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Sopaan Presents AIKYAM 2025 at Ajanta & Ellora, Celebrating UN@80 Through Oneness of Culture, Science and Spirituality

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), November 13, 2025: Sopaan, an arts and culture initiative, in collaboration with UNESCO, Maharashtra Tourism and the city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is set to unveil a one-of-its kind celebration of art, heritage and innovation, a confluence of cultural brilliance and artistic diversity from across the global diaspora. AIKYAM 2025, symbolising oneness of humanity, is a three-day celebration marking the historic 80th anniversary of the United Nations, set amid the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora, honouring India’s timeless cultural and spiritual heritage.

Founded by former Indian Ambassador Monika Kapil Mohta and cultural entrepreneur Siddhaant Mohta, AIKYAM launches a new series of immersive cultural journeys across India’s most iconic sites, presenting experiences rarely accessible to the public in this format. Rooted in the philosophy of oneness, of science and spirituality, humanity and nature, and India’s ancient faiths of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, AIKYAM embodies the country’s timeless wisdom, sustainable practices and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It reflects the masterful knowledge of the universe possessed by ancient Indians and celebrates sustainable practices drawn from this deep cultural consciousness. Scheduled from November 21-23, 2025, the weekend celebrations will feature Omkar, a classical ballet choreographed by internationally acclaimed artist Gauri Sharma Tripathi, to be performed at Ellora’s magnificent Kailasa Temple with artists from Argentina, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Peru, Poland and Spain, creating a true cross-cultural dialogue through the language of art.

The event will feature talks by Dr. Timothy Curtis, Director, UNESCO Regional Office in India, author-historian William Dalrymple and cultural commentator Nick Booker, along with curated Maharashtrian culinary experiences, folk performances and textile showcases. Highlights include the recreation of a historic classical concert once presented at the United Nations and a live mural painting by Brazilian artist Sergio Cordeiro, who will create a contemporary interpretation of the Ajanta murals. Bringing together over 30 cultural ambassadors and diplomats, AIKYAM 2025 will champion India’s soft power, immersive heritage experiences and global harmony through art, culture and sustainability.

Siddhaant Mohta, Co-Founder and Director, Sopaan, shared, “We are honoured to present AIKYAM, an artistic celebration set against the timeless grandeur of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. This confluence of music, art, dance and dialogue pays homage to the spiritual and cultural essence of these magnificent heritage sites. Rooted in the values of science, sustainability and spirituality, AIKYAM marks UN@80 and seeks to inspire reflection and foster meaningful exchange. Through this endeavour, Sopaan is crafting spaces for cross-cultural dialogue and global artistic collaboration. Cultural ambassadors from over 30 countries will gather to celebrate this spirit of unity through heritage, strengthening the bridge between India’s living traditions and the world’s shared future. We aim to create an immersive experience that not only captivates audiences but also deepens their connection with India’s artistic legacy and vision for a harmonious, sustainable future.”

Dr. Timothy Curtis, Director, UNESCO Regional Office in India, said, “India’s heritage sites are not just symbols of the past, but dynamic spaces that continue to shape our collective future. Ajanta and Ellora, among the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage sites, stand as living testaments to the creativity, spirituality and knowledge that have long defined this region. They remind us that heritage is living, evolving and central to building a sustainable future. Through initiatives such as AIKYAM 2025, we foster dialogue among civilizations through cultural exchange, reflecting the very essence of UNESCO’s mission: to build peace through culture, education and shared understanding.”

Reinforcing this spirit of harmony between heritage and progress, G. Sreekanth, Municipal Commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, extended a heartfelt message to all participants. “On this momentous occasion marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, it gives me immense pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all the esteemed dignitaries joining us for AIKYAM–UN80 in Aurangabad. Celebrated amid the timeless grandeur of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites that embody India’s artistic and spiritual heritage, this event beautifully weaves together our rich cultural legacy with the possibilities of modern science and technology, powered by Sopaan. May AIKYAM stand as a bridge between tradition and innovation, inspiring a future of harmony, creativity and global unity.”

A spokesperson from Maharashtra Tourism commented, “The world-famous heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora are among Maharashtra’s most treasured legacies and a testament to India’s enduring spirit of coexistence and creativity. Through AIKYAM, we are proud to join hands with UNESCO and Sopaan to spotlight the state’s rich heritage, encourage sustainable cultural tourism and promote investment in the sector. Heritage tourism contributes significantly to Maharashtra’s economy, reinforcing our commitment to preserving our cultural wealth while driving inclusive growth. This initiative embodies Maharashtra’s vision to preserve our heritage and share it with the world as a living source of learning, inspiration and pride.”

Cultural tourism accounts for nearly 40% of tourist arrivals in India, with the country’s heritage tourism market estimated at USD 19.9 billion in 2024. According to research, the market is projected to reach USD 27.1 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% during 2025-2033.

Ambassadors, diplomats and patrons of art and culture will be invited to immerse themselves in this weekend of cultural discovery. Guests will experience guided tours of the historic caves, live performances and curated culinary experiences designed to celebrate India’s living heritage and its global resonance. A strategic initiative, AIKYAM seeks to promote cultural tourism and ensure the invaluable legacy of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves is meticulously preserved for future generations.

Mumbai 13th November, 2025:- At a time when technology dominates every aspect of life, the Raintree Foundation has launched a unique campaign, ‘I Am Not a Robot,’ to remind people that saving the planet needs heart — not just machines.

The campaign urges individuals and communities to reconnect with nature and act consciously for the planet. It turns the familiar CAPTCHA phrase into a statement of purpose — “I am human. I act for the planet.”

Raintree Foundation has been working across Maharashtra’s Western Ghats — in regions like Velhe and the Shastri River Basin — where it focuses on water conservation, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods. The new campaign draws from this work, emphasizing that while technology can help, it is human empathy and action that truly drive change.

‘I Am Not a Robot’ will unfold across digital platforms, universities, and public spaces:

• Digital Launch: Interactive posts on social media will invite people to “Prove you’re human — act for the planet.”
• On-ground Engagement: Installations and booths at youth festivals like Mood Indigo and Frames will encourage participants to share personal pledges for the environment.
• Public Dialogue: Articles, podcasts, and panels will explore how compassion and responsibility can strengthen India’s climate movement.

The campaign aims to connect with young people, urban citizens, and the Indian diaspora — inviting them to reflect, participate, and take small, meaningful actions for a healthier planet.

Through ‘I Am Not a Robot,’ Raintree Foundation hopes to inspire a movement that goes beyond awareness — one that puts empathy at the heart of climate action.

Chandigarh, November 13, 2025: – Uber today announced that teens in India can now sign themselves up on the app by linking their accounts directly, making the process faster and more flexible for the use of its Uber Teens product in India. The update is part of a broader set of enhancements to Uber’s Teens and Family features, aimed at making travel safer, simpler, and more inclusive for families across generations.

With this new self-onboarding process, teens gain the independence to manage their own Uber accounts while guardians retain full visibility and control. Uber has also extended Uber One membership benefits to teens, ensuring that if a guardian has an active Uber One Membership, the teen enjoys the same perks, with cashback accruing in the family’s member hub. More people in the family using Uber now means more savings for those with Uber One membership.

These updates to Uber for Teens have been made keeping in mind how tech-savvy and independent today’s teenagers are. Young users are often early adopters who lead the way in exploring new apps, digital services, and features, often influencing how their families use technology. By allowing teens to sign themselves up on the platform with guardian approval, Uber is making it easier for them to experience safe and supervised travel while building familiarity with the app. The change aligns with how teens engage with technology today and helps foster responsible mobility habits early in life.

For families, Uber has made it easier to stay connected by removing the need for a shared payment method. Users can now create a Family profile without a common credit card, making it simpler to add multiple members – each of them using their own payment method, cash or digital.

Speaking on the updates, Shiva Shailendran, Director, Consumer Growth, Uber India and South Asia, said, “We understand that every family is different, and the needs within a household can vary widely. Teens today are far more independent, and we wanted to give them the flexibility to manage their own Uber accounts in a safe and supervised way, with approval from their guardians. At the same time, we are making it easier for families to stay connected on the platform and ensure that everyone, from teens to seniors, can travel comfortably and confidently.”

Uber has also introduced a dedicated Seniors profile in India, designed for older users who prefer a lighter, more accessible experience. Guardians can track rides, request trips, and manage saved places for their loved ones, while seniors benefit from an automatic switch to simple mode, which features larger text, fewer buttons, and easy-to-follow screens.

India , November,13th 2025: Nexus Select CITYWALK, Delhi’s most loved shopping and lifestyle destination, is all set to sparkle brighter this wedding season with the much awaited third edition of its signature beauty festival, The Gloss Box. From November 10 to November 30, 2025, the mall will transform into a haven for beauty enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience with some of the biggest names in beauty, grooming, and wellness under one roof.

From makeup and skincare to haircare and fragrances, shoppers will find the latest trends and must-have products for the wedding and holiday season. The mall has set-up an aesthetic paradise offering an immersive and interactive experience for all. From stunning beauty zones to trend-led showcases, guests can dive into what’s new and next in makeup, skincare, haircare, and wellness. The Gloss Box will host live demos, beauty tips by experts, and fun makeover zones that help everyone feel celebration-ready.

Shoppers can enjoy exclusive discounts, special gifts on shopping, 2X reward points and exciting “Shop & Win” prizes throughout the month. It’s the perfect time to discover new looks, prepare for functions, or pick the ideal gift for family and friends.

The Gloss Box’s differentiator is its unique blend of phygital experiences designed to engage visitors at every touchpoint with leading brands across skincare, makeup, haircare, spa, and wellness, offering guests the chance to explore, experiment, and interact. Attendees can take part in live demos, connect with fellow beauty enthusiasts, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The festival’s highlight will be a series of expert-led masterclasses that delve into the evolving landscape of beauty and wellness, sharing insights on emerging trends, transformative techniques, and holistic self-care.

Leading brands at the festival include Gucci Beauty, NARS, Clinique, Looks, Geetanjali, SS beauty, Nail Rituals, MYOP,  and many more.

Over the years, Nexus Select CITYWALK has emerged as a front-runner in beauty and wellness retail in India. Housing some of the most sought-after international and homegrown brands, the mall has become the go-to destination for shoppers seeking premium experiences in skincare, makeup, grooming, and holistic well-being.

India November 13th, 2025 – MobiKwik, India’s leading digital wallet and UPI platform announced the launch of Forex payments on its mobile app in partnership with NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL). With this milestone, MobiKwik becomes one of the first fintechs to bring digital foreign exchange services to mobile, strengthening its reputation as a credible pioneer in building secure, home-grown financial innovations that enhance speed, safety and convenience for all users.

The first live transaction of MobiKwik’s innovative and user-friendly Forex product was done in the august presence of Shri T. Rabi Sankar Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India at the prestigious Global Fintech Festival, Mumbai on 7th October, 2025.

The launch reflects MobiKwik’s ongoing commitment to support the Government and RBI’s vision of building a fully digital and inclusive financial ecosystem. The Forex category on Bharat Connect is designed to make foreign exchange transactions, transparent and accessible for everyone, transforming how Indians manage their Forex needs through a digital-first, cost-efficient alternative to traditional channels. This allows users to top up forex cards instantly using net banking or UPI with same-day fulfilment.

This initiative is powered by NBBL in collaboration with the CCIL (Clearing Corporation of India Ltd.)

The Forex category is designed to simplify how Indians access foreign exchange by offering:

• Digital-first experience: Book, top up, or remit seamlessly through the app

• Competitive USD rates: Ensuring fair and competitive pricing

• Same-day (T+0) fulfillment: Collect currency from preferred bank branches instantly or digitally remit it outside

• Safe & compliant platform: Fully regulated by RBI and NBBL

This brings foreign exchange services to the fingertips, whether it’s a student paying university fees abroad, a family preparing for international travel or a small business sending funds overseas. This innovation aligns with the broader national vision to make foreign exchange services as seamless as domestic digital payments.

Currently, the platform supports USD transactions and is available to individual users, with plans to extend additional currencies in subsequent phases.

Commenting on the launch, Bipin Preet Singh, Co-founder, MD & CEO, MobiKwik, said, “At MobiKwik, our mission is to simplify access to financial services for every Indian. With Forex payments, we are proud to be among the first fintech companies to introduce a regulated, digital-first foreign exchange service in the country. Users will now be able to access competitive forex rates, top up forex cards instantly using net banking or UPI, and remit money abroad with same-day fulfilment – all from the convenience of their mobile devices. This is a significant leap forward in making foreign exchange as seamless as digital payments.”

Commenting on the launch, Noopur Chaturvedi, MD & CEO, NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited, said, “We are delighted to partner with MobiKwik for the Forex category launch on Bharat Connect. This innovation is set to transform how individuals purchase foreign exchange currencies, providing a transparent and seamless experience for users. Envisioned by RBI and in partnership with CCIL, this initiative reaffirms our commitment to making financial services easy and accessible to all Indians.”

By simplifying access to foreign exchange, MobiKwik continues to bridge everyday financial needs with technology-driven solutions that empower millions of Indians to transact with ease.

“Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, presents the Kaveri Grills experience at WelcomCafe Jacaranda”

Bengaluru, 11th November, 2025: Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, invites guests to embark on a delectable culinary journey inspired by the life-giving waters of the Kaveri River with its exclusive “Kaveri Grills” promotion, available from 14th to 23rd November 2025 at WelcomCafe Jacaranda.

Drawing inspiration from the river that sustains southern India, the Kaveri Grills experience celebrates the region’s rich freshwater heritage through a specially curated selection of river-fresh seafood, grilled to perfection at a live counter. Each dish captures the authentic essence of local flavours and ingredients, delivering a dining experience that is both rooted in tradition and elevated in presentation.

Enhancing the experience, guests can also indulge in the revamped dinner buffet, featuring a sumptuous array of Indian and international favourites each prepared with the signature craftsmanship and quality synonymous with ITC Hotels.

From the aroma of freshly grilled delicacies to the vibrant, flavourful spread that awaits, every evening at WelcomCafe Jacaranda promises to be a feast that flows with the timeless spirit of the Kaveri.

Venue: WelcomCafe Jacaranda, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru
Dates: 14th – 23rd November 2025
Dinner Buffet Timings: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Bengaluru, November 11, 2025: “India is entering a decisive phase in its science and technology journey. Our goal is not just to expand research output, but to build an innovation ecosystem that is globally competitive, economically impactful, and aligned to national priorities. The new initiatives from the National Research Foundation to the Quantum and Cyber-Physical Systems Missions and now the INR 1 trillion R&D and Innovation Fund are designed to deepen capabilities, accelerate commercialization and ensure that India leads in shaping the technologies of the future. We are building a science and innovation ecosystem that is future-ready, self-reliant and globally influential as we move towards the vision of a developed India by 2047.”

Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST), GoI said this at the inaugural session of the 3-day IEEE Future Networks World Forum 2025, today.

New Delhi, 08th November 2025: Mr Haoliang Xu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will visit India from 10 to 12 November.

The visit will focus on strengthening UNDP’s long-standing partnership with India and identifying new areas of cooperation that support sustainable development and South-South collaboration. Mr Xu will meet senior government officials and partners from the private sector, philanthropy, and civil society to discuss efforts to advance inclusive growth, digital transformation, and climate action.

During the mission, Mr. Xu will also take part in a Reception, hosted by UNDP India, commemorating six decades of India-UNDP collaboration. He will also join high-level dialogues on digital health innovation and South-South cooperation, which will highlight India’s leadership in creating scalable digital solutions like eVIN, CoWIN, and U-WIN, and in sharing knowledge and technologies across the Global South.

The visit reaffirms UNDP’s commitment to supporting India’s development priorities and contributing to national and global goals through innovation, partnership, and shared learning.

Abbott’s ‘Project Ksheersagar:’ Empowering Indian Dairy Farmers and Supporting the Local Milk Supply

Kochi, 8th November, 2025:  Good nutrition starts with quality ingredients. To help meet the demand for nutritional products in India, healthcare company, Abbott, recognized the need for a dependable supply of high-quality milk. In 2022, Abbott partnered with TechnoServe, an international non-profit, to launch ”Project Ksheersagar” a shared-value initiative in India committed to helping dairy farmers. The initiative aims to transform farmers’ lives and empower them to create a sustainable raw milk supply chain in the country. Today, Abbott shares how the initiative has positively impacted Indian farmers and families who depend on Abbott’s nutritional products.

Launched in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Project Ksheersagar invests in farmers by helping them open bank accounts, pursue employment opportunities, and receive training in financial literacy and dairy farm management best practices to grow their business. This work builds on earlier projects implemented over the past decade to support dairy farmers in India.

Abbott and TechnoServe work closely with farmers to improve milk production and guide them to provide nutritious cattle feed and improve animal husbandry practices. The program has set up 130 village-based milk collection centers for reliable cold storage, making it easier for farmers to deliver quality milk and increase their income. 

”This initiative benefits the local farming community as well as families who depend on Abbott’s nutritional products,’‘ said Joydeep Dutta, Country Director, TechnoServe India. ‘‘By adopting standardized dairy practices, Indian farmers have improved milk quality and productivity while increasing their incomes and gaining valuable knowledge.”

So far, Abbott has engaged over 12,000 dairy farmers, creating a more sustainable supply chain. The project aims to benefit around 51,000 dairy animals by implementing best practices, reducing antibiotic use, and improving animal care standards across more than,1000 farms. This initiative has reduced veterinary costs by 60% and increasing milk production by 55% over the course of the project.

“Project Ksheersagar is part of Abbott’s efforts to create a sustainable and resilient raw milk supply chain,” said Shibasish Pramanik, Supply Chain Director for Abbott’s nutrition business in India. ”This initiative helps family businesses succeed and creates opportunities for future generations. It also allows Abbott to locally source high-quality milk for our nutrition products. We expect to source 60% of our milk powder needs from farmers in the program, adding real value to our nutrition business and the families who rely on our products.”

This initiative is a key step in creating a sustainable and resilient dairy supply chain in India. Through strategic collaboration, education, and targeted investment, Abbott is enhancing livelihoods and fostering an agricultural ecosystem in India that benefits farmers, animals, and consumers alike.

Digitally Inspired Media Wins Integrated Mandate for OM SYSTEM (formerly Olympus Cameras) After Multi-Agency Pitch