Marking one year in his role as Head Brand Services & Business Growth at Jio Creative Labs, Amar Kondekar has played a significant role in building organisational momentum over the past year. His focus has been on creating integrated creative and operational systems that enable scale, speed and consistency across an increasingly complex brand and content ecosystem.

At Jio Creative Labs, Amar has overseen diverse mandates across Reliance Consumer Products, cultural platforms such as NMACC, as well as Invisalign’s global campaigns, Muthoot Finance, Radio City and key Government initiatives. Managing work across 40+ categories, his leadership spans sectors including FMCG, food & beverages, personal care, beauty, fashion, media & entertainment, consumer durables, healthcare, financial services and public-sector communication. His work has centred on aligning creativity, content, production and delivery into unified frameworks that drive measurable business outcomes.

A defining aspect of his role has been the integration of AI into creative and operational workflows from planning and execution to quality control and optimisation. These AI-enabled systems are designed to enhance human creativity while improving efficiency, predictability and performance at scale.

Prior to Jio Creative Labs, Amar was closely associated with content-led marketing production at Netflix, contributing to campaigns around globally recognised titles such as Stranger Things, Money Heist and Extraction, along with Indian originals including Heeramandi and The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show. His work focused on building storytelling frameworks that connected culture, fandom and audience growth.

Earlier in his career, Amar led integrated brand mandates across multiple sectors, working on brands such as JSW Steel, Hershey’s, Park Avenue, Everyuth and Bajaj Electricals building a strong foundation in mass-scale brand strategy and execution.

Beyond campaigns, Amar actively mentor’s internship students and is involved in building SOLE  School of Learning & Experience, an educational co-operative model focused on developing future-ready creative and business talent. He is also a certified NLP Executive Coach, Yoga Instructor and triathlete, bringing a holistic, performance-led perspective to leadership and talent development.

As Jio Creative Labs continues to evolve at the intersection of creativity, content, AI and commerce, Amar Kondekar’s leadership reflects a long-term focus on building systems, talent and ideas that deliver sustained brand and business impact.

Bengaluru,  Jan 7: Quest Global, the world’s largest independent pure-play engineering services company, today announced the latest progress of its long-standing “Education for Underserved” initiative in collaboration with NGO partner Uthishta. As part of this initiative, Quest Global has been supporting six Government Junior Technical Schools (JTS) in Karnataka, reinforcing its decade-long commitment to enhancing access to foundational technical education for students from underserved communities.

Launched in 2013 with a single school in Hubballi, this commitment has been significantly scaled in 2023 to include all six Government JTS institutions across Ballari, Bhadravati, Hubballi, Bagalkot, Kalburgi, and Mangalore.  This expansion reflects the sustained impact of Quest Global’s community initiatives and its mission to create long-term value through education and skill development. Since then, the initiative has directly benefited over 800 students across all six Government JTS institutions. These schools have received comprehensive support to address gaps in infrastructure, including science labs and libraries, learning resources, technology access, furniture, scholarships, and holistic student development.

These sustained efforts have led to a shift in the mindset of parents and the community, resulting in an increase in the attendance rate and a 17% rise in admissions. This has enabled hundreds of students to successfully transition to higher education after 10^th standard.   Quest Global is also proud to support JTS alumni pursuing Engineering degrees by providing scholarships to those who qualify through the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET). Notably, 70% of fresh engineering graduates who received this scholarship support have secured employment with leading technology firms, including Quest Global. Additionally, many students have also started pursuing post-graduation courses, and some of them are also taking internship opportunities, underscoring the program’s success in creating a strong education-to-employment pathway.

“Inclusive education is integral to our community endeavours,” said Ajit Prabhu, Co-founder & CEO, Quest Global.

 “By strengthening Junior Technical Schools and creating clear pathways to higher education, we are not only opening doors for students from underserved communities but also shaping the future of India’s engineering talent. These young minds represent the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow, and our commitment is to ensure they have the resources, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”

“Through this partnership with Quest Global, we are not just improving facilities, we are unlocking potential, raising aspirations, and laying a strong foundation for equitable access to technical education. It’s deeply rewarding to see students from underserved backgrounds thrive and even return as professionals to the very ecosystem that nurtured them” said Rijesh K, Trustee, Uthishta.

As part of this initiative, Quest Global has rolled out a comprehensive set of interventions aimed at strengthening education outcomes and student preparedness across the six government JTS institutions in Karnataka. These include:

• Installation of all-in-one desktop systems equipped with MS Office and UPS support, complemented by trained faculty to enhance digital literacy

• Infrastructure enhancements, including new desks, benches, book racks, waterproofing, and painting to improve the learning environment

• Distribution of essential resources such as uniforms, school bags, tool kits, and sports equipment

• Merit-based scholarships for top-performing students in Grades 8 to 10 across all six JTS institutions

• Skills development workshops focusing on communication skills, self-awareness, career counselling, and strengthened parent–teacher engagement

Through these sustained efforts, Quest Global remains committed to scaling its impact and driving meaningful, long-term improvements in education quality and community development in the regions it serves.

Thiruvananthapuram,  Dec 7:- A 63-year-old patient from the Maldives presented at the OP with difficulty in swallowing for the past three years. On evaluation by way of an endoscopy, she was diagnosed with Zenker’s Diverticulum, a rare condition with a prevalence of only 0.01% to 0.11% in the general population, usually affecting individuals between 60 and 80 years of age. This  condition constitutes the formation of a pouch or bulge at the upper part of the esophagus, leading to difficulty in swallowing, and food getting accumulated in the pouch leading to aspiration and pneumonia.

The medical team spearheaded by Dr. Madhu Sasidharan, Senior Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology, KIMSHEALTH, opted for  Z-POEM (Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy), a breakthrough minimally invasive procedure. The procedure involves making a small incision in the esophageal lining and creating a tunnel in the submucosal layer. Through this tunnel, an  endoscope is advanced to separate the septum, the muscular wall between the esophagus and the diverticulum. The septum is then carefully divided using an endoscopic knife to fully expose and release the tight muscle to restore smooth swallowing.

Z-POEM is a  safe and effective treatment modality  for managing Zenker’s Diverticulum. It allows complete septum division, offering faster recovery, and is suitable for patients with varying diverticular sizes and multiple comorbidities, said Dr. Madhu Sasidharan.

The procedure was completed in two hours, after which the patient experienced immediate relief from  symptoms. She  was  discharged the very next day.

Dr. Ajith K Nair, Dr. Harish Kareem, Senior Consultants, Department of Gastroenterology; Dr. Simna L, Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology; Dr. ArunP, Dr. Devika Madhu, Associate Consultants, Department of Gastroenterology; Dr. Hashir A and Dr. Gopan G,  Consultants, Department of Anesthesia were also part of the procedure.

Hyderabad,  Jan 7:- Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, successfully hosted SPLASH 2025, the 13th edition of its annual art, craft and literature competition, engaging students from over 995 schools across the country. Inspired by Axis Bank’s brand philosophy  dil se open, this year’s edition witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 2.66 lakh students on the theme ‘Dreams’, encouraging these young minds to unleash their imagination and creativity.

In the southern region, the Bank conducted the competition across 308 schools in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Guntur, Bagalkot, Vishakhapatnam, Cuddapah, and Nellore to name a few. Over 1.01 lakh students participated, submitting entries under two sub-themes: ‘A Day in My Dream Life’ for the 7-10 years age group, and ‘The Future as I Dream It’ for those aged 11-14 years. 

Aligned with the theme, Axis Bank also launched the ‘AI Dream Generator’, an interactive digital tool designed to help children bring their dreams to life. From flying cars and talking animals to building cities on the moon, children can enter their dreams and choose their favourite medium art, craft, or literature to see their imagination come to life.

The competition will culminate with six national winners and six national runners-up, who will be awarded INR 1 lakh and INR 50,000 each, respectively. They will also have the opportunity to attend a special Art and Craft Workshop at Tashkeel, Dubai. The artwork of these winners will be showcased at the Museum of Art and Photography  Bengaluru. Additionally, the top 400 qualifiers will receive exciting goodies and vouchers from partner brands like Ixigo and American Tourister.

Hyderabad, Jan 7:- HDFC Bank today announced the integration of the Reserve Bank of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency the Digital Rupee  into its online merchant payment platform, SmartGateway. This integration enables merchants to offer customers a secure, zero-cost, and sovereign-backed digital payment option within the HDFC Bank checkout ecosystem.

With this enhancement, SmartGateway merchants can now accept payments via the Digital Rupee at zero transaction cost, alongside existing payment modes such as UPI, cards and net banking. Customers benefit from a seamless digital payment experience that is both instant and secure.

As of December 2025, HDFC Bank is one of the pilot banks servicing ~ 8.45 lakh registered CBDC wallets, with 13,000–15,000 new wallets getting added every month.

With zero-cost acceptance, CBDC offers merchants a future-ready, intermediary-free payment method that improves settlement certainty and reduces operational overheads. For consumers, the Digital Rupee offers the convenience of UPI with the added trust of RBI-backed digital currency, making every transaction fast, secure, and free.

By integrating CBDC into SmartGateway for merchants, HDFC Bank is offering customers yet another way to make payments and extending the benefits of a sovereign-backed digital currency to a wider set of businesses. This initiative reinforces HDFC Bank’s position as a digital-first leader and reflects its continued commitment to innovation and to supporting India’s transition towards a cash-light, inclusive digital economy.

Acer today unveiled a comprehensive new range of Veriton desktop computers for businesses, including all-in-ones (AIOs), a large tower, and an AI mini workstation, designed to enhance productivity and creativity across modern workplaces.

Acer Veriton RA100 AI Mini Workstation: For Prosumers, Creators, and Gamers

The Acer Veriton RA100 AI Mini Workstation (VRA100) is a Copilot+ PC powered by AMD Ryzen™ AI Max+ 395 processors, delivering advanced AI performance and immersive AI experiences on Windows 11. Equipped with AMD Radeon™ 8060S Graphics, 50 NPU TOPS, and 60 TFLOPS, it supports up to 120 billion parameters, making it ideal for local AI models, generative AI, 3D design, and content creation.

With 128 GB LPDDR5X memory and up to 4 TB M.2 2280 SSD storage, the RA100 ensures smooth multitasking and reliable performance for product designers, engineers, AI developers, animators, and creators handling complex 3D models and real-time renderings.

The workstation features adaptive performance modes — Silent, Balanced, and Performance — allowing users to optimize cooling, noise, and power for office tasks, light gaming, or AI computing. Connectivity is seamless with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth® 5.4, and RJ45 Ethernet, while a Kensington lock slot ensures device security in shared environments.

Acer Veriton Vero 4000 & 6000 Series All-in-One Desktops: Modern Workplaces, Enhanced Productivity

The Veriton Vero 4000 (VVZ4734G/VVZ4734GT) and Veriton Vero 6000 (VVZ6734G/VVZ6734GT) AIO desktops combine AI-driven performance, robust security, and efficient manageability in a sleek, eco-conscious design.

Powered by Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 processors, with up to 64 GB DDR5 memory and 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, the AIOs offer seamless multitasking. The Vero 6000 additionally features Intel vPro, enabling advanced security and remote management for IT teams.

Both models sport 23.8-inch Full HD, 144 Hz touch displays, with ergo stands and VESA mount support for flexible setups. Collaboration is enhanced via a 5.0 MP infrared webcam with privacy shutter, built-in stereo speakers, and Acer PurifiedVoice software.

Tested to MIL-STD 810H standards and certified with EPEAT Gold, TCO, and Energy Star 9.0, these devices also emphasize sustainability, using post-consumer recycled materials and 100% recyclable packaging. Security is reinforced with TPM 2.0 and a Kensington lock.

Acer Veriton 2000 Large Tower: High-Performance Desktop for Creators and SMBs

The Veriton 2000 Large Tower (VK2730G) is engineered for AI-assisted content creation and everyday productivity. Powered by Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 processors and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 GPUs, it delivers 1,801 AI TOPS, enabling smooth AI tasks, modeling, rendering, and editing.

With scalable memory (up to 64 GB DDR5) and storage (up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD), it handles large media files efficiently. The tower supports Acer Sense, an intuitive app for device management, diagnostics, and performance tracking with minimal IT intervention. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth® 5.4, and RJ45 Ethernet, while energy efficiency is ensured through Energy Star compliance and EPEAT Bronze registration.

 Acer Veriton 2000 All-in-One: SMBs and Hybrid Workspaces

Designed for SMBs, field teams, and office operations, the Veriton 2000 AIO (VZ2515G) features Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 processors, up to 64 GB DDR5 memory, and 1 TB SSD storage, delivering responsive performance for everyday business tasks.

The 23.8-inch Full HD display supports VESA mounting and tilt adjustment for flexible office or kiosk setups. Security is ensured via TPM 2.0 and a Kensington lock, while Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth® 5.2, and RJ45 offer stable and fast connectivity. Windows 11 Pro provides advanced protection against emerging cybersecurity threats, making it ideal for hybrid work environments.

Acer’s new Veriton lineup is designed to cater to diverse business needs, from AI-powered creativity and high-performance computing to eco-conscious, collaborative office solutions, ensuring productivity, efficiency, and sustainability for modern workplaces.

Oshea Herbals, a trusted name in herbal skincare, presents its Papaya Clean Face Wash, a scientifically formulated cleanser enriched with Papaya Extract and Vitamin E. Designed to deeply cleanse while enhancing the skin’s natural radiance, this gentle yet effective face wash removes impurities, lightens blemishes, and helps reduce pigmentation, leaving skin refreshed, hydrated, and visibly brighter.

Unlike conventional cleansers that can strip the skin of moisture, Oshea’s herbal formulation ensures thorough cleansing without dryness, making it ideal for daily use. Suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, pigmented, and normal skin it caters to anyone seeking clear, glowing, and healthy-looking skin.

The Papaya Clean Face Wash combines the goodness of Papaya Extract, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera Extract, Mulberry Extract, and Liquorice Extract to target multiple skin concerns, from dark spots and dullness to uneven tone and pigmentation, while promoting a natural glow. Its balanced formulation makes it safe and effective for both men and women and can be incorporated easily into a twice-daily skincare routine.

With this offering, Oshea Herbals continues to merge herbal wisdom with scientific innovation, delivering skincare solutions that are effective, gentle, and perfect for everyday use.

You update your mobile regularly—what about updating yourself? asks Vikrant Massey at the FLO Hyderabad session on Success Without Shortcuts

Hyderabad, Jan 7: “Money was the reason I stepped out of my home at the age of 16. My goal then was simple—to earn for education, a home, and eventually ₹1 lakh a month. I bought my house at 24. But over time, my definition of success changed. Today, after 21 years in the industry, I am the most content actor,” shared Vikrant Massey at an inspiring session organised by FLO Hyderabad.

The acclaimed actor, best known for films such as 12th Fail, was in conversation with Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad. Over 250 members of FICCI Ladies Organisation gathered at Hotel Daspalla, Jubilee Hills, to attend the session themed Success Without Shortcuts.

In her opening remarks, Prathibha Kunda said, “Success without shortcuts is about doing the right things consistently, even when no one is watching. It may take longer, but it builds credibility, character, and achievements that truly endure.”

Vikrant Massey, who began his career on television with Balika Vadhu and successfully transitioned to films and web series, elaborated that success is often the compound effect of repeated failures.

“Success doesn’t come easily—you have to work relentlessly for it. I don’t have an uncle in the industry who could produce a film for me. For every role, I must perform and position myself as a strong contender,” he said.

Speaking on adaptability, he remarked, “Shape up or ship out. We constantly update our mobile phones, but we forget to update ourselves. Learn, unlearn, and relearn must become the new normal to survive in today’s competitive world.”

Highlighting the importance of well-being, he added, “Good health is a big success. No matter how expensive the clothes you wear, without energy from within, it doesn’t matter.”

Addressing the popular notion that money doesn’t bring happiness, Vikrant candidly said, “I don’t agree with people who say money doesn’t give happiness. Money does give happiness. It gives confidence—and confidence leads to happiness.”

Reflecting on his journey from television to cinema, the 38-year-old actor said he takes pride in his roots and noted that many of India’s greatest stars—including Shah Rukh Khan and Naseeruddin Shah—also began their careers on television.

When asked about the obsession with visibility and social media in the industry, he responded, “I’m not a social-media person. I don’t party, nor do I believe that socialising gets you work. What truly matters is what you do in front of the camera.”

Sharing personal inspirations, Vikrant said, “My home is sacred to me. My mother is my greatest inspiration. Though not connected to the film world, I deeply admire Rahul Dravid for his values and integrity.”

He concluded by sharing his non-negotiables: spending weekends with family and keeping his personal life out of the media spotlight.

Pune,  Jan 7:- Amway India, one of the leading companies supporting health and wellbeing needs, today shared major enhancements to its Home Delivery operations.  These upgrades underscored the company’s commitment to delivering a faster, more reliable and seamless ordering experience for distributors and their customers across the country. Over the last five years, Amway has significantly strengthened its home delivery capabilities, delivering a major improvement in delivery speed cutting delivery time by 48% (from 3.1 days to just 1.6 days), and increasing next-day deliveries from 29% to over 55%. This enhanced experience is supported by a major expansion of its service network, now reaching over 90% of India’s pin codes from 8,000 to more than 17,500. These milestones reflect Amway’s unwavering commitment to making quality wellness accessible to consumers across India.

Commenting on the transformation, Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, Amway India, said,

 “With distributors and customers at the core of our strategy, we are building Home Delivery as a strategic pillar one that empowers better service, improves product access, and delivers seamless experiences across India. This transformation has been driven by strategic investments in stronger national partnerships, a sharper digital backbone and a more agile supply chain, allowing us to respond faster, operate smarter and serve with greater consistency. What gives me confidence is the shift we are seeing on the ground: our reach is stronger, our systems are more intelligent, and the experience today is far more seamless than ever before. As we move forward, we remain focused on raising the bar further by strengthening reliability, enhancing the unboxing experience and building a future-ready delivery ecosystem for our customers across India.”

Adding to this, Sanjeev Suri, Senior Vice President, Global Omni Channel Logistics, Customer Services & North Region, Amway India, said,

 “As supply chains continue to evolve from cost centres into value creators, our focus at Amway has been on building an intelligent, responsive and people-centric network that delivers real customer value. The advancements in our Home Delivery operations reflect this shift. With advanced analytics, stronger collaboration across teams and deeper partnerships with national carriers, we have improved delivery speeds, enhanced reliability, and strengthened our ability to serve customers across geographies. Our journey has been shaped by real-time visibility, proactive communication and decisive action during disruptive phases. As we look ahead, we will continue integrating AI, digital tools and frontline empowerment to build a seamless, future-ready delivery experience.”

Amway’s commitment to a seamless customer experience is underpinned by a robust digital infrastructure. Amway India operates 23 warehouses nationwide, ensuring timely processing and dispatch of all home-delivery orders. Select warehouses are equipped with state-of-the-art Pick-to-Light technology to ensure seamless order processing. A unified tracking platform now gives customers real-time visibility into every order via email, SMS, and the company website. This integration supports a massive operational scale: Amway currently fulfills over 2 lakh home delivery orders monthly and boasts a Perfect Delivery Rate of 99.2% (up from 97.2% in 2020). This growth is driven by significant digital adoption, with online sales accounting for 76% of the total. Furthermore, the company ensures convenience even after delivery with a seamless return ecosystem, including a 30-day return policy at any Amway Store and doorstep return pickup available across more than 1,900 pincodes. This high performance is made possible by Amway’s flexible, multi-partner delivery model and expanded national alliances, which enhance reliability and guarantee consistently high service standards.

Looking ahead, Amway India is placing renewed emphasis on elevating the unboxing and delivery experience with premium and sustainable packaging solutions. The company aims to create a more seamless, engaging and consistent doorstep experience that aligns with its broader efforts to further enhance customer satisfaction and support the growing ambitions of its ABO community. With its strengthened home delivery network and continued digital investments, Amway India remains focused on setting new benchmarks in service excellence and customer experience.