National DJ Day: Honoring the Masters Behind the Music

Kotpad 20th January 2025  National DJ Day is celebrated annually on January 20th to honor the talented individuals who bring music, energy, and entertainment to our lives through their skills as disc jockeys. DJs play a pivotal role in music culture, from spinning records at clubs and events to hosting radio shows and creating unforgettable experiences.

History of National DJ Day:

The day commemorates the contributions of DJs in shaping music and entertainment. It also honors Alan Freed, a pioneering radio DJ credited with popularizing the term “rock and roll.” Freed was born on January 20, 1921, making this date a fitting tribute to DJs worldwide.

Fun Facts About DJs:

The term “DJ” originated from “disc jockey,” referring to someone who plays recorded music for an audience.

The first DJ dance party is believed to have been held in 1943 by Jimmy Savile, who played jazz records.

DJs can specialize in various styles, including club DJs, radio DJs, mobile DJs, and turntablists.

Modern DJing often involves digital tools like DJ software and controllers, but vinyl records are still celebrated for their classic feel and sound.

How to Celebrate National DJ Day:

1. Support Local DJs: Attend a live event or listen to a set by a local DJ to appreciate their craft.

2. Create a Playlist: Channel your inner DJ by curating a playlist of your favorite tracks and sharing it with friends.

3. Learn About DJing: Explore the art of DJing by watching tutorials or trying out DJ apps and equipment.
4. Show Appreciation: Thank your favorite DJs on social media or share their work to show your support.

National DJ Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the creativity, skill, and passion that DJs bring to the world of music and entertainment!

Celebrate National Buttercrunch Day with Sweet, Crunchy Treats

Kotpad 20th January 2025 National Buttercrunch Day is celebrated annually on January 20th to honor the delicious candy known for its rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. Buttercrunch is a type of toffee made with sugar, butter, and often coated with chocolate and nuts, such as almonds. It’s a favorite treat for many due to its sweet, nutty, and buttery taste.

Fun Facts About Buttercrunch:

It is similar to English toffee but often incorporates a chocolate layer and chopped nuts, giving it a unique texture and flavor.

Buttercrunch is a popular homemade candy during holidays and special occasions.

It can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cakes.

How to Celebrate:

1. Make Buttercrunch at Home: Experiment with different recipes and add your favorite nuts or chocolate.

2. Share with Friends: Gift homemade buttercrunch to loved ones to spread the joy.

3. Try a New Flavor: Look for unique variations of buttercrunch at local candy shops.

4. Learn the History: Explore the origins of buttercrunch and how it became a beloved treat.

Whether enjoyed as a snack or shared with others, National Buttercrunch Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this delightful treat!

IIM Sambalpur Hosts CEO Immersion for Professionals

January 20th, 2025; Sambalpur: IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, hosted a six – day CEO Immersion Programme for the Executive MBA 2024-26 and MBA for Working Professionals2023-25 batches at its Sambalpur campus. The programme aims to equip the batch with practical knowledge, industry trends, and leadership skills through direct interaction with seasoned professionals. As many as 100 executives from different industries participated in the programme that was addressed by over 15 – 25 CXOs of top companies.

In his welcome address, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “Our campus blends modern infrastructure with Indian ethos, as reflected in its architecture, art, and cultural elements. We have also introduced transformative Drivers for digitalization and Green Technologies like AI, blockchain are set to revolutionize industries by creating unified systems for business processes, from design to sales. This shift will demand a new wave of consulting talent, and MBA graduates will play a pivotal role in leading this transformation.” Prof further said, “As the world transitions to sustainable practices, industries such as oil, gas, coal, and traditional automotive manufacturing will undergo significant changes. These shifts present both challenges and opportunities for leaders equipped with the right skills. Institutions like IIM Sambalpur must lead these transformations. We aim to contribute by fostering a knowledge base that supports global organizations and industries. To this end, we are signing an MoU with an AI-driven learning management system. This initiative will enable IIM Sambalpur to develop and share case studies and articles on a global platform, similar to the renowned Harvard Business Cases.”

Attending the events as the chief guest, Dr. Biswajit Mahapatra, Head of Customer Solutions-CIO Advisory – Amazon Web Services, said “Digital transformation is about reimagining how we think, act, and operate in an increasingly intelligent, interconnected, and instrumented world, where new business paradigms emerge through evolving models, innovative ways of working, and the cultivation of expertise. It’s a shift from merely adding AI to systems to centering every business outcome around AI, fostering democratized innovation and responsive operations. Expertise, once defined by narrow specialization, now demands a comb-shaped approach—deep skills across multiple areas with broad horizontal knowledge—while orchestrated ecosystems, built on collaboration and co-opetition, drive success. Technologies like cloud, blockchain, IoT, and intelligent workflows form the bedrock of transformation, with data as indispensable as air, fueling insights that power this evolution. “

During the programme, selected meritorious MBA female students including, Kratika Krishna Panchal, Sapna Rani, Pallavi Lata, Gunika Kaur and Manjot Kaur from economically weaker sections, awarded a scholarship of one lakh rupees in recognition of their academic excellence. The award was given by Mrs. Sharada Gupta of Delhi, wife of Dr. Girish Mohan Gupta, an MBA for Working Professionals student at IIM Sambalpur Delhi Campus.

The event was attended by Priyadarshi Nanu Pany, CEO of CSM Technology; Nilesh Biniwale, General Manager at Pattern India; Manas Barpanda, National Head at Britannia Industries Ltd.; Padmanabhan S., Senior Vice President at MSN Laboratories; Gulshan Tiwari, J oint President & Plant Head at Hindalco, Jharsuguda; Dr. Debasish Guha, Head of Research TCS innovation Park IIT KHARAGPUR; Aparna Chetan, CHRO at Torry Harris Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; Ghanashyam Parida, President & CEO of the Power Vertical at Welspun Corp; Abhishek Kumar Verma, Founder and CEO of Indiano Pelletteria; Dr. Angshuman Ghosh, CEO of MENRV AI; Jay Prakash Singh, CHRO at JSW Steel; Akshay Rakshit, HRBP at BMW Group India; Manish Pandey, Senior Director at Infosys and Head of Infosys Foundation Bhubaneswar; Damodar Mittal, Executive Director at Jindal Steel & Power Limited; Debasish Mallik, President at Hindalco – Hirakud and Rajesh Singh, Senior VP HR & IR at TRL Krosaki Refractories Limited.

Pelican Aims To Raise $1 Million to Fuel Expansion Following $1 Million ARR Milestone

New Delhi, 20 January 2025:  Pelican Essentials & Pelicanwork, an innovator in modular furniture is aiming to raise $1 million in series A funding riding on the significant milestone of $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). Reflecting on their rapid growth in the Indian furniture market. The company has set its sights on reaching […]

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U-Kaffee Coffee Machines by Hafele

Revolutionising Coffee: How Hafele brings the café experience to your home. Coffee has transformed from a simple morning stimulant to an immersive experience cherished by millions. Today’s coffee culture thrives on quality, precision, and a deeper connection to the art of brewing. At Hafele, we’ve tapped into this trend, delivering a premium, personalised home-brewing journey […]

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Research Reports by PL Capital – Prabhudas Lilladher on Metro Brands (Metrobra IN), Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Kotak Mahindra Bank

Amnish Aggarwal Research Analyst PL Capital – Prabhuas Lilladher Metro Brands (METROBRA IN) Rating: HOLD | CMP: Rs1,199 | TP: Rs1,177 Q3FY25 Result Update Soft demand but futuristic investments continue Quick Pointers: 3Q sales remain affected, however 4Q likely to be better amid good number of wedding days FY26 to see ~130-140 net store addition […]

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Why ‘Letting Them’ is the Ultimate Power Move, According to Mel Robbins’ Audiobook on Audible

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by someone else’s emotions, or found yourself endlessly comparing your life to others’? If the answer is “too much,” you’re not alone. Mel Robbins introduces the ‘The Let Them Theory’ in her audiobook on Audible, to offer a profound yet simple way to break free from this cycle. This guide […]

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86400 Powers UPI Credit Line Payments for Banks & FinTechs

Mumbai, 20th January 2025: 86400 (an Initiative of Mobileware Technologies), a leading provider of cutting-edge payments infrastructure announces the launch of its Credit-as-a-Service (CaaS) solution, designed to integrate Credit Line on UPI into the offerings of Banks and Fintech companies. This solution is set to develop and redefine digital credit accessibility, providing instant, flexible, and user-friendly credit options to millions across India.

Built on NPCI’s Credit Line on UPI framework, 86400’s new solution offers financial institutions a robust and compliant solution to unlock short-term credit capabilities without disrupting existing systems. As per the prediction by 86400, this scheme is poised to revolutionize the market, offering an end-to-end solution that enables banks to conceive and rapidly launch versatile credit products.

Credit Line on UPI

Credit Line on UPI is an NPCI offering that allows users to access pre-approved credit directly within UPI-enabled apps. By integrating the solution into its advanced technology stack, 86400 enables financial institutions to offer customers easy access to credit for transactions like bill payments, shopping, and emergency expenses.

How the Solution Works

The solution is designed to deliver seamless functionality for both customers and financial institutions. For financial institutions, the solution offers streamlined APIs that facilitate quick integration with their systems, ensuring minimal operational disruptions and accelerating time-to-market for credit services. For customers of these financial institutions, it enables easy access to pre-approved credit directly within their existing UPI-enabled apps, catering to a variety of financial needs such as bill payments, shopping, and emergencies.

Key Benefits

Instant Access to Credit:

  •  Customers can tap into pre-approved credit instantly without delays.
  •  Real-time credit utilization and repayment capabilities simplify user experience.

Seamless Integration for Financial Institutions:

  •  Quick onboarding with 86400’s robust and scalable technology stack.
  •  Reduced setup costs and operational complexities.

Regulatory Compliance:

  •  Fully adherent to RBI and NPCI guidelines, ensuring data privacy and securit
Airtel and Bajaj Finance Collaborate to Create One of India’s Largest Digital Financial Services Ecosystems

Kolkata, January 20, 2025: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom services providers and Bajaj Finance, the country’s largest private-sector Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), today announced a strategic partnership to create one of India’s largest digital platforms for financial services and transform last mile delivery.

The one-of-a-kind partnership brings together Airtel’s highly engaged customer base of 370 million, 12 lakh+ strong distribution network, and Bajaj Finance’s diversified suite of 27 product lines, and distribution heft of 5,000+ branches and 70,000 field agents.

Airtel will initially offer Bajaj Finance’s retail financial products on its Airtel Thanks App for seamless and secure customer experience, and later through its nation-wide network of stores. The combined strength of the companies’ digital assets will enable Airtel and Bajaj Finance to significantly deepen penetration of financial products and services.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD, Bharti Airtel, said, “Airtel and Bajaj Finance, two trusted names in this country, have the shared vision of empowering millions of Indians with a diverse portfolio of financial needs. The combined reach, scale and distribution strength of the two companies will serve as the cornerstone of this partnership and help us succeed in the marketplace. We are building Airtel Finance as a strategic asset for the group and will continue to invest in and grow the business. Today. we are trusted by over 1 million customers and our vision is to make Airtel Finance a one-stop shop for all the financial needs of our customers.”

Rajeev Jain, Managing Director, Bajaj Finance, said, “India’s digital ecosystem has been at the heart of data-driven credit underwriting and financial inclusion. Our partnership with Airtel not only leverages India’s digital infrastructure for inclusive growth but also brings together the expertise and reach of two of India’s leading and most-trusted brands. Together with Airtel, we seek to be the financier of choice to India and enable millions to access financial services, even in remote areas. We are excited to join hands with Airtel at a time when Bajaj Finance is harnessing the power of AI to enhance efficiencies and elevate customer experiences.”

So far, two products of Bajaj Finance have been piloted on the Airtel Thanks App. By March, four products of Bajaj Finance will be available to customers on the Airtel Thanks App. These include Gold Loan, Business Loan, a co-branded Insta EMI Card and Personal Loan. Airtel will progressively offer close to 10 financial products of Bajaj Finance within this calendar year.

Airtel customers have the opportunity to apply for the Airtel-Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card via the Airtel Thanks App and later through its nation-wide network of stores. Airtel-Bajaj Finserv EMI card provides access to a range of offers available to Bajaj Finance customers. Users will benefit from flexible EMI options and payment plans for purchasing various goods, including electronics, furniture and groceries at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across more than 4,000 cities. Additionally, the co-branded card is applicable for e-commerce transactions on multiple platforms.

The Airtel Thanks App now also enables customers to secure a gold loan, enabling new-to-credit customers to access finance and integrate with the formal financial system.

As part of the partnership, both the companies are committed to strong regulatory compliance, data privacy and security, and seamless customer service.

Relaxo Opens New Outlet in Nawada, New Delhi

New Delhi – January 20, 2025: Relaxo Footwears Ltd., India’s leading footwear brand, proudly announces the grand opening of its newest Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO) in Nawada, Delhi. This significant addition reinforces Relaxo’s commitment to bringing stylish, durable, and affordable footwear closer to its customers across the state.

The launch of this outlet marks an important milestone in Relaxo’s retail expansion journey in Delhi, where the brand now operates 60 outlets across the city, solidifying its position as a preferred choice for quality footwear in the region.

The new EBO in Nawada showcases Relaxo’s flagship brands, including Flite, Sparx, Bahamas, and Boston, offering a diverse range of footwear that blends style, comfort, and functionality. From everyday essentials to trendsetting designs, the store caters to a wide array of customer preferences, ensuring a seamless and satisfying shopping experience.

With this opening, Relaxo’s retail presence has now grown to 412 Exclusive Brand Outlets nationwide, a testament to the company’s unwavering focus on making premium footwear accessible to both urban and semi-urban markets. This latest store underscores Relaxo’s strategy of deepening its footprint in key markets to meet the rising demand for high-quality and affordable footwear.