Archives November 2024

Aasif Sheikh has graced the screen in over eighty films across a prolific forty-year career, with each character leaving an impression. His portrayal of Vibhuti Narayan Mishra in &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai has garnered immense appreciation from audiences, especially for his signature line, ‘I am sorry’. Another memorable line from his career, “What a joke,” delivered as Suraj Singh in the Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan starrer Karan Arjun, resonates with fans till date. Recounting his experience as Suraj Singh in the movie, Aasif shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes detail. He said, “When Karan Arjun’s director, Rakesh Roshan, first introduced me to the role, he stressed that ‘What a joke’ wasn’t just a line but the core of Suraj’s character. He wanted it to be Suraj’s reaction to everything, bringing an unexpected, engaging twist to the character. From day one, I infused ‘What a joke’ into every scene, experimenting with different tones to bring out the humour and unpredictability that the film’s director envisioned.”

Aasif also revealed a surprising fact that he wasn’t the first choice for the role, “Initially, Gulshan Grover was cast as Suraj Singh. He had even filmed several scenes and delivered the iconic line multiple times. But, for reasons I’m still not entirely sure of, I ended up bagging the role. It was a twist of fate, and maybe a testament to my perseverance, which allowed me to make ‘What a joke’ a memorable part of Bollywood history, something I’m incredibly proud of.”

Mumbai, November, 2024: good hair days arrive in India! ghd (good hair day), the UK’s leading high-end professional hair styling brand, is making its much anticipated debut in India exclusively with Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and fashion destination. Join us from October 25 to 27 at Nykaaland 2.0, where ghd will take center stage, offering beauty enthusiasts an immersive experience with its innovative & award-winning beauty-tech styling tools, masterclasses and more!

Renowned worldwide for its advanced hair styling tools, ghd seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with a sleek, user-friendly design, promising style without compromise and without extreme heat damage. With over two decades of expertise, the cult British brand has become the go-to choice for professionals and beauty enthusiasts alike, setting new standards in hair styling with breakthrough R&D direct from the ghd labs in Cambridge, UK. With over 20 years of expertise in heat styling, ghd tools all perform at the optimum styling temperature for hair, 185˚C, to deliver perfect results, with no extreme heat damage.

Best known for the iconic ghd styler, six of which sell every minute across the world, the ghd portfolio also includes award-winning wet-to-dry styling tools, professional hair dryers curling tongs and wands, innovative hot brushes; all crafted to deliver exceptional results while preserving the health of your hair, elevating every styling experience.

Get your hands on the bestsellers from ghd now!

● ghd Chronos: Experience a revolutionary transformation at your fingertips with the HDmotion-responsive™ technology, continuously adapting to your styling movements to deliver unrivaled heat monitoring accuracy & maintaining the ideal styling temperature of 185˚C for three times faster styling with up to 85% more shine. Achieve instant and superior styles that last for 24 hours, with 3x more breakage protection.

● ghd Duet Style: A revolution in beauty-tech & our biggest innovation ever. Backed by science & 9 years in the making – this is the first 2-in-1 hot air styler blending air & heated plate technologies to dry & style hair simultaneously, with no damage. Ground-breaking Air-fusion™ technology channels an ultra-concentrated airflow through a bespoke drying chamber, expertly designed to work in combination with 4 smart low-temperature styling plates to efficiently dry and straighten hair with just one tool. Infinity sensors predict your hair’s needs to maintain an optimal low styling temperature from root to tip, for best-in-class performance that respects your hair with no heat damage, sizzling or burning smell. Available for ₹41,000, this versatile tool allows for effortless wet-to-dry styling.

● ghd Helios: Lightweight professional hairdryer with aeroprecis™ technology for ultimate styling control and 30% more shine. This professional quality ghd hair dryer channels airflow through the longer-life, brushless DC motor to create a powerful airflow traveling at 120kmph. Concentrated through internal aerodynamics, this powerful but focused airflow empowers you to style with speed and control. The bespoke contoured nozzle focuses the airflow for precise styling, giving you 3x more hair alignment and smoother results, 9/10 agree. And for 24 hour volume hold pair the ghd Helios™ with ghd body goals – total volume foam. A high-performance hairdryer, engineered for quick drying without compromising shine.

● ghd Curve: The ghd curve® collection contains the break-through ultra-zone™ technology that guarantees the right curling temperature of 185°C. This is maintained across the whole barrel thanks to the latest in advanced technology recognising the section of hair and adapting to ensure the correct styling temperature at all times; delivering lasting curls that are formed fast and stay locked-in, while respecting the health of your hair. Pair the ghd curve® creative curl wand with ghd curly ever after – curl hold spray for 24 hour curl hold. Curlers , perfect for creating defined waves and curls.

Anchit Nayar, Executive Director and CEO, Nykaa Beauty said, “Today marks an exciting chapter for Nykaa as we proudly introduce ghd, one of the most sought-after hair styling brands, to India. At Nykaa, our mission is to democratize beauty, ensuring that everyone has access to the finest global brands right at their doorstep. ghd’s innovative and premium styling tools perfectly align with our vision of delivering exceptional quality and cutting-edge technology. We can’t wait for beauty enthusiasts to experience how these tools can transform their everyday styling, empowering them to achieve stunning salon-worthy looks.”

Ross Leibbrandt, APAC Regional MD of GHD, said, “2024 is such a monumental year for ghd as we celebrate the introduction of the brand to Indian consumers in partnership with Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and fashion destination. We know that the Indian consumer is looking for brands that have trusted and advanced product technology and functionality. I am confident that they are going to be impressed with ghd, and that we can become the number one preferred hair styling tool brand in India. ghd is on a mission to become the go-to company for hair styling globally, by launching products in flourishing sub categories and striving to be the first-to-market with new and unexpected technology. Together with Nykaa Beauty, we will spare no effort in transforming lives with the power of ‘Good Hair Days.”

ghd’s commitment to excellence is further exemplified through its ghd Army, featuring four celebrity hairstylists, Yianni Tsapatori, Marce Pedrozo, Aanchal Morwani, and Florian Hurel, who will be the brand faces in India for the next couple of months. This initiative underscores ghd’s focus on professional styling and enhances its visibility in the market.

November 7, 2024: Azaad Collab announces a unique partnership between two notable figures—acclaimed music composer Amit Trivedi and entrepreneur Ajay Bijli, in a project celebrating freedom and creativity through music. Their lead track, Beparwah, brings together soulful expression and vibrant melodies, inviting listeners to embrace a spirit of fearless self-expression.

Azaad Collab brings together 22 of India’s top musical talents, with each artist adding their distinct style to a genre-spanning album. With his background as the founder and lead vocalist of the band Random Order, Mr. Bijli lends his voice to Beparwah, a light and breezy chill-pop fusion, blending smooth melodies with laid-back rhythms and heartwarming lyrics. This track captures an uplifting and carefree vibe, creating a pleasant and soulful listening experience.

Released on November 6, Azaad Collab is more than an album; it’s a movement towards a fearless musical landscape, resonating deeply with listeners who connect with its uplifting themes of joy and creative expression. Amit Trivedi has crafted this album as a platform for creative freedom, weaving together influences from Punjabi folk and Sufi music with contemporary sounds, featuring artists such as Sunidhi Chauhan and Armaan Malik.

Ms Siddhi Parab Chairperson of the Sanquelim Municipal Council felicitated 79 students of the 2022-24 batch from Sesa Technical School on the occasion of the 29th Convocation Ceremony held at the STS Campus at Sanquelim. The STS faculty, staff and executives from Vedanta Sesa Goa were also present during the event. The graduating batch comprised of students from the machinist, electrician, fitter, instrument mechanic trades & as well as 20 students, out of which 13 are female students from the inaugural Computer Operator Programming Assistant course.

Speaking during the convocation ceremony Ms. Siddhi Parab, Chairperson, Sanquelim Municipal Council said “Congratulations to all the graduating students of the 2022-24 batch of Sesa Technical School on reaching this important milestone! Your hard work and commitment to developing technical expertise are truly commendable. Vedanta Sesa Goa, through the establishment of STS, is offering one of the greatest gifts to society—empowering youth through quality education and skill development. This initiative reflects Vedanta’s deep-rooted commitment to community welfare, as giving back has always been part of their DNA. It’s inspiring to see the opportunities this institution provides to the youth of Goa, particularly those from rural and mining areas, enabling them to build promising careers and contribute to the skilled workforce. I wish you all a future filled with growth and success.”

STS aims to empower youth with industry relevant tech skills which provides them opportunities to secure stable employment in the skilled segment of the work force by providing a conducive learning environment for acquiring and assimilating tech skills. The school is affiliated to the ITI curriculum and caters to the skilling needs of the youth of Goa, especially from the rural and mining belt. It boasts of a 100% placement record with large companies such as Vedanta, MRF, Unichem,P&G etc readily picking up the rich talent being produced at the School. Set up in 1994 on the Sanquelim reclaimed mine, STS has till date nurtured the future of ~2000 youth since 1994 & and has made tremendous impact on their lives as well as on the industrial landscape of Goa.

Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO, Sesa Goa, Vedanta Limited said, “Sesa Technical School represents Vedanta Sesa Goa commitment to youth empowerment through affordable technical education. It has, since 1994, nurtured the future of Goa’s youth with contemporary technical skills & contributed to the industrial & economic progress of Goa and the Nation. Its focus on technical skills, computer education and equal opportunities for women is aligned with the goals of #ViksitBharat. Vedanta Sesa Goa has been deeply committed to nurturing the youth through various interventions and STS exemplifies the same as well as the Vedanta philosophy of ‘giving back’ in an impactful, meaningful and enduring manner. I am happy to see that the guidance and dedication of the faculty and staff at STS has been instrumental in propelling the aspirations of these young & talented youth as they embark on their journey towards professional success.” He added, “Congratulations and best wishes to the graduates and families of the outgoing batch on the successful completion of the course and on 100% placement & heartfelt commendations to our dedicated STS teachers & Staff for the outstanding achievement.”

Speaking on the occasion Ms. Leena Verenkar, Head ER & CSR, Sesa Goa said, “I am immensely proud of the graduating students of Sesa Technical School. This accomplishment is a result of their unwavering dedication, perseverance, and single-minded pursuit of excellence as well as the innate desire to carve out a successful future for themselves. STS has made a deep impact on the lives of the rural youth as well those from the mining belt and has helped in creating viable employment generation opportunities. The newly commenced technical courses and COPA course for women testify to STS’ commitment to diversity, equity and inclusiveness. As a strong advocate for youth empowerment through skilling & technical education, I commend STS for providing quality technical education in an affordable manner and for the impact it is creating in making positive impact on the lives of the community. At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we’ll continue to support and encourage the dreams and aspirations of the youth, who represent the future of our Nation.”

Apart from technical courses for boys, the STS also runs courses for girls who are inducted in the Instrument Mechanic, Electrician & Machinist trades. The COPA course has been a welcome addition since 2023 and it has been well subscribed to as well. Apart from the usual curriculum, the STS provides its students industry exposure through plant and site visits and helps them prepare for interviews and job placement opportunities.

New Delhi, 7th November 2024: OPPO is gearing up to push the boundaries of smartphone photography with OPPO’s Find X8 Series, which promises to set a new standard for customers who want a flagship phone and camera experience. The Find X8 Series is the first in the world to feature a revolutionary dual periscope camera system with a unique Triple Prism Fold Reflection System.

The Find X8 Series has a revolutionary quad-camera system with innovative GenAI features such as AI-backed Telescope Zoom, a new and advanced HyperTone Image Engine, Dolby Vision video recording, and 4-mic Spatial Audio. It also comes with the iconic Hasselblad Portrait, Master Mode for granular control over camera settings and Lightning Snap, which can capture 100 photos in 30 seconds thus offering a complete camera experience for everyone—from photography enthusiasts to creators to power users.

First in World: Dual Periscope camera system

The OPPO Find X8 series pioneers the world’s first dual periscope camera system. The dual periscope system for the 3x and 6x camera optical lens systems has enabled OPPO to create the thinnest and lightest flagship camera system while ensuring that everyday moments out of reach are captured effortlessly.

The 50MP LYT-600 sensor and 3x telephoto lens deliver crystal-clear shots in any lighting conditions, day or night. To house the large 1/1.95” sensor, OPPO engineered an all-new and innovative Triple Prism Folded Lens that reduces weight by 30% and size by 24% compared to previous models. By positioning the lens parallel to the phone’s body, OPPO has minimised lens protrusion to just 3.09mm, ensuring a sleek, modern design.

The 50MP IMX858-equipped 6x periscope camera extends your reach from travel photography to capturing your favourite performer on stage. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and the full 50MP resolution promise sharply focused shots even in low light, preserving every detail.

The primary 50MP camera, equipped with Sony’s LYT-808 sensor, offers unmatched clarity in challenging lighting thanks to its advanced two-layer transistor pixel structure. By stacking the photodiode and the pixel transistor on separate layers, this sensor significantly enhances dynamic range, reduces noise, and maximises light capture. The result is clearer, vivid images with superb contrast, even in low-light scenarios.

2-DOL HDR and Improved HyperTone Image Engine

The Find X8 Series’ camera system further elevates performance with 2-DOL HDR capture and OPPO’s improved HyperTone Image Engine. Unlike traditional HDR, which layers multiple images shot at varying exposures, 2-DOL HDR simultaneously captures two sets of exposure data using alternate pixels within the same frame. This approach boosts dynamic range and enables razor-sharp images, especially when capturing shots of fast-moving subjects. The result is that users always get a sharp image, even if they are taking photos of fast-moving objects or persons, as the Find X8’s HDR system ensures perfectly balanced highlights and shadows for breathtaking photos every time.

The OPPO Find X8 series is also driven by the cutting-edge HyperTone Image Engine, which ensures every shot is captured with uncompromised clarity. The system preserves maximum image quality across mid-tones, highlights, and tones by performing all computational adjustments directly on RAW sensor data.

This RAW-domain lossless computational photography ensures the best possible photos, especially for dramatic golden hour shots, fireworks or concerts, where lighting is typically inconsistent. Users get balanced images with a precise blending of colours, shadows, and highlights, making the image look vivid and realistic, no matter the lighting conditions.

The HyperTone Image Engine is also optimised to ensure that fine details such as hair or fur are sharp when taking closeup photos of people or animals, resulting in a much more detailed picture. Further, when taking 3x zoomed-in portraits on very sunny days—where lighting can be challenging—the engine improves details like lighting, shadows, and colours.

AI-Backed Telescope Zoom

The Find X8 Series also comes with an innovative AI Telescope Zoom. OPPO uses powerful AI algorithms with generative AI models to help users zoom into subjects while preserving clarity and accuracy, even at extreme zoom levels such as up to 120x.

Further, OPPO’s advanced AI Telescope Zoom ensures that different AI models are used when shooting at 10x to 20x, 20x to 60x, and 60x to 120x.

At 10x-20x, OPPO deploys AI-powered algorithms to enhance image resolution significantly. At the 20x-60x stage, the camera leverages a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) model focusing on detail preservation for colour tones, textures, and materials while significantly increasing clarity. At 60x-120x, a powerful AI-powered generative model can reconstruct images at the pixel level. This allows for exceptional clarity in even extreme long-distance shots.

The result for users will be clear zoomed-in photos, which are not oversharpened, no matter the distance. So whether you are recording from the back row of a concert or zooming into a tiger at a distance, the Find X8’s camera system will ensure zoomed-in photos with clear and prominent subjects. At the same time, the camera eliminates overexposure, fogging, and face-blurring problems while preserving accurate lighting and shadows. More importantly, the zoomed-in photos will maintain delicate textures and precise colour restoration, making them seem realistic.

Unmatched Video Quality

The OPPO Find X8 Series leaps forward in videography capabilities, supporting Dolby Vision capture. This enables the camera system to adjust brightness and contrast levels frame-by-frame, enabling more precise control over video output. With a 12-bit processing pipeline, the camera captures over a billion colours, delivering vibrant videos with stunningly smooth gradients for a more immersive, lifelike visual experience.

Quick Button

The Find X8 Series also gets a dedicated camera Quick Button, letting users launch the camera interface with just a quick touch. A single click lets users take a photo or video, while a long press of the Quick Button turns on continuous shooting for photos. Users can also swipe on this dedicated camera button to zoom in when shooting photos or videos in landscape mode.

Hasselblad

The OPPO Find X8 series introduces Hasselblad Camera Mode, bringing the brilliance of medium-format photography to your smartphone. Simulating the iconic Hasselblad X2D camera, this mode delivers natural bokeh effects, stunning colour representation, and a dynamic range that’s true to life. Whether in Auto mode for effortless, professional-level shots or Pro mode for deeper customisation, every capture showcases the rich tones, clarity, and precision Hasselblad is known for. With a choice of focal lengths ranging from 24mm to 135mm, you can now define your unique perspective and turn everyday moments into masterpieces

Pune – The Late Shri Prakashchandra Surana Historian Award Ceremony was organised by Quantum Foundation in association with Deccan College. This year’s Late Shri Prakashchandra Surana Historian Award was given to Dr. Raja Dixit, Head of the Department of History, Pune University and Indian archaeologist, historian and culinary-anthropologist Dr. Kurush Dalal. The award was presented by Mrs. Pushpa P. Surana, Trustee of Quantum Foundation.

Dr. Pratik Surana, founder of Quantum Foundation, gave information about the activities of the Foundation in his introduction. One of the important activities of the Foundation is Project Dharohar and many activities related to history are done under it. Dr. Pratik Surana’s father Late Prakashchandra Surana was fond of history. He tried to understand history, tradition and culture in the context of historical archaeological sites. The Historian Award is given by the Foundation in his memory. This year was the third year of the award.

Eminent Indian archaeologist Dr. K. Paddayya, Professor Sonal Kulkarni, Dean and Head of Linguistics Program, Deccan College, Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Professor Shahida Ansari, Head of Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, and students were present at the program.

The Academy School (TAS), Pune, organised a Grandparents Day for students to celebrate and understand the bond between alternate generations. Considering the cultural legacy of festivals in India and the grandparents are the torchbearers of Indian festive spirit, the school organised a series of activities that sparked creativity among both generations and aimed at harbouring respect for the generation besides their own.

While the grandparents explained the importance of festivities and the reasons behind celebrating them in India, students of TAS performed for the grandparents and recounted bedtime stories to make them fall asleep. “The activities ranged from how grandmothers ensured the child was well fed to how grandfathers made their grandchildren sit on their shoulders and showed them the world from a bird’s eye view,” said Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of TAS.

Spearheaded by Dr. Tambe, the day filled the atmosphere with heartwarming experiences wherein both generations learnt significantly about each other and got a fresh outlook on the generation. “While the old generations pass on the wisdom they acquired over the years, the new and young generation gives a fresher take on things going on for ages. The exchange of cultural values builds ethos and respect among students for the older generations,” she added.

New Delhi, November 07, 2024: UK-based SRAM & MRAM Group, in collaboration with Big B Corporation and KAZIND Medical Group of Kazakhstan, is set to develop the largest private healthcare platform in Astana and Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Government has officially granted the group a long-term lease on the land following the completion of all formalities. This initiative not only seeks to transform Kazakhstan’s healthcare sector but also focuses on job creation and driving significant economic growth.

Earlier in the Year 2023, the Group and BIG B signed an MOU with the Kazakh Government to develop a state-of-the-art Medical University, a multi-specialty Hospital, and a 5-Star Hotel in the region.

With 243 hectares allotted in Astana and 100 hectares in Almaty, these projects will be trailblazing in Central Asia. The partnership aims to establish the largest medical university in the region, along with a multi-speciality hospital, offering world-class medical and paramedical education to the international students. The project also includes a 5-star hotel to boost tourism and provide world-class hospitality.

Spokesperson from Kazak Govt stated, “The Kazak Government is proud to support this transformative partnership with SRAM & MRAM Group, Big B Corporation, and KAZIND Medical Group. This initiative will elevate healthcare and education in Kazakhstan by establishing the largest medical university and healthcare facility in Central Asia. It will create jobs, boost the economy, and significantly enhance medical services and education for our people. We look forward to the positive impact it will bring to the region.”

“The Group is proud to collaborate with the Kazak Government, Big B Corporation, and KAZIND Medical Group to establish Central Asia’s largest medical university and healthcare facility. This project will certainly enhance healthcare, education, create jobs, and boost the region’s economy. We are excited about the positive change this collaboration will bring to the people of Kazakhstan”, quoted Dr. Sailesh Lachu Hiranandani, Chairman of SRAM & MRAM Group.

Medical education in Kazakhstan has seen significant growth over the past decade. Historically influenced by Soviet-era, discipline-based, and teacher-centered systems, the curriculum was largely traditional, relying heavily on lectures with minimal use of e-learning tools. Assessments were primarily conducted through oral exams and multiple-choice questions. While many universities continue to maintain a subject-based curriculum, there has been a gradual incorporation of integrated learning elements.

views of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. Q2FY25 Result by Prathamesh Masdekar, Research Analyst, StoxBox

This Festive Season As the vibrant festive season approaches, ShemarooMe, the popular OTT platform dedicated to showcasing the best of Gujarati content, is thrilled to present its latest offering: ‘13 Weeks. 13 Stories.’ This initiative aims to create moments of joy, connection, and celebration by inviting families and friends to gather and experience captivating narratives that reflect the essence of Gujarat.

Starting this October, viewers can look forward to a fresh story every Thursday, immersing themselves in the vibrancy and diversity of Gujarati tales. ‘13 Weeks. 13 Stories’ features a specially curated selection of 13 remarkable titles, showcasing a blend of drama, thriller, comedy, and heartfelt tales that bring the richness of Gujarati films, plays, and web series directly into homes.

Notable films include the National Award-winning Hellaro, the record-breaking box office hit Jhamkudi, and the most awaited thought-provoking political movie Raado. ShemarooMe exclusive plays and web series include Khel Khele Khelaiya, Manas Matra Lafda Ne Patra and both seasons of Santa Kukdi. The collection will also showcase titles such as Jay Shri Krish, Vitamin She, Maru Man Taru Thayu, Paghdi, alongside Taari Sathe, Maunam. With ‘13 Weeks. 13 Stories,’

ShemarooMe is set to elevate the entertainment quotient for its Guajarati audience, ensuring that each week feels like a celebration of diverse storytelling in their native language. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this extraordinary lineup!