iWorld
Travel YouTube channel Magic Monkey announces ‘Melodies of India’ expedition
Mumbai: Magic Monkey, a new age travel YouTube channel travelled and explored by Raunaq Sahni is thrilled to announce an extraordinary and ambitious project. In the quest to unravel the soul of India, Raunaq embarks on a 6-month odyssey across the country, meticulously documenting the essence of what it truly means to be Indian.
Prior to Melodies of India, Raunaq went on a 100-day journey in India. Last year, he held the distinction of being the world’s fastest-growing YouTuber for an impressive two-day streak!
The “Melodies of India” project as envisioned by Raunaq is an awe-inspiring expedition that aims to capture the heart and spirit of India, transcending its deep-rooted cultures into a visually captivating series of photographs and videos, each narrating a unique facet of our incredible nation. These photographs and videos will serve as visual testimonies, encapsulating the diversity, traditions, and modernization of India. He will later publish 11 photographs along with the moving stories in a Photobook.
India, with its multifaceted culture and evolving society, has always been an enigma that fascinates the world. “Melodies of India” was conceived with the profound idea of capturing the unseen, the unspoken, and the uncelebrated, making it an enthralling visual journey that promises to encapsulate the quintessential spirit of India.
Dates & Locations
Raunaq has set out on his six-month expedition, covering diverse locations from bustling metropolises to the remotest corners of the country. This journey is poised to be a kaleidoscope of experiences. In the first video released on 4 November, Raunaq embarks on an extraordinary journey to the source of Ganges – Gaumukh. This video is a heartfelt exploration of his deep connection and love for the Ganges, which has grown over the years.
As he treks through challenging terrain, the Ganges becomes more than just a river; it is a motherly figure that has shaped his life and storytelling.
“India is a symphony of diverse tales, each one echoing the beauty of its people, the magic in its landscapes, and the wisdom in its traditions. My love for storytelling is an ode to uncovering the hidden, the treasured, and the most beautiful experiences that make this nation an eternal masterpiece.” said Raunaq Sahni, on his ‘Melodies of India’ expedition.
Throughout his journey, Raunaq will share his encounters, both pleasurable and challenging, with the world. Viewers can expect to be mesmerized by the picturesque beauty of India, the warmth of its people, and the vivid traditions that continue to shape the nation. Be sure to follow Raunaq’s adventures on his YouTube channel for an intimate look at his experiences.
e-commerce
Flipkart rolls out 105 per cent bonus for 20,000 employees
Strong FY25 performance drives payouts even as layoffs and shifts unfold.
MUMBAI: In a year where belts were tightened and rewards loosened, Flipkart seems to be playing both offence and defence trimming roles on one hand while handing out a generous 105 per cent bonus on the other. The Walmart owned e commerce major has rolled out a 105 per cent bonus payout for 2025, covering nearly 20,000 employees, signalling a year of steady operational momentum even as the company navigates restructuring pressures. The payout, communicated internally by chief human resources officer Seema Nair, is tied to performance across key metrics including growth, operational efficiency, financial outcomes and people indicators, a combination that suggests the company is inching closer to its long stated goal of sustainable profitability.
Employees at SD level and below are set to receive their bonuses in March, while payouts for senior leadership, including vice presidents and senior vice presidents, will follow after the close of the performance cycle. The elevated 105 per cent multiplier stands out in a sector where cautious payouts have increasingly become the norm, pointing to what appears to be a relatively strong internal scorecard for FY25.
Yet, the announcement arrives with a noticeable contrast. Earlier this year, Flipkart reduced its workforce by around 300 roles as part of its annual performance review process. While officially framed as performance driven, the juxtaposition of layoffs alongside above target bonuses reflects a more nuanced balancing act, one that prioritises cost discipline while continuing to reward and retain high performing talent.
This dual approach is becoming increasingly common across the technology and e commerce landscape, where companies are navigating an uneven hiring environment while under pressure to deliver profitability. Rewarding top contributors, even amid selective workforce reductions, allows firms to maintain morale and retain critical talent without losing sight of financial prudence.
At the same time, Flipkart is also undergoing leadership shifts that hint at a broader strategic recalibration. Nishant Verman has been appointed senior vice president for corporate development and partnerships, while group chief financial officer Sriram Venkataraman is set to step down. Ravi Iyer will take on expanded responsibilities within the finance function, marking a reshuffle at the top as the company gears up for its next phase.
These changes come amid reports that Flipkart is planning to shift its holding structure back to India, a move widely interpreted as groundwork for a potential public listing. While timelines remain fluid, the combination of stronger financial discipline, leadership restructuring and employee incentivisation suggests a company preparing itself for greater scrutiny and scale.
For employees, the 105 per cent payout offers a welcome boost in what has otherwise been a period of adjustment. For Flipkart, it is a signal that even as it cuts where necessary, it is willing to spend where it counts. In the high stakes game of growth versus profitability, the company appears to be hedging its bets carefully, rewarding performance while reshaping itself for what could be its most defining chapter yet.
