Reliance's Jio Platforms and the e-learning startup ______ were included in Time Magazine's list of the 100 most influential companies of 2021.

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) BYJU’S. In 2021, Time Magazine released its first-ever list of the 100 Most Influential Companies, recognizing businesses making an extraordinary impact globally. BYJU’S, a leading Indian e-learning platform, was included for its transformative role in the education technology sector, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its rapid growth, massive valuation, and acquisition strategy (like WhiteHat Jr, Aakash Institute, etc.) made it a standout global ed-tech leader.
BYJU’S was listed under the “Disruptors” category alongside other global players for revolutionizing learning for school students through personalized, tech-enabled education. Jio Platforms, on the other hand, was recognized under the “Innovators” category for its role in digitally empowering millions in India.
Information Booster:
· BYJU’S was the only Indian ed-tech company listed in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential Companies of 2021.
· The company’s valuation crossed $16 billion in 2021.
· It expanded aggressively by acquiring WhiteHat Jr, Aakash Institute, and Osmo.
· Jio Platforms was recognized for its role in digital transformation in India.
· Time’s list had categories like Pioneers, Leaders, Innovators, Titans, and Disruptors.
· Time considered relevance, impact, innovation, leadership, and success as criteria.
Additional Knowledge:
· Unacademy: Unacademy is a prominent ed-tech company in India focused on UPSC, SSC, banking, and other competitive exams. However, it was not featured in the Time 100 list of 2021. Founded by Gaurav Munjal, it is also considered a unicorn in India’s startup ecosystem but did not receive this recognition in 2021.
· Edukart: Edukart was a higher education platform founded in 2011 but was acquired by Paytm in 2016. It has since not been significantly active or recognized globally in the way BYJU'S has.
· Simplilearn: Though Simplilearn is a well-known platform for professional upskilling and certifications (especially in IT and data domains), it was not named in Time’s 2021 top 100. However, it has gained recognition in corporate learning.