Archives 2025

Mumbai, 28 February 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released the much-awaited Part 2 of Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3. As Baba Nirala’s grip on his empire begins to waver, tensions escalate and hidden motives come to light in ways no one saw coming. With power struggles, shocking revelations, and the return of key characters, the new chapter raises the stakes to a whole new level. If you’ve been following the journey so far, get ready for a nail-biting continuation that will leave you questioning the volatility of power. Here are five reasons why Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 is a must-watch on Amazon MX Player:

• Bobby Deol Returns as an Even More Formidable Baba Nirala: Bobby Deol is back, and his return as Baba Nirala takes an even darker turn this season. The self-proclaimed godman – once untouchable – is now facing the consequences of his unchecked power. His empire is crumbling, his followers are questioning their faith, and his enemies are closing in. This season reveals the depths Baba Nirala is willing to go to in order to retain his control, making this twisted journey simply unmissable.
• Old Enemies, New Avatars: Pammi has come a long way — from being a devoted follower of Baba Nirala to a fierce warrior against the same forces she once appeased. This season, she is bolder, stronger, and determined to seek revenge. On the other hand, Bhopa Swami, who has always been the force operating in the shadows, is now more ruthless than ever, tightening his grip on the Aashram to ensure its survival. Their clash intensifies as both characters evolve in unexpected ways, setting off a thrilling face-off between revenge and control.
• Twists That Will Leave Your Jaws Dropped: If you thought you had the story of Ek Badnaam Aashram S3 Part 2 figured out, you may want to think again. Just when you assume a character has the upper hand, a new betrayal flips the game. With power plays, hidden agendas, and explosive confrontations, this season is packed with shocking twists that will keep you second-guessing every move.
• The Cast Brings More Intensity Than Ever: The stellar ensemble cast, including Bobby Deol, Aaditi Pohankar, Darshan Kumaar, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Vikram Kochhar, Tridha Choudhury, Anupriya Goenka, Rajeev Siddhartha, and Esha Gupta, delivers intense performances that elevate the tension and drama a notch higher. Each character is pushed to their limits, facing betrayals, unexpected alliances, and high-stakes battles that change their fates forever. As new conflicts arise and dynamics begin to shift, the same characters you thought you knew well may not be the same by the end of this season.
• Watch for free: Step into a world of power, faith, and betrayal with Ek Badnaam Aashram – Season 3 Part 2, for free, exclusively on Amazon MX Player. No subscription is required to watch this high-voltage crime thriller. Stream it now on Amazon MX Player, Prime Video, and Fire TV via the Amazon Shopping App and Play Store.

Federal Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has unveiled a new term deposit product, Annuity Deposits, specifically designed for resident customers. This innovative product offers customers the opportunity to receive a stable income over a tenure ranging from 5 to 20 years. Customers can choose their preferred payout frequency – monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly. Each payout will include a portion of the principal along with the interest earned. The product was officially launched by Shalini Warrier, Executive Director, Federal Bank in the presence of senior executives Eqbal Manoj (Branch Banking Head, Federal Bank), P. V. Joy (Country Head of Deposits, Wealth & Banca, Federal Bank) and Damodaran C, (Chief Risk Officer, Federal Bank).

Commenting on the launch, Shalini Warrier, ED and Business Head at Federal Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the Annuity Deposits, stating “ The bank has launched yet another innovative product for its customers. The Annuity deposit product gives opportunity to customers to earn a stable income for a very long tenure up to 20 years which is unique in the banking industry. At Federal Bank, we are committed to providing more customer-centric products that enable them to save and generate wealth”.

The minimum investment amount required to open an annuity deposit is Rs. 15,00,000, with a maximum limit of Rs. 2,00,00,000. Additionally, customers have the flexibility to prematurely close their accounts should any emergency need arise. This product is particularly well-suited for customers seeking a guaranteed, pension-like income for longer periods.

Mumbai, February 28: Accounting professionals have an important role to play in supporting their organisations to achieve AI adoption and implementation, according to new research from leading global accountancy body, ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

According to the latest in the series of ACCA’s AI Monitor reports, Risk and responsibility, AI tools augment human capabilities while raising new questions about control, reliability and professional responsibility.

When it comes to classifying AI risks, a couple of immediate threats for many organisations relate to the significant amounts of investment being committed and either unrealistic expectations or poor judgement concerning the potential impact of integration.

While AI continues to promise huge potential, real value remains far more elusive and difficult to quantify.

ACCA believes success will come through combining traditional financial acumen with new forms of technological oversight to maintain the profession’s fundamental role as arbiters of trust and integrity. These capabilities don’t replace professional judgement, but underscore its importance.

Professional judgement and critical thinking will be fundamental to dealing with AI-generated insights. Demonstrating the application of professional expertise and documenting how decisions are made when using AI is important to support transparency and accountability.

Md. Sajid Khan, Director – India at ACCA said: ‘Safely introducing AI into how our organisations work and make decisions isn’t just about technology – it’s about redefining how we exercise things like professional judgement. As regulatory frameworks evolve and AI capabilities expand, success will depend on striking the right balance: leveraging AI’s analytical power while strengthening professional expertise.’

Alistair Brisbourne, head of technology research, ACCA, said: ‘Traditional concepts of materiality and professional scepticism are being reframed in the context of AI systems that can analyse entire datasets rather than samples during an audit, for example. This shift challenges accountants to think differently about risk assessment and the nature of professional evidence.’

While professionals don’t need to be technical experts, they need sufficient understanding to exercise appropriate judgement. Being an AI specialist in every application is impossible. Instead, the profession needs to develop consistent frameworks that ensure uniformity in language and practice across different projects and applications.

The report points out that accountants are uniquely positioned to harness AI’s potential while maintaining robust safeguards. But their role in AI risk management extends beyond traditional financial controls. Moving forward, their contribution must reflect a three-layered approach: data, architecture, and business impact.

28th February 2025: National Protein Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protein in daily nutrition, especially in a country where 80% of Indians suffer from protein deficiency. As a brand committed to building a stronger India, Nutrela extended its flagship campaign, “India Ko Strong Banate Hain, Nutrela Khate Hain,” with an initiative to bring more smiles and empower our society with health and happiness.

Partnering with Robinhood Army, a volunteer-driven organization that provides nutrition to the underprivileged society by distributing fresh cooked food, Nutrela supported this noble deed and provided protein-rich meals to children in Delhi and Kolkata, ensuring that they receive the nourishment they need to grow strong and healthy.

This is only the beginning. With India’s high protein deficiency, Nutrela has been committed to spreading awareness and making high-protein food accessible through its range of 100% vegetarian protein-rich products through generations since the last 4 decades. This initiative reinforces its mission: to bring protein to every plate and a smile to every face.

“We believe that nutrition is the backbone of a strong and healthy India. Our partnership with Robinhood Army on National Protein Day is a step towards ensuring that protein-rich meals reach those who need them the most. Seeing the smiles on these children’s faces reinforces our commitment to spreading awareness about the importance of protein in daily diets. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for all.” – Team Nutrela

India, 27 February 2025: Vidyut, a full-stack electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem platform, has raised $2.5 million in funding from global fintech investor Flourish Ventures. The funding will fuel expansion of Vidyut’s Battery-as-a-Service offerings in both passenger and commercial EV segments. This investment reinforces Vidyut’s mission to accelerate India’s clean energy transition by making EV ownership accessible and affordable for SMBs.

 “With proven unit economics, strong 15% month-on-month growth, and long-term OEM partnerships, this investment will help us scale our innovative financing and lifecycle solutions across new vehicle segments,” said Xitij Kothi, Co-Founder, Vidyut. “Vidyut has solved one of EV financing’s biggest challenges – battery degradation risk. By analyzing real-time performance data across state of health, discharge patterns, and usage metrics, we accurately predict battery life and value. This data-driven approach enables us to offer usage-based financing that aligns with actual asset performance, making EVs both affordable and financially viable for businesses in a way traditional finance cannot replicate. We’re excited to partner with Flourish Ventures to make EVs accessible and profitable for businesses nationwide.”

 Founded in 2021 by ex-Swiggy and Bounce executives Xitij Kothi and Gaurav Srivastava, Vidyut revolutionized commercial EV financing. By unbundling batteries from EVs and offering them on a pay-per-km subscription basis, Vidyut reduced upfront 3W EV costs by 35-40%, making them significantly cheaper than ICE vehicles from day one.

“We at Flourish Ventures believe that finance will have a key role in enabling actions towards climate change. As the economy transitions to sustainable solutions like electric vehicles, access to credit will play a key role to adoption in India,” said Harsh Gupta, Principal, Flourish Ventures. “With its unique Battery-as-a-Service offering, Vidyut provides innovative financial solutions that help users reduce their upfront costs while addressing common concerns around battery life and replacement costs. We are continually impressed by the team and the growth they have demonstrated, and we look forward to their continued impact in accelerating the transition to climate-friendly solutions.”

 In 2023, Vidyut expanded its offering to include EV resale and lifecycle management solutions, a move that has seen rapid customer adoption and market traction. In Sep 2024, the company entered the passenger EV market through a partnership with JSW MG Motor India, marking India’s first BaaS model for four-wheelers that cuts upfront vehicle costs by 30%.

 With key industry partners like TATA Motors, JSW MG Motor India, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Piaggio, Euler Motors, and a strong distribution network across 30 cities, Vidyut has empowered micro-entrepreneurs and fleet operators to make the sustainable choice, while increasing their earnings by 10-15% through EV adoption.

 With its data-centric approach, Vidyut has in a short span of time also launched an EV resale platform for the three-wheeler commercial vehicle segment, which manages the entire process—from inspection and valuation to sale and RTO documentation. This new platform has streamlined the resale process for commercial EV owners and has helped customers realise upto 10-15% better than ICE counterparts in secondary markets.

Shri Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd., took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam during the MahaKumbh in Prayagraj, along with his family. Mr. Kalyani paid heartfelt homage to his parents on the death anniversary of his mother. He also performed Tarpan, as per Hindu traditions in the memory of all the ancestors of the family.

New Delhi, 27th February 2025: NTPC Ltd., India’s largest integrated power utility, successfully concluded the NTPC Electron Quiz 2025 in Noida, witnessing participation from 64 teams representing 16 colleges from across Delhi-NCR. After a competitive battle of wits, FMS, Delhi’s team comprising Ankita Shandilya and Shashank Tyagi secured the top position. The first runner-up title was claimed by Muhammad Mahatab and Shushant Adlakha, also from FMS, Delhi.

With their remarkable performance, the top two teams from Noida have qualified for the national semi-finals, set to take place on 27th February 2025 at NTPC Power Management Institute (PMI), Noida. They will compete against winners from eight other regional competitions—Ranchi, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Raipur, and Lucknow. A total of 18 teams will participate in the semi-finals, out of which the best six will advance to the grand finale on 28th February 2025.

The NTPC Electron Quiz 2025 offers substantial cash prizes at both regional and national levels. At the national level, the champions will be awarded Rs 50,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000, respectively.

As NTPC marks its golden jubilee, this edition of the Electron Quiz continues to promote industry-academia collaboration and encourage students to showcase their analytical and problem-solving skills, reinforcing NTPC’s commitment to knowledge development and future leadership.

ITM School of Future Technology has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in technology through the outstanding achievements of its students at the SuperMind Innovation Hackathon and the PIWOT Innovation Challenge. These recent successes highlight the institution’s dedication to providing real-world learning experiences and cultivating problem-solving skills among its students.

The SuperMind Innovation Hackathon, organized by renowned YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Hitesh Choudhary, challenged participants to build innovative solutions under intense pressure within a 24-hour timeframe. With 150 teams and over 400 participants from prestigious institutions like IIT Bombay, NMIMS, DY Patil, and SP Jain, the competition was fierce.

Sourabh Yadav and Param Vinayak Singh, first-year BTech CSE students from ITM School of Future Technology – School of FutureTech, showcased their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities by securing the Runner-Up position. Their AI-powered Horoscope App, titled “Soul,” impressed the judges, earning them a cash prize of ₹50,000. Their participation in this hackathon honed their skills in AI and web development while reinforcing the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and effective project presentation.

ITM School of Future Technology students also made a significant impact at the PIWOT Innovation Challenge, a highly competitive event organized by the IIT Alumni Association and Reliance Industries Limited. Inaugurated by Hon. CM Devendra Fadnavis, the hackathon saw an overwhelming participation of 307 teams, 1,000+ participants, and 15,700 total registrations.

Two teams from the ITM School of Future Technology demonstrated their innovative thinking and technical proficiency at this prestigious event. The first team, comprising Abdullah Haque, Tejas Solanki, Sudarshan Devadiga, and Devdarshan Saravanan, secured the Runner-Up position and won a cash prize of ₹50,000. Their project, a platform providing instant online medical assistance and ambulance services, addressed a critical real-world issue, showcasing their ability to leverage technology for impactful solutions.

This success is a reflection of our students’ dedication, creativity, and ability to think beyond the conventional. It is inspiring to see them push their limits and come up with solutions that can create real impact. At ITM School of Future Technology, we continuously strive to provide them with opportunities that challenge them to innovate and excel on global platforms,” said Dr. (name & designation )

Additionally, another team from the university, consisting of Tanay Sahajwalla, Anusri K, Prem Thatikonda, and Manmeet S, achieved an impressive 7th position and received a funding proposal from Venture Capitalist Mr. Sunil Khosla. This recognition opens up significant opportunities for further development and commercialization of their innovative solution.

Both hackathons provided invaluable learning experiences, allowing participants to enhance their skills in AI, web development, and high-pressure problem-solving. Competing against some of the best minds in the country, the students of ITM School of Future Technology showcased remarkable resilience, creativity, and teamwork, reinforcing the institution’s standing as a hub of innovation and excellence.

These achievements serve as a testament to ITM School of Future Technology’s emphasis on hands-on learning, critical thinking, and industry-relevant education. The institution remains dedicated to supporting its students in reaching new heights and excelling on both national and international platforms.

Mahashivratri, one of the most auspicious festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds deep spiritual significance for millions across India. For many, it is a time of devotion, reflection, and seeking divine blessings. &TV artists share how they celebrate Mahashivratri, the traditions they follow, and the profound connection they feel with Lord Shiva during this sacred occasion. These include Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan). and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai).

Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan shares, “Mahashivratri has always held immense spiritual significance for me. I belong from Varanasi, Shiv ki Nagri, the celebrations of Mahashivratri there felt truly divine. I have cherished memories of celebrating the festival with my family. My mother had a beautiful ritual she would light a diya in front of Lord Shiva, offer water and bel leaves to the Shivling, and spend time in deep meditation. Watching her devotion left a lasting impact on me, and I continue to follow the same tradition even today. Every Mahashivratri, I make it a point to light a diya, offer water to the Shivling, and meditate, feeling the powerful energy of this sacred day. It is a time that helps me stay grounded, seek inner peace, and express gratitude for life’s blessings. This year, I am planning to visit Trimbakeshwar to continue my spiritual journey and immerse myself in the divine energy of Lord Shiva.”

 Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, “Growing up in Indore, Mahashivratri has always been a grand celebration in our family. I fondly remember going to temples with my father, participating in the midnight aarti, and feeling the divine energy all around. Those childhood memories are deeply etched in my heart. Even today, I make it a point to visit a temple, offer flowers, fruits, and milk to the Shivling, and recite Shiva mantras. This year felt even more special as I was truly blessed to get the darshan of Lord Shiva at both Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir in Varanasi and Shri Mahakal Mandir in Ujjain, back-to-back. It was a surreal and divine experience that strengthened my spiritual connection. I offered my heartfelt prayers to Lord Shiva for my father’s speedy recovery and felt an overwhelming sense of peace and hope. My devotion to Shiva keeps guiding me through life, and I look forward to visiting more Jyotirlingas soon. For me, Mahashivratri is not just a festival; it is a day of deep reflection, devotion, and pure bliss.”

New Delhi, February 27, 2025 – The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), IVCA, HDFC, among others, announced the launch of the Startup Maha Rathi challenge as part of the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh. A flagship initiative aimed at empowering Indian startups through every nook and corner of the country with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance, this challenge aligns with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed economy (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. The challenge is set to provide access to up to a ₹30 crore fund, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with global investors. In addition, it will also entail special awards for innovative startups from emerging states and union territories through a dedicated program.

Startup Maha Rathi – Rising towards Viksit Bharat – is designed to open doors for budding entrepreneurs across 11 key sectors, including AI & DeepTech, BioTech & Healthtech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Incubators & Accelerators, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech. The program would be awarded by the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry and is aimed at equipping startups with the necessary resources to scale their operations and contribute to India’s technological and economic advancement. Startups selected through this initiative will gain exposure to global markets through Startup India, access to mentorship from industry veterans, investor networking opportunities, and national-level recognition by DPIIT.

The competition will follow a structured, multi-phase selection process, beginning with the application launch on February 26, 2025, and culminating in an exclusive live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. While each startup shortlisted for the grand jury round receives a guaranteed ₹1 Lakh, the top two startups from each sector will be awarded ₹10 Lakh respectively, while the next five will receive ₹5 lakh each. The next 5 startups in each track will gain access to ₹3 lakhs each in addition to financial grants, participating startups will receive expert guidance and investor access through a jury comprising 100+ leading VCs, angel investors, and domain specialists from Startup India and organizations such as Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, KDEM, IVCA, HDFC among many others.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, said, “The Startup Maha Rathi initiative marks a pivotal stride toward achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ By offering strategic financial support and expert mentorship, this initiative will empower the nation’s most promising startups to scale, innovate, and drive transformative change, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, added, “India’s startup ecosystem is at an inflection point, and initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that high-potential ventures receive the right support to thrive. By enabling a strong innovation-driven culture, the initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of disruptive entrepreneurs.”

Commenting on the initiative, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “Our mission is to focus on bridging the gap between startups and investors and this initiative will provide a structured, high-impact platform for startups to showcase their innovations and gain direct access to funding and mentorship.”

Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner, Avaana Capital, stated, “Initiatives like Startup Maha Rathi provide catalytic support to entrepreneurs solving for India’s critical priorities—green growth, sustainability, energy transition, food systems, agriculture, and deep tech. The programs not only showcase India’s entrepreneurial strength but also reinforce our ability to develop scalable solutions aligned with national priorities and position India as a global leader to accelerate towards a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive Viksit Bharat.”

Prashant Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel, remarked, “Aimed at evaluating more than 5,000 startups, Startup Maha Rathi presents a unique opportunity to identify and invest in startups that have the potential to drive India’s economic transformation. We are proud to collaborate on this initiative and support entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses with the right financial and strategic backing.”