Category news

About the Organization:
Udaan Youth Club (UYC) is a global organization dedicated to promoting social awareness through innovative use of ICT tools, advancing the vision of a Developed India by 2047, and furthering the Sustainable Development Goals. Founded in 2016 by Indian Social Worker SR Aman Kumar, UYC has achieved significant progress.

About the Program:
Udaan Youth Club is observing the International Day of Action for Rivers on the theme “Water for All” by organizing a global letter writing campaign #LetterToRiver. SR Aman Kumar inaugurated the #LetterToRiver Global Letter Writing Campaign on 13th February 2024. Rivers play an important role in nurturing and sustaining life in our surroundings but we often forget to take a pause and say thank you.

#LetterToRiver is a global letter writing campaign that aims to engage people from every corner of the world. In this campaign, participants will be needed to search for their local river, collect facts about that river, capture one photo, write a letter in their words, and submit it all to us. We will design a beautiful poster with your name, letter, river photo, and location and share that on our social media and website. With this campaign, we aim to invite submissions every year and document 1 million #LetterToRiver by 2030, contributing to achieving the sustainable development goals.

We cordially invites all keynote speakers, authors, philosophers, travelers, artists, musicians, poets, activists, entrepreneurs, NGO heads, lawyers, journalists, and all advocates of nature and sustainability to join the #LetterToRiver campaign and write a letter for a sustainable future and express your open gratitude for rivers who have contributed to nurturing life on the blue dot, the earth, our only home.

Benefits:

• Showcase on a global platform – Every #LetterToRiver will be showcased on the prestigious Udaan Contest 360 website.
• Acknowledgment for all – Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation for their valuable contribution.
• Global connection – Connect with individuals spanning the globe.
• Cultivate appreciation for local rivers – Inspire gratitude towards the vital role of local rivers.
• Spotlight on river importance – Shed light on the crucial role rivers play in sustaining life.
• Personalized recognition – Your name, letter, and river photo will be prominently featured on both our social media channels and website.
• Exclusive Mission LiFE Champions twibbon – Receive your very own personalized Mission LiFE Champions twibbon as a token of appreciation.
  Eligibility:
• Open to everyone worldwide, regardless of age or background.
• Write your letter using your own words, expressing gratitude and appreciation for your river.
• Submit a unique letter and include relevant facts about your local river.
• Including a photo of your river is optional.
• Submissions for this year’s #LetterToRiver campaign must be received by March 13, 2024.
• Participants whose letters are selected for publication on the website will receive a Certificate of Participation.
• We welcome contributions from nature enthusiasts, environmentalists, students, activists, and anyone passionate about sustainability.
• Share your submission on social media using #LetterToRiver #WaterForAll #NYKS #MissionLiFE hashtags.
• All submissions must be original and should not be AI-generated or plagiarized.
• Letters can be written in any language.
• The length of your letter should be between 200 and 500 words.
  Application Process:
  Identify a river nearest to you, collect facts related to that, write a gratitude letter to the river in your words in your language, and submit it to Udaan Youth Club using the link: https://forms.gle/B9DQ7UkvBMRBPCpN6

As we navigate the digital dimensions of love and affection this Valentine’s Day 2024, the landscape is both vast and fraught with pitfalls. In an eye-opening revelation, January saw the creation of 18,171 new domains containing ‘Valentine’ or ‘love’, indicating a 39% increase from the previous month and a 17% increase from the year before. Alarmingly, 1 out of every 8 of these domains was found to be malicious or risky, underscoring the hidden dangers in our search for connection.

 The threat doesn’t stop there; on a weekly basis, 1 out of every 27 organizations faced attempts to access these perilous websites—a stark increase of 34% from the previous month and a whopping 175% from the previous January. This trend highlights the escalating cybersecurity risks that accompany major events like Valentine’s Day.

The Seductive Lure of Scams and Phishing

Phishing attacks, the most common form of social engineering, manipulate users into divulging sensitive information or clicking malicious links. With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, these scams have become more sophisticated, leveraging fake domains and chatbots to mimic legitimate entities or even potential romantic partners.

As before many major events, scammers spread phishing and spam emails promoting special offers to entice users to go into fraudulent and potentially malicious websites, which could lead to money loss, information theft or even malware infections.

This could be using discount promotions, like seen in an email sent from “Defense Gutters Offer” suggesting an offer of “20% off, plus an additional 10% for seniors and military personnel”, but contains a link to the website meioside\.xyz, which was first registered in January 2024 and detected as malicious by various security vendors.

 An additional example is an email sent from the address info@bestqualitymak\.com, which cannot be tracked back to an active website. The email (see below) offers to fill a survey and receive a special Stanley Valentine’s cup, with a photo which seems to be a fake for the actual Stanley brand (which has an official website – stanley1913.com). It also adds a sense of urgency saying that “this survey offer expires today”. The website in the link (under the domain aimhighfly\.com) is identified as malicious by security vendors and is currently not active. It is possible this was used to steal personal and payment information.

 · Unusual Attachments: Be wary of emails with suspicious attachments, such as ZIP files or documents that require enabling macros.

· Incorrect Grammar or Tone: Though AI has improved the quality of phishing emails, inconsistencies in language or tone can still be red flags.

· Suspicious Requests: Any email that asks for sensitive information or makes unusual demands should be treated with skepticism.

Staying Safe

· Don’t Reply, Click Links, or Open Attachments: Engaging with a suspicious email only increases the risk.

· Report and Delete: Reporting suspicious emails before deleting them can help protect others from falling victim to similar scams.

· Invest in Anti-Phishing Solutions: Tools like Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration Suite Security offer comprehensive protection against phishing attempts, safeguarding your digital communications.

In the celebration of love and romance, Pride Hotels Group introduces an exclusive culinary celebration titled “Feast of Love.” This unique experience promises to immerse patrons in a romantic ambiance, creating unforgettable moments through meticulously crafted gourmet menus.

At Pride Hotel, Pune, the Casablanca venue will host a thematic buffet. The evening promises a symphony of flavors designed to kindle love, allowing couples to revel in the pinnacle of romance.

For those desiring a romantic and atmospheric dining experience by the poolside, Pride Hotel in Nagpur presents an exclusive set menu. This specially curated dinner, set against the backdrop of the night sky, guarantees not only an intimate ambiance but also promises to deliver a delightful culinary journey, creating an unforgettable rendezvous under the stars.

In the cultural heartland of India, Pride Plaza Hotel, Kolkata, hosts a buffet-style celebration at Cafe Treat. The evening promises a culinary experience that captures the essence of love, offering delectable delights in a delightful setting.

Meanwhile, Pride Plaza, Ahmedabad, offers two distinct experiences for couples to choose from. At Cafe Treat, a themed buffet creates an intimate setting for an unforgettable evening. Additionally, a special set menu by the poolside promises a lavish and romantic celebration.

Reservations have commenced, providing an opportunity for guests to secure their tables and partake in a memorable celebration of love at Pride Hotels Group. The Feast of Love stands as a distinctive option for a unique Valentine’s Day experience, where each moment becomes a testament to the beauty of love.

India, 14 February 2024: Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program with more than 30 extraordinary brands and endless experiences, today announced it is the Loyalty Partner to the four -time Grammy award winner Ed Sheeran’s +-= ÷ x Tour – India 2024, brought to India by BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow. The last and final stop of the global tour will be in Mumbai, India at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse on March 16th, 2024. This strategic partnership grants Marriott Bonvoy members access to exclusive ticket with guided site tours and an exciting sweepstakes – an opportunity for fans to win tickets to the iconic Ed Sheeran + – = ÷ x Tour – India 2024.

Marriott Bonvoy members can gain access to this once-in-a-lifetime music experience from Marriott Bonvoy Moments, the platform where members can use points earned from travel and everyday activities to redeem exclusive experiences. Members can redeem their points for never-done-before guided site tours one day before the concert, they will also be awarded Marriott Bonvoy Lounge passes that grant exclusive access to the concert. In addition to this, Marriott Bonvoy will also grant GA passes to members which they can redeem through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform using their points. The moments have gone live on February 7th, 2024.

This strategic partnership also gives fans and music lovers the opportunity to participate in the sweepstakes with simple registration to the Marriott Bonvoy program, which is free and easy at marriottbonvoy.com. Ten lucky winners will be selected randomly from eligible entries received throughout the sweepstakes period. The sweepstakes go live from February 15th – March 1st, 2024.

“As the official loyalty partner for Ed Sheeran’ + – = ÷ x Tour – India 2024 through our strategic partnership with BookMyShow Live, we are excited to tap into the positive power of music and entertainment, to deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Marriott Bonvoy members. This strategic partnership underscores Marriott Bonvoy’s commitment to constantly innovate the way we engage the next generation of travelers with some of the most iconic performers of this era, while showcasing the value proposition of our loyalty program and enrolling prospective new customers,” said Khushnooma Kapadia – Vice President Marketing – South Asia, Marriott International.

Hyderabad, February 14: In a moving course of events, a one-of-its-kind book named “Mandeep Meets Mandeep” was launched in New Delhi in the presence of renowned Bollywood actress and author Tisca Chopra. The book is non-fiction and based on a real-life story about a patient named Mandeep who won his battle against blood cancer when his namesake Mandeep came forward as the perfect match for a stem cell transplant.

The book “Mandeep Meets Mandeep,” which is authored by Dr. Sona Sharma, a medical professional and writer, is based on true events that unfold a remarkable tale of two lives, both named Mandeep, intertwined by fate and a shared HLA-type. Mandeep, a blood cancer survivor and 35-year-old farmer from Punjab, was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 2009. Unfortunately, though Mandeep was advised for a stem cell transplant, he could not find a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matched stem cell donor within his family. Mandeep had to wait for over 3 years before an HLA-matching unrelated donor was identified with the help of DKMS BMST Foundation India, and he underwent a stem cell transplant in January 2020. Despite diverse backgrounds, their unique genetic match offered a chance at survival. The story weaves through sacrifice, community support, and the delicate balance of life, connecting two individuals destined for an extraordinary encounter.

Patrick Paul, CEO, DKMS-BMST Foundation India, said, “Facilitating life-changing connections is at the heart of our mission at DKMS-BMST. Witnessing Mandeep Singh’s journey, from the desperate search for a donor to the emotional meeting with Mandeep Mann, reinforces our commitment. Every successful transplant is a testament to the impact of collective generosity. We stand proud, connecting heroes like Mandeep Singh and Mandeep Mann, highlighting the profound ripple effect of selfless acts and the hope for second chances.”

As the distinguished chief guest, Tisca Chopra, expressed, “Learning about this inspiring story deeply touched my heart. In India, numerous patients await lifesaving stem cell transplants, yet the shortage of registered donors poses a significant challenge. Today, I’ve personally taken a vital step to register as a potential stem cell donor, and I encourage others to join this noble cause. Your contribution can bring hope to countless individuals grappling with life-threatening diseases.”

Blood cancer survivor Mandeep Singh, who was also present at the event, said, “At first, I felt helpless facing cancer’s grip. The journey to find a match was daunting, like searching for a needle in a haystack. Finally, the incredible moment arrived when I found my donor, Mandeep Mann, through the DKMS-BMST database. His selfless stem cell donation granted me a new life, and meeting him was an indescribable joy, a profound gratitude that words can’t capture. I am extremely thankful to DKMS-BMST for making this journey possible for me.”

“Being a stem cell donor has given me a sense of great pride. My motivation stemmed from empathy and a desire to make a difference. Juggling a demanding career and caring for my wife, who is battling cancer, was challenging. Yet, donating stem cells felt like destiny. Meeting him was a surreal experience, bridging two worlds through a shared name and genetic bond. It’s a profound reminder of the power of compassion and the interconnectedness of lives,” said Mandeep Mann as he shared his lifesaving experience as a stem cell donor.

Every five minutes, a new case of blood cancer or a blood disorder, such as Thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia, emerges in India. The scarcity of matching blood stem cell donors poses a significant hurdle for patients in dire need of lifesaving transplants. In collaboration with these initiatives, DKMS-BMST aims to raise awareness about blood stem cell donation and register potential lifesavers across diverse segments of society.

Over 41 million potential unrelated donors are listed globally with stem cell donor centers and registries, but only 0.6 million are Indians

Mumbai, February 14, 2024: GOCL Corporation Limited, a Hinduja Group Company, announced its Q3 financial results for the fiscal year 2023-24. Amidst ongoing market challenges, the company has consistently upheld its performance. In the third quarter, the company demonstrated its resilience and strategic effectiveness by achieving a consolidated Income for the quarter stood at INR 230 crores, and for the 9 months of the year at INR 712 Crores, with a PAT of INR 15 crores and INR 43 Crores for Q3 and 9 months, respectively.

In the face of extraordinary market shifts, heightened raw material expenses, and inflationary influences impacting this quarter’s financials, GOCL remains steadfast in its pursuit of growth. The company’s commitment to innovation in product strategy and unwavering customer-centric values are key drivers for long-term success.

Segment-wise performance and highlights are as under:

ENERGETICS AND EXPLOSIVES:

The income of Energetics for the quarter stood at INR 20 Crores and for the nine months at Rs INR 84 Crores.

The wholly-owned subsidiary, IDL Explosives Limited (IDLEL) quarterly income at INR 152 Crores and for the nine months INR 461 Crores.

The performance of this segment during the quarter was impacted by heightened competition in the domestic market and subdued economic conditions in overseas markets and also foreign currency shortage in many of the African countries resulting in delay in getting the payments and / or opening of letters of credit. The company is exploring more opportunities in the export market to increase profitability.

The Company along with IDLEL, has a healthy order book of INR 936 crores over the next two years.

REAL ESTATE:

The Company envisions significant potential in the thriving and highly profitable real estate sector. It is strategically positioning to unlock the value of its expansive land holdings in prime locations such as Bangalore, Kukatpally, and Bhiwandi.

Regarding the Ecopolis project in Bengaluru, which currently has 14.54 lac square feet of commercial space, the Company is actively exploring innovative avenues for generating income from this property.

Furthermore, recognizing the increasing demand for modern warehousing solutions in Mumbai, the organization is poised to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure on its owned land in Bhiwandi.

NEW FOCUS AREAS:

The Company is expanding its presence and intensifying its commitment to emerging sectors, including Electronics Manufacturing and cutting-edge Products for Space and Defense applications. Our portfolio encompasses Canopy Severance Systems, Pyro Components, Explosives Train (Special Projects), and Metal Cladding.

Our Special Projects Division is proudly associated with ISRO for Gaganyan Project by way of supply of GZT. This segment recorded a remarkable growth of over 40% during the quarter.

OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS:

The company through its overseas subsidiary HGHL had made an investment of USD 24 million, in 57 Whitehall Investment SARL, Luxembourg for the development of historical Old War Office (OWO) project located in central London, to convert the project into a 5-star hotel and luxurious residential apartments. The Hotel project has been inaugurated in the month of September 2023.

The company expects, HGHL to get significant returns on their investment, over and above the capital invested, on completion of the project from the operations of the Hotel and sale of luxurious residential apartments.

GUARANTEE INCOME:

The Company received Guarantee Commission from its wholly-owned subsidiary, HGHL Holdings Ltd. in UK, and Hinduja National Power Corporation Limited, a non-related party of INR 8.36 crores in Q3 FY24.

Hyderabad, 14^th February 2024: Students of Resonance Junior Colleges, Hyderabad; created history and reaped an unprecedented performance in the JEE main 2024 January attempt, announced today. Resonance is a nationally renowned premier institute known for producing the top rankers in IIT, NIT, NEET, Medical entrance exams.

Twenty students of Resonance Junior Colleges scored 100 percentile in the exam. The outstanding performers along with their parents and teachers were felicitated by Sri Purnachandra Rao, Director, Resonance Hyderabad Centres, at the Resonance Junior College, Madhapur.

Speaking on the occasion Sri Purnachandra Rao said, Resonance has got excellent results in the latest JEE exam across India. This is a phenomenal achievement of Resonance and kudos to students, teachers and parents.

Resonance Junior Colleges, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Resonance JEE Main 2024 Session 1 Results Summary:

• No of. Students who Scored 100%ile In Respective subjects – 20 Students in which 4 students are from Resonance Hyderabad. Physics – 15 Students, Chemistry -3 Students, Maths – 2 Students
• Students who Scored overall 99 percentile above NTA score – 247 Students In which 44 Students are from Resonance Hyderabad.
• Highest NTA Score by Resonance Students – 99.99 Percentile – 2 Students
• Resonance Students from all campuses of Hyderabad are present in 99%ile achievers Club.

Rewards for Toppers:

3 Lakh Rupees cash Prize is given by Resonance to all students who scored subject wise 100%ile as a token of encouragement.

o 4 Students from Hyderabad who Received cash Prize today

• Hari Charan Reddy – Physics
• Soma Sree Ved – Physics
• A Srujan Reddy – Chemistry
• V Sri raga Charan – Physics

JEE Main 2024 – List of Resonance Students who scored 100%ile in various subjects

JEE Main 2024 – Students from Hyderabad who scored over all NTA score of 99.6 %ile above:

The British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai is set to host a prestigious reception on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre to celebrate the thriving trade and investment link between the UK and India that is Alive with Opportunity.

The Mumbai event on Thursday will be hosted by Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India. Chief guests at the event will be Secretary of State for Wales Rt. Hon. David TC Davies MP and the Lord Mayor of London Michael Mainelli. The event brings to life UK-Indian collaborations across a wide range of business sectors including healthcare, food and drinks, fashion, hospitality and some more.

A number of British and Indian brands will be showcasing at the AWO event including Haleon, Jamie Oliver Pizzeria, Reliance Brands, Truefitt & Hill, and Soho House. A specially curated food and drinks menu will be on offer to attendees.

The event will underscore strong links between people in all areas of life in the UK and India, often referred to as the “living bridge.” Those attending will enjoy a unique opportunity to interact with prominent personalities from the UK, and foster meaningful connections.

The event will convene an influential audience, including high net-worth Indian business leaders with existing links to the UK, members of Indian industry bodies, UK university alumni, media and more.

The Noida Grand Marathon (NGM) witnessed an impressive turnout of over 3000 participants who gathered to celebrate fitness, camaraderie, and community engagement. Organized by CRC Group and PikuSports in collaboration with the Traffic Police, U.P., the event featured a diverse lineup of activities aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle and fostering a sense of unity among participants.

DCP Ram Badan Singh kicked off the Marathon with the flag-off ceremony for the 10-kilometer race, symbolizing the start of a day dedicated to fitness and well-being. Mr. Satish Garg, Founder and CMD, CRC Group along with Mr. Salil Kumar, Director (Marketing & Sales), CRC Group, flagged off the 21.1-kilometer half marathon, further highlighting the event’s focus on promoting health and community engagement.

In addition to thrilling races and fun-filled activities, the NGM also included a special awareness session on ‘Road Safety’, underscoring the organizers’ commitment to promoting responsible behavior on the roads. Esteemed Guest Speakers, including TSI Rakesh Kumar, shared valuable insights and expertise on road safety practices, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic rules and regulations.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Noida Grand Marathon 8th Edition,” said Salil Kumar, Director (Marketing & Sales), CRC Group. “This event not only celebrates fitness but also underscores our collective responsibility to promote a culture of health consciousness and road safety awareness,” he added.

The NGM continues to serve as a platform for individuals from all walks of life to come together and celebrate their shared passion for fitness and wellness. Through initiatives like NGM, CRC Group remains committed to inspiring individuals to prioritize their physical and mental well-being, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant community.

Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter has been received well for its adrenaline-fuelled aerial action sequences. Nearing 350 Crores in gross box office worldwide, the film has emerged as the first hit of 2024.

From its opening weekend, Fighter has drawn audiences not just domestically, but internationally as well, making it Hrithik Roshan’s highest-grosser in worldwide markets (excluding Gulf). The compelling storyline has also helped the film establish a steady foothold despite new releases.

Dedicated to the courage, sacrifice, and determination of IAF warriors, Fighter unfolds the remarkable tales of these heroes and their unbreakable bond with the skies they defend. Starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, the Siddharth Anand directorial seamlessly blends aerial action with patriotic fervour. Produced by Viacom18 Studios in collaboration with Marflix Pictures, Fighter is India’s first aerial action drama that has emerged as the first hit of 2024.