Bengaluru, Jan 14: Gopalan Pre-University College and Gopalan National School (North) jointly hosted a vibrant Health Camp on January 12th, in Yelahanka campus, Bengaluru. The event was open to the public, brought families and community members together for a day of proactive health checks, expert consultations, and wellness education.

The camp offered comprehensive services including specialized eye checkups by Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, general health screenings by Aster CMI Hospital, and a dental camp by PSDC, ensuring accessible care for visitors of all age groups.

Key highlights included Dr. Agarwals’ computerized and manual eye power checks (distant, near, and color vision), explanations of common issues like refraction, cataract, and myopia, eye care education, hospital appointment bookings, and distribution of Vision Is Life (VIL) Cards offering free checkups for participants plus four family members/friends and 10% off optical services on the first visit. Aster CMI provided pulse, height, weight, SPO2, BP, GRBS sugar tests, and ECG screenings.

Mrs. Sunita Prabhakar, Director, Gopalan Foundation, spoke on this occasion “Conducting a health camp on our campus helped children understand the importance of good health from an early age. It created awareness about healthy habits, regular check-ups, and self-care, enabling them to take responsibility for their well-being. When children learn the value of being healthy, they are better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

This Health Camp reflected our belief that awareness is key to building healthier and more resilient communities. By bringing reputed healthcare partners together on our campus, we aimed to make preventive healthcare more accessible and to encourage families to adopt informed wellness practices as part of everyday life.”

Through this initiative, Gopalan Pre-University College and Gopalan National School (North) aimed to empower the community with early detection, health awareness, and lifelong wellness practices beyond routine care.

V-Guard Industries Limited, India’s leading consumer electrical and electronics brand, has achieved a landmark milestone with its Induction Cooktop Model VIC06V1 becoming India’s first induction cooktop to receive a 5-Star energy efficiency rating from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

The recognition underscores V-Guard’s commitment to energy-efficient innovation, in-house manufacturing excellence, and uncompromising quality standards. The VIC06V1 induction cooktop is designed and manufactured at V-Guard’s state-of-the-art Perundurai facility, reinforcing the brand’s focus on indigenous design. Furthermore, the model has been engineered to deliver faster, cleaner and more environment-friendly cooking while helping consumers reduce electricity consumption without compromising on performance or convenience.

The VIC06V1 (5-Star BEE Rated) induction cooktop delivers a maximum power output of 1600 W and features eight power and temperature levels with eight preset cooking modes,

enabling versatile and efficient everyday cooking. The soft-touch switch controls and easy-to-read digital display are complemented by a 4-hour timer, 24-hour preset function, and energy and voltage indicators for seamless monitoring and operation.

Designed with safety and reliability at its core, the cooktop is equipped with 3 kV surge protection, high–low voltage cut-off, and BIS certification. The Grade A crystalline glass panel ensures durability and a premium finish, while its lightweight design and wide working range support fast, efficient cooking. The product comes with a 1-year product warranty and a 3-year warranty on the induction coil, offering enhanced peace of mind to consumers.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Mithun Chittilappilly, Managing Director, V-Guard Industries Ltd., said,

“The recognition reflects our strong focus on in-house design, manufacturing excellence, quality standards, and energy-efficient innovation. This milestone sets a new industry benchmark and further reinforces V-Guard’s leadership in energy-efficient home appliances.”

With this significant achievement, V-Guard’s VIC06V1 sets a new benchmark for the induction cooking category in India, reaffirming the company’s role as a pioneer in delivering sustainable, high-performance kitchen appliances for modern Indian households.

As the door closes on “Stranger Things,” Samsung Electronics and Netflix are giving fans a chance to celebrate the final season of the iconic show that has shaped pop culture for nearly a decade. Starting Jan. 12, Samsung Galaxy users in 186 countries can download an exclusive “Stranger Things” theme and wallpapers via Galaxy Store — available at no additional cost for a limited time to those who download or launch the Netflix app.

Iconic Imagery From a Cultural Phenomenon

Since its debut in 2016, “Stranger Things” has been one of the defining titles behind Netflix’s rise as the world’s leading entertainment service. The series became a global megahit, driving viewership and conversation across regions and generations. Following the release of Season 5, Part 1 on Nov. 27, 2025, it ranked No. 1 in 91 countries and recorded 59.6 million views in its first five days, marking the strongest opening performance for an English-language series on Netflix to date. It also became the first series in Netflix history to place all five seasons in the Global Top 10 at the same time, holding that record for five consecutive weeks. All episodes from the final season are now streaming globally, only on Netflix.

Samsung’s exclusive content inspired by Season 5 builds on that momentum. Available from Jan. 12 through Feb. 22, the collection includes a special theme and five wallpapers featuring live-action characters and settings from the show, including Hawkins and the Upside Down. Reflecting the unique atmosphere of the show, the visuals allow fans to bring elements of the series into their everyday lives.

A Long-Standing Partnership Celebrating Great Storytelling

Samsung and Netflix have a long-running partnership, bringing compelling, high-quality content inspired by some of the world’s best-loved shows. The latest collaboration follows their recent partnership to offer special themes for the worldwide hit film “KPop Demon Hunters,” while the companies previously worked together to celebrate the launch of Season 4 of “Stranger Things.”

Women Entrepreneurs of PHDCCI Present Visionary Recommendations at Haryana Pre-Budget Consultation on “Haryana Vision 2047”

Gurugram, Jan 13:  Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini ji, invited women entrepreneurs to participate in the Pre-Budget Consultation Session on “Haryana Vision 2047”, held in Gurugram on 12 January 2026. The consultation aimed at incorporating stakeholder inputs to shape an inclusive, future-ready, and sustainable economic roadmap for the State.

A delegation of women entrepreneurs led by PHDCCI Women Entrepreneurs, along with COWE Haryana, IamSMEofIndia, and women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, actively participated in the session and shared key challenges, aspirations, and policy recommendations.

The delegation emphasized that women entrepreneurs today do not wish to remain confined to the startup ecosystem alone. Instead, they aspire to build and scale large enterprises, contribute meaningfully to industrial growth, and generate substantial employment, positioning women as key drivers of Haryana’s economic transformation.

Key Issues and Policy Suggestions Presented

1. Identification of Priority Industries & Services for Women
   The delegation recommended identifying specific industries and service sectors where women entrepreneurs can be given preference through targeted subsidies, incentives, and policy support to enable participation and scaling of women-led enterprises.
2. State-wide Micro Business Program for Self-Employment
   A proposal was made to launch a State-wide Micro Business Program to promote self-employment among grassroots-level innovators, particularly women, through structured training, seed funding, mentoring, and assured market linkages.
3. Centre of Excellence for Women in Emerging Technologies
   The delegation suggested establishing a Centre of Excellence for Women focusing on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), electronics, and deep-tech. The centre would provide hands-on training, incubation, and industry exposure, especially for women from polytechnics and women-focused degree colleges.
4. Scholarships for Women in Higher Education
   Dedicated scholarships were proposed to support women pursuing higher education, advanced technical skills, and leadership development, particularly in STEM and future-ready disciplines.
5. State-wide Public Awareness & Mindset Shift Campaigns
   The need for large-scale public awareness campaigns was highlighted to encourage women’s education and employment, especially in Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities, addressing social barriers and fostering family and community support.
6. Centre of Entrepreneurship & Shared Facilities
   The delegation recommended setting up Centres of Entrepreneurship and Innovation with shared infrastructure and common facilities to support women entrepreneurs in technology development and scalable production.
7. Women Entrepreneurs as a Bridge between SHGs and Markets
   Women entrepreneurs should be enabled to act as a bridge between Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and markets, ensuring market-driven training, demand-linked production, and sustainable livelihoods.
8. End-to-End, Market-Linked Support with Impact Measurement
   The delegation called for end-to-end support covering training, product development, certification, branding, logistics, finance, and market access, backed by clear impact measurement indicators.
9. Access to Markets, Exports & Procurement
   Dedicated export facilitation mechanisms were proposed for women entrepreneurs, including buyer–seller meets, compliance assistance, and international market access.
10. Public Procurement from Women Entrepreneurs
    Strict implementation of the 3% public procurement mandatefor women entrepreneurs by State Departments, PSUs, and State Bodies was strongly emphasized.
11. Tax Incentives to Encourage Market Adoption
    The delegation recommended tax incentives on purchases made from women-led enterprises and SHG-linked initiatives to stimulate private sector demand.
12. Workplace Health & Women-Centric Welfare Measures
    Introduction of workplace health schemes, including free cancer screening and preventive healthcare services for women, was proposed to ensure workforce well-being.
13. Policy Mandate, Convergence & Accountability
    The delegation stressed the need to make these initiatives mandatory, ensure inter-departmental convergence, and establish robust monitoring and impact assessment frameworks.
14. Increasing Green Cover through SHGs and FPOs
    To address pollution and promote sustainability, SHGs and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) should be encouraged to undertake plantation of trees and economically viable crops, linking environmental goals with livelihood generation.
15. Incubation Centres with Co-Manufacturing Facilities
    Establishment of incubation centres with co-manufacturing facilities was proposed, offering shared production infrastructure, mentoring on manufacturing, quality control, branding, and marketing, in collaboration with institutions such as NIFT and leading designers.
16. Simplified Access to Funds and Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
    The delegation highlighted the urgent need for easy, transparent, and fast-track access to finance through state-level funds, grants, credit guarantees, interest subvention, and single-window facilitation.

The women entrepreneurs expressed their appreciation to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Government of Haryana for providing an inclusive platform and reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with the State in achieving the vision of Haryana Vision 2047—a progressive, equitable, and women-led economic future.

Zee 24 Ghanta has announced the launch of its new viewer engagement contest, ‘24 Ghanta Dekhun Prize Jitun’ (Watch 24 Ghanta & Win Prizes), beginning today. The initiative has been designed to recognise and reward viewers who stay connected with the channel’s daily news coverage.

With audiences increasingly engaging with news across multiple touchpoints, 24 Ghanta Dekhun Prize Jitun adds an interactive layer to regular news viewing, encouraging viewers to participate while following the channel’s programming.

Five winners will be selected every day and will receive Amazon voucher. In addition, one weekly winner will be selected through a lucky draw, and the bumper prize will be awarded to both the winner and the associated Local Cable Operator (LCO). All the winners will be announced the next day across Zee 24 Ghanta’s linear and digital platforms.

Commenting on the initiative, Pew Roy, Deputy Editor, Zee 24 Ghanta, said,

“This initiative is a structured way to encourage viewers to engage more closely with our daily programming, while continuing to focus on news that is relevant, timely, and credible. At Zee 24 Ghanta, we believe trust is built through consistency and relevance, and 24 Ghanta Dekhun Prize Jitun is designed to keep viewers connected with the news they rely on every day, while upholding the standards of credibility that define our journalism.”

Through 24 Ghanta Dekhun Prize Jitun, Zee 24 Ghanta continues to explore formats that strengthen viewer participation while remaining anchored in its news-led approach.

New Delhi, Jan 13: 93.5 Red FM has announced the artist lineup for the fourth edition of Riders Music Festival (RMF) 2026, scheduled to take place on 21–22 February 2026 at The Great India Place (GIP), Noida. Positioned at the intersection of music, motorcycling, and youth culture, the two-day festival continues to grow as one of North India’s most distinctive community-driven cultural experiences.

Celebrating the vibrant intersection of music, motorcycling and youth culture, RMF 2026 promises a two-day, high-energy experience that blends creativity, mobility and community spirit. The festival will feature a curated day-wise lineup of electronic, hip-hop, indie, Bollywood and stand-up comedy, complemented by immersive experiences for riders and enthusiasts alike.

Day-wise Artist Highlights:

• Day 1: Level 6, Bharat Chauhan, and Nucleya, with Seedhe Maut headlining the evening with their dynamic hip-hop performance.

• Day 2: Harsh Gujral and Chaar Diwaari, leading up to a headline set by Papon, marking one of the singer-songwriter’s first large-scale, multi-genre festival appearances in Noida.

Artist Spotlights:

• Papon – Renowned for his emotion-driven songwriting and storytelling, Papon will deliver a soulful and immersive live experience with hits like Bulleya, Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, and his recent track for Metro In Dino.

• Nucleya – India’s electronic music pioneer brings his genre-blending, festival-ready energy with chart-toppers such as Tota Myna, Let’s Nacho and Paintra.

• Seedhe Maut – The Delhi-based hip-hop duo Encore ABJ and Calm will showcase their signature raw lyricism and powerful stage presence.

• Harsh Gujral – Adding a comedy dimension to the festival with his observational humor, best known for his stand-up special Jo Bolta Hai Wohi Hota Hai.

• Bharat Chauhan – Indie singer-songwriter blending psychedelic and introspective sounds with tracks like Ghar and Shaayar.

• Chaar Diwaari – Garv Taneja’s experimental indie project combines bold sound design with evocative Hindi lyricism (Thehra, Roshni, Jhaag).

• Level 6 – Led by musician Manish Gunthey, known for high-energy live performances and mashups inspired by both global and Indian music legends.

Speaking on the lineup announcement, Nisha Narayanan, COO and Director, Red FM, said,

 “Riders Music Festival is where the open road meets music and culture. This year, we’re making RMF 2026 bigger and more inclusive for the entire riding community, with new experiences like FMX, dirt bike rides, and track sessions with Apex Racing Academy. Before the main festival, biking enthusiasts can get an exclusive on-track experience with Apex, learning advanced riding skills and feeling the thrill of the track firsthand. Along with 50+ breakfast rides and a diverse artist lineup spanning stand-up comedy, Bollywood, pop and indie, RMF continues to grow as a pan-India cultural phenomenon where mobility, creativity and community converge by bringing together riders, creators, auto brands and artists in a shared celebration of the riding lifestyle.”

Beyond live performances, Riders Music Festival 2026 will feature custom and performance motorcycles, interactive brand experiences, curated food zones and art installations. The festival continues to emphasise safety, inclusivity and community participation, welcoming both riders and music enthusiasts to be part of the RMF experience.

Diebold Nixdorf Strengthens Regional Leadership to Accelerate Growth, Elevates Jaivinder Singh Gill

Mumbai, India, Jan 13: Diebold Nixdorf, a world leader in transforming the way people bank and shop, has strengthened its regional leadership with the promotion of Mr. Jaivinder Singh Gill to Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Banking & Retail, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), and the appointment of Mr. Sandeep Sethi as Managing Director, India. The leadership changes are aimed at accelerating growth, deepening customer engagement and supporting large-scale digital transformation across banking and retail markets in the APMEA region by reinforcing strategic leadership across partnerships, enterprise sales and market execution.

Following his promotion, Jaivinder Singh Gill will lead as Senior Vice President and Managing Director – Banking & Retail, APMEA. With over 30 years of leadership experience spanning technology, banking, retail, and financial services, Jaivinder has played a key role in driving business transformation and regional expansion at Diebold Nixdorf. In his new role, he will continue to spearhead strategic growth initiatives and strengthen partnerships across the APMEA region.

Jaivinder Singh Gill said,

“Bank and retail systems across APMEA region are at a critical inflection point where modernisation can no longer be decoupled from resilience and consumer trust. Organizations are increasingly challenged to go beyond incremental adjustments to, in some cases, ‘reboot’ their systems and refocus them on business outcomes architecting across the physical and digital boundaries.” He added. “We are focused on empowering merchants and financial institutions to build secure, scalable and future-proofed commerce solutions that anticipates and adapts to changing consumer behaviour and regulatory requirements.”

Additionally, Diebold Nixdorf has appointed Sandeep Sethi as Managing Director, India. He will lead the banking business for India. Sandeep is a seasoned sales leader and accomplished executive with 27 years of experience in enterprise sales management, specializing in the banking, payments, and retail automation sectors. Prior to Diebold Nixdorf, he served as VP & Regional Head for India & South Asia at Wibmo (A PayU/Naspers company), leading the region’s payment business, driving growth across Authentication, Payment Gateway, Tokenisation, Fraud & Risk Management (FRM), and Digital Banking platforms. He is noted for leading Wibmo’s SaaS-led Payment Tech platform business in India and South Asia. He has also held leadership positions at several Fortune 500 companies, including IBM, NCR Corporation, Xerox, and Canon.

“Sandeep’s appointment significantly strengthens our leadership depth at a time when financial institutions in India are navigating large-scale transformation,” said Jaivinder Singh Gill. “His experience across payments, digital banking platforms and enterprise ecosystems will be critical in helping our clients to modernise, manage risk and deliver secure, seamless experiences at scale. With my expanded responsibilities, this allows us to align the regional strategy with strong on-ground execution as we continue to build resilient, future-ready connected commerce platforms.”

With these leadership appointments, Diebold Nixdorf reinforces its commitment to accelerating growth, advancing digital transformation and delivering secure, innovative connected commerce solutions that help banking and retail clients modernise operations and meet evolving customer expectations across global markets.

Swiggy Announces Winners of the Inaugural Edition of ‘Food for Thought Challenge’ – Reinforces Commitment to Student Innovation

 Bengaluru, Jan 13: Swiggy (Swiggy Ltd, NSE: SWIGGY / BSE: 544285), India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, today announced the winners of the inaugural edition of Food For Thought Challenge (FFTC) – its flagship case study competition. The Food for Thought Challenge (FFTC) gave the opportunity to thousands of students across campuses in the country to share fresh, disruptive ideas that could further strengthen Swiggy’s position as a trusted companion for every student during the campus years.

IIM Lucknow was crowned the Winner for their innovative ideas for more meaningful student engagement for food delivery and dining out. The team was rewarded pre-placement interviews and a cash prize of ₹1,50,000. IIM Indore ranked First Runner Up and was rewarded with a cash prize of ₹50,000. Teams from IIM Bengaluru and MICA Ahmedabad were also amongst the other 4 finalists of the competition.

The Food For Thought Challenge, which was launched in September 2025, saw an overwhelming response from the student community, receiving 2,600+ submissions from 600+ colleges across India, with more than 30% of the entries from IIMs, IITs, NITs, and other leading institutions. The Finale Round was chaired by Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Swiggy Food Marketplace. Swiggy intends to make Food for Thought an annual platform with an objective of enabling innovation and connecting better with the student community.

Speaking on the entries and the initiative, Deepak Maloo, Vice President – Food Strategy, Customer Experience & New Initiatives, Swiggy, said,

 “College students are more than just our customers; they are a catalyst for innovation. With FFTC, we were keen to harness their disruptive, fresh perspectives to identify and unlock new growth levers and further enhance customer experience. The participating teams were impressive, demonstrating an incredible knack for turning data-driven insights into disruptive, actionable ideas.”

The Food For Thought Challenge had a rigorous evaluation process and all the submissions underwent a multi-stage evaluation. The submissions were graded on a 4-point framework (innovativeness, impact on growth, execution feasibility, cost effectiveness). The top 8 teams from the list advanced to a semi-final round with top Swiggy executives in the Jury Panel and 4 teams made it to the Grand Finale, hosted in Bengaluru.

By engaging with campuses, Swiggy aims to foster an ecosystem where young talent can contribute to the future of food tech and logistics, mirroring the company’s own journey as a market disruptor founded on bold ideas. Swiggy’s Student Rewards Program and Campus Streaks initiatives have already garnered attention amongst the student community and are in line with Swiggy’s larger effort to deliver greater value and convenience to young consumers across India. The Student Rewards program has received an overwhelming response and enables over 7 lakh college students across 3,600+ campuses today.

New Delhi, Jan 13: EaseMyTrip, one of India’s leading online travel platforms, has announced the launch of its ‘Republic Day Travel Sale’, offering travelers attractive deals to plan their upcoming journeys during the Republic Day period and the early months of the year. The campaign, live from 13th to 17th January 2026, is designed to encourage travel across the country and beyond, combining value-driven pricing with seamless booking experiences.

As part of the ‘Republic Day Travel Sale’, travelers can unlock a host of limited-period offers, including:

• Flights:UP TO INR 10,000 OFF*
• Hotels:UP TO INR 10,000 OFF*
• Holiday Packages:Starting at INR 9,999*
• Buses:UP TO INR 250 OFF*
• Cabs:UP TO INR 500 OFF*

These offers can be availed by using the promo code ‘EMTREPUBLIC’ on the EaseMyTrip app or website.

Customers can unlock additional benefits when booking with AU Bank, BOBCARD, Federal Bank, and ICICI credit cards, as well as Federal Bank debit cards. Travelers also stand a chance to win exclusive giveaways from partner brands like Foxtale, Relaxo, and The Man Company.

The ‘Republic Day Travel Sale’ brings together an extensive network of airline partners, including Air Astana, Air Canada, Air France, Akasa Air, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, ITA Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, Swiss International Air Lines, Thai VietJet Air, and Virgin Atlantic.

Travelers can also enjoy exclusive hotel discounts across a wide portfolio of hospitality partners, including 7 Apple Hotels, Ahuja’s Hospitality, Aivaa Hotels & Resorts, Amritara Hotels & Resorts, Ananta Hotels & Resorts, Astra Hotels, Birj Hotels, Bloom Hotels, Club Mahindra, Clarks Collection, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, DLS Hotels & Resorts, Ecko Hotels, ECO Hotels, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, FabHotels, Ginger Hotels, GoStops, Haryana Tourism, HOSHR, Hotel Sonar Bangla, Icon Hotels, juSTa Hotels & Resorts, Lemon Tree Hotels, Le Roi Hotels, Lime Tree Hotels, Limewood Hotels & Resorts, Lords Hotels & Resorts, Magnus Hotels, Mount Hotels & Resorts, MP Tourism, Moustache Hostels, Mumbai House Hotels, Neemrana Hotels, One Earth Hotels, OTHPL, OYO, Pride Hotels Group, Ramee Group of Hotels, Ramoji Group of Hotels, Renest Hotels, RG Suites, SaltStayz, Sayaji Hotels, Shahpura Hotels, Shrigo Hotels, Sinclairs Hotels & Resorts, Spree Hotels, Starlit Hotels, Sterling Holidays, Suba Hotels, Summit Hotels & Resorts, Sumi Yashshree Hotels & Resorts, TGI Hotels, The Altruist Hotels, The Byke Hospitality, The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Treehouse Hotels, Vesta Hotels & Resorts, VITS Hotels, WelcomHeritage, Windflower Resorts & Hotels, Zone by The Park, and Z Express Hotels.

As part of the sale, EaseMyTrip has curated special holiday packages covering popular domestic destinations such as Corbett, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Jaipur, Kashmir, Kerala, Manali, and Nainital, along with international destinations including Bali, Dubai, Europe, Maldives, Malaysia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The sale comes at a time when early-year travel demand is showing strong momentum, with Republic Day emerging as a key booking window for both short breaks and advance trip planning.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Manmeet Ahluwalia, Chief Marketing Officer, EaseMyTrip, said, 

“Republic Day often marks the start of the year’s travel planning for many consumers. Through our ‘Republic Day Travel Sale’, we aim to make journeys more accessible by offering strong value across flights, stays, and holiday packages, while continuing to deliver a simple and reliable booking experience. Early-year travel demand has been growing steadily, and we want to ensure our customers can plan their trips with convenience and confidence.”

With travel demand picking up in January, EaseMyTrip’s ‘Republic Day Travel Sale’ makes travel more flexible, convenient, and affordable, echoing the pride and progress of the Indian Republic.