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Donald Trump, Mukesh & Nita Ambani, Kalpesh Mehta & Pankaj Bansal: What’s the connection?
MUMBAI: When the incoming president of the US invites you, you definitely have to go. The pre-swearing in inaugural festivities thrown by the to-be -President Trump at an intimate gathering of friends and family at Trump National Sterling in Virginia saw a handful of Indians mark their presence. But those who really want to make a splash of it are two Indian real estate developers who are the Republican leader’s Indian partners in Trump Towers.
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We are referring to Tribeca Developers founder Kalpesh Mehta and M3M Developers managing director Pankaj Bansal who were seen hobnobbing with Trump and sharing a glass of bubbly with him. Both Mehta and Bansal are key partners in the development of Trump Towers in India, reflecting the strong ties between Indian business leaders and the Trump Organisation. Kalpesh Mehta, the licensed Indian partner for Trump Towers, has been instrumental in bringing the Trump brand to India. They were also seen cracking a few jokes with India’s richest couple – Mukesh and Nita Ambani. Mukeshbhai and Nitabhabi, apparently, took an overnighter on their private jet for a spin to Washington DC.
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Global leaders, including Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos and other prominent business figures, were also in attendance.
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A nearly 20 minute firework display was watched by Trump and his wife Melania and his extended family from the balcony of his club.
Trump’s alleged excesses have already got critics carping about his proximity to several American billionaire friends of his who are getting crucial posts and others (one of them read crypto currency industry) who are handing out $250 million to the inauguration committee for spending on what is being called the most expensive inauguration (read party) of a president in history. Other presidents have reportedly spent less than $50 million (Obama) on their inauguration spending prior to Trump who spent a massive $107 million following his 2017 election victory.
With the Trump-baiters getting their knives out even before he has got into the White House, we wonder what they will come up with after he does. We can only wait and watch.
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HP launches Smart Champs learning game show with JioStar for students
Sanya Malhotra hosts quiz series blending fun, learning and prizes
NEW DELHI: HP India has teamed up with JioStar to launch HP Smart Champs, a new learning-based game show designed to make education engaging for school students across the country.
Hosted by Sanya Malhotra, the 10-episode series brings together students from Grades 5 to 9, who compete in teams through quiz and puzzle-based challenges that test knowledge, logic and teamwork. The show will begin streaming on JioHotstar from April 11 and will premiere on Nick on April 18, with weekend episodes airing at 7 PM.
Powered by HP Smart Tank printers, the format integrates print-based learning into the gameplay, using worksheets, clues and visual problem-solving tools to encourage hands-on participation. The idea is to move students beyond rote memorisation and towards more applied, curiosity-led learning.
The competition promises high stakes, with winners set to receive a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while runners-up will take home Rs 5 lakh. Additional rewards include HP AI laptops, Smart Tank printers and accessories, while the winning school will be awarded an HP Smart Tech Lab.
Speaking about the initiative, HP India managing director Ipsita Dasgupta said, “At HP, we believe nurturing India’s youth is key to the country’s progress, and technology plays a foundational role in enabling this. With HP Smart Champs, we wanted to create something beyond traditional learning, a fun-filled platform where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking take centre stage.”
On the show’s reach, JioStar head entertainment sales Mahesh Shetty said, “HP Smart Champs reflects how children today learn through exploration and experience. With Nick and JioHotstar, we are creating a multi-screen approach that is both engaging and meaningful.”
Highlighting the role of print, HP India senior director print Satish Kumar said, “The show brings print-based learning to life in an engaging format, helping students develop deeper understanding through hands-on experiences.”
The journey to the finale began with participation from over 1,000 schools across 26 cities, narrowing down to 34 finalists who will compete in a studio showdown in Mumbai.
With its blend of entertainment, education and technology, HP Smart Champs is positioning itself as more than just a quiz show. It is a nationwide push to make learning interactive, accessible and, above all, a lot more fun.
