All posts by Neel Achary

India, May 20, 2025 – In a landmark moment for India’s game development ecosystem, Nilee Games and Future Technologies Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS), successfully hosted India’s first-ever AI Game Jam 2025 at the IICS Delhi campus in Lajpat Nagar. The event represents a bold step forward in exploring the creative potential of artificial intelligence within gaming.

Backed by the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF) and the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) – a sector skill council under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, the Game Jam brought together some of the country’s most promising talent to build original, playable games within just nine hours, using AI as a core enabler.

Organized by Nilee Games, the event saw participation from 25 teams, each comprising 1–3 members. Hosted under a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) format with hardware support from IICS, the challenge pushed developers to meaningfully integrate AI into various stages of development, from asset creation and design to gameplay mechanics and user experience. Teams were required to submit a playable build (.apk, .exe, or online link) along with a short explainer video detailing the use of AI tools in their creative process.

The judging panel comprised of seasoned professionals from India’s gaming industry, evaluated entries on the basis of innovation, gameplay quality, and thoughtful application of AI, with a strong emphasis on using AI as a creative ally rather than a shortcut.

Open to all age groups, the Game Jam attracted a diverse group of participants, including students and working professionals from across India with strong representation from states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttarakhand. While held in Delhi, the event truly reflected a pan-India spirit.

Anand Jha, CEO of Nilee Games and Chief Mentor at the IICS School of Video Games and Digital Media, remarked, “It was inspiring to see so many young minds embrace AI as a creative partner. At Nilee Games and now through the School of Advance Gaming and Extended Reality (XR) Innovations, our mission is to equip the next generation of developers with the tools and mindset to build the future of games: ethically, intelligently, and creatively.”

Mohit Soni, CEO of the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), echoed the enthusiasm, saying, “The AI Game Jam 2025 has been an incredible showcase of the creativity and talent emerging from India’s game development community. Watching participants harness AI tools to bring fresh ideas to life in such a short time was truly inspiring. At IICS, we are proud to pioneer initiatives that push the boundaries of technology and creativity. This event marks only the beginning of our commitment to building a dynamic and future-ready gaming ecosystem in India.”

In line with the principles of ethical game development, all teams were required to use self-created or legally sourced assets. The event underscored that AI, when applied responsibly, can be a powerful creative collaborator, not a substitute for originality or design thinking.

The winners of the AI Game Jam were felicitated on 17th May at the IICS campus in Delhi. Team Ear, comprising Ajay Sharma, Eshan, Kaushik, and Ritesh Kumar, secured the first prize of ₹1,25,000 for their game “Wild West Graveyard Rush.” The second prize of ₹75,000 went to Team Shivance, represented by Akash Suryal and Krithik Mangal, for their game “Signal States.” The third place was awarded to Team Dhroova Games, a solo entry by Dhroov Sharma, who took home ₹50,000 for his game “Treasure Hunt.”

Looking ahead, the Indian Institute of Creative Skills continues its mission to prepare creators for the future. Registrations are now open for its upcoming programs in AI Game Development, 3D Game Art, Digital Content Creation, Sound Design, and Performing Arts, reinforcing its role as a hub for next-generation creative education in India.

As conversations around AI’s role in the gaming industry grow globally, the success of AI Game Jam 2025 makes one thing abundantly clear: When used ethically and inventively, AI can empower a new wave of Indian game developers to reimagine what’s possible.

INDIA, 20 May 2025: Emirates has unveiled its highly anticipated bespoke A380 livery, dedicated to its new door-to-door delivery solution, Emirates Courier Express. The iconic passenger aircraft will take to the skies, reinforcing Emirates’ commitment to redefining the express delivery experience by merging its four-decade experience of moving people and goods worldwide. 

Managed in-house at Emirates Engineering, the Emirates Courier Express livery required the A380 to undergo a full repaint, as part of an expansive project encompassing design, production installation and painting of the livery to bring the customised aircraft to life. 

Inspired by brown paper packages, the aircraft’s nose and fuselage are wrapped in kraft paper, torn to reveal the UAE flag on the tailfin and the Emirates Courier Express logo emblazoned on each side. The logo also adorns each of the four engines, while the belly features the classic red Emirates branding. A large ‘special delivery’ stamp, coupled with instantly recognisable handling stamps decorate the body, bringing the design to life. 

The striking nose-to-tail livery highlights exactly what makes this door-to-door express delivery solution so innovative: the seamless integration between Emirates’ fleet of over 250 widebody aircraft and high-frequency global network, with Emirates SkyCargo’s world-class infrastructure and deep understanding of logistics. It also marks the first cargo inspired livery on an Emirates’ passenger aircraft. 

The Emirates Courier Express A380 took off to O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg this week, carrying both passengers and parcels directly to their destination.

Bangalore, May 20th, 2025 , The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bengaluru, proudly announces the successful culmination of the eighth edition of NMIT Hacks 2025, the institute’s flagship national-level hackathon. Held from May 16 to May 18, 2025, this 48-hour innovation marathon brought together some of the brightest minds in technology and innovation from across the country.

The event was organized by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, led by Dr. S Meenakshi SundaramThe event was organized by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, led by Dr. S Meenakshi Sundaram, Professor & Head, and coordinated by Dr. Vani V, Professor, CSE Dept, who played a crucial role in guiding the student organizing team (student-driven CSE Club). This year’s edition received an overwhelming 5,840 applications, out of which 3,620 ideas were submitted including 2,500 from male and 1,100 from female applicants. After a rigorous evaluation process, 218 participants, forming 64 teams, were shortlisted for the final hackathon round.

The event officially kicked off on May 16, with 62 teams registering on Day 1. Over the next 48 hours, the campus buzzed with high-energy brainstorming, coding, and collaborative problem-solving. 59 teams successfully completed the hackathon, making this one of the most engaging and competitive editions yet.

Participants were mentored and evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts and NMIT alumni, currently leading key roles in global tech firms. The top 10 teams 2 from each of the 5 tracks  were shortlisted for the final jury round, judged by an esteemed panel of 7 industry leaders.

Winners of NMIT Hacks 2025:

Overall Champions:

• 1st Prize: IIIT Bhagalpur
•  2nd Prize: NMIT
•  3rd Prize: VTU and RLJIT (Joint Winners)
  

Track Winners:

• AI & ML: RV College of Engineering (RVCE)
• Blockchain: Jain University
• Game Development: Reva University
• Internet of Things (IoT): BMS Institute of Technology (BMSIT)
• Open Innovation: Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT), Tumakuru
  

MLH Special Prizes:

This year, NMIT proudly collaborated with Major League Hacking (MLH), a premier global organization that supports student hacker communities worldwide.

• Gemini AI Prize: JSS Academy of Technical Education (JSSATE) 
• MongoDB Prize: AMC Engineering College
  

A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration

The hackathon served as a dynamic platform for students to ideate, innovate, and implement cutting-edge solutions to real-world challenges. The event’s success is attributed to the untiring efforts of NMIT faculty coordinators, mentors, judges, volunteers, sponsors, and organizing members.

“NMIT Hacks has grown into a nationally recognized event, and this edition sets a new benchmark for technical excellence, creativity, and collaboration,” said the organizing committee. “We are excited to see the impact these solutions will have beyond the hackathon and look forward to an even more impactful edition in 2026.”

19 May 2025, Kolkata: British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, presents Creative Saturdays, an engaging, joy-packed programme at the British Council Library in Kolkata. Running from 24 May to 7 June, each Saturday promise a realm of imagination, discovery, and joy, tailored exclusively for children aged 5 to 12 years.

As part of this initiative, Creative Saturdays will eencourage children to explore their ideas, express themselves freely, and think outside the box through art, storytelling, or craft activities. From weaving stories to creating character bookmarks, poetry slams, vocabulary puzzles and Pictionary, children will embark on hands-on adventures, making the library a fun and welcoming place.

The registrations for the activities range from INR 300 to INR 600 for members and INR 600 to INR 900 for non-members. Participants can choose from a variety of activities tailored to different age groups, ensuring a learning experience for all.

Programme details for 24 May 2025

 EVENT 1: Baloo – Explore the world of Baloo through music stories and other creative activities

• TIME: 10.30AM – 12.30PM
• AGE GROUP: 5 to 6 years
• REGISTRATION: INR 300 for Members & INR 600 for Non-Members

EVENT 2: Storytelling and creating character bookmarks – Indulge in exciting storytelling and create character bookmarks to use in your own books

• TIME: 10.30AM – 12.30PM
• AGE GROUP: 7 to 8 years
• REGISTRATION: INR 300 for Members & INR 600 for Non-Members

EVENT 3: Poetry slam – Express personal cultural experiences and values

• TIME: 3.30PM – 5.30PM
• AGE GROUP: 9 to 12 years
• REGISTRATION: INR 500 for Members & INR 800 for Non-Members

Programme details for 31 May 2025

EVENT 1: Getting Crafty – Use creativity and imagination to make interesting craftwork and learn to concentrate, cooperate, and communicate

• TIME: 10.30AM – 12.30PM
• AGE GROUP: 5 to 6 years
• REGISTRATION: INR 300 for Members & INR 600 for Non-Members

EVENT 2: News and views – Familiarise with a newspaper through fun activities that will help form personal opinions

• TIME: 10.30AM – 12.30PM
• AGE GROUP: 7 to 8 years
• REGISTRATION: INR 500 for Members & INR 800 for Non-Members

EVENT 3: Beat the Heat! Tickle your brains! Just have Fun! – A set of Team games which will help improve thinking skills, memory and problem solving. Word games, crossword puzzles, simple math puzzles and tricks. 

• TIME: 03.30PM – 05.30PM
• AGE GROUP: 9 to 12 years
• REGISTRATION: INR 300 for Members & INR 600 for Non-Members

Programme details for 7 June 2025

EVENT 1: Crafted stories – Storytelling and craft with Shaun the Sheep.

• TIME: 10.30AM – 12.30PM
• AGE GROUP: 5 to 6 years
• REGISTRATION: INR 300 for Members & INR 600 for Non-Members

EVENT 2: Step into the World of Narnia – Explore the World of Narnia and create a fantasy land through creative and fun filled activities. It will not only give a stir to the imagination of the students but will also enhance language, comprehension and narrative skills.

• TIME: 10.30AM – 12.30PM

• AGE GROUP: 7 to 9 years
• REGISTRATION: INR 600 for Members & INR 900 for Non-Members

EVENT 3: What’s the good word – Improve vocabulary and imagination. Children can expect puzzles, imagineering, word games, Pictionary, dumb charades, and similar activities.

• TIME: 03.30PM – 05.30PM
• AGE GROUP: 9 to 12 years
• REGISTRATION: INR 600 for Members & INR 900 for Non-Members

New Delhi, May 19, 2025: The 10th Global Hospitality Conclave (GHC) recently held at The Oberoi, New Delhi, is a prestigious and dynamic event in the hospitality industry, that has over the last decade raised the bar of discourse on critical issues impacting the world in general and hospitality in particular. 

The Global Hospitality Conclave steered by the alumni of the erstwhile Oberoi School of Hotel Management (OSHM), now The Oberoi Centre for Learning & Development (OCLD) was started to share and gain knowledge and provide an enviable opportunity to network with the best in business. GHC over the years has grown in representation and credibility into a powerful forum for Oberoi Hotel alumni to celebrate their journey of learning and excellence. It seeks to bring together professionals from different areas of the service and hospitality industry, encouraging interactions and debates. 

This year the Global Hospitality Conclave commemorates The Oberoi Group’s 90 Years of Excellence in hospitality. It  brought together a distinguished gathering of senior leadership of The Oberoi Group, OSHM / OCLD alumni and those who currently hold or have previously held executive roles at The Oberoi Group to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. 

Mr. Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, commented, “We are privileged to honour 90 years of excellence—an extraordinary journey that began with the vision and passion of our founder, Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi. Through his pioneering spirit and steadfast belief in people, he built a legacy that transformed Indian hospitality. The Global Hospitality Conclave is a fitting tribute to his life and contribution, and it is heartening to see so many members of the Oberoi family come together to celebrate the timeless values that continue to shape our future.”

Mr. Vikram Oberoi, CEO The Oberoi Group, added, “The 90-year milestone is not just a celebration—it is a moment of gratitude. Gratitude to Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi for his enduring vision, and to all those who have carried that vision forward with integrity and excellence. The Global Hospitality Conclave gives us the opportunity to reflect on our collective journey and to reaffirm our commitment to the principles that define The Oberoi Group: exceptional service, sincere care, and continuous innovation.”

Sudhir Gupta, GHC Chair and Executive Chairman, TLC Digitech, said, “ GHC is a unique initiative that began ten years ago and has over the last decade grown in its prominence as a platform for thought leadership. For the Oberoi alumni—mentored in the values shaped by  Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi and Mr PRS Oberoi — this is more than a celebration. It is a reaffirmation of the alumni’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and service that has served them in the varied fields and positions that they have embarked upon. As The Oberoi Group  marks nine decades of timeless hospitality, the alumni honour a legacy that continues to guide, inspire, and define the future of global luxury.

The centre piece at the Conclave was the  Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi Memorial Lecture, delivered by Dr. Ashwani Kumar—former Minister of Law and Justice, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India. Dr Kumar’s deep and enduring association with The Oberoi Group lent a unique perspective as he reflected on the life and legacy of Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi—his pioneering spirit, values-driven leadership, and his transformative impact on Indian hospitality.

Another powerful tribute came through the session titled “A Legacy Remembered”, featuring Bachi Karkaria, renowned journalist and author of Dare to Dream: A Life of Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi. In conversation with Mr. Rajiv Kaul, the session gave rare insights into the life of a legend whose story continues to inspire generations. 

The Conclave also comprised stimulating and interesting discussions on India’s strategic options in the prevailing scenario by distinguished panelists Arun Singh, former Ambassador of India to the United States, Indrani Bagchi, CEO, Ananta Centre and Foreign Policy, Commentator, Professor Harsh V Pant, Vice President, Foreign Policy at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. The session was Moderated by Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, former Navy Commander-in-Chief and commentator on military and strategic affairs. 

A fireside chat with entrepreneur Viraj Bahl, founder (Veeba, WokTok, Tasty Pixel, Barisco) in conversation with Dilip Puri, Oberoi Alumnus, Founder & Executive Chairman at Indian School of Hospitality, followed by an inspiring discussion on leisure redefined with stalwarts and entrepreneurs in the area of luxury hospitality Anant Apurv Kumar, Co-Founder, Brij Hotels, Jose T Ramapuram, Director, Evolve Back Resorts, Manvendra Singh Shekhawat, Managing Director, Suryagarh Collection, Sunil Mehta, Chairman, World Wilderness Trust of India and  moderated by Mohit Nirula, Chief Operating Officer, The Oberoi Group. 

The conclave was also a celebration of Oberoi achievers. A lively session on Wider Horizons moderated by Shyam Mohan, Founder & Chairman, Tier 1 Network Private Limited included Oberoi alumni who have ventured out and achieved great entrepreneurial and corporate success — Ajay Vij, Senior Country Managing Director, Accenture India, Joe Manavalan, Co-Founder, Licious, Sharad Puri, Specialist, Prestige Group. 

Organized annually, the objective of the Global Hospitality Conclave is to get the Oberoi Hotels alumni together who are presently employed in different sectors across the world such as banking, aviation, travel, education etc, and go beyond the customary batch reunions by creating a compelling platform of knowledge exchange, experiences and networking opportunities. 

Following the electrifying and exhilarating first phase, The Good Club Padel League 2025 ignited the courts again with its highly anticipated second phase from 16th- 18th May 2025. Building upon the success of the first phase, this phase too anticipated another weekend filled with intense clashes among skilled padel players.

The GCPL is a reflection of The Good Club’s larger vision: to redefine how sport is experienced in India. With this league, The Good Club has proudly laid the foundation for India’s first padel league, introducing a new format of play and a new wave of excitement to the country’s athletic landscape. It has brought together spirited individuals, families, and enterprises in a celebration of sport, community, and a shared commitment to growth — both on and off the court.

Co-founders Aashna A Mehra and Pranav Mehra, the visionaries behind The Good Club and the GCPL, shared “The energy displayed during the first phase was truly inspiring, and with the second phase, the league has only grown stronger. We’ve witnessed not just top-tier athleticism but an unmissable spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. This is what The Good Club stands for — a place where people come to play hard, connect deeper, and elevate their lifestyle

India, 19^th May 2025: Motherhood Hospitals- India’s leading network of Women and Children’s hospitals, proudly introduces Motherhood One, the first-of-its-kind subscription-based pregnancy care App in India, designed to provide holistic and personalised care to expecting mothers. Available through the Motherhood Care app, this revolutionary feature delivers comprehensive support, ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy journey.

Motherhood One is built on a foundation of evidence-based, expert-driven care. Featuring AI-powered personalisation, the service offers moms-to-be tailor-made support crafted by top pregnancy coaches, nutritionists, psychologists, and doctors. The aim is to guide mothers through every step of pregnancy, from health management to emotional support, ensuring they are never alone in their journey.

Studies reported that 6% to 10% of pregnant women suffer from Fear of childbirth. The fear can be primarily due to a lack of medical information and fearmongering among peers and family. Our insights based on our conversations with expectant mothers revealed that they had questions related to nutrition during pregnancy, physical activity and travelling during pregnancy, kicks of the baby, spotting and bleeding and when to visit a gynaecologist. The app aims to address all these issues and provide a safe space for every mother-to-be to navigate their journey with confidence & under proper guidance.

The app and user interface have been built based on insights from mothers-to-be, new moms, obstetricians, and nutritionists.  Users have access to health and wellness experts, including pregnancy coaches, nutritionists, and physiotherapists.  There is real-time access to gynaecologists, real-time symptom tracking, medication reminders, pregnancy journal, and a special feature called conversations with the womb – a weekly guided meditative conversation designed by renowned psychologists to foster emotional wellbeing and bond between the mother and the baby.

Speaking on the Motherhood Care app, Mr. Vijayarathna Venkatraman, CEO, Motherhood Hospitals, said, “For the first time in India, mothers can access this level of personalised care through Motherhood Hospitals, setting a new standard in maternal care. Whether it’s staying on top of health milestones, building an emotional connection with the baby, or receiving real-time medical advice, Motherhood One empowers mothers to navigate their pregnancy journey with confidence and ease.”

A 28-year-old Bengaluru-based mom-to-be, Mrs Naina Mehta, said, “As a first-time mother, I was constantly anxious and overwhelmed. The Motherhood Care app became my everyday companion now- whether it was tracking my baby kicks or symptoms, staying mindful with ‘conversations with the womb’, or simply having access to expert advice 24*7. It has truly made my pregnancy journey smoother and emotionally reassuring.”

Bengaluru, 19^th May 2025: Core Integra, India’s leading HR and labour law compliance company and the force behind Ctrl F, its flagship Saas-based compliance platform, has announced the opening of its new Regional Office for South India in Bengaluru. This strategic expansion comes on the back of strong growth across the region and increasing demand for Ctrl F from leading enterprises across key sectors.

The move is aimed at enhancing Core Integra’s service delivery capabilities, deepening client engagement, and supporting its rapidly expanding workforce in the South. With its headquarters in Mumbai and a unique distinction of operating a tech development centre in Solapur, a Tier 3 city, Core Integra now has a footprint in 12 cities across India.

The South has emerged as one of the company’s fastest-growing markets, prompting the need for greater operational scale and a dedicated regional team. The Bengaluru office will oversee operations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala. Existing offices in Kochi, Chennai, and Hyderabad will now roll into this regional hub.

Bengaluru’s stature as a strategic centre for IT, manufacturing, and real estate, sectors where Core Integra partners with several market leaders, including the Big Four in IT, has only grown in recent years. The steady increase in client acquisition and service requirements from the South led to the decision to invest in a larger facility. The new space will house cross-functional teams across sales, operations, technology, and client servicing.

With a nationwide team now exceeding 500 employees, Bengaluru’s robust talent ecosystem and vibrant business environment make it a natural choice for Core Integra’s next phase of growth.

Sandesh Chitnis, CEO at Core Integra, commented, “Bengaluru was one of our early growth markets in South India, and we’ve consistently seen increased client adoption here. With rising demand for tech-led compliance and workforce solutions, strengthening our presence in the city was the logical next step. This regional office is a reflection of our long-term commitment to the region, our clients, and the broader talent ecosystem.”

Over the past three years, Core Integra has posted strong double-digit growth across India. In the South, the company has achieved an exceptional 4x growth during the same period. Building on this momentum, Core Integra now aims to establish a presence in all state capitals within the next 12 months, further reinforcing its commitment to national expansion and service excellence.

Gurgaon, India, 19th May 2025: In an industry where bulk hiring is often slow and complex, Channelplay has redefined the game with unmatched speed, scale, and precision. Channelplay ended the fourth quarter of FY 2024–25 on a strong note by successfully onboarding over 5,000 new employees across more than 900 cities. The hiring drive spanned all city tiers—including Tier 5 and beyond—strengthening Channelplay’s footprint across the country and reinforcing its commitment to building talent at scale. This milestone reaffirms Channelplay’s leadership in large-scale recruitment management, ensuring businesses get access to top talent, no matter the location.

Lakshya Das

With businesses demanding fast, reliable, and high-quality hiring solutions, Channelplay has consistently delivered. An average recruitment TAT of just 9 days, significantly ahead of industry norms, ensured that companies could scale their workforce without disruption. And it wasn’t just about speed; the company’s commitment to excellence was validated by an impressive client Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 9.1, reflecting high satisfaction levels across diverse industry verticals.

This breakthrough was made possible through a multi-pronged hiring approach, integrating both technology-driven solutions and expert-led recruitment strategies. This includes scaling up and enhancing digital hiring innovations, such as automated screening tools and AI-driven job matching, to accelerate sourcing and improve accuracy. Additionally, Channelplay is focused on creating a seamless, engaging, and transparent candidate experience—from the moment of application to final onboarding. This holistic approach not only improves candidate satisfaction and retention but also ensures that clients consistently have access to high-quality talent, precisely when and where they need it.

“We didn’t just meet hiring goals—we redefined the entire process. With our robust recruitment engine, cutting-edge technology, and a deep understanding of talent markets, we’ve proven that bulk hiring doesn’t have to be slow or inefficient. We’re not just filling positions; we’re driving business growth for our clients at an unprecedented pace,” says Lakshya Das, Senior Vice President at Channelplay.

As of March 31st, marking the financial year close, Channelplay has not only delivered record-breaking hiring numbers but has also set a new standard for speed, efficiency, and client satisfaction in the staffing and recruitment industry.

For companies looking to scale their workforce seamlessly, Channelplay continues to be the go-to partner—because in today’s fast-moving business world, hiring at scale needs more than just speed; it needs expertise, precision, and a future-ready approach.