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  • Sony Pictures Networks India Unveils Strategic Leadership Changes


    Ajay Bhalwankar, Nachiket Pantvaidya, Tushar Shah

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced three significant leadership changes, reflecting the company’s continued dedication to strategic growth and operational excellence. These appointments are pivotal for SPNI’s journey, with each leader bringing valuable expertise and fresh perspectives to their respective roles.

    Nachiket Pantvaidya, an industry veteran with a rich and diverse career spanning multiple leading media companies, is now taking over as the Business Head of Sony Entertainment Television (SET). This marks his third stint with SPNI. While he joins SET, he will also continue to manage his role as General Manager at Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP). Nachiket has consistently demonstrated strategic prowess and leadership in his previous roles at SPNI, including managing P&L for SET, developing iconic franchises, and boosting advertising and distribution revenues. His broader role will enable him to leverage his extensive expertise to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences across both platforms.

    Ajay Bhalwankar, who has been with SPNI since 2014, currently heads its Marathi channel. He previously served as the chief creative director for SPNI’s flagship General Entertainment Channel, Sony Entertainment Television (SET). Under his leadership, Sony Marathi has seen significant growth, delivering high-quality, engaging content that resonates with Marathi audiences. Ajay’s strategic vision has enabled Sony Marathi to carve a niche in the crowded Marathi GEC market. His emphasis on progressive and relatable content has helped the channel capture a 9% market share. Moving forward, Ajay will additionally spearhead Sony SAB as its business head. With his experience and creative insight, Ajay is well-positioned to bring fresh and engaging content to Sony SAB’s diverse audience, further strengthening the channel’s reputation for quality entertainment.

    Tushar Shah is the Business Head of English, Bengali, and Infotainment Channels and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI). He oversees prominent channels such as Sony PIX, Sony AATH, and Sony BBC Earth. With nearly 18 years of experience across two tenures at SPNI, Tushar has driven significant growth and profitability and enhanced viewership. His strategic leadership has also been crucial in the successful reach and expansion of Sony AATH in West Bengal. Going forward, Tushar will additionally oversee Sony MAX, Sony MAX HD, Sony MAX 2, Sony WAH and Sony PAL. His expertise will fuel further innovation across these channels, enhancing their market presence.

  • SEBI chief, husband issue detailed rebuttal to Hindenburg’s allegations |

    Mumbai, Aug 11 (IANS) SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband, Dhaval Buch, on Sunday issued a detailed response to the accusations made by US short-seller Hindenburg Research, saying it is unfortunate that instead of replying to the show-cause notice, they have chosen to attack the credibility of the SEBI and attempt character assassination of the SEBI Chairperson.

    In the new statement released in their personal capacity, the couple firmly addressed all the allegations, providing a detailed rebuttal and emphasized that the contested investment occurred before Madhabi’s tenure at SEBI.

    “The investment in the fund referred to in the Hindenburg report was made in 2015 when they were both private citizens living in Singapore and almost 2 years before Madhabi joined SEBI, even as a Whole Time Member,” the statement read.

    “The decision to invest in this fund was because the Chief Investment Officer, Anil Ahuja, is Dhaval’s childhood friend from school and IIT Delhi and, being an ex-employee of Citibank, J.P. Morgan and 3i Group plc, had many decades of a strong investing career,” it added.

    The fact that these were the drivers of the investment decision is borne out by the fact that when, in 2018, Ahuja left his position as CIO of the fund, “we redeemed the investment in that fund”.

    “As confirmed by Ahuja, at no point in time did the fund invest in any bond, equity, or derivative…,” the couple stressed.

    The statement said that Dhaval’s appointment, in 2019, as Senior Advisor to Blackstone Private Equity was on account of his deep expertise in Supply Chain management.

    “Thus, his appointment pre-dates Madhabi’s appointment as SEBI Chairperson. This appointment has been in the public domain ever since. At no time has Dhaval been associated with the Real Estate side of Blackstone. On his appointment, the Blackstone Group was immediately added to Madhabi’s recusal list maintained with SEBI,” the statement read.

    The two consulting companies set up by Madhabi during her stay in Singapore, one in India and one in Singapore, became immediately dormant on her appointment with SEBI. These companies (and her shareholding in them) were explicitly part of her disclosures to SEBI.

    The statement said that after Dhaval retired from Unilever in 2019, he started his own consultancy practice through these companies.

    “Dhaval’s deep expertise in Supply Chain allowed him to work with prominent clients in the Indian industry. Thus, linking accruals in these companies to Madhabi’s current government salary is malicious,” it noted.

    The couple said that SEBI has strong institutional mechanisms of disclosure and recusal norms as per the code of conduct applicable to its officers.

    “Accordingly, all disclosures and recusals have been diligently followed, including disclosures of all securities held or subsequently transferred,” they added.

    Madhabi is an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and has had a corporate career of over two decades in banking and financial services, largely in the ICICI Group.

    Dhaval is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and has had a corporate career of 35 years in Hindustan Unilever Limited in India and then in Unilever globally as part of its senior management team.

  • Samsung Expands Its Retail Footprint with a New Premium Store in Pune

    The new store is set to enhance consumer experiences with immersive gaming and SmartThings zones

    Spanning 2,000 sq. ft., the store is located in Pune’s growing business hub and shopping destination – Phoenix Market City at Viman Nagar

    Consumers will get, 2X loyalty points on all transactions above INR 15000 and Galaxy Fit3 at INR 1999 on buying select Galaxy devices for a limited period

    PUNE: Samsung, India’s leading consumer electronics company, has inaugurated its new premium experience store at Phoenix Marketcity in Pune, Maharashtra. The store will be a one-stop solution for consumer needs around sales and customer service. Situated at Pacific Mall, a prime shopping destination, the store will offer captivating experiences to consumers, including its connected device ecosystem – Samsung SmartThings – and host various engaging activities.

    Spanning a total area of 2,000 sq. ft., the store is designed to offer consumers immersive zones showcasing, smartphones, laptops, audio, gaming, and SmartThings among others. At the store, Samsung will host a variety of Galaxy workshops as part of its ‘Learn @ Samsung’ program designed for Gen Z and millennial consumers. This will include seminars around AI education focusing on consumer passion points such as productivity, doodling, photography, fitness, and events celebrating local culture.

    Consumers coming into the store will get, 2X loyalty points (on all transactions above INR 15000) and Galaxy Fit3 at INR 1999 with select Galaxy devices as a limited-period offer

    In addition, consumers can also avail of always-on special benefits such as up to 22.5% cashback on leading banks, student benefits of up to 10% on smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches, and up to INR 21000 in ecosystem benefits on select items.

    “Witnessing an exhilarating response from consumers in Pune and adjoining markets, we are optimistic that our new store will captivate shoppers just as much and help us connect better with our consumers. The new store allows them to enjoy a holistic product and service experience. Galaxy workshops will also be conducted under the larger ‘Learn @ Samsung’ program to drive AI Education”, said Sumit Walia, Vice President, of D2C Business, Samsung India.

    The new store will offer a phygital experience through Samsung’s Store+ endless aisle platform. With Store+, consumers can browse over 1,200 Samsung products online or in-store using a digital kiosk and have products delivered directly to their homes.

    Consumers can also access Samsung’s digital lending platform, Samsung Finance+, and opt for Samsung Care+ plans for Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. The store also provides after-sales service for smartphones and the convenience of booking home service calls for all consumer electronics needs.

  • Comprehensive Protection with Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch

    PUNE: Term insurance is a critical component of financial planning, providing financial security and peace of mind to policyholders and their families. Offering substantial life cover at an affordable premium, term insurance ensures well-being and financial stability in the event of the untimely demise of the policyholder. One such product that recognizes the importance of a comprehensive term plan, is Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch. This unique product offers the flexibility to choose from three variants with value-packed features that help families of policyholders keep their life goals on track.

    While the market offers innovative, value-packed products such as Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch at affordable prices, it’s equally critical for customers to understand the importance of adequate coverage. Underinsurance remains a significant issue in India, with many individuals lacking sufficient coverage to meet their loved one’s financial needs. The general rule of thumb is that life insurance coverage should be at least 10 times one’s annual income. Policyholders can meet this benchmark with the Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch, which also provides holistic Health Management Services.

    Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch has three variants: Life Shield, Life Shield ROP & Life Shield Plus. All the 3 variants come with an inbuilt feature of Waiver of Premium in the event of Accidental Total Permanent Disability or Terminal Illness. With the Life Shield ROP variant, the policyholder will receive a one-time amount which is equal to total premiums paid upon maturity if he/she survives the policy term. As for the Life Shield Plus variant, an additional payout is provided in the unfortunate event of a death resulting from an accident, in addition to the regular death benefit.

    The Company has enhanced its commitment to holistic well-being by offering Health Management Services tailored for women. These services provide easy and quick access to medical facilities, supporting customers in achieving their overall health objectives, conveniently integrated into a single product. They include comprehensive health check-ups and OPD in-clinic consultations for routine check-ups and minor treatments. It also provides instant access to medical consultations and holistic well-being offerings.

  • Sahyadri Hospitals Launches Asia’s First State-of-the-Art Radiotherapy Treatment for Cancer Patients

    First in Asia – Radixact X9 with VitalHold Technology is Asia’s first technology now available at Sahyadri Hospitals

    AI-Powered – Helps in providing AI-driven intra-fraction Imaging and Treatment Delivery

    Kills cancer with Extreme precision and accuracy

    PUNE: Sahyadri Hospitals is proud to announce the introduction of Asia’s first TomoTherapy Radixact X9 system integrated with the advanced VitalHold technology. This revolutionary addition represents the latest advancement in radiation therapy, offering unparalleled precision and improved patient outcomes, particularly for cancers where motion management is critical.

    “The system offers real-time adaptation based on imaging, ensuring the radiation dose is accurately delivered to the target while sparing healthy tissues. This is particularly beneficial for tumors that move with respiration, such as those in the lung and abdominal regions,” said Dr. Sanjay Hunugundmath, Lead Radiation Oncologist at Sahyadri Hospitals. “This system sets a new standard for precision and patient care for cancer patients in Pune. This technology uses millions of laser points on the patient’s body to ensure precise positioning and continuous monitoring, improving treatment accuracy and efficiency”, he added.

    The Radixact X9 system, already known for its versatility and precision, is now further empowered by VitalHold, a technology that offers significant benefits for managing motion through Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) techniques. This feature is crucial for treating cancers in the thoracic region, such as lung and breast cancers, where precise targeting is essential. DIBH technique in this system stabilizes the position of tumors and surrounding tissues, ensuring that radiation is accurately delivered to the target while minimizing exposure to other healthy tissues.

    This system represents the first installation in Asia and one of the standout features of VitalHold is the Auto Beam Hold, which automatically pauses radiation delivery if the patient moves out of the tolerance limit during treatment. This ensures enhanced safety and precision. This technology incorporates clarity Imaging Technology, providing high-definition images with improved soft tissue contrast. This allows for more precise identification and localization of tumors, enhancing treatment accuracy. Unlike traditional imaging methods, the system uses helical kVCT imaging, producing continuous high-resolution images as the gantry rotates around the patient. This ensures rapid image acquisition, reducing the potential for patient movement and image artifacts.

    “Currently, only three centers worldwide, including Sahyadri Hospitals, offer the Radixact X9 system with VitalHold. This exclusive technology positions Sahyadri Hospitals at the forefront of cancer treatment, providing patients with access to cutting-edge therapies that improve outcomes and quality of life,” said Dr. Shona Nag, Director, of the Oncology Department, Sahyadri Hospitals. “The Radixact X9 without VitalHold is covered under standard insurance packages, classified as image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). Efforts are underway to secure specific coverage for VitalHold, ensuring that advanced cancer care is accessible and affordable.”

    Patients undergoing treatment with this technology experience enhanced comfort and effectiveness, as it improves setup accuracy and reduces the need for physical markers. The breath-hold technique is user-friendly, with visual cues in the treatment room to guide patients. The entire room turns green when the patient holds their breath correctly, simplifying the process and reducing stress. The technology is suitable for treating a wide range of cancers, including thoracic cancers (lung and breast), abdominal cancers (liver, esophageal), prostate cancer and also pediatric tumors, and total body irradiation (TBI).

    Abrarali Dalal, Director and CEO of Sahyadri Hospitals, states, “We are excited to make this groundbreaking technology available in Pune. Sahyadri has always been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technology to ensure the best clinical outcomes for our patients. Our team at Sahyadri Hospitals has embraced this advanced technology with extensive training. We are committed to providing the highest standards of care by leveraging the full capabilities of the Radixact X9 system with VitalHold, ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients. The addition of this unique technology will significantly boost our center of excellence in oncology care. We are working diligently to include this advanced treatment in insurance packages, making it accessible and affordable for our patients.”

    Sahyadri Hospitals’ launch of the TomoTherapy Radixact X9 system with VitalHold marks a significant milestone in cancer treatment. By integrating state-of-the-art technologies, Sahyadri Hospitals continues to lead the way in providing innovative, precise, and patient-centric care.

  • Pune Surgeons Successfully Transplant Kidney Despite Blood Group Mismatch and Multiple Arteries


    Left to right: Mr.Rahul Mashale (Donor), Mrs Aarti Mashale ( Recipient), Dr.Saurabh Khiste – Consultant – Nephrology, Dr.Anand Dharaskar – Consultant -Urology, Dr.Tarun Jeloka- Hod & Consultant – Nephrology & Transplant, Dr. Aashish Pathak – Consultant – Anaesthesiology, Dr. Shrirang Ranade – Consultant – Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery, Mr.Anand Mote – Cluster Director – Manipal Hospital, Pune, Dr.Chinmay Erram – Head Medical Services, Reshma Kulawade – Transplant Coordinator at Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune.

    ABO incompatibility between the donor (AB+) and the recipient (A+) increases the risk of rejection and requires special protocols to overcome

    A rare case of the donor having triple renal arteries

    PUNE: Despite challenges of different blood groups and multiple arteries, a 40-year-old female resident of Pune who suffered kidney failure was successfully treated by the doctors of Manipal Hospital, Baner.

    Aarti Mashale, a homemaker, has been facing a series of severe health issues since 2015. Her struggles began with a diagnosis of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and lupus nephritis, a debilitating autoimmune disease. Despite trying five different forms of medications, her severe hypertension remained uncontrolled. In 2020, her health further deteriorated with the onset of herpes zoster and diabetes. By April 2021, she had developed early signs of kidney failure, which rapidly progressed, culminating in the need for dialysis by 2023.

    As Aarti’s condition continued to deteriorate, she required an urgent kidney transplant. Her husband, Rahul Mashale (43) decided to donate one of his kidneys. However, the transplant was challenging due to ABO incompatibility (mismatched blood group), with Rahul having AB+ blood and Aarti having A+ blood. Further evaluation revealed an additional challenge that Rahul had triple renal arteries, a rare anatomy occurring in only 10% of the population. Defying all odds, Dr. Tarun Jeloka and Dr. Anand Dharaskar along with their team, successfully performed the kidney transplant on 18th July 2024. 

    Speaking on the case, Dr. Anand Dharasakar, Consultant Urology said, “This was a challenging case for us. Performing a transplant was complicated as the donor had three renal arteries, while the recipient had only one. Suturing the three arteries was difficult in the donor’s case, therefore, we performed a laparoscopic surgery to harvest the kidney, which is less invasive, quicker to heal, and more cosmetically preferred for the donor. However, transplanting the kidney into the recipient with only one artery was equally daunting, requiring precise vascular reconstruction to ensure proper blood flow.”

    Overcoming the challenge of mismatched blood groups, Dr. Tarun Jeloka, Consultant of Nephrology and Transplant said, “We performed the transplant using a special protocol for incompatible blood types. To reduce the risk of rejection, we gave the patient a monoclonal antibody medication two weeks before the transplant, followed by additional medications a week before. We also did a procedure called plasma exchange to remove harmful antibodies from the blood until they reached a safe level. Despite the higher risks, the transplant was successful, just like a matched transplant. The patient’s kidney function became normal within two days, and was able to go home without any complications.”

    The donor was discharged within 7 days, while the recipient was discharged within 9 days of the procedure. The recovery period for both will be the same as for matched transplants: 2-4 weeks for donors and 6-12 weeks for recipients. Both donor and recipient can expect to live normal lives, with the recipient required to take transplant medications lifelong.

    The transplant team involved Dr. Tarun Jeloka, Dr. Anand Dharaskar, Dr. Saurabh Khiste, Dr. Shrirang Ranade, Dr. Nilesh Warwantkar, Dr. Ranjeet Maheshgauri. Anesthesia support was provided by a team headed by Dr. Ashish Pathak. 

    In India, as reported in 2022, 71% are female donors, and among spousal transplants, 90% are wives. Males are considered bread-earning members and hence have a concern toward non-donation. However, we want to emphasize that kidney donation does not compromise health in any way and this and similar cases should become examples for male donors.

  • Axis Bank Launches Sparsh Week 2024 Focused on Customer Delight


    Sparsh Week 2024

    Launches a curated, Pan-India initiative to train and empower Bank employees for elevating overall customer experience and building WoW moments throughout the customer journey.

    The second edition of this customer-centric initiative – Sparsh 2.0 embarks on the transformational journey from “customer obsession as a goal” to “customer obsession as a process” by creating moments of customer delight, leading to customer loyalty.

    Rolls out exclusive offers on the opening of accounts, demat accounts, vehicle financing, home loans, education loans, health insurance, etc. for customers.

    Hosts a series of engaging sessions for customers, employees, and partners.

    INDIA: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, continues to strengthen its relationship with customers by launching the second edition of its customer-centric initiative ‘Sparsh Week 2024’. During this week, commencing from August 5th to 9th, the Bank will organize a series of customer-focused activities for its employees and customers. These activities aim to amplify the spirit and promise of, “delighting customers, every day”, and embracing it as a continuous process and standard practice for all employees across the bank and its subsidiaries.

    Aligning with Sparsh’s core philosophy of ‘Listen, Act, and Celebrate’, the Bank will host a series of interesting programs such as Masterclasses, Fireside Chats, Customer and Leadership Connects, and Panel Discussions where speakers will share their valuable insights and experience with the employees and re-install the ethos of customer delight. As a part of the initiative, the Bank will roll out exclusive offers through its 5,000+ branches to celebrate Sparsh Week with its customers –

    30 Lac Health Insurance (Family Plan) at an annual premium of Rs. 2,499

    Free Axis Direct Account with access to Smart Edge and a basket of stocks with 72% return in a year*

    Up to 100% on-road funding for vehicle loans, including Electric Vehicles, with approximately 50 bps lower interest rates

    Access to 100% loan financing for education, including financing for living expenses, pre-visa disbursement facility, and pre-admission sanction letter

    12 EMIs* off with Fast Forward & Shubh Aarambh Home Loans (for home loans above 30 Lacs)

    Credit card offers and discounts on Grab deals, Easy Dinner, and Travel Edge

    Rs. 250 Amazon voucher for opening a Prestige & Sampann Account

    Commenting on the launch, Vijay Mulbagal, Group Executive, Axis Bank said, “Happy customers bring all of their banking needs to the Bank and refer friends & family. Sparsh 2.0 values such as listening to customers with intent, empathizing with customers, and focusing on input metrics lead to creating a series of customer delight moments, consequently making customers 10/10 promoters of the bank. The sparsh week will have a lot of action for both customers and employees focused on these values. We also have special offers running for customers during this week.“

    This year, the Bank will directly engage with customers through various initiatives such as –Axis Bank Launches Sparsh Week 2024 Focused on Customer Delight

    Meet and Greet with customers across select branches

    Familiarizing senior citizen customers with digital banking

    Organizing test drives and offering auto loans in select cities

    Building a connection with potential customers through ‘Samaroh’, a customer outreach initiative to create awareness about the Bank’s products & services

    Felicitating customers from large corporations and conglomerates

    Various Sparsh initiatives over the last three years have been instrumental in driving the Net Promoter Scores (NPS) of the Bank.  There has been a significant boost in the Retail Bank’s NPS score in the last two years, ranking Axis Bank as the No. 2 bank as per the Kantar survey.

  • Kuku FM Dominates India Audio Summit and Awards, Securing Wins Across All Audiobooks Categories

    Kuku FM Dominates

    8th Aug 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Kuku FM, India’s leading audio content platform, triumphantly swept the India Audio Summit and Awards (IASA) with four major wins on 4th April, 2024 in Mumbai. These awards underscore Kuku FM’s commitment to providing exceptional audio experiences that resonate with Indian audiences.

    The IASA jury panel comprises a diverse group of esteemed critics & veterans from the audio industry, as well as marketing leaders of brands that rely on the medium heavily. Kuku FM securing multiple awards in front of this panel signifies a major endorsement.

    It highlights that the platform’s content meets industry-wide standards of excellence, resonates with audiences and creators across entertainment sectors, and demonstrates Kuku FM’s potential to disrupt the Indian entertainment landscape. Furthermore, this recognition from industry leaders provides Kuku FM with strong validation that will be key in attracting further talent and partnerships.

    Celebrating Excellence in Audio

    The India Audio Summit and Awards recognizes and celebrates the best in India’s audio landscape, including audiobooks, audio dramas, global bestsellers, and exceptional talents within the industry. Kuku FM’s remarkable success at IASA is a testament to the platform’s dedication to innovation and culturally relevant audio content.

    Kuku FM received 11 nominations across multiple categories, securing 4 prestigious wins at the India Audio Summit and Awards (IASA) for Audiobook of the Year, Audio Drama of the Year, and Voice of the Year – Male & Female. Of these, Kuku FM received an impressive four nominations for Audiobook of the Year, winning in the category with its audiobook titled “12th Fail.” Notably, Kuku FM also received nominations for audiobooks in regional languages, including “Kadamattathu Kathanar” (Malayalam) and “Auto Shankar” (Tamil).

    Kuku FM also secured three nominations for Best Audiobook Drama, bringing home a win for “Sherlock”. Additionally, they were recognized with two nominations each for Voice of the Year – Male and Female, resulting in wins for Vrajesh Hirjee (“Ram Katha: Suljhaye Sabki Vyatha”) and Pallavi Bharti (“Heer”) respectively.

    The convergence of audio and visual storytelling is highlighted by “12th Fail” winning both Best Film and Best Audiobook this year. This win continues the resurgence of Randeep Hooda, an actor who has charted an independent path after facing challenges in nepotistic Bollywood circles. He showcased his versatility by both directing “Savarkar” and starring as the iconic Sherlock Holmes in Kuku FM’s audio drama.

    In keeping with traditional Indian narratives and celebrating the Ayodhya Mandir unveiling, Kuku FM’s “Ram Katha: Suljhaye Sabki Vyatha” provides a modern take on the Ramleela, resonating with contemporary audiences. Additionally, “Heer” demonstrates Kuku FM’s dedication to reviving the romance genre, an area where cinemagoers have been starved for ages. These productions showcase Kuku FM’s unique ability to capture the essence of Indian culture through the power of audio.

    Kuku FM’s Winning Productions:

    Audiobook of the Year: 12th Fail – This award highlights the captivating power of audiobooks and is further amplified by the title’s parallel success as ‘Best Film’ elsewhere, demonstrating the growing convergence of audio and visual storytelling. The audiobook challenges the limitations of civil services aspirants’ minds. It presents an unconventional narrative that defies the traditional notion of who these candidates are.

    Audio Drama of the Year: Sherlock (Voiced by Randeep Hooda as Sherlock, Karan Grover as Watson) – This win underscores Kuku FM’s mastery of the audio drama format and celebrates the iconic pairing of Randeep Hooda and Karan Grover’s performances which breathed new life into these beloved literary characters. The story asks if Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson can solve this mystery happening in Bengal during the Bhaskar era. The case is called “Sherlock: The Curse of Bhaskar Villa.” It shows Sherlock dealing with one of his toughest investigations ever.

    Best Narrator – Male: Vrajesh Hirjee for Ram Katha: Suljhaye Sabki Vyatha – Vrajesh Hirjees’ masterful narration is recognized for bringing a modern perspective to a timeless epic. This spiritual content coincided with the historic unveiling of the Ayodhya mandir, presenting a fresh version of the beloved Ramayana for today’s young audience.

    Best Narrator – Female: Pallavi Bharti for Heer – Pallavi Bharti’s evocative performance earns recognition for its role in reviving the romance genre and demonstrating the emotional power of well-crafted audio content. Her emotional storytelling brought back the era of romance which took the listeners into a world of classic love. The story revolves around Heer and Anhad, who realize their love for each other when it seems too late.

    Kuku FM: India’s Audio Streaming Leader

    “These wins affirm the validation of over 6 million listeners who have heard & loved our winners,” said Vinod Kumar Meena, COO & Co-founder, Kuku FM. “From working with distinct voices like Vrajesh Hirjee or bringing the action to life with superior audio engineering in Sherlock, we continue to work towards making the best content accessible to every section of the society, in the language & format they’re comfortable with. And we’re delighted to see that these strategic partnerships & our exceptional talent pool are pulling us ahead of the curve.”

    Recently, Kuku FM also inked a content partnership with Stockholm-based e-book and audiobook subscription service Storytel to enhance Kuku FM’s capacity to meet evolving audience needs. This recent partnership deal with Storytel also marks Kuku FM’s second major partnership following its exclusive audiobook rights acquisition from India’s largest book publisher, Rupa Publications, which took place last year. Including these content deals, Kuku FM has established itself as India’s leading audio content platform, creating, producing, marketing, and distributing exclusive premium audio content across 20+ genres and 7+ premium content in 7+ languages.

    Kuku FM’s unwavering focus on creating original content, as well as partnering with India’s leading publishers, positions the platform at the forefront of India’s rapidly expanding audio landscape. With over 49 million downloads, 40 million+ total listeners till date, and more than 2 million paid subscribers, Kuku FM continues to be the go-to destination for engaging audio content in India.


    Mansi Praharaj

  • Discover Nek’s Stunning Gold & Silver Rakhis


    Gold & Silver Rakhis

    Nek, Jar’s innovative jewelry brand, launches a collection of 18kt gold and 925 silver rakhis for Raksha Bandhan, aligning with Jar’s mission to make precious metals accessible while honoring cultural traditions.

    The launch leverages Jar’s existing gold infrastructure, allowing users to seamlessly convert their gold savings into these precious rakhis, bridging the gap between digital savings and physical jewelry.

    BENGALURU:  Nek, the innovative jewelry brand from India’s leading gold savings app Jar, is set to launch a special collection of gold and silver rakhis, celebrating the timeless bond between brothers and sisters this Raksha Bandhan. This new offering perfectly aligns with Jar’s mission of making precious metals accessible to all Indians while honoring cultural traditions.

    Raksha Bandhan, a cherished Hindu festival, symbolizes the love and protective relationship between siblings. Traditionally, sisters tie a decorative thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists, receiving a promise of protection in return. Nek’s exquisite rakhis elevate this custom, crafting these symbols of affection from 18kt gold and 925 silver, materials known for their purity and lasting value.

    “Our Nek rakhis represent more than just jewelry,” says Nishchay AG, Co-Founder and CEO of Jar. “They’re a manifestation of our commitment to blend tradition with modernity, offering products that have both emotional and intrinsic value.”

    The gold rakhis, made with 18kt gold, offer a luxurious option for those who want to make this year’s celebration truly special. The 925 silver rakhis provide a more accessible yet equally meaningful alternative. Both options embody the enduring nature of sibling bonds, designed to last far beyond the festival day itself.

    This launch leverages Jar’s existing gold infrastructure, allowing users to seamlessly convert their gold savings into these precious rakhis. It’s a natural extension of Jar’s ecosystem, bridging the gap between digital savings and physical jewelry while deeply resonating with cultural sentiments.

    The introduction of these rakhis also aligns with Nek’s broader strategy of creating an inclusive jewelry brand that caters to diverse customer needs. From micro-investments in gold to now offering tangible symbols of familial love, Jar, and Nek continue to innovate in making precious metals more accessible and an integral part of Indians’ financial and cultural lives.

    This Raksha Bandhan, as siblings across India prepare to celebrate their special bond, Nek’s gold and silver rakhis offer a meaningful way to commemorate the occasion. More than just accessories, these rakhis represent a fusion of tradition, technology, and financial prudence even in gifting during special occasions.

  • ICICI Lombard’s New ‘Smart Saver Plus’ Motor Insurance Plan

    MUMBAI: ICICI Lombard, a leading private general insurance company in India, today announced the launch of its industry-first innovative “Smart Saver Plus” add-on for motor insurance policies. This feature aims to address the concerns of policyholders regarding prolonged turnaround times (TAT) and the need for reliable repair quality, by providing swift servicing, quality assurance, and customer convenience, reinforcing ICICI Lombard’s commitment to delivering superior customer experiences. With this unique cover, ICICI Lombard is moving from claims service to claims guarantee.

    Motor insurance claims can often be a stressful and time-consuming process, with policyholders facing challenges such as extended repair times and uncertainty about the quality of workmanship. The ‘Smart Saver Plus’ add-on has been designed to tackle these issues head-on. By opting for this feature, customers can enjoy the assurance of repairs being completed at our preferred garages within a short span of 5 days, where the claim amount is up to  Rs. 50,000. In the unlikely event that the repair takes longer, ICICI Lombard will provide alternate travel arrangements for up to 5 days, ensuring minimal disruption to the customer’s daily routine.

    Furthermore, the ‘Smart Saver Plus’ add-on offers a warranty on the quality of repair work carried out at ICICI Lombard’s preferred network garages for 24 months or 10,000-kilometer whichever is earlier for all claims irrespective of the claim amount. This assurance provides customers with peace of mind, knowing that their vehicle is in capable hands and that any workmanship issues will be promptly addressed. To avail of these benefits, policyholders simply need to notify first and foremost to ICICI Lombard of any car damage claims, and the company, will take care of the rest.

    Gaurav Arora, Chief of underwriting & Claims Property & Casualty at ICICI Lombard, commented, “At ICICI Lombard, our consistent focus is to deliver innovative and customized solutions. Our recent offering ‘Smart Saver Plus’ is yet another example of this philosophy, recognizing the discomfort caused by having a vehicle in the garage for an extended period. By addressing these minute yet crucial aspects like swift repairs, quality assurance, and a seamless claims experience, we are endeavoring to provide a truly customer-centric insurance experience.“