Archives May 2025

Delhi 06/05/2025– Prof. (Dr.) Rashmi Khorana Nagpal, Associate Dean at NMIMS Chandigarh, delivered a compelling special lecture during the official launch of her latest book, “Human Rights and Human Wrong: Dilemmas and Diversity in Criminology”. The event, held in New Delhi, was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura, former IPS officer and current Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Government of India.

In her address, Prof. Nagpal offered deep insights from her book, which critically examines established structures in criminology and human rights discourse. She challenged conventional understandings of justice, fairness, and accountability, calling for a more inclusive and ethical approach to these vital areas of study.

Further solidifying her role as a thought leader, Prof. Nagpal was invited as a special guest at the International Conference on Public Health and Human Rights. In her keynote address, she explored the profound interconnection between public health and fundamental human rights, emphasizing the indivisible right to health, human dignity, and equality for all.

Prof. Nagpal’s continued contributions reflect her commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and leadership in advancing human rights dialogue across disciplines.

Mumbai, India – Emiza, India’s leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, has taken a transformative step towards enabling equal opportunities through its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at Signal Shala—a school uniquely operating out of a shipping container beneath the flyover in Mumbai.

Signal Shala is a pioneering institution that imparts primary education to children who live on the streets, railway platforms, and in transient communities, many of whom earn a living by selling items or begging at traffic signals.

Emiza’s commitment to this grassroots model of education goes far beyond academics. Through this initiative, Emiza has supported the holistic development of students by contributing to both infrastructure and programmatic enhancements at Signal Shala. Under the early childhood development program, Emiza helped revamp the nursery classroom into a safe, stimulating environment tailored to foster creativity and gross motor development. The space now includes designated zones for crawling, play, and rest—complete with bunk beds for naps—ensuring that the youngest learners feel safe, nurtured, and emotionally supported as they grow. Moreover, the initiative ensures children are provided with nutritious and balanced meals each day, with thoughtful attention to their individual food preferences—promoting both health and dignity.

Additionally, the structured nursing program introduces older students to emergency medical training, patient care coordination, and foundational medical knowledge paving the way for future careers in nursing homes, health centers, and educational institutions.

“Children are the future contributors to society, innovators, and problem-solvers. When we invest in their foundational years, we’re not just supporting education—we’re igniting potential. For Emiza, being a contributor to early childhood development in some way is a contribution towards nation-building,” said Ajay Rao, Founder & CEO, Emiza

Jitendra Kumar, Co-Founder; Executive Director, Emiza, “The collaboration isn’t just a one-time effort; it’s a sustained commitment to social upliftment and community development. By empowering children with education and skills, we are giving them the tools to break generational cycles of poverty. This aligns with our long-term vision of building a more inclusive society.”

Emiza’s initiative is in line with the Government of India’s policy encouraging corporate involvement in education and social development. But more than that, it reflects a values-first approach supporting real-world, hyperlocal solutions that foster dignity, self-reliance, and long-term community upliftment.

Chandigarh, May 6, 2025: As the TATA IPL 2025 season picks up pace and teams race to the play-offs, JioStar today announced the winner of its popular predict-and-win fan engagement contest Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan on JioHotstar (JDDD). Rajkishor Khuntia, who hails from Bhadrak, Odisha, is the first to win SUV from the free-to-play contest this season.

Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan gives viewers a chance to win prizes, brand coupons while watching TATA IPL live with real-time prediction based and trivia questions, making the viewing experience more exciting and rewarding.

An avid fan of Hardik Pandya and the Mumbai Indians, Khuntia is employed as a security guard at a private company and passes his spare time watching cricket and other sports content on JioHotstar.

“I feel very happy and excited about winning an SUV,” expressed Khuntia. “I got to know about Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan through the villagers. I saw many of them playing, which interested me, especially since it is free and easy to use. After that, I downloaded the JioHotstar application and began playing the contest.”

Viewers can hold the phone in portrait mode while watching the game and go to the dedicated ‘Jeeto’ tab on the app where the question appears before every over along with four options. Every single match of the 18^th season has seen 100 prizes given away including Smart TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens among others to viewers who give the most correct answers.

With an intent to make Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan a second-screen engagement experience, this season viewers on Star Sports will seamlessly experience unprecedented levels of engagement during live matches through a QR code or URL jeeto.jiohotstar.com.

This marks a pivotal shift in how India consumes sports on Linear TV as Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan turns it into an active, lean-in experience. By building a bridge between Linear TV and Digital, this initiative is setting a new benchmark in sports engagement, making TATA IPL not just a spectacle but an immersive, interactive event.

New Delhi, 06^th May, 2025: Cosmo Sunshield, the premium window films vertical of Cosmo First, launched its second brand film #SweatWhereItCounts, as part of their summer campaign. The brand recently had also launched its first film #ShockKamSavingsZyada last month, highlighting the significant electricity saving offered by these films. With 100+ product offerings, Cosmo Sunshield’s premium range of automotive and architectural window films are designed to deliver superior sun protection, energy savings, and enhanced aesthetics. The campaign at large aims to highlight the brand’s new offerings for consumers while educating them about the simple effective measures for energy conservation in indoor spaces.

The new film opens in a fitness center where a woman is working out intensively, perspiring from her dedicated physical effort. The scene then transitions to her residential setting where despite being in a relaxed position, she continues to experience discomfort due to excessive heat resulting from prolonged exposure to IR rays. Relief then becomes evident as professionals install Cosmo Sunshield window films throughout her residence. The film concludes with the tagline – “Sweat at the gym, not at the home. With Cosmo Sunshield Window Films, Sweat Where It Counts,” while emphasizing the product’s heat rejection abilities and its effectiveness in maintaining optimal indoor temperatures and comfort levels.

 Film link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6wpeeXbTds

Speaking on the new brand film, Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First said, “Excessive heat and unwanted electricity bills are two major challenges that consumers face during summer season. Our window films have been innovatively designed to block up to 90% IR rays and more than 99% UV rays, while allowing maximum visible natural light to illuminate interior spaces. This ensures that homes and indoor spaces remain cool with optimised AC usage leading to up to 20% slash in electricity bills for consumers. Our second brand film showcases and highlights this direct benefit that consumers can enjoy during the upcoming summer season. Through this short yet quirky film, we aim to directly address the existing challenges that consumers face and provide them with science-backed sustainable solutions.”

Cosmo Sunshield’s product portfolio includes heat rejection window films that maintain indoor comfort without sacrificing daylight, as well as safety and privacy films that offer shatter-resistance and varying levels of visibility. With a typical payback period of 2–5 years, Cosmo Sunshield window films serve as a smart investment for energy savings and sustainable heat management.

May 6th, 2025 – In a significant stride toward enhancing the smartphone experience, TECNO, a global mobile brand renowned for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology, is set to roll out the highly anticipated HiOS 15 update—its latest Android-based custom operating system. This update is designed to make smartphones more intuitive and relevant than ever, especially for users in India.​

TECNO recognized the evolving needs of smartphone users—seeking devices that are not only powerful but also intuitive, personalized, and culturally relevant. The goal was to create an operating system that seamlessly integrates advanced AI capabilities, enhances performance, and resonates with local nuances.

TECNO is committed to catering to Indian users by developing devices that are made in India and made for India. The goal is to make AI not just a fancy word, but a practical, user-friendly tool that brings real value to everyday life. That’s exactly why TECNO chose to work with Indian fundamental models like Sarvam AI —renowned for its Indian Language ability to deliver intuitive and accessible AI experiences tailored to local needs. This perfectly aligns with TECNO’s vision of making AI more accessible, relevant, and impactful for Indian users.

How TECNO Achieved This:

Performance & Longevity – Speed Meets Stability

• Clean OS: Reduced pre-installed apps by 40%, ensuring a lighter and faster device.
• Cool Animations, Wallpapers & Icons: Introduced sleek new animations for smooth transitions, stylish AI-generated and dynamic wallpapers, and minimalist icons for a modern, clean interface.
• Animation Engine: Enhanced app transitions with a 15% boost in exit times for quicker navigation.
• MemFusion 3.0: Multitask like a pro — run over 25 apps without a hitch, no slowdowns.
• Enhanced Privacy with Blank Data: Implemented “Blank Data” to shield real information from apps, enhancing user privacy.
• Memory Defragmentation: The smartphone stays optimized, with improved RAM and storage efficiency for smooth operations.
• Sensory Scheduling 2.0: The system has also undergone a 25-App Stress Test, with no frame drops during multitasking, showcasing its stable performance.
• Wireless Mic Mode: Instantly turn your phone into a portable microphone by connecting it to a speaker — perfect for parties, announcements, or just stealing the spotlight.

  Ella AI: Revolutionizing Assistance for India with #BetterAskElla

• Multilingual Magic: Ella speaks Hindi and will soon support Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati, and Marathi through OTA updates by the end of this year.
• AI Call Assistant: Provides real-time translations, transcriptions, and summaries of calls—including WhatsApp—for seamless communication.
• AI Auto Answer: Ensures you never miss important calls by automatically answering and providing smart summaries when you’re unavailable.
• AI Voiceprint Noise Suppression: Blocks out background noise for crystal-clear audio, focusing solely on your voice.
• AI Writing & Document Assistant: Allows effortless summarization, rewriting, expansion, or conversion of handwritten notes into editable Word or PDF files.
• AI Screen Awareness: Understands on-screen content to provide contextually smart support.

AI-Powered Artistry at Your Command

• AI Eraser 2.0 & Image Extender: Uses voice commands to edit and expand parts of an image effortlessly.
• AI Wallpaper Generator, Vogue Portraits & Artboard: Empowers creativity by turning text or sketches into personalized wallpapers.
• AI Sharpness Plus: Instantly sharpens blurry photos without requiring an internet connection, bringing images back to life.

 AI-Enhanced Privacy for Visuals

• Smart Privacy with AI Blurring: Safeguards sensitive information by intelligently detecting and automatically obscuring private details within screenshots before sharing.

 In addition to its core features, HiOS 15 introduces a variety of enhancements designed to improve the user experience. The new UI brings sleek animations, Picture-in-Picture (PiP) support, and a redesigned dropdown control panel, while also minimising bloatware in the upcoming devices. Additionally, localized intelligence ensures HiOS 15 is tailored for Indian users, support.

More than just an update, HiOS 15 marks a significant leap forward in TECNO’s software evolution — bringing AI accessibility, localized intelligence, and remarkably fluid performance into the hands of millions of Indian smartphone users.

New Delhi, 6th May 2025: Bata India, the nation’s most trusted footwear brand, is redefining everyday activewear with the launch of its new Power Move Plus Collection—designed for individuals who live life on the move. With a focus on style, comfort, and everyday value, the collection supports those who see movement not as a workout, but as a way of living fully and moving forward without limits.

Crafted for those embracing a healthy lifestyle with a touch of style, the Move Plus range features breathable materials, lightweight cushioning, and tech-driven comfort. Move Plus brings innovation to everyday motion and modern lifestyles.

Key Highlights from the Collection

Neo Slip
Slip into motion with a breathable flyknit upper that hugs like a second skin. Lightweight and versatile, Neo Slip is perfect for those who move with purpose and style.

Move Plus Lace-Up
Engineered for comfort with elevated aesthetics:
– Breathable Flyknit Upper for all-day airflow
– Chunky EVA Phylon Sole for cushioned impact
– TPR Outsole for enhanced grip and durability

Move Plus P-Opall
A bold blend of function and flair:
– Mesh Upper with Digital Print detailing
– Lycra Collar for a snug, stretch fit
– Ortholite In-Sock for adaptive comfort
– EVA Phylon Sole + TPR Outsole for cushioned grip

Performance Meets Personal Style

At Power, we believe great performance shouldn’t come at a premium. The Move Plus Collection is designed to empower not just your workouts but your everyday motion. Built for comfort, breathability, and all-day wear, each pair supports dynamic lifestyles with fatigue-reducing insoles, arch support, and lightweight construction. Made for real life in motion—where everyday comfort, smart design, and accessible performance come together.

India, 6th May, 2025: Kuhoo Finance, a tech-first, RBI-licensed NBFC focused on democratizing access to higher education in India, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vineet Mahajan as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Vineet Mahajan

With over 25 years of experience in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector, Vineet brings a wealth of expertise in finance, strategy, and education lending to Kuhoo’s leadership team. His appointment aligns with the company’s accelerated growth phase, focused on expanding affordable education loan solutions for students across India while maintaining rigorous financial discipline.

An ICAI-certified Chartered Accountant and a B.Com (Hons) graduate of the University of Delhi, Vineet joins Kuhoo after distinguished tenures at leading financial institutions, including Aavas Financiers, Edelweiss, and Deutsche Postbank Home Finance. He has previously served as the CFO at a leading education loan NBFC, where he spearheaded initiatives to reduce borrowing costs, secure debt capital, and strengthen investor confidence. His career highlights include orchestrating multiple equity raises, pioneering co-lending and securitization frameworks, and building agile finance teams capable of scaling operations in regulated environments.

Commenting on Vineet Mahajan’s appointment, Prashant A. Bhonsle, Founder of Kuhoo Finance, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Vineet to the Kuhoo leadership team. His proven track record in fundraising, governance, and fintech-driven finance operations makes him the ideal partner as we accelerate our next growth phase. The culture fit and passion for impact through education financing are the qualities that make him an ideal professional to lead Kuhoo into the future. Vineet’s arrival strengthens our ability to build a future-ready NBFC that supports millions of aspiring Indian students and parents with timely, accessible, and affordable education financing.”

As the new CFO, Vineet will focus on strengthening Kuhoo’s financial governance frameworks to ensure full compliance with RBI regulations, a cornerstone of trust in the NBFC sector. He will work towards enhancing real-time financial reporting mechanisms and fund utilization tracking systems to support data-driven decision-making across the organization. His responsibilities will also include expanding Kuhoo’s debt partnerships with banks, NBFCs, and alternative lenders to secure sustainable capital flows for education loans, along with automating finance operations to improve efficiency and transparency.

Apart from streamlining day-to-day operations, Vineet Mahajan will also lead long-term strategies to build a robust liability franchise through innovative co-lending models and securitization structures. In his capacity as the CFO, he will also design a roadmap for sustainable profitability, positioning Kuhoo for eventual IPO readiness while maintaining its student-centric ethos. Engaging transparently with investors, rating agencies, and regulatory bodies will further solidify Kuhoo’s reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking institution.

Kuhoo’s financial vision for FY 2025–26 includes ambitious targets such as reducing the cost of funds by 30%, maintaining gross non-performing assets below 1%, and securing growth equity to fuel disbursements. Vineet Mahajan’s leadership will be a key enabler for achieving these goals while also ensuring that the company’s platform remains audit-ready and aligned with evolving RBI expectations.

Chennai, May 6, 2025 –Great Lakes Institute of Management has appointed Dr Debashis Sanyal as its new Director, effective May 1, 2025. Dr. Sanyal succeeds Dr. Suresh Ramanathan, who concluded a distinguished six-year tenure marked by remarkable institutional progress. During Dr. Ramanathan’s tenure, Great Lakes earned the AACSB accreditation, attained Tier-1 status from NBA and AICTE, and significantly enhanced its academic and industry reputation. His tenure laid the foundation for the next phase of growth and global recognition.

Dr. Sanyal brings with him over four decades of academic leadership across India and abroad, with a distinguished track record in driving institutional excellence, international accreditations, and innovation in management education. Prior to this role, Dr. Sanyal served as Director at Great Lakes, Gurgaon, where he led the institute to new heights – establishing cutting-edge centers such as the Center for Sustainable Development and the Center of Business Analytics.

Previously, he was Vice Provost-Management and Dean at NMIMS University, Mumbai, where he was instrumental in launching new programs and securing prestigious AMBA and AACSB accreditations. He has also held senior roles at MDI Gurgaon and S.P. Jain Centre of Management, Singapore, and is widely regarded as a leading authority on international accreditation in Indian management education. Notably, he was at the helm when MDI became the first Indian B-school to achieve AMBA accreditation in 2002.

Commenting on the transition, Mr. Mohan Lakhamraju, Chairman, Great Lakes Institute of Management, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Debashis Sanyal as the Director of Great Lakes, Chennai. His deep expertise, proven leadership, and unparalleled contribution to management education in India make him the ideal choice to lead us into the next phase of growth. We are confident that under his stewardship, Great Lakes will continue to innovate, expand its reach, and create transformative impact.”

As Dr. Sanyal steps into his new role, Great Lakes reaffirms its commitment to academic rigor, industry relevance, and global benchmarks, ushering in a new chapter of growth and innovation.

Mumbai, May 6, 2025: Uber, one of India’s leading ride-hailing apps, has partnered with Nike for its After Dark Tour (ADT) — a new, first-ever unique nighttime run in Mumbai. Uber is the as the official ride partner for ADT, reaffirming its commitment to making mobility safer and more accessible for women, especially after dark. Nike’s ADT run is set to be the biggest 10K ever in India and is designed to champion female runners, and the running community .

The partnership is rooted in a powerful insight: as women increasingly own their time for work, fitness or fun – safety concerns still keep many from stepping out after hours. According to a recent consumer survey conducted by Uber among women riders across major metros, 85% of women said they’ve skipped or cancelled a night outing due to transport or safety concerns, with women especially likely to modify their plans based on how safe they feel returning home.

Built on this need for trusted, safe, and convenient mobility, Uber’s collaboration with Nike invites young Indians – especially women – to embrace the night with confidence, not compromise. As the official ride partner for the After Dark Tour in Mumbai, Uber will support attendees with safe, reliable transport options throughout the event whether it is reaching the After Dark Tour venue to run the race or getting home post the event after-party.

As women increasingly take charge of their own schedules – dependable night-time transportation is non-negotiable. 79% said they feel safer using ridesharing apps than other modes of transport at night, and among Uber users, over 94% women agreed that ride-hailing has made it easier to make spontaneous decisions to go out after dark.

Shiva Shailendran, Director, Consumer & Growth, Uber India and South Asia, said, “We’re proud to partner with Nike to power the After Dark Tour. Women shouldn’t have to plan their lives around safety concerns — they should feel empowered to step out whenever they choose. As the official ride partner, Uber is helping make the night feel accessible again – by supporting safe, reliable mobility that meets women where they are.”

“The After Dark Tour Mumbai is a race designed for female runners — it’s about connection, celebration and confidence. The partnership with Uber is aiming to help women runners feel confident getting to and from the race. Together, we’re working to create a race experience that brings women to the forefront and fosters a sense of belonging and connection,” said Tarundeep Singh, GM Nike India.

According to Uber’s survey, the features that most contribute to a sense of safety at night include live GPS tracking (70.8%), emergency button access, and verified driver profiles. These trusted features, combined with Uber’s focus on safety innovation, make it a preferred choice for late-evening travel.

Additional survey insights:

• 85% of women have skipped or cancelled night plans due to transportation or safety concerns.
• 79% said they feel safer using ridesharing apps compared to other modes of transport at night.
• 94% of Uber users said ride-hailing makes it easier to make spontaneous decisions to go out after dark.
• 88% of Uber users said these apps enabled them to pursue social, work, or fitness opportunities at night they might have otherwise avoided.
• 70.8% cited live GPS tracking as the top safety feature.

The impact of safe and reliable mobility goes far beyond nightlife. According to an Oxford Economics study commissioned by Uber, 4 in 10 working women said ride-hailing helped them join the workforce, and 75% cited safety as the top reason for choosing ride-hailing. In fact, access to mobility could increase the female workforce by over 6% by 2028 in India’s top five cities. These insights reaffirm Uber’s belief that safety and freedom of movement are foundational to women’s empowerment.