MAM
IIMC takes the PhD plunge after six decades of playing it safe
NEW DELHI: After 60 years of churning out journalists, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication has had a lightbulb moment: why not let people research the it properly?
The deemed university formally launched its PhD programme on 1 January, opening applications for full-time and part-time candidates until 30 January. Those clutching UGC-NET certificates can waltz straight into personal interactions, whilst the less fortunate part-timers must sit an entrance exam on 19 February.
IIMC vice chancellor Pragya Paliwal Gaur, speaking at the launch, served up the usual academic rhetoric about “genuinely contributing towards research for resurgent India” and thinking “out-of-the-box.”
The programme promises a smorgasbord of research areas: journalism, digital media, strategic communication, film studies, political communication, and that perennial favourite, advertising and public relations. Scholars can expect rigorous academics, interdisciplinary scholarship, and—if they’re lucky—something resembling an answer to why media keeps changing faster than academics can study it.
The selected candidates list drops on 23 February, interviews kick off on 9 March, and the whole process wraps by 27 March. Coursework begins April 1st—no joke.
MUMBAI: BKT Tyres has decided to roll into the two-wheeler world with some serious jurrat and it’s brought Ranveer Singh along for the ride. The off-highway tyre specialist has unveiled its new campaign, ‘Jurrat’, marking a strategic push into India’s massive two-wheeler segment. The high-energy TV commercial, featuring brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, debuted on 3 April 2026 during the Indian Men’s T20 League 2026.
The campaign revolves around the core belief that true confidence on the road comes from dependable performance beneath you. ‘Jurrat’ (meaning courage) captures the mindset of riders who navigate dynamic and often unpredictable daily commutes with determination. It brings BKT Tyres’ brand philosophy ‘Elevate Your Drive’ into the two-wheeler space by spotlighting three key product benefits: long life, exceptional road grip, and unmatched comfort.
BKT Tyres chief marketing officer for India Mahesh Koppad said, “India’s two-wheeler segment reflects the way the country moves, works, and progresses every day. ‘Jurrat’ highlights how performance-led tyres, engineered for long life, comfort, and grip, enhance the overall riding experience and support uninterrupted progress in everyday life.”
The campaign is being rolled out across television and digital platforms with high-impact placements to ensure maximum reach and engagement.
This launch represents BKT Tyres’ calibrated expansion from its stronghold in off-highway tyres to becoming a more holistic mobility brand, addressing the everyday transportation needs of millions of Indian riders who rely on motorcycles and scooters as their primary mode of transport.
In a segment where confidence is everything, BKT Tyres is betting that a combination of bold celebrity appeal and strong product performance will help it gain serious traction on Indian roads. The campaign signals that the company is ready to move beyond its traditional turf and accelerate in the fast-paced two-wheeler market.
