Archives June 2025

Air India Unlocks New Shopping Rewards for Maharaja Club Members Across the Usa and Uk

GURUGRAM, 10 JUNE 2025: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced a new partnership with Loyyal, a leader in blockchain-powered loyalty solutions. This new partnership introduces everyday rewards for Maharaja Club members, enabling them to earn Maharaja Points on purchases with popular global brands across the USA and the UK.

Maharaja Club members can now earn Maharaja Points when they shop with brands like Walmart, Victoria’s Secret, New Balance, GAP, Victorinox, and Alamowith more partners coming onboard soon to offer even more opportunities to earn and enjoy exclusive rewards.

From fashion and beauty to everyday essentials, these opportunities allow members to accumulate points on daily purchases, bringing them closer to their next rewarding travel experience with Air India when they redeem points for award flights or cabin upgrades.

Earning rates vary with each brand, offering members diverse ways to maximize their points across categories.

BRAND MAHARAJA POINTS TO EARN
Walmart Up to 99 Maharaja Points for every USD 100 spent
Victoria’s Secret 310 Maharaja Points for every GBP 100 spent
Victorinox 300 Maharaja Points for every USD 100 spent
New Balance 45 Maharaja Points for every USD 100 spent
GAP 180 Maharaja Points for every USD 100 spent
Alamo 64 Maharaja Points for every USD 100 spent

The offers are available on the Maharaja Club Partner Offers page on Air India’s website (https://bit.ly/MaharajaClubPartners), where members simply need to select their preferred brand to shop with, and follow the next steps.

“We’re happy to partner with Loyyal as we continue to make Maharaja Club even more rewarding for our rapidly expanding member base across the globe,” said Shailesh Kumar Singh, Head of Loyalty, Air India. “This partnership makes it easier for our members to earn Maharaja Points on everyday essentials and shopping, without needing to fly frequently. By combining points earned from such purchases with those from flying, members can quickly unlock free flights or cabin upgrades and enjoy a transforming Air India experience.”

“We are thrilled to work with Air India to enhance the Maharaja Club experience through our expanded network of partners across the globe to enrich each member’s journey,” said Ashish Kumar Singh, CEO, Loyyal. “This initiative significantly boosts the earning potential for Maharaja Club’s members, allowing them to earn points through everyday purchases across the UK and USA. The Maharaja Club is designed to go the extra mile, ensuring members feel recognized, acknowledged, and privileged at every step. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to making every journey with Air India exceptional, enriching the daily lives of members with meaningful opportunities that ultimately enhance their travel experiences.”

Air India recently overhauled its frequent flyer programme, rebranding it to Maharaja Club and introducing a simplified new structure, more customer-friendly features, renamed tiers, and an updated identity for the programme.

With Air India being part of Star Alliance and the airline’s close cooperation with fellow Star Alliance member airlines, Maharaja Club members enjoy global recognition and benefits across the alliance’s extensive network worldwide.

Over the last 18 months, Air India has added over 50 partners for Maharaja Club to offer greater ease, more rewards, and recognition for its members.

WorkIndia Adds AI Job Titles to Reflect India’s Evolving Job Market and the Rise of Future-Ready Roles

National, 10thJune 2025: In response to India’s fast-changing economic landscape and the widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, WorkIndia, India’s largest tech-enabled recruitment platform for blue and grey-collar talent, has significantly expanded its job taxonomy. The platform now includes a comprehensive set of AI and Machine Learning (ML) roles, acknowledging the growing demand for tech-enabled skills across various industry segments.

This strategic move comes at a time when the Indian workforce is experiencing both a demographic and technological shift. With the country’s young population increasingly engaging with digital platforms and automation redefining business operations, AI-related jobs are no longer limited to niche or elite sectors. WorkIndia has added 66 new AI job titles-from Machine Learning Engineer and Computer Vision Engineer to AI Safety Engineer-ensuring that employers and job seekers can align with the emerging workforce trends.

In addition to the new job titles, the platform is also updating its database with 35 in-demand AI skills such as Generative AI, LangChain, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and Model Deployment (MLOps). These additions reflect hiring trends that are rapidly gaining ground across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, fintech, and customer service-where automation and AI tools are increasingly becoming integral.

The decision to include AI job categories is not merely a technological update-it is a response to market demand, talent trends, and economic realities. As AI integration becomes mainstream, these roles represent the direction in which India’s employment landscape is headed. The availability of such jobs on WorkIndia’s platform helps ensure that the platform remains relevant, timely, and responsive to the evolving needs of businesses and professionals alike.

Commenting on this development, Mr. Nilesh Dungarwal, CEO & Co-founder, WorkIndia, said, “We are not forecasting the future-we are building for it. The growing presence of AI across industries has made it essential for platforms like ours to reflect the realities of the job market. By embedding AI roles and skills into our ecosystem, we are offering companies and job seekers a structure that mirrors the changing nature of work in India.”

With this update, WorkIndia further strengthens its position as a dynamic, future-facing recruitment platform that stays aligned with both macroeconomic shifts and grassroots hiring demands.

Freedom Groundnut Oils’ campaign focuses on Connecting Taste and Culture

Hyderabad: Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, the leading brand for edible oils in India, launched a campaign focusing on connecting hearts through tasty traditional food cooked with love. The campaign captures the brand’s core message—that Freedom oil preserves the authenticity of Telugu flavors while embracing evolving tastes, celebrating strong family bonds – through food highlighted in the tag line ‘Taste so good, it evokes your Telugu emotion.’ Through this campaign, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils reinforces its commitment to health, purity, and the emotional bond that food carries in Indian homes. It emphasizes that ‘good taste builds great relationships’, and with Freedom Groundnut Oil, every bite is a bond transcending generations.

Freedom Groundnut Oil’s heartwarming campaign beautifully captures the essence of relationships across generations, using food as a powerful bridge that connects hearts, cultures, and traditions. In one narrative, a traditional Indian mother-in-law bonds with her NRI daughter-in-law over a beloved South Indian snack—mirchi bajji—prepared with Freedom Groundnut Oil. Despite their cultural differences, the shared taste becomes a symbol of trust, tradition, and unity.

Another story showcases the deep bond between a grandmother and her modern grandson. Though generations apart, they connect over a comforting dish of vankaya curry. The use of Freedom Groundnut Oil carries forward a legacy of healthy, homemade meals, turning a simple recipe into a moment of togetherness.

The final narrative unfolds in a workplace, where a dull lunch is transformed by the aroma of gongura pachadi made with Freedom Groundnut Oil. This moment of shared flavor becomes an emotional escape from routine, celebrating culture and connection even in a corporate setting. Across all stories, Freedom Groundnut Oil emerges as more than just an ingredient—it’s the essence of love, tradition, and unity, bringing people closer one dish at a time.

According to Mr. P Chandrashekhara Reddy, Sr, Vice President, Sales and MarketingGemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, “At Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, we always cherish the Indian family values and the way they bond Indian society. Through this innovative campaign, we tried to highlight the pivotal role played by food cooked with traditional recipes in healthy cooking oil in bridging the differences and bonding the family together.”

Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Chetan Pimpalkhute, GM – Marketing, Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, said “These three videos portray different relationships—a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in one, a grandmother and grandson in another, and in the last, a workplace bond between two colleagues. Despite the varied contexts, they all carry the same underlying emotion: how food becomes a bridge between generations and cultures. In these narratives, Freedom Groundnut Oil plays a pivotal role in bringing people together through traditional yet timeless recipes. This shared sentiment is beautifully summed up in the line repeated across the ads: ‘Freedom verushanegatho chesina vantalu mee notiki isthayi asaluu sisalina Telugu ruchulu.’ It captures the brand’s core message—that Freedom Groundnut Oil preserves the authenticity of Indian flavors while embracing evolving tastes, celebrating unity in diversity through food. The campaign has struck a chord with audiences, especially among those who cherish the warmth of family values blended with modern sensibilities.”

Adani Cement Strengthens World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge

Ahmedabad, 10 June 2025: Adani Cement, comprising Ambuja Cements and ACC, the cement and building material companies of the diversified Adani Portfolio, has played a pivotal role in the construction of the World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge at Chenab, Jammu & Kashmir – a landmark of India’s infrastructure ambition.

Adani Cement was the lead cement supplier in the project with ~65,000 metric tonnes — making it a key contributor to the structural backbone of the bridge. The cement supplied was Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 43 Grade, known for its high strength, durability, and consistent quality, making it ideal for complex and large-scale infrastructure exposed to extreme climatic and geological conditions.

Mr Vinod Bahety, CEO – Cement Business, Adani Group, said, “It is a matter of immense pride for us to be part of a project that not only redefines engineering boundaries but also contributes to national integration. At Adani Cement, we believe that every bag of cement carries the weight of the nation’s progress. The Chenab Bridge is a shining example of how our commitment to quality, consistency and timely delivery supports India’s infrastructure story.”

Spanning the formidable terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge is a triumph of design, execution, and resilience. A vital part of the Indian Railways’ ambitious infrastructure expansion in the region, the bridge stands as a testament to India’s resolve to connect its remotest geographies through world-class infrastructure. The execution of this engineering feat was anchored by Indian Railways.

This milestone reinforces Adani Cement’s position as a preferred partner in nation-building — from urban skylines to remote frontiers. As India builds faster, stronger and more sustainably, Adani Cement remains committed to delivering the foundation for growth, resilience and transformation.

Freshwrapp and Chef Vikas Khanna Launch ‘Bacteria Ki Entry Ko Rokey’ Campaign to Promote Food Safety in Indian Kitchens

Mumbai, 10th June, 2025: Hindalco’s flagship food packaging brand, Freshwrapp, has launched a nationwide campaign titled “Bacteria ki Entry ko Rokey”, featuring celebrated chef and author Vikas Khanna. The campaign introduces the “Freshlock Shield which restricts bacteria’s entry to food”, a compelling promise of food protection, freshness, and hygiene, positioning Freshwrapp aluminium foil as a modern, science-backed alternative to traditional storage methods like cloth, newspaper or tissue paper.
Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Vikas Khanna, said, “Food is one of the purest expressions of love in every Indian home—but how we store that food is often taken for granted. I’ve used aluminium foil often as it’s hygienic, dependable and easy to use. Freshwrapp, in particular, has always stood out for me and with this campaign, we’re encouraging families to adopt smarter, safer kitchen habits.”
As the category leader in aluminium foil, Freshwrapp is driving awareness around safe, modern, and hygienic food storage—especially in contrast to traditional practices such as using cloth or paper, which retain moisture and promote bacterial growth in India’s warm climate. The testing by NABL-approved laboratories confirmed that Freshwrapp resists bacteria penetration for up to 36 hours (11 micron) and up to 48 hours (18 micron), including against common foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida. The study also showed that when non-users were introduced to Freshwrapp foil, their willingness to switch increased dramatically.
Commenting on the campaign, Nilesh Koul, Senior President & CEO – Downstream Aluminium Business, Hindalco Industries Ltd, said “At Hindalco, our vision of ‘Engineering Better Futures’ is not just about materials—it’s about enabling safer, healthier everyday choices for families. Through Freshwrapp, we’re helping engineer a better future, one kitchen at a time. With this campaign, we’re not just showcasing the freshness and hygiene benefits of aluminium foil; we’re encouraging families to rethink old habits. It’s about making informed, healthier choices in the kitchen”
At the heart of this campaign is Freshwrapp’s Freshlock Shield, a unique feature that preserves the moisture, aroma, and flavour of food while acting as a barrier against bacteria. The campaign film brings this benefit to life in a humorous yet eye-opening way by personifying bacteria as an unwelcome couple on a dinner date, only to be thwarted at the doorstep by Freshwrapp’s protective shield.
The film, created by Network Advertising, captures this message with warmth and wit, showing how something as simple as a foil wrap can make a meaningful difference in the health and wellbeing of families. Chef Vikas Khanna’s involvement brings emotional resonance, helping to make a vital hygiene message both accessible and memorable.
Freshwrapp’s aluminium foil is ISI-certified and versatile, perfect for wrapping, storing, cooking, freezing, and even serving. Consumer trials show that non-users found it easy to use, effective in retaining food freshness, and a clear improvement over traditional materials, which often leave food soggy and prone to spoilage. While aluminium foil is not reusable and doesn’t absorb oil, users across the board ranked Freshwrapp high on hygiene, convenience, and freshness.
This scientifically validated shield is a powerful reassurance for caregivers, especially mothers, who ranked it highly for freshness and hygiene in consumer trials. As one participant put it, “When I pack my child’s lunch in Freshwrapp, I know I’m sending both food and protection.”
With this campaign, Freshwrapp reinforces its leadership in the foil category while reimagining its role from a utility product to a symbol of care, health, and conscious everyday living.
Freshwrapp, from Hindalco Industries, is India’s most preferred aluminium foil brand. Freshwrapp serves over 1.2 million households every month and has been recognized as ‘Superbrand’ for the past three consecutive years.

Signify transforms 78K+ lives in Andhra Pradesh through Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative

Andhra Pradesh, India, June 10, 2025: In line with its #BrighterLivesBetterWorld vision, Signify, the world leader in lighting, has illuminated 230 villages in Parvathipuram Manyam district, Andhra Pradesh, under its flagship Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative. This transformative project has brought sustainable lighting solutions to 17,766 families, positively impacting over 78,200 lives across the region.

The project was officially inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Shri Shyam Prasad, IAS (District Collector, Parvathipuram Manyam), alongside senior leadership from Signify and implementation partner Jana Kalyana Samakhya (JKS). The project implementation, carried out in partnership with grassroots NGO Jana Kalyana Samakhya (JKS), involved community engagement to ensure the outdoor lighting solutions were optimally placed and properly maintained. Local community members were trained in basic maintenance of the lighting systems, creating a sustainable model for long-term impact.

Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Government Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India, said, “Access to reliable lighting is a cornerstone of development—it empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives progress. With Har Gaon Roshan, our aim goes beyond infrastructure; we are enabling safer environments, better learning outcomes, and economic opportunities. Each installation reflects our enduring commitment to sustainability, social impact, and our belief in the transformative power of light to create brighter lives and a better world.”

The Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative taps villages in remote and underserved regions where electricity infrastructure is available, but adequate outdoor lighting is still lacking. By leveraging energy-efficient LED lighting solutions, the program provides sustainable illumination that requires minimal maintenance while delivering maximum impact. This milestone in Andhra Pradesh represents a significant advancement in Signify’s ongoing commitment to illuminate rural India.

The Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative has already brought light to a host of villages across India. This collaborative effort has been carried out with active support from the district administration and village representatives, bringing together various stakeholders to realise a shared goal of rural empowerment through lighting.

Motorola Launches Edge 60 with Segment-First 3x50MP Pro-Grade AI Cameras and Quad-Curved 1.5K Display

Mumbai, 10th June 2025: Motorola, a global leader in mobile technology and innovation and India’s leading~ AI smartphone brand – today launched the motorola edge 60 – packed with industry-first AI-led experiences and class-leading hardware. At its core is a segment-leading triple 50MP AI camera system featuring the flagship Sony LYTIA 700C sensor, 30X AI Super Zoom with OIS, and a 50MP front camera—all enhanced with Pantone™ validated true colours and 4K video with seamless lens switching for pro-grade content creation. The edge 60 also boasts a stunning 6.7″ 1.5K quad-curved pOLED Super HD display with 120Hz refresh rate, 4500 nits peak brightness, 96.3% screen-to-body ratio, and Gorilla Glass 7i. With Smart Water Touch 3.0, users can navigate even with wet hands. Powered by moto AI and 12GB RAM, the edge 60 redefines personalization with features like Image Studio and Playlist Studio, offering smarter, more intuitive assistance every day. Built to endure, the edge 60 comes with MIL-STD-810H military-grade durabilityIP68 + IP69 rating, and is designed to survive extreme temperatures, shocks, and drops—all in a sleek, ultra-thin 8.2mm body weighing just 180g. The motorola edge 60 sets a new benchmark for AI, design, and durability in the premium smartphone segment.

The motorola edge 60 sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography with its AI-enhanced, triple-camera system built for versatility and precision. At the heart is a flagship 50MP main sensor powered by the advanced Sony LYTIA 700C with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)—capturing sharp, vivid shots even in low light. The entire camera setup is Pantone™ validated for 100% true-to-life colours and Pantone SkinTone™ validated to accurately capture natural skin tones. Complementing this is a 50MP ultra-wide camera with a broad 120° field of view and integrated Macro Vision, delivers stunning landscapes and detailed close-ups down to 3cm, with an Auto Macro Switch for smooth transitions. Completing the pro-grade setup is a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical and up to 30x AI Super Zoom, backed by OIS for sharp shots from a distance. Enhancing image quality further, the Edge 60 features an advanced 3-in-1 light sensor with real-time scene detection that intelligently adjusts exposure, white balance, and flicker reduction for flawless photos and videos across diverse lighting environments. The 50MP front camera employs Quad Pixel technology and motoAI to deliver bright, detailed selfies with 4K video recording capability. motoAI’s powerful photo enhancement engine automatically refines colour, brightness, and clarity on all cameras for professional-grade results effortlessly.  For video, Adaptive Stabilization ensures smooth footage, while Portrait Mode brings depth and bokeh control with multiple focal lengths for studio-like portraits, anytime.

The motorola edge 60 boasts the segment’s most durable and immersive 6.7″ 1.5K pOLED Quad-Curved Display with 96.3% screen-to-body ratio and the segment’s best 45-degree curvature on the sides for a truly immersive viewing experience. This display is Pantone™ validated for true-to-life colours and skin tones, meeting rigorous evaluation criteria to deliver authentic, vibrant visuals exactly as creators intended. With a 1220p Super HD resolution, it offers 13% more detail than standard Full HD+ screens, bringing every image to life with sharper clarity and less pixelation.

The motorola edge 60 features the segment’s brightest display, peaking at 4500 nits for crystal-clear visibility even under harsh sunlight. The 6.7″ 1.5K quad-curved pOLED panel supports HDR10+, covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, and delivers over a billion colours with infinite contrast—offering a truly cinematic viewing experience. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 300Hz touch sampling, every interaction feels ultra-smooth and responsive. Built with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i for added durability, the display also integrates Smart Water Touch 3.0 for accurate touch response even with wet hands. Enhancing both usability and comfort, Edge Ambient Lighting delivers intuitive visual cues, while SGS Eye Protection with DC dimming minimizes blue light and flicker—ensuring comfortable, eye-safe viewing even during extended use.

The motorola edge 60 elevates the smartphone experience with motoAI 2.0—a powerful AI engine that blends creativity and intelligent assistance like never before. Unleash your imagination with AI Image Studio, which transforms simple text prompts or sketches into custom digital art, avatars, stickers, and cards in seconds. For music lovers, AI Playlist Studio curates the perfect playlist based on your mood, activity, or time of day— whether you’re studying, hosting a party, or going on a drive. Beyond creativity, motoAI simplifies your daily life with intelligent assistance features such as Catch Me Up, which provides concise summaries of missed notifications, and Pay Attention, that listens and transcribes important audio so you can stay focused. The Remember This function saves important screenshots and information securely on your device, ready to be recalled whenever needed. Powered by 12GB RAM and RAM Boost 4.0, motoAI ensures smooth, fast performance while also optimizing battery usage and adapting seamlessly to your preferences—making the motorola edge 60 a truly smart, personalized companion.

The edge 60 also features ultimate military standards for durability, passing 16 tests of MIL-810H Military Grade Certified Protection. All while maintaining a sophisticated, elegant look and feel. It’s protected against extreme temperatures, including harsh winters as cold as -20°C or scorching summer days as high as 60°C, even the blazing temperatures inside a parked car. It also withstands up to 95% humidity. With Highest level of water protection IP68 and IP69 ratings, offering superior protection against dust, dirt, sand, and high-pressure water, it’s designed to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.

The motorola edge 60 stuns with its premium all-curved design, featuring a striking quad-curve profile that flows seamlessly from edge to edge for a truly immersive, borderless experience. Despite its elegant form, it remains incredibly practical — weighing just 180g with a sleek 8.2mm profile, making it one of the lightest and slimmest smartphones in its segment. Crafted for both beauty and comfort, the device is available in two Pantone™ curated colours with distinct finishes: Gibraltar Sea, a rich smoky blue in a sophisticated vegan leather texture, and Shamrock, a fresh and vibrant green with a soft-touch matte finish. With Smart Water Touch 3.0, users can interact with the screen even when it’s wet — blending intelligent function with timeless style.

The motorola edge 60 is engineered for performance, powered by the advanced MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset built on a 4nm process, delivering blazing-fast speeds, flagship-grade battery efficiency, and an AnTuTu score of up to 725K. Whether it’s intensive gaming, high-resolution video streaming, or advanced AI-powered photography, this chipset handles it all with ease. Paired with up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage, users can enjoy faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved read/write speeds. It also includes RAM Boost 4.0, allowing the device to intelligently convert storage into virtual memory for up to 24GB of total RAM. Plus, with support for 11 5G bands and Wi-Fi 6E, the motorola edge 60 ensures a lightning-fast, next-gen connectivity experience across networks.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. T.M. Narasimhan, Managing Director, Motorola India said “At Motorola, we continue to lead the way in bringing purposeful innovation to our consumers. With the motorola edge 60, we are introducing a device that redefines what users can expect in this segment. From the segment’s only 3X 50MP Pro-Grade AI Camera System, to the segment’s most durable Quad-Curved 1.5K True Colour™ display, and our segment-leading motoAI experience with 12GB RAM, every aspect of the motorola edge 60 is designed to empower and elevate. This launch marks yet another step in our journey to deliver premium technology that’s truly accessible.”

Powering the motorola edge 60 is a massive 5500mAh battery, supported by an ultra-fast 68W TurboPower™ charger in the box—delivering a full day’s power in just 15 minutes. Users can keep going longer and charge up quicker, without disruption. Complementing the power-packed hardware is the latest Hello UI based on Android 15, offering a clean, fluid, and intelligent software experience. To top it off, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos® and Hi-Res Audio deliver immersive sound, making entertainment as powerful as the performance.

Hello UI lets users easily customize their device and make it their own by choosing fonts, colours, and icons. Use intuitive gestures like twist and tap to control different features or launch their favorite apps. Set limits on screen time and control access, so kids can learn and play in a safe, dedicated space with family space. Extend their mobile experience to a TV or external display or even sync it up to your PC using smart connect. All with the assurance that their phone is safe, with every security setting managed in one place through moto secure.

The motorola edge 60 is designed to offer a seamless and intelligent user experience with a host of signature Motorola software experiences. These include beloved Moto ActionsSmart Connect for cross-device continuity, Moto Migrate for easy data transfers, and Moto Secure for enhanced privacy and protection. Users also benefit from Moto Premium Care, along with 3 assured OS upgrades and 4 years of security patches, ensuring long-term software reliability.

In a parallel announcement, Motorola also unveiled a new colourway for its widely loved motorola edge 60 Fusion — the bold and captivating Pantone™ Mykonos Blue, a vibrant hue that radiates energy and presence.

Availability of Motorola Edge 60:

The motorola edge 60 will be available in a single storage variant – 12GB RAM with 256GB storage in two stunning Pantone™ Curated colours – PANTONE Gibraltar Sea (smoky blue) and PANTONE Shamrock (fresh green). The smartphone will go on sale from 17th June 2025, 12PM on Flipkart, Motorola.in and leading retail stores across India including Reliance Digital.

TECNO reaffirms its commitment to youth development and sports empowerment by extending its CSR partnership with the Indian Football Foundation (IFF)

New Delhi, 10th June, 2025: TECNO, a global mobile brand renowned for its innovation and commitment, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and sports empowerment by extending its CSR partnership with the Indian Football Foundation (IFF) moving forward.

In its second consecutive year of collaboration, TECNO will continue to support six promising young athletes from underserved communities, helping them pursue their football dreams through holistic residential training under the aegis of IFF, whose founder trustee is Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia.

The scholars selected for the second term were Teinam L. Marshilong, Muhammed Fousan, Thokchom K.C. Singh, Ajolbin Kharkhylliang, Monisha Singha, and Sanfida Nongrum. These athletes are currently training at BBFS Residential Academies in Hosur (Tamil Nadu) and Nashik (Maharashtra). Over the course of the two-year (ongoing) partnership, a total of seven scholars have benefited from this initiative.

Commenting on the partnership, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO, said, “Our partnership with the Indian Football Foundation is driven by a shared vision to create inclusive opportunities that help young talents from diverse backgrounds realize their full potential. By supporting their journey on and off the field, we aim to foster stronger communities and inspire the next generation of sports leaders.”

The CSR support from TECNO covers the holistic growth of the players, including their academic development and participation in major state, national, and professional club-level tournaments, ensuring their progress both on and off the pitch.

Notably, two of the supported scholars—Monisha Singha and Sanfida Nongrum—are currently part of the Garhwal United FC squad competing in the Indian Women’s League 2 (IWL2). Under the captaincy of Sanfida, the team recently topped their group and will be heading into the IWL qualifiers in May, showcasing the tangible impact of the partnership.

“This partnership is more than just financial support—it’s a lifeline for young, talented footballers who may not otherwise have access to professional training and education. We are grateful to TECNO for their continued belief in our mission,” said Bhaichung Bhutia, Founder Trustee, Indian Football Foundation.

Through this collaboration, TECNO is fostering opportunities for young talent from economically weaker sections, contributing meaningfully to their personal and athletic development.

Shemaroo Umang’s actor Sheel Verma Reminisces About the Excitement of Returning to School after Summers Vacations

There’s something timeless about childhood summers — the carefree giggles echoing across verandahs filled with cousins, the thrill of climbing trees, and the unmistakable scent of freshly opened textbooks marking the end of vacation. Actor Sheel Verma, who currently charms audiences as Jaiveer (now seen as Bablu) in Shemaroo Umang’s Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, opened up about his own treasured memories from those golden years—and it’s the kind of nostalgia that instantly warms the heart.

Sheel recalled, “I still remember playing cricket during summer vacations. We’d play until sunset, and even then, it was hard to stop. My mother would often have to call me multiple times before I finally dragged myself home, dusty and happy. Me and my cousins would explore hidden nooks and crannies in the neighborhood, climb trees, and invent our own games. Amidst all this fun, I would usually start doing my vacation homework only when the summer break was about to end.”

But summer wasn’t just about having fun. It also marked the gentle build-up to a new academic year, a ritual in itself. “As soon as June arrived, there was a different excitement in the air,” he recalled. “I used to go shopping with my father to buy a new tiffin box, school uniform and books, raincoat, and the rainy footwear.”

Even though the end of the holidays brought a tinge of sadness, the joy of returning to school—meeting friends, sharing stories, greeting teachers, and showing off new stationery—was unmatched. “The simple act of walking to school with my friends in the rain, were truly the happiest moments. Even today, when I think of them, it brings a wide smile to my face,” Sheel said. “If I could go back and relive those days, I would, with all my heart.”

In the current track of the show, Sheel Verma’s entry as Bablu after Jaiveer’s death has created ripples in the haveli. Will Chaina be able to hide this truth from Chamkili or will it complicate her life even further?

Watch ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain’ every Monday to Saturday at 9:00 pm, only on Shemaroo Umang.

Kolar’s R L Jalappa Narayana Heart Centre Demonstrates Advanced Cardiac Care Capability with Complex Surgery

Kolar, June 10, 2025 — In a remarkable demonstration of high-quality cardiac care at a small city facility, the R L Jalappa Narayana Heart Centre in Tamaka, Kolar, successfully performed a complex cardiovascular surgery on a 53-year-old patient with severe multi-valvular heart disease and critical coronary artery involvement. This case shows that advanced cardiac interventions need not require travel to major metropolitan centres, as expertise and technology are available right here in Kolar.

The patient, Mr Fayaz, had a known history of valvular heart disease with severe mitral regurgitation, aortic stenosis, and tricuspid regurgitation, along with a dangerously low ejection fraction of 25 per cent, was presented with left main coronary artery disease. He underwent a combined procedure involving coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), double valve replacement (DVR), and tricuspid valve repair under the expert care of Dr. Murali Babu M, Senior Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon.

The surgery performed, included the elective use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to support the heart during the critical perioperative period. Despite a post-operative ventricular tachycardia arrest, prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation and multiple defibrillation shocks stabilised the patient. Careful weaning from ventilator and IABP support followed, leading to a full recovery by day nine post-surgery, with the patient’s ejection fraction improving significantly from 25 per cent to 40 per cent.

This successful case highlights the medical expertise of hospitals like Narayana Heart Centre in smaller cities like Kolar, which are fully capable of managing complex cardiac cases with outcomes comparable to larger centres. Patients can now access best cardiac care close to home, reducing the need for travel and associated burdens.

Dr. Murali Babu M stated, “This case is a testament to the advanced capabilities of our heart centre in Kolar. We are equipped and ready to provide comprehensive cardiac care, ensuring patients receive timely and effective treatment without having to travel far.”

The R L Jalappa Narayana Heart Centre continues to pioneer cardiac care in the region, combining expert surgical skills with state-of-the-art technology to deliver excellent patient outcomes locally.