Archives 2025

Social Beat, one of India’s leading digital marketing agencies, successfully executed a comprehensive digital campaign for Fortune Foods to celebrate the brand’s 25-year milestone. Titled ‘Swaad Ka Safaar,’ the campaign aimed to bring alive the values and legacy of Fortune Foods through the love of Ghar Ka Khana, engaging audiences across generations through nostalgic and relatable storytelling.

The campaign’s creative approach resulted in a series of AI-generated videos and a brand-new 25-year logo launch film, encapsulating Fortune’s journey from then to now. The use of AI-driven creative assets brought a modern touch to the brand’s legacy content, ensuring relevance for both existing and new customers.

Commenting on the campaign’s success, Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder, Social Beat, said: “Fortune Foods has been a trusted name in Indian households for 25 years, representing a rich culinary heritage. Our objective was to create a campaign that not only celebrates this milestone but also resonates with people of all ages. The success of this campaign demonstrates the power of digital storytelling in building emotional connections with consumers.”

Jignesh Shah, Head of Digital, Fortune Foods, added, “Completing 25 years is a monumental achievement for Fortune Foods, and it was important for us to celebrate this milestone with our customers who have been part of our journey. Social Beat’s innovative approach to digital storytelling through Ai generated videos helped us convey the brand’s legacy and emotional connect in a way that truly resonated with our audience. The results speak for themselves, and we look forward to more collaborations with Social Beat in the future.”

The campaign was executed in three phases: pre-launch, launch, and sustenance, with key highlights including the unveiling of Fortune’s commemorative logo and a heartwarming 25-year journey video made by Social Beat that struck an emotional chord with audiences. The campaign across key cities including Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Pune, garnered massive digital traction with over 36 million impressions and a reach of 11.7 million users.

The campaign has set a new benchmark for digital-first brand celebrations in India. Social Beat continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, delivering impactful campaigns that drive brand growth.

Citizens can now witness an extraordinary celebration of the achievements of changemakers as Zee Kannada News presents the telecast of the prestigious Zee Achievers Award 2024 on 16th February 2025 at 6 pm. This special telecast is an opportunity for viewers to honour and be inspired by 46 distinguished individuals whose relentless contributions have made a significant impact across various fields.

As Zee Kannada News marks its third anniversary, it takes pride in recognizing changemakers who have redefined excellence and societal progress. The telecast will bring to life the inspiring stories of these achievers, showcasing their perseverance and dedication. The presence of eminent personalities such as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Minister Ramalinga Reddy, and film stars Dhruva Sarja and Priyanka Upendra amplifies the significance of this momentous occasion.

In a special video message, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated the awardees and commended Zee Kannada News for recognizing selfless contributors who often remain away from the limelight. Former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda lauded the initiative, emphasizing that in today’s evolving media landscape, dominated by social media and artificial intelligence, Zee Kannada News has set a strong precedent for recognizing true achievers. Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, Pontiff of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, highlighted the importance of acknowledging such efforts, stating that Zee Kannada News has earned the trust of the people of Karnataka through its unbiased news coverage and that recognizing exceptional achievers serves as a stepping stone to greater accomplishments. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar further underscored that the honored achievers are true assets to society, whose relentless efforts have significantly contributed to the nation’s development, emphasizing that awards should be seen as motivation for continued service. Minister Ramalinga Reddy echoed these sentiments, stating that those who dedicate their lives to the betterment of society without seeking personal gain are the backbone of the nation and that media recognition of such individuals accelerates societal progress, benefiting the state as a whole.

The Zee Achievers Award 2024 is a powerful tribute to individuals who have made a difference, from social work and business to education, medicine, and spirituality. Among the esteemed awardees are Satyanarayana, National Paralympic Coach; Dr. Sharad Kulkarni, Ayurvedic Doctor; Dr. Dhyaneshwar, Physician; N. Reena Suvarna, ACP Whitefield; and Girish Linganna, Space & Defense Expert, among many others. Their efforts and unwavering dedication to their respective fields serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for society.

This exclusive telecast is more than just an award show; it is a testament to the spirit of progress and perseverance. Join Zee Kannada News in celebrating these real-life heroes, as their journeys unfold on-screen, leaving an indelible mark on viewers and encouraging a future driven by excellence and service.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 21 News channels, reaching more than 555+ million viewers in current year through its linear properties.

Chennai, 13th February 2025: BCT Digital, a global risk technology and compliance products company, has been recognized as a category leader in Chartis Research’s 2024 Model Governance Solutions Quadrant. The company’s rt360 Model Risk Management (MRM) solution was highlighted for its comprehensive capabilities in model coverage, governance framework, model inventory management, and model risk analytics.

The Chartis Research report evaluated BCT Digital’s rt360 MRM solution across several criteria, including its ability to manage the lifecycle of financial models, mitigate model risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO of BCT Digital, commented, “Being named a category leader in the Chartis Model Governance Solutions Quadrant reflects the strength and impact of our approach to model risk management. Our focus is on delivering solutions that simplify complex model governance challenges, enabling financial institutions to maintain robust control over their models while adapting to an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment.”

The solution automates model governance processes, including model validation, monitoring, and risk assessment, streamlining collaboration between departments. Features such as a centralized Model Register act as the single source of truth for all model-related activities, improving transparency and traceability. The Workflow Engine automates tasks and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration for improved efficiency. The MRM solution also enables financial institutions to reduce reliance on external validation services, streamline model risk management processes, and scale operations with minimal added cost.

In recent years, banks and financial institutions have prioritized MRM solutions. They are seeking robust and sophisticated software to automate model monitoring and quarterly assessments. This focus on automation ensures compliance with the guidance and standards set by their respective central banks. For instance, the Central Bank of UAE published new regulations and standards on Model Management Standard (MMS), applicable to all models used by banks, and the Model Management Guidance (MMG), specifically focused on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) models.

SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of the State Bank Group, has started registrations for the 13th Batch of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, inviting young changemakers from India, NRIs, OCIs, and citizens of Nepal & Bhutan to contribute to rural transformation. Please find attached a press release sharing the announcement with the development sector aspirants.

This 13-month fellowship provides a structured platform for graduates and young professionals (ages 21-32) to work alongside rural communities and 13 leading NGOs across India, creating impactful, grassroots change.

The fellowship focuses on 12 key thematic areas, including health, rural livelihoods, food security, environmental protection, education, water, technology, women’s empowerment, self-governance, social entrepreneurship, traditional crafts, and alternate energy.

We would be happy to arrange an interaction with the leadership of SBI Foundation, to discuss the Fellowship’s outlook and impact over the past 12 years. Looking forward to your interest and support in spreading the word.

Maharashtra, 13 February 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is transforming rural education in Chandrapur, Maharashtra through its innovative CSR programmes in physical literacy and sports promotion. Fourteen students from Ambuja-supported ZP Upper Primary School, Upparwahi, Chandrapur, participated in the 2024 International Karate Championships in Hyderabad, winning one Gold, five Silver, and seven Bronze medals.

Similarly, Anushka Mandavkar, a seventh grader from Nadgaon School, has progressed to become a state-level 800m runner under the Khelo India initiative. She recently secured 2nd position in 300m running at an event in Nagpur. Since 2018, the initiative has empowered thousands of students, enhancing physical fitness, building sports skills, and inspiring participation in national and international competitions.

The programme started as a pilot in 10 schools in Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh, and later expanded to include 15 schools in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It focuses on developing core physical competencies like endurance, agility, strength, and speed. Due to Ambuja Cements’ efforts, a 2023 assessment by ELMS Sports Foundation reported a 73-74% improvement in students’ physical fitness in addition to creating inspiring success stories.

Ambuja Cements is championing holistic development in underserved communities by collaborating with sports organizations, local authorities, and schools. The initiative also boosts school attendance, enhances discipline, and promotes inclusivity, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to unlock their full potential.

Something big is brewing in the world of music and cinema, and it involves none other than the legendary trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. For the first time ever, the maestros are stepping into the Malayalam film industry, but that’s just the beginning of the intrigue. This isn’t just any film, it’s set to be a high-energy, action-packed spectacle, inspired by WWE and the raw, electrifying world of wrestling. But what makes this project truly special?! With the trio known for crafting unforgettable soundtracks across industries, what kind of musical magic will they bring to a story built on adrenaline and combat?

Produced by Ramesh Ramakrishnan, Ritesh Ramakrishnan and Shihan Shoukath, this ambitious project is backed by Reel World Entertainment, a collaboration between the globally renowned Transworld Group and the creative force of Lensman Group. At the helm is debut director Adhvaith Nayar, who, alongside Sanoop Thykkudam, has crafted a story that promises to be as intense as it is groundbreaking.

The film is already making waves in industry circles, and while the official cast remains a closely guarded secret, whispers suggest it features a stellar ensemble unlike anything seen before. Who will step into this thrilling world? The suspense builds, with an official cast and title announcement just a few weeks away.

13-02-2025– Pocket FM, a leading audio entertainment platform, continues to stay ahead of the curve with its latest feature, Nomad Reel—a dynamic and engaging take on trending events. Designed to capture the essence of viral moments with a witty and insightful twist, Nomad Reel is making waves across digital platforms.

After renowned personalities like Veer Das shared their perspectives, Vineet Singh, VP of Branding and Communication at Pocket FM, has also penned his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding comedy, influence, and accountability. Call for responsibility, sparking meaningful conversations around the evolving role of comedians and content creators.

Pocket FM has creatively transformed this widely discussed moment into a sharp, humorous reel on its Instagram handle. The reel, crafted to resonate with audiences who enjoy pop culture and tech-driven drama, is quick, relatable, and perfectly suited for today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Mumbai, 13th Feb: Mukand Limited, a leader in the specialty steel and heavy machinery industry, successfully hosted the 5th Edition of its annual Mukand Shahapur Road Race as part of its CSR initiative to promote sports and physical well-being among school students on 8th Feb in Shahapur, Thane. The annual race witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 900 students from 44 schools, making it a grand celebration of athleticism, determination, and community engagement.

The event kicked off in the early morning hours, with students arriving from various parts of Shahapur, bringing an air of excitement and energy. The race saw young athletes put their best foot forward, displaying immense perseverance and sportsmanship. Speaking to the Principal of the winning school, it was revealed that students had been practicing for the past 1.5-2 months, and their dedication truly paid off as they secured the top positions in both the male and female categories.

Post the thrilling race, the event transformed into a cultural extravaganza. The audience, including fellow students and esteemed guests, was enthralled by traditional dance performances, poetry recitations, and a soul-stirring speech by a Class 8 student on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, highlighting leadership lessons from his life. The students’ artistic expressions added a cultural dimension to the event, making it a truly memorable occasion.

Mr. Neeraj Kant, CEO of Mukand Limited, expressed his delight at the event’s success, stating:
“At Mukand Limited, we strongly believe in nurturing young talent and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports. The Mukand Shahapur Road Race has become a much-anticipated event, inspiring students to embrace discipline, hard work, and teamwork. Seeing their enthusiasm and dedication reaffirms our commitment to creating opportunities that foster growth and development. Congratulations to all the participants, teachers, and the organizing team for making this event a resounding success.”

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, recognizing the winners and appreciating the participation of all students. Mukand Limited remains dedicated to empowering communities and fostering young talent through various CSR initiatives, and the Mukand Shahapur Road Race continues to be a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

New Delhi (India), February 13, 2025: Birlasoft, a leading IT services and solutions provider, today reported its unaudited consolidated financial results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024. Birlasoft is part of the $3 bn CK Birla Group, which has over 35,000 employees and operates 52 manufacturing facilities globally.

Mr. Angan Guha, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Birlasoft, said, “Our performance during the quarter under review demonstrates our ability to pursue deal closures, drive operational efficiencies, and generate consistently strong cash flows even in a seasonally weak quarter. Deal signings during the quarter at $226 million TCV have been the best during the current financial year. While higher than usual furloughs affected our revenue performance, we have been able to deliver a steady margin performance sequentially after absorbing much of the compensation increases rolled out for most of our employees during the quarter. We also continue to make investments aimed at enhancing our capabilities as well as partnerships, which we believe is key to creating a differentiated value proposition in the marketplace.”

“Our revenue during the quarter under review, which witnessed higher than usual furloughs, grew 1.5% year-on-year to Rs 13,627 million. Our EBITDA margin stood at 12.0% for the quarter, representing only a marginal sequential decline even after implementing a salary increase effective October 1st covering most of the organization, on the back of multiple operational efficiency initiatives that we have been driving and some exchange rate tailwind. We also maintained our robust track record of strong quarterly collections and cashflow generation, resulting in a 21.7% rise year-on-year in cash and cash equivalents to Rs 20,552 Mn. Our DSO at 53 days continues to be among the best in the industry. Our robust cash flow and balance sheet enable us to make the investments necessary for future growth,” said Ms. Kamini Shah, Chief Financial Officer, Birlasoft.

Key Financial highlights for Q3 FY25

In INR ₹

Revenue at ₹ 13,627 M, up 1.5% YoY
EBITDA at ₹ 1,634 M; EBITDA margin at 12.0%
PAT at ₹ 1,169 M translating to basic EPS (not annualized) of ₹4.20
Cash and cash equivalents increase 21.7% YoY to ₹20,552 M

In USD $

Revenue at $160.8 M, down 0.3% YoY
In constant currency terms, revenue down 0.1% YoY
EBITDA at $ 19.3 M; EBITDA margin at 12.0%

Other operating highlights

· Revenue performance during Q3FY25 was led BFSI among verticals and by Digital & Data among service lines.

o BFSI up 1.8% QoQ among verticals, while the others registered a sequential decline in a seasonally weak quarter

o Digital & Data up 2.4% QoQ.

o Revenue from Top 5 clients grew by 7.1% YoY.

· Signed deals of TCV $ 226 M during the quarter, up 66% QoQ, with new deal wins TCV of $ 64 M and renewals of $ 162 M.

· Active Client Count at 265 in Q3FY25 (up from 261 in Q2FY25, with the number of $5M+ clients rising from 24 in Q2FY25 to 27 in Q3FY25).

· Cash & Cash equivalents of $240.1 M at end of Q3FY25, up 8.2% QoQ from $221.8 M at end of Q2FY25. In rupee terms, cash and cash equivalents increased 10.6% QoQ to ₹20,552 M at the end of Q3FY25 from ₹18,587 M at the end of the preceding quarter.

· Q3FY25 DSO improves to 53 days from 58 days in Q2FY25, led by sustained strong collections.

· Workforce strength stood at 12,125 as on 31st December 2024 and attrition was 12.7% during Q3FY25.

Key deal wins for the quarter

· Expanded our Digital Flex pods across the US and India, enabling seamless technology integration for multiple wealth management products at one of the world’s largest custodian and securities services companies.

· Secured a multi-million-dollar, long-term agreement with a prominent global industrial manufacturing customer out of North America to enhance and scale their HRMS services.

· Renewal of multiyear ERP managed services with US based large global distributor.

· Strategically partnered with a leading manufacturing customer in the USA to advance their AI/ML roadmap.

Key deal wins for the quarter

· Signed a multi-year QA and RPA deal with an Insurance major and further consolidated our position as one of the largest IT service providers.

· Selected by a US-based large global Technology segment customer as a strategic build partner for ERP, Digital, Data, Testing, CRM, and middleware Integration related work.

· Partnered with a large US based hi-tech cloud technology company to expand their technology competency center out of India.

· Secured an engagement with US based large defense contractor and industrial corporation in Data & Analytics.

Awards & Recognitions

· Birlasoft identified as a “Disruptor” in the “Avasant Hybrid Enterprise Cloud Services 2024-2025 RadarView” Report

· Birlasoft identified as a “Leader” in the “Oil and Gas Industry- Services and Solutions 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ Study” – North America

· Birlasoft identified as a “Product Challenger; Market Challenger and Contender” in the “Manufacturing Industry Services and Solutions 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ Study” – EUR, North America

· Birlasoft recognized as a “Major Contender” in the “Quality Engineering Services for Mid-market Enterprises PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024” by Everest

· Birlasoft recognized as a “Major Contender” in the “Quality Engineering (QE) Services for AI Applications and Systems PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024” by Everest

· Birlasoft identified as a “Product Challenger” in the “Advanced Analytics and AI Services ISG Provider Lens” Study

· Birlasoft identified as a “Product Challenger” in the “Intelligent Automation Services and Solutions 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ Study”

· Birlasoft identified as a “Product Challenger” in the “Insurance Services 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ Study”

· Birlasoft ranked amongst India’s Top 50 Companies with Great Managers™ for 2024 by People Business.

National, 13th February 2025 – Vidysea, an AI-driven study abroad platform designed to empower students with personalized academic and career guidance, has secured a seed investment round of approximately $1 million. The round was led by Zee Learn Limited (ZLL) along with Aarvi Family LLP, with additional contributions from the company’s founders and other shareholders.

This seed funding round will help Vidysea strengthen its product, and expand its team to provide the highest quality services and support.

The funding will be instrumental in accelerating Vidysea’s mission to provide unbiased, data-driven insights that help students make well-informed academic and career choices during their further studies journey, particularly for international. The company, founded in September 2024 and headquartered in Noida, is building an advanced AI-powered product that simplifies and enhances the decision-making process for students worldwide who want to study further. Vidysea helps students discover and connect with the best institutions worldwide from K12 to college and graduate schools. Furthermore, Vidysea helps simplify the complicated process of admission, selection, and post-selection for the students.

“We believe in Vidysea’s vision of leveraging technology to bridge the gap between students and their ideal academic paths. The need for personalized career guidance has never been greater, and we see immense potential in what Vidysea is building. By leveraging technology to provide accurate, unbiased, and personalized recommendations, they are addressing a crucial gap in the industry. The platform provides clarity, and equips students with the knowledge they need to make informed choices.” — Manish Rastogi, CEO, ZLL

“Investing in the future of education is equivalent to investing in the future of society. Vidysea’s AI-driven approach ensures that students receive guidance that is transparent, unbiased, and aligned with their aspirations. We believe in their mission to empower students with the right tools and information, and we are proud to back their efforts. ” — Ravi Patel, Aarvi Family LLP

Speaking on the funding round, Karunn Kandoi, CEO and Founder of Vidysea, said, “This investment allows us to take a significant step toward our vision of revolutionizing student career guidance and navigating them through their further study goals. Not much has changed since I did my MBA till date, we are building a platform that simplifies students’ overwhelming choices and helps them throughout the process for them to get accepted into their dream school and program. Technology is evolving rapidly and can be leveraged and built to provide students with the right tools to navigate their choices effectively. Vidysea is committed to ensuring every student victory by receiving high-quality, reliable, data-driven guidance to unlock their potential.”

Speaking on the funding round, Sameer Upadhyay, CSRO and Founder of Vidysea said, “We are excited to be solving this large problem of the industry, helping students navigate through the challenges like admission, visa, settlement, etc. We thank ZLL and Aarvi Family LLP for believing in us and what we are building”