All posts by K S Krishna

Produced by Tiger Telly – Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s advertisement vertical that tells stories across shorter formats, Nykaa Wali Shaadi is a celebration of beauty, love, and the deep connection between the couple. Premiering on Jio Cinema on 31st January, the series features four real brides as Nykaa gives them the bridal beauty look of their dreams, documented against the backdrop of their wedding.

Mumbai, 29 January 2024: In every Indian wedding, the bride’s beauty is not just an element, it’s the centerpiece of the celebration. While once the bride’s outfit was the focal point of her transformation, today, makeup has evolved into a defining element of her bridal journey. Her look is a culmination of dreams, traditions, and meticulous planning, immortalized in photographs and videos that become cherished memories for a lifetime. For a bride, choosing the right makeup artist is akin to selecting the perfect lehenga, it’s about trust, vision, and crafting a look that captures her essence. Nykaa, as a trusted beauty partner, understands the importance of this moment, offering brides expert guidance, personalized recommendations, and a world of beauty solutions to ensure every detail – every flick of eyeliner, every sweep of highlighter – is perfect for her big day.

Nykaa Wali Shaadi follows the journeys of four real brides as they explore beauty in its many forms. From the significance of kajal for nazar to curating the perfect bridal look through moodboarding, to working with makeup artists who understand the bride’s vision for their special day – each bride experiences a transformation. The moment they reveal their bridal look, with their loved ones by their side, is a moment filled with overwhelming emotion and pure joy. This is bridal beauty: shared, powerful, and dedicated entirely to her. The bride is the main character of her story, and Nykaa is her ally, guiding her to find her own version of beauty.

MEET THE BRIDES:

Jagriti Rajulu: The Triumph of Resilience
Jagriti’s wedding is a celebration not just of love but of survival. Diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after her engagement, she faced months of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but through it all, she never gave up on her dream of a vibrant wedding. Her story is one of recovery, of transformation, and of the profound beauty that comes from within.

Seema Priyanka Gowdar: Beauty in Strength
Seema has dedicated her life to serving her country, from the Indo-China border to UN peacekeeping missions in Sudan. A decorated army officer, she’s always put others first. Her wedding is not just a celebration of love—it’s a moment for Seema to step into her own beauty, to recognize her worth, and to allow herself to be celebrated.

Maiti Shahani Kapoor: A Love That Embraces All
Maiti’s wedding is a beautiful blend of cultures, celebrating her Nepali-Sindhi heritage and her partner Mushad’s Parsi-Punjabi roots. As she prepares for her big day, Maiti’s journey is a testament to the beauty of embracing diversity and identity. Nykaa helped her find a look that beautifully mirrored her personal evolution—one that honors tradition and celebrates modernity, reminding us that beauty is unique to each individual.

Avantika Chhabria: A Love Manifested: Avantika and Divyam’s story is a testament to serendipity and the magic of manifesting love. They met in 7th grade and an unexpected twist sparked a friendship destined to blossom into a lifelong bond. Over 15 years, their love grew with them, evolving from puppy love to a partnership built on trust, laughter, and shared dreams. “We believe we manifested each other,” Avantika shares. “What started as a friendship became love, and even after all this time, it feels like the beginning.”

Falguni Nayar, Executive Chairperson, MD & CEO of Nykaa, shared, “Weddings are pivotal beauty moments, and at Nykaa, we understand how essential it is for brides to feel confident and radiant on their special day. We have always believed that beauty is personal—it’s about embracing your true self. We’re not just selling products; we’re here to guide, educate, and empower our customers to feel confident in who they are. Whether through our online platforms or in our stores across India, we connect with them on a deeper level, offering expert advice and personalized guidance to help them discover the beauty that’s uniquely theirs.”

Zoya Akhtar added “At Tiger Baby, we endeavour to tell stories that though diverse in format, are equally impactful. Through our collaboration with Nykaa, we got to highlight the glory of Indian weddings through powerful narratives that celebrate women and beauty both inner and outer.”

Reema Kagti said, “Partnering with Nykaa on this exciting project allows us to bring authentic narratives of strength and beauty to life. With Tiger Telly, we’re crafting powerful stories in both short and long formats, and we look forward to sharing these heartfelt, empowering journeys with the viewers.”

Talking about this Partnership, Vivek Mohan Sharma, Head – Branded Content & MTV Properties Revenue, JioStar says “We’re constantly challenging the status quo with boundary-pushing collaborations, and Nykaa Wali Shaadi is a perfect example of this approach. This isn’t just another beauty show; it’s a celebration of real brides and their personal stories, crafted with Nykaa’s ethos of personalized, inclusive beauty at its core. Through this partnership we’re driving an emotional connection with audiences creating a moment of real transformation. This collaboration delivers a powerful brand experience, amplifying Nykaa’s presence and impact, while offering our viewers content that resonates on a deeper, more meaningful level.”

Mark your calendar for the premiere of Nykaa Wali Shaadi at Jio Cinema, on 31st January, and see how Nykaa helps brides find their beautiful on their big day.

Here is what the brides have to say!

“My wedding day was a celebration of love, life, resilience, and strength. I loved how I looked and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the show. By staying true to my skin tone, hair length, makeup style, and heritage—while marrying the man of my dreams and being surrounded by the people who matter most—I felt truly radiant. I’ve learnt that beauty comes alive in the way you love yourself despite the changes, in the kindness you show others, and in the resilience that keeps you moving forward. My wedding look wasn’t just about appearance, it captured the strength and transformation I’ve embraced, making the celebrations truly memorable.” – Jagriti

“My journey with Nykaa during our wedding was about more than just beauty, it was about embracing courage, individuality, and elegance. As a woman guarding the nation, I’ve always believed in leading with strength and resilience. From boots to heels, this collaboration symbolized my transformation, showing how boldness and beauty coexist. Nykaa brought together incredible talent and creativity, making every moment unforgettable. The artistry wasn’t just about enhancing my look; it honored the story of a woman who balances grace with grit. I envisioned our wedding as a dream celebration, and with Nykaa’s touch, it truly became one. Thank you for making me feel stunning and elevating the entire experience, it was a true reflection of who I am: fearless, bold, and unapologetically me!” – Seema

“My three-day journey with the Nykaa team was unforgettable, thanks to their incredible support. They made everything smooth and so much fun. Nykaa helped me embrace my individuality and reminded me that beauty isn’t just about how we look—it’s about feeling confident and strong. When we feel confident, we truly shine.” – Maiti

“Working with the Nykaa Wali Shaadi team felt like a perfect extension of our journey. From the start, it was about celebrating the love Divyam and I have nurtured over 15 years. The process was seamless, joyful, and unforgettable, just like our story. It was a beautiful manifestation of everything we dreamed of.” – Avantika

by Author Paresh Kumar [Researcher, Author, Social Entrepreneur, Co-founder, and CEO of DevInsights]

As Budget 2025 approaches, the social development sector anticipates a fiscal blueprint that not only addresses prevailing disparities but also lays the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth. Drawing from recent allocation trends and global best practices, the forthcoming budget must embody a commitment to equitable development across all regions of India.

1. Leveraging Global Best Practices

International experiences offer valuable insights into effective social development strategies. For instance, South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) program incentivizes companies through a scorecard system, promoting corporate investments in underserved communities. Similarly, Singapore provides substantial tax deductions of up to 250% for corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditures in priority areas. India can draw lessons from these models to enhance corporate engagement in social initiatives.

2. Augmenting Social Sector Investments

As per the Accountability Initiative report, recent fiscal patterns indicate a concerning decline in social sector spending, decreasing from 30% of total expenditures in FY 2020-21 to 19% in FY 2023-24. This downward trajectory necessitates a recalibration of priorities. Budget 2025 should aim to reverse this trend by significantly increasing allocations to health, education, and social protection programs, ensuring that marginalized communities receive the support they urgently need.

3. Implementing Data-Driven Policy Frameworks

Budget 2025 must prioritize robust, data-driven policy frameworks by strengthening national research, monitoring, and evaluation (RM&E) firms over international organizations. Indian firms possess deep contextual insights crucial for designing impactful, scalable solutions. Investing in local expertise will enhance data sovereignty, foster transparency, and ensure long-term sustainability. Key measures should include dedicated funding, incentives for government collaboration, and AI-driven tools for real-time tracking. Empowering indigenous M&E firms will drive evidence-based decision-making and maximize social impact.

4. Incentivizing CSR in Aspirational Districts

According to a recent report by DevInsights titled “BEYOND PROFITS: Trends and the Untapped Potential of CSR in India,” corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending in India has grown by 53% between 2017 and 2022. However, the report highlights a significant geographical imbalance in the distribution of CSR funds, with the majority being concentrated in states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. In contrast, the eastern region of the country continues to receive inadequate CSR investments, limiting the implementation of development initiatives. Furthermore, despite existing policy frameworks, India’s aspirational districts have consistently received an insufficient share of CSR funding, accounting for only about 2.5% of the total spending.

To address this imbalance, Budget 2025 should introduce enhanced tax incentives for companies that channel CSR investments into these regions, particularly in the North-East and other underserved areas. Such measures would not only promote regional equity but also stimulate local economies.

5. Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships

Encouraging collaborations between the government and private sector can amplify the impact of social development programs. By offering additional tax exemptions and streamlined regulatory processes for CSR initiatives that align with national priorities, the government can harness corporate resources and expertise to address complex social challenges.

Budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to realign fiscal policies with the principles of inclusive growth and social equity. By increasing social sector investments, adopting international best practices, incentivizing targeted CSR activities, fostering public-private partnerships, and embracing data-driven approaches, India can make significant strides toward a more equitable and prosperous society.

Hyderabad, January 28, 2025: The All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), the largest professional organization of ophthalmologists in the World just petitioned the Honourable Finance Minister to Exempt Customs Duty and GST on Sight-Saving Ophthalmic Equipment in the Budget 2025-26.

Dr. Samar K Basak, President;Dr. Santosh G Honavar, Honorary Secretary; Dr Manoj C Mathur, Treasurer petitioned to the Honourable Union Finance Minister Ms Nirmala Seetharaman and a copy of the same was shared to Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Honourable Prime Minister of India; Shri JP Nadda Ji, Honourable Minister of Health and Family Welfare; Shri Pankaj Chaudhary Ji, Honorable MOS, Finance; Shri PK Mishra Ji, Principal Secretary to PM and Shri M Nagaraju Ji, Finance Secretary, GOI

We have petitioned on behalf of AIOS Office-bearers Dr Partha Biswas, President-Elect; Prof. Jeevan S Titiyal, Vice President; Dr. Harbansh Lal, Immediate Past President; Prof. Namrata Sharma, Chair, Scientific Committee; Dr. Prashant K Bawankule, Chair, Academic and Research Committee; Prof. M Vanathi, Editor, Indian Journal of Ophthalmology; Dr Krishna Prasad Kudlu, Editor, Proceedings; Dr. CV Gopala Raju, Joint Secretary; Dr. P Elankumaran, Joint Treasurer said Hyderabad based Dr Santosh G Honavar, Honorary Secretary, in a press note issued in the city today.

We appeal to the Honourable Finance Minister to exempt sight-saving ophthalmic equipment conforming to the HS Code 901850 from customs duty and GST said the Petition.

The members of AIOS spearhead and work extensively towards achieving the goals of the Government of India, the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in alleviating blindness and visual impairment. Typically, Indian Ophthalmologists directly touch and positively impact the lives of about 5 lakh patients every day.

India has one of the highest numbers of the visually impaired and blind globally. Currently, there are an estimated 5 million blind and 70 million visually impaired in India, out of which about a quarter of a million are blind children – it implies that one in every 50 Indians suffers from blindness or visual impairment. The sheer scale of this malady necessitates immediate and substantive intervention to mitigate the widespread impact on individuals and society.

While cataracts and related pathologies remain the major cause of blindness in adults, corneal opacity, glaucoma and retinal diseases contribute to about 20%. Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment.

WHO has estimated that over 80% of blindness and visual impairment can be alleviated by appropriate intervention.

Historic measures to alleviate blindness and visual impairment in India, its impact, and the role of Indian ophthalmologists:

India was the first country in the world to launch the National Programme for Control of Blindness in 1976. The WHO and IAPB propelled the Vision 2020 – Right to Sight initiative in 1999 to eliminate avoidable blindness. India was one of 183 countries that signed the global initiative in 2004 and is committed to reducing the burden of preventable blindness by the year 2030.

Indian ophthalmologists have worked with the Government of India to alleviate the burden of preventable blindness and visual impairment. Thus, they have helped reduce the prevalence of blindness from 1% in 1996 to 0.36% now and visual impairment by 50% in a decade between 2010 and 2020.

Indian ophthalmologists perform over 9 million cataract surgeries a year currently, of which about 60-70% are free of charge to the patient, the petition added

Further, the economic burden of blindness and visual impairment in India is profound. Direct costs include medical expenses for treatment, surgeries, and ongoing care. Indirect costs are even more substantial, encompassing lost productivity, reduced quality of life, and the need for caregivers. Visual impairment significantly affects individuals’ ability to work, resulting in decreased income and increased dependency.

The overall economic loss due to blindness in India is estimated at INR 845 billion annually. Additionally, the potential annual productivity loss due to vision impairment is INR 646 billion, encompassing lost earnings, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs.

The total annual economic impact of blindness and visual impairment in India is INR 1500 billion (INR 1,50,000 Crores).

The cumulative loss of Gross National Income (GNI) from avoidable blindness stands at INR 11,778.6 billion.

Incentives to support the national mission to alleviate blindness and visual impairment:

Recognizing the need to tackle the causes of avoidable blindness and visual impairment, the Government of India vide notification 69/93- CE fully exempted 58 specified sight-saving equipment (HS Code 901850) from Customs Duty. This specific reform helped usher in a revolution in the quality and reach of eye care in India.

However, over the years, the basic Customs Duty has been re-imposed to the extent of 7.5% to 10% + IGST of 12% + cess, thus immensely impacting the CapEx and OpEx of eye hospitals and consequently the cost of care. This has also severely dis-incentivised and made it economically challenging to provide subsidized/free eye care.

Because the economic impact of blindness and visual impairment is INR 1500 billion (INR 1,50,000 Crores) a year, and 80% of blindness and visual impairment can be alleviated (thus resulting in a potential gain of INR 1,20,000 to GNI annually) it seems prudent to reinstate exemption of customs duty and GST for ophthalmic sight saving equipment – HS 901850.

Exempting customs duty on sight-saving equipment will make these essential requirements for eye care more affordable and accessible to millions of Indians in need. This policy change can significantly reduce the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment, enhance the quality of life for affected individuals, and mitigate the economic burden on society.

We earnestly appeal to your esteemed office to consider this request favourably and take decisive action to promote eye health in India, the AIOS office bearers emphasised in the petition

GRT Jewellers, a trusted name in fine jewellery for six decades, marks its 60th anniversary with a remarkable achievement – breaking its own Guinness World Record. The brand has once again etched its name in the Guinness World Records by surpassing its own previous record. This time, it unveiled the Mega Golden Jhumkas, a breathtaking creation in 22-carat gold weighing 3.527 kilograms, now officially the world’s heaviest pair of gold earrings.

This extraordinary design pays tribute to South India’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship of GRT’s artisans. The adjudicator from the Guinness World Records presented the historical recognition to GRT Managing Directors Mr G.R. ‘Anand’ Ananthapadmanabhan and Mr G.R. Radhakrishnan.

Reflecting on the milestone, Mr ‘Anand’ Ananthapadmanabhan said, “This recognition is a humbling moment in our 60-year journey. It reflects our commitment to preserving legacy heritage while embracing innovation.”

Mr Radhakrishnan added, “This milestone belongs to our loyal customers, whose trust and encouragement motivate us to excel, and to our team & artisans”

With this achievement, GRT continues to inspire generations, setting new benchmarks in the jewellery industry while celebrating its legacy of trust, artistry, and timeless designs

January 18, 2024— Prime Video, India’s most-loved entertainment destination, today announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of National Award-winning filmmaker Shoojit Sircar’s latest cinematic offering, I Want To Talk. Produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar under the banner of Rising Sun Films, this heartfelt drama stars Abhishek Bachchan in the lead, along with Ahilya Bamroo, Jayant Kriplani, Johnny Lever, Pearle Dey, and Kristin Goddard in pivotal roles. The film is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories worldwide.

A deeply emotional and thought-provoking drama about resilience, I Want to Talk follows the transformative journey of Arjun Sen, a chatty and shrewd Bengali man living the quintessential “American Dream.” Arjun’s life is upended when he learns he has only 100 days to live. Faced with his mortality, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities and reassess what truly matters in his life. His journey becomes a sincere quest to reconnect with his estranged seven-year-old daughter and to make every remaining moment count, making for an intrinsically true-to-life father-daughter story.

“I Want To Talk is a poignant reminder of the indomitable power of human connection and resilience. I’ve always been fascinated by the complexities of human relationships and how these can help one heal and transform. Through this film, I wanted to tell a story that would not only touch hearts but also spark meaningful conversations and inspire audiences to cherish every moment with their loved ones. This film would not have been possible without the incredibly talented cast and crew, who poured their hearts and souls into bringing this story to life. I’m delighted that audiences worldwide can now stream our labor of love, on Prime Video,” said director Shoojit Sircar.

18th January 2025: The CREDAI-Pune Metro’s 23rd edition of the annual property exhibition, the Pune Property Expo 2025, was inaugurated today by Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation. The exhibition, held at the Agriculture College Ground, Pune, will run until 19th January 2025. The exhibition aims to provide a platform for homebuyers and investors to explore a wide range of real estate options, including affordable to luxury housing, NA plots to premium villas, commercial properties to pre-leased assets. The event will bring together over 55 trusted developers, showcasing more than 400 RERA-registered projects from Pune, PCMC and PMRDA regions.

During the launch, Honorable Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation of India Shri Murlidhar Ji Mohol, said “I am delighted to be a part of the CREDAI-Pune Metro Property Expo 2025. This platform is crucial for discussing the steps being taken towards Pune’s development. I greatly value the suggestions shared by the President of CREDAI and firmly believe that organizations like CREDAI-Pune Metro contribute significantly to the development and betterment of Pune as a city. Pune currently has a thriving population of 70 lakh, which is expected to grow in the coming years. As proud Punekars, we must work together and actively contribute to the city’s development. By collaborating and supporting positive initiatives, we can address challenges like traffic congestion and infrastructure improvement, ensuring a brighter future for Pune. Our current priorities include constructing new roads and infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion, and advancing airport development. With one lakh new houses being built annually, increasing urbanisation is putting significant pressure on the city’s infrastructure. To address the water supply challenges, we are working on installing 1,800 km of new water pipelines and water meters.”

Mr. Ranjit Naiknavare, President, CREDAI- Pune Metro, said “CREDAI Pune Metro is proud to work hand in hand with the Government and the policymakers. We had a productive conversation with Union Minister Mohol where we discussed various issues for the betterment of the city and infrastructure for the citizens at large related to environment, fast track Metro Expansion, reforms in cooperative housing sector laws and construction of an international convention centre in Pune.”

Also present on the occasion were Vice Presidents Manish Jain, Arvind Jain and managing committee members Kapil Gandhi, Punit Oswal and Anup Jhamtani.

Visitors can look forward to several highlights, including special offers, spot loan assistance from leading financial institutions and entertainment activities. On 19th January, the expo will host customer-focused seminars featuring notable experts. Key sessions include:

· The Essentials of Redevelopment for Homeowners, a panel discussion featuring prominent speakers such as Mr. Gautam Chaterjee (Ex-Chairman, Maha RERA), Mr. Suhas Patwardhan (Chairman, Maharashtra Co-Operative Housing Federation) and Mr. Vikram Karandikar (M.D. Chaphalkar Karandikar), moderated by Mr. Sanjay Deshpande (CMD, Sanjeevani Developers).

· The Hidden Checklist Every Homebuyer Needs by Mr. Rahul Ajmera, Partner, Vasupujya Corporation.

· Role of Homebuyers in Eco-Friendly Practices by Mr. Sandeep Sonigra, M.D., Orange County Group.

18th January, 2024: Lodha Genius Programme, the flagship education initiative of the recently endowed Lodha Foundation, in partnership with Ashoka University, calls for applications from the brightest minds from Grades 9 – 12 to join its fully funded multi-year educational programme. The application window is open from December 01, 2024 to January 15, 2025. This announcement comes close on the heels of the recent endowment to the Lodha Foundation by Abhishek Lodha and his family.

The Lodha Genius Programme is a multi-year initiative that includes an annual four-week campus experience at Ashoka University, paired with year-round continued learning. It is designed to complement all major examination boards, helping students deepen their studies and explore various career paths in their chosen fields. The programme offers a unique combination of immersive science and mathematics courses, practical life skills, continuous mentorship, and exclusive internship opportunities. The programme identifies and supports students from middle school through to their first job, collaborating with distinguished academics, including Nobel Laureates. It also provides scholarship opportunities for select students to study in the US or attend prestigious international STEM events.

Commenting on the Programme, Mahika Shishodia, Head of Education, Lodha Foundation, said, “The Lodha Genius Programme is the flagship education initiative of the newly endowed Lodha Foundation. The focus of the Programme is to enhance the quality of education, especially for gifted children, irrespective of income background, from all over India. The children are assessed through an entrance exam that focuses on scientific reasoning, mathematics, and logic, rather than a specific curriculum. We then select students based on their problem-solving abilities and conduct interviews to identify the brightest minds—whom we define as ‘geniuses’. In its third year, the programme will offer these geniuses access to people, opportunities and ideas that will help propel them forward. The Lodha Genius Programme aims to shape tomorrow’s changemakers, leaders and philanthropists; children who will lead India towards a sustainable future and give back to the nation and society.

“The Lodha Genius Programme represents a groundbreaking initiative that combines the best of rigorous academic learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure. We are proud to collaborate with the Lodha Foundation in nurturing exceptional young talent and to take this initiative further this year, making meaningful contributions to the education industry and society. Since last year, we have witnessed extensive participation from India’s exceptional students. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to shaping India’s future through education,” Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University said.

Prof. K. VijayRaghvan, Chair, Science Advisory Council, Ashoka University commented “The Lodha Genius Programme is a comprehensive and innovative educational initiative that goes far beyond a typical summer program. In addition to an engaging summer experience at Ashoka, it offers year-round immersive learning, mentorship, and development opportunities. The collaboration between Ashoka University and the Lodha Foundation is a testament to our shared commitment to empowering India’s future leaders and changemakers through education.”

18 January 2025: FWD by Myntra, one of India’s leading GenZ fashion and lifestyle destinations, has unveiled a witty and entertaining campaign featuring chess grandmasters Vishwanathan Anand and Gukesh Dommaraju, showcasing the latest GenZ collection on Myntra’s FWD platform. Designed to resonate with the bold and trendy preferences of GenZ shoppers, this campaign blends humor, style, and pop culture in an innovative ad film.

The core message of the campaign unfolds as Anand, in his quest to connect with GenZ, seeks Gukesh’s help in mastering their lingo. From hilariously mispronouncing “skibidi” as “kabaddi” to performing an offbeat Michael Jackson move, Anand’s attempts at pop culture highlight the generational gap. Gukesh humorously suggests that while mastering GenZ lingo may be a tall order, donning GenZ outfits from FWD by Myntra can be the perfect way to bridge the gap.

Set against a vibrant and stylish backdrop, the campaign video brings together two generations of chess excellence. It kicks off with Gukesh, sporting a cutting-edge FWD outfit complete with trendy glasses, a sleek jacket, and bold accessories, as Vishwanathan Anand playfully inquires how it feels to be the world chess champion. The duo’s lighthearted banter begins, with Gukesh humorously flaunting his trophy and Anand one-upping him with a subtle flex of his own: “Touch? I have five of them. Do you want to touch four more?” Gukesh’s amused response—“Nice flex, sir”—ties in seamlessly with the GenZ obsession with ‘flexing’ in style.

When Gukesh suggests everyone ink their iconic moments, Anand humorously notes he’d run out of space with his achievements. The campaign wraps up with Anand asking if it’s ‘Forward’ or ‘FWD,’ and Gukesh cheekily replied, “Depends on who’s talking—Vishy or Vishwanathan Anand.” Anand’s closing line, “Vishy, sir,” seals the moment with charm. The video ends with Anand confidently embracing his new FWD look, sporting trendy GenZ-inspired attire and joining Gukesh in getting a tattoo.

Creative credits –

Agency: Braindad

Writer & Director: Vishal Dayama

Producer: Devarsh Thaker

On the launch of the ad film, Sunder Balasubramanian, CMO, of Myntra, said, “With this campaign we intended to tap into the incredible surge of interest in chess, especially among Gen Z, fueled by popular streamers, comedians, and the impressive achievements of young players like Gukesh – one of the youngest to achieve grandmaster status. We also know that Viswanathan Anand’s influence resonates strongly with younger audiences. This campaign brings these two iconic chessmasters generations together to highlight how FWD by Myntra helps you look your freshest and best. FWD is all about keeping Gen Z ahead of the curve in fashion, and what better way to showcase that than by partnering with icons who embody both timeless appeal.”

FWD by Myntra has rapidly become a dominant force in the GenZ fashion market, surpassing a major milestone by more than doubling its customer base to 16 million in just over a year. The platform offers a wide range of over 1 lakh styles, featuring 75,000+ trend-first designs with 2,500 new drops weekly, ensuring young shoppers always have access to fresh, on-trend items. From oversized tees and cargo pants to co-ord sets, bold accessories, and partywear, FWD caters to every mood and occasion, offering trendy, affordable options that empower budget-conscious Gen Z consumers to experiment fearlessly with fashion and make bold, unforgettable style statements.

18th January 2025: To a healthier Hyderabad: Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, launches the exclusive Healthy Hyderabad Health Check initiative as part of Apollo’s continuous effort to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by encouraging people to avail preventive health checks early on. The digital launch took place on January 15 at Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad in the presence of Shri Satish Kumar Jaju (Business Cell Convenor, BJP), Shri Ramesh Kumar Bung (Chairman, Mahesh Bank), Shri Pramod Kumar Kedia (Sr. Counsel and Chairman, Agrasen Co-Operative Urban Bank Ltd.), and other eminent personalities of Hyderabad.

The Healthy Hyderabad Health Check has been launched to increase awareness about preventive health checks among the people of Hyderabad. This is part of Apollo Hospitals‘ continuous effort to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by improving the adoption of health checks. The Healthy Hyderabad Health Check is an exclusive package that offers a full body checkup to individuals through blood and urine work. X-ray and ultrasonography are also part of the package. The exclusive package for women will include cervical screening as well.

18 Jan 2025: Isuzu Motors India will showcase its electric mobility concept pickup with the unveiling of its Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototype, D-MAX BEV at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. The vehicle was first unveiled in Thailand, earlier this year. The D-MAX BEV has been developed to meet a broad range of commercial and passenger vehicle needs while retaining the tough underlying performance expected of pickup trucks. This marks a significant step in Isuzu’s journey toward sustainable innovation, underscoring its commitment to developing future-ready solutions.

The concept vehicle is equipped with a full-time 4WD system with newly developed e-Axles in front and rear, offering excellent performance on rough roads and linear acceleration. With high towing capacity along with a robust frame and body design, the D-MAX BEV will perform just as well as existing diesel models.

In addition to the D-MAX BEV, Isuzu will also showcase the accessorized version of the D-MAX S-CAB Z. The vehicle is a testament to the brand’s legacy of delivering robust, reliable, and versatile vehicles. Renowned for its durability and efficiency, the D-MAX S-CAB Z continues to be a preferred choice for commercial operations, offering exceptional performance and functionality. Both these vehicles align with the company’s Bharat Mobility theme of ‘Now… and Forever.’

Isuzu Motors India made notable achievements in its portfolio in the year 2024. This includes the production milestone of one lakh vehicles at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The landmark milestone was achieved with the rollout of the popular Isuzu D-MAX model that has consistently garnered trust and recognition for its durability and reliability. Isuzu Motors India also strengthened its position as a leading exporter of commercial vehicles from India further reiterating Isuzu’s ‘Make-in-India’ commitment.

In addition to ramping up production, Isuzu Motors India has significantly expanded its reach across the country. Going forward, the company is looking at strategically increasing its touch points for taking the brand much closer to its customers. The company is also making strides in workforce diversity, with 22% of its production line workforce comprising talented women—a reflection of its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

As Isuzu continues to deliver vehicles built on a foundation of quality, reliability, and innovation, the brand’s philosophy of “Never Stop” remains at the heart of its operations, inspiring every step toward creating meaningful mobility solutions.