Archives 2025

Sony Entertainment Television, that introduced Indian audiences to the iconic horror show Aahat, is set to redefine the genre with its latest Horror offering; Aami Dakini. This intriguing new show promises to take horror storytelling a notch up with its gripping narrative infused with mystery, drama, and eerie supernatural elements. Set against the perfect mix of beautiful & haunting backdrop of Kolkata, Aami Dakini unravels a dark and mysterious tale of love, loss, and revenge. Bringing this enigmatic and eerie character to life is the talented Sheen Dass, who steps into the role of Dakini.

At its core, it unravels the emotional and psychological turmoil of Dakini—a woman whose soul has been trapped between life and death for decades. Burdened with grief, longing, and injustice, she returns in search of the husband she lost, embarking on an unrelenting quest that will send shivers down the spine.

Sheen Dass who makes her much-anticipated debut in the horror genre expresses her excitement saying, “What excites me the most about the show is the blend of horror, mystery and human emotion. I’m thrilled to be a part of the show that brings something fresh to the horror genre. Playing Dakini will be a challenge as she’s more than just a ghost, but she has a past, a story to tell. To bring this complexity to life, I had to undergo extensive character study and training. She is not just a ghost seeking revenge—her emotions are deeply rooted in trauma and injustice. There is so much emotion packed into this one character, and I can’t wait for the audience to experience it”

Bangalore, February 5, 2024: Payments company Cashfree Payments, has raised USD 53 Million/INR 450 Crore in a funding round led by Korean digital entertainment giant, KRAFTON and existing investor Apis Growth Fund II, a private equity fund managed by Apis Partners Group (UK) Limited (“Apis Partners”). The capital will accelerate Cashfree’s payments offering and boost market outreach. This collaboration will also position Cashfree to leverage synergies with KRAFTON, fueling innovation and pioneering new solutions across multiple digital sectors.

Cashfree helps businesses collect payments online and make payouts. With an easy onboarding and integration process, and compatibility with popular merchant platforms like Shopify, Wix, WordPress, WooCommerce, WhatsApp, Cashfree enables businesses to start transactions within a day. It offers features like one-click checkout, abandoned cart recovery, and return prediction, helping businesses improve the payment experience, boost conversions and grow profitably. Cashfree connects directly with major payment networks, ensuring high success rates and reliability at scale, enabling large businesses to process 12,000 transactions per second during peak demand with ease. It has also introduced Embedded Payments, allowing platforms, ERPs, and SaaS businesses to integrate payments as a feature into their product with ease and in a compliant manner.

Akash Sinha, CEO & Co-Founder, Cashfree Payments, said, “We are excited to welcome KRAFTON as a strategic partner with continued support from our existing investors, Apis Growth Fund II and the team at Apis Partners. Our mission at Cashfree Payments has been to empower Indian businesses with the ability to transact in the digital economy with unparalleled security and efficiency. This investment will help us accelerate our key efforts – across cross-border and security innovations and international expansion – as we enter the next phase of our growth journey. Growing sustainably has been core to our identity and how we function at Cashfree Payments. We are focused on driving profitable growth as we scale. Our mission is clear: to create long-term value for our customers and lead innovation in the payments space, both in India and internationally.”

Among recent innovations, the company has built Secure ID, an identity verification stack with a comprehensive suite of APIs and KYC components, addressing the surge in fraud. SecureID enables fintechs and startups to build onboarding and KYC flows by intelligently minimising user inputs, thus reducing drop-offs, intelligently reading and verifying identity documents, and precisely detecting frauds and anomalies. SecureID has completed more than 1 billion identity and user verifications till date.

Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, said “India’s fintech industry is experiencing remarkable growth, and we believe Cashfree Payment’s dominant position in India can be replicated globally. As the media and entertainment sector and content consumption patterns in India continue to evolve, full-stack payment systems that specifically address the needs and requirements of the sector are crucial for enhancing user experience. The investment is part of KRAFTON’s ongoing efforts to support innovative solutions that drive growth and foster a dynamic startup ecosystem. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership and exploring future opportunities.”

Matteo Stefanel and Udayan Goyal, Co-Founders and Managing Partners at Apis Partners, commented: “As an industry leader with a history of pioneering innovations, Cashfree Payments’ proven track record continues to put it in a leadership position. We are excited to continue our support for its continued growth and success. Apis’ investment philosophy is that there should be no trade-off between returns for LPs and positive societal impact, and the investment in Cashfree is proving to be a perfect example of that.”

In FY25, Cashfree has seen merchant signups grow 130% as compared to previous years and anticipates robust revenue growth, driven by increased wallet share from existing customers and continued success in cross-selling to its broad client base. Cashfree currently processes $80 billion annually and works with 800,000 businesses, from internet startups to public enterprises.

New Delhi 05.02.2025 Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, a leader in contract development and manufacturing, has launched Dapagliflozin + Pioglitazone tablets; an advanced combination therapy designed to tackle the growing challenge of diabetes management. While conventional treatments often fall short in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, this dual-action formulation offers a more potent solution for individuals struggling with existing metformin-based regimens. Approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), it goes beyond glycemic control, overcoming broader obstacles associated with diabetes care.

This dual-action therapy combines two complementary mechanisms of action. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, aids in eliminating excess glucose via urine while delivering additional benefits such as improved cardiovascular and renal outcomes, along with better weight management. Pioglitazone, on the other hand, augments insulin sensitivity in key tissues, such as muscles and the liver, helping combat the root issue of insulin resistance. Together, they provide sustained results while minimising risks like hypoglycemia and weight gain, which are common hurdles in diabetes care.

Compared to monotherapy, this dual approach ensures more comprehensive blood sugar regulation by addressing multiple pathways simultaneously. While single-drug regimens may provide partial benefits, the combined action of Dapagliflozin and Pioglitazone offers superior control, reducing fluctuations in glucose levels more effectively. Moreover, dual therapy lowers the likelihood of treatment failure, ensuring long-term stability without necessitating frequent medication adjustments. Its once-daily dosing further enhances adherence, making diabetes management simpler and seamless for patients.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has emerged as a significant health challenge in India, with over 77 million adults affected and an additional 25 million on the brink of developing the condition, as per World Health Organisation estimates. What’s more alarming is that a significant portion of these cases remain undetected, often leading to severe complications. By 2045, this number is projected to climb to an astounding 134 million, highlighting the critical need for impactful interventions.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sandeep Jain, Managing Director of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, stated, “The rise in diabetes cases in our country calls for novel and accessible solutions. By introducing Dapagliflozin + Pioglitazone tablets, we aim to equip healthcare providers with an advanced treatment option that caters to the diverse needs faced by patients. Our goal is to deliver therapies that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Adding to this, Mr. Sanjeev Jain, Managing Director of Akums, noted, “The fight against diabetes requires a collaborative effort between healthcare providers, patients, and pharmaceutical innovators. Managing the condition often presents significant lifestyle hurdles for those affected. At Akums, we are committed to elevating well-being and enabling sound health outcomes. Backed by robust research, this dual-action therapy is developed to progress patient outcomes and overall well-being.”

Pune, India – Sayaji Pune, a distinguished 5-star business hotel, is thrilled to receive the prestigious ‘Iconic Business Hotel’ award from the Times of India Group, recognizing its excellence in business hospitality. This recognition highlights the hotel’s commitment to providing an exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and functionality tailored to business travelers.

 Conveniently located off the Pune-Mumbai Highway, near major IT hubs Hinjewadi and Baner, Sayaji Pune is the preferred choice for corporate travellers. The hotel has established itself as a prime destination for professionals seeking convenience and world-class amenities.

 The hotel offers luxurious rooms with comfortable beds, high-speed internet, and spacious work desks, ensuring a seamless work-life balance. Business guests can also access state-of-the-art boardrooms, banquet halls, and event spaces for meetings and corporate gatherings.

 For wellness-focused travellers, Sayaji Pune features a fully equipped gym with expert trainers and an in-house spa for relaxation after a busy day.

 The hotel’s diverse culinary offerings include an extensive buffet catering to varied tastes, with options ranging from healthy selections to indulgent favourites at Portico. Guests can enjoy dining at Turque offering a delightful culinary experience in a luxurious setting. Dining spaces are designed for both quick bites and leisurely meals.

Tampa, FL (February 5, 2025) – Dart Tech and LNS Solutions have joined forces to operate under the Dart brand, becoming the leading Managed Service Provider in the Tampa Bay area. The new Dart is redefining the region’s IT services landscape. Dart provides local businesses with scalable, forward-thinking solutions tailored to meet the challenges of today’s changing market.

“LNS and Dart Tech have always shared a deep respect for each other and the common goal of our clients’ success,” said John Lorelle, former owner of LNS Solutions and now CEO of the new Dart. “By blending our resources and skills, we are building a stronger, more innovative organization that will set new standards for excellence and help clients thrive in an increasingly connected world.”

A New Era for IT Solutions

Operating under the established Dart brand, the strategic merger combines Dart Tech’s expertise in cutting-edge technology with LNS Solutions’ personalized, client-focused approach. Leveraging the strengths of these two industry leaders, the new Dart is committed to innovation, growth, and delivering tangible results, ensuring local businesses succeed.

The integration of Dart Tech and LNS Solutions is more than a business move—it’s a commitment to shaping the future of IT client experiences. As the leading Managed Service Provider in Tampa Bay, the new Dart offers comprehensive support for businesses of all sizes in the key areas of cloud computing, cybersecurity, Managed IT services, and consulting services.

What This Means for Clients

• Expanded Expertise: The united organization brings together top talent from both companies, supported by a national team of over 350 skilled professionals, providing clients with unparalleled expertise and advanced capabilities.
• Enhanced Services: Clients benefit from a broader portfolio of IT solutions, including advanced cybersecurity measures, seamless cloud integration, and proactive managed services.
• Continued Excellence: The new Dart remains committed to the personalized, responsive service that both Dart Tech and LNS Solutions clients have come to trust.

NTPC and Indian Army signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) on 3rd February for sale of power (200 kW RE-RTC) from Solar-Hydrogen based Microgrid at Chushul (Ladakh) for a period of 25 years. The agreement was signed by Shri DMR Panda, CGM (NTPC-Hydrogen) and Shri Aditya Harshey, Brigadier and Chief Engineer (Indian Army), Leh.

Solar-Hydrogen based microgrid offers a solution to replace Army’s existing diesel gensets thus avoiding fossil fuel logistics arrangement and 1500 ton/year CO2.

This is world’s most unique hydrogen based off-grid microgrid project at an altitude of 4400m and temperatures dipping to -30 deg C in winter. Once operational, it would usher in a new era of decarbonisation and modernisation of the defence sector in the border locations of the Himalayas.

Hyderabad, February 5, 2025: HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, announced the launch of the eighth edition of its flagship Parivartan Start-up Grants programme. This year, 15+ incubators and accelerators have been selected and onboarded to support 50–60 start-ups working in the social impact space. The programme will award grants of up to ₹50 lakh to selected start-ups, with a total programme budget of ₹20 crore.

IIT Madras, IIM Ahmedabad Ventures, Villgro,ICAR Pusa Krishi, IIT Guwahati Bionest, ASPIRE – University of Hyderabad, IIM-Calcutta Innovation Park, i-Hub Gujarat, Kerala Start-Up Mission, IFMR Catalyst AIC are among the incubators already shortlisted this year.

Over the next few months, these incubators will invite applications from social entrepreneurs across India. This initiative will culminate in a series of “Demo Day” events, showcasing start-ups to the Bank, investors, corporates, and media, ensuring greater visibility and opportunities for these ventures.

Key Focus Areas for FY25

In line with HDFC Bank’s commitment to sustainable development and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the programme will focus on:

1. AI For Social Good

2. Climate Innovation

3. Financial Inclusion

4. Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Economy

5. Education and Livelihood Enhancement

6. Gender Diversity and Inclusion

Selected start-ups will represent diverse regions of India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and North-East region states.

“Our Parivartan Start-up Grants programme is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and addressing critical societal needs. By nurturing social start-ups that are implementing solutions aimed at achieving SDG targets, we aim to support the creation of sustainable, inclusive solutions for communities across India,” said Mr. Kaizad Bharucha, DMD, HDFC Bank.

“Through strategic partnerships with incubators and accelerators, we are building a robust start-up ecosystem. The programme empowers entrepreneurs with resources and visibility, enabling them to scale impactful solutions and contribute to India’s development journey. Through the Parivartan Start-up Grants programme we aim to empower these innovative ventures to make a meaningful impact and create a better future for all,” said Mr. Arup Rakshit, Group Head, Treasury, HDFC Bank.

National, February 5th, 2025: Navigating your period and overall health just got smarter and easier. Meet the SOFY Club App, your new go-to companion for menstrual wellness. Designed to simplify cycle tracking while empowering users with insights and education, the app also aims to normalize conversations around menstruation. SOFY, the trusted feminine hygiene brand by Unicharm, proudly introduces its first digital offering in India. The SOFY Club App is available for free download on Android and iOS, marking a significant step forward in menstrual health management for Indian women.

If you’ve ever wished for a tool that truly “gets you,” the SOFY Club App is here to change the game. More than just a menstrual tracker, this app is designed to simplify period tracking while offering deep insights into your physical and emotional well-being. From predicting your next cycle to decoding why you might feel “off” today, it blends intuitive tracking, insightful analytics, and medically verified knowledge to empower every user.

Most period tracking apps stop at just tracking cycles. SOFY Club goes beyond, helping users understand their bodies, moods, and emotions with medically verified solutions,” says Ai Mizushima, Senior Brand Manager, Unicharm India. “With its fun and conversational design, the app makes every interaction engaging and relatable, perfectly catering to the tech-savvy yet compassionate needs of today’s women.”

The SOFY Club App interface has no unnecessary pop-ups for a smoother and personalized experience. The app ensures learning about your health feels effortless—not like homework. The app is packed with amazing features designed to make your period and non-period days easier:

1. Free of Cost: Yep, you read that right. All the amazing features mentioned below are free—because everyone deserves easy, accessible menstrual health management.
2. Smart Period Tracker: Want to stay ahead of the game? Let our smart predictions for periods, ovulation, and PMS help you plan your days better.
3. All-in-One Health Manager: Think beyond periods! Track your body, mental, and vaginal health—all in one app—and uncover insights you didn’t know you needed.
4. Your Private Journal: Got thoughts, mood swings, or private moments to share? Write them down with total peace of mind—because what’s written in SOFY stays in SOFY.
5. Personalized Recommendations: Ever wished for a BFF who knows your flow? Get product advice tailored to your unique cycle and patterns.
6. Medically Verified Knowledge: Curious about PCOS or uterine fibroids? Dive into bite-sized, trustworthy resources and videos to get answers that actually make sense.
7. Mood-Driven UI: From sassy one-liners to visuals that vibe with your mood, this app feels like chatting with your BFF.
8. Insightful Analytics: Forget the guessing games! Smart analysis of your cycles and health logs keeps you in the know and in control.

“We knew the app had to do more than just track periods and feel as intuitive as having a chat with a close friend,” shares Shradha Agarwal, Co-Founder & Global CEO, Grapes Digital. “It needed to educate, empathize, and empower. We designed SOFY Club’s UI/UX to be intuitive, interactive, and insightful—an app that listens to you, understands your needs, and offers meaningful support.”

NCPA is thrilled to announce the return of The Gentlemen’s Club following its smash hit run last September! Experience Patchwork Ensemble’s electrifying new version of their critically acclaimed show, taking you deep into Mumbai’s pulsating underground club scene.

Step into the exhilarating lives of the city’s drag kings, led by the enigmatic Rocky, also known as Shammsher. Rocky’s act is a dynamic tribute to the legendary Shammi Kapoor and the golden era of Hindi cinema. Alongside Rocky, a diverse ensemble of women embraces the art of drag, delivering a cabaret-style performance that transports audiences into a gritty, hidden world where identities are fluid, and you can be anyone you desire.

Featuring a dazzling mix of dance, music, and projection, The Gentlemen’s Club unfolds an exciting, provocative narrative that celebrates women and their exploration of masculinity. Don’t miss this bold, boundary-pushing performance that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking!

The NCPA run of Gentlemen’s Club comes right before the production hits London’s West End at the Soho Theatre. This will mark the first theatre collaboration between the NCPA and the renowned London venue.

This World Cancer Day, Ketto proudly presents “Hope. Survival. Impact.”—a video campaign celebrating the remarkable journeys of cancer survivors who have triumphed over adversity with the support of our compassionate community. These stories exemplify the profound impact of collective generosity, underscoring the power of crowdfunding in transforming lives.

In India, cancer remains a significant health challenge, with a large number of new cases diagnosed each year. Among these, blood cancers account for a substantial proportion. Advancements in medical treatments have improved survival rates. However, the financial burden of cancer treatment is considerable, often making life-saving care inaccessible for many families.

Because of Ketto, many patients and their families have been able to raise essential funds for their medical treatment. Our platform has witnessed an outpouring of support, with countless individuals contributing to campaigns that fund critical cancer treatments and chemotherapy.

Inspiring Stories of Resilience

Our campaign features heartfelt testimonials from survivors and their families, highlighting the tangible difference that community support can make:

• Athwik’s Triumph Over Cancer: Diagnosed with B-lymphoblastic leukemia at just three years old, Athwik’s family turned to Ketto to fund his treatment. Through the generosity of donors, they raised ₹20 lakh, enabling timely medical intervention. Today, Athwik is cancer-free, embodying resilience and the power of collective goodwill.
• Shahista’s Second Chance After Cancer: After losing her father to cancer, Shahista faced her own battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. When the disease recurred aggressively, a costly bone marrow transplant was her only hope. Her family member initiated a fundraiser on Ketto, and the community rallied to raise ₹30 lakh. Now, Shahista is in good health, a testament to unwavering determination and communal support.
• Sreeraj’s New Beginning After Cancer: Three-year-old Sreeraj’s joyful life was disrupted by a severe form of blood cancer. His parents, unable to afford the necessary chemotherapy, sought help through Ketto. With the assistance of compassionate donors, they secured ₹5 lakh for his treatment. Today, Sreeraj is thriving, a symbol of hope and the impact of shared humanity.
• Aves’s Journey to Recovery: Fifteen-year-old Aves faced the risk of losing his leg to a malignant tumor. His mother, earning a modest income, turned to Ketto to fund the ₹3 lakh required for surgery. The community’s generosity ensured Aves received the necessary treatment, allowing him to walk again and pursue his dreams.

These stories are a fraction of the numerous lives transformed through Ketto’s platform. They highlight not only the resilience of individuals but also the extraordinary impact of collective action.