Archives March 2024

Mumbai: 12th March 2024: The 71st Miss World festival reached its climax in Mumbai at the Jio Convention Centre, as Krystyna Pyszkova from Czech Republic was crowned the 71st Miss World mid an atmosphere of glamour and excitement. The prestigious title was passed on by the reigning Miss World, Karolina Bielawska, in an emotional moment that will be etched in the memories of millions worldwide. First runner-up, Yasmina Zaytoun from Lebanon was also acknowledged for her exceptional qualities throughout the festival, adding to the diversity and depth of talent showcased at the event.

The star-studded finale was co-hosted by former Miss World Megan Young and acclaimed filmmaker Karan Johar, adding to the grandeur of the event. The evening was further elevated by sensational performances by renowned artists Shaan, Neha Kakkar, and Tony Kakkar, engaging the audience ith their captivating music.

As well as studying for two Degrees in both Law and Business Administration, Krystyna (24) is also working as a model. She founded the Krystyna Pyszkova Foundation and continues to support the work there. Her proudest moment was opening an English school for underprivileged children in Tanzania where she also volunteered. She enjoys playing the Transverse flute and the violin and has a passion for Art having spent nine years in an Art Academy.

Expressing her gratitude and excitement, Krystyna Pyszkova shared, “Being crowned Miss World is a dream come true. I am deeply honoured to represent my country and the values of Beauty With A Purpose on a global platform. I am so excited for the year ahead.”

The 71st Miss World finale – streamed live in India exclusively on Sony LIV and broadcast globally – captivated viewers with its unique blend of beauty, talent, and philanthropy. Throughout the event, contestants have demonstrated their commitment to ‘Beauty With A Purpose,’ highlighting their advocacy for social causes and initiatives aimed at making a difference to people’s lives around the world.

This year’s event held particular significance as it marked the return of Miss World to India after a hiatus of 28 years, underscoring the country’s rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted connection to the world’s oldest and most prestigious beauty pageant. The festival, which commenced on 18 February 2024, featured a series of engaging events leading up to the grand finale in Mumbai. The presence of esteemed personalities amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Jio Convention 0Centre added to the charm of the occasion, making it a memorable event in the history of Miss World.

The 71st Miss World festival was made possible through the strategic partnership of Jamil Saidi and the generous support of sponsors including Mauritius Tourism, EndemolShine India, Aurika, Mumbai Skycity, Adsplash Agency, India Tourism Development Corporation and Bright Outdoor Media Limited. Renowned designer Archana Kochar lent her creative vision to the event, elevating it with her distinctive style and elegance.

National, 12th March 2024: In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting the financial well-being of India’s blue-collar workforce, WorkIndia, India’s leading blue-collar recruitment platform, has entered a strategic collaboration with Branch International (India) a leading NBFC with presence across all 28 Indian states that aims for financial inclusion for the underbanked.

Recognising the unique financial needs of their extensive blue-collar user base, WorkIndia has identified the demand for hassle-free loans among workers who often lack a robust credit history, making it challenging for them to access traditional banking services.

In response, they have established a dedicated “Loans” segment within the WorkIndia mobile app, featuring lending platforms, including Branch International, where users can seamlessly avail lending services.

The partnership launched in January 2024, has already seen over 50,000 loan applications coming through WorkIndia. With its completely digital user journey on their Android app, Branch International ensures seamless access to credit. This collaboration amplifies the commitment of both companies to serving the evolving needs of the blue-collar workforce.

Expressing commitment to financial inclusion, Mr Nilesh Dungarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of WorkIndia, said, “WorkIndia serves as a lifeline for millions of blue-collar workers, connecting them with employment opportunities. Many of these hardworking individuals require financial assistance, and our collaboration with leading lending players like Branch International ensures that these workers can access the support they need.”

Echoing his sentiment, Mr Neeraj Gupta, MD of Branch International, said, “Branch International aims to deepen the availability of financial services to every customer segment in India. Our partnership with WorkIndia will help improve access to credit for a segment that is well deserving but under-served.”

Significantly, the “Loans” segment on the WorkIndia app provides users with the flexibility to choose from various lending platforms, addressing their specific financial requirements. Therefore, this partnership not only bridges the gap for blue-collar workers seeking financial aid but also presents an unprecedented opportunity for lending fintech companies to tap into a substantial user base actively engaged on a leading employment platform.

As the partnership unfolds, WorkIndia and Branch International remain dedicated to facilitating meaningful livelihoods and financial empowerment for the backbone of India’s workforce.

New Delhi, March 12, 2024 – TiEcon Delhi 2024 flagship startup event by TiE Delhi-NCR was a roaring success, demonstrating the power of resilience and innovation in the startup ecosystem with the theme ‘The New Bharat: Confident | Bold | Inclusion’. The conference witnessed the celebration of entrepreneurial spirit, exclusive business networking opportunities, and the recognition of outstanding achievements through various awards.

The inaugural session commenced with a keynote address by Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman of SIDBI. He said “The Fund of Funds for Start-ups (FFS) committed Rs 9,500 crore for the promotion of new ventures in the country. The commitment of Rs 9,500 crore has led to over 100 AIFs raising Rs 56,000 crore more. In line with the Start-up India Action Plan, the FFS aims to support development and growth of innovation-driven enterprises, including facilitating the funding needs for start-ups through participation in the capital of SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds.” Acknowledging the need to recognize and measure women’s contributions to the economy, he further added, “The participation rate for women in states has been constantly dropping and to look for rapid growth there is a need for women to be far more active players outside the home.”

Speaking at TiEcon Delhi, S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics, and Information Technology (MeitY), highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. He said “The government’s target is that artificial intelligence graphics processing units (GPUs) under the government’s Rs 10,372 crore AI Mission will be available in the next 18-24 months. Aligned with the broader vision of the India AI Mission, these initiatives aim to bolster India’s global leadership, foster technological self-reliance, ensure ethical and responsible AI deployment, and democratize the benefits of AI across all strata of society.”

The TiEcon Delhi 2024 event, also announced its support for the– ‘Startup Mahakumbh’, the groundbreaking new initiative by Government of India scheduled to kick-off on March 18th, 2024. It is a first-of-its-kind gathering, bringing together the key players in the startup ecosystem – from incubators and investors to accelerators.

In support of the Startup Mahakumbh initiative, Rajan Anandan, MD, PeakXV & Surge said “The Startup Mahakumbh is being brought together by the entire Indian ecosystem of startups, investors, incubators, accelerators, and industry experts across sectors. Several industry associations, such as TiE Delhi-NCR, ASSOCHAM and NASSCOM have all joined hands to put together the ‘Startup Mahakumbh’. With the aim of providing exposure to the upcoming startups, allowing them a platform to showcase their innovation.”

Vishal Dhupar, MD Asia South, NVIDIA further added to the vision of New Bharat. He said, “Let’s build the Intelligence in India and Export it. It will transform India from the Back Office of the world to ‘the Office’ of the World. India is a country of software engineers, and it is the time now for the country to start building its own AI models. The global data center industry is around USD 4 trillion which is going to double, and India has close to about 1-2 percent of the total global capacity. And we are going to take this whole world’s software into accelerated computing.”

TiEcon Delhi 2024 served as a platform for brands to share their insights with the larger ecosystem. Such as the Report by Havas Media Network India in partnership with Klug titled ‘Echoes from Social Media Influencers: In shaping the cultural narratives in Tier 2 & 3 cities in India’. The report delves into the pivotal role of regional content creators in driving local language content, transcending mere translation to foster deep resonance and impactful communication beyond metropolitan areas. As digital media penetrates every corner of India, granting content access to all, the regional influencer economy is firmly taking root in the deeper sections of the country. With a focus on tier 2 and 3 cities, the report offers comprehensive insights into how these influencers shape cultural narratives, amplifying voices and influencing consumer behavior and preferences. Understanding these dynamics is essential for brands and marketers seeking to effectively engage with diverse audiences across India.

TiEcon Delhi 2024 also recognized the power of resilience and innovation in the startup ecosystem with three award categories. TiE Delhi-NCR & Power2SME celebrated the 10th Season of the Spirit of Manufacturing Awards, honouring startups in the manufacturing domain for their remarkable achievements and innovations. The 16th edition of the TiE-Lumis Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards, recognized startups who have demonstrated resilience. In addition to these, the conference marked the inaugural edition of the Startup CFO Awards in collaboration with Binary Semantics Ltd.

TiEcon Delhi 2024 was supported by acclaimed business and industry partners such as Startup India, Maruti Suzuki Innovation, Havas India, SAP, AWS, PeakXV, Microsoft, STPI, NETAPP Excellerator, and many more, reflecting the collaborative spirit driving India’s startup ecosystem forward.

New Delhi, 12 March 2024:

To leverage the opportunities from the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) and the increasing demand from the Indian middle class for premium agrifood products, Australian premium food & beverage companies will showcase the best of Australian premium agrifood products at Aahar 2024 to connect with the Indian businesses and consumers.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in partnership with the state governments of New South Wales and Victoria is bringing together 20+ Australian brands to showcase their products at the Australian Pavilion located at Hall No.1, Stand No.1G-02A in Aahar 2024.

The Australian pavilion at Aahar 2024 will showcase products across different categories ranging from sheep meat, seafood and aquaculture, horticulture, grains and pulses and premium health food products.

Australia’s reputation for clean, green and safe produce makes Australia a compelling destination to develop, commercialise, scale and source the next generation of agriculture and food technologies.

Taste the Wonders of Australia

Coinciding with Aahar 2024, the Australian High Commissioner to India, HE Philip Green OAM is hosting the inaugural ‘Taste the Wonders of Australia’ event on 7 March 2024 at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi.

The event will provide an opportunity Indian and Australian businesses to come together to network, enjoy Australian food and beverage and celebrate the depth of our bilateral relationship. The event menu will be curated by Indian celebrity Chef Saby using the Australian ingredients and produce.

The event is being delivered in partnership with ANZ Bank, HCL Technologies, Linfox, HSBC Bank and Qantas Airways. Products featured have been generously provided by Avocados Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia, Tassal, Western Australian Government, Treasury Wine Estates and Saint Andrews Beach Brewery.

Speaking about the Australian participation at Aahar 2024, Mr John Southwell, Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Australian Trade and Investment Commission said, “India and Australia’s bilateral ties have seen remarkably strengthened over the years, and our produces in various sectors have grown exponentially. It is this partnership and shared prosperity that has motivated us to bring our products to India and collaborate with local importers to enhance trade relations and further strengthen the bond between our two nations. We can see Australian products featuring more and more in Indian cuisine, from dals to lamb biryani paired with premium Australian wine. If you are after fine high-quality, great tasting products – come and visit us at Aahar.”

Mumbai, March 12th, 2024: ace turtle, India’s leading technology-native retail company today announced its ​strategic ​​collaboration ​with Myntra, one of India’s leading platforms for fashion​, beauty and lifestyle​ for the online launch of Dockers, the khaki lifestyle apparel brand​ and a division of Levi Strauss & Co​. ace turtle is the exclusive licensee of Dockers in India. ​​​

The Dockers® brand continues to be a leader in khaki and offers a wide range of apparel and accessories, for men and women, with no compromises in quality – always superior comfort and versatile style. While the brand remains focused on the classic khaki style and its founding principles, Dockers® has evolved its offerings to include more variety and appeal to a broader set of shoppers in both their professional and personal lives.

Commenting on the partnership, Nitin Chhabra, CEO, ace turtle said, “We are excited to expand our relationship with Myntra with the exclusive online marketplace launch for Dockers in India. Myntra’s unmatched reach and commitment to delivering a superior online fashion and lifestyle shopping experience aligns perfectly with Dockers’ ethos. We will continue to expand the distribution for Dockers to make its premium quality fashion apparel accessible to millions of Indian consumers leveraging our unique technology-driven operating model, deep understanding of Indian consumers and omnichannel commerce expertise.”

Sharing her perspective, Jayanti Ganguly, VP – Business, Myntra said, “Myntra continues to be at the forefront of enabling access to the most sought-after international brands to our thriving base of fashion-forward consumers. We are thrilled to launch the iconic American brand Dockers on Myntra through our strategic collaboration with ace turtle. We believe that Dockers stands for timeless style, effortless elegance and flawless quality and this would be highly appreciated and loved by our growing base of premium male shoppers spread across the nation.”

​​Myntra will offer ​​​​the ​​complete apparel​ ​collection​​ of Dockers​​, comprising over 160 SKUs, ​catering to diverse fashion preferences of​​ premium Indian consumers. From smart casuals to modern essentials, the collection includes Dockers’ signature khakis, shirts and sweaters enabling consumers to conveniently shop online from anywhere across the country.​ Dockers will have a dedicated Online Brand Store on the Myntra app and will have extensive visibility through Minis, Myntra’s widely viewed short video content.​

New Delhi, 12 March 2024: The University of Essex, a prestigious institution ranked 18th in the UK for Economics by QS World University Rankings 2023, proudly concluded its inaugural Graduation Day ceremony in India. Held at Hotel Andaz, New Delhi, the event was a significant milestone for both the university and the graduating class, with over 80 esteemed graduates, alongside their families and friends, in attendance.

The atmosphere at the ceremony was one of joy and celebration as students from diverse academic backgrounds were honoured for their dedication, hard work, and outstanding academic accomplishments. Among the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Vice-Chancellor Awards to four exceptional individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the communities.

The recipients of the Vice-Chancellor Awards – Sanchita Ain, Manish Michel, Ankit Mehrotra, and Anushree Srivastava – were granted a unique opportunity to engage in insightful discussions with the University’s Vice-Chancellor, enriching their educational experience and leaving a lasting impact on the University’s legacy.

Professor Anthony Forster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex, expressed immense pride and said: “Today, as we honour the achievements of our graduates in India, we reaffirm our longstanding commitment to providing a world-class education that transcends borders. Congratulations to each student for their remarkable accomplishments, as they embark on a journey to become global citizens and ambassadors of change.”

The ceremony provided a platform for graduates to reflect on their academic journey, express gratitude to their professors, mentors and loved ones, and embark on new beginnings with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

As the sun set on this memorable day, the University of Essex reaffirmed its dedication to providing world-class education and nurturing future leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society.

As part of this mission the University of Essex is now offering extra support for Indian Masters students by launching a new health bursary to cover the cost of the UK’s immigration health surcharge for the duration of their postgraduate course. This is in addition to the University’s Academic Excellence Scholarship for India residents

Prepare to embark on a tantalizing journey where every dish narrates its own tale and every mouthful is an adventure to savor!

Zee Media and IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited proudly announce the unveiling of Petuz, a revolutionary food channel set to transform the culinary content landscape. Embracing a dynamic video-first approach, Petuz promises to captivate audiences with a diverse array of programming accessible across major social media platforms and the dedicated website, Petuz.India.com.

With an unwavering commitment to creativity and innovation, Petuz is poised to redefine the very essence of gastronomic exploration.

Petuz transcends the ordinary, pushing taste boundaries to craft extraordinary culinary experiences. From trending #FoodTrends to immersive tasting sessions, innovative flavor fusions, and mouthwatering recipes, our diverse range of segments ensures there’s something for every palate. Viewers can indulge in an engaging series such as Explore Flavours, Food Fantasy, and Food Adventures, meticulously curated to ignite culinary creativity and stimulate the imagination

The grand launch event of Petuz will take place on 11th March at 12 noon, featuring renowned food bloggers and influencers, including Gaurav Wasan, Karan Marwah, Priyanka Sharma, Gunjan Bawa, Paresh Gupta, Khushboo, Dimple Arora, Akshit Gupta and more.These individuals embody the spirit of culinary exploration and innovation, promising an unforgettable event.

A spokesperson from Zee Media emphasizes, “Petuz is a platform dedicated to celebrating food in all its delicious forms. Our mission is to inspire, entertain, and unite food enthusiasts worldwide through mouthwatering content and culinary adventures. Welcome to a world where every bite tells a story!”

Be assured to experience the dawn of a new era in food entertainment and discover the joy of culinary exploration, only on Petuz.

Hyderabad, March 12, 2024…… Dr D. Nageshwar Rao, Founder Chairman AIG Hospital; BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder & Chairman, Cyient; K. Padmanabhaiah, Former Union Home Secretary and Chairman ASCI launched “Musing of a Teenage Girl”, a poetry book authored by 14 years girl, Sanjana Somavarapu on Sunday at a brief function held in The Jayabheri the peak, Kokapet.

Musing of a Teenage Girl, a poetry collection delves into the intricate depths of adolescent emotions, weaving poignant verses that explore themes of heartbreak, profound loss, and the myriad of experiences that resonate with the soul. Each poem is intricately crafted to evoke raw emotions and resonate with readers, inviting them to embark on a journey through the tumultuous landscape of teenage emotions.

A student at Oakridge School in the city Sanjana’s inspiration for writing the poetry and the book came from her grandfather Lt Gen (Retd) Hari Prasad.  The book is dedicated to her teacher Rosalind, who is also her inspiration and her grandfather. You have heavily inspired me from day one to start writing poems, the teenager wrote in the opening pages of the book

Addressing the 100-plus gathering, the Chief Guest Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, who is also a family friend said, it is unbelievable that a teenager writes such poetry.  I am not a poetic person nor do I have an interest in such things. But, having accepted to grace the occasion I read all the poems while I was flying back to Hyderabad to this function.

Dr Nageshwar Reddy cited a poem titled The Art of Noticing

I see beauty in everything,
even in tiny ants crawling in the dirt,
the pimples on my skin,
and the dying plants on my balcony.
I find everything quite pretty.
Sure, some things might surprise me, but in the little details,

everything is unique.
It’s like a painting-you can’t see the whole picture until you look at it up close.
I’ve learned that God made this entire planet and shaped us perfectly;
So, why not accept every bit of ourselves and the life we were
given and live fully? We only live once, after all… and said the poetry in the book is very much moving.

Referring to another poem where the author talked about her public speaking inhibitions, Dr Reddy said that she doesn’t look like having any such stage fright. Every single poem is fantastic. I just kept reading all her poems repeatedly he said and wished her all the best in her endeavor.

BVR Mohan Reddy who again is a family friend said it is rare for a teenager of 14 to become an author. I have gone through all 28 poems, which have deep meaning and long-lasting messages and impressions. They all are thought-provoking. The poetry reflects what kind of person Sanjana is.

Padmanabhaiah, Former Union Home Secretary and Chairman of ASCI said I am an outsider unlike the other speakers who spoke before me and had the privilege of being a family friend, I will give you my outsider’s view. The poetry in the book has a universal appeal. The author seems to have a good command of the language. The title is very apt. The cause for which she is working is great and he wished her a great literary journey ahead in her life.

Sanjana who gave a brief introduction about her book said that she loves theatre, singing, and reading books among others. I was never so keen on poetry. But when I got involved in a school’s community project and subsequently my grandfather’s suggestion, I began my journey which I enjoy immensely now.

Daughter of Rekha and Sashi, it is her maiden book. She wants to spend all the proceeds from the book on setting up a library in a government school.

Mysuru, March 2024: The Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) on behalf of Karnataka Higher Education, Government of Karnataka signs a Education Cooperation Arrangement (ECA) with Education New Zealand, which is the government agency responsible for taking New Zealand’s education experiences to the world. This strategic partnership signifies an epic step forward in transforming the educational landscape by promoting collaboration, facilitating student and faculty mobility, engaging in research endeavors, and sharing best practices and emerging trends in education.

The ECA was signed by Dr. K G Chandrashekara, Executive Director of KSHEC and Ms. Lisa Futschek, General Manager – International of Education New Zealand. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Dr. M C Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Sri Srikar M S., Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, GoK; Prof. S R Niranjana, Vice Chairman of KSHEC, GoK; Dr. Thandava Gowda T N, Administrative Officer of KSHEC, GoK; Vice Chancellors and representatives from State Public Universities along with Mr. Damon Salesa, Vice Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, and his team.

The delegation, comprising representatives from eight Universities in New Zealand and eleven Karnataka State Public Universities, engaged in breakout session to identify mutual areas of interest. This session facilitated discussions to discover common ground for potential collaborations in academic and research activities. Through this dynamic alliance, the Karnataka Higher Education Department and Education New Zealand are

prepared to:

• Explore avenues for international partnerships and collaborations between New Zealand and Karnataka HEIs in STEM, Social Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism, and Multimedia to broaden the global perspectives of both students and Faculties.
• Facilitate collaborative research initiatives between institutions to drive innovation and address pressing challenges in education.
• Sharing the best practices, trends, educational exchanges, and promotional activities.

Dr. M C Sudhakar, Hon’ble Higher Education Minister Government of Karnataka, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with Education New Zealand reflects our unwavering commitment to promoting excellence in higher education. Together, we will cultivate a vibrant learning environment that nurtures research, innovation and continuous improvement in our institutions.”

Ms. Lisa Futschek, General Manager – International, Education New Zealand said, “We are thrilled to join hands with the Karnataka Higher Education Department to drive positive change in the international education sector. This collaboration drives a shared vision: fostering internationalization of education and student and faculty mobility initiatives. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to empower students and educators alike to thrive in the ever-evolving educational landscape. Our commitment to India as a valued education partner is embodied in initiatives that contribute to the transformative education landscape and provide opportunities for students from both nations to explore, collaborate, and learn.”

This landmark collaboration emphasizes a shared dedication to advancing higher education and empowering the next generation of learners to excel in an increasingly dynamic world.

News18 Tamil Nadu is proud to announce the launch of, ‘My Vote My Right’, a remarkable initiative aimed to encourage first-time voters to make informed decisions and exercise their democratic rights. This initiative underlines the importance of every vote and encourages young citizens to pledge commitment to the democratic process.

‘My Vote My Right’ campaign will commence on March 11th, with a special event at Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai, and will cover 40 constituencies of Tamil Nadu over the course of 40 days. The campaign will have 2-minute snippets airing five times a day and 30 minutes of digital coverage every day.

Under the initiative, a specialised van will visit different colleges under these constituencies and administer the oath of ‘My Vote My Right’ upon the students and first-time voters. The goal of the campaign is to reach 5 lakh people and educate them about the power of their vote and how it can impact our society and to take an oath that their vote is their right. The campaign will conclude with a grand event where the Managing Editor – South News18 and Tamil Nadu Editor, Mr Karthigaichelvan, will hand over 500,000 oath sheets collected from students to the Election Commission.

The flag-off event for the campaign will feature esteemed guests, including Mr Satyabrata Sahoo, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer; Dr. J Radhakrishnan, IAS, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner; and Mr Gopalaswami, Former Chief Election Commissioner.