All posts by Neel Achary

MUMBAI, India–May 12th, 2025: This week on Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 streaming exclusively only on Amazon MX Player – Amazon’s free video streaming service, the energy hit an all-time high! With Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora on the judges’ panel, the excitement soared as iconic dancer and actor Dharmesh Yelande aka Dharmesh Sir joined in as the guest judge. Turning up the vibe even more, the vibrant cast of Campus Beats— including Shantanu Maheshwari, Shruti Sinha, Tanya Bhushan, Tanvi Gadkari, Manish Poonam, and Rohan Pal—brought their signature spark, cheering on the contestants through the pulse-pounding dance battles.

The episode kicked off with a power-packed opening as Remo D’Souza welcomed the dynamic Dharmesh to join the judge’s panel as the special guest of the week. Wasting no time, Dharmesh brought the heat, surprising Norbu, last week’s advantage winner, with a briefcase containing ₹2 lakhs as a well-deserved reward. But the surprises didn’t end there. Remo then threw down the week’s biggest twist: a high-stakes bombshell, with the winner earning a direct spot as the season’s first finalist. Dharmesh upped the ante by challenging all contestants to reveal their biggest competition. With the most votes, Rules Breakerz emerged as the crew to beat—and Norbu was given a shot to take them on in another ₹2 lakh showdown. What followed was pure dance warfare. Campus Beats jumped into the ring with a blazing cypher round, and with all three judges joining in, the atmosphere was electric. In a thrilling finish, Rules Breakerz clinched victory, becoming the first finalists of the season. The competition is officially in overdrive!

Ace choreographer Dharmesh Yelande, reflecting on his guest appearance, shared, “Expressing his sentiments on taking the role of a guest judge on Realme Hip Hop India Season 2, ace choreographer, Dharmesh Yelande shared, “It was surreal to be on this exciting platform to judge these extremely talented bunch of guys. Sharing the dias with individuals who I have idolized and watched over the years, Remo sir and Malaika ma’am has been an honor.  The amount of talent, energy, and raw emotion these contestants possess is a different league altogether. May the best routine win.”

Chhattisgarh, 12 May 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, has launched a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Assembly Operator Trade at its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI) in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh. The initiative, driven by Ambuja Cements’ CSR arm aims to prepare rural youth for the fast-evolving electric mobility sector—equipping them with future-ready skills that align with the growing demand for green transportation across the nation.

A state-of-the-art EV lab has been set up at SEDI Bhatapara, offering hands-on training on electric rickshaws, scooters, cars, battery systems, and motor controls. Building on earlier skilling efforts in the region—such as training over 700+ local youth in trades like welding and tailoring—this new-age program reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities with livelihood opportunities that are both relevant and sustainable.

The initiative not only opens up promising employment avenues for trainees but also inspires them to be part of the country’s clean energy transition. By introducing this green technology skilling programme, Ambuja Cements continues to foster inclusive growth while helping young individuals from underserved backgrounds drive positive change—for themselves, and towards a greener future.

New Delhi, May 12, 2025 — Senior psychiatrist and integrative health expert Dr. Jyoti Kapoor was honored at the Annual Accolades Ceremony recognizing 400 women doctors for her exceptional contributions to the healthcare sector. The prestigious event took place at the India International Centre and was graced by the presence of Hon’ble Delhi Chief Minister Ms. Rekha Gupta and Hon’ble Delhi Health Minister Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh.
Dr. Kapoor, Founder-Director of Manasthali — Mental Health and Wellness platform, has spent over a decade pioneering an integrative healthcare system that addresses physical and mental health. Her innovative approach to holistic wellness and mental health has earned her acclaim within the medical community and beyond.

Her dedication to mental health extends beyond clinical practice. Dr. Kapoor has launched initiatives like the “Chalo Baat Karein” mental health support helpline during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Manasthali YouTube channel to raise awareness about mental health issues. She has been a vital asset to the nation’s healthcare landscape. Her efforts in integrating mental wellness into mainstream healthcare have positioned her as a thought leader and changemaker in the field.

The felicitation is a testament to Dr. Kapoor’s unwavering commitment to advancing mental health awareness, breaking societal stigmas, and building inclusive wellness ecosystems for all.

This Spring/Summer 2025, GANT charts a bold new course with its latest visual campaign: “Modern Mariner – A GANT Voyage.” Inspired by the spirited rhythm of coastal living and infused with the brand’s signature preppy aesthetic, the new window display concept transforms store fronts into immersive seaside escapes.

Unveiled across all GANT stores Pan India, the SS25 installation fuses nautical elegance with youthful energy. The displays are a vibrant mix of classic maritime motifs and contemporary design—featuring chrome accents, sailcloth canvases, and playful signal flags. Polished hardware, anchors, and textured ropes invite onlookers into a visual journey that captures the freedom of the open sea.

A dynamic color palette—anchored in nautical navy, crisp white, sail beige, and lifted with pops of yellow, aqua, and regatta red—echoes GANT’s perfect balance of heritage and modernity. Materials like lacquered wood, knotted cotton, and sleek chrome evoke movement, light, and the breezy charm of a summer voyage.

Rooted in the concept “Preppy by Nature, Nautical by Design,” the SS25 display brings storytelling to life through bold visuals and layered textures, turning every GANT storefront into a window to the American East Coast.

GANT Brings the Ocean to the Aisles with SS25 Modern Mariner Display

GANT sets sail into the Spring/Summer 2025 season with a fresh visual story titled “Modern Mariner – A GANT Voyage.” Inspired by the vibrant rhythm of life by the sea and GANT’s signature preppy spirit, the new window display design celebrates youthful energy, bold nautical aesthetics, and the timeless charm of the American East Coast.

Installed across India, the campaign brings immersive storytelling to life through captivating digital displays.. The Spring/Summer ’25 window displays bring a fresh wave of nautical-inspired style. A perfect mix of classic maritime elements and modern, sun-soaked vibes, each window is adorned with polished chrome hardware, sailcloth canvases, and playful signal flags. Anchors, ropes, and bold color blocking add a touch of coastal charm, while the layered textures evoke the ultimate summer escape all with GANT’s signature flair.

The color palette features nautical navy, crisp white, sail beige, and pops of yellow, aqua, and regatta red, echoing the brand’s balance of heritage and freshness. Materials such as lacquered wood, smooth chrome, and knotted cotton ropes create a dynamic sense of movement, referencing the sea breeze and the freedom of sailing. 

With a concept deeply rooted in the theme “Preppy by Nature, Nautical by Design,” the SS’25 window displays embody GANT’s unique fusion of tradition and innovation making each storefront a voyage into style and storytelling.      

IMDb’s Popular Indian Celebrities list for this week is led by actors who have had recent digital releases. Ishaan Khatter secures the second position as The Royals released over the weekend, his co-star Bhumi Pednekar claims 4th spot. Nikita Dutta is in 5th position as The Jewel Thief continues to trend across OTT.

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is ranked 1st. Trisha Krishnan is in 3rd position as her film Good Bad Ugly released on a digital platform. Aamir Khan is in 9th spot as he recently unveiled the first poster of Sitaare Zameen Par.

The Popular Indian Celebrities feature, available exclusively on the IMDb app for Android and iOS, highlights the top trending Indian entertainers and filmmakers each week. This is based on more than 200 million monthly visits to IMDb worldwide. Entertainment fans can see who is trending every week, follow their favorite entertainers, and discover new breakout talent.

Mumbai, May 12, 2025 — Baroda BNP Paribas Asset Management India Pvt Ltd (AMC) has launched a new scheme, the Baroda BNP Paribas Income Plus Arbitrage Active Fund of Fund (FoF). This innovative FoF is designed for conservative investors who seek capital appreciation & regular income and aims to earn higher post-tax returns than traditional debt instruments and debt funds#.

The New Fund Offer (NFO) opened on May 9, 2025, and closes on May 21, 2025. The scheme will invest 50–65% in units of Debt oriented mutual fund schemes of Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund, 30–50% in units of Arbitrage scheme of Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund and 0-5% in Money Market instruments thus aiming to create a balanced and diversified portfolio that helps mitigate risk while enhancing return potential.

“For conservative investors looking beyond Fixed income products or conventional debt funds, this fund offers the potential to earn better post-tax returns, especially for holding periods beyond two years,” said Prashant Pimple, CIO – Fixed Income, AMC. “The concessional long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax rate of 12.5% # makes this an attractive option for long-term savers in higher tax brackets.”

The fund will be co-managed by Prashant Pimple and Neeraj Saxena, who each bring more than 25 and 21+ years of experience respectively in managing fixed income and hybrid fund strategies.

This scheme is ideal for investors seeking lower risk mutual funds, tax-efficient income solutions, and alternatives to fixed income products. 

To learn more or invest in the Baroda BNP Paribas Income Plus Arbitrage Active FoF, visit: www.barodabnpparibasmf.in

#Surcharge as applicable + Health and Education Cess applicable at 4% on aggregate of base tax + surcharge. 

 Long-term capital gains (LTCG) taxed at 12.5% if held for over 24 months (for debt allocation <65%) and no tax impact on investors on rebalancing

Investors are requested to take professional advice while making investment decisions.  As announced in the Union Budget 2025.

“The AMC has estimated that up to 2.00% of the daily average net assets of the scheme will be charged to the scheme as expenses as permitted under Regulation 52 of SEBI (MF) Regulations. For the actual current expenses being charged, the investor should refer to the website of the Fund

Investors are requested to note that they will be bearing the recurring expenses of the fund of funds scheme in addition to the expenses of the underlying fund(s) in which the fund of funds scheme makes investment. 

To know in detail about the features of the Scheme please refer the Scheme Information Document.”

Mumbai / Kolkata, 12^th May 2025: In a remarkable story of resilience and medical triumph, a 35-year-old woman who had overcome ovarian cancer at the age of eight has delivered a healthy baby girl through natural conception under the expert care of Dr. Biswajyoti Guha, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur. This rare case marks Dr. Biswajyoti Guha and hospital’s third such delivery involving childhood ovarian cancer survivors, and the first to occur without assisted reproductive technology.

Poulomi Ghosh, a 35-year-old from Jadavapur, was referred to Manipal Hospital at 30 weeks of pregnancy with severe upper abdominal pain and a preliminary diagnosis of perforated appendix and appendicular lump. She had initially been admitted to another facility and was referred to a multispecialty setup for urgent delivery and possible surgery. Upon admission to Manipal Hospital, she was treated with IV antibiotics under the care of Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, Consultant – G.I. Surgery and General Surgeon. MRI done ater revealed a normal appendix, allowing the team to pursue conservative management.

Dr. Biswajyoti Guha closely monitored her obstetric condition. Dr. Guha shared, “This was a highly complex pregnancy—not only because of the suspected surgical emergency—but also due to her rare medical history and the later development of severe obstetric cholestasis. Her liver function was carefully managed with medication. What makes this case truly extraordinary is Poulomi’s medical history. At just 8 years old, she had been diagnosed with a germ cell tumour in one of her ovaries. The affected ovary was surgically removed, followed by chemotherapy. Despite the long odds, she conceived naturally without any fertility assistance. We were happy to see her condition stabilize prior to delivery. At term, she delivered a healthy baby girl weighing 2.8 kg. This successful natural pregnancy after childhood ovarian cancer is extremely rare. Most survivors with similar histories typically require IVF to conceive. At Manipal Hospital, this is the third such case we have seen, but the first involving natural conception.”

While talking about her situation, Poulomi Ghosh, employee at a private firm, shared, “I was just eight years old in 1999 when I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst in my left ovary. Following surgery, the cyst was found to be malignant. I underwent chemotherapy and was under medical supervision for the next two years. Ever since, becoming a mother has been a distant dream for me. In 2024, that dream came true when I conceived naturally. However, my joy was short-lived as I was soon diagnosed with a perforated appendix and an appendicular lump. I was referred to Dr. Biswajyoti Guha, who not only gave me hope but also guided me through a critical phase of my pregnancy. With his expert care and the support of the team at Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur, I safely delivered my baby in the 38th week of pregnancy on April 30th. I will remain forever grateful to Dr. Guha and his team for turning what seemed impossible into a beautiful reality.”

Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospital – East, shared, “This incredible journey is a true example of hope, strength, and expert medical care. At Manipal Hospitals in the East, we are delivering the finest cancer treatment in the region. We feel happy to be a part of Poulomi’s journey—from her fight against childhood cancer to becoming a mother naturally. It reflects our team’s dedication to supporting patients through every challenge with compassion and skill.”

The case stands as a powerful testament to the strength of the human body, the advances in women’s healthcare, and the hope it brings to childhood cancer survivors worldwide.

New Delhi, India, May 12, 2025: Speedo India and cult, India’s leading fitness and wellness platform, have announced a strategic alliance, marking a significant step in promoting swimming as both a sport and a holistic fitness discipline.

As part of the partnership, Speedo will be available across key cult centers, creating experiential zones where members can discover and explore Speedo’s high-performance swimwear and gear. The partnership will also include a series of activations, workshops, and athlete-led sessions aimed at promoting swimming as a cornerstone of fitness and wellbeing. Leveraging the cult’s vast network of fitness enthusiasts and cutting-edge infrastructure, the collaboration underscores Speedo’s commitment to making swimming more accessible and engaging across the country.

Nihal Rajan, CMO, Page Industries, said:

“At Speedo, we’re dedicated to making swimming more than just a sport—we want it to become an integral part of everyday fitness for people across the country. Our partnership with cult’s energetic and health-conscious community brings us closer to that goal, marking a meaningful step in making premium swimwear more accessible to people across the country.”

Naresh Krishnaswamy, CEO, cult, added:

“At cult, our mission has always been to make fitness accessible, diverse, and deeply rewarding. Swimming offers a unique blend of strength, endurance, and mental clarity- and yet it remains underexplored in mainstream fitness. Through this partnership with Speedo, we’re excited to bring world-class swimming experiences to our community and help more people discover its transformative potential.”

As a global leader in competitive swimwear and performance apparel, Speedo is dedicated to enabling swimmers of all levels to bring their best through cutting-edge technology and world-class gear. Through the collaboration with cult, a leader in bringing about this cultural change, supported by a growing fitness and health-conscious consumer base, the brand aims to create a powerful platform to celebrate movement, health, and community, driven by a philosophy of helping individuals unlock their full potential.

By-Prashanth G J,CEO,Technobind Solutions

“India’s evolution from an IT services powerhouse to a tech-product nation marks a defining shift in our innovation journey. At TechnoBind, we see this transformation accelerating as deep-tech startups, AI-driven platforms, and product-centric mindsets take center stage. The convergence of talent, infrastructure, and digital-first policies is positioning India as a crucible for world-class technology innovation.”

By-Dr. Rajendra Kumar,Chief Technology Officer,RAH Infotech

“National Technology Day stands as a powerful symbol of India’s evolution – from a nation embracing technology to one leading it. At RAH Infotech, we take pride in being part of this transformation by supporting the foundation of secure digital innovation. As a value -added distributor integral to India’s IT infrastructure, we recognize that true innovation must be built on resilience.

Today’s advanced technologies – AI, cloud, and data-driven systems – require cybersecurity not as an add-on, but as a core design principle. Our mission is to connect cutting-edge security solutions with practical enterprise demands, helping organizations innovate rapidly, remain secure, and bounce back stronger. On this day, we reaffirm our dedication to accelerating India’s digital growth while safeguarding it against ever-evolving threats. In a truly tech-driven nation, resilience is the backbone of innovation.”

By-Vikas Bhonsle,Executive Vice President – Asia & MEA,Crayon Software Experts India

“As India rapidly emerges as a global leader in digital transformation, cybersecurity must be viewed not merely as a line of defense, but as the very catalyst enabling our sustained growth and global competitiveness. With a booming digital economy, thriving startup ecosystem, and massive adoption of AI, cloud, and data-driven technologies, the stakes have never been higher. Cyber threats today are more sophisticated, persistent, and borderless, posing significant risks to innovation, intellectual property, and national infrastructure.

“To safeguard this growth, it is imperative that cybersecurity becomes a boardroom priority and a core element of digital strategy. At Crayon, we believe secure digital enablement is the foundation upon which scalable and responsible innovation is built. Our role is to empower enterprises with intelligent, adaptive, and future-ready cybersecurity frameworks that not only protect assets but also unlock new opportunities for collaboration and expansion. As custodians of the digital future, India’s tech leaders must invest in cyber resilience as passionately as they invest in innovation. Only then can we confidently project India’s technological leadership on the global stage—secure, resilient, and unstoppable.”

London, U.K., May 12, 2025 — Seventy percent of chief data & analytics officers (CDAOs) have the primary responsibility for building the AI strategy and operating model for the organization, according to a new Gartner, Inc. survey. 

The Gartner CDAO Agenda Survey for 2025 from September through November 2024 among 504 data and analytics executive leaders across the world.

“2025 is a critical year for CDAOs, as AI presents a new opportunity for them to establish their rank in AI leadership,” said Sarah James, Sr Director Analyst at Gartner, during the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit taking place this week in London. 

“CDAOs’ exposure across the organization, combined with their AI-ready data expertise, positions them uniquely to lead, guide and challenge their respective organizations to successfully deliver value from AI. This is making the CDAO’s role pivotal to AI success. No other role has the opportunity to make the necessary connections and be at the center of the D&A and AI coalition of the willing,” said James. 

Gartner predicts that by 2027, 75% of CDAOs not seen as essential to their organization’s AI success will lose their C-level position.

The CDAO role has become more established and strategic because of the complexity and ubiquity of data, its use and its value. The survey found that CDAOs reporting to the CEO increased to 36% in 2025, up from 21% in 2024.

However, the role of CDAO is evolving due to the prioritization of AI within organizations. While the CDAO role is secure, organizations are exploring different structures for AI leadership. 

Gartner analysts foresee the CDAO role evolving in three distinct directions.

• Expert D&A Leader: In this role, the D&A leader serves as the central, cross-functional data expert in the organization, likely to be a VP or head-of-data role that reports to IT. The role holds a holistic view of data across the organization and contributes their expertise across lines of business, overseeing global business intelligence (BI), master data management (MDM), reporting, and data platforms.
• Connector CDAO: In this role, the CDAO orchestrates essential connections to ensure effective delivery. They embed D&A solutions in smart products and services for CxOs, bridging the gap between CxOs and the realms of data, analytics and AI. The role also drives the organization’s AI agenda forward, positioning the individual as an AI leader, if not the AI leader.
• Pioneer CDAx: The “x” represents an aggregate of the chief data officer (CDO), CDAO and chief data and AI officer (CDAIO) roles and responsibilities. This role acts as a transformation and change agent, who applies technology cross-functionally. The executive, likely to be an AI leader, champions solutions to D&A and AI concerns and issues, upholds ethical principles and maintains strong governance across the organization. 

“D&A leadership will continue to diverge in the near future and existing and aspiring CDAOs should develop their skills and expertise that align with their chosen path. This will help them to enhance their role and place in AI leadership,” said James.

Gartner clients can learn more in CDAOs Face Three Future Directions for Success in the Age of AI.

Data & analytics leaders can learn more about how to evaluate their own effectiveness using the Gartner CDAO Effectiveness Diagnostic, an exclusive tool that allows CDAOs to understand their effectiveness as leaders and discover their strengths and areas for improvement.