Join the Movement: Every Kilometer Counts in the Walk, Run, and Cycle for Change

every killometer counts

This innovative initiative aims to encourage people to combine fitness with compassion by challenging you walk, run, or cycle 100 kilometers for the welfare of strays. Each time you hit 100 kilometers, a sponsor will donate Rs. 10,000 towards animal welfare.

 Meghna Rai, the brains behind KToK says, “I’ve always been madly and totally in love with our four-legged fur babies. And the thought of doing something for the strays was in my mind for the longest time. And then viola ! as I was walking the treadmill one day, the idea occurred to me that we could combine the two. And thus KtoK was born’.

 The idea is simple yet powerful, as this project encourages not only an active and healthy lifestyle but also contributes to a cause that is so admirable.

 Individuals and Corporate sponsors can also get involved in this initiative by sponsoring their employees to participate in the challenge. They can leverage Kilometers to Kindness to promote wellness and fitness in the workplace.

 Participants will monitor their distance using any smartphone application or speedometer. Each day, they will report their mileage to the Kilometers to Kindness team for confirmation. After verifying that the 100 kilometers have been covered, the campaign will go ahead and request the sponsor to give the Rs. 10,000 for the welfare of animals.

 What makes Kilometers to Kindness even more unique is the ability for people to gift the challenge to a loved one. For instance, you might give this challenge to someone special, a parent or friend, to do the 100 kilometers, and once they complete their 100 Kms, make a donation on their behalf to an animal welfare organization.

MAA Tribe Meet-Up at T-Hub: Student Tribe Celebrates Strong Women and Meaningful Connections

17th March, India: In a powerful and inspiring celebration of International Women’s Day, Student Tribe, India’s largest student community platform hosted MAA Tribe Meet-Up at T-Hub . The event welcomed 800+ students accompanied by their mothers, creating a vibrant gathering to honor the phenomenal women who drive progress in society and are the first mentors for every student. The meet-up was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of appreciation, empowerment, and meaningful connections.

The MAA Tribe Meet-Up created a vibrant platform where attendees celebrated the achievements of women and strengthened community bonds. The event featured an engaging mix of insightful discussions, impactful recognitions, and inspiring moments, setting a new benchmark for student-led community initiatives in India

Adding to the significance of the occasion, distinguished guests such as Ramaa Raavi, a renowned life coach, spoke about the special bond between students and their mothers. Kishore Indukuri, Founder of Sid’s Farm, highlighted the parallels between a parent’s dedication to their child’s well-being and Sid’s Farm’s commitment to purity. Dr. Ramakrishna, Managing Director at Smiline Dental Hospital, emphasized the importance of dental hygiene and preventive care. Dr. Sainath Bhethanabhotla, Sr. Consultant & Head of Medical Oncology at Star Hospitals, discussed the necessity of regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle while underlining the unpredictability of life. The Show ended with a fun quiz and a giveaway by SRIRAMS IAS.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Charan Lakkaraju, Founder & CEO of Student Tribe, stated “International Women’s Day is not just a day of celebration but a reminder of the immense contributions that women make in shaping our society, our families, and our future. The MAA Tribe Meet-Up was a testament to our deep commitment to fostering an inclusive space where appreciation, mentorship, and empowerment come together to drive meaningful change. By bringing together students, industry leaders, and inspiring personalities, we are creating a platform that uplifts voices, fuels aspirations, and nurtures future leaders. This is just the beginning of a larger movement to recognize, support, and create opportunities for the changemakers of tomorrow. We believe that by honoring women and fostering strong connections between students and professionals, we can collectively build a society where talent and potential know no barriers.”

With its growing influence in student communities across India, Student Tribe continues to lead meaningful initiatives, bridging the gap between students, industry leaders, and thought pioneers, ensuring that young minds are equipped with the inspiration and connections they need to thrive.

A key highlight of the celebration was the heartfelt gesture of gifting silver souvenirs to the mothers through fun giveaways, acknowledging their unwavering support and love. The event also focused on health and wellness, with Smiline Dental Hospital providing dental check-up vouchers and Star Hospitals offering cancer screening coupons worth over ₹3,000, reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare. Students, an integral part of the celebration, were also recognized and rewarded, receiving smartwatches and other exciting gifts to enhance their experience and commemorate the occasion.

Poonawalla Fincorp Introduces Commercial Vehicle Loans to Empower Bharat’s Transport Sector

Mumbai, March 17, 2025 – Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (PFL), a Cyrus Poonawalla Group promoted NBFC, focused on Consumer & MSME Lending, has expanded its product suite with the launch of its Commercial Vehicle (CV) Secured Loan Business. This new offering aims to bolster the essential logistics and supply chain sectors, by enhancing transportation capabilities for CV operators. The loan covers Small, Light, and Intermediate & Heavy Commercial Vehicles from all major manufacturers, supporting both new and used vehicle purchases. Customers will also benefit from flexible, structured payment and repayment options.

As part of this launch, PFL has also introduced a technology solution aligned with its risk-first approach. The solution focuses on reducing the documentation process for customers, enabling faster turnaround time and a seamless onboarding experience. By integrating with various technology partners, the company has developed assessment framework with validation from verified sources.

With a strong focus on Bharat’s tier 2 and tier 3 markets, PFL plans to initially enter 68 locations across 12 states in the first phase, with further plans to expand to 400 locations across 20 states through a hub-and-spoke model in the next phase. CV loans will be offered through direct-to-customer, dealers, and channel partners. The company has onboarded industry professionals to provide tailored financial solutions and enhance customer experiences.

Arvind Kapil, MD & CEO Poonawalla Fincorp

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arvind Kapil, Managing Director & CEO of Poonawalla Fincorp, said “Commercial transport sector continues to be the backbone of our growing economy. Our new Commercial Vehicle Loan directly facilitates the financial needs of transporters with streamlined processes and hassle-free documentation. It also adds clear strength to the bouquet of our secured businesses.”

India’s booming e-commerce sector, rapid industrial growth, and ambitious infrastructure development have fueled a rising demand for both new and used commercial vehicles nationwide. The used commercial vehicle segment, projected to form a significant part of PFL’s Commercial Vehicle loan portfolio, stands as a cornerstone of this initiative, driving affordability and opportunity across the transport and logistics ecosystem.

Adopting a strategic, risk-first approach, PFL not only facilitates quicker loan disbursements but also ensures that fleet owners and transporters can expand their operations with confidence and stability. The company continues to focus on simplifying lending, creating customer delight, and enhancing experiences, which are its top priorities.

Celebrating Excellence in Education: Noida International University Holds Educators Meet in Jewar

Jewar, March 17, 2025 — Noida International University (NIU), a NAAC A+ accredited institution, successfully organized an Educators Meet & Felicitation Ceremony in Jewar, highlighting the university’s academic excellence, global outreach, and student-centric environment. The event, attended by over 70 educators and dignitaries, highlighting NIU’s commitment to providing world-class education and a safe campus for students, especially girls.

Jewer NIU

The Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Akash Sharma, Director, Admission & Outreach, NIU, along with guest of honor Prof. Vinod Nagar, Professor, School of Education, NIU, who graced the occasion as Guest of Honour, shed light on the university’s achievements and its growing global presence. They were joined by distinguished guests Bhanu Pratap Singh, Ankur Sharma, Tarun Pratap Singh, and Mukesh Bhardwaj, who also addressed the gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Akash Sharma highlighted that NIU is home to students from over 60 nations, offering a multicultural environment with cutting-edge courses in Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and other global disciplines. He further stressed the university’s focus on ensuring a safe and inclusive space for female students, making it one of the preferred destinations for higher education. He also emphasized the role of educators in shaping future generations and applauded the collective effort in making NIU a center of academic and research excellence.

Over 500 Cricketers Gather for the Saraswati Devi Memorial Cup 2025 in Maharashtra

Mumbai, March 17, 2025: The Saraswati Devi Memorial Cup 2025, organized by SanRaj Family Ventures Pvt. Ltd. (SanRaj Group), united 24 teams and over 500 players from the Jaiswal community from Maharashtra for an electrifying tournament at the Saraswati Sports Complex, Malad West, Mumbai on March 15-16, 2025. Sponsored by Chandrakant Gupta, Sandip Gupta, and Rajdip Gupta, the event provided a competitive platform for the community to showcase their passion for cricket, while also celebrating culture and unity as the community comes together.

The tournament featured intense matches, standout performances, and enthusiastic community participation, with 16 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams competing. Cricket fans, friends, and families of the participants witnessed the colourful cricket festival live, as the entire event was streamed on the Cric29 YouTube channel, ensuring that every thrilling moment reached a wider audience. The cricket fest was followed by Holi celebrations on March 16 that further added to the excitement, with players and spectators coming together in a vibrant display of joy and unity.

Saraswati Devi Memorial Cup 2025 Unites Over 500 Cricketers from Maharashtra’s Jaiswal Community 1

Rajdip Gupta, Co-Founder – SanRaj Group said, “The Saraswati Devi Memorial Cup holds a special place in our hearts. Sports and culture have always been two strong pillars of our journey, and there is no better way to give back to our community than by providing young athletes from the Jaiswal community a platform to showcase their talents. It is incredibly fulfilling to see people from across the state come together to support and participate in this vision. Witnessing the enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and passion throughout the event has been truly rewarding, as we proudly dedicate this tournament to our grandmother, Saraswati Devi.”

SanRaj Group takes immense pride in owning and managing cricket franchises that reflect their strategic vision and deep passion for the game. Through Chennai Singams in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL T-10) and North Mumbai Panthers in the T20 Mumbai League, along with several Mumbai Cricket Association-affiliated clubs under the SanRaj Group, they have built a strong reputation within the cricketing world. By leveraging innovative strategies and inculcating a competitive spirit, their focus extends beyond team performance—the group remains committed to creating a lasting impact on the broader cricket community. This dedication drives them to elevate the sport, inspire future generations, and solidify cricket’s enduring legacy.

Tamil Nadu State Budget 2025-26

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By-Raveendra Bhat Area Sales Director, Water Utility INDO Region

14 March 2025: “The measures outlined in the Tamil Nadu State Budget 2025-26 reflect the government’s commitment to sustainability, inclusive growth and water security. The budgetary allocation of Rs 675 crore for the modernization of drinking water projects in the state is noteworthy as water is at the heart of the way communities, businesses and governments function. It is also a move that reflects that the government is in tune with the current needs of stakeholders in the water technologies space. The launch of drinking water projects in Erode, Mayilatudhurai, Thiruvallur and other districts of Tamil Nadu is equally commendable. These projects will significantly enhance the quality of life of people and take them closer to a water-positive future. The state government’s thrust on drinking water projects is thus welcome. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence for advanced pump motor technologies in Coimbatore is also a step in the right direction. As a leading provider of pumps for the Indian and international markets, we at Grundfos believe it will serve as a veritable ground for Research and Development and also encourage collaboration towards building products that match world-class standards.”

2nd PUC Students Welcomed at Hassan’s Brigade PU College with Orientation Program

Hassan, March 17, 2025: Brigade PU College, Hassan kicked off it’s pursuit to new academic heights with orientation & felicitation program for 2nd PUC parents & students.

Hareesh PK, CEO & Founder of Arjunaa Academy for Achievers (AAA) motivated the students by citing several case studies of people who have reaped massive returns by investing their time & energy in education.

Hassan's Brigade PU College

He also spoke about several challenges that a student commonly encounters during the preparation & equipped students with right solutions to overcome these challenges.

“The heart of an institution is a highly qualified & dedicated faculty team” said Mr. Vijay Shankar, Principal and Trustee of Brigade PU college and introduced the entire teaching & non-teaching staff to the students & parents..

A brief outline of the academic plan for entire year was presented & competitive training for 2nd PUC was inaugurated with a book launch ceremony, unveiling the competitive books that students would be solving during the academic year.

Mr. Sreekanth PK, Director of Arjunaa Academy encouraged the Olympiad toppers of 1st PUC by felicitating them.

Revolutionizing Education: Crack Academy Provides Top-Tier Learning in Smaller Cities

Crack Academy

Students in Tier 3 and 4 cities often face limited access to quality education, making it difficult for them to compete in national-level competitive exams. To address this gap, the Himachal Pradesh Government has joined hands with Crack Academy to offer students expert mentorship, personalized coaching, and financial assistance, ensuring that they have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts.

Through this collaboration, the academy, under its initiative “Mere Shehar ke 100 Ratan” will provide free coaching to 6,800 meritorious students. Additionally, significant concessions will be offered to thousands more, making exam preparation more affordable. The initiative aims to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in competitive exams and secure promising career opportunities. The academy also ensures that students receive well-researched, structured study materials designed to align with the latest exam patterns.

Beyond financial support, Crack Academy is also expanding its infrastructure, setting up 90+ coaching centers further enhancing learning resources for students. By empowering students with competitive exam readiness, Crack Academy is breaking barriers and transforming the future of education in smaller cities, ensuring that talent and ambition are no longer limited by location or financial constraints.

MTaI Statement on Parliamentary Standing Committee report

While the Parliamentary Standing Committee has perceptively identified the opportunities for improvement—such as ongoing training of CDSCO officials, the implementation of a fully digitized, time-bound, and trackable licensing system, minimizing frequent and delayed queries, lateral entry from the industry and the establishment of an industry advisory board to streamline operations—certain aspects must also be considered:

 1. The centralization of intricate matters within CDSCO is largely due to the concentration of expertise at the organization.

 2. The preference of some companies for Vietnam and Malaysia as manufacturing destinations stems from a variety of factors beyond just CDSCO’s regulatory processes, such as policies, tax regimes, etc.

 3. In one of its earlier comments the committee had spoken of understaffing in CDSCO. This is correct and this understaffing is more acutely felt since all classes of devices have recently come under a mandatory licensing regime.

The honourable committee’s proposal to create a dedicated support team to assist applicants with queries—akin to a chaperone service—would be particularly beneficial, especially for startups, and should be taken up.

In its role as a regulator, CDSCO should continue to champion industry quality and ethical standards thus contributing to the sector’s enduring growth and global positioning.

Experience the Magic of Classical Holi Sittings in Almora

amit pant

Almora: The spirit of Holi in Almora was elevated to new artistic heights this year with the soulful renditions of classical ragas in special baithaki (sitting) sessions held across the town. These gatherings brought together renowned artists who mesmerized audiences with traditional bandis (compositions) in Raag Pilu, Kafi, Jangla, Desh, and Bhairavi, making the festival an unforgettable experience.

Almora, known for its deep-rooted cultural heritage, witnessed an overwhelming response to these classical Holi sittings. Various locations hosted these events, where the blend of classical music and Holi festivities created a mesmerizing atmosphere. The audience, comprising locals and visitors alike, was spellbound by the melodic beauty of bandis that have been passed down through generations.

Eminent classical musicians took center stage, bringing alive the true essence of Holi through Dhrupad, Khayal, and Thumri compositions. The performances, enriched with traditional taans and sargams, captured the festive mood while upholding the sanctity of India’s classical music traditions.

Speaking about the same Dr. Anil Sanwal renowned artist, said, “These baithaki sittings are a testament to Almora’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich musical heritage. Classical music has always been an integral part of Holi celebrations in this region, and we are proud to carry forward this tradition.”

Another artist Deep Joshi said , “As colors filled the air, so did the deep and evocative notes of these ragas, creating a surreal experience for all present. With such initiatives, Almora continues to be a beacon of India’s rich cultural tapestry, ensuring that future generations remain connected to the timeless beauty of classical music.”