JioStar Group Announces The Appointment Of Stephan Bugaj To Shape The Next Chapter Of AI In Entertainment

JioStar Group today announced the appointment of Emmy Award winner Stephan Bugaj as Senior Vice-President of GenAI Content & Technology, as it accelerates its vision for creating AI-native, next-generation experiences. His appointment reinforces the Group’s commitment to building intelligent content pipelines, interactive storytelling formats and scalable creative frameworks that enable faster experimentation, richer audience engagement and shape the future of entertainment globally.

Previously Chief Creative Officer at Genvid Entertainment, Stephan Bugaj co-developed the Massively Interactive Live Event (MILE) format, merging streaming, gaming, and live audience participation. He also built AI-native creative pipelines and tools for filmmakers, and as creator-showrunner, led the development of interactive storytelling productions that combine real-time engagement with premium narrative content, setting new benchmarks for intelligent media experiences.

A senior technology and creative leader with over thirty years of experience, Stephan Bugaj has held senior creative and technology leadership roles at DJ2 Entertainment, Pixar Animation Studios, Telltale Games, and Hanson Robotics and is recognized for his excellence in creative development and direction, and for translating emerging technologies into scalable platforms. His work spans systems architecture for AI-driven content, adaptive narrative frameworks, digital production pipelines, and immersive media platforms, all aimed at expanding creative possibilities and shaping the future of entertainment.

JioStar Group is already investing in AI-powered features across its content businesses, including conversational interfaces, second-screen engagement layers, and AI-assisted content workflows. The addition of Mr. Bugaj is expected to further accelerate innovation across next-generation experiences and interactive formats designed for digital-first audiences at scale.

About JioStar

Perched firmly at the nucleus of spellbinding content and innovative technology, JioStar is a leading global media & entertainment company that is reimagining the way audiences consume entertainment and sports. Its television network and steaming service together reach more than 750 million viewers every week, igniting the dreams and aspirations of hundreds of million people across geographies.

MAHE To Host WHS Academic Alliance And Lancet Commission On Academic Responsibility In Dubai And Global Health Summit In Manipal

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, is set to host high-level MAHE Global Health Summit 2026 as a side event of the World Health Summit (WHS) Academic Alliance and the Lancet Commission on Academic Responsibility. The WHS Academic Alliance unites 30 leading academic institutions to strengthen evidence-based global health policy and international cooperation. ‘The Lancet’ group of journals address urgent topics in our society, initiate debate, put science into context, and influence decision-makers around the world.

The global gathering will commence at the MAHE Dubai campus 5–7 February 2026, before extending to MAHE’s Manipal campus in India on 9 February 2026, showcasing MAHE’s commitment to reshaping global health conversation across geographies.

The Dubai leg of the summit will mark the formal launch of the WHS Academic Alliance Lancet Commission on Academic Responsibility through a high-level symposium titled “Academic Responsibility in a Fragmenting World on the 5th of February .” The Dubai convening also aligns with MAHE’s broader vision of strengthening global public health capacity, alongside the announcement of launch of the Bachelor of Public Health programme at the MAHE Dubai campus. MAHE will also host the kick-off meeting of the WHS Academic Alliance Lancet Commission on the 6 – 7 of February 2026.

Dr. Cherian Varghese, Director of Prasanna School of Public Health is one of the Commissioners and will represent MAHE.

Building on the outcomes of the Dubai discussions, the summit will culminate on 9 February 2026 at its Manipal campus. The summit will feature global commissioners from the Dubai meeting, along with prominent national public health leaders, academicians, and practitioners from across India, to review the global insights within local and regional health priorities.

A key highlight of the Manipal summit will be four thematic panel discussions exploring the convergence of academia, society, and public health practice. These panels will focus and highlight the changing societal norms with a specific lens on mental health; participatory research for societal benefit through a One Health approach; translating evidence into social policy with an emphasis on diet and nutrition in local contexts; and building trustworthy communication that meets societal needs, particularly in relation to vaccine safety and uptake.

Highlighting the importance of the Global Health Summit 2026 Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh VSM (Retd.) said: “Through the WHS Academic Alliance and the Lancet Commission and the Global Health Summit 2026, MAHE aims to reinforce the critical role of academic institutions as catalysts for social empowerment, policy influence, and sustainable health systems. By doing such global events, MAHE continues to position itself as a global convener committed to advancing evidence-based solutions for pressing public health challenges while fostering collaboration across borders and disciplines.”

Dr. S. Sudhindra, Pro Vice Chancellor , MAHE Dubai, said: “The decision to launch the global gathering at the Dubai campus reflects the UAE’s growing importance as a regional and global hub for healthcare research. We look forward to contributing to valuable discussions on academic responsibility that will help to develop and foster research of the highest caliber globally.”

Axel R. Pries, President of the World Health Summit, adds: “The increasing attacks on academic freedom and scientific institutions underline once more the importance of global solidarity among researchers. This Commission is an important step toward stronger international cooperation in health research to safeguard academic freedom and integrity.”

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

About the WHS Academic Alliance

The WHS Academic Alliance (formerly M8 Alliance) is the scientific network of the World Health Summit, bringing together 30 leading academic institutions from all continents. The World Health Summit, founded by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in 2009, is the leading platform for global health, convening stakeholders from politics, science, the private sector, and civil society to set the agenda for a healthier future. Its flagship event, the annual World Health Summit, is complemented by regional meetings and year-round dialogue formats that link global strategies with regional perspectives. The WHS Academic Alliance fosters international and trans-sectoral collaboration, connects the scientific community to inform global health agendas, and supports evidence-based health policy and practice.

SRV Agadi Hospital Organises A Community Awareness March To Observe World Cancer Day 2026

- World Cancer Day is one singular initiative under which the entire world can unite in the fight against the global cancer epidemic.

- With the initiative, SRV Hospitals aims to achieve the objective of raising awareness about various types of cancers and how certain types of cancer can be prevented through vaccination and significant lifestyle changes.

Marking World Cancer Day, SRV Agadi Hospital, a leading multispeciality tertiary care hospital located in Wilson Garden organised a cancer awareness March on Tuesday to promote early detection, prevention, and timely access to cancer care. The initiative brought together students, healthcare professionals, and community members in a public show of solidarity for patients and survivors. March was flagged off by Dr. Niti Raizada, Senior Director – Medical Oncology & Haemato-Oncology, Dr. S. Krishnamurthy, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Dr. Anju Agadi of SRV Agadi Hospital, Bengaluru and Shri. Umar Ismail Khan, Chairman, Al-Ameen College of Management Studies.

The event, held ahead of World Cancer Day, saw enthusiastic participation from students, healthcare professionals, volunteers and local residents. The march began at Al-Ameen Institute of Management Studies on Hosur Road and culminated at SRV Agadi Hospital in Wilson Garden. Participants wore symbolic masks and held awareness placards — creating a striking and thought-provoking visual that reinforced the message that while cancer journeys differ, collective support and informed conversations can make a meaningful difference.

Doctors from SRV Agadi Hospital engaged with the public throughout the event, offering insights on prevention, screening guidelines, and symptom recognition. They also interacted one-on-one with participants, answering questions on common concerns such as screening age, lifestyle risks, vaccination where applicable, and when to consult a specialist.

World Cancer Day is the one singular initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. Under the campaign theme ‘United by Unique,’ World Cancer Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer and pressing governments and individuals across the world to act against the disease.

“Cancers detected at an early stage have significantly better outcomes,” said Dr. Abhay Vispute, Founder-Director, SRV Hospitals. “Yet in India, late presentation remains a major challenge. Healthcare institutions must stand visibly for awareness as much as they stand for treatment. Through initiatives like this March, we are trying to bridge the gap between awareness and actionable health behaviour — especially among young adults and families. Many patients wait until symptoms become obvious or severe. Educating communities on subtle early signs and available screening options is critical to improving survival rates.”

As part of its evolving clinical direction, SRV Agadi Hospital has instituted a comprehensive Oncology Department that integrates medical, haemato, and surgical oncology through a multidisciplinary, patient-first approach. The department is being strengthened with the guidance of experienced specialists including Dr. Niti Raizada, Senior Director – Medical Oncology & Haemato-Oncology, and Dr. S. Krishnamurthy, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, whose collective expertise supports the hospital’s broader vision of delivering advanced and compassionate cancer care locally.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Niti Raizada, Senior Director – Medical Oncology & Haemato-Oncology – SRV Agadi Hospital said, “Over the years, cancer treatment has been inadvertently impacted by a lot of care gaps that are attributable to various reasons. These gaps are nothing but impediments that prevent doctors and caregivers from achieving good clinical outcomes. These impediments are rooted in various deficiencies like lack of early diagnosis, misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or even poor patient accessibility to care. With the best of hospital infrastructure facilities, our focus is to close these gaps and provide quality healthcare services to the patients.”

Dr. S. Krishnamurthy, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology – SRV Agadi Hospital said, “We are committed to proactively identifying the care gaps and bridging them in conclusive fashion. Our goal is to make cancer care deliver the desired clinical outcome for every patient treated at SRV Hospital. Oncology, over time, had evolved into several sub-specialties that call for exclusive focus both from research and practice perspectives. The key challenge of oncology is meet all key quality parameters that this intricate practice inherently demands.”

Observers at the march noted that a growing segment of Bengaluru’s youth is open to engaging with health-related public issues, provided the communication is straightforward and relevant. Organisers said future programmes will include targeted screening camps, community seminars in partnership with local institutions, and sustained outreach efforts beyond World Cancer Day.

About SRV Agadi Hospital: SRV Agadi Hospital is a 140-bed tertiary care multi-specialty hospital located in Wilson Garden, Bengaluru. Blending decades of community trust with modern infrastructure and advanced medical technology, the hospital delivers comprehensive healthcare services across key specialties and super-specialties under one roof.

About SRV Hospitals: About SRV Hospitals is a group of 500+ bed tertiary care, multi-specialty hospitals across Mumbai, Nashik, and Bengaluru. Known for its robust critical care protocols, strong consultant network, and high patient satisfaction, SRV is redefining how tertiary care is delivered at the neighbourhood level.

For more details, please log in - www.srvhospitals.com

Photo Caption: SRV Agadi Hospital organises a Community Awareness March to observe World Cancer Day 2026. March was flagged off by Dr. Niti Raizada, Senior Director – Medical Oncology & Haemato-Oncology, Dr. S. Krishnamurthy, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Dr. Anju Agadi of SRV Agadi Hospital, Bengaluru and Shri. Umar Ismail Khan, Chairman, Al-Ameen College of Management Studies.

Zydus Wellness Net Sales Up By 113.7% In Q3 FY26

Reporting its third quarter results for FY 26, Zydus Wellness Limited, reported a consolidated growth of 113.7% in Net Sales which stood at Rs. 9,633 mn. EBITDA for the period stood at Rs 610 mn with a growth of 312.2% y-o-y, which includes the post-acquisition performance of the newly acquired business.

Sugar Free strengthened its leadership in the sugar substitute category with a market share of 96.3%*, delivering a year-on-year gain of 80* basis points. Sugar Free D’lite Cookies have now been extended into multiple markets, and the entire D’lite range continues to witness strong growth. Sugar Free Green has registered sustained double-digit growth for 19 consecutive quarters.

Everyuth leads with 48.5%* share in scrubs and 76%* in peel-off masks ranking fifth in facial cleansing segment with a 7.9%* share. The prickly heat powder category with Nycil maintained its number one position with a market share of 33.1%*. Everyuth continued to lead in its niche sub-segments, delivering double-digit growth in YTD FY26. The marketing and distribution in the organised trade for Cuticolor, the No. 1 doctor-prescribed hair colouring brand, was initiated, adding to the Company’s portfolio.

Nutralite delivered double-digit growth, supported by a strong six-year CAGR and consistent performance across the portfolio, while maintaining leadership in the fat spread category. Nutralite Professional expanded its range with the launch of Cheesy Delight and Slim Mayonnaise variants, strengthening the portfolio, and driving incremental growth across all food-service channels.

Glucon-D maintained its leadership position with a 59%* MAT market share. Complan maintained its fourth rank, holding a 4.1%* market share.

RiteBite –Max Protein business continued to outperform while maintaining its leadership in protein snacking and improving EBITDA from breakeven at the time of acquisition a year ago to near double-digit margins. The recently launched Wafer Bar continues to contribute to category’s growth and market expansion of RiteBite – Max Protein.

Comfort Click strengthened its portfolio with the launch of four variants in gummies for adults, a probiotic gummy for kids, and pure Himalayan shilajit resin, reinforcing its presence in the high-growth wellness categories. The brand ‘WeightWorld’ advanced its expansion into the European markets by entering Poland, Finland and Portugal thereby strengthening Comfort Click’s geographic footprint.

Security Solutions Business Of Godrej Enterprises Projects Strong Wedding‑Season Growth As Home Locker Demand Surges

The Security Solutions business of Godrej Enterprises Group has announced a strong growth outlook for its home locker business this wedding season, with sales expected to grow by 20%, driven by rising consumer preference for secure, long-term gifting solutions amidst India’s peak marriage period.

The wedding season has emerged as a critical consumption period for home security, driven by rising investments in gold, jewellery, cash, and important documents. With gold prices skyrocketing, the risk profile has gone up and hence the need to secure the jewellery is a pressing need. Weddings are one of those events of household asset creation, and a lot of families today, are prioritising secure in-home storage as part of their wedding planning.

Aligned with this shift, the Security Solutions business of Godrej Enterprises Group offers a comprehensive range of home lockers that are much stronger than ordinary cupboards, designed to protect valuables from theft, fire, and unauthorised access while blending into modern home interiors. The portfolio caters to a wide spectrum of households, from compact urban homes to larger family residences, making secure storage more accessible across India. These products also address the need for protection from insiders who have easy access to homes during such occasions

Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head, Security Solutions, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “The wedding season is now a strategically an important period for us. As families invest significantly in gold and other valuables during weddings, secure storage is becoming an integral part of that purchase decision, creating a strong and sustainable growth opportunity for our business.”

Besides Metro cities we are also seeing increased traction in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns which contribute close to 30% of the overall home lockers' business of Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), driven by rising disposable incomes, and higher gold ownership, With a network of close to 5000 channel partners pan India, the company is scaling availability and consumer outreach to capture this demand

As Indian weddings increasingly reflect long-term financial planning and security consciousness, the Security Solutions business of GEG, is positioning it’s range of home lockers as a new-age symbol of trust, stability, and asset protection, especially for the newly-weds and their families.

About Security Solutions business of Godrej Enterprises Group:

The Security Solutions business of Godrej Enterprises Group is a leader, pioneer and the largest manufacturer and marketer of Security Solutions in India. It is the largest supplier of security solutions to several prestigious Banks, Corporates and Prestigious institutions. For the first time in the category and the industry, the Security Solutions Division has been awarded the Superbrand status. It has also won the “Most Preferred brand” as well as the coveted “Security Company of the Year” awards. The Division currently exports its products to over 45 countries including Middle East Asia, South East Asia, Far East Asia, East Africa, the USA, Europe and the SAARC Countries.

About Godrej Enterprises Group:

Since 1897, the Godrej Enterprises Group has contributed significantly to India’s journey of economic growth. From the world’s first patented springless lock, and safes to pioneering Indian made typewriters, refrigerators, the ubiquitous steel almirah, the conglomerate has also paved the way for the growth of key sectors like aerospace, energy, and security.

Today, the Godrej Enterprises Group, has a presence across 5 continents with a market-leading presence across its consumer facing and nation building businesses. GEG comprises of aerospace, aviation, defence, motor solutions, energy solutions, locks & security, advanced engineering, real estate, intralogistics, consumer durables, furniture, vending, and Information Technology.

From Berlin To Mumbai: The Collective That Changed The Sound Of Modern House, Heads To India

Sunburn will be bringing one of global electronic music’s most influential collectives to India as Keinemusik arrives in Mumbai with its iconic Kloud experience. Set to take over Mumbai, at the heart of the city, at Mahalaxmi Racecourse, on March 27th, 2026, the night promises immersive, slow-building sets and a visual-sonic environment rooted in collective presence.

Keinemusik, a Berlin‑born DJ collective and record label,has redefined how electronic music is experienced. Since 2009, Adam Port, &ME, Rampa and Reznik have stitched together their distinct musical sensibilities into a single voice, one that balances deep groove with emotive melody and hypnotic rhythm, alongside visual collaborator Itohan, work as a single unit, shaping music, live flow and visual language together.

Over the past decade, they have become fixtures at global stages from Ibiza to Coachella, Tomorrowland to Burning Man, blending house, techno, afro‑house and melodic textures into sets that feel more like continuous journeys than playlists.

Each member brings a signature energy to the collective’s sound. &ME’s productions often weave warm, atmospheric layers and melodic depth, making tracks feel cinematic and soulful. Rampa’s work centers on detailed sound design and percussive sophistication, while Adam Port’s eclectic influences, from funk to afro rhythms, inject versatility and momentum into the mix. Reznik adds a curatorial edge, shaping sets that keep each performance unfolding with intent and cohesion.

Live, Keinemusik is known for extended DJ performances where music evolves deliberately over hours, letting groove and texture take precedence. Their sets unwind like stories: layered, immersive and attuned to the crowd’s energy. This has made their back‑to‑back (B2B) sets legendary among electronic audiences and a standout experience at both underground clubs and headline festival slots.

Visuals are more than backdrops at a Keinemusik show; they are part of the world they create. Central to this is the collective’s peace cloud and Kloud imagery, which has become a visual signature at their performances worldwide. Floating above DJ booths and woven through stage setups, the Kloud symbolizes unity, shared energy and an enveloping sonic atmosphere that blends visuals with sound. Itohan’s current visual direction integrates this imagery into a cohesive, layered experience that enhances rather than distracts from the music.

Their influence extends beyond club walls. Keinemusik’s members have collaborated with mainstream artists, including co‑production on tracks for Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind, and contributed to fashion and cultural crossover moments, underlining their impact on music and style beyond the dancefloor.

Get your tickets to witness this one-night only masterpiece today, exclusively on BookMyShow.

As Hiring Gets Tougher In India, 71% Of Recruiters Are Turning To AI To Find ‘Hidden Talent’ They Would Otherwise Miss: LinkedIn

India’s hiring market is moving fast, but finding the right talent is getting harder. New research from LinkedIn shows that 74% of recruiters now struggle to find qualified candidates, even as hiring activity runs 40% above pre-pandemic levels.

This is because recruiters are facing a volume-quality mismatch. Among recruiters who say hiring has become more difficult, over half point to a surge in AI-generated applications (53%), while many cite continued shortages in in-demand skills (47%). Nearly half also say distinguishing genuine applications from low-quality or misleading ones is adding friction to the process (48%).

The result is a more crowded, competitive labour market. LinkedIn platform data shows applicants per open role in India have more than doubled since 2022. Additionally, while 72% of professionals say they’re actively job-hunting in 2026, 85% admit they feel unprepared to navigate the process.

Recruiters are using AI to spot the right skills, hire faster, and make the candidate journey more fulfilling

Amid these pressures, recruiters are seeing AI as part of the solution. Among those already using it, 71% in India say AI has helped them uncover candidates with skills they would have previously missed, while 80% report it makes gaining insight into a candidate’s skills easier. More than three-quarters (76%) believe AI is already speeding up hiring.

Looking ahead, adoption is only set to rise. Around 8 in 10 Indian recruiters say they plan to expand their use of AI to support hiring goals, evaluate applicants, and source top talent. A majority also plan to increase AI use for pre-screening interviews in 2026, believing it will lead to more valuable recruiter-candidate conversations (83%), faster hiring experience (83%), and better candidate insights (82%).

Ruchee Anand, APAC VP, LinkedIn Talent Solutions, said: "We’re seeing a structural shift in hiring from pedigree and past titles to demonstrated skills and capability. This shift is hard to execute at scale without AI. Used responsibly, AI helps recruiters detect the right skills earlier, reduce screening friction and create a more consistent and fair evaluation process. Our priority at LinkedIn is to build AI tools like Hiring Assistant that serve as a decision-support layer in hiring, so recruiters can find the right talent more quickly and confidently without compromising on quality or candidate experience.”

Transparency becomes central to the recruiter–job seeker relationship

As AI becomes more embedded in hiring, expectations from candidates are rising, too. Professionals increasingly want visibility into how hiring decisions are made, signalling a clear demand for transparency. Half of recruiters (50%) in India now say they are under pressure to explain how AI is being used in their processes and hiring flow, particularly when it comes to screening and shortlisting candidates.

How LinkedIn is helping recruiters hire faster and smarter

To address the core challenges of recruiters in India - speed and quality - LinkedIn continues to invest in AI-powered hiring tools designed to move talent conversations forward:

Salary & Notice Period Filters allow members to share their expected salary and notice period - information visible only to recruiters - helping reduce friction and unnecessary back-and-forth early in the hiring process.

Hiring Assistant, LinkedIn’s AI agent for recruiters, is helping companies such as AMD, Aurecon, Chewy, Expedia Group, Fabletics, Jacobs, Siemens and Wipro uncover qualified talent faster. Early adopters report reviewing 62% fewer profiles, saving more than four hours per role, and seeing a 69% improvement in InMail acceptance rate. Hiring Assistant is globally available in English.

LinkedIn Hiring Pro is the AI agent that helps small businesses identify, shortlist, and reach out to strong candidates more quickly. Based on early usage, nearly 60% of hirers using the product find someone to interview within the first week, while those who report time savings see an average of 6+ hours saved each week. New features include:

AI-powered interview support for initial screenings

An updated, conversational interface that makes it easier to describe hiring needs and provide feedback to refine candidate search results

AI-assisted Personalized InMails to directly connect with qualified candidates

About LinkedIn

LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms how companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has over 1.2 billion members and has offices around the globe. www.linkedin.com / mobile.linkedin.com

Methodology

This research was conducted by Censuswide in November 2025 among 19,113 consumer respondents between November 13 and November 28, 2025, and among 6,554 global HR professionals between November 10 and November 27, 2025. Markets included the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Sweden, the Netherlands, India, Singapore, Australia, and MENA (Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates). Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is a member of the British Polling Council.