Category news

Kolkata, 15th July 2023: Chrome Pictures showcases an endearing tale of unconventional family bonds with its upcoming film, Trial Period, which premieres on 21st July on Jio Cinema. Written and directed by Aleya Sen, the film boasts of a stellar cast that includes Genelia Deshmukh & Manav Kaul in the lead, with Shakti Kapoor, Sheeba Chaddha, Gajraj Rao, Swaroopa Ghosh, Barun Chanda, and Zidane Braz in significant roles. Trial Period is an emotional rollercoaster that unravels the love and complexities of modern imperfect families.

The makers today launched a mesmerizing new song called ‘GoleMale’, which beautifully explains the essence of love through the metaphor of a tiny ant stuck in jaggery (gur); “जैसे गुड़ में चिंटी चिपक जाए तो कहीं निकल नहीं पाती.” This Baul anthem all the way from Bengal is a tribute to the rich folk traditions of the region. The music has been masterfully re-created by Kaushik-Guddu, while the lyrics are drawn from the treasure trove of Traditional Folk songs.

Renowned artists such as Shreya Ghoshal, Dev Negi, and Kaushik-Guddu have lent their voices to this enchanting composition, bringing it to life through their vocal prowess and exceptional talent. Additionally, a captivating rap segment by Guddu has added a contemporary twist to the song, infusing it with a fresh energy that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

This melodious anthem is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary music that promises to evoke emotions as well as strike a chord with its listeners. With its slice-of-life narrative, Trial Period takes audiences on an enriching journey, offering a perfect blend of humour, excitement, drama, and emotions. Trial Period premieres on 21st July, only on JioCinema!

WION presents Season 2 of ‘Billion Dollar Idea’: charting the extraordinary stories of individuals building big businesses, India’s premier international news channel, WION, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Season 2 of its talk show, ‘Billion Dollar Idea,’ hosted by news anchor and entrepreneur, Jasper Reid. With 12 highly engaging episodes, the new season aims to inspire and empower viewers in pursuit of bigger dreams.

‘Billion Dollar Idea’ Season 2 delves into the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian business, exploring both traditional and disruptive enterprises by talking to experienced and emerging entrepreneurs as well. The show provides an intimate glimpse into the personal journeys and motivations of its notable guests, sharing their successes, setbacks, and the stories behind their remarkable achievements.

Season 2 introduces a revamped format, featuring in-person and on-location interviews with Jasper Reid (the Founder and CEO of International Market Management) engaging in informal chats with guests who have founded or lead enterprises valued at $1.0 billion or whose firms have the potential to become ‘Unicorns.’

Episode 1 of ‘Billion Dollar Idea’ Season 2 goes live on Sunday, July 16th, 2023 and features thought-provoking conversations with Anish Achuthan, Co-founder of Open Money, India’s 100th unicorn, as he shares candid insights into making his #BillionDollarIdea a reality.

Madhu Soman, Chief Business Officer of WION, commented on the approach of Season 2, saying, “With the second season of Billion-Dollar Idea, we plan to dig deeper and unpack the method behind the madness. And Jasper, with his slightly irreverent and freewheeling style, has this uncanny ability to get the mind behind the money to open up while keeping things conversational yet compelling.”

Jasper Reid, entrepreneur, and host of the show adds, “An entrepreneur’s journey is never easy. It requires unwavering zeal, the courage to face failure, and the willingness to take risks and handle uncertainty. As I explore the struggles and triumphs of each of the 12 entrepreneurs, I hope their stories will inspire many others in the future.”

WION – The World is One News, renowned for its comprehensive analysis of global issues, has amassed a subscriber base of over 7 million on YouTube. The channel consistently outshines many Indian English News channels, including India Today, NDTV, and Times Now, in terms of monthly viewership on digital platforms.

About WION: WION, World is One News, is a distinguished English global news brand under Zee Media, reaching audiences in over 190 countries. It provides unparalleled coverage of global news from an Indian perspective. Website: www.WIONews.com

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, a leading media conglomerate in India, boasts a robust presence in news and regional genres, with 16 news channels spanning seven languages and an extensive viewership of over 528 million through linear and digital platforms.

15th July 2023 New Delhi: Anil Agarwal Foundation’s (AAF) Nand Ghar initiative has been featured prominently in a compendium of CSR initiatives of India Inc launched by the Confederation of Indian Industry and National Commission for Women.

Nand Ghar, an innovative social impact project by Anil Agarwal Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Vedanta Limited, is a model project working to strengthen the Anganwadi ecosystem of India. It has reimagined traditional Anganwadis, government infrastructure addressing the education, nutrition, and health needs of children and lactating women, into “Nand Ghars” – a Home for a Young One. By leveraging innovative solutions encompassing health, nutrition, education, and women’s empowerment through skilling, it aims to uplift the lives of women and children across rural India. Since its inception, Nand Ghar has empowered 1.2 lakh women, providing them with income opportunities of up to INR 12,000 per month and helping them establish businesses in sectors ranging from textiles to data entry to dairy farming.

Titled Boosting Livelihood Opportunities for Women – the compendium compiles the journey of nineteen corporations that have successfully rolled out programs to empower rural women, including landless farmers, women with disabilities, and those residing in remote regions. The compendium underscores the pivotal role played by women in driving both economic and social progress, recognizing their potential as a catalyst for accelerated economic growth in ‘New India.’ The compendium serves as a testament to the exemplary CSR efforts of Anil Agarwal Foundation in empowering women in rural and semi-urban areas by creating sustainable livelihoods for them.

Anil Agarwal Foundation, in alignment with the vision of an empowered nation, has taken the lead in implementing women-focused sustainable livelihood programs to address skilling and employability opportunities for women. Recently, its flagship project Nand Ghar collaborated with Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which RSLDC will provide support for training, certification, and placement support to the beneficiaries of Nand Ghar, which will serve as hubs for skill development and entrepreneurship training. Through this, AAF aims to empower women by providing them with the necessary skills and resources to enhance their livelihood opportunities, making them financially independent.

AAF, with the backing of Vedanta, has already constructed and upgraded over 5,500 Anganwadi Centres into Nand Ghars across 14 states in India. Earlier, AAF had signed an MoU with the Government of Rajasthan to upgrade 25,000 Anganwadi Centres into Nand Ghars in the state.

The Anil Agarwal Foundation is the umbrella entity for Vedanta’s community and social initiatives. The focus areas of the Foundation are Healthcare, Women and Child Development, Animal Welfare Projects, and Sports Initiatives. Anil Agarwal Foundation aims to empower communities, transform lives, and facilitate nation-building through sustainable and inclusive growth.

Hyderabad,15th July 2023…..Two Telangana Sailors Alekhya Coondoo (Helm) a 12th-grade, Science student of HPS Ramanthapur and her sailing partner Pilli Akhil (Crew), from Khammam, an open school student of 11th standard both from Telangana representing the Secunderabad Sailing Club to represent India International 420 Class World Sailing Championship (The 420 World Championships) in Alicante city in Spain from 21st to 29th July. The team is leaving for Spain on 17th July from Hyderabad.

Speaking to media on the day two of Secunderabad Club Youth Regatta, Siddarth Coondoo and Pallavi parents of Alekhya informed that both these sailors who have been paired for well over a year and sailed in three competitions in the last year got qualified to represent India. They are the only team from India to represent. This is unique as they are representing India after a gap of four years or so. In the past four years, no team got qualified to participate in the tournament. They will compete with 126 accomplished sailors drawn from across the world.

The 420 World Championships are international sailing regattas in the 420 Class organized by the International Sailing Federation and the International 420 Class Association. They have been held every year since 1973. 420 International events are organized to promote 420 dinghy sailing all over the world. The events shall have the highest quality racing, the best conditions for developing individual friendships among competitors, and goodwill among all participating people.

Both these sailors got qualified to participate in their maiden international event after winning the three National Ranking Events held so far such as one at Mysore, the other at Marve Mumbai, and Shillong recently.

According to their coaches Arjun Pradeepak and Sanjeev Chauhan, the young sailors from Telangana will fight with strong contenders from Germany, Newzealand, Australia, Brazil, Italy and Switzerland.

Prior to the international debut sailing engagement, both Alekhya and Akhill will be trained for a week in Spain under the guidance of Jose Ruiz Sanchez, Professional Sailor and 420 World Champion. Both the sailors are put under the guidance of Ryan Fernando, an award-winning celebrity Nutritionist and the Co-founder of Qua Nutrition, who also coaches Virat Kohli. A fitness coach Sailo is also working on them.

HPS Ramanthapur through its alumni raised Rs seven lakh (it costs Rs 15 lakh) to support their student Alekhya to encourage her in the sport. The Principal Dr. S. Narasimha Reddy said it is a matter of great pride for HPS Ramanthapur and we wanted to support the child. Alekhya Coondoo is our head girl. She is good in both studies and extra-curricular activities. She is multi-talented. She is doing academically very well. She balances education and sports very well. It is very rare to find the qualities she possesses in peers of her age, he said and wished her good in the tournament.

Arjun Pradipak says they have been trained hard to perform well in tough competitions. They are comfortable to sail in all conditions.

420 is the highest sailed class in the world. It is one step short of 470, the Olympic Class. It is a quite popular youth race. The 420 is an established worldwide performance two-person trapeze and spinnaker racing dinghy which holds status as a World Sailing International Class. There are 56,000 boats that have been built worldwide. This popular dinghy is sailed at school, club, open, national and international levels. The 420 is an international class recognized by World Sailing. The name refers to the boat’s length of 420 centimeters.

Alekhya wants to pursue a career in medicine and is currently preparing for the NEET. Academically at the top of her class, she is literary captain, and lead guitarist in the school band, despite an 8-hour day at school, and 3-hour evening classes for NEET preparation, she makes time to pursue her passion, sailing.

Akhil is a student of Boys Sports Company, in Sailing Discipline and is presently pursuing his sports and education with Boys Sports Company of MEG Centre, Bangalore Akhil comes from a humble background (Mala – Scheduled Caste) from a rural part of India. Akhil has been supported by the Telangana State Sports Academy as well as the Trishna Sailing Club, Mysore. He was selected by the Army Sports School for his achievements as a sailor. He aspires to serve his country in the army. Talented, sincere and hardworking. Alekhyas are supporting him to fulfil his dream of participating in this world championship.

New Delhi, 14th July 2023 Elista, India’s leading Brand of electronics, home appliances, IT & mobile accessories products, has signed an MoU with the Government of Andhra Pradesh in the presence of Shri Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Under this MoU, Elista will invest Rs 100 crore in setting up its second manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh. Elista recently announced setting up a modern 1.32 lakh sq ft facility in Andhra Pradesh with an investment of Rs 250 crore in March 2023. This will be the second consecutive plant from Elista in the state, in addition to the investment announced earlier, reaffirming its commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Scheduled to be operational in Dec 2024, the new manufacturing plant marks Elista’s foray into smartwatch segment, diversifying its product portfolio and responding to the increasing demand for wearable technology. The company is planning to generate Rs 50 crore in revenue from this category by the next financial year. This state-of-the-art plant will have a production capacity of 10 lakh Smartwatches & 2 lakh Speakers and will generate an employment opportunity for around 500 people.

Mr. Saket Gaurav, Chairman and Managing Director of Elista said, “We are thankful to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for its unwavering support and trust they have shown in our capabilities. We are happy that this new plant will create job opportunities for the local population and play a role in our vision of ‘Making in India for the World’ . We are confident that the conducive policies, robust infrastructure, and progressive ecosystem in the state will help us not only create technologically advanced products but also strengthen the overall manufacturing ecosystem in the country. The expansion into the smartwatches category will help Elista become a one-stop solution for consumers.”

The first plant will focus on manufacturing TVs and LED Monitors and the new plant will boost in-house manufacturing of audio speakers, smartwatches, and other large appliances. Together, Elista’s collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, reinforcing its commitment to manufacturing excellence, job creation, and the development of the Indian economy.

Elista recently entered the UAE & CIS markets and is mulling an entry into other key markets in the MEA region by next year. The company expects to clock revenue of Rs 1,500 crore by 2025 from both Indian and International operations. Elista is working with a year-on-year growth projection of 20% in line with the expansion plans.

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ALL-Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, has partnered with Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif to star in its latest campaign. In the campaign, Katrina shares her thoughts on loyalty, lifestyle, and travel. She also talks about her favourite vacation meals, funny travel moments, and how the ALL-Accor Live Limitless loyalty programme has made her life easier.

Katrina Kaif shared her thoughts on loyalty, saying, “Ï am thrilled to be a part of the ALL- Accor Live Limitless family and its global membership program. ALL-Accor Live Limitless has become an essential part of my travel experience and I am looking forward for everyone to experience all its benefits and endless possibilities too.”

In the videos, questions are being asked to Katrina Kaif and she is responding to questions while linking the answers to ALL -Accor Live Limitless Loyalty Programme and highlighting the experiences that ALL -Accor Live Limitless membership offers to its members as well.

Questions she has responded

• What does Loyalty mean to you? Specially Accor Live Limitless Loyalty Programme
• Do you like Nostalgia, would you like to Live in the 60s?
• You have One wish for your life, what would you wish for?
• Are you a Good Negotiator?
• What is the most annoying moment when You’re travelling? (Losing Luggage and one of her experiences, watch the video for the details)
• A funny Misunderstanding moment in your life?
• Waiting or making someone wait?
• Funniest person in your life?
• What is your Favourite Vacation Meal: Dinner, Breakfast or Brunch?
• How do you Prepare for a role that you are not familiar with?
• Tell us a Genius Idea for the world..
• Which event do you regret on missing out on lately?

Mumbai, 12th July 2023:  Aadyam Theatre, an Aditya Birla Group initiative, presents its latest play of the season – ‘Betrayal,’ directed by Rachel D’Souza and produced by 3 Parts Company, the theatrical production is known to captivate its audiences with a beautifully captured love triangle that presents a searingly tender picture of fragile memories, wounded hearts and how easily our grasps over reality can unravel.

Betrayal revolves around two love stories, with forbidden sparks, infidelity, deception and a barrage of complex human emotions. It intricately explores two distinct love stories – that unfold between three characters through a series of meetings and conversations. Starting in 1977, the play unfolds in reverse chronology, with lovers Jerry and Emma meeting after a gap of two years. From here, it spirals backwards all the way to 1968 to the first transgression when Jerry, Robert’s closest friend, declares his undying love for Emma, Robert’s wife. Along the way, the audience is drawn into various events in time, when things both said and unsaid create a compelling theatrical experience.

The backward structure of the story, ‘stops the audience from concentrating on cause and effect and making the associated moral judgements that they might ordinarily induce. Each character elicits disdain and admiration in different measures at different stages, supporting the idea that there are many realities and changing viewpoints in life, and that no one sets out with a clear motivation for their actions. The characters sometimes seem to drift into decisions and choices, deceiving themselves and others into further acts of betrayal.

The Director of the play, Rachel D’Souza was quoted as saying,” Almost as an after effect of the lockdown, I developed an interest in intimate stories of relationships, familial bonds, friendships and the mechanisms of attachment and loyalty in them. ‘Betrayal’ speaks to all these elements in a haunting and riveting theatrical structure. It plays out in reverse, like a downward spiral in time. We begin the play at the end of the story and move back towards how it all began! How an affair began, how a marriage crumbled, how families reorganized themselves and how the characters slowly came to confront their choices and actions. I daresay it has a murder mystery quality blended into a very deeply domestic, feelings-based narrative. They fixate on when and how something happened, but hardly ever why something happened. Vivek Gomber and Sukant Goel who play Robert (husband) and Jerry (friends/lover) respectively, play with fraught emotions, men who don’t speak their minds but take funny jabs at each other in any situation. Abir Abrar plays Emma (Robert’s wife and Jerry’s lover), completing a friendly but unsettling triangle. The cast must play an arc of being duplicitous and genuine, creating a difficult tightrope to watch. The best part is, they must showcase the empathy that is linked to the emotions behind the betrayal written into every scene. Our version is also accompanied by live music from Nush Lewis, who’s moody vocal style brings a whole new dimension to the story.”

Rachel D’Souza, the director of “Betrayal,” brings a wealth of experience and artistic vision to the production. Nush Lewis’s mastery of the Harp allows her to evoke a wide range of emotions, from subtle and delicate melodies to powerful and intense compositions. Her live musical interludes between scenes provide seamless transitions, allowing the audience to immerse themselves deeper into the narrative.

Nadir Khan, the artistic director of Aadyam was quoted speaking about the highly anticipated production, “Betrayal brings this season of Aadyam to a close. It is a play that is quite widely regarded as one of his most iconic works. The play is a piercing examination of the dynamics of betrayal within relationships – platonic and romantic. The story is told in reverse chronology, which is a fascinating experience for audience members, as we are taken through the life-span of a love triangle between a married couple and the husband’s best friend. Directed by Rachel Dsouza and starring Abir Abrar, Sukant Goel and Vivek Gomber, this is a production that I am certainly looking forward to.”

The play features a stellar cast of proficient actors, including Abir Abrar, Sukant Goel and Vivek Gombar who do complete justice to the original adaptation, with each character’s journey intricately interwoven, leading to a powerful and cohesive presentation.

Kolkata, 12th July 2023: Guru Nanak Institute Of Technology, under JIS Group, organized a momentous event to unveil a captivating mural that pays homage to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of the late Sardar Jodh Singh, Founder Chairman of JIS Group. The ceremony took place on 10th July 2023 at Guru Nanak Institute of Technology, Sodepur, Kolkata. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director of JIS Group; Sardar Haranjit Singh, Joint Managing Director of JIS Group; Sardani Harmeet Kaur; Mrs. Akansha Kaur; Sardar Amrik Singh, Deputy Managing Director of JIS Group; Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director of JIS Group; Sardar Amandeep Singh, Director of JIS Group; Sardar Harjot Singh, Director of JIS Group; Sardar Amanjot Singh, Director of JIS Group; Sardar Anmol Singh Narula, Director of JIS Group, along with their family members. The Principal of the host institute, Prof. (Dr.) Santanu Kr. Sen along with his team greeted everyone in the holy event. The principals, faculty members, and staff members of the JIS Group Institutions, as well as members of the nearby community, joined this momentous event. Each attendee paid their heartfelt homage to Babuji by offering flowers.

The unveiling of this mural served as a tribute to Sardar Jodh Singh, whose profound impact has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of countless individuals. The artwork, a vibrant composition brimming with vivid colors and intricate details, encapsulates the spirit, vision, and values that Sardar Jodh Singh embodied throughout his life. It stands as a timeless symbol of his unwavering dedication to making a lasting impression on future generations. In a poignant moment, the release of pigeons celebrated the unveiling of the mural while symbolizing the enduring values and principles that Sardar Jodh Singh held dear. This act served as a reflection of his steadfast belief in the transformative power of education, compassion, unity, and peace. The unveiling ceremony was followed by Kirtan (devotional music) and Ardas (prayer). Over 600 people came together to join in the Langar (community meal).

Commenting on the moment, Saradar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group, said, “Today, we gathered to unveil a captivating mural that immortalizes the remarkable life and enduring legacy of our father Sardar Jodh Singh, Founder Chairman of JIS Group. This vibrant artwork stands as a timeless symbol of his unwavering dedication to education, compassion, unity, and peace. Let it inspire us to carry forward his vision and values, making a lasting impression on future generations. Sardar Jodh Singh’s contributions will forever guide our pursuit of excellence and commitment to education.”

6th July 2023: WorkIndia, a leading tech-enabled blue-collar recruitment company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ranaq Sen as Head of People. Having a remarkable tenure in the HR industry, Ranaq joins WorkIndia with a mission to drive the company toward sustained growth and continued success.

Prior to joining WorkIndia, Sen spearheaded the People analytics and digitization functions at MPL. A prominent multinational technology company. He has been instrumental in driving the transformation of the People function and implementing industry-leading practices in the organization. His strategic approach to People management and his ability to create a positive work environment make him a valuable addition to WorkIndia’s leadership team.

In his new position as Head of People, Sen will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources at WorkIndia, including talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, people analytics and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. He is also playing a crucial role in expanding the leadership team and enhancing employee benefits and programs, including health policies such as introducing mental health leave, period leave, and other initiatives that prioritize employee well-being.

On joining WorkIndia, Ranaq Sen, Head of People, WorkIndia commented, “I am thrilled to be part of WorkIndia’s journey as a leader in the field of blue-collar recruitment solutions. I’m eager to make my contribution towards the company’s ongoing expansion and achievements. With the formidable talent pool at WorkIndia, I have unwavering confidence in our capacity to soar to unprecedented achievements, fostering an environment where team members can flourish & bring their best selves at work. By investing in our people, we are not only driving their success but also fuelling the continued development and prosperity of our organization.”

Commenting on the appointment, Nilesh Dungarwal, CEO and Co-Founder of WorkIndia said, “We are delighted to welcome Ranaq Sen into our leadership team. His deep understanding of human resources, along with a strong focus on talent development and creating a culture of high performance, will be crucial in advancing our expansion goals. Ranaq’s appointment further reinforces our commitment to attracting top talent and building a workplace that empowers our employees to excel.”

WorkIndia plays a crucial role in simplifying and digitizing the blue-collar recruitment process in India. By leveraging technology and providing a user-friendly platform, it helps bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, making it easier for both parties to connect and fulfil their respective needs.

Mumbai,4th July 2023: On the occasion of Father’s Day, Kangaroo Kids, India’s leading Premium International Preschool Brand, launched their inspiring “Super Dad Campaign”, to recognize and honor all the Super Dads. This unique campaign aimed to highlight why fathers and father figures are true superheroes by displaying the extraordinary impact they have on the lives of children. The campaign received a massive response garnering over 17K views and around 18K impressions. The campaign was conceptualized as a series of social media posts highlighting the versatile role played by the fathers in day-to-day lives of children.

As a part of the campaign, Kangaroo Kids actively encouraged everyone to capture the cherished superhero moments shared between fathers and their children with the hashtag #superheromoment. Using the hashtag, fathers across the country shared their photos and videos capturing heart-warming moments with their children. Some of them even took this opportunity to share their fatherhood journey through heartfelt posts. This collective effort transformed the entire campaign into a resounding success, serving as a remarkable means to honor our real-life heroes.

In a world where superheroes often reside within the pages of comic books, graphic novels, and on screens, Kangaroo Kids acknowledged the profound influence these characters exert on shaping young minds. The heart of the “Super Dad Campaign” lies in its emphasis on the diverse forms of real-life superheroes without flashy costumes or capes. By being present, supportive, and actively engaged in their children’s lives, these everyday heroes serve as a wellspring of inspiration, encouragement, and catalysts for children to soar to great heights.

Speaking on the Father’s Day campaign, KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, Lighthouse Learning, said, “Father’s Day provided us with the perfect opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the immense contribution of fathers. Parents are the true superheroes in a child’s life, and we at Kangaroo Kids, strive to strengthen the bond between parents and children. We are thrilled to witness the tremendous success and positive impact of our campaign. Through our ‘Super Dad Campaign,’ we not only celebrated the extraordinary impact of fathers but also emphasized the importance of parent-child bonding. We, at Kangaroo Kids, remain committed to innovating and hosting many more unique activities that foster strong connections between children and their parents, creating lasting memories and holistic learning that lasts a lifetime.”

The campaign passionately sought to reiterate the indelible imprint fathers leave on the lives of children, surpassing the realm of fictional superheroes.