Archives November 2025

“For brides, wedding preparations can be overwhelming!  We wanted to ease away a little bit of that tension from them with this curated combo of hair products that are easy to use, effective and if applied regularly, do wonders for your hair in the long term!” said Ritu Vijayvergiya, Co-Founder, 2.Oh!

 Nov,17 : PetFresh Kitchen, India’s leading freshly cooked pet food brand dedicated to providing real, human-grade meals for pets, has partnered with Team Pumpkin, a full-service digital marketing agency, to spearhead its performance marketing and digital growth initiatives across India.

Team Pumpkin will drive PetFresh Kitchen’s digital acceleration through performance-led campaigns, community-driven storytelling, and data-backed strategies aimed at scaling awareness, engagement, and customer acquisition across key platforms. As part of the mandate, the agency will handle PetFresh Kitchen’s comprehensive digital marketing stack, including paid media planning, campaign execution, influencer strategy, audience segmentation, and conversion optimization, across high-impact online channels.

The goal is to strengthen PetFresh Kitchen’s position as India’s most trusted freshly cooked pet food brand, deepening its connection with pet parents who want real, healthy, and preservative-free meals for their furry companions. Founded with a mission to redefine pet nutrition in India, PetFresh Kitchen offers freshly cooked, vet-approved meals made from real ingredients — no kibble, no preservatives, and no artificial fillers. Each meal is cooked fresh daily and delivered directly to customers’ doorsteps, ensuring pets get food that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Speaking on the partnership, Daman Singh, Founder of PetFresh Kitchen, said; “At PetFresh, we’ve always believed that pets deserve food that’s made with the same love and quality as the meals we prepare for ourselves. Our collaboration with Team Pumpkin marks a significant step in spreading that belief across India. With their expertise in digital growth and performance marketing, we’re excited to reach more pet parents and help them make the switch to fresh, real food for their pets.”

Swati Nathani, Co-founder of Team Pumpkin, added; “PetFresh Kitchen is transforming how India’s pet parents think about nutrition, and we’re thrilled to be a part of their journey. Our focus will be on driving measurable growth while strengthening the emotional connection PetFresh shares with its community — through smart, creative, and data-driven marketing.”

Established in 2012, Team Pumpkin is known for delivering ROI-focused digital solutions for brands across industries. With deep expertise in performance marketing, content strategy, and brand storytelling, the agency continues to help businesses achieve sustainable growth in an evolving digital ecosystem. The PetFresh Kitchen mandate will be serviced from Team Pumpkin’s Gurugram office.

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, SPEFL Skill Council, and British Asian Trust announced and conducted a workshop on “SportEdge Meerut”  India’s Model Sports Hub

Meerut, Nov 18: In a significant step toward advancing India’s sports economy and fostering inclusive growth, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), along with the Sports, Physical Education, Fitness and Leisure Skills Council (SPEFL-SC) and the British Asian Trust (BAT), announced and successfully conducted a workshop on “SportEdge Meerut” Sports and Entrepreneurship Development for Growth and Excellence — a flagship initiative to develop Meerut as India’s model Sports Hub.

The initiative aims to harness Meerut’s sporting legacy to drive economic growth, promote skill-based livelihoods, and nurture local talent, especially among women and youth. SPEFL-SC will play a pivotal role in aligning the program with sectoral skill requirements, industry partnerships, and standards, while MSDE will coordinate with central and state ministries, industry bodies, and sports associations to ensure convergence and scalability.

The workshop brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders from the government, industry, finance, and development sectors who share a common vision of building a vibrant, inclusive sports economy. Participants included representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, ONGC Foundation, Microsoft, American India Foundation, and SBI Foundation, among others. Their diverse expertise spanning finance, corporate social responsibility, technology, research, and grassroots development added immense value to the deliberations. Together, they underscored the potential of SportEdge Meerut to emerge as a national model that integrates sports, skills, and entrepreneurship into a unified engine for growth and empowerment

Meerut: The Engine of India’s Sports Economy

Meerut is one of India’s largest sports goods manufacturing clusters and a flagship district under Uttar Pradesh’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. The district contributes nearly ₹1,500 crore annually to the state economy and accounts for over 40% of India’s sports goods exports. The cluster employs more than 3 lakh artisans, women workers, and small entrepreneurs, whose craftsmanship has built Meerut’s global reputation.

Through SportEdge Meerut, this ecosystem aims be elevated into a global benchmark for competitiveness, innovation, and social impact. The program will strengthen the entire value chain — from manufacturing and design to branding, marketing, and sustainable enterprise development.

Leadership Vision

Addressing the gathering, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, said:

“I am happy to announce the Meerut Sports Hub Development Model under SportEdge Meerut (Sports and Entrepreneurship Development for Growth and Excellence). This initiative marks a major step towards integrating sports, skills, and entrepreneurship into a single, future-ready engine of growth. Sports today is not just about winning; it is a life skill that shapes character, builds discipline, and unlocks new opportunities for livelihoods and enterprise.

Meerut — India’s third-largest exporter of sports goods exemplifies how a strong manufacturing ecosystem can propel global excellence. With this model, we aim to strengthen and scale this legacy by promoting entrepreneurship in sports manufacturing, enabling MSMEs and startups to innovate, adopt new technologies, and expand their market footprint.

By bringing together policy support, industry partnerships, training institutions, and the local community, SportEdge Meerut will help build a vibrant, self-sustaining sports economy that supports women-led enterprises and nurtures the champions, creators, and innovators of tomorrow.

This reflects our collective resolve: when it comes to empowering our youth, we stand united. MSDE will continue to play a coordinating role so that every stakeholder  artisans, manufacturers, coaches, athletes, startups, and local institutions progresses together. Our vision is clear: to make sports a mainstream, skill-based, and enterprise-driven pathway of aspiration, dignity, and opportunity for every young Indian.”

Institutional Synergy and Global Alignment

Speaking at the event, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, said:

“Meerut’s story reminds us that behind every sporting achievement lies the silent skill of millions — artisans, entrepreneurs, and innovators who turn raw material into national pride. Through the SportEdge Meerut initiative, we aim to bring policy, industry, and people together to transform this traditional cluster into a global symbol of Skill, Sport, and Sustainability. When sports become an avenue of livelihood and entrepreneurship, we don’t just build champions — we build a stronger, self-reliant Bharat.”

Industry Insights and Way Forward

Industry leaders and ecosystem experts emphasized the importance of strengthening research and development (R&D), design innovation, and technology integration within the sports ecosystem. They called for the creation of a stronger industry federation to represent manufacturers collectively and work closely with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to shape global positioning and policy advocacy.

Stakeholders also stressed the need for:

• R&D and applied research in sports engineering, equipment design, and material sciences, led by universities and technical institutions.
• Innovation in product design, IP creation, and digital manufacturing to enhance global competitiveness.
• Access to affordable raw materials, upgraded certification systems, and harmonized quality standards to open new international markets.
• Participants further noted the need for a stronger industry-led organization or federation, stressing that the sector must present a unified voice and work more closely with the Sports Ministry to shape policy and global positioning.  

The initiative will also bring together CSR partners, domestic foundations, and private contributors to develop a robust governance structure focused on transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.

As next steps, MSDE, SPEFL Skill Council and BAT will initiate consultations with the local government, industry representatives, and funding partners to finalize the operational framework, following which a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed.

Once implemented, SportEdge Meerut aims serve as a national model for sports- and enterprise-led development, demonstrating how local strengths, when combined with skill development and global collaboration, can unlock transformative opportunities for communities and the economy.

18 November 2025, Coimbatore – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 3-day South India Natural Farming Summit that begins tomorrow in Coimbatore. As part of its commitment to strengthening rural heritage rooted in natural farming, Ramraj Cotton will be participating in this summit hosted by Farmers’ Associations in Tamil Nadu.

By responsibly managing natural resources through pure cotton, bamboo fibres, and silkworm cultivation, Ramraj Cotton continues to preserve agricultural heritage and culture. Additionally, through the establishment of the World Coconut Farmers Producers Organisation, the company promotes the natural beverage Thenneera, ensuring the welfare and upliftment of coconut farmers. Another agriculture-focused community initiative supported by Ramraj Cotton, the Vanam India Foundation, will also take part in the summit.

Speaking about this, Ramraj Cotton Founder & Chairman Shri K. R. Nagarajan said: “What began as our humble journey in handloom weaving has today expanded to embrace our farmers and our soil, creating meaningful change for the future. Through garments made from pure cotton, towels crafted from bamboo fibre, and silk dhotis, Ramraj Cotton not only supports natural farming but has also grown into a truly Swadeshi movement.”

The South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 is poised to become an important platform bringing together leading experts, farmers, and organisations that champion chemical-free, heritage-based agriculture.

Abhijeet Sawant’s Surprise Entry Brings Nostalgia and a Dream Indie-Pop Crossover with Elvis on Amazon MX player’s I-POPSTAR

As Amazon MX player’s I-POPSTAR inches closer to its Grand Finale, emotions, pressure, and performances hit an all-time high. With King, Aastha Gill, Aditya Rikhari, and Parmish Verma leading as mentors, the show dives deep into the heart of India’s new sound — one that cuts across languages, genres, and borders. The week kicked off with the Top 10 contestants giving double the effort, each artist presenting two OG tracks: one collaboration and one solo piece.

Episode 12 opened with judge Aditya Rikhari, recalling how Maan and Charan had once joined him for a college concert. Maan shared a heartfelt memory of performing before a massive crowd for the very first time. He also reflected that Aditya became more than a mentor — almost like an elder brother, and that joining his team on I-POPSTAR felt destined. Their collaborative performance left everyone awestruck. The motivational track ‘Sab Ho Jayega’ brought goosebumps to the mentors, prompting a standing ovation. Judge Aastha Gill broke down to tears, sharing how deeply the song resonated with her creative journey. King admired the song’s introspective lyrics, Parmish praised Charan’s flawless vocals, while Aditya lauded Maan’s composure and stage presence, calling it his best performance yet. The energy continued with Jaya and Riya’s ‘She’s The Drama’, a peppy, unapologetic anthem that had the mentors vibing. While Judge Parmish found it lyrically weak, Aditya praised their jugalbandi, and King highlighted how their distinct voices still blended as one. The episode wrapped on a soulful note with Radhika and Inderjeet’s emotional duet, earning admiration from all mentors. The week had clearly begun with fire, friendship, and fierce performances.

Episode 13 opened with Anurag and Elvis performing their collaboration, but the chemistry didn’t land as expected. Parmish highlighted that the song had potential but the energy felt mismatched — the rest of the judges echoed similar sentiments. The tension peaked during the Ticket to the Finale round, where Charan earned his place in the finale week over the rest. In a surprising moment, Abhijeet Sawant graced the stage with cheers, applauses and nostalgia as he praised the concept of I-POPSTAR. What followed was a dream crossover, with Elvis and Abhijeet sharing the mic and seamlessly blending two generations of indie-pop. Each mentor had their fan moment — King admitted he’d been a fan since childhood, and Abhijeet returned the compliment, singing ‘Tu Aake Dekhle’ with him live on stage. Keeping the energy high, Elvis delivered a solo act that earned deep praise from all, with King calling it “playlist-worthy.” The nostalgia peaked when Abhijeet performed ‘Mohabbatein Lutaunga’, bringing the mentors on stage to groove with him — Parmish called it “the best memory of I-POPSTAR.” The episode also saw Radhika and Riya deliver strong solo acts, with constructive feedback that kept the competition razor-sharp.

Episode 14 was all about gratitude, growth, and goodbyes! The show opened with a career-defining revelation — Rohit shared that Parmish Verma offered him a collaboration for his upcoming film Shera. Following the announcement, Rohit’s solo performance had the judges praising, dancing, hooting, and cheering. Parmish, brimming with pride, said Rohit had made him proud as a mentor. The emotional peak came when Maan Pannu performed a song he’d written during lockdown, about loneliness and nightmares. His off-beat delivery drew honest feedback — King called it “below average” for marking his mark on the finale week. Moments later, Maan’s parents were invited on stage and his mother’s words left everyone teary-eyed, including King. Parmish summed it up simply — “You’ve already won in life.” The episode also saw Rj Yashi from Mirchi drop by for a fun rapid-fire with the mentors, leading to playful roasting and inside jokes, including Parmish dubbing Aastha “I-POPSTAR ki bua.” Later, Anurag Srivastava’s high-octane act left everyone stunned with its bold intent. King praised the concept but offered sharp musical critique, while Aastha’s father, Jaspal Gill, shared heartfelt feedback after meeting the mentees. As the episode drew to a close, the results were revealed — Rohit, Rishabh, Maan, Radhika, and advanced to the Grand Finale alongside Charan, while Elvis, Riya, Anurag, and Inderjeet bid an emotional farewell. The week ended on a bittersweet note, setting the stage for an unforgettable finale week.

As I-POPSTAR heads into its final week, one thing’s certain — the stage is about to erupt with powerhouse performances and a finale that promises pure, edge-of-the-seat energy. Catch the new episodes every Friday to Sunday at 12 PM, only on Amazon MX Player, streaming free across mobile, Connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xtreme.

Aranya Sahay’s feature Humans in the Loop has been awarded the Film Independent Sloan Distribution Grant, as the film officially qualifies for Academy Awards consideration.

The Sloan Distribution Grant, given by Film Independent and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, supports narrative features that engage meaningfully with science or technology themes or characters, helping to reach wider audiences through strategic release support. Over the past two decades, the Sloan Film program has backed more than 850 screenplays, short films and feature films, including The Imitation Game, Hidden Figures, The Man Who Knew Infinity, and Oppenheimer. The grant makes Aranya Sahay and Mathivanan Rajendran Film Independent Fellows.

Humans in the Loop tells the story of an Indigenous woman working at a rural data-annotation centre in India. The film examines the ethics and inequities of machine learning while foregrounding empathy, lived experience, and cultural knowledge.

“We are at a cusp with artificial intelligence, and humanity needs to take responsibility for the kind of AI and the kind of future we are building. I’m deeply grateful to Film Independent and the Sloan Foundation for allowing us to take this conversation across the US. Humans in the Loop is about the human heartbeat inside technology, and this grant recognises the people whose labour and stories often remain unseen.” said Aranya Sahay, Writer- Director.

“Through Humans in the Loop and our work at the Museum of Imagined Futures, we’ve been creating space for technologists and creatives to rethink how stories about technology are told,” added Mathivanan Rajendran, Producer. “The Sloan Foundation’s support and now the film’s entry into the Oscar race are a validation of Aranya’s screenplay that creatives can help shape the future of tech” He added.

“We are proud to help bring awareness in the US about Humans in the Loop through the Sloan Distribution Grant,” said Dea Vazquez, Associate Director of Fiction Programs at Film Independent. “The film’s rigorous and deeply human approach to exploring AI and the role of technology in our lives perfectly reflects the mission of the grant.”

Earlier this month, the producers onboarded Misaq Kazimi as Executive Producer to lead the film’s US distribution strategy, which the grant will support further. “It is no surprise that Humans in the Loop has received this prestigious grant from a preeminent US film institution, as the film is both timely and relevant globally,” said Kazimi. “We have already begun our impact screenings, hosting a weeklong theatrical showcase in Los Angeles and at UCLA, bringing together filmmakers, academia, and technologists to have interconnected discourse on the film’s pivotal question of how AI is handled by humanity. These conversation-sparker screenings will continue, and anyone interested in the film’s themes are invited to help us bring the film to their city.”

Following its U.S. theatrical release and meeting other eligibility criteria, Humans in the Loop has officially qualified to be a contender for the 98th Academy Awards, where it will compete to be in the Best Original Screenplay category.

Goa, Nov, 17th:- InstiFI, a Goa-based payment aggregator enabling secure and seamless digital payments, has been officially launched after receiving final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This milestone makes InstiFI the only company from Goa to operate as a payment aggregator, marking a significant step in advancing the state’s digital economy.

InstiFI offers a comprehensive suite of digital payment solutions, including credit/debit card processing, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services, net banking, and virtual accounts. Built on an API-driven, compliance-first infrastructure, the platform ensures secure, efficient, and seamless transactions for businesses across India. What distinguishes InstiFI is its human-first customer support model, prioritising real-time, human-to-human assistance over bots. This approach has helped the company build reliability among merchants while ensuring rapid issue resolution and operational transparency.

InstiFI’s target audience spans small and medium businesses (SMBs) across India, including those in urban centres that require scalable payment infrastructure and merchants in rural or underserved regions.

Prakash Ravindran, CEO and Director, InstiFI, said; “Going live as a licensed payment aggregator is the beginning of what we envision for InstiFI. Our goal is to build a trusted digital payments ecosystem that simplifies transactions for businesses of all sizes. Going forward, we aim to onboard more than 500 merchants, expand our payment gateway capabilities, and introduce innovative features that enhance speed, security, and compliance. This milestone reinforces our vision of positioning InstiFI as India’s Gateway of Trust, a partner that empowers businesses.”

Along with Prakash Ravindran, the leadership team at InstiFI comprises industry experts like Mohit Aggarwal (Co-founder), Anushree Chandra (CBO and Director), Arbaaz Jamal (COO and Director), and Faisal Nomani (Director). Together, they bring extensive expertise in digital finance, technology, and compliance management.

Pune, Nov 17th:  Conrad Pune is delighted to announce the appointments of Pallavi Patnaik as Learning & Development Manager and Khushboo Sharma as Assistant Human Resources Manager. These strategic additions reinforce the hotel’s commitment to fostering a culture of learning, growth, and people-centric excellence hallmarks of the Hilton brand.

With over 15 years of experience, Pallavi Patnaik brings extensive expertise in training and human resources across renowned hospitality brands. She will lead Conrad Pune’s learning and development initiatives, designing, delivering, and evaluating strategies that empower team members to grow, lead, and excel. A native of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and an alumnus of WGSHA, Manipal, Pallavi began her career as a Management Trainee at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru, and has contributed to leading hospitality chains including Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, Novotel Kochi Infopark, ibis Kochi City Centre, and Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh (pre-opening). Most recently, she served as Cluster Learning & Development Manager for ibis New Delhi Aerocity, ibis Gurgaon Golf Course Road, and ibis Jaipur City Centre.

“I am thrilled to rejoin the Hilton family and contribute to Conrad Pune’s legacy of excellence. My focus will be on nurturing a learning culture that empowers team members to grow, lead, and deliver exceptional guest experiences in true Hilton spirit,” said Pallavi Patnaik.

Joining her is Khushboo Sharma, who brings over 10 years of experience and will oversee key HR initiatives, fostering engagement, inclusion, and alignment with Hilton’s people-first philosophy. A Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur alumna, Khushboo began her career with The Oberoi Gurgaon as a Training Assistant and has since worked with reputed brands such as The Roseate New Delhi, Hyatt Centric Chandigarh (pre-opening), JW Marriott (pre-opening), and most recently, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, where she served as Assistant Human Resources Manager.

“I’m excited to join the Conrad Pune family and contribute to a workplace that celebrates people, passion, and purpose,” shared Khushboo Sharma.

With Pallavi and Khushboo on board, Conrad Pune continues to strengthen its position as a workplace where people and performance thrive together, embodying Hilton’s promise to be the most hospitable company in the world.

India at a ‘Defining Moment’, Must Deepen Reforms, Says Ajay Bisaria at ICC Wealth Management Summit 2025

Kolkata, Nov 17th: India stands at a “defining moment” amid global disruptions and critical domestic transitions, former diplomat and global advisor Ajay Bisaria said at the ICC Wealth Management Summit 2025. Speaking to industry leaders and policymakers, Bisaria highlighted that while India’s robust growth of 6.5% positions it as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, challenges remain: per-capita income of USD 3,000 and agriculture’s 17% share of GDP underscore the need for deeper structural reforms. He noted that policy milestones such as GST, UPI, the JAM trinity, banking reforms, and large-scale infrastructure upgrades provide a strong foundation for India to aim for long-term growth of 8%.

Bisaria emphasized that India’s foreign-policy approach has matured into a sophisticated “multi-alignment”, balancing relations with the US, China, Europe, Russia, Japan, and the Global South. However, he cautioned that India must carefully manage its ties with the US, given its central role in global finance and strategic technologies. He noted that trade restrictions imposed by the US and China have affected USD 35 billion of Indian exports and USD 100 billion of critical imports, respectively, while Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and other climate-linked policies act as protectionist barriers.

“Geopolitics has become a core factor in business planning,” Bisaria remarked, pointing out that over 200 Fortune 500 companies exited Russia and Ukraine following conflicts. Tools such as tariffs, export controls, subsidies, and supply-chain restrictions are increasingly deployed strategically. Regarding the India–US partnership, he said it remains one of India’s most consequential alliances but faces friction over stalled trade talks, Russian oil, and US policies on Pakistan. A potential tariff deal in the 15–19% range could be announced soon, though proposals like the Higher Act, which includes a 25% outsourcing tax and a USD 100,000 levy per H-1B visa, pose new risks.

Looking ahead to 2025, Bisaria expressed cautious optimism. Potential developments include a settlement in Ukraine and stabilisation in West Asia. He projected India’s GDP growth at 7% for this fiscal and the next and anticipated that the upcoming Union Budget could introduce major reforms in land, labour, and capital markets. He also noted progress on trade negotiations with the US, EU, and Australia, while cautioning that even a brief India–Pakistan conflict cannot be ruled out.

ICC President Brij Bhushan Agarwal highlighted that India’s wealth-management sector is undergoing a transformation driven by technology, collaboration, and rising investor sophistication. As India moves toward a USD 5 trillion economy, the focus must shift from wealth creation to responsible, long-term wealth management. ICC Director General Rajeev Singh added that growing demand for personalised advisory, risk management, and tech-enabled solutions is reshaping financial decision-making, requiring resilient strategies to navigate global uncertainties.

The ICC Wealth Management Summit 2025 aimed to provide insights into India’s economic trajectory, the impact of geopolitics on business, and the evolving landscape of wealth management, equipping industry leaders to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing global environment.

Mumbai, Nov 17: Maximus Collabs proudly announces the launch of What Happened?, an inspiring new podcast series dedicated to highlighting the journeys of self-made individuals whose grit, resilience, and determination embody the true spirit of progress. The series celebrates those who have forged their own path and serves as a powerful reminder that unwavering commitment can take us anywhere.

Anchoring the series is Saumya Sharma, a seasoned marketer and storyteller known for his work with leading brands. Driven by a passion for impactful narratives, Saumya aims to bring India stories that spark ambition, empower listeners, and ignite dreams.

“It’s an honour to be the first guest on this podcast and reflect on the experiences that shaped my journey. Every obstacle, every kitchen, and every plate taught me something invaluable. I hope these conversations inspire others to follow their own path with courage and heart,” shared Chef Vikas Khanna.

“Vikas sir will always remain our very first guest—no one else could have filled that place in our hearts or in this series. He has been one of the biggest inspirations in our lives, and I’m grateful that a long-held dream is finally coming alive,” said Saumya Sharma, Anchor of What Happened?

The debut episode shines a spotlight on Vikas Khanna, whose remarkable journey from Amritsar to becoming a globally acclaimed chef, humanitarian, and storyteller perfectly reflects the spirit the series aims to celebrate.

With What Happened?, Maximus Collabs is committed to amplifying stories that deserve to be heard—stories that motivate millions to pursue their goals with passion, perseverance, and purpose.