Archives 2025

New Delhi, Sep 09, 2025: Skullcandy, the global icon in lifestyle audio, has taken audio experiences to the next level, unveiling INKD ANC true wireless earbuds. Packed with cutting-edge technology like Active Noise Cancelling, Supreme Sound, and impressive battery life, these earbuds deliver unparalleled audio quality, durability, and style. Available now on www.amazon.in and  www.skullcandy.in, they are set to redefine audio accessibility for music lovers, gamers, and professionals alike.

The earbuds offer a battery life of 43 hours, becoming the must-have device for those who need audio connectivity 24×7. INK’D ANC is available in true black colour at a limited-time Launch offer price of Rs 2999/-. While the price might be eye-popping, especially with the features it offers, the technology is unmatchable, as always.

“At Skullcandy, we recognise that our customers crave crystal-clear sound, the latest technology, and added features for the best value. Our newly launched earbuds deliver all this and are designed for the masses, intentionally priced to reach every music lover, gamer, and professional needing top-tier audio devices,” said Amlan Bhattacharjya, Founder & CEO at Brandeyes Distributors Pvt Ltd (sole India partner for Skullcandy).

The Skullcandy INK’D ANC earbuds deliver powerful performance with Skullcandy Supreme Sound™ and a Quad Mic setup for crystal-clear calls. With multipoint pairing, touch controls, and USB-C fast charging, they make everyday listening effortless. Bluetooth® 5.4 ensures smooth connectivity, while up to 43 hours of battery life keeps you going all day. A quick 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of playtime. Designed with IPX4 sweat and water resistance, they’re perfect for workouts and daily commutes.

With incredible Active Noise Cancelling, amazing 10mm drivers, these earbuds offer an audio and call experience like no other. They keep up with your lifestyle. IPX4 sweat/water resistance and low latency make them ideal for workouts, travel, and gaming. Crisp voice pickup and big sound ensure a premium experience.

The INK’D ANC earbuds combine a bold style, durability and uncompromising audio for fearless, uninterrupted listening and combine power, style, and convenience for all-day use. Skullcandy’s mission is to connect the fearless, amplifying what matters on the streets, slopes, and everywhere in between.

Mumbai, India – September 09, 2025 – Global Sports Pickleball (GSP) wrapped up its highly awaited Season 2 Pro & Challenger League Auction in Mumbai. The landmark event has set the tone for an exciting new phase for Pickleball in the region. Each team had a player budget of ₹66 lakhs, contributing to a total potential spend of ₹6.6 crore across 10 teams.

The high-octane auction is a proof of how pickleball is gaining traction and becoming more professional as a sport in India. The day-long event featured some fierce bidding wars and smart strategies from the franchises, with a few standout buys grabbing plenty of attention.

Top 5 Pro League signings:
1. Quang Duong (Vietnam) – ₹27 Lakhs – Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors
2. Megan Fudge (USA) – ₹25.50 Lakhs – Ahmedabad Olympians
3. Jack Munro (United States) – ₹25 Lakhs – Jaipur Stallions
4. Bobbi Oshiro (USA) – ₹24.50 Lakhs – Delhi Snipers
5. Roos Van Reek (Netherlands) – ₹23.50 Lakhs – Hyderabad Vikings

The big signings show a blend of fresh talent and global experience. You’ve got 19-year-old Quang Duong at the forefront, while seasoned pros like 38-year-old Megan Fudge add some serious international know-how to the league. And it’s not just about the top Pro League deals—there was plenty of excitement in the Challenger League too, with up-and-coming stars and Indian players stepping into the limelight.

Top 3 Challenger League picks:
1. Leah Tauber (India) – ₹5.2 Lakhs – Delhi Snipers
2. Mihika Yadav (India) – ₹4.4 Lakhs – Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors
3. Alex Emery (USA) – ₹4.2 Lakhs – Ahmedabad Olympians

The Indian talent shone at the auction as well. The top 3 Indian Pro League picks were:
● Harsh Mehta – ₹21 Lakhs – Chennai Cool Cats
● Arjun Singh – ₹8 Lakhs – Nashik Ninjas
● Aditya Ruhela – ₹5 Lakhs – Jaipur Stallions
Top 3 Indian Challenger League picks:
● Mihika Yadav – ₹4.4 Lakhs – Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors
● Aman Patel – ₹4 Lakhs – Jaipur Stallions
● Tejas Gulati – ₹3.7 Lakhs – Coimbatore Super Smashers
Auction Highlights & Format
● The Pro League had three player categories, whereas the Challenger League had two. For the Pro League, starting bids ranged from ₹2.5 Lakhs to ₹8 Lakhs, based on the players’ skill levels.
● In the Challenger League, base bids started at ₹50,000 and could go up to ₹1.5 Lakhs. Since the picklers had international exposure and were quite popular, a lot of them ended up selling for much higher prices.
● Each team was given a total player budget of ₹66 Lakhs—₹55 Lakhs for the Pro League and ₹11 Lakhs for the Challenger League—allowing for a total spending capacity of ₹6.6 Crores across ten teams.
● All ten franchises, which include Ahmedabad Olympians, Bengaluru Blazers, Chennai Cool Cats, Coimbatore Super Smashers, Delhi Snipers, Hyderabad Vikings, Jaipur Stallions, Kolkata Kingz, Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors, and Nashik Ninjas, participated in both leagues.

Hemal Jain, the Chief Architect at Pickleball Growth, shared, “The Season 2 auction was a huge moment for Indian, and in fact Asian pickleball. The intense competition during bidding and the strong valuations really show how much franchises believe in the sport’s future. With both global talent and Indian players joining forces like this, we’re seeing the groundwork laid for pickleball to become a mainstream, professional sport in India.”

Shashank Khaitan, noted filmmaker and co-founder of Global Sports, mentioned, “This auction really shows how much momentum pickleball has gained in such a short period. While the excitement from the teams and the caliber of players picked demonstrated the fierceness at one level; it also is helping build a sustainable sports ecosystem for all involved. Season 2 is going to highlight the talent and thrill that pickleball offers to fans in India and internationally.”

New Delhi, 09 September 2025: Hindware launches a new range of tiles under its brand Hindware Italian Collection Tiles. The new range was unveiled at Hyatt Manesar, Gurugram, during a partner’s meet attended by Mr. Nirupam Sahay, Chief Executive Officer, Bath & Tiles, Hindware Limited, Mr. Pankaj Mediratta- Senior Vice President, Hindware Tiles; and Ms. Arunima Yadav- Vice President, Head of Marketing, Hindware Bath & Tiles.

The expanded portfolio strengthens Hindware’s position in the Indian interiors market, addressing the growing demand for contemporary and sophisticated tile solutions. In line with the company’s commitment to providing end-to-end offerings, the brand has also introduced two adhesive variants- RX-600 Extro and RX-700 Extro Flex. RX-600 Extro, a polymer-modified adhesive, is designed for large-format tiles and medium natural stones, delivering strong bonding for internal and external applications across both dry and wet areas. Available in white, it is compatible with cement-based screeds, mortars, plasters, and other cementitious substrates. For elevations and façades, RX-700 Extro Flex offers superior bond strength and durability under demanding conditions.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Nirupam Sahay, Chief Executive Officer, Bath & Tiles, Hindware Limited said, “With this launch, Hindware’s Italian Collection Tiles strengthens its position as a complete solutions provider for the Indian interiors market. By expanding our range with advanced adhesives alongside an extensive tiles portfolio, we are addressing the entire tiling journey, from design to application. This step reflects our strategy to combine design leadership with functional excellence while delivering greater value to homeowners, architects, and partners. As demand for premium, integrated solutions rises, Hindware is poised to lead with innovation, quality, and trust.”

The launch introduces a new benchmark in large-format tiles with the 800×3000 mm slabs, available in Digi Matt and Polish finishes. Designed for aesthetics as well as durability, these versatile slabs are ideal for kitchen platforms, bathroom countertops, and multiple residential and commercial applications. Alongside this, Hindware has also unveiled new surface finishes such as the Paper Matt texture in its 1200×1800 mm GVT tiles, inspired by handcrafted paper to create a warm and contemporary character, and the Matt Spa finish in its 800×1600 mm GVT tiles, evoking spa-like serenity and comfort. To further enhance design flexibility, the 600×1200 mm GVT range has been extended to include multiple finishes such as Double Digital, Anti-Skid, High Gloss, Digi Matt, and Carving, catering to diverse aesthetic and functional requirements.

Alongside tiles, Hindware has also expanded its portfolio with its first range of professional-grade tiling tools, including a rubber mallet, notch trowel, spacers, levelling clips with wedges, and a double suction cup for large-format tiles. With this expansion, Hindware moves beyond design into installation, offering integrated tools that enable seamless execution and flawless finishes.

Bangalore, 9th September 2025 – DoubleTree by Hilton Whitefield Bengaluru is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Arveen Nimai as the new Food & Beverage Manager.

Arveen brings with him over 16 years of extensive experience in luxury hospitality, having worked with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including JW Marriott, Sofitel Bahrain, Sheraton Grand, Shangri-La, The Leela Palace, Radisson Blu, and OZEN Mansion.

Throughout his career, he has successfully spearheaded pre-opening projects, managed multi-outlet food and beverage (F&B) operations, and executed high-profile weddings and VIP events with impeccable finesse. His diverse expertise includes Pre-opening & Concept Development for innovative F&B venues, Banquet & Event Operations – overseeing multi-day, large-scale events, Building and Leading High-Performance Teams in hospitality

In his new role at DoubleTree by Hilton Whitefield Bengaluru, Arveen will be responsible for leading the hotel’s Food & Beverage operations across its restaurants, banquets, and events. His focus will be on elevating guest experiences by blending world-class dining with the warmth and excellence that define Hilton hospitality.

“We are thrilled to welcome Arveen to the DoubleTree Bengaluru Whitefield family. His strong track record, global exposure, and passion for curating memorable dining experiences will be instrumental in further strengthening our culinary offerings,” said Mr Shyam Kumar, DoubleTree by Hilton Whitefield, Bangalore

Madurai/Coimbatore, 9th september 2025: Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) has expanded its reach by opening new branches in Seraiyampalayam Road, Neelambur, Coimbatore and Nedungalam Main Road, Chinthamani, Madurai. The Coimbatore branch was inaugurated by Smt. R. Vijiyalaxmy B.A.BL., Deputy Commissioner HR & CE, Coimbatore. While the Madurai branch was inaugurated  by Smt. V. Mercy Jeyarani M.Sc (Agri), Deputy Director, Agri Marketing Dept, along with Dr. V. Dhanalakshmi M.D, Director, Institute of Microbiology Madurai Medical College, Madurai. An ATM was also inaugurated in the Madurai branch premises by Mr. M. Manikandan M/s. Sri Sastha Appalam & Traders, Chinthamani, Madurai. With this expansion, the bank now has a total of 894 branches across the country.

The new branch will offer a comprehensive range of banking services like accounts, deposits and loans, including savings and current accounts and it will cater to all basic banking transactions and specific needs of customers, offering an entire spectrum of banking products and financial services covering retail, institutional and consumer lending.

Speaking on the branch expansion, Shri Ramesh Babu, Managing Director & CEO, Karur Vysya Bank, said, “Our bank is committed to expanding its presence across all growing centres in India, and this new branch openings is a part of our strategic expansion plans. With our deep-rooted legacy of over 100 years, we have been aggressively working towards providing our customers with traditional banking solutions along with digital comfort. KVB has multiple branches across Coimbatore and Madurai, and these new branches is a testament of our efforts to strengthen our presence in the regions by offering better access and hassle-free convenience to customers.”

KVB offers internet banking and mobile banking facilities.  KVB DLite, the Mobile Banking app of the bank, offers convenience of financial and non-financial services through 150+ features. The app has been recently upgraded with several customer friendly features.

Noida, 9th September 2025 : Vasundhra Raj, India’s heritage fine jewellery brand celebrated for its contemporary design and timeless craftsmanship, has launched its second flagship store at Central 50, Noida.

The store was inaugurated by Aditya Agarwal, owner of the mall.

The new store marks an important milestone for the brand after the success of its Delhi, Noida and Jaipur stores. Designed as an immersive jewellery destination, the space reflects Vasundhra Raj’s modern yet rooted design philosophy, with interiors that echo sophistication and collections that blend artistry with innovation.

Adding to the buzz around the opening, the store recently welcomed actor Divya Khossla, who visited while in Noida for her upcoming movie promotions Ek Chatur Naar. Known for her timeless style and elegance, Divya explored the brand’s latest collections, embodying the very spirit of modern luxury that Vasundhra Raj stands for.

Speaking on the launch, Vasundhra Raj, Founder & Creative Director, shares, “Opening our second flagship at Central 50, Noida is a proud moment for us. This city is vibrant, dynamic and deeply attuned to contemporary style and we’re excited to create a space where clients can connect with our jewellery in an intimate, experiential way.”

With this launch, Vasundhra Raj Luxury continues to strengthen its footprint in India’s luxury retail landscape, bringing modern heirlooms to a new generation of jewellery lovers.

Jalandhar,9th September 2025 – GANT, the globally admired premium fashion and lifestyle brand, has announced the opening of its latest store in Model Town, Jalandhar. Spread across the Ground and 1st Floor, the store marks a significant step in GANT’s expansion in North India, bringing its iconic blend of American sportswear heritage and European sophistication to Punjab’s style-conscious shoppers.

The new store offers a curated menswear collection, featuring crisp shirts, effortless knitwear, elevated outerwear, and accessories—each piece showcasing GANT’s signature craftsmanship and timeless appeal. Designed with a clean architectural layout and premium finishes, the store reflects GANT’s global retail identity while providing a warm, inviting shopping environment.

Commenting on the launch, Apoorv Sen, COO of Iconic Fashion Group, said:“Jalandhar is a city that celebrates tradition while embracing a modern lifestyle. With this launch, we aim to strengthen GANT’s presence in Punjab and offer customers a truly international fashion experience that combines sophistication with comfort.”

Beyond fashion, the store emphasizes personalized service, with in-house stylists available to help shoppers discover versatile looks tailored to their preferences.

Prasann Shrivastava appointed as Group Chief Marketing & Digital Officer (CMDO) of ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group

Mumbai, September 09, 2025 – Blackstone-backed ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group has appointed Prasann Shrivastava as Group Chief Marketing & Digital Officer (CMDO). His appointment underscores ASK’s continued commitment to enhancing its brand presence and client engagement across its various businesses and consumer segments.

With over two decades of rich experience in marketing, communications, and leadership roles at leading financial institutions, Prasann has successfully built brand value through integrated brand strategies that encompass digital transformation, client engagement, and reputation management. His expertise will be instrumental in reinforcing ASK’s brand positioning and amplifying its differentiated capabilities in the evolving wealth and asset management landscape.

Sunil Rohokale, Co-founder, CEO & MD, ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Prasann back to the ASK family. His proven track record as a marketing leader and deep understanding of the financial services ecosystem will be vital in our growth journey. We look forward to his leadership in reinforcing ASK’s client-first philosophy and building a brand that resonates with our global stakeholders.”

Prasann Shrivastava, Group Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group, added, “It is a privilege to return to ASK at such an exciting stage of its growth journey. I look forward to driving impactful brand initiatives that showcase ASK’s differentiated capabilities, strengthen client relationships, and support the Group’s ambitious expansion plans. By leveraging data, creativity and technology for a customer-centric approach, thereby creating an unparalleled customer experience”

Prasann is a seasoned marketing leader who began his career in advertising before moving into client-side marketing, where he has held several leadership roles across leading financial services firms. With a proven track record of developing high-impact marketing and communication strategies, he has consistently driven brand growth and engagement throughout his career.

The appointment underlines ASK’s long-term commitment to building a future-ready, client-centric brand that delivers excellence across its investment asset and wealth management businesses.

MUMBAI, India, 9 September 2025 – OutSpark, the AI-powered career growth platform, today announced it has crossed a major milestone of 200,000 paid users just months after its launch. This rapid adoption has cemented its position as India’s fastest-growing career-tech solution, fueled by a 4x revenue increase over the last seven months and an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of INR 30 Crore as of July 2025.

In today’s competitive job market, professionals face significant challenges, including navigating AI-driven hiring systems, building a strong digital presence, and standing out to recruiters. OutSpark addresses this by providing a unified career operating system and an end-to-end ecosystem that equips job seekers with AI-powered tools previously available only to corporations.

The platform has already achieved significant traction, reviewing over two million resumes and LinkedIn profiles with AI-driven feedback. Its unique offerings, such as a first-of-its-kind pack of ten hyper-personalized resumes tailored to specific job descriptions and instant LinkedIn makeovers with studio-grade AI headshots, are empowering professionals to overcome hiring barriers.

“Hiring is evolving faster than ever with AI. But while companies have powerful tools, job seekers have been left behind,” said Kumar Apoorv, Founder and CEO of OutSpark. “OutSpark bridges that gap—giving every professional, from mid-career to senior levels, the same advantage that recruiters enjoy. We are not just building tools; we are creating a market-ready talent pipeline.”

Key Milestones and Platform Highlights:

● Rapid Commercial Growth: Achieved a ₹30 Crore ARR, with 4x revenue growth in seven months. Notably, 50% of revenue comes from existing users purchasing higher-value services.

● Massive User Impact: Generated over 300,000 resumes and delivered more than 20,000 LinkedIn profile makeovers.

● Engagement Automation: The proprietary AI-powered LinkedIn Co-Pilot boosts user visibility by suggesting daily high-impact posts, comments, and networking actions, turning passive profiles into opportunity magnets.

● Recruiter Ecosystem: Provides recruiters access to a talent pool of over one million active and 30 million passive job seekers, searchable through a proprietary AI talent intelligence layer that ensures candidate profiles are always current and relevant.

Future Outlook

Building on its domestic success, OutSpark is preparing for strategic expansion into the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The company’s roadmap includes launching a hyper-personalized job alert system, a job search co-pilot to automate applications, and forging partnerships with global recruitment platforms. This vision aims to build the largest AI-first talent database of high-intent professionals and create a truly seamless global career ecosystem.

New Delhi, September 9, 2025: Following 20 days of high-octane esports action, the league stages of the OnePlus Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Challenger Series (BGCS) 2025 and the OnePlus Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) 2025 have officially concluded. The results now set the stage for the highly anticipated Playoffs on September 9, where India’s rising esports stars will take on established pros for a coveted spot in the Semi-Finals and ultimately the Grand Finals of India’s most-watched esports event.

In the final week of BGCS 2025, where 16 teams battled for glory, Nebula Esports, qualifiers from the OnePlus Campus Dominate initiative, topped the table with 222 points. They were followed by Sinewy Esports in second with 213 points, Team Versatile in third with 201 points, and Team H4K in fourth with 163 points. All four teams have secured qualification for the BGMS 2025 Playoffs. As the official amateur feeder league into BGMS, BGCS has not only spotlighted emerging talent but also provided a competitive pathway into India’s premier esports stage.

“With the introduction of BGCS this year, our aim was to create a structured pathway for emerging gamers to transition into the professional BGMI esports ecosystem. It is particularly encouraging to see that the winning team qualified through the nationwide collegiate qualifiers by OnePlus, and it has been inspiring to witness all participating teams showcase their skills and earn their opportunity to compete at the next level. This is precisely the kind of platform NODWIN Gaming, together with our partners set out to create, to identify and nurture the next generation of esports talent,” said Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming.

Meanwhile, in BGMS 2025, 24 of the nation’s top BGMI teams competed in 56 matches each. At the end of an intense league stage, Team Revenant XSpark finished on top with 557 points, closely followed by Team SouL with 551 points. Gods Reign claimed third place with 533 points, while NoNx Esports secured fourth with 529 points. These top four teams have earned direct qualification to the BGMS Grand Finals, scheduled from September 12 to 14.

The road to the finals continues as the bottom 12 teams from the BGMS League Stage advance to the Playoffs, where they will be joined by the top four BGCS squads. The top eight teams from the Playoffs will then move into the BGMS Semi-Finals from September 10 to 11, competing alongside the 5th to 12th placed teams from the BGMS League Stage. From there, the top 12 semi-finalists will join the four directly qualified teams in the BGMS Grand Finals, where 16 teams will battle it out for the crown and a major share of the INR 1.5 crore prize pool.

Season 4 of BGMS continues to be supported by OnePlus as the Title Sponsor and Official Smartphone Partner, with Android returning as Co-Title Sponsor and TVS Motor Company entering its third consecutive year. The tournament also sees the presence of Red Bull in its second year, along with the debut of Duolingo English Test as Official Learning Partner, Swiggy as Official Food Delivery Partner, and Bisleri as Official Hydration Partner.

The BGMS Season 4 Playoffs will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel and on JioHotstar from September 9 to 11, airing during prime-time from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, making it the only esports tournament in India with national television presence.