Rekhta Foundation Announces Shaam-e-Rekhta Celebrations in Mumbai and Hyderabad

Mumbai, 17th October 2024: The Rekhta Foundation, in collaboration with the Harish Bina Shah Foundation, is thrilled to announce Shaam-e-Rekhta, a magical evening dedicated to celebrating the timeless legacy of Urdu poetry, music, and dance. This much-awaited cultural event will soon take center stage in Mumbai at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre NCPA, Nariman Point on 9th November 2024, and Hyderabad at Paigah Palace Begumpet on 16th November 2024, offering a unique experience for poetry enthusiasts, art lovers, and admirers of the Urdu language.

Shaam-e-Rekhta promises an unforgettable evening with two captivating performances: Raqs-e-Naa Tamaam, a dance and poetry odyssey resonating across times, capturing the essence of Noor Jehan’s journey through a breath-taking performance, and Rekhta Mushaira, a beloved tradition of Urdu poetry featuring renowned poets from across the country.

“Shaam-e-Rekhta is not just an event; it is a celebration of the soul of Urdu, a language that has woven itself into the cultural heritage. By bringing this experience to Mumbai and Hyderabad, we are not only honoring its artistic legacy but also creating a space where language, poetry, and performance transcend boundaries and touch hearts. Our goal is to inspire a renewed appreciation for the beauty of Urdu, while also bridging generations and cultures. We are determined to carry on this timeless legacy with the same passion and dedication that has propelled us since our inception”- said Sanjiv Saraf, Founder, Rekhta Foundation.

The Rekhta Mushaira Mumbai will feature poets such as Waseem Barelwi, Farhat Ehsas, Vijendra Singh Parvaz, Pooja Bhatia, Shamim Abbas, Rajesh Reddy, Madan Mohan Danish, Aslam Hassan, and Charagh Sharma while the Rekhta Mushaira Hyderabad will feature Azm Shakiri, Sardar Saleem, Iqbal Ashhar, Malikzada Javed, Shariq Kaifi, Ameer Imam, Aqeel Nomaani, Moin Shadaab and Govind Gulshan.

The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Urdu’s artistic legacy, capturing attendees’ hearts and leaving them with lasting memories of eloquence, beauty, and emotion.

Masaba’s ‘Go Big or Go Home’ Style Shines in LoveChild’s Quirky New Brand Campaign

Mumbai, 17th, October– LoveChild Masaba is thrilled to launch its first-ever campaign that shines a light on the dynamic founder, Masaba Gupta. This quirky campaign offers a playful, tongue-in-cheek look at how Masaba dives into every detail of the brand with the candid voices of her team revealing just how “Ghus Ghus ke” she stays through it all!

Masaba’s meticulous attention to detail is evident as she tests lipstick shades and fine-tunes the bestselling serum tint, embodying a truly hands-on approach. Her late-night calls to discuss even the smallest packaging tweaks showcase her commitment to excellence and quality. Masaba is all about the nitty-gritty and the campaign captures the team’s hilarious insights into her relentless pursuit of perfection, and its impact on it.

Speaking about the campaign, Masaba Gupta shares, “I’ve always believed that the best products come from getting your hands dirty and staying as close to the process as possible—literally! For me, creating each product for LoveChild is like creating a little piece of myself. I am obsessed with the details, and my team is too—whether they like it or not! And when it comes to quality, there’s no such thing as too involved.”

“These are exciting times for LoveChild as we witness unprecedented growth & love from all quarters. The 2 year mark was a right milestone for us to introspect into what we want to be for the consumer as we scale up awareness. “Ghus Ghus ke” crystallizes the core brand promise simply in a rather cluttered beauty market” says Pratik Mukherjee, Brand Head

“We instantly resonated with “Ghus Ghus ke” at an idea level as it beautifully captured the quintessential Indian quirk and boldness that LoveChild represents but also got Masaba’s personal unfiltered candidness to the fore. The icing on the cake was to let people in on what goes on in building a Founder led brand.” said Nidhi Laddha, Marketing Head

This campaign is a peek into the delightful chaos and pure passion that fuels every LoveChild product.

LoveChild by Masaba products is available on lovechild.in and on marketplaces like Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Purplle, Flipkart, Tata Cliq Palette, and Tira. You can also find them at over 35 stores located across India.

Spices Board is recruiting for the post of Spice Extension Trainees

Mumbai, 17th October 2024: Spices Board has released an employment notification for recruiting Spice Extension Trainees, exclusively for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities, in various offices across India. This recruitment drive aims to offer training opportunities in the agriculture sector, promoting inclusive growth and skill development within marginalized communities.
A total of five trainees will be selected for the following locations: Regional Office in Unjha, Gujarat; Regional Office in Mumbai, Maharashtra; Field Office in Patna, Bihar; Field Office in Koraput, Odisha; and Field Office in Paderu, Andhra Pradesh. The eligibility criteria for applicants include a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Botany, Microbiology, or Biotechnology from a recognized university or institute, along with working knowledge of computers. Candidates must be below 35 years of age as of the date of the walk-in test. The training programme will last for one year, with the possibility of extension for another year based on performance. The walk-in test for the candidates will be held on 18th October 2024 starting at 9 am at respective offices in Unjha, Patna, and Mumbai. For field Field Office Paderu the walk-in test will be conducted at Spices Board Regional Office, Guntur and for Field Office, Koraput the venue will be District Skill Development cum Employment Office & Model Career Centre, Koraput.

Sheena Tandon Named Director of Sales & Marketing at The Lodhi to Drive Growth

New Delhi, 16th October 2024 – The Lodhi, New Delhi is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Sheena Tandon as the new Director of Sales & Marketing, effective 2nd September 2024. With a distinguished career spanning over 19 years in the hospitality industry, Ms. Tandon brings a wealth of expertise in hotel operations, sales, and client relationship management, making her an invaluable addition to the leadership team.

In her new role, Ms. Tandon will oversee the strategic sales, marketing, and business operations, and lead all aspects of the Sales & Marketing department. Her core responsibilities will include driving revenue growth, enhancing guest and employee satisfaction, and monitoring the financial performance of the department. Ms. Tandon is committed to achieving business objectives while fostering strong partnerships and delivering exceptional service.

Mr. Abhimanyu Singh Lodha, General Manager of The Lodhi, said,   “Sheena joins us in a senior leadership role, heading Sales & Marketing, which is a key function during our growth phase. Her extensive background with renowned global brands, coupled with her ability to deliver both strategic and operational leadership, makes her exceptionally well-positioned to lead our team. We are thrilled to have her onboard and look forward to the positive impact she will bring to the organisation.”

Ms. Tandon’s illustrious career has seen her excel in various roles across globally recognized hospitality brands. Most recently, she served as Director of Sales at Accor’s Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing business development for the 670-room hotel and effectively managed a team of 20 dedicated sales professionals. Her strategic leadership and team management were integral to driving growth across Corporate, Leisure, MICE, and Airlines segments, while her involvement in budgeting and stakeholder relations helped solidify the hotel’s market position. Ms. Tandon also represented the flagship Pullman & Novotel at international trade fairs and sales missions, further amplifying the brand’s reach.

Ms. Tandon’s success extends beyond operations; she has been recognized for her achievements, including graduating from Accor’s Global Leadership Program and completing Digital Distribution Performance certifications. Her tenure at Accor is marked by exceptional profitability increases, effective client engagement, and team performance enhancements.

Prior to this stint, Ms. Tandon spent 13 years with The Oberoi Group, honing her expertise in Front Office Operations, Revenue Management, and Sales. She completed her Corporate Training from Hyatt International and was appointed at Hyatt Regency Delhi. This early operational experience gave her invaluable insights into the challenges faced by hotel teams, a perspective that continues to inform her leadership in sales excellence.

Commenting on her new role at The Lodhi, Ms. Tandon said, “I am truly honoured to join The Lodhi, a name synonymous with luxury and excellence. I look forward to leveraging my experience in strategic sales and marketing and client engagement to further strengthen the hotel’s position as a top choice for discerning travellers. It is a moment of pride to be associated with a member of The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), and I am eager to work with the talented team here to create new sustainable business streams and elevate the brand’s market presence. Together, we will drive the hotel’s revenue performance upwards and reinforce its core values.”

Ms. Tandon’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Hotel Management from Huddersfield University, United Kingdom, a degree in Business Administration from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, and a graduate diploma from the Institute of Hotel Management managed by Taj Group of Hotels and Resorts in  Aurangabad. Among her numerous accolades, she was named ‘Best Sales Person of the Year’ at the Hotelier India Awards 2023, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the industry.

Outside of her professional commitments, Ms. Tandon enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, and pursuing her passion for singing.

GoDaddy’s Airo solution is helping Indian entrepreneurs save time

India, 17 October 2024 — For small businesses, every second saved and every Rupee spent is the difference between surviving and thriving. GoDaddy recently found that 94% of Indian small business owners view implementing AI in their businesses would yield in a positive impact to their bottom line.

However, they have challenges when it comes to getting started. The top three reasons for not implementing AI are a lack of awareness of about available solutions (50%), lack of understanding of the benefits (45%), potential costs (43%) and lack of time to implement these tools (29%). To make using generative AI fast and easy, GoDaddy launched GoDaddy Airo™, an AI-powered experience designed to save small business owners precious time in establishing their online presence and attract new customers.

The Right Solution for Any Small Business

GoDaddy Airo™ makes leveraging the power of AI easy for anyone wanting to start a business or take their existing one to the next level.

GoDaddy Airo™, using GoDaddy’s AI Domain Search tool, can recommend catchy domain names with just a description of their business. Within minutes of purchasing a domain from GoDaddy, GoDaddy Airo™ can instantly generate content for the business, including:

    • Unique, eye-catching logo designs that can be easily customized to fit the business.
    • A fully built website with imagery and content designed to help the business engage and attract customers.
    • A professional email account that strengthens the credibility and prestige of the business.
  • By simply uploading a product photo, an auto-generated custom product description is created for an online store.

GoDaddy Airo™ Is Always Evolving

GoDaddy Airo™ is live now for small businesses to take advantage of, and even more capabilities are coming.

“Being AI-powered, GoDaddy Airo™ continuously evolves and improves, ensuring that small businesses stay at the forefront of the latest technology,” said Laura Messerschmitt, President GoDaddy International. “Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs with cutting-edge tools that combines the latest AI technology with the ease of use we’re known for – providing effortless and intuitive solutions to small businesses.”

Sustain Labs Paris Partners with Dubai World Trade Center for GITEX Impact 2024

October 2024 – Sustain Labs Paris, an Indian owned sustainability and climate-focused venture builder, is collaborating for the second consecutive year with the Dubai World Trade Center to present GITEX Impact 2024While GITEX, organized by the Dubai World Trade Centeris one of the largest global technology exhibitions, GITEX Impact is a distinct platform dedicated to climate tech, sustainability, and ESG innovation. Sustain Labs Paris as the program partner, supported the curation of this specialized event within the GITEX Impact framework held at Dubai Harbour, UAE, reinforcing the company’s leadership in advancing climate-tech solutions on a global stage.

The collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Center extends beyond the event itself, encompassing broader initiatives in institution-building, event transformation, and strategic communications, further amplifying Sustain Labs Paris’ global influence and reach.

GITEX Impact 2024 is set to draw 120,000+ visitors, 500+ climate-tech companies, over 120 expert speakers, and 150 impact investors from 40 countries, making it a premier platform for sustainability & climate-tech innovation. Sustain Labs Paris is leading the program, which includes initiatives like the GITEX Impact Summer Knowledge Series, featuring prominent global thought leaders such as Niall Dunne, CEO of Polymateria; Dr. Roberta Boscolo, Climate & Energy Lead at the World Meteorological Organization; and David Carlin, Head of Climate Risk at the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, offering in-depth sustainability insights.

Over the past two years, the GITEX Impact Leaders community has grown exponentially, with 300 leaders selected in 2023 and 200 more joining in 2024, bringing the total to 500 sustainability pioneers across various industries. Indian leaders such as Anirudh Gupta, Co-founder of Climes; Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Zomato; and Ankit Todi, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Mahindra Group, highlight India’s increasing contribution to global climate action.

Under the theme “Reshaping the Future of Sustainable Technology,” Sustain Labs Paris will unite thought leaders at GITEX Impact 2024 to address pressing sustainability challenges and offer actionable solutions. Key figures such as Dr. Harish K Ahuja, Head of Sustainability, Power & Carbon Markets, Listing Business and Investor Services at the National Stock Exchange, and Arun Raste, Managing Director & CEO of NCDEX, will lead discussions aimed at advancing sustainability across various sectors. Sustain Labs Paris remains committed to driving global climate solutions, conducting year-round research and providing execution support to help organizations enhance their sustainability strategies.

Dr. Miniya Chatterji, CEO of Sustain Labs Paris, said, “Now in its second year, GITEX Impact was created to unite global leaders in climate-tech and sustainability under the larger GITEX umbrella. We are proud to be a part of this global initiative, fostering meaningful collaboration and action to address the climate crisis and advance sustainable solutions on an international scale.”

 GITEX Impact 2024 showcases the critical role of climate-tech innovation in building a resilient and sustainable future, with Sustain Labs Paris leveraging its expertise to create a global platform for knowledge exchange and meaningful partnerships.

FNP Elevates Gifting with 30-Minute Instant Delivery

Mumbai, 17th October, 2024: FNP (Ferns N Petals), India’s largest and most trusted gifting platform, today announced the introduction of its new 30-minute delivery service across 36 cities nationwide. Building on its legacy as the pioneer of same-day delivery in India, this new offering reflects FNP’s commitment to continuously innovating and providing more seamless options for thoughtful gifting.

FNP has always led the industry in delivering gifts on the same day, being one of the first to introduce this service nationwide. Now, the company has raised the bar even higher by offering 30-minute delivery in major urban centers such as Delhi NCR (Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad), Mumbai (Thane, Vasai, Virar, Dombivili), Bangalore, Chandigarh (Zirakpur, Mohali), and Chennai, as well as key cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Kanpur, Jaipur, and Hyderabad.

“At FNP, we believe that gifting is an expression of thoughtfulness and care,” said Pawan Gadia, Global CEO & Director at FNP. “Our 30-minute delivery service enhances the experience for our customers by ensuring that their thoughtful gestures are carried out seamlessly. Whether for a special occasion or a spontaneous moment of connection, our goal is to help customers create memorable experiences with the people who matter most.”

FNP’s fast delivery service is powered by AI and real-time logistics optimization technology. This system enhances route efficiency, improves predictive order management, and ensures flawless last-mile execution. With this cutting-edge approach, FNP continues to deliver not just gifts, but moments of happiness, straight to customers’ doorsteps.

This new initiative underscores FNP’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, blending speed, reliability, and care into every delivery. Whether it’s a last-minute surprise or a well-planned celebration, FNP is ensuring that every gift arrives on time, reinforcing its position as India’s most trusted name in gifting.

Experience the Magic of ABBA at R CITY: Masters of the Scene Tribute

Mumbai, 16th October 2024 – Get ready to step into a world of music and nostalgia as R CITY Mall, Ghatkopar (W) transforms into the ultimate stage for the ABBA TributeMasters of the Scene“, hosted by KCT Entertainment. This internationally acclaimed tribute show is set to deliver a breathtaking evening of live music, celebrating the legendary hits of ABBA that have captivated hearts across generations.
Presented by R CITY Mall and renowned for its world-class entertainment experiences, this event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of ABBA’s timeless music. Set against the vibrant backdrop of R CITY’s Courtyard, guests can look forward to an electrifying atmosphere filled with live performances of ABBA’s most iconic songs, such as Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Take a Chance on Me, and Waterloo.

Rapido Leads the Charge for Sustainable Mobility with Bangalore’s Largest EV Auto Fleet

Bengaluru, 16th October, 2024: Rapido, India’s largest ride-sharing platform and a leading job creator, continues to push boundaries in electric mobility with the successful deployment of its Electric Vehicle (EV) Auto Fleet in Bangalore. With over 4,000 captains operating in two shifts, Rapido’s EV autos have already completed more than 2.25 million rides, covering over 15.6 million kilometers. This transition to electric autos has resulted in the savings of 1,036 tons of CO2 emissions, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of urban transportation in the city.

Commenting on this milestone, Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder of Rapido, said “We take immense pride in being the first in our category to introduce EV autos in Bangalore. This initiative is part of our broader sustainability goals, and we are committed to expanding it further. Along with the environmental benefits, we are creating sustainable job opportunities for our gig workforce, enabling them to maximize their earnings while making a positive environmental impact. We are thrilled with the role our captains and riders have played in reducing the carbon footprint of urban transport so far.”

In addition to the environmental benefits, Rapido’s EV initiative has made a substantial economic impact. Captains in Bangalore have collectively earned a total of INR 178 million, underscoring the significant earning potential that EV adoption has brought to the city’s drivers. Looking ahead, Rapido aims to expand its EV auto fleet to 1,500 vehicles and onboard approximately 5,000 captains by 2025 in Bangalore. This growth aligns with the company’s mission to create jobs while advancing a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

With EV autos at the forefront of its mobility services, Rapido is driving innovation in shared transportation for a cleaner, greener Bangalore. This initiative is just the beginning of Rapido’s larger vision to lead sustainable mobility across India, with plans to expand its EV operations to other cities.

Prime Video Launches the Explosive Trailer for Citadel: Honey Bunny, Directed by Raj and DK

Mumbai, India—October 16, 2024—Prime Video, India’s most-loved entertainment destination, today dropped the captivating action-packed trailer for the eagerly awaited Original series, Citadel: Honey Bunny. The Indian series born from the world of Citadel is directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and written by Sita R. Menon, along with Raj & DK. The series is produced by D2R Films, Amazon MGM Studios, and executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes from AGBO, alongside David Weil (Hunters), executive produce Citadel: Honey Bunny and all series within the world of Citadel. Midnight Radio is also an executive producer. The series features the immensely talented Varun Dhawan and Samantha in the lead and the ever-so-versatile Kay Kay Menon, along with an exciting ensemble cast that includes Simran, Saqib Saleem, Sikandar Kher, Soham Majumdar, Shivankit Parihar, and Kashvi Majmundar. Citadel: Honey Bunny is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on November 7.

The trailer is a preview of the exhilarating and riveting spy thriller set against the vibrant tapestry of the 90’s, which features explosive action, high-octane stunts, and edge-of-your-seat excitement, all perfectly complemented by exceptional performances and a grand visual scale. When stuntman Bunny (Varun Dhawan) recruits struggling actress Honey (Samantha) for a side gig, they are hurled into a high-stakes world of action, espionage, and betrayal. Years later, as their dangerous past catches up, the estranged Honey and Bunny must reunite and fight to protect their young daughter Nadia.

“Following the tremendous response to the teaser, the excitement and anticipation around the show has been rising every day, with fans of Varun, Samantha and Raj & DK eagerly waiting for November 7. We felt that now is the right time to provide them with a window into the series with an action-infused trailer of the show that captures the incredible world of Citadel: Honey Bunny. Raj & DK have added their signature quirk and charm to this high-octane spy thriller that promises to be a whole new thrilling ride for our audiences,” said Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video, India.

“Citadel: Honey Bunny is a significant project for us as it has given us the opportunity to be part of a larger, unprecedented world of spies and espionage that has never been done or even attempted before. We have created all our projects so far, but Citadel: Honey Bunny is our first collaboration. And that it is with the creative forces like the Russo Brothers, as well as a host of talented filmmakers and creators around the world, has made this an amazingly valuable creative experience,” said Raj & DK.

“Bunny is unlike any role I’ve played before. As a spy, he not only leads a double life, but every aspect of his personality has two distinct sides, which was very exciting for me as an actor. Intricately woven into the storyline, his portrayal required me to draw on a blend of experiences and characters I’ve embodied over the years, as well as mentally and physically prepare for the grueling stunts and amped-up action scenes, making it one of my most challenging performances yet. And I am deeply grateful to Prime Video, Raj & DK, and AGBO for the opportunity to bring Bunny to life,” said Varun Dhawan.

Samantha said, “The opportunity to be part of an action-packed entertainer with a gripping storyline, rich character depth, and intense hand-to-hand combats and stunts that rival international standards, along with the prospect to play an integral role in this collection of connected spy stories, is what drew me to this project. The challenges and efforts required to bring Honey to life have left a profound impact on me, both professionally and personally, making it one of the most significant roles of my career. I’m confident that the audience will thoroughly enjoy this series, not just in India but across the many countries and territories where it will stream on Prime Video.”