Archives February 2024

Ahead of its highly anticipated global premiere, Amazon Original Series Poacher, has ignited intrigue and excitement, with its powerful and gripping storyline. The thrilling crime series, based on true events, is a heart-wrenching and captivating presentation by none other than Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta, starring Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles

While the crime series promises to engage audiences with its gripping storyline, it will also shed light on the extensive scale of ivory poaching, based on a real life case that took place in Kerala in 2015. Through strategic initiatives designed to ignite intrigue and awareness, and to build dialogue the streaming service has created life-sized installations in prominent locations across the country.

From oversized faux elephant tusks in glass boxes at prominent locations in Mumbai to highlight the scale of the issue, to elephant crime scenes in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, the service has been successful in creating conversations about the issue of wildlife crime, to strongly convey that – “Murder is Murder”– be if of a human, or an animal. The elephant crime scenes are located in areas such as Mumbai’s Bandstand and Powai, Delhi’s Janakpuri and Saket, and Bengaluru’s Shantiniketan.

Poacher promises to offer viewers a glimpse of a global issue that has not been widely explored on screen – the world of wildlife crime. While the show emphasizes on elephant poaching, it does it through the lens and tonality of a crime thriller, by highlighting one of the biggest ivory poaching cases in Indian history. Based on court documents and testimonials, Poacher is a series that aims to provoke the urgent issue of wildlife crime. The series aims to engage audiences and allow them to discover the story’s deeper message as they watch it. With its unique storytelling and powerful message, the show will leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

The show highlights the exceptional efforts of Indian forest service officers, NGO workers from the Wildlife Trust of India, police constables, and good samaritans who risked their lives to investigate the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. Produced by QC Entertainment in association with Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions, Suitable Pictures and Poor Man’s Productions, Poacher which primarily unfolds in Malayalam, Hindi and English will be available to stream in 240 countries and territories, starting February 23, in 35+ Indian and foreign languages.

Mumbai, February 23, 2024: Uber, India’s leading ridesharing platform, today signed an MoU with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to explore an integration with the network to expand the range of mobility offerings on the Uber app. The agreement with ONDC, a private non-profit organization established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of Government of India, stands to strengthen Uber’s mission of bringing safe, affordable and reliable rides to all Indians.

At an event in Bengaluru, Uber’s global CEO Dara Khosrowshahi spoke with Infosys Chairman, Nandan Nilekani on the subject of ‘Building Population Scale Technology.’ Dara said companies and governments around the world can learn from the scale and ambition of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure. He added that as a technology company, Uber views open source tech stacks with a lot of interest and recognizes the opportunities they bring for everyone.

Speaking on the MoU signing, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “Our vision for Uber in India is to serve the mobility needs of all Indians. This is in line with ONDC’s objective of democratizing digital commerce. We are excited to take our first step through this MoU with ONDC to explore how we can accelerate our ambition to make Uber a platform for every Indian’s daily mobility needs. We are committed to play our part in helping speed up and strengthen India’s digital transformation.”

T Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, Said, “As the Open Network is continuously evolving, MTT (Mobility, Transport and Travel) is certainly a critical sector for us. Different players together on the Network foster innovation and newer business models. Today’s MoU is a major step forward, and one we hope will enable a diverse range of mobility solutions to benefit every Indian.”

Over the past 10 years, Uber’s technological innovation has helped revolutionize mobility for millions. The app has reshaped India’s transportation landscape, offering safe, reliable and affordable rides to people across 125 cities across a range of different vehicle types. And we are proud to help more than 900,000 Indians earn a living each month by driving with Uber.

New Delhi, February 23rd 2024: H.E. Mr. Igli Hasani, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania who is on a visit to India to participate in Raisina Dialogues and engagements with other government dignitaries, sees immense opportunity to deepen and strengthen relationship with India on political and economic fronts.

Addressing the media, Mr. Hasani said “Albania and India have lot in common and one of the common threads is Mother Teresa. Albania enjoys a great relationship with India and it is our effort to deepen and strengthen it further from hereon. Our aim is to further strengthen economic ties with India as we see immense potential. We need to create the necessary mechanisms to make things happen. We met a few industry captains and entrepreneurs from India to explored opportunities on how to make things work better”. He further added “Albania is at the crossroads between the European Union and East. Albania is a part of many corridors that go through possible routes of goods that link India with European Union. With Albania today emerging as one of the fastest growing European economic realities in the last year, we are moving rapidly to foster more stronger economic ties with India. On the other hand, Tourism is one of the best opportunities that Albania is offering in European Union. Replete with its sea, mountains and canyons together with the hospitality of Albanians, the country witnessed over 10 million tourists in 2023 alone. It is of utmost importance that this momentum between Albania and India is not only kept and preserved but also enhanced and I’m glad to know the plans of the Indian Government to open an Embassy in India. I’m happy to have the Honorary Consul General of Albania in India, Mr. Dikshu Kukreja working and progressing with us to enhance future engagement and possibilities of moving forward together”.

He emphasised on letting things go the sporadic way but in a more structured approach for forging and strengthening an excellent relationship between the two India in the years to come. He further urged people from India to make Albania as one of the tourist destinations for their next vacation to witness its natural and scenic beauty.

Honorary Consul General of Albania to India, Dikshu Kukreja said, “Albanian language traces its roots in Sanskrit and has a strong connect with India. The beauty of the country and peace loving nature of Albanians go hand-in-hand. Both countries have a lot in common and I look forward to leveraging this role to enhance and solidify the relations between our two countries, which have historically shared many cultural, linguistic and historical ties.”

Pune, February 23, 2024 – The halls of Trinity International School in Pune glittered with brilliance on the radiant evening of February 18th, 2024, as the Nanhaagyan Foundation hosted the prestigious Healing Light Awards 2024. Under the visionary leadership of Romal Surana, the foundation orchestrated an evening of profound significance and heartfelt acknowledgment, bringing together esteemed personalities and luminaries.

The ceremony, graced by RJ Bandya from 93.5 Red FM and Dr. Aneeta Sanas, founder of Healing Touch, as chief guests, unfolded as a tapestry of awe-inspiring performances and heartfelt gratitude with about 150 individuals in attendance.

Meticulously curated by the Nanhaagyan Foundation, the event recognized exemplary individuals across 13 categories, awarding a total of 39 deserving recipients. Spirited performances by children and adults with special needs, coupled with seamless hospitality from Trinity International School, reflected a dedication to inclusivity and warmth.

Acknowledging partners and sponsors, the Foundation expressed profound gratitude to Yes2 Healthy Life and Elfactory, whose support added an extra layer of joy to the proceedings, captivating the hearts of attendees, especially the children.

Hosted by Neha Sama, the evening celebrated luminaries from various fields, each one a beacon of inspiration and change. The esteemed awardees included individuals dedicated to diverse spheres of service and innovation, from spirituality and happiness coaches to eco-warriors, young transformers, innovators in education, educators, healers, mental health coaches, sports mentors, and art and creativity coaches.

The Growth Icon Award, bestowed upon Rupali Dhamdhere, Gayatri Chadwa, and Dr Prachetan Potdar, symbolizes not only individual excellence but also a commitment to transformative growth and societal betterment.

The presence of principals, parents, and professionals infused the atmosphere with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, underscoring the importance of community and collaboration in fostering a culture of empathy and growth.

The success of the Healing Light Awards 2024 wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of individuals whose dedication ensured a flawless execution of the event. Special thanks to media partners SamruddhaVyapar and Mahaz Times, as well as Aryan Sharma from Publishing Pitaraa and Prachetan Potdar from Stay Featured for their invaluable contributions.

In honoring excellence and compassion, the Nanhaagyan Foundation has ignited a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. As we reflect on the evening’s festivities, let us carry forward the spirit of kindness and innovation, embodying the transformative power of collective action and empathy.

As the echoes of applause fade into the night, let us remember that true healing begins with a gesture of kindness, a moment of acknowledgment, and a commitment to stand together, united in our pursuit of a brighter, more compassionate world.

Silver medal winning team in the 750 meters Mixed team Sprint and the officials (L-R) Shri K Dathatraye, Organising Secretary, Telangana Cycling Association; Shaik Arshad; Jalaluddin Ansari; Aditya Mehta, Chief Coach Team India and Founder AMF; Shri Maninder Singh, Secretary General, CFI; Shri Onkar Singh, Secretary General, Asian Cycling Confederation & Basavaraj Horaddi; at the Asian Para Cycling Championship, in New Delhi, today.

Hyderabad, 23rd February, 2024: The day one of the 43^rd Senior, 30th Junior Asian Track & 12^th Para Track Cycling Championships, being held from February 21^st to 26^th, 2024, at the Indoor Cycling Velodrome, IG Sports Complex, New Delhi; started with an amazing result for India. India got its first set of medals, Arshad Shaik (Category -C2), Jalaluddin Ansari (Category -C2) and Basavaraj Horradi (Category -C5) won the silver medal in the 750 meters Team Sprint.

The support for the complete training of this team was provided by GMMCO, Qualcomm, Nirmaan, United Way of Hyderabad, NMDC, Mudhra Trust and UST Global. These para-athletes have really worked hard since the last 4 years with the Aditya Mehta Foundation and team. This is just the beginning for this championship., more to go, tomorrow, day after and so on, there are back-to-back competitions, says .

Indian participants at the ongoing tournament, trained at the Aditya Mehta Foundation are Jyoti Gaderiya from Maharashtra and Arshad Shaik from Andhra Pradesh, both of whom have qualified for Paralympics 2024, AryaVardhan of Telangana and Pavan from Andhra Pradesh, Basavaraj Horradi from Karnataka and Jalaluddin Ansari from Bihar.

Jyoti Gaderiya an above knee amputee cyclist, is Asia No.2 Female Para cyclist and Arshad Shaik an above knee amputee cyclist, is Asia no.2 in Men’s Paracycling. Both these para-cyclists have qualified and will represent India for Paralympics 2024.

Cycling federation of India and Aditya Mehta Foundation have worked really hard with all these para-athletes.

Bengaluru, 23rd February 2024: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today announced the production rollout of its 3 millionth vehicle. The event took place at its the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. This significant achievement highlights Ashok Leyland’s enduring dedication to innovation, technological advancement, and strong customer relationships.

Ashok Leyland has been a driving force in the Indian and international commercial vehicle sector with technology at the forefront. Millions of passengers rely on Ashok Leyland buses daily to reach their destinations, while the brand’s trucks play a pivotal role in keeping the wheels of the economy turning.

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland said, “We are proud to have achieved this significant milestone. Ashok Leyland has always been ahead of the curve and leading the CV industry in product technology and innovation. The rollout of our 3 millionth vehicle is a testament to our well-established reputation for manufacturing highly reliable products and delivering top-notch customer service. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our employees, customers, and all business partners who have contributed immensely to our success.”

Mr. Ganesh Mani, Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland said, “This is indeed a historic milestone for Ashok Leyland. The roll out of the 3 millionth vehicle from our factory validates the joint efforts made by our numerous teams including our supplier and technology partners. It also reinforces our commitment to provide top-quality products and services tailored to meet the emerging demands of commercial mobility.”

Ashok Leyland has a history of pioneering industry-first achievements that redefine standards and establish new benchmarks, reflecting its commitment to excellence across all business operations. Also, in line with its dedication to customer satisfaction and service excellence, the company has embarked on a comprehensive network expansion, bolstering its presence and reach nationwide. This expansion reaffirms the brand’s commitment to delivering unparalleled service and support to customers, ensuring their continued success. Outside India, Ashok Leyland has now expanded to 48 countries. Ashok Leyland, as it completes its 75 years, is fully committed to driving a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem, moving steadfastly on its vision of becoming the Top 10 Commercial Vehicle player globally.

New Delhi, February 23, 2024: Center Fresh, the flagship gum and mints brand of Perfetti Van Melle India, is thrilled to introduce its latest innovation – the Center Fresh Mints Clean Breath Lemon Honey flavor. This new addition provides a delightful blend of intense mint and citrusy freshness offering 60 minutes of clean breath.

Center Fresh is dedicated to captivating those who are enthusiastic about refreshments. The brand aims to provide an invigorating experience for every palate, and this variant is perfect for those who love fruity flavors. The sweet and citrusy taste is like a refreshing dip in a lively, zestful pool, leaving a delightful aftertaste.

The brand pioneered the intense mint category in India with the Menthol Eucalyptus flavour which is available in a stylish tin pack @ Rs. 100 and in mono packs at Rs. 1/- as well. The distinctive shape of Center Fresh mints is loved by the consumer and is referred to as an ‘infinite shape’ and an ‘hourglass’.

The launch of the new Lemon Honey Clean Breath mint is being amplified by a vibrant digital commercial (DVC) that showcases the invigorating effect of the new flavor.

Watch the DVC here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJMrksdbJBA

Gunjan Khetan, Marketing Director, PVMI, shared thoughts on the launch, stating, “Center Fresh, our flagship gum and mints brand, has been synonymous with long-lasting fresh breath. With the launch of the Lemon Honey flavor, we are excited to offer our customers a new way to enjoy the freshness they trust, now with a lemony twist. Center Fresh Mints Lemon Honey flavor aims to leave a lasting fresh breath for 60 mins. We believe that this addition will not only delight our existing customers but also appeal to new ones who love fruity flavors.”

The new Lemon Honey Lemon flavor is set to make a splash in the mint market, catering to both affordability and indulgence. The mint is priced at just Rs. 1/-.

Center Fresh is dedicated to continuously surprising and delighting consumers with new and refreshing experiences.

This Saturday, Sony Entertainment Television’s much loved singing reality show, ‘Indian Idol 14’, will welcome evergreen actor Urmila Matondkar, wherein the contestants will put their best foot forward to secure their place in the “Top 6” in this special episode titled ‘Semi-Finals with Urmila’. Paying tribute to Urmila’s journey in the film industry, the contestants will deliver melodious acts, compelling Urmila to take a walk down memory lane and share interesting facts and fun anecdotes, making this episode a must-watch.

But it was Rajasthan’s Piyush Panwar, who owned the stage and once again impressed one and all with his amazing renditions of ‘Bahut Khoobsurat Ho’ from the film Khoobsurat, and ‘Is Pyaar Se Meri Taraf Na Dekho’ from the film Chamatkar. Impressed by his performance, Urmila said, “You sang beautifully. You have a softness in your voice like Rafi Sahab, which is rare to hear these days.”

Talking about the song and her co-star Shahrukh Khan, Urmila further added, saying, “This song (Is Pyaar Se Meri Taraf Na Dekho) was sung by Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik, and it has a separate fanbase. Piyush, you have beautifully attempted the song. I remember filming with the iconic Shahrukh Khan, who is not only a great actor but also a lovely human being. He is one of the finest actors who has also done theatre, he’s been humble since the beginning and he has an aura that makes his co-actors feel comfortable. I feel that the people who have worked with him and shared screen space with him are truly blessed.”

Not only this, Piyush, who discovered his acting talent on Indian Idol, will be seen enacting the famous Rangeela movie hotel scene, impressing Urmila not just with his singing but his acting skills as well.

To know more, be sure to tune in to ‘Indian Idol Season 14’ this Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Mumbai, 23 February 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released their patriotic series ‘Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2’. The series is an unconventional story with a strong sense of patriotism, which will also instill a sense of national pride among the viewers. This biographical war drama follows the life of Shaurya Chakra-awardee Naib Subedar Sombir Singh, unfolding the brave saga of the Kulgam Operation, a crucial chapter in India’s battle against terrorism. Based on a real-life story, the series shines a spotlight on the sacrifices and bravery of the unsung heroes of our nation.

Here are reasons to watch Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2:

• Fact is stranger than fiction: There’s a certain thrill in watching movies based on real-life personalities and incidents. Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2 is a true story that reignites your love for the country, even in moments when it may have faded. It is based on the life of Naib Subedar Sombir Singh who devoted his life to serving the nation. The film brilliantly encapsulates the narrative of the Kulgam Operation capturing the high-stakes mission undertaken by the armed forces to combat militant threats and safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.

• Igniting patriotic fervor: Right from our school days we’ve recited the pledge, ‘India is my country…’, but only a few of us truly grasped its depth. Naib Subedar Sombir Singh was one such individual, who lived and breathed this pledge, dedicating their lives to the service and protection of our nation. The series beautifully captures this profound dedication, weaving a narrative steeped in patriotism that strikes a chord with every proud Indian. This isn’t about creating an overblown battle zone to visually blow people’s minds, Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2 is about the story that was never told to us.

• Stellar Performance of the cast: Produced by Juggernaut Studios and directed by Ajay Bhuyan, the movie boasts an ensemble cast starring Barun Sobti, Surbhi Chandna, and Vishwas Kini in pivotal roles. Their performances will have a profound effect on the audience, evoking their emotions, striking a chord, and giving a sense of pride and gratitude. Bringing characters to life, their captivating performances will immerse you in every emotion and moment of the series.

• Immersive Cinematic Experience: It is a challenge to capture war-torn images and make them visually compelling, Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2 excels in conveying the strife, gloom, and stress of the terrorist-attacked Kulgam district. Every scene in the movie commands attention, drawing audiences deeper into the narrative with its compelling visuals while capturing patriotic sentiment without being preachy.
• Free to watch: Indulge in the spirit of patriotism, and feel the emotions, while embarking on this heroic and courageous journey for free. Watch this intriguing series without any pay or subscription. It is available to stream for free on Amazon miniTV and Fire TV in the Amazon Shopping App and Play Store.

 Foster the essence of patriotism and celebrate India’s unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives to safeguard peace and harmony with Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2 for free only on Amazon miniTV, available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV, and on Play Store.

Patiala,23rd February 2024 RBL Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, under its CSR initiative – UMEED 1000, proudly announces the continuation of its commitment to supporting girl child education. The Bank has donated 700 bicycles to underprivileged girl children in Patiala, Punjab. The Bank held the donation drive in the presence of Dr. Balbir Singh, Hon’ble Minister, Medical Education & Research, Punjab, Baltej Singh Pannu, Director Media CM Punjab, R Subramaniakumar, MD & CEO, RBL Bank, and senior representatives from RBL Bank. The girls showed high enthusiasm as they assembled at Polo Ground to receive the bicycles. The beneficiaries were identified by the Bank directly with the support of the Education and Social Welfare Department, Government of Punjab.

One of the major reasons for children dropping out of School is distance. This initiative will provide the much-needed means of transport to increase access to education. The bicycles will help the girl-children go to school in a way that is both energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable. The Bank is distributing over 2000 bicycles and school kits across India, including Patiala, Jaipur, Nagpur and Guwahati

Speaking on the occasion, R Subramaniakumar, Managing Director and CEO, RBL Bank, said, “In line with our mission of ‘Community as the Cause’, we stand fully committed to help the marginalized communities with our unique CSR outreach programmes. Through sustained support under UMEED 1000, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of girls and contribute towards a more equitable society.”