Archives February 2025

New Delhi, February, 15th: Coke Studio Bharat is set to return with an all-new Season 3, bringing together India’s most powerful voices and diverse musical influences. Coke Studio Bharat is renowned for crafting cultural experiences that blend traditional stories with contemporary beats, resonating with Gen Z. This season is a bold reimagination of India’s rich sonic heritage, seamlessly blending folk traditions with contemporary sounds to create an unforgettable musical experience. From the heart-thumping beats of Punjab to the soul-stirring melodies of the Northeast, Coke Studio Bharat continues to push the boundaries of musical storytelling, uniting legendary maestros with fresh, upcoming talent.

Season 3 will feature an exceptional mix of voices, each representing the soul of their region. Among the line-up are Vishal Mishra, Malini Awasthi, Shalmali Kholgade, Santhosh Narayanan, Shankuraj Konwar, Dhanda Nyoliwala, Prateeksha Srivastava, Ofro, Thiarajxtt, Gulab Sidhu, Jassa Dhillon, Raaginder, Aditya Gadhvi, Madhubanti Bagchi, Siddharth Amit Bhavsar, Jayamoorthy, Xvir Grewal, Dabzee, SVDP, Mehak Sidhu, Bhargav Purohit, and the Indian Choral Ensemble. Each track in this season will be a tribute to India’s vast musical heritage, spanning Awadhi folk, Punjabi hip-hop, Assamese alternative rock, Tamil Folk, and more.

Popular singer, Vishal Mishra, said, “Coke Studio Bharat has always been a platform that celebrates different shades of India’s diverse musical landscape. I’m excited to contribute my sound and see how the fusion of different genres comes together to create a unique narrative for the audience.”

Greishma Singh, Vice President, Coca-Cola India & South-West Asia, said, “At its core, Coke Studio Bharat is all about storytelling and culture – bridging traditional and modern with a unique and recognizable sonic & visual identity. Built around a handpicked set of artists representing different parts of Bharat, Season 3 brings a fresh youthful take on unique sounds that cover a rich tapestry of genres of music”

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group, India & South Asia, added, “At the Universal Music Group, we have always considered the world and not just India to be our marketplace for our music. As the global sonic expands to include sounds & melodies of the most beautiful cultures around the world, we are beyond excited to offer “Coke Studio Bharat” to the mix as Season 3 has a very high cultural quotient of the young & fearless sounds of the now but also steeped in the learnings and storytelling of our storied heritage. It’s an exciting chapter in the evolution of the platform.”

Renowned folk legend Malini Awasthi said, “Folk music is always nostalgic because it carries the soul of our history, our region, our people. With Coke Studio Bharat’s deeply rooted connections, we are reintroducing these timeless sounds to a new generation, proving that tradition and innovation can sing in perfect harmony.”

With a stellar line-up and groundbreaking compositions, Coke Studio Bharat Season 3 is set to redefine India’s musical identity once again. Stay tuned for the first track drop on 21st February!

Indian Fitness Icon Sahil Khan Ties the Knot with Milena Aleksandra in a Grand Celebration

Indian fitness icon and entrepreneur Sahil Khan tied the knot with Milena Aleksandra, marking the occasion with a lavish wedding reception at the iconic Burj Khalifa. Celebrated on Valentine’s Day, the event was an exclusive affair attended by close family and friends, making it one of the most spectacular weddings of the year.

The reception, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the world’s tallest tower, was a perfect blend of luxury, elegance, and romance. With mesmerizing views of the Dubai skyline, stunning décor, and a star-studded guest list, the event captured the essence of Sahil Khan’s larger-than-life persona. The newlyweds looked radiant, with Sahil Khan complementing Milena Aleksandra’s elegant ensemble in a perfectly tailored look, making them the picture of timeless love.

Although the wedding reception was an intimate gathering, it created a major buzz on social media, with fans and well-wishers flooding the internet with congratulatory messages. As soon as Sahil Khan shared exclusive glimpses from the event, with followers praising the couple and the grandeur of the celebration. .

Sahil Khan, known for his transformation from a Bollywood actor (Style, Excuse Me) to a fitness industry leader, has built a strong legacy as an entrepreneur. With multiple successful businesses in the fitness sector, including premium supplement brands and gym chains, he has inspired millions to pursue a healthier lifestyle. His wedding to Milena Aleksandra marks the beginning of a new chapter, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for the couple.

The grand wedding reception at Burj Khalifa has set a new benchmark for luxury celebrations, perfectly aligning with Sahil Khan’s dynamic and inspiring journey. As the couple embarks on their new life together, they continue to receive an outpouring of love and support from fans worldwide.

Chandigarh: Feb 15, 2025: The youths and job seekers should avoid illegal migration routes, commonly referred as “donkey routes” for seeking opportunities in foreign countries and instead leverage NSDC International’s skilling initiatives for ethical migration, said, NSDC CEO and NSDC International MD Shri Ved Mani Tiwari.

In a message to the youths of India, Shri Tiwari emphasised on the process of ethical migration, and shared with media personnel here, how NSDC International with support of the central government has been developing pathways in collaboration with international governments in streamlining the migration process, as global market has lots of opportunities for skilled Indian youths.

“The world values skilled professionals, and with the right training, certifications, and ethical migration, the youths of India can build sustainable and long-term careers abroad. Taking illegal migration route is not only dangerous but also puts lives at risk. The youths can enrol themselves in skilling programs of NSDC International, which offer skilling programs and courses that are in demand in the global market,” Shri Tiwari said.

He said skill assessment centres have been set up for 100 trades across the country. “So effectively, anybody who believes that the person in the job is ready to go to Israel or Japan or Germany, they can simply present themselves to these assessment centres… we can provide a list of these assessment centers where their skills will be assessed and certified, and this is that they can apply for work visa also,” Shri Tiwari said.

He highlighted that NSDC International has been actively collaborating with international governments to create structured job opportunities for Indian youth. Recognizing India’s skilled workforce, several countries have approached NSDC International with employment opportunities. Israel has asked for 5,000 healthcare workers, an indication of demand for Indiana abroad. On similar lines, Germany and Japan continue to seek trained healthcare professionals.

To increase global employability, NSDC International is setting up global language labs offering training in Russian, Italian, Korean, and French languages. The initiative aims to break language barriers and increase the chances of Indian candidates, securing high-paying jobs overseas.

Shri Tiwari also said that NSDC is going to open 10 new international academies to empower youth in foreign languages and soft skills.

Since its inception in October 2021, NSDC International has created 88,924 overseas job opportunities across 22 countries. Through strategic collaborations with international governments and organizations, over 64,000 skilled Indian candidates have been successfully placed in countries, including in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

It has facilitated training and job placements across 19 industries, focusing on key sectors such as construction, mechanical, electrical & plumbing (MEP), and facility management.

“Skill yourself, choose the right path, and embrace global opportunities through ethical means. The future belongs to those who are prepared—let’s work together to shape a brighter tomorrow,” he concluded.

He said Isreal has asked for 20,000 skilled construction workers last year from India, besides the demand from the nation for 5,000 care workers.

He, further explained, about the enormous opportunities coming in the caregiving sector from across the globe, and NSDC International is in touch with agencies of foreign governments to inculcate right skills among the youths of our country to make them eligible for employment. “We believe that close to a lakh care-workers will start getting deployed (annually) in various parts of the world in about two years,” the NSDC CEO shared.

Describing it as an outcome of India’s soft diplomacy, he said, “Our care workers will be providing care and support to aging populations across the world.”

Shri Tiwari assured that NSDC International is working tirelessly to expand global employment avenues, ensuring a bright and prosperous future for India’s skilled workforce.

Last week, the first international academy was opened for language and soft skills in Greater Noida, which has a state-of-the-art language lab, the first such initiative in the country. It has the capacity to skill 1,000 candidates annually. The facility provides specialized training aligned to global job markets, including language certifications such as OSD and Goethe (German), JLPT (Japanese), and IELTS (English).

Ever heard of a love story where marriage depends not on love but on a “Sarkari Naukri” (government job)? Here you go! Brace yourself for a hilarious rollercoaster ride because “Sarkari Baccha” is here to turn traditional romance on its head! Produced by Daanish Siddiqui and directed by the dynamic duo Suryakant Tyagi & Daanish Siddiqui under the banner of Flying Bird Pictures, Sarkari Baccha brings a fresh, quirky take on modern-day love, where the ultimate test is not just the heart but also a stable government paycheck!

The official poster of “Sarkari Baccha” has just been unveiled, giving a glimpse of the film’s fun-filled chaos, and lovable characters. It also quirkily captures the protagonist’s mission to prove his worth, not just in love, but in securing a job that meets his future father-in-law’s terms and conditions.

Starring Ruslaan Mumtaz and Aanya Tiwari, Sarkari Baccha follows a young man deeply in love, only to realize that his biggest hurdle isn’t impressing the girl but it’s impressing her family with a secure government job- something that he doesn’t have! Packed with humour, romance, quirk, and drama, the film dives into a middle-class family’s obsession with stability over passion and love.

Joining the lead pair is an ensemble of talented actors, including Bijendre Kalam, Ehshan Khan, the late Jr. Mehmood, Ashish Singh, Daanish Siddiqui, Gurpreet Kaur Chadha, Rizwan Sikandar, and Hemant Chaudhary.

The film boasts a dynamic soundtrack featuring renowned singers Javed Ali, Ritu Pathak, Ritu Raj Mohanty, and Harmaan Nazim, with music composed by Danish Ali, Najakat Shujat, and Sahajahn Shaikh Sagar.

 Speaking about the film, producer Daanish Siddiqui shared, “Sarkari Baccha is a lighthearted yet relatable story that reflects a real-life dilemma faced by many young Indians. It’s packed with humour, emotions, and music that will surely strike a chord with audiences.”

Director Suryakant Tyagi added, “We wanted to craft a film that entertains but also subtly showcases the obsession of a certain strata of the society that believes how only a government job is the most secure one amidst a plethora of career options in today’s techno-savy world. The journey of our protagonist is both comedic and inspiring.”

With cinematography by Suresh L Verma and Chandan K Pandit, and post-production by SY77 Postlab, Sarkari Baccha is set to deliver a visually engaging and entertaining cinematic experience. The film is scheduled to release in theaters on 28th February 2025. Another USP of the movie is actor Shresta Iyer’s special sizzling performance that shall add the quintessential bollywood masala.

With its witty dialogues, engaging screenplay, and a subject that every Indian household can relate to, “Sarkari Baccha” is all set to tickle your funny bone and tug at your heartstrings.

Chandigarh, February 15, 2025: Essencemediacom, has bagged the media mandate of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), one of India’s largest FMCG companies. Essencemediacom will handle the media strategy, planning, buying, and implementation for GCPL across traditional and digital media in the Indian market.

Essencemediacom won the mandate for GCPL following an intensive pitch spanning over 4 months. Starting in (April 2025), Essencemediacom will take over responsibilities from the current media agency, Madison World.

Harshdeep Chhabra, Head – Global Media, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), said, “Godrej Consumer Products Ltd is on a growth trajectory driven by expansion into newer categories and introduction of innovative brands while continuing to focus on achieving volume growth ahead of the industry. In line with our growth vision, we are delighted to have Essencemediacom as our new media agency partner. We are certain that their depth of experience in both traditional media and digital media will help us create a much bigger impact and help drive innovation across our product categories.”

He further added, “Madison World has been our trusted media partner for over 20 years and contributed immensely to the GCPL growth journey. We thank them for helping shape the direction our brands have taken over the years.”

Navin Khemka , CEO Essencemediacom South Asia, said, ” We are excited to be appointed the media partner for Godrej Consumer Products, one of the largest FMCG advertisers in the country today. We feel privileged to be part of their journey, bringing our expertise and depth in media planning, coupled with cutting edge technology for best in class media solutions. We are confident of leading GCPL in the future of their transformation journey, led by a combination of efficiency , effectiveness & innovation across media and consumer segments.”

Chandigarh, 15th February 2025 – Sintex BAPL a part of Welspun World, is India’s leading and trusted manufacturer of quality water storage solutions, has announced its partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as an Associate Sponsor of the Women’s Premier League 2025 (WPL), India’s biggest women’s T20 cricket league. This marks the second consecutive year of Sintex’s association with WPL, strengthening its efforts to foster equality, opportunity, and empowerment for women in sports.

Cricket in India is not just a sport, it is an emotion and a way of life. Since its inception, WPL has emerged as a powerful platform, celebrating the triumphs of women cricketers, and redefining the norms thereby transforming the cricketing culture in India. Similarly, Sintex believes in challenging popular norms in the water management category through innovation & excellence, thereby continuously serving its consumers with finest quality products. This makes Sintex and WPL association a natural choice. By extending its partnership, Sintex aims to champion inclusivity in sports, inspire aspiring female athletes, and promote the critical cause of water sustainability.

At its core, Sintex’s mission is to ensure access to clean and safe water for every Indian through its quality water management solutions. Water is essential for daily life—it nurtures health, drives progress, and empowers communities, making it a fundamental necessity for all. Just like water is essential to life, Sintex believes that sports is an integral part of living a healthy life. Through WPL 2025, Sintex aims to engage with a diverse audience, support women in sports, raise awareness about responsible water conservation, and promote environmental sustainability; creating a future where safe and accessible water is a reality for everyone.

Speaking on the association, Yashovardhan Agarwal, Managing Director, Welspun – BAPL said, “We are delighted to partner with Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 as an Associate Sponsor for 2025. Over the years, WPL has become a game-changer for women’s cricket in India, providing a well-deserved platform for women to lead the charge. At Sintex, we believe in undertaking initiatives that drive real change, and through this association, our aim is to inspire, break barriers and enable more young women to pursue their dreams in the field of sports.”

Furthering its commitment to women’s empowerment, Sintex’s parent company, Welspun, spearheads the Super Sport Women Program (WSSW)—a pioneering initiative supporting female athletes from challenging backgrounds. WSSW aims to tackle key challenges such as limited access to resources, financial constraints, and societal barriers, ensuring that talented sportswomen receive the support they need to excel.

As part of its on-ground activations at the stadium, Sintex is introducing engaging and interactive experiences that blend the spirit of cricket with the importance of water conservation:

• “Kill the Microbes to Win the Game” – An interactive experience where participants eliminate microbes, mirroring how Sintex tanks ensure safe and hygienic water storage
• “Donate Water to Win in the Long Innings of Life” – A campaign encouraging fans to pledge water conservation and contribute towards tank donations for communities in need

For close to 50 years, Sintex has been India’s most trusted brand in water management solutions, offering innovative, superior, durable, and sustainable products that enhance everyday life. As part of its growth strategy, Sintex is now expanding its portfolio, diversifying into building materials segment while continuing its commitment to water sustainability through innovation.

Mandi, 15 February 2025: The PwC India Foundation, in partnership with SEEDS, has completed the reconstruction of the Kuklah Government Primary School in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. This initiative represents a significant stride in rehabilitating communities impacted by the devastating flash floods of 2023.

The inauguration ceremony was a momentous occasion attended by Jaivir Singh, Vice Chairman, PwC India Foundation, along with Apoorv Devgan, Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Vijay Gupta, District Deputy Director Education, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Dole Ram, Block Education Officer, Bali Chauki, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, as well as local officials, educators, and community members. This project signifies not only a fresh start for the children but also embodies hope and resilience for the entire community. local officials, educators, and community members. This project signifies not only a fresh start for the children but also embodies hope and resilience for the entire community

“Our mission is deeply rooted in service of the nation,” says Jaivir Singh. “Reconstructing Kuklah Government Primary School is not just about rebuilding a structure, but about securing the future of young minds. Education is the cornerstone of resilience, and through this initiative, we aim to empower the next generation.”

In line with the PwC India Foundation’s vision to build sustainable and resilient communities, we continue to prioritize collaboration and embedded engagement to foster long-term support, making a meaningful difference where it matters most.

South Indian Bank has introduced a new product variant, ‘SIB Quick FD’ that allows customers to open Fixed Deposits (FDs) seamlessly using funds from their other bank accounts. This initiative enhances accessibility and convenience, enabling customers to invest in FDs digitally using UPI.

South Indian Bank continues to drive innovation and enhance customer experience by offering simplified and efficient digital banking solutions. With SIB Quick FD, FD booking has become more accessible and streamlined. Customers with valid KYC can now open fixed deposits effortlessly using UPI, making secure investments more convenient than ever.

Key Highlights:

• No Prior Relationship Required: Customers can open a fixed deposit without an existing savings account with South Indian Bank.
• Instant & Paperless Process: The entire FD booking process is entirely digital, ensuring a quick and hassle-free investment in just 5 minutes.
• Fund FD using UPI: Customers can fund their FDs using UPI, enhancing convenience.
• Minimal Documentation: Only PAN and UID details are required, streamlining the onboarding process.
• 24*7 Availability: FDs can be opened anytime, ensuring flexibility.
• Affordable Investment Entry: Fixed deposits start at just ₹1,000, making them accessible to a wider audience.
• Attractive Returns: Competitive interest rates with the flexibility of premature withdrawals.
• Secure & Insured: Deposits are covered under DICGC insurance up to ₹5 lakhs, ensuring peace of mind.

Commenting on receiving The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division), N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons said, “I am deeply humbled by this prestigious recognition, for which I am grateful to His Majesty, King Charles.

I would like to express how proud we are at the Tata Group to maintain such a strong strategic relationship with the UK across the technology, consumer, hospitality, steel, chemicals, and automotive sectors. We are incredibly proud of our iconic British brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley. We employ more than 70,000 people in the UK. We enjoy fruitful and world-class research and academic partnerships with great institutions in this country which include the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, the University of Warwick, and the University of Swansea.

I would also like to express, on behalf of the Tata Group, my deep thanks to HM Government for their support for the Group. It is a strong and enduring relationship, and I look forward to strengthening our presence in the UK further. Thank you once again for paying me this great honor.”

Mumbai, February 15, 2025 – Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced the latest release of Honeywell Forge Production Intelligence, which seamlessly integrates performance monitoring with a new generative AI assistant to help operators and production managers automate tasks and troubleshoot problems.

By leveraging advanced generative AI models, the platform’s new Intelligent Assistant is designed to enhance user experience by allowing engineers, plant managers, and business leaders to access key insights through simple, natural language prompts. The tool will also enable industrials to visualize trends and troubleshoot production issues from Key Performance Indicator (KPI) deviation contributors and asset relationships.

“As the industry continues to wrestle with the loss of expertise through higher rates of attrition and the challenges of onboarding new talent, it is good to see the incorporation of generative AI copilots, like Honeywell’s Intelligent Assistant, that help to make it easier and faster for users of varying experience to get critical insights about the status of their production operations,” said ARC Advisory Group’s Director of Research, Mark Sen Gupta. “Such scalable and replicable solutions are invaluable for companies grappling in a fast-changing business environment.”

The cloud-native platform merges performance monitoring with advanced analytics, enabling rapid root cause analysis of production issues. With the addition of the Intelligent Assistant, users can now summarize deviations and overall insights quicker and more effectively. The capability not only enhances AI insights with greater explainability and usability but also supports closed-loop collaboration workflows with case management integration.

“Honeywell Forge Production Intelligence represents a significant step forward in making data-driven insights accessible to engineers and industrial business leaders globally,” said Pramesh Maheshwari, President of Honeywell Process Solutions. “We understand the challenges faced by our customers and believe that by leveraging generative AI, we can help assets work harder, people work smarter, and systems more efficient.”

Honeywell Forge Production Intelligence is part of Honeywell’s recently announced suite of AI-enabled solutions for industrials which also includes Experion Operations Assistant and Field Process Knowledge System.