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Category: News Headline

  • No more chalk and awe as QWR gives classrooms a VR upgrade

    No more chalk and awe as QWR gives classrooms a VR upgrade

    MUMBAI: In a world where school still means blackboards, wooden benches and a race for marks, one Indian start-up is asking: what if you could step inside the syllabus instead? Enter QWR (Question What’s Real), a deep-tech XR company that’s quietly reshaping education from the inside out. Instead of starting in Tier-1 cities, QWR flipped the traditional script. Its immersive VRone.Edu headsets, designed for classroom use, are already in the hands of students from Kohima to Patna and Raipur to Ranchi, impacting over 2,00,000 learners across 19 states.

    The twist? These aren’t just fancy gadgets. QWR’s devices come loaded with NCERT-aligned, K–12 modules that turn abstract concepts into interactive experiences. Why just read about the human heart when you can walk through its chambers? Why mug up tectonic plates when you can stand in the middle of a virtual earthquake?

    “Curiosity begins with the senses,” says QWR founder Suraj Aiar. “We’re not pushing hardware. We’re redefining how India learns.”

    With India’s current education model still chasing grades over growth, QWR’s approach blends VR, AR and XR to put experience at the heart of education. According to the company, only 10 per cent of Indian schools currently use digital tools. That’s the gap QWR wants to close one headset at a time.

    And it’s not just schools. The brand’s roadmap includes engineering, medicine, defence, and blue-collar upskilling, all delivered through real-time, immersive simulations. It also aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2022, Samagra Shiksha Yojana, and Sustainable Development Goal 4, creating classroom equity through tech.

    To fuel the future, QWR has also launched India’s largest XR developer initiative the QWR ISV Program offering grants to XR creators to build content directly for its ecosystem. The goal: make India not just a market for XR education, but a hub of its innovation.

    “Other players talk XR,” says Aiar. “We’ve cracked it, governments and institutions come to us because our solutions work.”

    So the next time a student stares blankly at a textbook, they might just be seconds away from stepping into it. For QWR, the future isn’t virtual, it’s already here.

  • Ghosted with benefits as Noyontara haunts prime time on Colors

    Ghosted with benefits as Noyontara haunts prime time on Colors

    MUMBAI: Just when your TV schedule was mourning the end of IPL madness, Colors is summoning the spirits with Noyontara, a supernatural thriller that slips between the living and the dead with all the finesse of a ghost through a locked door.

    Premiering 9 June at 8:30 PM and airing daily, Noyontara centres on a 23-year-old ghost-whisperer who marries into a family with more secrets than skeletons in the closet and that’s saying something. The titular Noyontara (played by Shruti Bhist) steps into the lavish yet ominous Pari Mahal as Dr Surjo’s new bride, only to discover that her real in-laws might be the ones lurking beyond the veil.

    With a cheeky ghost sidekick named Hasiram and two very much dead women claiming to be her mother-in-law (cue Narayani Shastri in a dual role that’s all shade and secrets), Noyontara must untangle love from manipulation, science from the supernatural, and figure out whether she’s being guided… or gaslit.

    “Noyontara isn’t your typical ghost story,” says Shruti Bhist. “She’s not afraid of the dead she speaks their language. What drew me in was the idea of a saviour, not a victim. And yes, the ghosts here are more guardian angel than ghoul.”

    For Narayani Shastri, it’s a dual debut her first collaboration with Colors and her first time playing two emotionally conflicting characters on the same canvas. “One thrives on power, the other on protection. And the viewer never quite knows which one’s which.”

    Also making his Hindi TV debut is Bengali heartthrob Arjun Chakrabarty as Surjo, a rational man grappling with very irrational hauntings. “It’s less about fearing the supernatural,” he explains, “and more about wrestling with buried grief and emotional truths we hide from ourselves.”

    With its blend of paranormal drama, human vulnerability, and a haveli that’s practically a character in itself, Noyontara promises to be the gothic escape viewers didn’t know they needed. Expect blurred lines, chilling twists, and a heroine who’s got one foot in this world and one firmly planted in the next.

    So, if your evenings have been missing drama post-IPL, prepare to get possessed. Noyontara is here to haunt your heart and your remote.

  • Dreamwear gets a glow up as Ammarzo hits Myntra in style

    Dreamwear gets a glow up as Ammarzo hits Myntra in style

    When it comes to beauty sleep, Ammarzo believes the dream begins before your eyes shut. The luxury sleepwear label, founded by actor-entrepreneur Chahatt Khanna, has officially launched on Myntra, bringing its signature blend of elegance, comfort, and quiet sensuality to bedrooms across India. Think sculpted silhouettes, wisps of lace, and fabrics that whisper you deserve this.

    The debut collection is anything but sleepy offering standouts like the ethereal Lace Robe, the flirty Babydoll & Shorts Set, and the elegant Slip Dress designed to make women feel divine even on a Tuesday night. With price tags that deliver indulgence without intimidation, Ammarzo hits the sweet spot between self-care and soft power.

    “For me, it was never just about fabric,” said Ammarzo founder & CMD, Chahatt Khanna. “It’s about how a woman feels in that fabric. This launch is about creating pieces that wrap you in confidence and femininity even when no one’s watching.”

    More than fashion, the label is threading a shift in mindset. Ammarzo’s arrival on Myntra underscores a growing appetite for innerwear that isn’t merely functional but empowering, intimate, and in sync with a woman’s evolving sense of self. Each piece captures what the brand calls “cinematic minimalism” sunlight on skin, linen blinds, and a glass of wine that says I’ve earned this.

    With over 50 million active users, Myntra gives Ammarzo the perfect pillow to rest its ambitions on offering national visibility while staying true to its central credo: that softness and strength can absolutely sleep in the same bed.

    So, here’s your sign to ditch that old tee and slip into something more you. Because nightwear, as Ammarzo proves, isn’t just what you wear to bed, it’s how you carry yourself before the dreams begin.

  • IAS does the maths right with Alpana Wegner as new CFO

    IAS does the maths right with Alpana Wegner as new CFO

    MUMBAI: Integral Ad Science is crunching the numbers for a new chapter bringing seasoned financial powerhouse Alpana Wegner on board as chief financial officer, effective 10 June 2025. The move adds a strategic edge to IAS’s leadership team, as Wegner steps in to lead the global finance function and report directly to CEO Lisa Utzschneider. She replaces Jill Putman, who has served as Interim CFO since January and will now continue as an independent member of the IAS Board.

    Utzschneider welcomed the new appointment with confidence: “Alpana is a versatile and results-driven leader with deep financial and operational expertise. From M&A to FP&A, she’s done it all at public companies, no less.”

    And indeed, Wegner’s calculator comes with credentials. With over 25 years of financial leadership experience, she most recently served as CFO at Secureworks, where she built a high-performing finance team and helped steer the company through a strategic transformation before its sale. Prior to that, she was the CFO at Benefitfocus and held senior finance roles at cloud tech firm Blackbaud.

    “IAS represents an exciting opportunity to join an industry leader enabling global brands and publishers to drive superior outcomes,” said Wegner, who holds a B.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University. “I’m all in on scaling operations, sharpening profitability, and unlocking IAS’s full growth potential.”

    Her appointment comes at a time when IAS is sharpening its focus on media measurement and ROI optimisation areas where Wegner’s financial acumen is expected to make a tangible impact. With a steady hand on the financial tiller and a sharp eye on long-term value creation, Wegner looks set to add more than just numbers to the IAS playbook she’s bringing the formula for smart growth.

  • Omnicom–IPG merger gets greenlight from CCI, ad world braces for a mega shake-up

    Omnicom–IPG merger gets greenlight from CCI, ad world braces for a mega shake-up

    MUMBAI: India’s competition watchdog has given a decisive thumbs-up to one of the biggest shake-ups in adland: Omnicom Group Inc.’s acquisition of sole control over The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (IPG).

    The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has formally approved the merger, clearing the way for New York-based Omnicom to swallow IPG whole. The deal sees EXT Subsidiary Inc.—Omnicom’s Delaware-registered arm created for the transaction— merging with Interpublic group, followed by its vanishing in a legal sleight of hand, with IPG emerging as a wholly owned subsidiary.

    The green light marks a major milestone in the creation of an advertising, media and communications (AMC) colossus that will now tower over rivals in over 100 countries—including India.

    Both Omnicom and IPG have long had a robust presence in India, vying for dominance in marketing communications and media buying. With the merger officially sanctioned, expect ripples—if not tsunamis—across client portfolios, agency turf wars, and talent poaching strategies.

    Omnicom brings to the table a vast arsenal of brand advertising, CRM, media planning, PR and specialty comms across more than 70 nations. IPG counters with an 80-brand empire powered by 57,400 employees delivering everything from creative and data to experiential marketing.

    The merger has got the go-ahead in 10 of the 20 global markets it has a presence in, according to reports. And it will have a smaller market share in India than WPP Media. 
     

    The CCI website only has a partial copy of the merger  application uploaded while its clearance document has yet to be put up. 

    As the global titans fuse, the industry braces for impact—and reinvention.

  • Divya Chadha returns as head of marketing for Amazon Music India

    Divya Chadha returns as head of marketing for Amazon Music India

    MUMBAI: Divya Chadha, one of India’s most dynamic marketing minds, has struck a new chord—this time with Amazon Music. After a six-year symphony at Spotify India where she scaled listener love and podcast adoption, Chadha has returned to the Amazon fold as head of marketing, based out of Mumbai.

    With stints at eBay, Amazon.in and Spotify already under her belt, Chadha brings a treasure trove of brand-building battle scars and a marketing mindset that’s as sharp as it is strategic. From powering up Amazon Great Indian Sale and Mr & Mrs Verma to orchestrating Spotify’s rise in India’s music and podcasting game, she’s played it all—mass media, user acquisition, podcast evangelism, trust-building, and category creation.

    Her Spotify run was marked by memorable campaigns driving both free and premium user base growth, top-of-mind brand recall, and a noticeable uptick in subscriptions and podcast listenership. At Amazon, she had earlier shaped India-first brand narratives like Adjust No More, Apni Dukaan, and Try Toh Kar, and even led Amazon Fashion’s #MustHave push.

    Before she turned into a full-blown marketing maestro, Chadha was also part of the merchandising and campaign ecosystem at eBay, where she helped scale direct marketing to over 20 per cent of revenue and crafted category-level storytelling across fashion, home and lifestyle.

    Now back in Amazon, this time with rhythm and reach in mind, she’s all set to amplify Amazon Music’s voice in a noisy, competitive Indian streaming market.

    Let the music—and marketing—begin.

  • Decathlon rolls out Second Life Bazaar to push circular sports retail across 68 stores in India

    Decathlon rolls out Second Life Bazaar to push circular sports retail across 68 stores in India

    MUMBAI: Old gear is getting a new shot at glory. Decathlon India is rolling out its largest circular retail campaign to date with the launch of Second Life Bazaar, an 11-day sustainability activation starting 5 June 2025—coinciding with World Environment Day. The campaign spans 68 stores nationwide and aims to turn Indian sports retail into a regenerative game plan.

    At the heart of the campaign is a three-pronged strategy: buyback, resale, and DIY maintenance. Customers can trade in old Decathlon cycles and fitness gear for store vouchers, buy refurbished equipment at 30 per cent to 60 per cent off MRP, and take part in workshops to fix and maintain their sports goods—from skates and rackets to scooters and cycles.

    Decathlon’s new circular model is set to grow its circular product portfolio by 28 per cent to 30 per cent this year, with a longer-term goal of tripling circular turnover by 2027—projecting 200 per cent growth from 2024 levels. The company also expects to keep more than 300,000 sports products out of landfills during that period.

    “We have always believed that accessibility and sustainability must go hand in hand. As our customers evolve, so does our responsibility to offer high-quality, long-lasting products that not only reduce environmental impact but also address affordability. Sustainability is a year-round commitment for us, but the Second Life Bazaar holds special significance as we mark World Environment Day, a moment to reaffirm our dedication to responsible consumption”, said Decathlon India CEO Sankar Chatterjee.

    Backed by targeted advertising and communications, the campaign has gained traction in key metros and high-growth clusters including Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata, Delhi NCR, Chennai, and across east India and Tamil Nadu.

    “Circularity is an environmental strategy as well as a transformative approach to how we perceive value. With the Second Life Bazaar, we are enabling our customers to actively participate in sustainability by extending product lifecycles, reducing waste, and creating tangible environmental benefits”, added Decathlon India leader, sustainable development Annie George.

    Globally, Decathlon has implemented similar campaigns in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the UK, and Poland. The Indian edition aligns with Mission LiFE and positions Decathlon as a key player in pushing circularity within the country’s fast-evolving sports retail landscape.

     

  • Soleful surprises and dapper delights for dad this Father’s Day

    Soleful surprises and dapper delights for dad this Father’s Day

    MUMBAI: He may not say much, but he’s always said enough. This Father’s Day, swap the clichés for classics that match his quiet strength and unwavering presence. Whether it’s a crisp kurta or a sturdy pair of sandals, here are six meaningful gifts from Fabindia that blend functionality with finesse perfect for the man who’s been your guiding light.

    Step into comfort: Priced at Rs 2,999, these brown leather sandals are built for the long haul. With premium leather and all-day comfort in mind, they’re a grounded yet stylish option for the dad who’s walked beside you every step of the way.

    Carry a piece of him: This Rs 999 brown leather wallet may be compact, but it’s packed with character. Its slim design and refined stitching make it a perfect everyday essential for a man who carries little but means everything.

    Wrap him in heritage: For the father who embodies grace and grit, the beige silk hand block printed Bandhgala jacket (Rs 3,899) blends traditional artistry with modern tailoring. It’s a nod to the man who makes every gathering feel like home.

    Tradition at his feet: If he’s partial to ethnic elegance, look no further than the brown leather embroidered juttie for Rs 1,300. With its shimmering details and soft sole, it’s comfort wrapped in craftsmanship.

    Casual, but considered: A Rs 1,599 maroon cotton handwoven short kurta offers both ease and elegance. Handloomed by skilled artisans, this piece is for the dad who balances simplicity with strength in every move.

    Bright idea: If your father’s desk is his kingdom, this gold metal study table lamp (Rs 5,999) will be his crown jewel. Sleek, adjustable, and resolutely modern, it’s a nod to the focus and clarity he brings to life.

    From the sturdy to the stylish, these thoughtful picks from Fabindia prove that gifting dad doesn’t need to be grand, it just needs to be grounded. After all, some heroes don’t wear capes… they wear kurtas and carry wallets that have aged as gracefully as they have.

  • Ex-Eightfold AI leader RudraPrasad Nanjundappa joins Kapture CX as CCO to lead AI-driven customer success globally

    Ex-Eightfold AI leader RudraPrasad Nanjundappa joins Kapture CX as CCO to lead AI-driven customer success globally

    MUMBAI: Kapture CX has brought on board RudraPrasad Nanjundappa as its new chief customer officer. The move comes at a time when the company is turbocharging its global expansion across 18 countries, riding on a revenue doubling in FY25 and recent $8 million funding led by Cactus Venture Partners and India Alternatives.

    With a career spanning nearly 23 years, RudraPrasad previously served as regional vice president – professional services at Eightfold AI, where he set up the APAC services team and oversaw enterprise product implementations across APAC and EMEA. His experience also includes leadership roles at Linkedin, Infosys, Cognizant, and a stint as co-founder of a health-tech startup.

    In his new role, RudraPrasad will helm customer success initiatives, lead the deployment of Kapture’s Agentic AI product suite, and drive customer-centric strategies aligned to enterprise outcomes across sectors and geographies.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Rudraprasad to the Kapture CX leadership team”, said Kapture CX CEO & co-founder Sheshgiri Kamath. “His extensive experience and visionary approach to customer success align perfectly with our mission to revolutionise customer experience through innovative technology. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen our customer relationships and drive sustained growth”.

    RudraPrasad added, “Being part of a company which is at the forefront of building an Agentic AI platform to help organisations across the globe redefine and enhance their customer experience is surreal. In my role as the chief customer officer, I look forward to leveraging my diverse experience anchored around customer success to help redefine the experience and value we are delivering to our customers”.

    Kapture CX, which serves over 1,000 enterprise clients, is known for its AI-native CX automation suite. The platform integrates proprietary large language models (LLMs) to power workflows, sentiment analysis, and proactive customer engagement. RudraPrasad’s appointment is expected to further this innovation agenda while sharpening Kapture’s delivery edge.

    “Passionate founders, dynamic team, innovative product suite, tangible results for enterprise clients, expanding business opportunities and challenges of growth stage make this journey incredibly thrilling”, he said.

  • Business Standard offers complimentary access to The New York Times

    Business Standard offers complimentary access to The New York Times

    MUMBAI: Now that’s a headline-worthy combo. Business Standard just gave its digital subscribers a serious upgrade, complimentary unlimited access to The New York Times, including all its coveted sections like News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter, and The Athletic. In what can only be described as a news nerd’s dream, this partnership fuses two powerhouse publications, blending Business Standard’s incisive Indian business journalism with The New York Times’ global reportage and Pulitzer-decorated opinion. From stock market sagas to sourdough recipes, readers are now in for a smarter scroll.

    For Business Standard, the move reaffirms its commitment to delivering journalism that’s not only sharp and trusted but now also backed with broader global context. Whether you’re chasing earnings reports, culture shifts, political twists or your next Wordle win this new offering has you covered.

    So go ahead, cook, quiz, read and analyse your digital subscription just got a Times two.