Archives June 2023

Dr. Pratik Mungekar, an esteemed academician and representative of India, has been appointed as the first Vice Chancellor of Ybarra Scholars and Fellows Society & University, a prestigious institution committed to promoting high standards of education worldwide. This momentous occasion took place during the investiture ceremony held on 27th May in Cebu, Philippines.

As a distinguished keynote speaker and chief guest at an international multidisciplinary conference and doctoral conferment event, Dr. Mungekar captivated the audience with his profound insights. His heartfelt rendition of the Indian National anthem echoed with pride, leaving a lasting impression on the Filipino attendees. Dr. Mungekar’s representation of India on the global stage fills him with immense pride, culminating in a resounding cry of “Jai Hind!”

During his visit to the Philippines, Dr. Mungekar had the privilege of sharing his expertise and knowledge with students at the Legua Integrated School in Bataan. His lecture on Learning, Education, and Study Management for students in classes 8th through 12th left a lasting impact, garnering admiration and appreciation from the students and faculty alike.

On May 27th, at the Ybarra Scholars and Fellows Society & University event, Dr. Mungekar was appointed as their ambassador to India. This prestigious role solidifies his commitment to fostering collaboration and exchange between India and the Philippines. His keynote address on Multidisciplinary Science further demonstrated his profound understanding of the subject and his dedication to advancing education.

The crowning moment of Dr. Mungekar’s journey in the Philippines came during the 36th conferral of honorary degrees at the DepEd Ecotech Centre in Sudlon Lahug, Cebu City. He delivered an inspirational address, captivating the audience with his words of wisdom and inspiring the next generation of scholars. On this auspicious day, Dr. Mungekar also took an oath as Vice Chancellor, pledging to uphold and promote excellence in education.

The investiture ceremony showcased the grandeur and significance of the occasion, as Dr. Mungekar donned the elegant Senate gown and Vice-Chancellor toga. These iconic images symbolize the immense responsibility and honor bestowed upon him as the Vice Chancellor of Ybarra Scholars and Fellows Society & University.

Dr. Pratik Mungekar expresses his sincere gratitude to the Ybarra Scholars and Fellows Society, Dr. Zaldy Carreon De Leon Jr., and his fellow colleagues for their unwavering support, love, and commitment throughout his journey.

This milestone not only brings immense pride to India but also stands as a testament to Dr. Mungekar’s unwavering dedication to education and his exceptional contributions to academia.

Gurugram, 5th June 2023 GKB Opticals, the leading national optical retail chain with more than 60 years of legacy recently associated with “Carrera Prowl” and unveiled their latest array of products at Ambience Mall, Gurgaon, in the presence of Tiger Shroff. “Carrera Prowl” is a one-of-a-kind collaboration between the internationally popular lifestyle and sports eyewear brand, Carrera and Bollywood superstar Tiger Shroff’s popular lifestyle brand, Prowl. The latest array of products from the “Carrera Prowl” collection will add to the existing extensive product range of GKB Opticals and will showcase a versatile amalgamation of functionality, durability and premium- quality and will cater to customers who have a knack for fine eyewear that renders a statement look while being functionally relevant.

GKB Opticals features a wide range of internationally celebrated eyewear brands and thereby effortlessly captures the mind-space of fashion enthusiasts. Therefore, the addition of the “Carrera Prowl” collection will further accentuate the brand’s mission to cater to the fashion-forward population and deliver fine eyewear to them.

Ms. Priyanka Gupta, Director of Brands – GKB Opticals said, “After the successful launch of the Carrera Prowl collection in Mumbai and Kolkata, we are elated to unveil the collection in Gurgaon, in the presence of Tiger Shroff. As one of the retail partners of the Carrera Prowl collection, we have received immense love and appreciation for the sturdy range. We are glad that we are being able to extend our extensive product catalogue to our patrons across cities and make fashionable eyewear accessible to all. Alongside the luxury to premium eyewear brands which are already available in our stores, the Carrera Prowl collection widens the dimension, both in terms of product galore as well as customer demographics. The promising range offered by the collaboration between the two iconic brands i.e., Carrera and Prowl, seamlessly aligns with the aesthetics and functionality which GKB Opticals stands for.”

Gracing the launch event of the Carrera Prowl collection at GKB Opticals’ store at Ambience Mall, Gurgaon, Tiger Shroff commented, “I am glad to see the Carrera Prowl collection going places. As one of our retail partners, GKB Opticals has been ensuring that they leverage their nationwide presence and introduce the range to the fashion-forward customers across the cities. After receiving a lot of adulation and appreciation from the patrons at Mumbai and Kolkata, we are all set to present the contemporary yet sturdy collection to the Gurgaon folks.”

New Delhi, 5th June 2023: As the World prepares to commemorate World Environment Day on June 5, the World of Circular Economy (WOCE) is at the forefront of driving behavior change and advocating for sustainable practices that will pave the way for a net-zero future. Recognizing the pressing challenges posed by plastic pollution and carbon emissions, WOCE is committed to addressing these interconnected issues with urgency.

WOCE empowers individuals and organizations to actively contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions through innovative tools like the Carbon Book app for individuals and the Carbon Ledger platform for companies.

Plastic pollution remains a grave threat to our ecosystems, exacerbating the issue of carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle. In light of this, WOCE is dedicated to tackling both problems in tandem.

“As part of our ongoing efforts, WOCE is excited to announce the integration of a new feature into the Carbon Book app. Recognizing the need of the hour to combat plastic pollution, the app will soon incorporate a dedicated section under the Waste category, enabling users to take a stand against single-use plastics. This addition highlights our commitment to combating plastic pollution and creating a sustainable future,” said Anup Garg, Founder and Director of WOCE.

The theme of this year’s World Environment Day, “Beating Plastic Pollution,” resonates deeply with the mission of the World of Circular Economy. “We strive for a world where carbon emissions are minimized or neutralized, resources are optimized, and the planet thrives in harmony with human activities. Our vision centers on fostering responsible living by inspiring behavior change and providing practical solutions to individuals and businesses alike,” added Garg.

Together, we can forge a sustainable future where plastic pollution is defeated, and carbon emissions are significantly reduced. World of Circular Economy invites all individuals and organizations to join us in our mission and actively participate in shaping a better world.

“To actively contribute to reducing plastic pollution and carbon emissions, individuals can download the Carbon Book app for free. The app provides practical tools and information to support sustainable living choices. Join us today and make a difference!”, urges Garg.

New Delhi: 5th June 2023: Circularity is critical in the urban context of the Global South. Rapid urbanization in the region has led to significant challenges related to housing, transportation, and waste management. While many cities in the Global South are adopting sustainable urban planning approaches, waste management practices, and promoting recycling and composting to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, these practices are helping to promote inclusive economic growth and social progress.

International Council for Circular Economy hosted a roundtable at WCEF2023 on “Role of Global South in enabling a global circular transition” in Helsinki on 31 May’23.

The roundtable would be the first of its kind of initiative that was led by the South for supporting the global circular transition. The roundtable was attended by 25 key global leaders in Circular Economy. Discussions highlighted the unique combination of traditional knowledge and the latest technology that is helping the global south to make a significant transition to become circular.

Ms Shalini Goyal Bhalla, Managing Director of the International Council for Circular Economy chaired the roundtable with Mr Chris Whyte of the African Circular Economy Network and Petar Ostojic of CIEC. Ms Shalini highlighted the importance of collective action and collaboration towards inclusionary pathways to ‘net neutrality’. “Efforts rooted in and trimmed for the needs of Global South nations are urgent if we aim to create truly equitable and inclusive communities for a global circular transition”, said Ms. Bhalla.

Chris Whyte, Director, ACEN discussed how intra-regional trade, especially in developing Asia, dominates South–South trade. This region consistently accounted for approximately 75 percent of the trade between developing countries over the 1995–2015 period. “Interregional South–South trade has increased from 14.1 percent in 1995 to 20.1 percent in 2015”, said Chris.

Mr Juhani Damski, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment of Finland said that traditional knowledge presents an opportunity for Global South to make a big leap to transform linear structure to more resilient, regenerative, and nature positive.

Ms. Astrid Schomaker, European Commission, Directorate -for Environment, EU Commission discussed the importance of Mission LiFE which has been initiated by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi. She also said that the EU should change its inward-looking approach.

Ms. Valerie Hickey, Global Director of Environment, Natural Resources and the Blue Economy, World Bank highlighted that the Circular economy is a way we accelerate and leapfrog the slow growth to pull the countries out of poverty.

The roundtable saw active participation from leaders across the globe who actively participated in the discussions and worked on modeling a futuristic approach for the global circular roadmap and approach to 2050.

A cooperation document between 7 organizations was signed. The collaboration will contribute to increased value creation in local and regional business and industry by providing companies with knowledge and expertise on circular economy and assistance in implementing new solutions on both a pilot scale and an industrial scale. The parties see that the activities can be complementary and will help to strengthen the interactions between the environments.

At the global level, the cooperation would help bridge the Global South and the Global North, breaking cultural and lifestyle barriers through solutions and best practices of mapping circular policies, economic incentives and business models. It also proposes joint planning with North and South partners for a global dialogue.

Hyderabad,5th June 2023: Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), the visionary group that pioneered the success of the inaugural season of the Indian Racing League (IRL), proudly announces the successful conclusion of the ‘Karting SuperSeries’ at the renowned Chicane Circuit in Hyderabad. The exhilarating five-legged competition spanned across Chennai, Bengaluru, Kerala, Mumbai, and Delhi before culminating in a pulsating finale, won by Rachit Singhal, in Hyderabad.

Aimed at identifying and nurturing the next racing talent in India, the four-stroke SuperSeries showcased the incredible skills and determination of the participating drivers (aged 14 and above) who captivated audiences and ignited their passion for motorsports. Each leg of the competition offered a unique and challenging experience at renowned karting tracks across the country, including ECR Speedway in Chennai, Meco Kartopia in Bengaluru, Speedway Thrissur in Kerala, Ajmera IndiKarting in Mumbai, and Kartomania (F11 Karting) in Gurugram, Delhi.

The top six finalists from each leg earned the opportunity to prove their mettle in the grand finale hosted at Hyderabad’s Chicane Circuit. As the excitement reached its peak, Rachit Singhal emerged as the deserving champion of the ‘Karting SuperSeries finale, showcasing exceptional talent, precision, and strategic brilliance throughout the competition.

Expressing his joy at the success of the competition, Mr Akhil Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited, said, “We are immensely proud of the ‘Karting SuperSeries’ and its significance as a crucial platform for young racing talents to showcase their skills and kickstart their career in motorsports. RPPL is committed to nurturing the next generation of racing stars in India, and Rachit Singhal victory is a testament to the potential and talent that exists in our country. We, at RPPL, extend our gratitude to all the participants, spectators, sponsors, and partners who contributed to the resounding success of this competition. We will continue to provide opportunities and support for these budding drivers, contributing to the growth of the Indian racing landscape.”

Mr. Armaan Ebrahim, the Co-Founder of RPPL, also shared his enthusiasm, saying, “The ‘Karting SuperSeries’ has been an incredible journey, offering young drivers an invaluable chance to showcase their skills and make a mark in the world of motorsports. At RPPL, we are passionate about nurturing racing talent and providing a platform for them to grow. The company remains dedicated to fostering the growth and development of motorsports in India, empowering young talents to pursue their dreams and shine on the global racing stage. This competition not only highlights the exceptional capabilities of these young drivers but also demonstrates our commitment to the development and advancement of motorsports in India. We are proud to be a part of their journey and look forward to witnessing their future successes.”

RPPL, the organizer of this event, was also at the helm of affairs during the inaugural season of the successful IRL. The city-based franchise racing league saw six teams along with 24 prominent foreign and Indian drivers competing for top honors in a four-legged battle in Chennai and Hyderabad. Akhil Rabindra from Hyderabad Blackbirds won the drivers’ title, and Godspeed Kochi won the team’s championship trophy.

India, 5th June 2023- iQOO’s quest for its first Chief Gaming Officer has taken over the gaming world, receiving an astounding 30,000+ applications within just 3 days of the announcement. An innovative initiative, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to aspiring gamers aged under 25, has struck a chord and generated a resounding yes from the young gamers in the country.

Over 30,000 gamers have expressed their desire to be a part of the process and this level of participation unveils an entirely fresh realm brimming with gaming enthusiasts in India. Applicants from over 500 cities applied for the first role of its kind, which will work with the iQOO team to tailor the best mobile gaming experience.

Excited about the response, Nipun Marya, CEO of iQOO said, “The enthusiasm and response to our search for iQOO’s first Gaming Officer is humbling and yet corroborates our decision to go to the huge community of young gamers in the country, for a role like this. At iQOO, our endeavor has always been to make phones that stand out for its performance and esports experience. And for the same, we envisioned this role that will further ignite the gaming community and foster a vibrant gaming ecosystem for the brand. On behalf of the brand iQOO, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the overwhelming response received from everyone who has applied.”

iQOO has set out this exciting adventure, for exceptional gamers, between the age of 18-25 years, for whom gaming runs through their veins and fuels their passion. iQOO’s first Chief Gaming Officer (CGO) will get a chance to earn a whopping INR 10 lakhs for an incredible six-month journey.

This role offers a unique opportunity for the CGO to collaborate closely with iQOO’s leadership team, and share groundbreaking insights and ideas that will define the future of gaming. As the CGO, young gaming enthusiasts will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work alongside top-notch gamers across India, connecting with gaming legends, forming alliances, and pushing the boundaries of gaming excellence to new heights.

To apply for the CGO role at iQOO, follow these simple steps:

• ● Visit the official website of iQOO.
  ● Look for the entry line for the CGO hunt.
  ● Fill out the required details in the application form.
  ● After completing the form, take a snapshot of it.
  ● Submit the application form and the snapshot as per the instructions provided on the website.

iQOO will welcome applications until June 11, 2023.

RIYADH,5th June 2023: The biggest names in the world of international gaming and esports will gather in Riyadh for the second edition of the Next World Forum, a major global industry gathering created to shape the future of the rapidly evolving sector through knowledge exchange, discourse and debate.

This year’s edition will build on 2022’s success through an agenda that will explore opportunities and drive evolution in the space, with high-profile guests leading discussions and deep analysis of a business that has a global worth of $170 billion, more than Hollywood and the music industry combined. The Next World Forum takes place at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center from August 30-31.

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The Next World Forum is an important event on the global calendar for the gaming and esports industry. It provides a unique platform for leading industry figures to engage in challenging conversations and sessions, asking tough questions that contribute to shaping the future of the sector.

“By bringing together leaders and experts from around the world, the event is fostering a culture of enquiry, collaboration and knowledge sharing, and creating an environment where new models of working can be debated, discussed and developed to create a positive impact on the industry.

“It is evident that Esports and gaming are becoming valid career paths for many, not just in Saudi but globally. The Next World Forum will generate dialogue and offer insights that enable these individuals – from across the industry – to better understand the landscape as it grows and evolves.”

Scheduled main stage sessions at the Next World Forum in August include: From Pixels To Podiums: Examining The Relationship Between Esports And The Olympics; Creating The Gold Standard Of The Competitive Gaming Scene; Breaking The Code: The Challenges For Women In Gaming Leadership; Press The Pause Button: Analyzing Esports Players’ Mental And Physical Health; and many more.

Full details of session topics and attendees for the Next World Forum will be released in due course. Speakers will include ministers of sport from leading nations, investors, gamers, developers, tech providers, start-ups, public sector representatives, brands and advertisers, publishers, broadcasters, and federations and leagues.

Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, this year’s Next World Forum will also launch the Gamers8 Club Awards, a new and innovative rewards format that will revolutionize the world of esports. The Forum additionally brings the curtain down on Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, the biggest gaming and esports festival worldwide, which begins on July 6 at Boulevard Riyadh City.

Patna, 5th June 2023 The Chandragupta Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) is set to host the East Zone finals of the 2nd edition of the National Inter-college Crossword Expedition (NICE) on June 9.

This prestigious event marks the beginning of the zonal finals, as the annual national contest progresses into Stage II. Following the successful completion of Stage I, where individual students participated in four online rounds of puzzle-solving, Stage II will witness the formation of two-member teams consisting of the top-ranking students from each institution. These teams will represent their respective institutions in the offline zonal finals, engaging in a thrilling battle of wits and crossword-solving abilities.

The top 5 institutions in the East Zone, as determined by the Cumulative Leaderboard rankings, include:

1: Acharya Sudarshan B.Ed. College, Sitamarhi
2: Government Engineering College, Vaishali
3: Government Engineering College, Arwal
4: Government Engineering College, Banka
5: Government Engineering College, Bhojpur

Their outstanding performance has earned them a well-deserved spot in the upcoming East Zone finals.

The NICE contest showcases remarkable talent not only in the East Zone but also in the West, North, South, and Northeast zones. Zonal finals will be held in each of these regions, and the top three teams from each zonal final will converge in New Delhi for Stage III, where they will compete in the highly anticipated national grand finale.

Introduced last year as part of the initiatives to fulfill the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the NICE contest aims to create a dynamic campus environment and foster a comprehensive education ecosystem that nurtures students’ multi-disciplinary talents. By participating in the game, students can enjoy numerous advantages, including the enhancement of logical reasoning abilities, the cultivation of a problem-solving mindset, and the development of quick decision-making skills, among other cognitive abilities.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the apex body for technical education in India, organizes the NICE contest in collaboration with the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai, and Extra-C, a civil society initiative dedicated to promoting a holistic educational environment.

Hyderabad, 5th June 2023: Woods, a leading sustainable real estate company, brought in World Environment Day on June 04 2023 with its ‘Break Up With Plastic’ campaign.

A lifestyle initiative by UNEP, #BeatPlasticPollution 2023 aims to draw focus on the state of plastic pollution in the world. The dynamic team of Executive Junior Interns at Woods put together an event for the books. They planned activities to combat plastic pollution with eco-friendly reusable fabric bags made of used saris, metal straws and mugs, and bamboo toothbrushes. By promoting eco-friendly alternatives and encouraging individuals to adopt eco-friendly alternatives, they made change easily adaptable for adults and children alike.

The event also saw the guests plant over 100 native trees at Woods, and partake in pottery and painting workshops to emphasize the importance of art and individual actions in preserving the environment. An added bonus was the launch of the Break Up With Plastic! OR BUP! The store sold branded merchandise for a good cause.

A sustainable lifestyle was presented with recyclable alternatives, ending the fabulous event with the Internship Graduation and a keynote speech by Mrs. Rama who makes recyclable bags out of used saris.

Speaking about the event, a representative from Stone Craft Group said, “We believe that change starts with individuals, and together, we can make a significant impact on our environment.” Join Woods in breaking up with plastic for a better future.

Hyderabad, 5th June 2023……Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan, Designated 9th head of the Asif Jahi Dynasty of Nizams pays tributes on Sunday morning to Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of the Princely State of Hyderabad, the largest Princely state in British India at his mausoleum at Masjid-e-Judi, at King Koti, near Nazri Bagh Palace in Hyderabad

Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan visited the Masjid-e-Judi, where all the family members of the 7th Nizam have graves, accompanied by Nawab Ameer Ali Jah, the Grand Son of 7th Nizam, who with the largest majority of the 7th Nizams family have selected him for the honor. Ameer Ali Jah is one of the handfuls of Asif Jahi’s in the City today of this generation who was bestowed the title of ‘Jah’ directly by the Nizam.

Sunday was also the 57th death anniversary of the last Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan.

Speaking on the occasion interacting with the media, Ameer Ali Jah, AKA Moin Nawab said paying respects to grandfather, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the erstwhile ruling Nizam 7th of Hyderabad State was an honour.I on behalf of my family of Direct descendants of the 7th Nizam have come to Masjid e’ Juri/Judi to pay respects to our dynamic and progressive world-renowned secular Grandfather who did a lot making the whole state of Hyderabad, which had the present Hyderabad as its capital, into a developed city, way beyond others in India. We have gathered to pay tribute and respect in more numbers than usual for this dynamic farsighted benefactor of Hyderabad as we are accompanying our New Nizam, Highness Raunaq Yar Khan.

Nawab Ameer Ali Jha said Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan has already put in a lot of effort to keep the name, memory and essence of the Asaf Jahi family, better known as the Nizams alive, through his interfaith activities since childhood, spanning almost 50 years, in Delhi and Hyderabad. We have brought him to visit the grave of his great grandfather the 6th Nizam and 7th Nizam next after which we will subsequently pay our respects to Nizam 6th, Raunaq’s great grandfather & then all our earlier ancestor Nizams 5, 4, 3 & 2 buried at Mecca Masjid (1st Nizam at Aurangabad). We hope Highness Raunaq Yar Khan gets the blessings of the departed ancestors apart from us who have our best wishes for him

Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan, one of the city’s most known representatives of the family and philanthropists, who was chosen as the 9th Nizam of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty by the Sahabzadegan of the earlier Nizams above 6th is now covered as head of the Nizam’s Asaf Jahi Dynasty by the descendants of Nizam 7th who are inline descendants of 1 to 7.

The newly crowned 9th Nizam, Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan visited the graveyard of Mir Osman Ali Khan for the first time after the majority of his family of descendants from Nizam 1 to 7 had chosen him to take their legacy forward as the 9th Nizam of The Asaf Jahi family, erstwhile rulers of Hyderabad State.

Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan, 60 years, is a well-known citizen of Hyderabad. He is the proud owner of an 80-acre film facility(set) located on a 115-acre plot in Road No. 25, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. It is one of the biggest film facilities in the city. Nizam Prince Raunaq Yar Khan is known for its amazing buildings and a man-made hill known as H.I.G.H(Highest In Greater Hyderabad Hill). Film wallahs know it is a booth bungalow. The hill is taller than Naubat Pahad.

Asaf Jahi Dynasty family members and associates also paid floral tributes and offered prayers at his mausoleum at Masjid Jodi in King Kothi.