Archives October 2023

MotoGP16th October 2023 Round 15, Grand Prix of Indonesia Indonesia, October 14, 2023: After a promising Friday, falls and other complications limited the potential of Marc Marquez and Joan Mir – the pair walking away without points after the Mandalika Sprint race.

Joan Mir did his utmost in the Sprint Race to recover from a complicated Qualifying which saw him start 19th. An aggressive start allowed the #36 to make up a handful of places when the lights went out and attach himself into the group ahead. Steady pace during the 13-lap Sprint had Mir running on the verge of points in 12th place until late race complications saw him suddenly drop down to 16th place on the last lap.

Working overnight, Mir and his team will put their full efforts into improving his feeling at the end of the race in order for the 2020 World MotoGP Champion to show his speed throughout the entire 27-lap Indonesian Grand Prix on Sunday.

A dramatic Q2 session saw Marc Marquez recover from a mid-session crash to score eighth on the grid. Nearly saving a front end fall at Turn 4, Marquez quickly remounted with the clock ticking on the 15-minute session to improve his time to a 1’30.864 – a full second faster this his 2022 Qualifying time. Misfortune would strike Marquez almost before his race had begun, the eight-time World Champion falling unharmed on the first lap.

Both Repsol Honda Team riders will be out to make dramatic improvements in Sunday’s race, scheduled to start at 15:00 Local Time. Conditions have remained consistent throughout the weekend and the heat looks to remain unwavering on Sunday.

Marc Marquez (DNF)

“Our race was very short today; I lost the front at Turn 11 on the first lap. It’s a shame to finish the race so early because normally in the first laps I am very strong. We took a risk in the first laps and this is what can happen. The negative is that we didn’t finish the race and miss some information about how the tyres behave but the positive point is that we save our physical condition for the race tomorrow which will be a very long and hard race physically. Tomorrow it will be a tough race; the aim is the top 12.”

Joan Mir (16th)

“Today was not what we were expecting to be honest. After the feeling we had yesterday, I thought we had the potential to go into Q2 but today I arrived at the limit quite early. In the Sprint Race, I was trying very hard to recover but I couldn’t ride exactly how I wanted in the first laps because we were battling. Once I found a bit of clean air and free space, I was pleased with my lap times which were similar to the top six. Tomorrow will be a tricky day, at the end of the race today it was difficult to finish because the tyre temperatures were very high.”

Indonesian GP – Sprint Race

Rider standings

Kolkata, 16th October, 2023: Disha Eye Hospitals, the largest eye care chain of Eastern India, today, hosted the 6th Edition of Disha Samman at GD Birla Sabhaghar. Dignitaries, Dr Pradeep Vyas, IFS (Retd.), Vigilance Commissioner, State Vigilance Commission, West Bengal, Padmashree, Ms Usha Uthup and former footballers and present coaches, Mohun Bagan SG, Mr Bastob Roy and Mr Abhra Mondal were present at the grand ceremony to confer the prestigious awards to Agriculturalist, Mr Joy Krishna Barik for his extraordinary service towards sustainability, Asansol Braille Academy for their contribution towards sightless individuals and Footballers, Ms Sangita Metya and Ms Pratima Ghosh for their contribution towards sports.

“This is the sixth edition of Disha Samman. The last five years’ journey has been immensely satisfying and successful. Disha Samman was mainly instituted to provide recognition to blind individuals who, with the spirit of courage, make remarkable contributions towards the society. It is our privilege to present the accolades to such real-life heroes who despite undergoing a challenging life rose above all the odds with their sheer determination and unending handwork. We also acknowledge the efforts of organisations who act as a beacon light for the visually impaired”, said Dr Debasish Bhattacharya, Chairman and Managing Director, Disha Eye Hospitals.

The first edition of Disha Samman was held in the year 2018. It was introduced as a philanthropic initiative to honour the exemplary contributions and achievements of visually challenged individuals and the organisations who work tirelessly to bring into the limelight such talents and ensure a better life for them.

The respective categories on the basis of which Disha Samman 2023 have been awarded are; ‘Excellence In Sustainability’, ‘Excellence In Social Welfare’ and ‘Excellence In Sports’. Disha Samman 2023 consisted of a plaque and a cash prize of 50,000 INR to each of the awardees and the organisation.

A special song titled ‘There’s A Sunshine That We Don’t See’ created for the occasion and sung by Ms Usha Uthup was launched. The song has been composed and written by a budding musician, Soham Sengupta. The additional Bengali lyrics are by Sreeraj Mitra. The music has been designed by ace musician Som Chakraborty.

Mr Joykrishna Barik is a blind agriculturalist from Kanthi, West Bengal. He received his training in agriculture, gardening and cultivation from Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys’ Academy. Later, he started a nursery business and named the nursery as ‘Ramkrishna Sarada Maa’ nursery. Mr Barik received a state award in 2016 and 2022. Being blind, he has taken the initiative of running a nursery and providing saplings to various organisations, thereby creating a unique commitment for creating a ‘greener tomorrow’.

Asansol Braille Academy (ABA), the School unit of the Asansol Prevention Of Blindness Society, is a school for the blind, residential & Free from all charges, successfully running for the last 19 years in Asansol. Presently 30 students, from Jharkhand to Durgapur Steel Township and neighbouring districts of
West Bengal are residing and taking education. It is not a government-aided school and is purely run by the NGO, APBS.

Ms Sangita Metya, a blind girl from Bengal has represented the Indian team for the ‘World Championship of Blind Football’ that was held at Birmingham in the UK in August. India stood 4th in the tournament. The daughter of a sharecropper in Panskura, Sangita had been fighting against the odds since childhood. Even after cracking BEd and starting private tutorials, she was not able to join as a teacher. Later, she was picked up for the blind women’s team in Bengal and was selected team’s captain.

Ms Pratima Ghosh is blind since birth. A Nabadwip resident and the daughter of a daily labourer, she went through many hardships in life and now she is making Bengal proud. She also represented the Indian team for ‘World Championship of Blind Football’ that was held at Birmingham in the UK in August.

World Dessert Day is a sweet-tooth’s paradise, and what better way to celebrate it than by indulging in some of the most decadent and delightful desserts from around the city? Whether you’re a chocoholic, a fruit lover, or a fan of gluten-free treats, there’s something for everyone to savor on this delectable day. Check out these mouthwatering desserts that will make your taste buds dance with joy:

Mount Foo-Ji at Foo Brigade Road:

Mount Foo-ji is a dessert that certainly knows how to make a grand entrance. This multi-tiered masterpiece is served veiled in liquid nitrogen, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. It features layers of heavenly sweetness, including mango pudding, vanilla, sesame cheesecake, a hazelnut dome, and delightful hazelnut and coconut ice creams. To top it off, there’s a selection of fresh cut fruits for those who want a touch of healthiness with their indulgence. Aptly named, Mount Foo-ji guarantees an eruption of saccharine-induced happiness all around.

Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Tart at Cantan, Lavelle Road:

This delectable tart is a sweet symphony of indulgence. Made to serve two lucky dessert enthusiasts, it boasts a heavenly combination of Callebaut milk chocolate, hazelnuts, fresh cream, and a delightful chocolate crumble. It’s a rich and creamy treat that’s perfect for sharing with a loved one or for indulging yourself on World Dessert Day.

Tiramisu Treasures at Paper & Pie, Indiranagar and Whitefield:

Paper & Pie has brewed something truly magical – their dessert specialty, Coffee Tiramisu. What sets their Tiramisu apart is the meticulous attention to detail. The pride taken in brewing the finest espresso ensures that each spoonful delivers unmistakable coffee goodness. Moreover, the dessert artists don’t skimp on the layers – making it easy to find generous portions of ladyfingers and mascarpone, guaranteeing a satisfying and decadent experience.

Raspberry Pistachio Delice at Conçu Indiranagar (Gluten-Free):

For those with gluten sensitivities or anyone who simply craves a gluten-free delight, the Raspberry Pistachio Delice is a work of art. Layers of almond sponge, raspberry jam, and white chocolate pistachio whipped ganache create a symphony of sweetness and nuttiness that’s simply irresistible.

From the multi-tiered wonder of Mount Foo-ji to the gluten-free marvel of Raspberry Pistachio Delice, and the meticulous Coffee Tiramisu craftsmanship at Paper & Pie, there’s a dessert for every palate and preference. These desserts aren’t just sweet treats; they’re culinary experiences that transport you to the realms of indulgence and bliss. So, whether you’re a passionate foodie or just someone with an insatiable craving for sweets, embark on a journey of flavors, textures, and pure delight. Happy World Dessert Day!

Chennai: VKC Group, one of India’s leading footwear manufacturers, has ventured into the Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) landscape with its first store in Red Hills, Chennai. The exclusive stores will be known as ‘My VKC’ across the country. The inaugural My VKC outlet was unveiled by Mr. VKC Mammed Koya, Chairman, of VKC Group.

With a deeply rooted traditional distribution network model, the company aims to pioneer a new era of accessibility and style. This significant move is aimed at fortifying the traditional model, in which its many brands are sold through multi-brand outlets, while bolstering presence in less covered areas through My VKC stores.

Commenting on the pivotal move of the company, Mr. VKC Razak, Managing Director of VKC Group, said: ‘We are extremely pleased to embark on a new journey with exclusive outlets while strengthening our traditional distribution model. This not only amplifies VKC’s longstanding commitment to quality but also signals a dynamic shift towards serving the diverse needs of the common Indian citizen.’

The first ‘My VKC’ store was launched by the ‘My VKC. My Store.’ integrated campaign led by the legend of Indian cinema, Shri. Amitabh Bachchan.

My VKC store displayed and sold all the power brands from VKC, including VKC Pride, VKC Debon, GoodSpot, EEZY, #Debongo, and Ja.May.Ka. Through ‘My VKC’ stores, the brand addressed the needs of the common man in India. The stores delivered footwear of all kinds that served the common man’s needs at Honest Prices. The store showcased a vast range of highly fashionable designs in sandals, open wear, v-straps, sports shoes, slip-ons, clogs, slides, romans, flip flops, etc. Orthocare footwear was also available at the store. “Honest Price. VKC Price” was a slogan that the company had ingrained in its audience’s hearts over nearly four decades of its existence.

‘My VKC’ store is a part of VKC’s commitment to the idea of encouraging neighborhood businesses to flourish and contribute to local economies. The company said that this was one of the reasons why the ‘My VKC’ store followed a franchise model.

VKC had always campaigned for the #ShopLocal concept. VKC was the first company in India to launch a #ShopLocal campaign nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic to energize and rejuvenate small and medium neighbourhood shopkeepers and businesses across the country.

Gurugram: 15th October ,2023

IJM Toyota Gurugram, a prominent name in the automotive industry, is elated to mark its first anniversary since inception in October 2022. In a significant celebration of this milestone, the dealership proudly announces the delivery of 51 cars to valued customers.

Mr. Ankush Marwaha, Managing Director, and Mr. C S Marwaha, Chairman, have set forth a visionary goal of attaining the pinnacle of customer satisfaction. Their unwavering dedication to meeting customer expectations has been the driving force behind IJM Toyota Gurugram’s exceptional growth.

CEO, Mr. Himanshu Jaisinghani, expressed his ambitious wish to lead the industry in every parameter, from customer satisfaction to transparent commitments and timely services, both in sales and after-sales service.

Mr. Jaisinghani stated, “Our commitment to delivering an unparalleled customer experience remains at the core of our operations. We aim to not only meet but exceed the expectations of every Toyota consumer we serve.”

The dealership has made substantial strides towards enhancing its service capabilities. The newly expanded workshop, located at Hero Honda Chowk, now boasts the capacity to service up to 60 70+ cars per day. This development solidifies IJM Toyota Gurugram’s position as a one-stop destination for all Toyota consumers.

Reflecting on the journey, Mr. Ankush Marwaha mentioned, “This past year has been a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team. We are determined to continue setting new benchmarks in customer satisfaction.”

Manoj Sharma, a delighted customer of IJM Toyota Gurugram, shared his experience, stating, “From the moment I stepped into the dealership, I felt like a valued guest. The staff’s dedication to understanding my needs and providing a tailored solution was truly commendable. IJM Toyota Gurugram has earned my trust, and I look forward to a long-lasting association with them.”

As IJM Toyota Gurugram continues its journey, the dealership stands resolute in its commitment to crafting heart-touching guest experiences for Toyota consumers in the region.

India, October 13, 2023: Get ready to embark on an extraordinary cinematic journey as Dollywood Play, the trailblazing OTT platform with a diverse array of South Indian and Hollywood movies, is set to redefine entertainment boundaries by announcing the much-anticipated Hindi premiere of Pentagon on October 14th. This 2023 Kannada-language masterpiece is a cinematic marvel that promises to captivate the hearts and minds of nationwide audiences.

In a groundbreaking move, Dollywood Play brings the mesmerizing world of Pentagon to Hindi-speaking audiences, making this cinematic gem accessible to all. This decision reflects Dollywood Play’s unwavering commitment to creating world-class entertainment, a shared experience transcending linguistic boundaries.

Directed by a stellar team including Chandra Mohan, Akash Srivatsa, Raghu Shivamogga, Kiran Kumar, and Guru Deshpande, Pentagon is a cinematic kaleidoscope that showcases the best of Kannada cinema. This anthology drama, a rare gem in the Kannada film industry, brings together the formidable talents of Kishore, P. Ravi Shankar, Vijanath Biradar, Pramod Shetty, Prakash Belawadi, and Pruthvi Ambaar. The film weaves together five distinct stories, all united by a common and thought-provoking theme, promising a cinematic journey like no other.

Aneesh Arjun Dev, the visionary Founder, Promoter, and Managing Director of Dollywood Play, enthusiastically shared his sentiments about this significant achievement, stating, “Our hearts are brimming with excitement as we prepare to unveil ‘Pentagon’ in Hindi to a much broader audience. This film is not just a cinematic gem; it’s a shining testament to the profound storytelling heritage of Kannada cinema. We have profound faith that ‘Pentagon’ will strike a chord with viewers across every corner of India, captivating their hearts and minds.”

“At Dollywood Play, we have always been on a relentless mission to offer entertainment experiences that are nothing short of extraordinary. ‘Pentagon’ perfectly embodies our unwavering dedication to this cause, and it is a testament to our commitment to curate content that transcends boundaries and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of our cherished audience. It is more than just a film; it’s an invitation to join us in our ongoing journey to redefine entertainment, and we can’t wait to embark on this adventure with our viewers.”, he added.

Dollywood Play has consistently emerged as the ultimate entertainment destination. With a rich and varied content portfolio encompassing full-length movies, shorts, clips, and songs, the platform excels in curating well-organised content across popular genres such as Action, Thriller, Suspense, Drama, Comedy, Romance, and Horror. Today, Dollywood Play continues to shine with its diverse content offerings, providing an immersive world of entertainment where every viewer discovers something extraordinary.

Prepare to be spellbound by “Pentagon,” exclusively on Dollywood Play. It isn’t just a movie premiere; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a world of storytelling that transcends boundaries.

14th October 2023 Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited), a pioneer and technology leader in creating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and population-scale e-governance solutions unveiled its first ever 360° brand campaign titled ‘Change is Growth’ today.

The campaign is the company’s first attempt to create awareness of Brand Protean after its rebranding from NSDL e-Gov Infrastructure Limited two years ago. The campaign further attempts to highlight Protean’s leadership position in digital public infrastructure and reg-tech space, showcasing Protean’s impact in its 28-year-long dedication to pioneering innovation in this field.

Speaking about the campaign, Gaurav Ramdev, Chief Marketing Officer, Protean eGov Technologies said, “We are thrilled to launch Protean’s 360-degree campaign. Protean has been at the forefront of creating Digital Public Infrastructure for India in the last 28 years, and we continue to stay committed to our mission of financial & social inclusion. Through this campaign, we hope to deliver mass awareness for the brand and reaffirm our commitment of driving transformative change for a billion people. Our endeavors such as Pan Card processing, National Pension Scheme (NPS), Founding partner to ONDC, and regulatory tech services like E-sign, E-KYC, and E-Authentication services, among others stand as examples of our dedication to contribute toward the digital infrastructure landscape.”

Conceptualized and developed by Ogilvy, the campaign conveys how initiating positive change can lead to a better transformation. “Change is Growth” is a visually captivating TV film that embarks on a transformative journey, symbolizing the power of change. The campaign’s centerpiece is a sixty-second TV commercial showcasing India’s DPI transformation. Starting in a cluttered office, a rolling glass paperweight that transforms itself into a giant digital ball symbolizes change, transforming the setting into a digital landscape, symbolizing progress. The message, “What happens when you set change in motion?…Everything changes,” emphasizes the campaign’s core. The new Protean logo, evolving from the NSDL eGovernance Infrastructure logo, embodies the brand’s new identity.

To watch the campaign TVC, click here

Speaking about the film, Piyush Pandey, Chief Advisor, Ogilvy said “India is admired today as a country that is transforming itself into a digitally empowered society at great speed and scale. It gives us great pride to partner Protean, formerly known as NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited. The impact they have had has transformed people’s lives and businesses, empowering them digitally. This campaign celebrates the contribution that Protean has made to bring about a positive ‘Change’ in so many aspects of every Indian’s life. It is a brand that we should all know and be proud of and it has been our privilege to bring Protean’s contribution to life in this campaign.”

Protean is popular for its e-governance capabilities that have enabled national transformation in the spaces of taxation (PAN and TIN), social security (NPS and APY) and national identity (Aadhaar). It has expanded its services to the ONDC network and Account Aggregator ecosystem and also forayed into providing cloud and Infosec solutions for businesses.

The age-old debate between love marriages and arranged marriages is a dilemma that many of us have pondered at some point in our lives. Recently, popular actor and influencer Karan Wahi sparked new discussions on this topic. In a video shared on his Instagram, he was seen making the most important decision of his life based on the first Indian World Cup match between India and Australia. He humorously quipped, “I’ll opt for an arranged marriage if the Indian cricket team chooses to wear their iconic blue jersey for the match. On the other hand, if Jaspreet Bumrah, the renowned Indian cricket player, manages to take 7 wickets in just 6 balls, I’ll lean towards a love marriage.”

Bengaluru, 14th October 2023 Simpl, India’s foremost Checkout Network, today announced its plan to on-board over 3,000 merchants, including Direct-to-Customer (D2C), from Karnataka on its full-stack Checkout Network within the next 2-3 years. This assumes significance as Bengaluru has one of the fastest growing startup bases including D2C merchants in the country and Simpl aims to support them through its state-of-the-art checkout network which includes its industry-first 1-Tap Checkout solution to fast-track their growth.

Commenting on the development, Nitya Sharma, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Simpl, said, “Drawing from our deep understanding of the ever-changing D2C industry, our primary goal is to address complex challenges while providing 1 stop solution to merchants across the nation. Through our AI-led Checkout Network, our aim is to improve conversions, reduce cash-on-delivery transactions, minimise product returns for our merchant partners, and offer millions of customers enhanced trust and convenience. Karnataka, being our home state, has one of the fastest growing D2C bases in the country and we are committed to strengthening the dynamic merchant community in the state through our technological solutions. As we embark on this ambitious expedition, our aim is to empower 3,000 D2C merchants in the next 203 years in Karnataka. This initiative not only elevates the experience for our valued customers but also catalyses growth in the thriving local economy.”

This announcement was shared during Simpl’s D2C Unlocked Chapter 16 in Bengaluru, a community-driven gathering aimed at founders. This event served as a unique platform where numerous D2C merchants from the city came together for knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts to enhance brand building and scaling. Esteemed founders based in the city, such as Rasika P, Co-founder and CMO of TATA SOULFULL, Supriya Donthi, Founder of LEAFY AFFAIR, Manak Kapoor, Director, li-Ning Studio,and Chetan Siyal, Co-founder and CMO of SNITCH, actively engaged in these meaningful discussions, adding their valuable insights to the mix..

This is part of Simpl’s larger vision to accelerate merchant onboarding from across the country to emerge as a true enabler of D2C merchants in the country. Previously, Simpl announced the onboarding of thousands of merchants across the states such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana to be executed over the next few years.

Currently, over 26,000 merchants including enterprise merchants such as Zomato, Zepto, and Zoomcar and D2C merchants such as Snitch, Birkenstock and Bolt Audio use Simpl’s Checkout options to offer a seamless e-commerce experience to millions of customers across the country. This growing set of merchants using Simpl’s Checkout Network are able to increase customer conversion, improve retention and reduce costs associated with Cash-on-Delivery. This enables merchants to build trust with customers and offer a uniform and simplified user experience to millions of customers.

The D2C sector in India has experienced remarkable growth, with consumers increasingly turning to online shopping platforms and the influence of social media. According to a report by Mordo Intelligence, the D2C industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 34.5 percent between 2022 and 2027. Simple aims to spearhead this transformation and emerge as a leading enabler of change, empowering D2C merchants in Bengaluru and driving their success.

XYZ Production Pvt. Ltd. is proud to share the amazing success of “TU DIKHE SE,” its most recent musical release, which received 25,000 views in the first 13 days of its release. With this success, “TU DIKHE SE” is now firmly established as a phenomenon in the music business.

Shubham Jaibeer Sahrawat and Rupsi Singh are among the amazing cast members of the Bhupesh Kalal-directed film “TU DIKHE SE” whose enthralling performances have astounded viewers. The song’s beautiful and melodious voice is Krishan Madha, whose vocals have touched music lovers all over the world. The skillfully written and exquisite lyrics, written by the renowned SK Chanan Wala, bring the song’s tragic story to life. The captivating musical score by Abhi Saini raises “TU DIKHE SE” to new aesthetic levels. The song may be heard anywhere and anytime thanks to its availability on popular music streaming services including Hungama Music, Spotify, Wynk Music, and Amazon Prime Music.

In light of the enormously favorable response it has thus far received, XYZ Production Pvt. Ltd. is grateful and honored to present “TU DIKHE SE” to music lovers worldwide. This success is a credit to the group’s perseverance, talent, and commitment in bringing this song to life.

According to XYZ Production Pvt. Ltd.

We are overjoyed by the 25,000 views and wonderful response that “TU DIKHE SE” has received in only thirteen days. This overwhelming triumph speaks wonders about the genius and commitment of our team, from the enthralling performances by Shubham Jaibeer Sahrawat and Rupsi Singh to Krishan Madha’s gorgeous vocals, SK Chanan Wala’s emotionally riveting lyrics, and Abhi Saini’s lovely music production. More than just a song, “TU DIKHE SE” is an emotional journey that has impacted music lovers all around the world.

We are thrilled to see such a great response from our viewers, who embraced “TU DIKHE SE” with open arms. Future soul-stirring musical masterpieces are something we hope to produce more of. This is only the start.