Archives June 2025

25 June 2025, London: In a deeply personal and expansive conversation at the final day of India Global Forum London 2025 at Taj St. James’ Court, Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman urged artists, institutions, and governments alike to nurture creative freedom and cultural innovation.

“In cinema for over 40 years now, I was bored with the same rectangle form,” Rahman confessed. “It’s just seeing and hearing—what else can we do?” That question sparked Le Musk, Rahman’s pioneering immersive project which brings scent, touch, and narrative together. “The idea came from my ex-wife who loved perfumes. I thought, why not create a theatre experience with perfume and haptics?”

Now coming to London for a year, Le Musk is more than a film—it’s an artistic manifesto, showcasing Rahman’s continued defiance of convention.

The fireside chat turned from personal to philosophical, as Rahman explored the urgent need to preserve traditional Indian music, asking: “Where is the next shehnai player? Where is the next Bismillah Khan Sahib? Unless we find them, recognize them, and let the world see them— they’ll vanish. That’s where the inspiration for JHAALA came in.” JHAALA, Rahman’s initiative to platform and preserve Indian classical arts, seeks to make the invisible visible—through technology, talent discovery, and global exposure.

On artificial intelligence, Rahman struck a balanced note of caution and curiosity: “AI is like Frankenstein—it just steals from human experiences, human knowledge, human art, and then puts together multiple thoughts. It’s copied from us. And now it gets faster, because we feel with emotion—and it just runs on data.”

“We should use it for what it is—for speeding up the mundane. Don’t fear it, use it.”

Beyond technology, Rahman called for a national cultural renaissance: “If you look at South Korea and K-pop, it emerged in the last 10 years because of government involvement and economic growth. It was a collective movement. That needs to happen with Indian music too. We need to reinvent the wheel.”

Throughout the session, one sentiment rang clear: true art is unbound by formats, expectations, or institutions.

“The most important thing about art is freedom,” Rahman stated. “You can’t do that with a film studio.”

He ended with a reminder of music’s enduring universality: “Music transcends religion. It heals. It connects. It’s a shared soul.”

IGF London 2025’s closing conversations made one thing certain: in a world fractured by algorithms and agendas, it is artists like Rahman who restore harmony—not just in sound, but in society.

The forum forms part of IGF London 2025. With over 100+ speakers, 1000 participants, and events across iconic venues in London, IGF London 2025 encompasses a spectrum of topics – from technology and trade to culture and commerce. This year’s edition marks a powerful milestone – a decade since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark 2015 visit to the UK, and the two nations have finalised the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement. IGF London is the first major international platform to celebrate and analyse this historic achievement, unlock new opportunities that emerge from its conclusion, and shape the next phase of UK-India collaboration.

The artist dreams of setting up a Museum of Live Statues in Hyderabad in PPP Mode.

Hyderabad, June 25, 2025 — Dr. A. Rajesh, a renowned live statue artist from Hyderabad, has been honored with a rare distinction for his remarkable creation: a live statue of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, which has been accepted by the Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust and is now installed in the main temple complex in Shirdi. This makes Dr. Rajesh the only artist in the country to receive such esteemed recognition.

Dr. Rajesh’s live statue of Sai Baba is the first ever to be accepted and installed by the Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, making this an exclusive and monumental event in both the art and spiritual realms.

Live statues, especially of revered figures like Sai Baba, are gaining traction as a new form of cultural tourism, bringing in visitors and devotees to see these interactive sculptures that blend spirituality and art said Rajesh while interacting with the media in the city.

A graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNFAU), Dr. Rajesh has brought the revered figure of Shirdi Sai Baba to life through his live statue, capturing the attention of the temple authorities. His creation was not only embraced but also installed within the temple’s sacred premises, alongside six additional live statues of Sai Baba, each made and donated by devotees.

In a statement, Dr. Rajesh expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a rare honour, and a deeply emotional experience. For me, these live statues are more than just art — they bring memories and loved ones back to life.”

Live Statue artists are very few in the country, a handful of them. On average, all these artists spread across India produce about 20 live statues a year. But, this trend is catching up says Dr Rajesh.

It is Rajesh’s dream to set up a “Museum of Live Statues”, something similar to Madame Tussauds in London. He wants to set up a PPP model where he needs two acres of land and corporate support to create 100 live life-size statues of well-known artists in India, as well as Freedom Fighters. He is looking at the investment or support to the extent of Rs 20 to 30 crores for the museum. It is his dream. This could become a major tourism attraction, he said. We can bring to life the heroes of the past

He is also looking for some challenging work. He feels that artists are not getting the support from the government that they deserve.

Dr. Rajesh’s portfolio spans over 50 live statues, along with more than 100 other works of art, including murals, paintings, and sculptures. He has dedicated his career to creating life-like statues that celebrate the lives of revered figures and the memories of lost loved ones. His technique, blending fibreglass and resin, results in lightweight yet durable statues that evoke a profound sense of realism.

“These live statues are not just representations; they are a way to bring the past into the present, allowing us to interact with the memories of those who have passed,” he shared. His creations include life-sized statues of deceased people, helping families preserve their cherished memories. Notably, one of his most heartfelt works is a live statue of his late mother, which he created as a personal tribute.

The concept of live statues is rapidly gaining popularity in India, resonating deeply with the country’s rich tradition of idol worship and reverence for historical and spiritual figures. Through his work, Dr. Rajesh brings to life the revered saints and national icons like Sai Baba and Mahatma Gandhi, offering a fresh and interactive experience for today’s audience. This growing trend highlights India’s longstanding craftsmanship and the innovative ways in which artists like Dr. Rajesh are blending tradition with modern-day artistry.

Over his 16-year career, Dr. Rajesh has earned recognition from prestigious institutions such as Hetero Drugs, NFCL, the Tourism Department, Salarjung Museum, HMDA, and GHMC. His works continue to capture the imagination of those who value the fusion of art, history, and memory.

Dr. Rajesh is not just an artist, but a pioneer who has created a new genre of art that links India’s rich idol-worship tradition with modern interactive art forms.

With over 50 live statues to his credit, Dr. Rajesh has single-handedly revolutionized the live statue genre, making it a mainstream trend that celebrates Indian culture and personal stories.

25th June 2025: As a new AI-related definition of the word slop enters the Cambridge Dictionary, language experts are tracking emerging AI terms.

The traditional definition of slop is “liquid or wet food waste, especially when it is fed to animals”. The newly added definition is: content on the internet that is of very low quality, especially when it is created by artificial intelligence

The term slop has rapidly gained traction online, with online searches for the term AI slop increasing dramatically since April 2024 and continuing to grow (See link to Google trends below).

Colin McIntosh, Programme Manager, Cambridge Dictionary said: “The updated entry reflects growing concerns about increasing amounts of low-quality content created by AI. It’s an important reminder that quality and integrity remain unmistakably human. In an era of machine-made content, those values are more crucial than ever.”

Wendalyn Nichols, Publishing Manager, Cambridge Dictionary, said:
“Think of email in the 90s or hashtag in the 2000s. Now, AI-related words are becoming increasingly part of our everyday lives. It’s our job to track terms used in popular culture and add the ones that are likely to have staying power to the Dictionary.”

Emerging new AI words

Other new words about AI identified by lexicographers at the Cambridge Dictionary – the world’s most popular online dictionary for learners of English – reflect the evolving English language as technology continues to re-shape our world.

Terms such as AI washing, the behaviour of a company or organisation that tries to make people believe that it is using AI to make its products or services better, when really it is not doing this or is only partly doing it, and decel, someone who believes that AI and other new technologies are developing so quickly that they are likely to cause very serious problems and that progress should be deliberately slowed down, are being monitored for possible inclusion in the Cambridge Dictionary.

Other AI terms which are being monitored by Cambridge Dictionary lexicographers include:

Neocloud noun a start-up that specializes in AI-based cloud computing meta face noun
a trend where photos that have been enhanced using AI technology make everyone look similarly flawless and unrealistically beautiful BYOAI abbreviation abbreviation for “bring your own artificial intelligence”: the practice of companies saying that employees can use their own artificial intelligence tools when at work

e/acc noun

abbreviation for “effective accelerationism”: a movement that believes AI and other new technologies should be allowed to develop as quickly as possible without any restrictions

Other new terms capture a technological shift towards autonomous machines that can act independently and beyond the intelligence of humans.

artificial superintelligence noun

a type of artificial intelligence that is much more intelligent than any human and can think, act, learn etc. independently and beyond the abilities of people

agentic AI noun

a type of artificial intelligence that can make decisions and take actions without the need for human input

intention economy noun

a system in which AI learns what people are likely to want to buy or do in the future, with companies using the information to create corresponding products and services

New Delhi, June 25, 2025: iQOO, the high-performance smartphone brand, announced that its latest affordable 5G phone — the iQOO Z10 Lite, will go on sale starting tomorrow, June 25, 12 noon onwards at iQOO e-store and Amazon.in. The iQOO Z10 Lite is tailored for today’s youth, from college students to users looking to upgrade to a 5G smartphone, who demand strong battery life, smooth performance, and modern features.

The iQOO Z10 Lite 5G will be available in two color variants: Cyber Green and Titanium Blue.

On the purchase of iQOO Z10 Lite, customers can enjoy a flat instant discount with selected SBI & HDFC Bank credit/debit cards.

Featuring the segment’s biggest 6000mAh battery*, the iQOO Z10 Lite 5G is built for non-stop entertainment, delivering all-day power and unmatched performance. It is coupled with 15W Type-C fast charging, to ensure users stay unplugged longer and recharge quickly when needed.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor, the iQOO Z10 Lite is built on efficient 6nm process technology and achieves an AnTuTu benchmark score of 4.3 Lakh+. It delivers fast 5G connectivity, smooth multitasking, and immersive entertainment. Engineered for real-world durability, it carries an IP64 rating, resisting dust and splashes with ease. It features a 90Hz HD+ display with 1000 nits High Brightness Mode, and the 8 GB variant also offers 8GB+8GB Extended RAM, ensuring a seamless user experience.

It features a dual rear camera setup with a 50 MP Sony AI main camera and a 5MP selfie camera, redefining expectations in the budget 5G segment. Running on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, the device offers a smooth, user-friendly experience with 2 years of OS updates* and 3 years of security patches. With a 50-month Smooth Usage certification, the Z10 Lite is built to deliver consistent and reliable performance over time.

Continuing iQOO’s commitment to ‘Make in India’, the iQOO Z10 Lite will be manufactured at vivo’s Greater Noida facility. To offer a hassle-free after-sales service experience, iQOO customers can also visit any of the 670+ company-owned service centers across the country.

June 25, 2025: At 81, most people look forward to spending peaceful time with family, but for Mrs. Shanta Roy (name changed), a spirited grandmother from South Kolkata, life took a sudden turn when she was diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer. The news was overwhelming, especially given her advanced age and existing health conditions. Her family, naturally concerned about the risks of surgery at her age, sought expert consultation at CMRI Kolkata. There, they met Dr. S.K. Bala, Consultant – Surgical Oncology & Advanced Robotic Surgery, known for his precision in minimally invasive cancer treatment and his empathetic approach to patient care.

After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Bala recommended a robot-assisted sigmoid colectomy, a minimally invasive surgical technique that offers reduced pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications—particularly beneficial for elderly patients. Initially apprehensive,
Mrs. Roy’s family decided to consult other hospitals across the city. However, despite visiting several reputed institutions, they found that none could match CMRI’s expertise in robotic gastrointestinal surgery. It was the hospital’s Department of Advanced Robotic Surgery and its proven track record, combined with Dr. Bala’s experience, that ultimately brought them back to CMRI.

Just a day before the planned surgery, a routine check revealed a significant mismatch in Mrs. Roy’s blood pressure readings between her arms. Further investigation with CT angiography uncovered a left subclavian artery thrombosis, an unexpected and serious condition that dramatically increased the surgical risk. This development could have delayed or even cancelled the procedure at many centers, but CMRI’s strength lies in its integrated, multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Bala worked closely with the cardiac, vascular, and anesthesia teams to re-evaluate the plan. With careful monitoring and risk management strategies in place, they decided to proceed with the life-saving surgery.

The robot-assisted colectomy, which lasted six hours, was performed with exceptional precision. There were no complications during the procedure, and the tumor was successfully removed with clean margins. The benefits of robotic technology were immediately evident. By the next morning, Mrs. Roy was not only stable, but also cheerful—sitting up in bed and sipping her morning tea with a smile. It was a powerful moment for the medical team and her family alike, reflecting the impact of cutting-edge technology paired with expert care.

Mrs. Roy’s post-operative recovery was smooth and uneventful. She experienced minimal discomfort and required very little pain medication. On the fifth day after surgery, she was discharged from the hospital—walking, pain-free, and filled with gratitude. Her
family expressed deep appreciation for the care, transparency, and excellence they experienced at every step.

Reflecting on the case, Dr. Bala shared, “Mrs. Roy’s story reminds us that age alone should never be a disqualifier for quality treatment. With the precision of robotic surgery and the support of a dedicated, multidisciplinary team, even the most high-risk cases can have safe and successful outcomes.”

CMRI’s Department of Advanced Robotic Surgery continues to lead the way in minimally invasive oncologic procedures in Eastern India, offering hope to patients who may otherwise be considered too fragile for traditional treatment. Mrs. Shanta Roy’s journey stands as a powerful testament to how compassion, advanced technology, and expert surgical care can come together to restore life, dignity, and independence—regardless of age.

Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka and 10+ International Diplomats to Felicitate Leading SMEs and Strengthen Global Trade Ties

Bengaluru, 25 June 2025 – The Global India Business Forum (GIBF), a premier international business chamber, is proud to host the 2nd Edition of the India–Asia & Europe Business Conclave & National Awards for Business Excellence 2025 on 28th June at Radisson Blu Atria, Bengaluru.

The high-profile event will serve as a strategic platform to recognize exemplary entrepreneurs and drive international collaborations for Indian SMEs, especially with Asia and Europe. Over 150 influential business leaders and entrepreneurs from sectors including manufacturing, IT, pharmaceuticals, agri-tech, hospitality, logistics, and clean energy are expected to participate.

Distinguished Guests:
Chief Guest:
Hon’ble Shri Thawarchand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka

Participating Diplomats & Trade Representatives:

H.E. Mr. Ganbold Dambajav – Ambassador of Mongolia

H.E. Mrs. Ana Taban – Ambassador of Moldova

H.E. Mr. Sinisa Pavic – Ambassador of Serbia

H.E. Mr. Vakhtang Jaoshvili – Ambassador of Georgia

H.E. Mr. Mikhail M. Kasko – Ambassador of Belarus

Dr. Mostafa Goharifar – Economic Counselor, Iran

Mr. Evgeny Griva – Deputy Trade Commissioner, Russia

Mr. Aitmagambetov Epmek Yermek – Second Secretary, Kazakhstan

Ms. Diloro Mirova – First Secretary, Tajikistan

Mr. Abduganiev Abdulaziz – Counsellor, Uzbekistan

Mr. Song Bo & Mr. Yu Yang – Economic & Commercial Office, China

Event Highlights:
National Awards Ceremony honoring top-performing SMEs from across India

Country presentations and bilateral trade showcases

Sectoral panel discussions and keynote addresses

B2B matchmaking sessions with over 150+ SMEs

Networking opportunities with international trade officials and diplomats

This landmark event is part of GIBF’s ongoing mission to promote SME engagement in global markets and strengthen international trade ties through knowledge-sharing, dialogue, and strategic partnerships.

About GIBF:

The Global India Business Forum is an international chamber of commerce and trade facilitation platform with a growing network of over 97,000 members across 135+ countries. GIBF connects Indian SMEs with global markets through curated events, trade delegations, and diplomatic engagements, empowering entrepreneurs to tap into new opportunities worldwide.

Mumbai, 25th June, 2025: DOMS Industries Ltd., one of India’s fastest-growing consumer brands, has a strong footprint across retail and learning categories. It has recently launched a new powerful campaign to introduce the INXON pen, specifically designed for a fast and smooth writing experience.

Among the many products in their learning category, the DOMS INXON Pen stands out as a game-changer. Engineered for excellence, it features an ergonomic grip, sleek design, and most notably, Vacuum-Based Centrifuge Technology enabling an ultra-smooth and super-fast writing experience.

The dynamic new advertising campaign developed in collaboration with creative agency TIDAL 7 and produced by Gulliver Films throws light on an important topic: while children at school are full of ambition, they often struggle to manage the pressures of a packed curriculum.

The story revolves around a student “Vicky” who impresses his classmates by finishing his studies well ahead of time leaving them wondering , “Vicky ko itna time kaise milta hai?”

The advertisement reveals the new DOMS INXON Pen to be his secret to writing faster, finishing quicker, and finding more time for everything else, captured by the tagline:

“Likho Fast, Karo Jyaada” – Write Fast. Live More.

Talking about the new launch, Chief Marketing Officer of DOMS, Saumitra Prasad stated:

“DOMS INXON Pen represents yet another breakthrough innovation designed to inspire and empower young learners. Backed by strong consumer insights, our latest advertising campaign is crafted to resonate deeply with school-age users and their parents. With its smooth, fast writing experience, the DOMS INXON Pen helps children focus more on learning and creativity giving them more time to chase their dreams and reach their full potential.”

CEO and Chief Strategy Officer of Tidal7 Brand and Digital, Venkat Mallik stated:

“DOMS is a much-loved brand among children and youngsters. Working on the DOMS INXON Pen launch has been a great experience. Its smoothness and comfortable grip help you write faster and non-stop. We built the campaign around this core idea of saving time to do more of what you love. Since our audience is young, we ensured the story was bright, fun, and full of life.”

Gulliver Motion Pictures, Director, Parikshit Vaidya stated:

“‘Vicky ko itna time kaise milta hai’ is set to become a popular line among kids. The brief was spot on, clear messaging and creatively exciting. Working with children is always a joy, and with the support of Tidal7, the DOMS team, and a fantastic crew, the film turned into a true collaborative effort. We’re proud of how it shaped up and hope audiences love it too.”

Bengaluru , 25th June 2025 : Shubhranshu Singh, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, has been named to the prestigious 2025 Forbes World’s Most Influential CMOs list. This global recognition reflects his sharp brand acumen, strategic storytelling, and deep understanding of Indian culture—qualities that continue to make a mark well beyond the category.

Released annually by Forbes, the list honours marketing leaders who are shaping narratives, influencing consumer behaviour, and inspiring purpose-led change across industries. Singh is one of only two CMOs from India to be featured this year—a proud moment for Indian marketing leadership on the global stage.

In an equally significant move, the newly constituted EffieLIONS Foundation also invited Singh to join their inaugural board. The foundation , a 501(c) organization based in New York State, seeks to educate and empower the next generation of marketing talent globally, with an emphasis on underrepresented communities.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Singh will have a voice in shaping the marketing industry’s future talent, ensure that the marketing industry attracts the diverse talent needed for its future success, and connect with other industry leaders who share a common mission

Singh will work with a special focus on helping the foundation address the needs of India and South Asia. The Foundation Board will meet twice annually – once in January, typically in New York or London and during the Cannes LIONS Festival of Creativity in June.

A Marketer Who Builds Meaning

Known for his clarity of thought and narrative strength, Singh has led Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles through a powerful brand transformation—one that brings together purpose, emotion, and national identity. His work continues to redefine how commercial vehicle brands can engage meaningfully with customers and communities alike.

Reacting to the news of his name being included in the 2025 Forbes World’s Most Influential CMOs list, Singh shared: “This recognition by Forbes is deeply humbling. I thank all my team members across all my various stints and the partners who enabled me to deliver. I believe in the power of brand building and meaningful storytelling.”

On being an inaugural member of the Board of Directors of the Effie LIONS Foundation, Singh said: “It is a great responsibility that has been bestowed upon me. As a member of the board representing Asia Pacific with a special focus on India and South Asia , I shall endeavour to drive inclusion, opportunity, upskilling and find corporate backers for the very special collegiate program. I am excited about the difference I can potentially make.”

Driving Brand India

Under Singh’s leadership, the Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles brand has evolved into a forward-looking, values-driven brand that champions innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity—while staying deeply connected to the evolving aspirations of modern India.

Bhubaneswar, 25^th June: As one of the leading life insurers in Odisha, Bharti AXA Life Insurance announces its expansion into four new cities and towns — Nayagarh, Puri, Keonjhar, Kendrapara. This move reinforces the company’s commitment to deepening insurance awareness and penetration along with  creating employment opportunities in these underserved regions.

Demonstrating an unwavering dedication to also providing employment opportunities, the company has launched its flagship apprenticeship program, BIMA BHARTI, in Odisha under the Government of India’s National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). The company kick-started the training session for the first all-women`s batch of apprentices, which will provide them with hands-on learning across functions such as business development, product knowledge, and marketing activities.

This will enable the company to focus on skilling local youths, particularly women while also providing them with the necessary training for building a bright future in the insurance sector. The apprentices will also be eligible for performance-based incentives, providing an opportunity to enhance their overall earnings during the program.

The duration of the apprenticeship is 6 months. Apprentices will receive certification from the Government of India upon successful completion, which is recognized across employment exchanges in the country.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Murli Jalan, Chief Business Officer – New Revenue Verticals at Bharti AXA Life Insurance said, “Odisha holds strategic importance for us, and our growth in the region is rooted in the trust our customers place in us. With our expansion into new markets and through BIMA BHARTI, we are investing in the next generation of talent — empowering them with industry-relevant skills. This initiative reflects our dual commitment to creating insurance awareness and enabling youth employability in the market.”

This well-focussed approach enables Bharti AXA Life Insurance to combine economic empowerment with insurance awareness, contributing to both local employment generation and increased insurance penetration across Odisha.

India, 25 June 24, 2025 – After a decade of supporting teachers and students around the world, Quizizz is now Wayground. The rebrand reflects the platform’s evolution from a quiz tool into a more versatile supplemental learning platform that’s supported by AI.

“Over the past ten years, teacher feedback has transformed a simple formative assessment tool into a destination for teachers to browse, bring, or build any instructional resource and quickly deliver it to students,” said Ankit Gupta, Founder and CEO. “Our new name reflects that growth and our belief that every student can find their way within the common ground of the classroom.”

A Decade of Growth, Led by Teachers

Wayground began in 2015 with a focus on interactive classroom quizzes. It has evolved to include resources, student supports, and reporting for every part of a teacher’s lesson. Today, the platform serves educators in over 150 countries and, as of June 2025, 90% of U.S. schools.

AI Where It Counts

Wayground’s next chapter includes thoughtful use of AI to enhance, not replace, human instruction.

“We’re seeing millions of users engage with AI every week, but it doesn’t replace the human connection and critical thinking that make learning happen. We believe AI should work in the background to support the moments that matter most—like when a teacher walks over to a student’s desk and says just the right thing to help them move forward,” said Gupta.

Rather than isolating students behind screens, AI powers behind-the-scenes tools like translation, difficulty adjustments, and accessibility features such as dyslexia font, read-aloud, and more. AI-powered accommodations let teachers confidently support a wide range of learners in a group setting without slowing down the class or singling anyone out.

“It’s a Swiss Army Knife,” said Gary Lambert, Director of IT, Communications & Security for Beekmantown CSD, New York. “Every teacher finds something new to do with it. The first time I used the AI, I said ‘there’s no way it can be that easy’ and I emailed my staff.”

 New Updates for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

As part of the rebrand, Wayground is also announcing several platform updates for the new school year:

• Curriculum Alignment to quickly find resources mapped to standards and curricula
• Lesson Bundles that streamline lesson planning and student access by combining standalone activities
• Flexible AI Generation Hub to transform a single file into multiple interactive formats
• Expanded Accommodations to provide language and accessibility supports across video, slides, and assessments
• VoyageMath, a new middle school program for individualized instruction and feedback

Legal Structure and User Access Stay Consistent

The legal entity, company ownership, user account access, and privacy practices are unchanged by the platform rename. Existing links and integrations will continue to work, and users will be automatically redirected to wayground.com.