the launch to life with a fun, visual twist that celebrates the boldness of these global favourites.

AI Appreciation Day 2025: Rahul Jha, VP of Cloud, GenAi & Cybersecurity at Visionet Systems

“On this AI Appreciation Day, we celebrate not only the progress AI has unlocked, but also the future we’re shaping through it.

Through our in-house platforms like GenAI Studio and AgentVerse, we’re enabling scalable, secure, and high-impact adoption of AI and empowering businesses to build and deploy intelligent agents, enterprise copilots, and automation frameworks tailored to real-world needs.

Internally, our AI Now campaign is a movement to embed AI into how we work, think, and grow. From hands-on training and dedicated AI workspaces to the launch of our internal companion SPARK, we’re enabling every team member to build confidence, skills, and shared momentum in the age of intelligence.”

Hyderabad, July 16, 2025 — A landmark initiative in conflict resolution was held successfully recently. It was India’s first-of-its-kind Family Mediation Training Program. The 7-day, 70-hour intensive workshop, held at the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC), Gachibowli, was jointly organised by Invisible Scars Foundation and IAMC Hyderabad.

The program was specifically designed for non-legal professionals working in the social or development sector. It was fully funded under the CSR mandate of Centific, a global digital solutions company.

“This marks the beginning of a new era—where family mediators are trained to support survivors of family and domestic violence and restore peace with dignity,” said the organisers.

“Disputes between spouses often arise over trivial matters. If they sit and talk, many issues can be resolved without court intervention, but that is not happening. We need more mediators to prevent the pile-up of family cases in courts.”

Mediation has deep cultural roots in India, where resolving disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding has long been a preferred approach, especially in matters related to family. Across generations, Indian society has placed a strong emphasis on amicable settlement, reflecting a tradition of prioritizing harmony over conflict.

The workshop brought together 32 participants from across India—Ajmer, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Hazaribagh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nalgonda, Pune, and Warangal. The cohort included social workers, psychologists, and law enforcement officers, now certified as Family Mediators.

Upon certification, they are empanelled with IAMC and support conflict resolution across programs in GBV, WASH, education, and health, directly within their communities.

The training was conducted by a nationalreceiving numerous requests for training. According to Ekta Viiveck Verma, she plans to organise more such training programs. The NGO is also looking for philanthropic organisations to join hands with them to train more people in ly respected panel of experts. They include Susheela Sarathi – Senior Trainer, MCPC (Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee) of the Supreme Court of India. She has trained many advocates, Judges of the Lower and Higher Judiciary, and Professionals from various walks of life in Mediation.

Tanu Mehta – Mediator and Trainer, Mumbai; K.S. Sarma, the Founder and Director of HAMPS (Hamps Bio Ltd), with a background in the broadcasting industry, having served as CEO of Prasar Bharati and Director General of Doordarshan; Dr. Varudhini Kankipati – Co-Founder, Inner Connect Psychological Counselling Centre, a professional counselling service provider

The program was inaugurated by Ms. Shikha Goel, IPS, Director General, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, who also shared her personal experience as a trained mediator and urged more professionals to embrace this transformative tool.

Ekta Viiveck Verma, Founder of Invisible Scars Foundation, noted: “Family mediation is not just a legal tool—it’s a healing process. This program equips grassroots professionals with skills to resolve conflicts with empathy and dignity. It is a major step toward building a survivor-first support system.”

AJ Jawad, Lead Faculty and Registrar, IAMC, added: “This program was a national first. For the first time, we are empowering non-legal professionals with real-world mediation tools to address family and domestic disputes.”

The curriculum covered critical modules on trauma, communication, family law, negotiation, and ethics, with both theoretical and practical assessments.

As domestic conflict and abuse rise across India, there is an urgent need for faster, sensitive, and trauma-informed dispute resolution. Family mediation ensures privacy, dignity, and timely outcomes, providing a real alternative to prolonged and painful court cases.

This initiative sets the foundation for an India-wide network of certified family mediators—a vital need in today’s emotionally fractured world.

Invisible Scars has been getting a lot of requests for training. According to Ekta Viiveck Verma, she plans to organise more such training programs. The NGO is also looking for philanthropic organisations to join hands with them to train more people in family mediation.

New Delhi, July 16^th, 2025: Ambrane, one of India’s leading smart accessories brands, today announced the launch of MagSurge, a next-generation 10,000mAh wireless powerbank designed for modern, tech-savvy consumers. Certified by Qi2 and MagSafe compatible, MagSurge is built to power daily life on the move, combining speed, safety, and convenience in a sleek, travel-friendly design.

MagSurge is backed by a 6 months warranty, priced at ₹1999, and will be available in multiple stylish colours across Amazon, Flipkart, and multiple offline retail stores.

Crafted for convenience, MagSurge features a compact, lightweight polycarbonate body that’s easy to carry in bags or even pockets. Its minimalist form factor includes a built-in foldable stand, allowing users to comfortably stream, scroll, or take video calls hands-free while their device charges. This feature makes it especially ideal for professionals, travellers, and content consumers on the go.

Equipped with a BIS-certified 10,000mAh lithium-ion battery, MagSurge delivers 15W fast wireless charging and 22W wired charging via a USB-C port. It supports all compatible wireless devices, including smartphones, earbuds, and more, and comes bundled with a Type-C charging cable for added convenience.

MagSurge’s MagSafe-compatible magnetic ring ensures perfect alignment with supported devices, reducing slips and optimising wireless charging efficiency. To ensure complete peace of mind, MagSurge is powered by Ambrane’s proprietary SafeCharge™ Technology, protecting against overheating, overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits. Every unit undergoes rigorous quality testing to uphold Ambrane’s high standards of safety and durability.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ashok Rajpal, Managing Director – Ambrane India, said, “At Ambrane, we’ve built a strong reputation in the powerbank category by focusing on user-centric design & innovation. With MagSurge, we are not only embracing the latest Qi2 standards but also delivering a sleek, travel-friendly solution that supports today’s fast-paced lifestyles. This product represents our commitment to quality and performance under the Make in India initiative.”

Looking ahead, Ambarne plans to expand its offerings in this category, ensuring consumers have access to the latest technology backed by enhanced safety protocols.