New Delhi, 8th September 2023 – Bachpan Play School, a leading name in early childhood education, celebrated the joyous occasion of Janmashtami across all its branches nationwide. The celebrations marked a harmonious blend of culture and learning, as students learned about the significance of Janmashtami while participating in various engaging activities.

Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, holds immense cultural and spiritual importance in India. Bachpan Play Schools took this opportunity to impart valuable lessons about Indian traditions and values to the young learners in a fun and interactive manner.

The highlights of the Janmashtami celebrations were as follows:

Dahi Handi Competition: The spirit of Janmashtami was brought to life through the traditional Dahi Handi competition. Students enthusiastically formed teams to create human pyramids and attempted to break the pot filled with yogurt, in homage to Lord Krishna’s mischievous childhood.

Fancy Dress Contest: Children donned colorful costumes depicting Lord Krishna, Radha, and other mythological characters. This allowed them to immerse themselves in the culture and history associated with Janmashtami.

Art and Craft Workshops: Creative workshops allowed children to explore their artistic skills by making Janmashtami-themed crafts, including flutes, peacock feathers, and miniature clay pots.

Storytelling Sessions: Teachers engaged young minds with captivating stories of Lord Krishna’s life and adventures, emphasizing the values of courage, kindness, and righteousness. The children were given Traditional Sweets as well. Students relished traditional sweets such as ‘Makhan-Mishri,’ ‘Chhena,’ and ‘Peda’ during the celebrations, immersing themselves in the flavors of Janmashtami.

Lastly, all school premises were adorned with vibrant decorations, including rangoli patterns and traditional motifs, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere.

While celebrating the event, Mr. Ajay Gupta, Founder of Bachpan Play Schools and Academic Heights Public Schools said, “These celebrations also provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and creativity while learning about their heritage. Such events encourage participation and active engagement, promoting holistic development.”

Janmashtami celebrations at Bachpan Play Schools are not only about fostering a sense of cultural awareness but also about instilling values of unity, teamwork, and creativity in young learners. Through hands-on experiences and interactive sessions, children are exposed to the rich tapestry of Indian traditions.

New Delhi, 8th September 2023: Samagra, a mission-driven governance consulting firm, announced their flagship event ‘DPG Dialogues’, to be held on 11th September, supported by Omidyar Network India and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and in partnership with the global DPG Alliance (knowledge partner) and GitHub (community partner). With the theme of ‘Powering India’s growth with new digital rails: DPG & DPI’, The conference will bring distinguished industry leaders and stakeholders like Rajeev Chandrasekhar and T Koshi( CEO, INDC) under one roof. This comprehensive event is being organized as part of the Code for GovTech (C4GT) initiative with a mission to catalyze a vibrant open-source community of contributors, builders, and adopters around DPG & DPI.

In line with the PM’s vision of an ‘Aatma Nirbhar’ Bharat, building a strong digital infrastructure is vital. At the heart of this vision is delivering public services through DPI. Nurturing this goal, ‘DPG Dialogues sparks discussions that catalyse innovation and shape future conversations. The conference is specially curated to foster the vision of unifying India’s diverse digital ecosystem.

Adding to this Gaurav Goel, Founder & CEO of Samagra said “India has leapfrogged in the journey towards building DPG and DPI. As we create benchmarks, it is also important to ensure adoption and sustainability. DPG Dialogues is our small contribution to this movement.”

The conference will begin with a fireside chat with Hon’ble Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State – Ministry of Electronics, Information & Technology, Government of India which will be anchored by Gaurav Goel, Founder & CEO of Samagra. This will be followed by a discussion to delve deeper into the importance and requirement of a community within this ecosystem, with Dr. R.S. Sharma, (Ex-CEO, NHA & UIDAI). Amongst the panelists at the event are Shri Basant Garg (Additional CEO, NHA), T. Koshy (CEO, ONDC), Amitabh Nag (CEO, Bhashini), Urvashi Aneja (Director, Digital Futures Lab), Vimal Kumar (Founder, Juspay & Namma Yatri), Donald Lobo (Project Tech4Dev), Suhel Bidani (Lead – Digital, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), Ravi Prakash (Head of Architecture & Technology, FIDE ).

Ahead of the panel, Samagra will release a working version of the “DPG Contribution Readiness Framework” being built in consultation with the DPG ecosystem which aims to enable both DPG organizations and open-source contributors.

DPG Dialogues is envisioned to be the annual focal point for all stakeholders such as open-source contributors, mentors, industry leaders, DPG and DPI builders, and adopter organizations to come together under one roof. The aim is to learn, discuss and chart out the future role of DPG and DPI not just in India’s development, but it’s role at a global level.

 8th September 2023 – AVAADA Group (www.avaada.com), a frontrunner in India’s integrated energy sector, is pleased to announce its initiative to establish a cutting-edge Green Hydrogen and Ammonia manufacturing unit at Gopalpur Industrial Park, Odisha. This significant move comes in the wake of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked with Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Limited (TSSEZL).

Fast-Tracking the Green Energy Revolution

The collaboration is geared towards fast-tracking the shift to green energy and bolstering India’s ambition to emerge as a global Green Hydrogen Manufacturing Hub. “The MoU is a crucial milestone in our journey towards the fruition of our Green Ammonia venture,” remarked Mr. Vineet Mittal, Chairman of AVAADA Group.

Unwavering Support from the Odisha Government

“In light of the unparalleled support and robust initiatives from the Government of Odisha, I am actively encouraging all division heads within our group to amplify investments across various sectors in the state. The government officials in Odisha are not just regulators but facilitators, offering hands-on guidance through every step of the business process. This proactive approach has enabled us to experience the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in its truest form, perfectly aligning with the vision set forth by Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi Ji. The single-window clearance system in Odisha is not merely a policy on paper but a lived reality, making it an ideal destination for sustainable business growth,” added Mr. Mittal.

Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact

The project is slated to generate around 1,600 direct and 4,000 indirect employment opportunities. Moreover, it aims to curtail annual carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 2 million tonnes, thereby contributing significantly to a greener and more prosperous future.

New Delhi, 8th September 2023: After the successful inaugural season, Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. is thrilled to announce the second season of the ‘Unlock Your Passion’, an annual digital video contest that celebrates the spirit of passion, creativity and the drive to capture extraordinary moments.

‘Unlock Your Passion’ is a unique platform offered by Nikon India that provides budding and professional videographers a stellar opportunity to showcase their talent across various genres – from Fashion, Travel, Art, Sports, Food, and Wildlife to anything they are passionate about. The contest encourages participants to go beyond the ordinary and bring forth videos that echo with their unique perspective and creativity.

Commenting on the new campaign, Mr Sajjan Kumar Managing Director, Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Nikon India, we believe in the power of visuals to tell compelling stories; and we understand the immense power of passion and how it fuels creativity. Through ‘Unlock Your Passion – Season 2’, we are excited to provide individuals a platform to channel their inner desires into artistry and celebrate the creativity, talent, and indomitable spirit of storytelling. We look forward to receiving the outstanding work from the enthusiasts where they bring their imagination to life and turn ordinary moments to extraordinary stories. Our humble attempt is to inspire individuals to transcend boundaries with their creativity and passion.”

The theme for this year’s contest is ‘Passion-O-Graphy’ which will cover all unique and individualistic topics. With this campaign, Nikon India encourages participants to share what they love capturing. It serves as a platform for them to exhibit their talent through their unique perspective and creativity as videographers and is poised to enable self-discovery and self-expression.

The entries shall be judged by a panel of prestigious industry experts – Mr. Gagan Narang, the Olympic medalist, former world #1 shooter and wildlife photographer, Ms. Surbhi Kaushik (Travel and Landscape Photographer), and Mr. Somnath Roy (Fashion Photographer and Videographer).

Participation is open to enthusiasts aged 18 and above including amateurs and professionals. The contest shall run till 30 September 2023 and the entries can be submitted through the “Capture With Nikon” website following the link (http://capturewithnikon.in/uyps2) or by visiting the official Instagram account @NikonIndiaOfficial. While submitting their video entry, participants need to mention the Nikon camera and lens used to shoot the video and register their product. The maximum duration of the video should be up to 1 minute and is to be paired with a 100-word caption describing the story or thought behind the video.

The winners stand a chance to win prizes worth over INR 3,50,000. The first prize includes a Nikon Z 6 II with Z 24-70mm f/4 S kit, the Second Prize offered is Nikon Z 50 with NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR kit, and the third prize offered is a Nikon Z 30 with NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR kit.

This initiative by Nikon India reflects its commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.

Rohan Khurana, last seen in the critically acclaimed ‘Thappad,’ is all set to enthrall the audiences in his next with the legendary Rajshri Productions. As seen in the trailer, Rohan plays an extremely fun, full of life, crazy “Dulha” that makes for an interesting character.

Rohan shall be seen playing a pivotal role in AvnishBarjatya’s debut feature film titled ‘Dono.’ On his upcoming venture, Rohan shared his excitement, “I am so thrilled to be a part of ‘Dono.’ Even though I can’t reveal much about the character, it has been a creatively stimulating journey and I am delighted over all the love and positive response that the trailer has been garnering! I can’t wait for the audiences to experience the magic of ‘Dono.”‘

Rohan’s remarkable performances in acclaimed web series like “Thoda Adjust Please,” “Barcode,” and “Adulting” (Season 2), have left audiences highly anticipating his next performance in Rajshri Productions’ upcoming venture. On the work front, Rohan is currently hosting WWE Super Dhamaal on the Sony Sports Network and is busy shooting for a couple of untitled projects.

Embarking on a remarkable odyssey that unfolds from the bustling streets of New Delhi to the captivating landscapes of Latin America, SaurabhMonga has evolved into a revered cinematographer with a global resonance.

SaurabhMonga’s passage, shaped by his earlier ventures such as “Agra,” and culminating in the recent Netflix release “Kohrra,” is a testament to his unwavering dedication and artistic maturation. Returning to India from the United States at the tender age of 20, Saurabh’s passion for cinema ignited his journey. Over time, his quest took him to Latin America at the age of 26, where he meticulously honed his craft. During this transformative period, absorbing and traveling between the cultural landscapes of India and the West, he contributed to an array of projects including notable feature films like “The Gold-Laden Sheep & the Sacred Mountain,” “Candela,” and also lent his expertise to short films like “La Carga,” “El Destetado,” “Tiznao,” all while actively participating in the creation of ‘Kohrra,’ back in India.

Reflecting on his trajectory from these earlier projects to “Kohrra,” Saurabh shared, “It’s been a surreal experience. The four-year wait for ‘Agra’ to release was rewarded with its premiere at Cannes. Interestingly, ‘Kohhra’ came to me unexpectedly. I was on the brink of finalizing another project when Sudip approached me. I had just 48 hours to decide. ‘Kohrra’ resonated with me, and within three days, I found myself on a flight to Ludhiana. With only three weeks at hand, I immersed myself in scouting, absorbed Randeep’s vision, and grasped the essence of the project. I was fortunate that Sudip, Randeep, and I clicked so well.”

Drawing a parallel between the professional landscapes of India and the West, Saurabh pointed out, “While the emphasis on preparation might not be as pronounced in India, for me, cinematography is a vessel for storytelling, and a robust collaboration with the director serves as the cornerstone. Interestingly, this practice holds true not only in the Western context but also here in India, where directors often gravitate towards sustained collaborations with the same cinematographers, fostering a seamless creative symbiosis.”

The appreciation that followed “Kohrra” deeply touched Saurabh. As industry stalwarts like Karan Johar, Deepa Mehta, and Mira Nair applauded the series, he experienced a mixture of excitement and humility.

Reflecting on the changing landscape of storytelling, Saurabh added, “The evolution of Indian filmmaking is exciting. People now recognize cinematography and understand its importance. It’s heartening to see the media discussing various aspects of filmmaking, including scriptwriting, background scores, and cinematography.”

Following the success of “Kohrra,” Saurabh’s upcoming projects promise to showcase his skill in creating a unique interplay of light and shadow, crafting narratives that resonate universally.

MX Player and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) recently took viewers on a rollercoaster ride with their one-of-a-kind interactive film, ‘Lost And Found In Singapore.’ Starring Rithvik Dhanjani and Apoorva Arora, the film invites viewers to become a part of the narrative, steering its course through their choices as Dhruv and Sitara lead us on a journey of discovery through the enchanting streets of Singapore.

As viewers continue to cherish Dhurv and Sitara’s journey, Apoorva gives us a sneak peek into her real-life personality, unveiling an unexpected connection with Rithvik’s character, Dhruv. Apoorva said, “In real life, I am more like Dhruv and Rithvik is like Sitara, as he is an adrenaline junkie who wants to start with adventure activities directly; and that is the most apt definition of Sitara. Whereas I am a person who wants to plan things, at least the direction where I’ll be headed, which is exactly like Dhruv.”

“I am not an adventure junkie, but playing one was a huge task as I got cold feet while doing the bungee jump and other activities. On the other side of the camera, I could see Rithvik sulking because he could not do these stunts. I was jealous of Rithvik exploring the city on foot, visiting museums, going into bookstores, and enjoying nature as Dhruv. While doing adventurous activities, I even told Rithvik, ‘Aap hi Karlo, please karlo!’ However, I must admit that as the shoot ended, I liked Sitara’s way of holidaying,” she added.

MX Studios, the in-house content studio of MX Player associated with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to bring ‘Lost and Found in Singapore’ that follows the journeys of an introverted solo traveler (Rithvik Dhanjani) and an adventure-seeking girl (Apoorva Arora) who champions friendship. Amidst Singapore’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems, their destinies rest in the hands of the audience. Viewers guide their choices, creating diverse paths and unique viewing experiences. This immersive collaboration caters to younger Indian audiences, blending entertainment with novel travel inspiration.

‘Lost and Found in Singapore’ is streaming for free, only on MX Player!

New Delhi, September 7, 2023 – Today, history was made as concerned citizens, distinguished experts, and passionate advocates gathered at the Pass Club of India in New Delhi for the “Veto4India: Haq Banta Hai! India Deserves” event. This landmark occasion marked a significant step in the ongoing movement to secure a Permanent Seat for India at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The event, held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, witnessed distinguished guests Shri Arvind Singh, Founder of Veto4India, Ambassador Shri Anil Trigunayat IFS (Retd.), Shri Melwyn Williams Chirayath (Cine Actor, Writer, Director, Producer, Festival Consultant & Curator, Entrepreneur & Culture Journalist), and Shri Desh Rattan Nigam, Supreme Court Advocate.

An enlightening skit was also performed by Shri Ram Centre Professionals amid a lively Question & Answers Session, where participants voiced their thoughts and concerns.

Shri Arvind Singh, Founder of Veto4India, said, “Today, we gather not just as citizens, but as stewards of India’s destiny, demanding the recognition our nation deserves on the world stage.”

Melwyn Williams Chirayath, said, : “India’s cultural richness, innovation, and diversity make it a potent force for positive change. Let us unite to ensure that this vibrant tapestry finds its rightful place in shaping international affairs.”

Desh Rattan Nigam, Supreme Court Advocate, said,: “In the halls of justice and diplomacy, we advocate not only for India’s aspirations but for justice itself. India’s seat at the UNSC isn’t just a seat; it’s a seat for justice, equity, and progress.”

The “Veto4India” movement was initiated by Arvind Singh, an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, who firmly believes that India, with its remarkable achievements and contributions on the global stage, deserves a permanent seat at the UNSC. The movement has gained immense momentum, with over 30,000 individuals signing the petition on change.org.

India’s rise as the world’s most populous country, coupled with its status as the fastest-growing economy and the largest democracy, underscores the importance of recognizing its worth and providing it with the representation it deserves at the United Nations. India’s significant contributions to UN Peacekeeping missions further emphasize its role as a responsible global citizen.

Arvind Singh’s call for India to be granted a permanent seat at the UNSC is resonating with people both in India and around the world. The online petition has garnered substantial support and continues to grow. As the movement gains traction, the international community is closely watching to see if India will finally receive the recognition it merits.

Arvind Singh, an ex-international banker, who has returned to India after three decades overseas, is dedicating his time and efforts to the cause of nation-building. His mission to secure a permanent seat for India at the UNSC has garnered the support of experts, retired Indian Foreign Service Officers, and concerned citizens who believe that India’s inclusion at the highest decision-making table will strengthen the United Nations and foster a more balanced and inclusive global agenda.

07th September 2023: Makoons Play School, a leading early childhood education institution, celebrated the festival of Janmashtami, across all its branches. The aim was to instill valuable lessons and focus on Lord Krishna’s teachings of spreading love. The event was celebrated on 7th September, 2023 across all its branches. This year, Makoons Play School gave the children aged between 1-5 years, an opportunity to reflect on their values of kindness, empathy and the art of giving, through their performances and interactive games.

Makoons is India’s fastest growing play school franchise established to fill the gap that exists in pre school education. Keeping in mind, Makoons aimed to create a space to teach valuable lessons and know more about the cultural heritage by celebrating Janmashtami. The festival of Janmashtami, marks the birth of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the 8th day, which is called as “Ashtami of Krishna Paksh”.

Their wide range of games like Dahi-Handi competition, painting the portrait of Baby Krishna, and Matka-making competition saw a great number of participation from the students. There were little children dressed as Krishna, Radha and other mythological characters that stole hearts during the Janmashtami celebration. Without the uplifting melodies of Krishna-centred devotional songs, the celebration would have been incomplete. There were also children that showcased “The Raslila”, a traditional story of Krishna dancing with Radha and the gopis of Braj. The Traditional milk sweets like rabri, kheer, peda, gopalkala, misti doi and “meva ke ladoo” were a highlight of the celebration.

“I believe that festivals like Janmashtami are not just cultural celebrations but valuable opportunities for our young learners. It’s a time when we can instill in them the values of love, compassion, and the joy of learning.” says Vijay Kumar Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Makoons Group of Schools. He also added, “ Through our Janmashtami celebrations, Makoons Play School aims to create a nurturing environment where children not only have fun but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage”.

The programme was attended by parents, staff, colleagues, workers and authorities. They encouraged the event to be a successful one by participating in good numbers which also motivated children in giving their best. The event was a successful celebration of togetherness, depicting “Unity in Diversity” curating the mission of Makoons Play School.

86% of Gig Delivery Riders Report High Traffic congestion in delivery radius, with 55% citing Traffic as main obstacle to Timely deliveries reveals Borzo Survey

Borzo (erstwhile WeFast), a global intra-city delivery service, recently conducted a survey to gather insights on the increasing traffic congestion and its impact on the delivery experience for Gig Delivery riders.The survey findings provide valuable insights into the challenges such as traffic and road conditions, incidents, delivery pressures, parking availability, and signal duration from the perspective of Gig delivery riders. The sample size of the survey was 5310 gig delivery partners.

Key insights from the survey include

1. Traffic Situation Perception: According to the survey, 23.7% of the respondents reported that the traffic situation has worsened over the past year, while 21.8% think that there is an improvement. Additionally, 26% believed that the traffic situation remained as bad as before, and 28.4% considered it to be normal.
2. Road Situation Perception: The survey also highlighted concerns regarding views on roads in the cities. Approximately 20.6% of the respondents reported a decline in road structure and situation, while 31% Gig delivery riders noticed an improvement in roads compared to last year. However, 18.4% believed that road conditions remained as bad as before, and 30% considered them to be normal.
3. Increasing traffic congestion: 86.8% Gig Delivery riders said that the Traffic congestion in their delivery area is high, while 13.2% delivery partners do not suffer from traffic congestion.
4. Top Reasons for Slow Deliveries: The survey also gathered data on the top reasons that make deliveries slow. 55.5% of the respondents stated that traffic is the primary reason for slow deliveries. 26.4% Gig delivery workers attribute road closure due to constructions as the reason for slow deliveries. 12% respondents state Bad/uneven roads as a factor for slow deliveries. Other reasons comprised of 6.6%.
5. Factors Contributing to Traffic Congestion: When asked about the main factors contributing to traffic congestion in their delivery areas, respondents identified Road construction (35.9%) and the High volume of vehicles on roads (39.2%) as the primary causes. Other contributing factors included uneven parking on roads (15.8%) and narrow lanes (6%). Other reasons comprised of 3.1%.
6. Accidents and Near-Miss Experiences: The survey revealed that 55.5% of the delivery riders have been involved in traffic accidents or near-miss incidents while making deliveries. Whereas 44.5% respondents sate that during deliveries they have not been involved in any untoward incidents.
7. Delivery Pressures: The survey also examined the impact of delivery pressures on rider behavior. Results showed that 50.7% of the respondents admitted to occasionally speeding on their bikes due to the pressure of delivering fast. 49.3% riders state that they do not indulge in speeding while performing deliveries.
8. Parking Availability and its relation with Traffic: A significant 89.9% of respondents believed that the lack of parking space contributes to traffic congestion on main roads in their delivery areas. This clearly calls for the need for improved parking infrastructure to enhance the efficiency of delivery operations.
9. Long Signal Duration: The survey included an important aspect of signal duration and their impact on delivery operations. It revealed that 76.8% of the delivery riders felt that signals in their delivery areas tend to be longer, potentially affecting delivery timelines, whereas 23.2% do not agree with the same.

“ The findings from this survey has given a fresh perspective of last-mile challenges faced by various delivery riders operating fleets for various players. Since the delivery radius and route of riders is similar during daily operations, there’s a need to relook at the challenges such as Traffic congestion and management, Signal duration, Parking infrastructure, Road conditions to greatly improve the effciency of last-mile logistics sector. The challenges faced by delivery riders in meeting tight delivery timelines and the potential risks associated with time constraints, needs a thorough consideration by the industry. By working towards some of these challenges, Borzo aims to ensure safety and efficiency of its delivery riders .” said Eugene Panfilov, General Manager, Borzo India.

In India, Borzo has a fleet of over 80,000 delivery partners who serve Enterprise hyperlocal and SME segment.