All posts by Neel Achary

Lighting Paths of Possibility: Lila Poonawalla Foundation’s Hyderabad Award Function Inspires with Purpose

Hyderabad, 27th October, 2025: The Lila Poonawalla Foundation (LPF), a non-profit organization committed to empowering girls through education, successfully completed its Hyderabad Scholarship Award Function 2025 at G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, today. The event was graced by Mr. Hussain Syed, Head of Service Delivery & Operations at Concentrix Hyderabad & Vizag, as the Chief Guest.

Recently, the Foundation also celebrated its 30^th Postgraduate Scholarship Award Function in Pune with Chief Guest Dr. Kiran Bedi (1^st Women IPS Officer Of India & Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry).

The Hyderabad ceremony marked yet another milestone in LPF’s ongoing journey of empowering deserving girls from financially challenged backgrounds to pursue higher education. During the function, new scholarships were awarded to meritorious girl students pursuing undergraduate courses, Bachelor of Engineering and Engineering After Diploma from colleges of Hyderabad region.

Speaking on the occasion, LPF’s Chairperson Padma Shri Lila Poonawalla highlighted that the Foundation’s vision goes beyond scholarships, it focuses on mentorship, personal growth, and leadership development to create confident and capable women changemakers.

Mr. Syed Hussain noted that it was an honor to be partnering with the foundation and being part of transforming the lives of many girls. As a company they are looking forward to continued partnership. Concentrix is one of our major partners and has been supporting the education of Engineering girls in Pune and Hyderabad.

The event concluded with heartfelt gratitude to LPF’s Founder Trustees, Board of Trustees, Corporate Partners, Individual donors, Trainers, Alumni, Well-wishers, and the office team whose unwavering support continues to make this transformative journey possible.

As LPF celebrates 30 years of excellence in education, the Foundation remains committed to its mission of transforming lives and aims to positively impact close to 25,000 girls by 2030, not only the girls but the families and communities they live in.

Thiruvananthapuram, 27th October, 2025: The Kerala Occupational Therapists’ Association (KOTA) and the All India Occupational Therapists’ Association (AIOTA) jointly celebrated World Occupational Therapy Day. The event held in Thiruvananthapuram, was inaugurated by former minister and Kazhakoottam MLA, Kadakampally Surendran. M. Abdunnasir, Chairperson of the Kerala State Allied and Healthcare Council, was the Chief Guest.

During the inaugural function, the Kerala Occupational Therapists’ Association’s new mobile app was launched. The KOTA Community Mobile App is a centralized digital platform for occupational therapists in the state that aims to enhance connections, collaboration, and service accessibility among the members. The facility is also available for the public to find information, including where occupational therapists practice in government and private sectors, and their membership status. The app will also feature a community forum for members to discuss topics related to occupational therapy and information on various workshops.

The event was organized focusing on this year’s World Occupational Therapy Day theme, ‘Occupational Therapy in Action’, to increase public awareness about occupational therapy and highlight the field’s importance in society.

“We are celebrating this year’s World Occupational Therapy Day in a social context where Occupational Therapy has been proven effective in the treatment of conditions including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and ADHD,” said Kadakampally Surendran MLA during his inaugural speech. “While we take pride in the achievements Kerala has made in the health sector, the reality remains that there is a lack of awareness in society about fields like Occupational Therapy. Such shortcomings must be addressed through practical actions”. He added.

“The World Occupational Therapy Day celebration holds great significance, as it comes at a time when a unified syllabus and curriculum for occupational therapy have been introduced in the country,” said Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry, Honorary Secretary of the All India Occupational Therapists’ Association. He added that “We are passing through a moment that truly marks the gravity of occupational therapy in the health sector.,” Dr. Joseph Sunny is also a key person who played a significant role in the historical changes in the field of occupational therapy recently announced by the Central Government.

Occupational therapists who demonstrated excellent performance in the field, and this year’s rank holders from the Kerala Health University were honored at the ceremony. There were various cultural programs by the occupational therapy students from the National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (NIPMR) and KMCT College Of Allied Health Sciences.

KOTA President, Dr. Mary Philip, Secretary, Dr. Smruthy Jose C, AIOTA Honorary Secretary, Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry, Organizing Chairperson, Dr. Vinith Dani Joseph, Secretary Dr. Joseph Bose, Dr. Anna Daniel (National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) and Dr. Muhammed Shareef (KMCT College of Allied Health Profession) were present.

Mumbai, 25th October 2025: India’s globally celebrated singer, composer, and vocal producer Thomson Andrews continues to redefine the landscape of Indian music with his vocal contributions to Aryan Khan’s highly anticipated Netflix series, “Bads of Bollywood.”

Directed by Aryan Khan, the series is a bold new chapter in Indian OTT entertainment, blending grit and glamour with a musically charged narrative. For the evocative soundtrack, Thomson collaborated closely with acclaimed composer Shashwat Sachdev, contributing lead and background vocals and crafting intricate vocal arrangements that elevate the series’ emotional and cinematic impact.

Through his signature vocal textures, harmonies, and layering techniques, Thomson brings a distinctive sonic identity to the score, merging contemporary global sounds with an unmistakable Indian soul. His contributions add dynamic, character-driven energy, deepening the emotional resonance of the show.

Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

This milestone follows Thomson’s recent successes with several major Indian and international projects, including:

• “WAR 2”:  the action blockbuster from Yash Raj Films.

• “Metro… In Dino”: directed by Anurag Basu, with music by Pritam, where Thomson worked as a vocal arranger and singer.

• Pioneering work in Bhutan, leading the country’s first-ever Western Vocal Mastery Workshop, training and mentoring top Bhutanese singers to elevate their vocal and performance techniques.

Thomson has seamlessly blended his deep understanding of vocal harmonics with the creative vision of India’s leading composers across these projects. Beyond film and OTT, he is an established playback singer with credits across Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil cinema.

India’s Global Voice

With a career spanning over 17 years across Bollywood, Hollywood, and international music, Thomson Andrews is recognized as one of India’s most versatile and forward-thinking vocal talents. His portfolio includes work with Netflix, Disney, Yash Raj Films, Dharma Productions, and collaborations with globally renowned composers and producers.

Internationally, he has trained and collaborated with vocalists from Canada, the United States, and East Asia, solidifying his status as a global cultural ambassador for Indian music.

Speaking about the project, Thomson said:
“Every project is an opportunity to push creative boundaries and explore how the human voice can tell stories in new ways. ‘Bads of Bollywood’ challenged me to blend grit, emotion, and cinematic intensity through vocals, and it was truly rewarding to help shape its sound.”

Looking Ahead

As “Bads of Bollywood” prepares to reach Netflix audiences worldwide, Thomson’s role in its soundscape stands as a testament to India’s growing influence in global entertainment. With upcoming collaborations across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, he continues to champion the power of the Indian voice on the world stage.

Mumbai,  25th October, 2025: Shares of Quartz Processor, Midwest Ltd, which is in the business of exploration, mining, processing, marketing, distribution and export of natural stones with an emphasis on sustainability, debuted on the exchange and closed at 7.4 % premium. 

The scrip listed at Rs 1165.1 and Rs 1165 per share on the BSE and NSE respectively. Immediately after the listing, the stock showed impressive upside movement and closed the day with a premium. The company’s share price closed at Rs 1,141 per share on the BSE, a 7.1 % premium, and at Rs 1,144.1 per share on the NSE, a 7.4 % premium.

As per NSE, the total quantity traded stood at 47.28 lakh shares, on BSE the total Quantity stood at 5.68  lakh shares. Total Turnover (BSE+NSE) on Day 1 stood at Rs 613 crore.

The Market Capitalisation of the Company at today’s closing price stood at Rs 4,126.3 crore as per BSE and Rs 4,137.2 crore as per NSE.

The company had offered Rs 451 crore issue for subscription from October 15 to October 17. This garnered substantial interest, and the offer was subscribed 87.89 times. Qualified Institutional Investors Portion and Non-institutional investor portion were subscribed 139.87 times and 168.07 times respectively. Retail Investors Portion was subscribed 24.26 times.

The company is India’s largest producer and exporter of Black Galaxy Granite (a variety of granite which is sparkling with flakes of a golden hue), and held a share of approximately 64% of the Indian export market for Black Galaxy Granite in Fiscal 2025 (Source: CRISIL Report), exporting 44,992 cubic meters of Black Galaxy Granite during Fiscal 2025. 

The company is also the largest producer in Absolute Black Granite (a variety known for its remarkable surface finish) in India, both of which have high demand. Its Absolute Black Granite production accounted for 15.7% of the overall black granite production in India during Fiscal 2025. (Source: CRISIL Report). 

Apart from its natural stone business, the company also manufactures diamond wire, which is a precision cutting tool employed in the natural stone and construction industries to size stones and other hard substances with precision in mines and processing/ fabrication facilities.

DAM Capital Advisors, Intensive Fiscal Services and Motilal Investment Advisors are the book-running lead managers; and Kfintech Technologies is the registrar of the offer.

25th October, 2025: Mumbai Meteors defeated the Goa Guardians 15-8, 15-8, 16-14 to book a spot in the final of the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad on Friday. Shubham Chaudhary was named the Player of the Match. Mumbai will play the winner of the second semifinal between Bengaluru Torpedoes and Ahmedabad Defenders.

Goa showcased their attacking intent early on with Nathaniel Dickinson’s spike and Rohit Yadav’s power-packed serve. But Goa’s defence struggled against consistent attacks from Mumbai’s Shubham Chaudhary and Amit Gulia. Dickinson’s spike helped Goa win the super point, but Mumbai’s disciplined formation edged the Meteors ahead.

Prince tried to counter-attack for Goa from the middle zone, but Karthik kept Mumbai stable. Smart play from Shubham minimised Mumbai’s errors. Goa made a change in formation, bringing on setter Aravind to turn the momentum. A super serve from LM Manoj provided a moment to celebrate for the Guardians. But Prince’s overhit shot cost Goa a super point, helping Mumbai take a two-set lead.

Amit’s super serve continued Mumbai’s dominance while adding more pressure on Goa’s shoulders. Petter Ostvik won the battle against Prince in the third set, helping Mumbai dominate the middle zone. Vikram won a super point, giving a glimmer of hope to the Goa fans. But just when it looked like Goa would be able to fight back, Karthik blocked Chirag Yadav’s spike, helping his side win the game and reach the final.

Copenhagen, Denmark, October 24, 2025: The International Samarpan of the Shri Krishna Leela Collection in Copenhagen unfolded as a moving expression of India’s spiritual and cultural diplomacy at Asia House. The event highlighted India as the “Lands of Ayurveda: India’s ancient knowledge and wisdom.”

The ceremony was graced by His Excellency Mr. Manish Prabhat, Ambassador of India to Denmark, along with Mrs. Ruchi Narain, Mr. Prashant Kumar, Founder of Ramalaya, and JPSR Prabhu Shriram. Their collective presence lent warmth and purpose to the occasion, celebrating India’s essence through fragrance, devotion, and artistry.

In his address, Ambassador Mr. Manish Prabhat highlighted how India’s ancient wisdom continues to guide humanity toward balance and compassion. He said, “The Shri Krishna Leela Collection is a wonderful confluence of India’s art, devotion, and innovation. As Ayurveda nurtures the body and the environment, Krishna’s Leelas nurture the heart and the soul. Together, they embody the message of harmony that India shares with the world.”

Adding his reflections, Mr. Prashant Kumar said, “Through the Shri Krishna Leela Collection, we are able to celebrate India’s timeless heritage and share its spiritual richness with the world. This initiative reflects our commitment to cultural innovation while preserving the essence of devotion and artistry.”

The Samarpan ceremony was performed by Ambassador Mr. Manish Prabhat and Ms. Brit Kim, Founder of DAYA Ayurveda, before a beautifully adorned idol of Lord Krishna. The ritual was accompanied by the sacred chant: “Krishnāya Vāsudevāya Haraye Paramātmane Pranataḥ Kleśa-Nāśāya Govindāya Namo Namah,”rendered in the divine voice of Padma Bhushan Smt. Hema Malini. The fragrance of the Shri Krishna Leela Collection filled the hall, symbolizing India’s philosophy of Bhakti, Peace, and Global Harmony.

Adding to the ambiance, Danish artists performed soulful violin and guitar pieces, reflecting the spirit of ‘Harmony, Humanity, and Human First,’ echoing the event’s theme, “Sustainable Human and Environmental Symbiosis in the Landscape of Ayurveda.”

This Copenhagen Samarpan marks the third international launch of the Shri Krishna Leela Collection in Europe, following events in London (hosted at The Nehru Centre by the High Commission of India) and Paris (hosted by Ramalaya and JPSR Prabhu Shriram). Each event underscores India’s spiritual soft power, using fragrance and cultural artistry as a bridge to global peace.

About the Shri Krishna Leela Collection

A signature creation by JPSR Prabhu Shriram, the Shri Krishna Leela Collection portrays ten divine Leelas of Lord Krishna through rare fragrances and traditional Pattachitra art. It celebrates India’s intangible heritage by weaving together spiritual artistry and luxury craftsmanship.

About Ramalaya Foundation

An initiative of Mode Retails Sales & Marketing Pvt. Ltd., the Ramalaya Foundation is committed to spreading India’s art, heritage, and spiritual values across the world through storytelling, fragrance, and cultural innovation.

New Delhi/ Hyderabad, October 24, 2025…..The All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), the world’s largest professional society of eye specialists, has issued an urgent national appeal to the Central and State Governments and District Authorities for an immediate ban on carbide-based and improvised explosive firecrackers that have caused a sharp rise in severe eye injuries, particularly among children, this festive season. These crude “carbide bombs” or “carbide guns” are chemical explosives capable of causing permanent blindness, disfigurement, and disability.

AIOS has demanded a nationwide crackdown, FIRs against manufacturers and sellers, and disruption of the supply chain for calcium carbide and related materials. The Society has also called for an intensive public awareness campaign and hospital emergency preparedness to prevent further ocular injuries.

“Ban carbide firecrackers now — protect every eye, every child.” says AIOS

The All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) represents over 28,000 eye specialists across India.

Ophthalmologists and hospitals across several states have reported a surge of severe ocular burns and trauma, particularly among children, caused by so-called “carbide bombs” or “carbide guns” — crude explosive devices made from calcium carbide and water that release explosive acetylene gas. These are chemical bombs, not conventional firecrackers, and they cause: Blinding chemical and thermal burns, Corneal destruction and irreversible vision loss and Permanent disfigurement and disability

With Chhath Puja and other festivities approaching, continued use of such hazardous devices could lead to another wave of preventable blindness and severe facial injuries.

AIOS demands immediate Government Action

1. Nationwide Ban and Crackdown

• Immediate ban on manufacture, sale, transport, and use of carbide-based firecrackers.

• Ban can be enforced by the central and state governments and district administrations

• Enforce strict compliance through police, district administrations, and pollution control authorities.

2. Public Awareness Campaign

• High-visibility campaigns on TV, radio, print, digital, and social media.

• Special focus on schools and parental education to prevent children from experimenting with these devices.

3. Emergency Hospital Preparedness

• Maintain 24-hour ophthalmic emergency readiness.

• Ensure adequate supplies for eye irrigation, surgical repair, and trauma management.

4. School and Community Vigilance

• Strict prohibition of device use by children and youth.

• Report possession or use to local authorities.

5. Legal Action and Supply Chain Disruption

• Register FIRs under explosives, consumer safety, and public health laws.

• Disrupt the supply chain of calcium carbide and other component materials, both offline and online.

The rise in these preventable, blinding injuries is alarming and unacceptable. We urge the Government to act decisively and immediately to save vision and lives, said Dr Partha Biswas, President, AIOS in a press statement issued today.

Let this season of light not become a season of darkness. Ban carbide firecrackers now. Protect every eye, every child, added Dr Jeevan Singh Titiyal, President Elect, AIOS

Dr Mohan Rajan, Vice President, AIOS, adds that every child’s eye is precious. These crude explosive devices are destroying vision and lives. We must act now to protect children and prevent lifelong suffering from blindness

Dr Santosh G. Honavar, Honorary Secretary, AIOS, says AIOS calls on authorities, schools, and parents to ban carbide firecrackers and raise awareness. Together, we can ensure the festival of lights does not turn into a season of darkness.

Carbide and improvised firecrackers are not mere festive hazards—they are chemical explosives causing permanent blindness. Immediate government intervention is crucial to stop this preventable tragedy. – Dr Manoj C Mathur, Treasurer, AIOS

For Further Information: All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) AIOS Secretariat, New Delhi, email: secretary@aios.org, Mobile/WhatsApp: +91-98483-04001

Jason Statham Returns in High-Octane Action with The Beekeeper, This Weekend on Your TV Screens!

India, 24th October, 2025: Global action superstar Jason Statham, known for his intense roles in The Transporter, the Furious franchise, and Crank, is back in an adrenaline-fueled thriller. The Beekeeper premieres on 26th October 2025 on &Flix at 12 PM & 9 PM and &Prive HD at 3 PM & 11 PM, bringing Statham’s most explosive action yet to Indian television.

The film follows Adam Clay, a quiet man with a deadly past, who unleashes a storm of vengeance when a cruel scam pushes someone he cares about to the brink. With the campaign tagline, “A keeper can go to any length to protect his hive,” The Beekeeper promises gripping action, edge-of-the-seat storytelling, and classic Statham-style justice.

Speaking on the premiere, Rahul Rao, Chief Channel Officer  Zee Sarthak, Zee Punjabi and English & Lifestyle Cluster, “Just around the Diwali festive week, we are excited to bring viewers the television premiere of The Beekeeper. Jason Statham’s action-packed performance makes this film a perfect festive offering for audiences looking for entertainment that combines suspense, drama, and his signature style of action.”

The premiere aims to spark conversations among action lovers and celebrate the legacy of Jason Statham in India. Get ready to see why Statham remains the undisputed king of action this October, only on &Flix and &Prive HD.

Baweja Automotives Champions Technology and Sustainability to Transform Logistics Efficiency

INDIA, 24th October, 2025:  Baweja Automotives Pvt. Ltd. (BAPL), one of India’s fastest-growing logistics and supply chain companies, is redefining sector standards by integrating technology, automation, and sustainable practices into its operations.

Built on the legacy of Ahmedabad Roadlines Pvt. Ltd. (ARL), BAPL has evolved from a transport provider into a trusted end-to-end logistics partner for leading brands across consumer durables, automotive spares, and white goods. With a 99% on-time delivery record and stringent inventory audits, the company continues to set benchmarks for reliability and customer satisfaction.

Technology as a Key Differentiat

BAPL leverages real-time shipment tracking, AI-driven route optimization, and warehouse automation to reduce turnaround times and enhance visibility for clients, ensuring precision and minimal disruption.

Commitment to a Green Supply Chain

Addressing the logistics sector’s environmental impact, BAPL has adopted fuel-efficient fleets, piloted electric vehicles for last-mile delivery, and implemented energy-efficient infrastructure across its hubs. Sustainability is a central pillar of the company’s growth strategy, not an afterthought.

Leadership Perspective

“India’s supply chain is evolving rapidly, and businesses demand speed, reliability, and responsibility from their partners,” said Mr. Litesh Baweja, Director, BAPL. “Technology and sustainability are the most powerful tools to achieve that vision.”

Mr. Rohiet, overseeing large-scale operations, added, “Operational excellence and customer-first solutions remain our priority. We innovate continuously while maintaining uncompromised quality and timelines.”

The Road Ahead

With a tech-enabled backbone, strong leadership, and a clear sustainability agenda, BAPL is set to strengthen India’s logistics sector. The company plans to scale automation, deepen digital adoption, and expand eco-friendly initiatives as part of its long-term vision.

“We’ve addressed issues that every Indian family goes through in some form”: Varun Badola on Amazon MX Player’s Jamnapaar S2

MUMBAI, India, 24th October, 2025: After winning hearts with its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters, Amazon MX Player’s Jamnapaar returns with a new chapter that’s deeper, braver, and more personal. Jamnapaar Season 2 goes beyond the ambitions and anxieties of middle-class India to explore what happens when modern values collide with age-old beliefs, opening up conversations that many families still hesitate to have.

This time, Shanky Bansal faces a new kind of battle, one that’s not about career or competition, but about conscience. Still reeling from the loss of his CA license, Shanky must now navigate questions of identity, integrity, and belonging, all while trying to hold his family together. Starring Ritvik Sahore, Varun Badola, Vijay Raaz, Shrishti Ganguly Rindani, and Ankita Sehgal, the series uses the Bansal family’s journey to reflect the emotional realities of countless Indian households.

Reflecting on the new season and its themes, Varun Badola, who plays Shanky’s father, KD Bansal, shares, “In Season 2, we’ve addressed issues that every Indian family goes through in some form. There’s a point where the father struggles to accept that IVF is doing its job. These are small but very real things. The truth is, in our society, some outdated mindsets still weigh heavily, and it was important for the show to address them with honesty. I think that’s what makes it resonate with people.”

By grounding complex social themes in everyday emotions, Jamnapaar Season 2 reminds us that real change often begins at home, in the most ordinary conversations.

Jamnapaar Season 2 is now streaming for free exclusively on Amazon MX Player  available on mobile, Connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xstream.