Category news

Hyderabad, India, 4th December 2023: Plastic accumulating in our oceans and beaches has become a global crisis. Recykal, an Indian Tech Leader for Sustainability and Circularity, believes that the problem and solution for ocean plastic lie on land. The ocean-bound plastic needs to be diverted from the oceans to recycling centres. Recykal also understand the value of plastic waste and consider it as a resource. Hence, Recykal has taken the initiative to beat the ocean-plastic pollution issue with its project ‘Samudramanthan’. This initiative is inspired by the Indian mythological tale of ‘Samudramanthan’ where the nectar came out from the ocean churning.

Under this initiative, Recykal has collected over 70 thousand metric tons of plastic from 207 districts from 19 states across India. Among these districts, 33 districts have coastal areas, and 173 districts are located on the banks of major rivers. A 10 km radius from the ocean and river coasts is covered in this activity. On the occasion of National Pollution Control Day, Recykal has revealed plans to scale up the ‘Samudramanthan’ project to cover all 66 coastal districts across India.

Here’s the detailed report of plastic collected through the pilot project:

(Coastal districts are written in bold and are also underlined)

Ocean-bound plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue with far-reaching consequences. When plastic waste enters the ocean, it takes hundreds of years to break down, posing a significant threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human well-being. Plastic debris is a vector for harmful substances, absorbing and accumulating toxic chemicals from the surrounding seawater. This leads to bioaccumulation through the food chain and ultimately affects humans who consume seafood. Coastal communities, especially those reliant on tourism and fisheries, experience negative consequences as their beaches and marine habitats become littered with plastic debris.

Recykal’s Samudramanthan Initiative combines modern technology and sustainable practices to combat ocean plastic pollution. Through this initiative, Recykal is empowering local ragpickers by providing them with access to a comprehensive network of recyclers across India. This not only offers financial security to the ragpickers but also enables them to expand their income by adding additional categories of plastic waste to their portfolio through specialised training provided by Recykal. As a result, their income has significantly increased.

Recykal emphasizes prevention and reduction by advocating for reduced single-use plastics, improved waste management, recycling practices, and raising awareness. This initiative highlights corporate responsibility and collaboration to conserve marine biodiversity and benefit coastal communities.

Following the collection efforts, the plastic collected through the Samudramanthan Initiative undergoes recycling processes. Recykal ensures that the extracted plastic is properly managed and sent for recycling. Through recycling, plastic can be transformed into new products, reducing the demand for virgin plastic and promoting a circular economy.

Abhishek Deshpande, Co-founder and COO, Recykal said, “The broader objective of this initiative goes beyond simply removing plastic debris from the environment. It encompasses the goal of regenerating and sustaining the natural balance of marine ecosystems by preventing further damage caused by plastic pollution. By collecting ocean-bound plastic, Recykal aims to restore the integrity of marine environments, protect biodiversity, and safeguard the well-being of both marine life and humans which depend on healthy oceans. With this initiative, we are giving back to nature by reducing the negative impact of plastic pollution and promoting a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem for future generations. Collecting ocean-bound waste has also contributed to the socio-economic development, particularly in coastal communities. This initiative has generated employment opportunities in waste management, cleanup operations, recycling facilities, and related sectors contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of the coastal regions.”

Bengaluru,2nd December 2023: : Tiger Woods teed off in his first semi-competitive round at the Pro-Am ahead of the 2023 Hero World Challenge at Albany in the Bahamas. The field of 20 elite stars includes World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who wants to end his run of two successive second places behind the Norwegian star, Viktor Hovland, who bids to become the first player to win the Hero World Challenge three times in a row.

Woods returns to action for the first time since he withdrew after the second round of the Masters in Augusta this April.

Playing without a limp, that has often been seen in Woods’ walk, the 15-time Major winning legend, played his Pro-Am round with Dr. Pawan Munjal, the Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp. It was clearly a moment to cherish as Woods plagued by injuries was teeing off at his own event for the first time since 2019. Woods is a five-time winner of the tournament.

Marking the tenth year of their association with the event, though the edition in 2020 was cancelled due to Covid, Hero MotoCorp have raised the prize pool to $ 4.5 million from the erstwhile $ 3.5. The winner picks a cool $ 1 million. The purse will swell to $ 5 million in 2024.

It is one of the most star-studded fields in a non-Majors in the entire year and it included a dozen Major champions, who among them have won 3 Majors, including 15 by Woods, who feels he still has some more Majors in him. He won his 14th Major in 2008 and the 15th in 2019 at the Masters. The same year he added a 82nd PGA Tour title at Zozo Championships in Japan.

The field includes the current World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and five others who at some stage have held World No.1 ranking. The club includes Woods, who has been World No, 1 for a record 683 weeks and the others are Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Justin Rose and Jason Day.

Hovland is coming off a great year. When he won his second HWC title, he was 10th in the world, now he is No, 4. He had a great Ryder Cup with the winning Europe team and won three times at the Memorial, the BMW and the Tour Championships. He was also the FedEx Cup champion for 2023.

Scottie won the Phoenix Open and the PLAYERS and was in Top-10 no less than 17 times and made cut in each of his 23 starts. His amazing consistency has been his hallmark.

Jordan Spieth recalling his debut at the HWC in 2014 and how well he played that week for 26-under, admitted that it was the “best week of his career”.

He said, “That was fun. I was 21, so I don’t think flying across the world and playing a few days later was that big of a deal to be honest. But it was a cool two-week stretch of Australia and then at the Hero World Challenge at Isleworth,” he recalled.

“That Isleworth week I would put that up there as maybe the best golf I’ve played in my life. I don’t think I’ve ever played better for four days than I did there. I still think about how it felt swinging the club that week and how the ball was coming off and how easy the game was.”

Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa, both two-time Major champions have fallen out of Top-10. Thomas is as low as 27th, but is hoping that this week’s HWC will show him a better direction for 2024.

There are three debutants, including two major winners. They are the 2023 US Open champion Wyndham Clark and The Open champion, Brian Harman.

Then there is Will Zalatoris, who will also be making his first competitive start, since being forced to pull out 30 minutes before teeing off at Augusta this year.

The 2017 winner Rickie Fowler is another one looking to get set for 2024 after this week, as he resumes his walk to Top-10 in the world.

The HWC 2023 field (alphabetically)

New Delhi, December 1st, 2023: In the lead-up to the upcoming Telangana Assembly Elections 2023, Political Metrics, a distinguished Political Strategy Consulting firm in India, released its Exit Poll Analysis. Known for its specialized services ranging from Political Public Relations to Campaign War Room Management, Political Metrics offers a comprehensive overview of the electoral landscape, projecting likely outcomes based on meticulous research and analysis.

Exit Poll Analysis:

Political Metrics projects the Congress party to emerge as the leading contender, with an expected seat range of 65-70 and a corresponding vote share of 43%. This forecast reflects strategic campaign management, skillfully led by the Sunil Kanugolu team, addressing anti-incumbency sentiments and competing effectively with the BJP.

In the analysis, the BRS is projected to secure the second position with an expected seat range of 31- 37 and a corresponding vote share of 37%. Despite facing challenges in mitigating anti-incumbency factors, particularly dissatisfaction among unemployed individuals and government employees, the BRS has demonstrated resilience in key segments.

The BJP is expected to secure 8-12 seats, accompanied by a vote share of 13%. Noteworthy performance in certain districts showcases the party’s potential, but sustaining momentum has been hindered by internal factors, including alleged power struggles and affiliations with other parties.

Maintaining its stronghold in the Hyderabad region, the MIM is projected to secure 6 seats, while the BSP under the leadership of RS Praveen Kumar is expected to emerge victorious in the Sirpur Kagaznagar assembly segment. Additionally, CPI is anticipated to secure one seat.

The exit poll results reflect a dynamic electoral landscape in Telangana, highlighting shifts in voter sentiments and strategic campaign maneuvers. Political Metrics continues to be at the forefront of providing comprehensive insights into India’s political landscape, contributing to informed decision- making and understanding the nuances of electoral dynamics.

Kolkata, 29th November 2023: India’s three-time Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee—a leader loved by the entire nation, who had an extraordinary life journey is all set to come alive on the big screen with Main ATAL Hoon. Featuring National Award winner Pankaj Tripathi, whose transformation left everyone in awe, is set to release on 19th January 2024.

The announcement of the biopic about his life generated high anticipation amongst audiences and the first look of Pankaj Tripathi’s transformation into Shri Atal Ji created massive buzz and garnered immense appreciation, leaving audiences excited to watch the film.

Directed by award winner director Ravi Jadhav, and written by Rishi Virmani and Ravi Jadhav, “Main ATAL Hoon” presented by Bhanushali Studios Limited and Legend Studios, is produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Sandeep Singh, and Kamlesh Bhanushali.

Gurugram: Trehan Iris in association with the National Thalassemia Welfare Society organised a successful blood donation camp. The event took place at the Iris Tech Park in sector 48 of Sohna Road, Gurugram, and witnessed a massive turnout.

The camp was open to all and attracted a large number of participants, resulting in the collection of 65 units of blood. It is important to note that a single unit of blood has the potential to save up to three lives. This highlights the significance of blood donation and the life-saving impact it can have.

This noble initiative aimed to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and encourage people to come forward to contribute to this noble cause.

Aman Trehan, Executive Director of Trehan Iris expressed gratitude towards the donors who participated in the event. He said, “Blood donation plays a critical role in our healthcare system and we are grateful to all the donors who became part of this initiative today.”

He praised the collaboration with the National Thalassemia Welfare Society for making a significant contribution to the community. The success of the event reaffirmed Trehan Iris’s commitment and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

The donors were presented with a special memento as a token of appreciation and a donor card. Additionally, the camp provided a free Thalassemia screening test, hemoglobin check, blood group check, and doctor’s consultation for individuals aged 18-35.

Hyderabad, November 27, 2023…..Rejected by 30 schools, Sumit Agarwal teaches the world how to live with Cerebral Palsy, be successful in business and create wealth.

Born with Cerebral Palsy, an Astrologer told his parents that Sumit would not survive beyond 33 years of age. “Now I am 31, but Astrologer is no more, ” he said to a hall full of attendees of the Legacy Building Live program organised on Sunday evening at the Park, Somajiguda by Fortune Academy.

Sumit was in the city at the invitation of Fortune Academy. He was talking to people who gathered to learn how to be financially successful

People told me that I walked differently, talked differently and looked differently. And nobody wanted to be a friend to me. So, I don’t have any friends. Everybody told me that I didn’t belong there. Now I not only survived, did an MBA, topped the country, started my own business and now I give jobs to others.

I have two million LinkedIn Inn followers. I helped 500 people with disabilities get jobs. I am on the board of several Fortune 500 companies as part of their diversity and inclusivity plans, he declared amidst the thunderous applause.

I have had four surgeries and 70% of my movement is restricted. So reduced mobility, muscle spasms and slower speech are some of the inevitable obstacles I still face here.

If anyone says no, you can’t do it, I tell them yes, I can do it. I also reply and tell them to try and stop me if they can.

Right parenting saved my life, he added.

Giving her opening remarks, Dr Mani Pavitra, who runs 9 successful businesses besides being a Dentist, said the goal of Fortune Academy is to create an army of people who are financially successful. She gave attendees her financial prudence. She told her audience to find comfort in discomfort.

Her husband Pradeep Yarlagadda, Investor, Trainer and Co-founder of Fortune Academy gave 5 stages to Fortune. He spoke about how to improve financial well-being. Though most of us are good at jobs but very bad at money management.

The event saw many people sharing their financial success stories. Many were recognised with awards for their remarkable transformation and achievements.

Hyderabad, 27th November 2023: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the world headquarters of Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Heartfulness, in the outskirts of Hyderabad as part of his visit to the city on Sunday. Hon’ble Prime Minister reached Kanha Shanti Vanam by helicopter Sunday morning. He had a short tour of the facility by Revered Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. Shri Nardendra Modi ji also visited the largest meditation hall in the world at Kanha Shanti Vanam which has a capacity of one lakh people meditating at a time. Hon’ble PM was felicitated by Rev. Daaji followed by a welcome address by Rev. Daaji. Hon’ble PM also unveiled the commemorative plaque for 125 years of Babuji celebrations.

To mark the occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister planted a Bakul plant, also called Pagoda or Indian Bullet tree. The significance of the tree lies in its medicinal, cultural and astronomical association. More than 40,000 people from across the country and overseas came together and many more joined virtually to meditate together at the largest meditation centre of the world.

In his address, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji said, “My visit here was long overdue, but the time to visit Kanha Shanti Vanam has come only now and see the inspiring work under the vision of Pujya Daaji here. Today Kanha Shanti Vanam is known as the world’s largest meditation centre. One can imagine the kind of positive energy emanating here. Kanha is propagating the wisdom and traditions of our ancient seers and yogis which over 160 countries are adopting as yoga and meditation – it is your great service to humanity. Babuji Maharaj used to say that evolution of consciousness is everyone’s right. His successors Chariji and now Daaji are bringing to transformation to build a strong Bharat.

What Pujya Daaji is doing for humanity today is truly incredible. His immense contributions also got him being honoured by Padma Bhushan. Daaji is one of the greatest souls I have met. On one hand he did a spectacular job in the pharmaceutical industry earlier, on the other he is leading by example in the field of spirituality. I feel very happy to see the heights to which Daaji has taken Kanha today as a great motivator and spiritual guide for entire mankind.

History witnessed attempts to subdue our heritage and culture. But today India has risen again with her inherent strength through meditation, yoga, ayurveda and other sciences. The developed India should reflect our pride in our heritage, our solidarity, our dutifulness and a prosperous nation – wherein Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Heartfulness and its volunteers are contributing immensely.

I believe in the four pillars for a strong India – 1. Nari Shakti 2. Yuva Shakti 3. Shram Shakti and 4. Udyam Shakti. These four pillars will ensure that all the women, youth, employees, enterprises and labour are empowered. There was a time when citizens used to knock at the government’s doors, today we are knocking at your door. We have also come up with a My Bharat mission that will prevent youth in getting into the quagmire of drug or substance abuse. Just as nature gives selflessly, let us work selflessly and build a strong Bharat.”

Rev. Daaji, Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “In Modi ji, we have a global leader and it is with his vision that India is shining. What strikes to me the most is what we must do next – we must bring the inner cleansing to be better human beings. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have laid out many of the goals as imminent. But when you think about deeply the root cause of all of the problems that needs to be addressed urgently is thought pollution. Yoga and meditation will help you clean the thought pollution and hence ‘Har din dhyan, har dil dhyan’ is something I recommend to everyone. Let us be proud of our heritage and be proud of each other.”

For the last 78 years, Shri Ram Chandra Mission has been teaching meditation to the global community free of charge. Heartfulness meditation aims to adopt the ancient Indian traditions of raja yoga and meditation in a modern world, allowing practitioners to experience its benefits and achieve inner harmony and balance while navigating a fast-paced world. The Heartfulness way is unique because it is supported by Pranahuti, or yoga transmission, a divine energy for human transformation which was revived by the early guides of Shri Ram Chandra Mission in the 1800s.

Kanha Shanti Vanam was inaugurated by former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind in 2020. Since the start of its development in 2015, Kanha Shanti Vanam has grown both in immensity and in impact. What was once a barren land, typical of the Indian Deccan Plateau, Kanha Shanti Vanam is now a thriving green space, with over 10 lacs saplings planted and nurseries at a combined total of 50 lacs of 280 critically endangered species. Kanha serves not only as a meditation centre, with the world’s largest meditation hall, but also as a holistic hub for learning, yoga, meditation, wellness, sustainable living, ecological preservation, and water conservation. It blends modern and traditional approaches to promote a harmonious way of life. In recent years, Kanha Shanti Vanam has attracted big names from the worlds of sports, music, film, academic and entrepreneurship, and counts individuals such as Pullela Gopichand, P.V. Sindhu, Rohit Sharma, Kabir Bedi, and Ricky Kej among others as avid practitioners and supporters.

*

Delhi, 24th November 2023:: As India solemnly commemorates the 15th anniversary of the horrific 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, it stands as an unwavering symbol of strength and resilience. Remembering the great sacrifice of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and other martyrs of NSG, National Geographic India proudly unveils its upcoming documentary ‘Inside NSG,’ a testament to the gallant hard work, resilience, and professional commitment of the NSG commandos. Premiering on 26th November at 8 pm, INSIDE NSG a 44-minute documentary, is a never-seen-before glimpse into the elite anti-terror force of India. Filmed with multiple cameras on ground and air, INSIDE NSG is a look behind the scenes at the NSG, as a world-class zero-error force.

The overarching story is of the efficiency of the many different competencies of the NSG. From the Counter Terror, and Counter Hijack operations; to the Close Protection Force; and the state-of-the-art Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and the National Bomb Data Center.

At another level, INSIDE NSG follows the story of a young officer who aspires to become a Black Cat Commando of the National Security Guard. The film follows his journey as he tries to clear the 3-month Commando Conversion course followed by the six-week Unit induction course. The filming is raw, visceral, and inspiring, leaving the viewer amazed at the strength and endurance required of an NSG Commando.

At every level, INSIDE NSG shows the patriotism and bravery of a force like this one. A legacy forged with sacrifice and blood while protecting India. Besides 26/11 attacks, the film provides a brief glimpse into previous operations such as the Pathankot and Akshardham Temple incidents, highlighting the crucial role played by the NSG in upholding national security.

“At NSG, we stand firm against terrorists who threaten the integrity of our nation. Through intense training, we forge ourselves to confront any adversity and execute counter-terrorism missions. We are glad to have a credible brand like National Geographic depict our efforts, as they capture the very essence and emotion of Sarvatra, Sarvottam, Suraksha which is NSGs motto. Their bold, powerful, and thought-provoking style of storytelling unveils the true essence of being an NSG Commando” said Director General, NSG.

“At National Geographic, we harness the transformative power of storytelling and exploration to tell stories that can change the way we see the world. ‘Inside NSG’ is a part of our commitment to bring forward the best stories about our elite forces and provide our audience with a deeper understanding of the remarkable journey of the ‘black cats.’ We are honored that the NSG selected our channel to present this inspiring film to our viewers. Their valour echoes in every frame, imprinting upon us the sheer spirit of sacrifice and unwavering dedication.” said a National Geographic spokesperson.

New Delhi, 21st November 2023: CyberPeace, a leading organization dedicated to promoting online safety and security, organized a one-day workshop focused on Child Rights and Online Gaming in partnership with UNICEF at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata.

The primary objective of the workshop was to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue among experts, industry professionals, policymakers, educators, and parents on the issues surrounding child rights and online gaming leading to help stakeholders to identify best practices, legal frameworks, and ethical guidelines that can ensure the protection and well-being of children in the online gaming space.

The themes covered during the workshop included:

1. Understanding Online Gaming Trends

2. Legal and Ethical Aspects of Child Safety

3. Interactive Workshops and Best Practices

4. Group Discussions and Call to Action

Mr ILN Rao from CyberPeace, expressed his/her enthusiasm for the workshop, stating,”In partnership with UNICEF, this workshop marks a significant stride in our quest to enhance our comprehension of online gaming trends and their implications for children. By uniting experts from diverse backgrounds, we aspire to equip parents, educators, and industry professionals with an understanding of the existing legal frameworks and ethical guidelines pertaining to child safety in the gaming industry.”

Additionally, emphasizing on the importance of cybersecurity and cyber hygiene in eGaming Shubhrajyoti Bhowmik, representing UNICEF, said, “The formulation of practical strategies to ensure online child safety is paramount for parents, teachers, and industry professionals. Collaboratively, we seek to pinpoint initiatives for action and advocate for the creation of safer online gaming environments for children. This collaborative workshop with CyberPeace signifies our joint commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of the youngest digital citizens.”

Shri Hari Kishore Kusumakar IPS, ADG & IGP Cyber Crime,West Bengal Police, while emphasizing on the Importance of Online Safety for Children said, “In recent years, there has been a growth in numbers in terms of cybercrimes being reported, however the numbers of complaints by children is still low. Meanwhile, in the age of virtual reality and deep fakes, it feels like cases like the recent one involving an actress would be most common in just a couple of years.”

While discussing the intensity of cyber crimes, he added, that there needs to be an organised response over handling cyber crime cases involving children. Further discussing CSAM, he talked of the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children and shared how they flag the content online and the amount of reports they have released based on the cases they recieve.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sanjay Kumar Das, Addl. Secretary, IT, West Bengal, and MD WEBEL while discussing the Importance of Ensuring Child Rights in Online Gaming and sharing related anecdotes, said, “At present, despite education, there is lack of knowledge and awareness. We need to understand that the way we train or teach, should be relatable to them and not us. He added that children are provided benefits of certain fundamental rights, however, there are no exclusive rights for children”

He further suggested that children be not compared with other children, and suggested that they are given decision making chances and that a child must have the right to choose. “Children should also be given opportunities to speak up as well,” Mr Das further added.

New Delhi,20th November 2023: Pee Safe, India’s largest and fastest-growing personal hygiene and wellness brand, has launched “Hygeine Ki Aadat” an awareness campaign for the World Toilet Day, aiming to inculcate the importance of safe hygiene.

World Toilet Day is celebrated on 19th November each year to inspire and raise awareness to tackle global sanitation crises. The World Health Organization established this day in 2001, and the theme for this year is – Accelerating Change.

The Pee Safe campaign contrasts with other advertising, which mainly revolves around scaring consumers about the dangers lurking beneath their bottoms and is instead about spreading awareness of better hygiene practices and preventing the risk of infections such as UTIs and E. coli.

With the campaign, Pee Safe wants to make people aware of products such as toilet seat sanitizer sprays, toilet seat covers, and stand-and-pee devices, which allow you to pee in public toilets with ease. Holding pee can increase the risk of UTIs, and using unhygienic toilets can increase the risk of toilet-borne infections. As per a report by IndiaSpend, about 50% of women contract UTI in their lifetime, and it is majorly due to unclean toilet seats and unhealthy practices.

The campaign with the tagline “Hygiene ki Aadat” talks about accelerating changes, and one can form safe and hygienic toilet habits in just 21 days. The campaign also highlights that the change needs to start by teaching safe and healthy toilet practices among kids right in their formative years.

Speaking about the campaign, Vikas Bagaria, Founder and CEO of Pee Safe, said, “Toilet hygiene in India has come a few steps forward, but we still have a long way to go. The Swachh India Mission has had a huge role in increasing awareness, creating infrastructure, and educating people about the importance of hygiene and sanitation and its impact on health and livelihoods.”

Initially launched in 2013 with just one product, a toilet seat sanitizer by Vikas Bagaria and Srijana Bagaria (husband-wife duo) out of a personal incident, Pee Safe has evolved into a comprehensive personal hygiene and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brand.

In the past six years, the company has diversified its product range to encompass various personal hygiene categories, addressing the needs of girls from puberty to menopause. This expansion includes providing intimate hygiene products such as reusable pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and more. Pee Safe has gained recognition as one of the frontrunners in personal wellness.

Redcliffe Hygiene Private Limited owns Pee Safe. It is backed by Natco Pharma Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company, Rainmatter Health, Nithin Kamath, and Nikhil Kamath, founders of Zerodha and Alkemi Growth Capital.