Archives July 2025

July 23, 2025: Television actor Ashish Dixit, who is currently seen portraying the lead in Dangal TV’s popular show Pati Bramachari, may soon be stepping into a completely different kind of household — this time with his real-life wife, Shweta Kanoje, by his side.

The couple, who recently renewed their wedding vows at the Trimbakeshwar temple to mark six years of marriage, is reportedly in advanced talks for a wild card entry on the hit reality show Pati Patni Aur Panga.

Known for their strong bond and vibrant personalities, Ashish and Shweta could bring a refreshing mix of romance, maturity, and unpredictability to the show’s dynamic.

When reached for comment, Ashish Dixit said:

“It’s too early to confirm anything right now — conversations are happening. Let’s see how it goes. Fingers crossed!”

If they sign on, this would be the couple’s first reality TV appearance together, making it a much-anticipated addition for fans of both the actor and the show.

With Ashish balancing a lead role on a fiction daily and the possibility of stepping into a high-drama reality format, all eyes are on what this real-life couple decides next.

Watch this space — love, drama, and a wildcard twist may be on its way!

Noida, July 23rd 2025: 16th Affair – A Rooftop Club and Kitchen from Wynnd Hotels has launched its special-edition Monsoon Menu that captures the experience of sitting under cover on a cozy rainy evening, with a selection of Indian comfort snacks and hot tea.

As one of NCR’s most elegant rooftop addresses, 16th Affair has quickly become a destination for food lovers who appreciate well-curated food experiences in dramatic settings. With the arrival of monsoon and the city in a cool haze, the menu provides guests with an opportunity to indulge in the points of sensory invitation – a time to remember home and warmth of chai-time.

Guests can feast on a comforting spread featuring assorted pakodas, beautifully golden and crispy with each bite, cocktail samosas filled with spiced vegetable filling, and cheese chilli toasts that combines the gooey richness of cheese with a slight zing. Each order comes with hot masala tea, freshly brewed and endlessly refilled, to nourish the soul and warm the bones on those rainy afternoons.

The Monsoon Menu is more than a meal, it is an experience created to reflect the feeling of the season. While sitting on a breezy rooftop, enjoying the atmosphere of grey skies makes the ideal setting for simple conversations, reflection, or a pause from the world. Whether one is a regular traveller within the city, seeking a monsoon respite, or simply looking to romanticize a rainy day, 16th Affair provides the ideal pocket for just this.

“This collaboration is about more than food, it’s about emotion and nostalgia.” In speaking on the concept of the Monsoon Menu, Himanshu Sapra, Co-founder of The Dark Room said, “Monsoons have an emotional flavour for all of us, it’s home, it’s warmth, it’s comfort food with friends and family. The Monsoon Menu at 16th Affair is an ode to those sensory memories. It’s not just a menu – it’s a mood – it is an experience.”

With this offering, 16th Affair is weaving together thoughtful culinary design with a sense of atmospheric dining. The early evening hour encourages guests to get slow and enjoy sipping, snack a little, and stare in awe at the rain-soaked skyline (best enjoyed from the rooftop). It is a casual but curated experience, simple but full of flavor, and designed to invite guests to keep returning again and again during the monsoon stretch.

The menu will be available from 4 PM to 6 PM every day until August 14, at 16th Affair’s rooftop spot in 16th Floor, Wynnd Hotels, Galaxy Diamond Plaza, Greater Noida West. Because of the popularity of this place, and the fact that it is just a two-hour service, the restaurant recommends making advanced reservations especially on the weekends.

16th Affair invites everyone in the city – food lovers and monsoon romantics – to come and enjoy a seasonal offering – chai-time presented with a view, a vibe, and a whole lot of heart.

Mumbai, July 24, 2025: Bank of India, one of India’s premier public sector banks, has become the first bank in the country to attain Standardization Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) for its official website, demonstrating its steadfast commitment to digital accessibility and inclusive banking.

In line with the Department of Financial Services (DFS) directive and the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites & Apps (GIGW 3.0), Bank of India’s official website has been enhanced to cater to persons with diverse disabilities. By conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, the bank ensures barrier-free access to information and services for all users.

The STQC certification, awarded by STQC, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, on 22nd July 2025, marks a significant step towards realizing the vision of accessible and citizen-friendly digital platforms across India.

This milestone event was graced by the presence of Mr. Rajneesh Karnatak, Managing Director & CEO, along with Executive Director Shri Rajiv Mishra, accompanied by Chief General Manager & CIO Shri Sudhiranjan Padhi, and General Manager & CTO Shri Satyendra Singh, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of accessibility, empowering all individuals— regardless of ability—to engage with its services seamlessly.

Chandigarh, July 23, 2025: Tata Steel today launched Aashiyana 3.0, India’s first content-to-commerce homebuilding platform that assists individual home builders (IHBs) to construct their homes with more certainty and better control. The refreshed platform now offers an enhanced, enriching experience for IHBs with curated solutions, self-help tools, and engaging yet simplified content to help them manage their homebuilding projects efficiently with better outcomes.

The all new, easy, simple Aashiyana not only provides easy access to a range of products from the Tata Steel group, but also enriches the user experience by offering curated content that home builders can use to complete their dream projects to their fullest satisfaction. The platform features a consumer-centred, knowledge-focused, bite-sized content library in easy-to-understand and interactive formats (articles, videos, comic strips, infographics, illustrations and quizzes), across 31 broad topics spanning all 5 stages of homebuilding. It also offers DIY tutorials, product videos, and expert views to inform and inspire users. The portal’s self-help tools will guide IHBs in planning effectively and completing projects within their budget by engaging them from the very start of their home building journey.

Ashish Anupam, Vice President – Long Products, Tata Steel said: “Home builders today expect much more than just an online store. They seek inspiration, expert guidance, and intuitive tools to simplify complex decisions. The new Tata Steel Aashiyana platform (Aashiyana 3.0) is designed to address these critical consumer needs, making it a go-to place at every step of homebuilding. Evolving from a marketplace, Aashiyana 3.0 delivers an enhanced experience and expects to become a home builder’s most trusted advisor and friend.”

In addition to access to high quality building materials and the means to plan and execute projects efficiently, the new Aashiyana 3.0 also has content and ideas for aesthetic elements for a new home project. Tools like a design quiz and a library of over 300 architecture plans inspire IHBs in visualising their dream homes. The portal also offers stage-by-stage guides for home construction, providing users with design inspiration and practical advice. The platform introduces first-in-the-industry idea boards and visual tools for users to curate their design preferences, which they can share with professionals.

Aashiyana 3.0 will improve platform experience and build customer intimacy by offering interactive, gamified content empowering consumers improve purchase experience, increase platform engagement and ultimately build brand equity. By delivering a better and enhanced experience, this strategy aims to create consumer demand while reducing customer acquisition costs. This, the Company believes, will lead to IHBs spending more time, engaging in more activities, resulting in fewer human-assisted journeys along with lasting engagement, higher GMV, and increased revenues.

New Delhi, 23 July 2025 The Delhi Government is taking bold steps to redefine the capital not just as a political center, but as a Global Event Hub focused on creativity, entertainment, and soft power. A high-level roundtable chaired by Hon’ble Minister Shri Kapil Mishra brought together senior officials and major event industry leaders to shape a future-ready policy under the PPP model. The discussion aimed to make Delhi a key player in global cultural leadership by promoting sectors like art, cinema, music, literature and fashion.

Central to the discussions was the upcoming launch of a Digital Single Window Clearance System to streamline permissions for organizers. Suggestions included easing GST norms for destination weddings, simplifying event permissions at heritage sites, and improving access to government venues with fair rental practices. Stakeholders also highlighted the lack of affordable, world-class venues and proposed using vacant public lands and showcasing state-sponsored events on commercial platforms like BookMyShow.

Shri Kapil Mishra assured attendees of full government support, stating that upcoming reforms would ensure transparency in venue allocations and encourage private-sector partnerships. He emphasized the potential of Delhi’s 70–80 heritage sites for hosting cultural and private events and pledged to raise key issues with the Hon’ble Chief Minister. He concluded by reaffirming the city’s transformation under the ‘Branding Delhi’ initiative and confirmed a follow-up meeting to carry the dialogue forward.

Samit Garg, EEMA President and Director of E-Factor Experiences, said, “This gathering marks a pivotal moment in our journey to transform Delhi into a global hub for events. We are honored to spearhead this initiative, aligning with the city’s vision to become an event-friendly metropolis. With our collective expertise and unwavering commitment, we aim to elevate Delhi’s stature on the world stage of event destinations.”

Rajeev Jain, Chair of the Entertainment Committee at PHDCCI and Founder Director of Rashi Entertainment, said that “With robust support from Delhi Tourism and the government, our industry stands ready to usher in a new era of events in the capital. Together, we are poised to enhance Delhi’s appeal as a vibrant, event-friendly city, attracting global attention and fostering economic growth through world-class events.”

The meeting was attended by officials from the Department of Tourism, Art, Culture & Language and key figures from the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), Saregama, BookMyShow, Zomato, Lakshya Live, Eva Live, Team Works, Vibgyor, CS Direct and other major organizations.

New Delhi, 23rd July 2025: Spray Engineering Devices Ltd. (SEDL), a clean-tech engineering company focused on sustainable solutions in evaporation, crystallisation, heat recovery, and thermal process optimisation, is set to showcase its cutting-edge technologies driving India’s sugar and biofuel industries toward net-zero emissions at the 83rd Annual Convention and International Sugar Expo 2025, hosted by the Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI) from 24 to 26 July at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

With sustainability at its core, SEDL is unveiling solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in industrial processing – reducing fossil fuel dependency, optimising water and energy use, and converting agricultural biomass into value-added green products. From 2G ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production to zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems and decentralised, steam-free jaggery processing, the company is enabling the sugar industry to transition toward energy efficiency and circular economy.

Mr. Vivek Verma, Managing Director, SEDL said “It’s no longer about incremental improvements. The industry needs transformational technologies that address energy use, emissions, and water recovery at the core. Our innovations – from decentralised processing to SAF production – are focused on real-world outcomes: enabling circular economies, empowering rural entrepreneurs, and supporting India’s clean energy roadmap.”

A key focus for SEDL this year is its biomass valorisation approach, which enables sugar mills to extract significantly more value from by-products like bagasse and spent wash. The company has developed a process to convert this biomass into second-generation ethanol and SAF, offering cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels and supporting India’s energy transition. These advanced systems also help mills tap into emerging green markets and unlock additional revenue streams from what was earlier considered waste.

In parallel, SEDL is introducing a Smart Village Model that promotes rural empowerment by decentralising jaggery processing through boiler-less, MVR-based systems. This not only reduces fuel and water use dramatically but also creates income-generating opportunities in local communities.

To tackle the environmental challenge of distillery waste, SEDL is showcasing its steam-free, MVR-based spent wash treatment system. This enables clean water recovery while ensuring compliance with ZLD norms, without relying on chemicals or fossil-fuel-driven evaporation.

In sugar production, SEDL’s new honeycomb calandria batch pan technology enhances heat transfer, reduces boiling time, and improves sugar recovery – resulting in both energy savings and higher productivity. Meanwhile, its condensate-based juice heating system significantly lowers steam consumption and carbon emissions by using recovered condensate in place of fresh steam, improving the steam economy with minimal investment.

As part of its participation at the convention, SEDL will also present five original technical papers – a reflection of its deep R&D focus and long-standing commitment to innovation. The papers cover a range of these breakthrough solutions and their industrial impact, reinforcing the company’s leadership in the clean-tech space.

SEDL will be exhibiting at Stall Nos. 70 and 71, where visitors can explore working prototypes, case studies, and interactive demonstrations of these technologies in action – from water recovery and energy-efficient crystallisation to biomass conversion and effluent treatment.

New Delhi, July 22, 2025 – Nawgati, India’s pioneering fuel-tech platform, participated in the AIPDA Conclave, organized by the All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA), as the event sponsor. The conclave was held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.

The AIPDA Conclave brought together industry leaders, senior officials from oil marketing companies, the Legal Metrology Department, and NHLML to share insights and explore futuristic opportunities within the petroleum landscape. The event was graced by the presence of Shri Harsh Malhotra, Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, who addressed the audience and emphasized the importance of innovation and efficiency in fuel distribution and mobility.

Senior officials from leading oil and gas companies, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), were also present at the event, further underlining its significance.

Mr. Vaibhav Kaushik, CEO and co-founder of Nawgati, delivered a presentation during the first session, introducing Nawgati’s Aaveg offering and its mission to revolutionize fuel station operations. In the second session, he showcased the Nawgati fuelling app, highlighting its features, benefits, and real-world impact on enhancing customer experience at fuel stations across India.

“We are excited to partner with the All India Petroleum Dealers Association for this crucial industry gathering. The AIPDA Conclave offers a valuable platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of petroleum distribution and technological integration. Our goal at Nawgati is to empower fuel stations and fleet operators with smart, seamless, and efficient solutions, and this collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of driving innovation across the sector,” said Mr. Vaibhav Kaushik, CEO and co-founder of Nawgati.

As part of its comprehensive approach, Nawgati is also driving awareness around NFR (Non-Fuel Revenue) opportunities for fuel dealers. Through digital enablement and data-driven insights, Nawgati helps unlock new revenue channels such as PUC, convenience retail, and other integrations, transforming fuel stations into mobility hubs beyond just fueling.

Nawgati is supported and funded by marquee government-backed entities, including GAIL (India) Ltd., MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Nawgati’s participation in the conclave underlined its commitment to addressing challenges and spearheading advancements in the fuel retail and distribution ecosystem. With a strong focus on optimizing congestion at fuel stations, improving fleet management, and enhancing the overall refueling experience through its platform, Aaveg, Nawgati continues to position itself as a leading stakeholder in India’s fuel-tech transformation.

Shillong , 22nd July 2025: Courtyard by Marriott Shillong is pleased to announce the appointment of Sumit Mehta as the new Director of Rooms.

With over 15 years of robust experience in Rooms Operations and a long-standing association with Marriott International, Sumit brings a wealth of knowledge, operational excellence, and a deep passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Throughout his illustrious career, he has held leadership positions across several key Marriott properties, including Le Meridien Hyderabad, Sheraton Colombo, Aloft Aerocity New Delhi, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa & Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre. His proven track record of elevating service standards, driving guest satisfaction, and mentoring high-performing teams makes him a valuable addition to the leadership team at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong.

Sumit is well-regarded for his guest-centric approach, operational acumen, and commitment to training and development. His leadership philosophy focuses on fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement—perfectly aligned with the hotel’s vision of redefining hospitality in Shillong.

Tanuj Arora, General Manager – Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, commented:

“We are thrilled to welcome Sumit Mehta to our leadership team. His diverse experience, people-first approach, and deep understanding of Marriott’s brand ethos make him the perfect fit for our hotel. We are confident that his presence will further strengthen our positioning as a preferred hospitality destination in Shillong.”

Chennai, 22nd July 2025: The Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services (IT&DS) Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan on Thursday (17th July 2025) inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Technology Transfer Facilitation Centre (TNTTFC) for DeepTech Innovations Inaugurated at Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub at the Anna University Campus.

TNTTFC, an initiative funded by the Tamil Nadu Government under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) was dedicated in the presence of the Executive Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission Dr. J. Jeyaranjan; Principal Secretary to Government, IT&DS Department Thiru. Brajendra Navnit, I.A.S.; and iTNT Hub CEO Ms. Vanitha Venugopal.

The Centre aims to establish a state-wide hub to bridge the gap between academic institutions & research organizations, with startups & industries by facilitating efficient transfer of DeepTech innovations. This will ensure that Tamil Nadu’s leading IP and research ecosystem translates into economic and societal benefits.

As a catalyst for DeepTech growth, TNTTFC will address systemic challenges such as fragmented networks, regulatory barriers and commercialization hurdles. “This will enable Tamil Nadu to compete at an international level in fields like AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, clean energy, etc.” Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Hon’ble Minister for IT&DS, said.

The Minister expressed confidence that the Centre will strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a DeepTech innovation hub, contributing to global advancements and reinforcing the State’s leadership in technology-driven economic growth.

TNTTFC will act as a centralized platform for technology commercialization and global collaborations including IP management, licensing and market analysis. “It will actively support startups, MSMEs and researchers in scaling and commercializing innovative technologies through structured funding, training and mentorship programs,” stated Dr. J. Jeyaranjan, Executive Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission.

The centre will organise sensitisation programs; Research 2 Revenue (R2R) programs to support innovators build scalable and sustainable businesses from research outcomes; and innovation spotlight to serve as a launchpad for cutting-edge, IP-secured technologies from Tamil Nadu’s academic and research institutions.

“In addition to Technology Transfer, TNTTFC will offer comprehensive support for the end-to-end IP Management; empower researchers & innovators to transform IP into successful ventures through dedicated spinoff support; and seed grant for proof-of-concept validation, prototype development, and early market testing,” said Thiru. Brajendra Navnit, I.A.S., Principal Secretary to Government, IT&DS Department.

A salient feature of the Centre is to act as a vital link between academia and industry by aligning real-world challenges with the research strengths of academic institutions. “This will facilitate the execution of joint projects, contract research, and consulting engagements that address industry needs while advancing scientific discovery,” adds Ms. Vanitha Venugopal, CEO of iTNT Hub.

Mumbai, July 22, 2025: As Parents’ Day approaches, the artists of Sony SAB take a heartfelt pause from their busy schedules to reflect on the immense love, values, and support they’ve received from the most important people in their lives: their parents. Whether it’s the lessons that shaped their careers or the quiet encouragement that saw them through tough times, each artist has a deeply personal story to share. Here’s how Sumeet Raghvan, Pariva Pranati, Karuna Pandey, Ashi Singh and Tarun Khanna express their gratitude to the guiding forces behind their journeys.

Sumeet Raghvan, who is playing the role of Rajesh Wagle in Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey, shared, “For me, the essence of Parents’ Day lies in acknowledging the people who shape us silently yet powerfully; and for me, that has always been my father. He was my first teacher, my toughest critic, and my pillar of strength. He didn’t just teach me values he lived them every single day. Watching him navigate life with quiet dignity, integrity, and compassion left an indelible mark on me. He would always say, ‘No matter how far you go, stay grounded and treat people right.’ As an actor, I often lean on his wisdom, especially the one line that’s stayed with me: ‘Give your best, and let the work speak.’ On this Parents’ Day, I celebrate him and all the parents who shape their children’s paths not with grand gestures, but through everyday actions and unconditional love.”

Karuna Pandey, who is playing the role of Pushpa in Pushpa Impossible, said, “Everything I am today began with the encouragement I received from my father. He was the first one to notice my love for dance and theatre, and instead of dismissing it as a hobby, he wholeheartedly supported it. Whether it was rehearsals, performances, or auditions, he was always there, cheering me on from the sidelines, quietly being my strongest pillar. His belief in my dreams gave me the confidence to pursue them without fear. But it wasn’t just my father. My mother has been equally supportive. Even though she feared this profession, since no one from our family had ever been in acting, she never let that fear stop her from motivating me. And my sister has been like a second mother to me, guiding, protecting, and always standing by my side. Honestly, my entire family has played a big role in helping me chase my dreams. On this special day, I want to thank my parents and every parent out there who encourages their children to turn their passions into careers. It takes courage, and I truly respect them for it.”

Pariva Pranati, who is playing the role of Vandana Wagle in Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey, shared, “This is a very special day for me. The way I play Vandana on screen is actually how I am in real life with my child. I always want to be the kind of mother my child can talk to about anything, just like how my father has always been with me. Interestingly, now that he’s growing older, he’s become like my second child! He recently learned how to use an iPhone from his grandson, and he gets excited about gifts just like a kid. We all love pampering him. I feel truly lucky to be his daughter, and if there are five more lives ahead, I’d still want to be his daughter in all of them.”

Tarun Khanna, who is playing the role of Mahadev in Veer Hanuman, shared, “Even when I doubted myself, my parents never did. Such a belief is rare and incredibly powerful. My parents have been my silent strength; they didn’t need to say much, but their actions always spoke louder than words. Whether it was dropping me off for auditions or standing by me through the ups and downs of this unpredictable profession, my father has been my constant. My mother is my emotional anchor. Her faith, her prayers, and her ability to sense how I’m feeling without me even saying a word; that’s something only a parent can do. As an actor, I often draw from personal experiences, and for me, it’s the values and resilience they’ve instilled in me that I channel into every role I play. Parents’ Day is just a reminder, but their presence is something I cherish every single day. Everything I am, I owe to them.”

Ashi Singh, who is playing the role of Kairi Sharma in Ufff…Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, shared, “Parents have always been my biggest support system. I started my journey in this industry at a very young age, and it hasn’t always been easy, whether it was learning, struggling, or celebrating success, they have been right there beside me. My success is as much theirs as it is mine. My mom, especially, has been my rock. From managing everything at home to being with me on set whenever I need her, she’s been my guide, my biggest cheerleader, and comfort, quietly holding it all together. Her support goes beyond words. On this Parents Day, I want to thank my parents for allowing me to dream big, for being by my side throughout this journey, and for being my haven.”