Archives March 2025

As Dupahiya revs up for its highly anticipated premiere on Prime Video on March 7, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the powerhouse women who have been instrumental in crafting this unique and heartwarming story. Set in the fictional village of Dhadakpur, the series unravels the chaos that ensues when a prized ‘Dupahiya’ (motorbike) is stolen— just as the village prepares to celebrate 25 years of being crime-free. With a wedding on the horizon, a silver jubilee trophy at stake, and the villagers’ pride teetering on the edge, the stage is set for an exhilarating mix of comedy, drama, and small-town charm.

Dupahiya, which is the first series created and produced by Bombay Film Cartel, takes forward Prime Video’s endeavor of backing fresh talent. The creative vision of the series being steered by creators and executive producers: Salona Bains Joshi and Shubh Shivdasani. Salona Bains Joshi holds the honour of being the first student from India to be selected into this prestigious Producer’s Program at UCLA and was also a part of the theatrical blockbuster ABCD2 and the rib-tickling direct to streaming horror comedy Kakuda. Shubh Shivdasani has been part of highly acclaimed film Barfi, directed by Anurag Basu which was also selected as India’s entry to the Oscars that year. They collectively worked on various acclaimed projects before Dupahiya, including Uri: The Surgical Strike, The Sky is Pink, Lust Stories, Sonchiriya and Kedarnath. Dupahiya is their first independent project.

Speaking of her experience on Dupahiya, creator and producer Salona Bains Joshi said, “India’s heartland is a treasure trove of stories, and at Bombay Film Cartel, we resonate with ideas that are both accessible and impactful. Showrunning and producing Dupahiya has allowed us to bring together an exceptional cast and crew. With Sonam’s skillful direction, we have brought to life the pages that Avinash and Chirag have written so wonderfully. Prime Video has wholeheartedly believed in and supported us in bringing this family entertainer to life.”

Creator and producer Shubh Shivdasani added, “Our journey as showrunners has been incredibly fulfilling. Bringing together the right creative forces, who have given their absolute best, has made Dupahiya a true entertainer. Sonam’s direction brought to life the script penned by Avinash and Chirag, making Bombay Film Cartel’s debut production a dream come true. With Prime Video’s unwavering support, we believe we have a true winner on our hands.”

Guiding the series with a masterful touch is director Sonam Nair, known for her work in Masaba Masaba, whose keen eye for storytelling seamlessly blends humor, drama, and small-town quirks into an irresistible watch. The director spoke about her experience on the series, stating, “When Shubh and Salona called me to direct this incredible script, written by Avinash and Chirag, I was so excited and so grateful. Dupahiya is unlike anything I had been offered before, and I dived into this heartland comedy with the hope that I can do justice to it. It was a blessed journey from the start as we got together a bunch of extremely talented actors, all perfect for their roles, along with the most passionate technicians all putting their best into this series. I have laughed nonstop from my first day on the series, and hopefully now the audience will laugh and love it as much as we have.”

Dupahiya is also defined by its powerful cast. At the heart of the ensemble are the remarkable women who have shaped its vision and characters with depth, nuance, and brilliance. Shivani Raghuvanshi, who essays the role of Roshni Jha, embodies a bride-to-be with an irresistible mix of innocence and resilience. Fun-loving, and lost in her own world, Roshni may appear carefree, but she knows exactly what she wants— and isn’t afraid to voice it. Matching her in presence and power is the legendary Renuka Shahane who plays Pushplata, the strong-willed yet endearing ‘sarpanch’ of Dhadakpur. With warmth and authority, she commands every scene, making her character a true force to be reckoned with.

Boasting a stellar cast featuring Gajraj Rao, Bhuvan Arora, Sparsh Shrivastava, Yashpal Sharma, and more, the series promises a delightful ride brimming with distinct characters, razor-sharp humor, and heartfelt moments. But at its very soul, Dupahiya is driven by an incredible league of women—both in front of and behind the camera—whose talent, vision, and creativity make them the driving force behind this compelling tale– true ‘Superwomen’ in every sense.

National, 05 March 2025: voco Jim Corbett, India’s first-ever voco hotel by IHG Hotels & Resorts, proudly announces the appointment of Sanjay Chauhan as its Head Chef. With an illustrious career spanning over 18 years across India, Bhutan, and Canada, Sanjay brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a passion for crafting exceptional dining experiences to the hotel.

Sanjay began his culinary journey in 2006, honing his skills at some of the most prestigious hospitality brands. He is a graduate of GIHM Dehradun, where he earned a three-year diploma in hospitality specializing in Culinary Arts and Chef Training. Further strengthening his expertise, he pursued a Master’s in Hotel Management, specializing in Hospitality Administration and Management.

He began his career with Ananda in the Himalayas, followed by a stint at The Westin New Delhi, where he oversaw key operations at the all-day dining outlet. He also worked at DoubleTree by Hilton as a CDP, handling operations for the Moroccan specialty restaurant, Casablanca., followed by his tenure at Le Meridien Gurgaon, Delhi NCR as the Sous Chef. His career further includes tenures as Executive Chef at renowned establishments such as Sterling Holiday Resorts and Dhensa Boutique Resort. Sanjay’s understanding of global and regional flavors, along with his commitment to innvoation and culinary storytelling, aligns perfectly with voco Jim Corbett’s mission to deliver authentic and memorable dining experiences.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Chef Chauhan commented, “I am honored to join voco Jim Corbett and look forward to working with their wonderful culinary team. I am excited to work with local flavours, crafting dishes that celebrate innovation, authenticity and the flavours of Uttarakhand.”

Suprabhath Roy Chowdhary, General Manager, voco Jim Corbett, said, “We are delighted to welcome Chef Sanjay to the voco family. His expertise will not only elevate our culinary offerings but also ensure that every meal at voco Jim Corbett becomes an unforgettable part of our guests’ journey.”

New Delhi, 4 March 2025: University of East Anglia, one of the UK’s top 25 universities, announced the introduction of a new BSc (Hons) International Finance (Final Year Entry) programme, designed for international students seeking to advance their skills in global finance. Set to commence in September 2025, this intensive one-year course will provide a unique opportunity for students to develop the expertise and knowledge needed to excel in the present-day global financial landscape, competition among multinational firms, and trade.

Delivered in UEA’s School of Economics, which is ranked amongst the top 15 in the UK for Accounting and Finance (The Guardian University Guide 2023) and top 25 for Finance (The Times 2024), this new degree blends rigorous financial theory with real-world applications, preparing students to navigate the complexities of multinational business operations, global trade, and financial markets. The proposed curriculum covers a range of critical topics, including corporate finance, quantitative analysis, behavioural finance, and international trade, ensuring graduates develop a strong foundation in both technical skills and strategic decision-making.

With a strong focus on employability, students will benefit from a dynamic curriculum enriched with practical applications, guest lectures by industry experts, networking opportunities, workshops, and access to nationwide competitions, paid internships, and mentoring schemes. Additionally, the STEPS (Skills, Training, Employability, Progression, and Support) module ensures dedicated academic and career guidance, enhancing students’ professional development and readiness for the job market.

Bahar Ghezelayagh, Associate Professor in Financial Economics, while commenting on the launch said, “The BSc in International Finance at University of East Anglia is a gateway to limitless global opportunities. Designed for ambitious individuals aiming for careers in investment banking, financial consulting, and policy advisory, our course blends academic excellence with real-world industry insights. There is now an ever-increasing demand for graduates who can unravel the complexity of how multinational enterprises work. Take for example the Big Tech companies in India who specialize in information technology services who are now operating in many European countries, as well as in Australia and the US. How do such companies hedge against global risks? What drives globalisation, and is globalisation a blessing or a curse? We are committed to shaping future leaders who will thrive in the fast-paced world of global finance, multinational firms.”

Graduates of this course will be well-positioned for diverse and high-growth careers including opportunities in investment banking, financial analysis, management consulting, business development, and policy advisory roles. This degree is an excellent choice for students looking to fast-track their careers in international finance.

New Delhi, 4th March, 2025: Komaki Electric Vehicle, a leading electric vehicle brand, has launched its Komaki X3 series to redefine smart urban mobility. The new series demonstrates the brand’s commitment to fostering an efficient, stylish, and sustainable commuting option with the help of cutting-edge e-scooter, exhibiting advanced and superior-performing technologies. The vehicle has been introduced at the starting price of Rs 52,999.

The model brings about the confluence of innovation and performance, which has been engineered specially to meet the evolving requirements of consumers, seeking efficiency without compromising on style and comfort.

The X3 series employs pioneering technologies, featuring a high-capacity lithium-ion battery with long life and quick charging ability to ensure extended range and a hassle-free ride. Furthermore, incorporating next-gen technology in the form of a digital dashboard, multiple riding modes, and enhanced security features, the model can be truly considered a build of the future.

It flaunts a smart and futuristic design with the help of a sleek, aerodynamic body incorporated in premium alloy wheels. Upscaling its offering, the LED lighting seamlessly blends aesthetics with safety. Altogether, the Komaki X3 is a smart investment in sustainable transportation, offering zero emissions and minimal maintenance.

Speaking on the occasion, Gunjan Malhotra, Co-founder of Komaki Electric Vehicles said, “The launch of our new X3 series can be considered another milestone in leading the EV revolution of the country. As we work towards expanding our consumer base, the new model has been devised specifically for fulfilling the needs of women riders. In the process, it resonates with our larger purpose of creating EVs that boost the entire ecosystem by fostering smarter, greener, and more accessible mobility. The X3 stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and empowering every rider on the road.”

Bengaluru, 04th March 2025 – Agilisium, a leading data innovation partner for the Life Sciences industry is making a significant investment in Telangana’s ambitious “Life Sciences Grid Strategy,” reinforcing the state’s position as a global hub for life sciences innovation. As part of this strategic expansion, the company is launching a Life Sciences Innovation and Talent Development Lab in Hyderabad, committed to creating 2,000 job opportunities over the next 36 months.

Agilisium’s initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic excellence and industry needs while fostering a robust ecosystem for research, talent development, and cutting-edge advancements. This will ensure a seamless transition from academic knowledge to industry application, producing a steady pipeline of industry-ready professionals, and further enhancing Telangana’s attractiveness as a destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in the life sciences and the biotech sector.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Raj Babu, Founder, and CEO of Agilisium, said: “The life sciences industry stands at a transformative juncture, where the fusion of data-driven innovation, advanced technology, and skilled talent will be a game changer. With the launch of our Life Sciences Innovation & Talent Development Lab, we are not just investing in infrastructure, we are fostering an ecosystem that brings together global best practices, academic collaborations, and cutting-edge research. Our aim is to accelerate talent development, facilitate technology transfer, and co-create next-generation solutions with speed and efficiency. Our commitment to generating 2,000 jobs over the next three years reflects our dedication to supporting Telangana’s vision of becoming one of the world’s leading life sciences clusters.”

Tuesday, March 04, 2025 – Sundaram Finance Ltd, one of India’s most trusted NBFCs, has introduced a Digital Deposit facility, making savings simpler, safer and more accessible than ever. For over 70 years, Sundaram Finance has been a name synonymous with trust and financial security. With a strong base of over one lakh depositors, Sundaram Finance Deposits have been AAA-rated by ICRA and CRISIL for well over three decades, ensuring the highest level of safety and reliability. Opening a Deposit with Sundaram Finance is just a click away! Customers can conveniently invest and manage their deposits digitally through a seamless and secure process, enjoying peace of mind and attractive returns.

Digital Deposits from Sundaram Finance allow investors to make their money work from the comfort of their homes with the option to open, manage and monitor their deposits at their convenience. Sundaram Finance has made the opening of Digital Fixed Deposits an easy process by downloading the KYC details from CERSAI. This online transaction can be initiated through the company portal and the SF Next app.

“Sundaram Finance has been a trusted partner in financial security for generations. With the launch of our Digital Deposit facility, we are making the investment process simpler and more seamless, so customers can now complete their deposit in just five easy steps and receive an E-TDR instantly. We also encourage individual depositors to add a nominee to ensure financial security. Also, depositors can opt for Auto-maturity payment. Backed by a AAA rating and decades of trust, Our endeavour is always to ensure consistent service standards to facilitate absolute peace of mind” said, Dhandayuthapani S, Head – Deposits

Start your journey towards secure savings today!

Visit www.sundaramfinance.in to open Deposit online.

Mumbai. 4th March 2025: World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) has announced that it has terminated 13 licences held by WTC Noida Development Pvt. Ltd (WTC Noida) & Spire Techpark Ltd due to numerous material violations of License Agreements, failure to adhere to the Bylaws of the WTCA as well as inability to advance the objectives of the Association. Effective 19 February 2025, the termination is applicable to the licences held for WTC Ahmedabad, WTC Amritsar, WTC Bhopal, WTC Chandigarh, WTC Faridabad, WTC GIFT City, WTC Lucknow, WTC Noida, WTC Noida CBD, WTC Patna, WTC Surat, WTC Vadodara and WTC Varanasi.

Commenting on the termination of the licences, a spokesperson for WTCA said, “It has come to our attention that one of our large members in India – WTC Noida Development Pvt. Ltd. (WTC Noida) & Spire Techpark Ltd – have encountered significant problems in the development of its businesses in India. The difficulties have been so severe, so significant, and so public, that it has adversely affected the reputation of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) and its brands, and by extension, every one of our members requiring the WTCA to investigate the matter. Upon the conclusion of our internal examination of WTC Noida, the WTCA came to the conclusion that they had breached material terms of its license agreements. Therefore, the WTCA took the necessary action to terminate its license agreements with them effective as of February 19, 2025.”

“The WTCA is a not-for-profit, non-political association dedicated to helping establish World Trade Center branded businesses around the world that serve as instruments for international trade expansion. While we own and license the world-famous World Trade Center (WTC) brand to our members, we are not involved in developing or financing their projects, nor do we have any equity or ownership in, or enjoy any profit share from, their respective businesses. WTC Noida was a licensee of the iconic World Trade Center brand that is owned by the World Trade Centers Association, Inc. (WTCA) located in NYC. WTCA has not been involved in any way – be it as a partner, shareholder, manager, or participant – with the real estate development projects of WTC Noida or any of WTCA’s other trademark licensees anywhere in the world. Inquiries should be sent to the appropriate entities — WTC Noida Development Pvt. Ltd (WTC Noida) and Spire Techpark Ltd,” added the spokesperson.

ORLANDO, Fla., March 4, 2025 — Through 2025, poor data quality will persist as one of the most frequently mentioned challenges prohibiting advanced analytics (e.g., AI) deployment, according to Gartner, Inc. Because of this, data and analytics (D&A) leaders must focus on three interdependent journeys to advance enterprises’ AI initiatives. These journeys include business outcomes, D&A capabilities and behavioral change.

“AI continues to drive enterprise planning, with more than half of CEOS believing the technology will most significantly impact their industry over the next three years,” said Carlie Idoine, VP Analyst at Gartner. “With this in mind, D&A leaders are uniquely positioned to drive maximum impact on business outcomes due to their proximity to this technology.”

“With AI being a primary focus area in organizations, D&A leaders must cut through the hype and focus on investments in trust, adaptability and people,” said Gareth Herschel, VP Analyst at Gartner.

Gartner outlines three interdependent journeys in-depth to better guide D&A leaders along their AI journey.

Journey to Business Outcomes Gartner advises D&A leaders to prioritize value in demonstrating AI’s business outcomes.

“Demonstrating the value of AI continues to be a top barrier to implementation,” said Idoine. “D&A Leaders must focus on building the right trust levels based on context as the first step to demonstrating value.”

D&A leaders can take the following actions to best affect business outcomes:

Establish trust models: Trusted, high-quality data is key to enabling a data-driven enterprise, yet many AI initiatives fail because of poor data quality. Trust models look at the value and risk of data and provide a trust rating based on lineage and curation.
Monetize productivity improvements: D&A leaders must consider the value and competitive impact as it relates to total cost, complexity and risk.
Communicate value of D&A: Consider all costs, including data management, governance, and change management.

Journey to D&A Capabilities

D&A leaders must ensure they are using a range of tools and technologies to build their technology stack when it comes to AI solutions.

“Stack versus best of breed is not new, but the dynamics of this decision are,” said Herschel “D&A leaders must cultivate an adaptable ecosystem that scales in order to meet the demands of creating the best AI offerings possible.”

To achieve this adaptability, D&A leaders must:

Create a modular and open ecosystem: Update or replace architecture components to address new requirements and rapidly changing technologies.
Make data AI-ready and reusable: Integrate trust into FinOps, DataOps, and PlatformOps to transition from a tech-stack to a trust-stack.
Explore AI Agents: Utilize dynamic agents that adapt to changes using an AI-ready data ecosystem powered by active metadata.

Journey to Behavioral Change

Focusing on data governance, value communication, and analytics augmentation is vital, but addressing the human aspect is crucial for AI success.

“AI is transforming everything, and people are expected to transform too,” said Idoine. “But people are not the same, and we engage with data and analytics in different ways.”

To lay the foundation for the proper culture to best adopt and utilize AI, D&A leaders should take the following steps:

• Establish repeatable habits: Prioritize training and education with an emphasis on data and AI literacy.
• Embrace new roles and skills: Develop roles that facilitate adaptation to GenAI’s change management requirements.
• Collaborate with others: Work with diverse teams, including security and software engineering, for seamless integration.

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.

Mumbai, 04th March 2025: Imarticus Learning, one of India’s leading professional education companies, has announced its partnership with London Business School, to introduce the Chief Financial Officer (India) Programme. The programme is tailored for finance leaders with over ten years of work experience wishing to pivot to C-suite roles, especially as CFOs, equipping them with the skills to drive business transformation, digital innovation, and global financial strategy.

The programme bridges the skills gap in financial leadership in India by offering strategic acumen, global perspectives, and modern financial expertise required to lead in today’s dynamic business environment. With a focus on experiential learning and global exposure, the programme will create a new generation of CFOs capable of navigating cross-border financial complexities and leading multinational organizations.

Traditionally seen as the gatekeeper of finances, today’s CFO is expected to be a strategic leader capable of navigating complex global business landscapes, driving digital transformation, and enhancing business agility. As many as 86% of Indian CFOs feel that their responsibilities have broadened over the past two years, extending beyond traditional finance functions into areas such as IT, operations, and business strategy. Additionally, 84% are expected to lead transformative initiatives within their organizations. This shift highlights the need for a new generation of CFOs who can lead organizations through financial transformation and global uncertainties.

Participants of this programme will gain access to world-class learning from London Business School’s distinguished faculty. The comprehensive curriculum covers critical areas such as modern financial strategies, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy, and valuation. It includes a 5-day intensive training with London Business School faculty in Mumbai, followed by a 5-day immersion in London, where participants will engage with global finance leaders and explore international best practices.

Nikhil Barshikar, Founder & CEO, Imarticus Learning said, “The role of a CFO is undergoing a shift because of the global economic uncertainties and emergence of new-age technologies. Today’s financial leaders need to embrace strategic thinking to navigate the complex business and regulatory landscape. The CFO (India) Programme combines London Business School’s world-class leadership in business education with our deep expertise in India-centric financial leadership. This outcome-driven learning experience equips participants with the latest tools, technologies, and market insights, empowering them to navigate evolving financial landscapes with confidence. The collaboration with London Business School is a significant milestone in our journey to accelerate the transition of mid/senior-level finance professionals to C-suite leadership positions.”

Helen Kerkentzes, Associate Dean, Executive Education at London Business School said, “It is with great pride that London Business School joins hands with Imarticus Learning to offer the Chief Financial Officer (India) Programme. This collaboration is rooted in a shared vision to create transformative learning experiences for finance professionals. We invite you to embrace this opportunity to sharpen your leadership, amplify your strategic vision, and emerge as a trailblazer in the evolving financial landscape.”

[New Delhi, India, 4th March 2025] Tips Music Ltd and Sony Music Publishing today announced an expansion of their successful global publishing partnership by adding YouTube (worldwide, excluding India) as a key platform, for international publishing exploitation of Tips Music’s vast catalogue.

This strategic renewal reinforces both companies’ commitment to amplifying the global presence of Indian music, particularly as Bollywood soundtracks continue to gain momentum in international markets. The deal encompasses administration, synchronization, and expanded promotion of Tips Music’s rich repertoire across global digital platforms.

Guy Henderson, President, International said: ““We are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with Kumar and his team at Tips. Tips’ exceptional growth has been a constant factor over many years. Sony Music Publishing looks forward to an exciting future with Tips with their continued growth and success around the world.”

Kumar Taurani, Managing Director of Tips Music Ltd, commented: “Building on the success of our initial partnership with Sony Music Publishing, this renewal marks an exciting evolution in our global publishing business. In just over a year of collaboration, we’ve seen remarkable growth in our international music usage, with our songs finding new listeners across continents. Adding YouTube as a platform opens significant new avenues for our artists and catalogues to reach audiences worldwide.”

Dinraj Shetty, Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing India, added: “Our strengthened partnership and renewed collaboration with Tips Music marks a new era of growth and global impact. By combining their iconic catalog with our publishing expertise, we are committed to bringing the soul of Indian music to audiences worldwide.”

Hari Nair, CEO of Tips Music Ltd, added, “Sony Music Publishing has the best teams and world-class reporting systems, allowing Tips to monitor publishing revenues . The enhanced agreement with SMP enables us to leverage their unparalleled international network of partners and societies globally. The addition of YouTube should drive significant growth in our international publishing revenues.”

The expanded multi-year agreement grants SMP extended rights to Tips Music’s catalogue, which features over 32,000 tracks across 24 languages. This vast collection represents some of India’s most beloved film soundtracks and popular music.

Tips Music plans to invest heavily and release 12-15 Bollywood/ Regional film albums per year. The company also has a slate of independent music releases under the Tips Originals brand.