New Delhi, March 6, 2023: Bajaj Finance, the lending arm of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., one of India’s leading and diversified financial services groups, today announced an increase in interest rates on Fixed Deposits, taking it for senior citizens at 8.20 per cent per annum, for a tenure of 44 months.

The company has hiked FD rates by up to 35 basis points, for tenures between 15 months to 23 months, with effect from March 4, 2023. Depositors below 60 years can earn up to 7.95 per cent per annum. For the special tenure of 33 months introduced last year by Bajaj Finance, non-senior citizens can avail FD interest rates of up to 7.75 per cent per annum while senior citizens can earn up to 8.00 per cent per annum.

Sachin Sikka, Executive Vice President – Fixed Deposits & Investments, Bajaj Finance Ltd., said, “The current interest rate environment allows investors to make the most of Fixed Deposits. Our revised interest rates on Fixed Deposits in the 44-month bucket are as high as 8.20%, enabling investors to gain from inflation-beating rates and liquidity. Booking an FD with Bajaj Finance is completely digitised and paperless, making it a simple and secure process for investors.”

Bajaj Finance Ltd. offers one of the highest rates among large financial institutions in the country. Its digital journeys offer investors a secure and simplified route to set aside and grow savings. The company offers Fixed Deposits and attractive interest rates through its app, web, branches and distributors in 4000 locations across the country. In addition, Bajaj Finance also offers access to all mutual funds in the country through its Investment Marketplace app, offering investors a wide array of investment options to choose from.

1. Bajaj Finance FD Rates (% per annum) for Non-Senior Citizens, w.e.f. 04 March 2023

1. Regular Period

1. Special Period

1. Bajaj Finance FD Rates (% per annum) for Senior Citizens, w.e.f. 04 March 2023

1. Regular Period

1. Special  Period

A comparison of old and new interest rates for cumulative FD for Non-Senior Citizens, is given below:

…

Bangalore, 06th March 2023 – As a part of its continuing emphasis towards the creation of a world-class skill pool including nurturing a mind-set for quality excellence, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) announced the setting up of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru. Aimed at offering engineering students with hands-on experience with powertrains and its functioning, the students will gain the opportunity to practically assemble and disassemble engines and gain a better understanding about automobile powertrains.

The 19th Centre in the city was inaugured by Dr. M.P Shyam, President, Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust (RSST) and Dr. K N Subramanya Principal RV College of Engineering in the presence of Mr. Swapnesh R Maru – Executive Vice President, TKM and other senior officials.

Drawing inspiration from Toyota’s efforts of enhancing skill-levels of engineering students, the tie-up has provided over 12,000 students with easy access to a robust curriculum through expert trainers, facilities, and equipment. The CoE set up within the campus will also consist of a Toyota engine, transmission, and powertrain as cut section and do-it-yourself models.

Commenting on Toyota’s support in developing world-class infrastructure and skill programs, Dr. M.P Shyam, President, RSST said, “We are delighted that Toyota has collaborated with RVCE for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Automotive Engineering. As the automotive industry is witnessing a paradigm shift by way of technological innovations, so is the demand for a skilled talent. This creates a need to bridge the industry & academia gap. The traditional syllabus and methods of learning need to be constantly upgraded in order to enhance learning and motivation amongst students, which will help in synchronizing with the rapid transition and evolving requirements of the industry. With the establishment of this Centre, we are confident that the hands-on and practical training experience will strengthen their learning abilities and create good career opportunities.”

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Swapnesh R Maru – Executive Vice President, TKM said, “TKM is committed to contributing to the “Skill India” mission, and this initiative of CoE at RVCE, further reinforces our efforts towards developing a globally competitive talent pool, required for driving the “Make in India” program. Through this collaboration, with the prestigious RV College of Engineering, our efforts are to plug the skill gap and create better entry-level engineering talent, and job opportunities, that will enable the auto industry on its path to greater localization and self-reliance. At Toyota, one of the pillars for effective learning is through Genchi Genbutsu – which is a practice of analyzing the root cause of any problem in its source, in order to solve that problem quickly, efficiently & sustainably. We have followed the same practice here, as we believe in enhancing the learning process, not just with books, but with simulations and experiential learning. Our skill enhancement-related efforts are not just about our company but for the entire industry ecosystem and we will continue to support in training the youth with new-age engineering knolwdge and make them job-ready.”

Over its 25 years of existence in India, TKM has been passionately creating a scalable and sustainable skill mandate focused to bridge the gap underlying India’s rapidly growing industrial sector with evolving technologies and the availability of skilled manpower for the entire ecosystem. From imparting quality skill education to Engineering students to the entire workforce, the company’s efforts are aimed at ensuring contribution to the country’s vision of achieving self-reliance through ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’.

Furthermore, TKM has trained over 77,760 employable youths through a variety of skill development initiatives. TKM is currently developing one Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in each district of the 31 districts in Karnataka. TKM continues to train trainees in 56 institutes across 25 States through the Toyota Technical Education Program (TTEP). The primary objective of the TTEP initiative is to enhance the student’s skill sets which will strengthen the talent pool from the grass root level and provide opportunities for youth with special focus in Rural and Semi Urban areas in line with the “Skill India“ initiative. In addition, Toyota dealers also support by providing On-Job training to these students. TKM also has collaborations with the Governments of Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Haryana, New Delhi, and Telangana to provide skill development to students and faculty members.

Recently, TKM has also undertaken a major expansion of TTTI with capacity going up from 200 to 1,200 students (academic batch-wise). This will be a major boost to the existing skill facility in its Bidadi plant with a focus to scale-up students’ skill levels on advanced technology, by Toyota expert trainers (globally certified).

Overview of TKM

Overview of TKM 1st Plant:

Overview of TKM 2nd Plant:

6th March, 2023: Noise, India’s leading connected lifestyle tech brand, is geared up to celebrate the spirit of Women’s Day by showing their support for the women in blue. As an associate partner for Women’s IPL 2023, Noise will run their film ‘Transform like Taapsee’, featuring Taapsee Pannu. Joining in the spirit of Women’s Day, the film depicts brand’s core ethos of breaking stereotypes by listening to their noise within and showcases brand’s love and support towards the team, truly exemplifying the grit and determination it takes to make it big. The film will be aired starting today, 4th March during all the 22 matches on connected TV and linear SD+HD channels including Sports 18 and Jio Cinema.

Gaurav Khatri, Co-Founder of Noise said on the announcement, “At Noise have always aimed at creating a brand that resonates with the young Indian audience and what resonates with them better than cricket? Women in cricket perfectly exemplify our brand’s core philosophy of listening to the noise within. At Noise, we are proud to join in the celebration of Women’s IPL 2023 and we are certain our young audience will relate to it while they indulge in the upcoming cricket series.”

Starring Taapsee Pannu, the film resonates with the women dominating the world of cricket as it highlights the story of the choices she has made in her life, equating those with being a Noisemaker. It brings to light how Tapsee decided to go against all odds and listen to the Noise within, like the women in blue.

The film calls out the brand’s determination to encourage the youth and women to listen to the noise within. It further highlights its support towards the women dominating the world of cricket.

Mumbai, 6th March: Mumbai-based Svatantra Microfin was founded by Ms. Ananya Birla at the age of 17. Svatantra Microfin is one of the youngest and fastest growing NBFC-MFI in the country. Till date, it has crossed an AUM of 1 billion USD, 7000 employees, a CAGR of 120% (2015-2022), and is consistently accorded “Great Places To Work”. With a CRISIL A+ rating, Svatantra is the youngest and one of the highest rated organization in the sector. Svatantra has impacted over 18 million lives, and adopted the 100% cashless disbursement method since inception.

On this partnership, Ms. Ananya Birla commented, “It is an honour to associate with the French government and AFD Group, and for Svatantra to be recognized as a key driver for financial inclusion in India. This is the beginning of a long-term relationship to further the cause of gender equity and women empowerment.”

“We are thrilled to start our cooperation with Svatantra Microfin, an important Micro Finance Institution in India, which strives to support development of women-led microbusinesses. Its strategy of achieving responsible financial inclusion of financially excluded populations in rural areas of India with the help of technology, contributes to Sustainable Development Goals achievement and is fully aligned with Proparco’s strategy in the region. We look forward to witness Svatantra’s journey of creating a significant impact in the India.” said Ms. Francoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco.

The signing ceremony was organised in the French Embassy in New Delhi in the presence of French Foreign Affairs Minister Ms. Catherine Colonna, Ambassador of France to India Mr. Emmanuel Lenin, AFD Executive Director Mr. Philippe Orliange and Proparco Regional Director Ms. Diane Jegam.

The Celebrity Cricket League 2023 is Reloaded had a great match between Punjab De Sher Vs Telugu Warriors for the 9th Game of the Celebrity Cricket League 2023 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Punjab De Sher beat Telugu Warriors in a nail-biting finish to keep their hopes alive in CCL 2023. The match was amazing with some blitzing performances by players from both sides. The game was entertaining and a powerhouse of cricketing fun in an all-new format.

It is the first time in cricket history that a T20 match will be played in 2 innings of 10 overs each. The new format offers More Cricket, More Entertainment, and More Fun with the Cine Stars from 8 teams representing the respective Film Industries (Telugu Warriors, Karnataka Bulldozers, Chennai Rhinos, Kerala Strikers, Bengal Tigers, Bhojpuri Dabanggs, Mumbai Heroes and Punjab De Sher) competing for the CCL 2023 crown.

Match 9: Punjab De Sher Vs Telugu Warriors

Playing XI Punjab De Sher: Navraj Hans, Amith Bhalla, Dev Kharod , Binnu Dhillon(c), Babbal Rai, Rahul Jaittly, Balraj Syal, Anuj Khurana(wk), Suyyansh Rai, Mayur Mehta, Daksh Ajith, Rajiv Rishi, Karan Wahi, Hardy Sandhu

Playing XI: Telugu Warriors: Akhil Akkineni(c), Sudheer Babu, Nikhil, Raghu, Samrat, Ashwin Babu, Sachiin Joshi, Prince, Ayyappa Sharma(wk), Thaman, Roshan, Simha, Vishwa, Khayyum

Toss: Telugu Warriors won the toss and decided to bat

Both teams were represented by star players from Telugu and Punjabi film industries. They had some leading actresses and influencers cheering the respective teams, adding to the Glamour.

Highlights:

1st Innings: Telugu Warriors: Telugu Warriors scored 98 Runs for 4 wickets in their allotted 10 Overs

Thaman top scored with unbeaten 37 Runs off 18 balls followed by a rapid-fire 28 by Akhil Akkineni. Punjab De Sher’s Suyyansh Rai took 3 wickets for 8 Runs in the allotted quota of 2 Overs and stem the flow of runs helping to contain Telugu Warriors below 100.

In reply:

1st Innings Punjab De Sher: Punjab De Sher scored 101 Runs for 2 wickets in the allotted 10 Overs securing the lead of 3 Runs. Babbal Rai top scored with an attacking knock of 62 Runs off 32 balls followed by well-made 18 runs by Binnu Dhillon.

In the 2nd Innings

2nd Innings Telugu Warriors: Telugu Warriors scored 112 Runs for 5 wickets in the allotted 10 Overs setting a target of 110 to win for Punjab De Sher. Ashwin Babu top scored with a blitzing knock of 32 Runs in 15 balls followed by 27 runs from 14 balls by Captain Akhil Akkineni.

In reply: Requiring 110 Runs to win

2nd Innings Punjab De Sher: Punjab De Sher achieved the target in a nail-biting finish in the last over of their innings. Mayur Mehta powered the run chase scoring 70 runs off 32 balls.

Result: Winners: Punjab De Sher beat Telugu Warriors by 6 wickets.

The league has Parle as the Title Sponsor for CCL 2023 and A23 – a skill-based gaming platform- as this season’s Presenting Sponsor.

According to Mr. Vishnu Vardhan Induri, Founder & Managing Director of Celebrity Cricket League, “We are delighted to bring back the Reimagined, Refreshed, and Reloaded edition of Celebrity Cricket League 2023. This season offers More Cricket, More Celebrities, and More Fun for the visitors with the new format of a T20 with 2 innings of 10 overs per team. We are excited at the response to the first 8 games, and especially thank the people of Bengaluru for an overwhelming response to CCL 2023 and look forward to more excitement in the rest of the games.”

Actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh is leading Mumbai Heroes, Punjab De Sher captain is actor Sonu Sood, Bhojpuri Dabanggs has actor Manoj Tiwari as their captain, actor Jisshu Sengupta is leading Bengal Tigers, Karnataka Bulldozers will be led by actor Kiccha Sudeep, Telugu Warriors is headed by actor Akhil Akkineni, Kerala Strikers has actor Kunchacko Boban as their captain and actor Aarya is captain of Chennai Rhinos.

The matches will be telecasted live and exclusively across the ZEE TV network on 6 different channels.

All 19 Games of CCL are to be telecasted on Zee Anmol Cinema, 4 League Matches of the home team, and 2 Semis + 1 Final in their respective Regional language Commentary. Matches of Mumbai Heroes will be telecasted on & Pictures Hindi, PTC Punjab will telecast matches of Punjab De Sher, Zee Cinemalu, Zee Thirai, Zee Pichar, Zee Biskope, Zee Bangla will telecast matches of Telugu Warriors, Chennai Rhinos, Karnataka Bulldozers, Bhojpuri Dabanggs, Bengal Tigers and matches of Kerala Strikers will be telecasted on Flowers TV.

CCL 2023 is all set to thrill cricket and movie fans alike in its new season – Reimagined, Refreshing, and Reloaded!

Fasten your seatbelts for more Fun!!

To plan your next 3 weekends refer to the match schedule enclosed herewith.

The Celebrity Cricket League 2023 is Reloaded witnessed an exciting encounter between Chennai Rhinos Vs Karnataka Bulldozers. Karnataka Bulldozers won the nail-biting match by 6 wickets. The match was amazing with some blitzing performances by players from both sides. The game was entertaining and a powerhouse of cricketing fun in an all-new format.

Match 10: Chennai Rhinos Vs Karnataka Bulldozers

Playing XI Chennai Rhinos: Aarya(c), Vishnu Vishal, Vikranth, Shantanu, Prithvi, Ashok Selvan, Mirchi Shiva, Bharath, Ramana(wk), Adhav Kannadhasan, N Dasarathi, Sharan, Kalai Arasan, Balasaravanan

Playing XI: Karnataka Bulldozers: Pradeep Bogadi(c), Rajeev Hanu, Kiccha Sudeep(wk), Ganesh, Krishna, Suneel Rao, Jayram Karthik, Karan Arryaan, Arjun Yogi, Petrol Prasanna, Arun Bachchan, Prathap Narayan, Chandhan Kumar, Trivikram

Toss: Karnataka Bulldozers won the toss and elected to field.

Highlights:

1st Innings Chennai Rhinos: Chennai Rhinos scored 85 Runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the allotted 10 Overs. Vikranth top scored with 26 runs followed by a rapid 22 off 17 balls by Vishnu Vishal.

In reply:

1st Innings Karnataka Bulldozers: Karnataka Bulldozers scored 109 Runs for no wickets in the allotted 10 Overs securing the lead of 24 Runs. The Opening Pair of Krishna remained unbeaten on 62 runs off 33 balls with his partner Pradeep Bogati remaining unbeaten on 46 runs off 27 balls. The opening pair has put Karnataka in the driver’s seat to win this match and become table toppers.

In the 2nd Innings

2nd Innings Chennai Rhinos: Chennai Rhinos bounced back in the game with a superlative batting performance and scored 125 Runs for 5 wickets in the allotted 10 Overs setting a target of 102 for victory for Karnataka Bulldozer. Vishnu Vishal top scored with 32 runs off 19 balls along with valuable contributions of 20+ runs each from Ramana, and Prithvi along with a closing flourish by Vikranth getting 21 runs off 7 balls to help Chennai Rhinos set a challenging target for Karnataka Bulldozers.

KarnatakaBulldozers Require 102 Runs to win

2nd Innings Karnataka Bulldozers: Chasing the target of 102 runs Karnataka Bulldozers scored 104 runs for 4 wickets in 8.1 overs and beat Chennai Rhinos by 6 wickets. The chase was controlled by a blitzing unbeaten knock of 57 runs off 18 balls with 3 fours and 5 sixes by Arun Bachchan. Jayram Karthik’s patient knock of 34 runs of 23 balls set up the run chase beautifully for Karnataka Bulldozers.

Result: Winners: Karnataka Bulldozers beat Chennai Rhinos by 6 wickets.

The league has Parle as the Title Sponsor for CCL 2023 and A23 – a skill-based gaming platform- as this season’s Presenting Sponsor.

According to Mr. Vishnu Vardhan Induri, Founder & Managing Director of Celebrity Cricket League, “We are delighted to bring back the Reimagined, Refreshed, and Reloaded edition of Celebrity Cricket League 2023 to Bengaluru. This season offers More Cricket, More Celebrities, and More Fun for the visitors with the new format of a T20 with 2 innings of 10 overs per team. We are excited at the response to the first 9 games and look forward to more excitement in the rest of the games. Tomorrow the action moves to Thiruvananthapuram.”

Actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh is leading Mumbai Heroes, Punjab De Sher captain is actor Sonu Sood, Bhojpuri Dabanggs has actor Manoj Tiwari as their captain, actor Jisshu Sengupta is leading Bengal Tigers, Karnataka Bulldozers will be led by actor Kiccha Sudeep, Telugu Warriors is headed by actor Akhil Akkineni, Kerala Strikers has actor Kunchacko Boban as their captain and actor Aarya is captain of Chennai Rhinos.

It is the first time in cricket history that a T20 match will be played in 2 innings of 10 overs each. The new format offers More Cricket, More Entertainment, and More Fun with the Cine Stars from 8 teams representing the respective Film Industries (Telugu Warriors, Karnataka Bulldozers, Chennai Rhinos, Kerala Strikers, Bengal Tigers, Bhojpuri Dabanggs, Mumbai Heroes and Punjab De Sher) competing for the CCL 2023 crown.

The matches will be telecasted live and exclusively across the ZEE TV network on 6 different channels.

All 19 Games of CCL are to be telecasted on Zee Anmol Cinema, 4 League Matches of the home team, and 2 Semis + 1 Final in their respective Regional language Commentary. Matches of Mumbai Heroes will be telecasted on & Pictures Hindi, PTC Punjab will telecast matches of Punjab De Sher, Zee Cinemalu, Zee Thirai, Zee Pichar, Zee Biskope, Zee Bangla will telecast matches of Telugu Warriors, Chennai Rhinos, Karnataka Bulldozers, Bhojpuri Dabanggs, Bengal Tigers and matches of Kerala Strikers will be telecasted on Flowers TV.

CCL 2023 is all set to thrill cricket and movie fans alike in its new season – Reimagined, Refreshing, and Reloaded!

Fasten your seatbelts for more Fun!!

To plan your next 3 weekends refer to the match schedule enclosed herewith.

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Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives, 6 March 2023 – Vakkaru Maldives invites guests to embrace the tropical magic of the Maldives with the “Five Days in Wonderland” Easter programme from 6-10 April 2023. Inspired by the renowned classic tales and in conjunction with the resort’s fifth anniversary, this five-day action-packed extravaganza promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience for guests of all ages as the island is transformed into a world of wonderland.

From themed gastronomic feasts to unique wellness and fitness rituals to egg hunts and creative crafts workshops for little ones, this is the place to be this Easter. Director of Culinary, Daabaz Driss and his team have created a range of culinary and wine journeys to tempt your palate, including a sumptuous Lobster & Champagne Dinner. Wellness seekers can use the opportunity to rejuvenate with a range of new therapies from returning wellness and fitness expert Domingos Folgado and resident yogi Anna Tsoy, plus workshops by Siddhalepa Ayurveda.

The young ones will be kept busy with creative art workshops at Parrotfish and Coconut Club, family Olympics, and more. Other sporty activities include padel tennis, volleyball, plus Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis tournament, football matches and the family kayak race.

The main highlight of the celebrations is the Easter Gala Dinner on Saturday, 8 April, at Isoletta Beach. The sumptuous international buffet with live stations will take guests on an epic culinary journey while Aura band and DJ Mira provide a soundtrack for them to dance under the stars. On Easter Sunday, 9 April, the Easter Bunny will make his appearance, followed by an exciting Easter Egg Hunt on the beach.

Book your Easter/Spring getaway at Vakkaru Maldives with our special “Blissful Escape” offer on vakkarumaldives.com and get exclusive benefits.

• – Reserve a minimum of 6 nights and save up to 40% on your accommodation with daily breakfast and complimentary daily dinner at our globally-inspired restaurants.
• – 50% discount on roundtrip transfers for up to two adults – Complimentary stay and meals for up to two children below 12 years
  Additional ‘Book Direct’ benefits
• – Resort Credit of $100 per Villa or $200 per Residence per stay – 10% discount on any individual Ayurvedic treatment
• – Complimentary non-motorised activities by Splash
• – Yoga & Wellness sessions (selected days as per weekly schedule)

For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com. For real-time updates, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/vakkarumaldives, Instagram @vakkarumaldives and Twitter @vakkarumaldives

-Maldives is a timeless sanctuary recently named the Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort in the World
Travel Awards. An awe-inspiring 30-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport takes you
to this secluded reef island, shaded by coconut palms and blessed with calming ocean views and
powder-soft white-sand beaches.

Mumbai,6th March, 2023: Post the release Holi, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil is one of India’s most fun-filled festivals celebrating happiness and togetherness. On this occasion, Marwari Sanskriti Manch and Jain International Trade Organization (JITO), a socio-cultural organization of Greater Kolkata organized a celebration of the legendary festival in absolutely new colours at the Central Park Mela Ground (Saltlake) today which was attended by: Sri. Sujit Bose, Minister of State for Fire; Sri. Sabyasachi Dutta, Chairperson of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation and many other eminent personalities.

People enjoyed the grand “HOLI MAHOTSAV 2023” which featured the Dhap – Dhamaal performance by Bawalia group and Maharaas – Flower Holi by renowned artists of Vrindavan were the special attractions of this event. The mouth watering delicious food along with Thandaai and Jharia Dal Pakodi gave a true feel to this festival of Colours! The event witnessed a footfall of more than 5000 people soaked in the hues of Holi with high festive spirits.

Speaking to the media, Sri. Niranjan Agarwal, President of Marwari Sanskriti Manch said, “While maintaining the traditional form of Holi, the main aim of the Manch was to connect people of modern thinking with it. This time also its hallmark was seen. Dhap Dhamaal by Bawalia group, Maharaas and Flower Holi gave full on entertainment to the music lovers of Kolkata. Everyone got drenched in the colors of Holi with varied traditions of merriment this year.”

On this occasion, Sri. Vinod Dugar, JATF Chairman said, “Conservation and promotion of Rajasthani culture is our priority. The kind of programs being carried forward by this platform to preserve and promote Rajasthani culture is commendable and exemplary, that’s why JITO is a part of such events.”

On this Occasion, Marwari Sanskriti Manch Chairman, Sri. Lalit Kr. Prahladka and Secretary, Sri. Ashish Mittal said, “Holi is not only a festival of colors but also of beautiful songs and emotions. Underlining the diversity of the culture, Holi is a festival that gives the message of keeping everyone drenched with Raag-Rang-Raas, that is why Marwari Sanskriti Manch gives priority to entertaining events liked by people of all ages.”

Speaking to the media, JITO Kolkata Chapter’s Chairman, Sri. Bhaven Kamdar and Treasurer, Sri. Sumit Kothari said, “We are elated with enthusiasm especially among the Jain youth for organizing Holi and believe that only healthy song-music-dance will act as a bridge between generations. The classical melodiousness and essence of Indian music is unique. It is our responsibility to take cultural consciousness to the new generation that is why Marwari Sanskriti Manch and JITO have come together for this fun-filled celebration.”

Bangalore, 6th March 2023: Longing to watch some of the best regional content but don’t want to spend those extra bucks? India’s leading telecom service provider, Vi has partnered with Sun NXT, the most comprehensive content provider in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada languages. The partnership offers Vi Postpaid customers Sun NXT’s premium HD subscription with dual screen access (mobile & TV) at no extra cost, for a period of one year.

Vi users can enjoy their favourite Movies, TV Shows and Music Videos in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada anytime, anywhere on their mobile phone or on their TV set, with the new Rs. 401 postpaid plan. In addition, Vi users can also access Sun Marathi and Bangla TV shows. From latest blockbusters like Raangi, Laatti Charge, DSP, Mahaveeryar, Thiruchitrambalam, Abbara, Annaatthe, Beast, Doctor to Popular TV shows like Ethir Neechal, Sundari, Premas Rang Yave, Vontari Gulabi, Kaliveedu, Kanalpoovu, Radhika and more on Music Videos, Live TV and other TV shows.

According to Avneesh Khosla – Chief Marketing Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, “Digitally savvy users consuming content on the go, seek choice, freedom, and flexibility. Our collaboration with Sun NXT not only further strengthens our content portfolio but also provides postpaid users access to the most exhaustive bouquet of Movies, TV Shows, and Music videos in their preferred language, at their fingertips. We will continue to cater to the bourgeoning demand for high-quality regional content, through partnerships with the best in category players.”

The annual Sun NXT membership can be activated through Vi App. Users on the new 401 plan can activate their Sun NXT membership in three easy steps:

· Download the Vi app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.

· Go to the plan benefit section and claim their Sun NXT membership

· Register on the Sun NXT app with their Vi postpaid number

Dr V Keshavan Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderaguda.

Smoking of tobacco is one of the most important preventable causes of deaths worldwide, with 1 smoking associated death occurring every 6 seconds that results in around 6 million deaths annually. It has been estimated every cigarette smoked by an individual, causes a reduction of life span by 11 minutes and that on average, tobacco users lose 15 years of life. More than 75% of these deaths occur in middle- and low-income countries. It is important to note that nearly 10% of these deaths occur among non- smokers, due to the harmful effects of passive smoking. There are enormous annual global economic costs involved, totalling more than USD 1 trillion (directly due to health care costs and indirectly, due to loss of productivity).

India is the 3rd largest tobacco producer and has the 2nd largest number of tobacco users in the world. In India, there are over 1.3 million tobacco related deaths annually. Nearly 25% of all deaths due to cardiovascular causes and over 75% of all deaths due to respiratory causes are smoking related. Indian data reveals a high incidence of oral cancer, which exceeds even the incidence of lung cancer, such that nearly 50% of all cases of oral cancer globally are detected in India every year. Smoking also increases the risk of Tuberculosis by two- fold.

Apart from the adverse health effects of tobacco use, there are also adverse environmental effects. It has been estimated that over 84 megatons of green house gases are generated globally. Also, more than 600 million trees are chopped down every year by the tobacco industry.

The second Wednesday of March every year has been designated as “No Smoking Day”. This year, it is on the 8th of March. The main objectives are two-fold: to raise awareness among people of the harmful effects of smoking and to encourage people to quit smoking.

As this is such a vitally important public health issue globally, The World Health Organization (WHO), in 1988 passed a resolution to observe the 31st of May every year as “World No Tobacco Day”.

As per Indian data (GATS- 2) published in 2017, there were nearly 100 million active smokers in India. The prevalence of smoking ranged from 3.8% in Maharashtra to 34.4% in Mizoram.

The prevalence of smoking was 11.9% in rural areas when compared to 8.3% in urban areas.

Nearly 33% of the active smokers had started smoking before the age of 18.

Tobacco usage during adolescence and early adulthood has profound public health implications. Adolescent tobacco usage leads to “accelerated dependency” within a short period after first exposure. Tobacco usage among youth has been recognized as one of the behaviours that defy social norms.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions people can take to improve and safeguard their health. This is true regardless of the age or the duration that they have been smoking. This can reduce the risk of premature death and also reduce the risk for many adverse health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. Quitting smoking is the single best way to protect family members, coworkers and friends from the risks associated with passive smoking.

There are various pharmacological and non- pharmacological methods for smoking cessation.

The pharmacological methods include nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medications like varenicline and bupropion. Nicotine replacement therapy may include nicotine patches, gums and lozenges or nicotine in the form of a nasal spray or inhaler.

Non- pharmacological methods include counselling through smoking cessation clinics or by telephone helplines and by behavioural therapy.

Vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes) has generated a lot of interest recently as a replacement for traditional cigarettes. However, it has not been found to be safer or more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in helping people to quit smoking. Electronic cigarettes also contain nicotine, and can cause addiction like regular cigarettes. Long term use of electronic cigarettes can significantly damage the blood vessels in the body, and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Data from GATS- 2 indicates that over 90% of individuals were aware that smoking causes serious illness and that passive smoking was also harmful to health.

Over 50% of active smokers had an interest in quitting smoking and nearly 40% of active smokers had made an attempt to quit smoking. In the latter group, over 70% of individuals attempted to quit smoking without assistance of any formal method of smoking cessation.

The Government of India launched the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in 2007 to raise awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and to help people to quit smoking. Various public health measures that have been adopted to tackle this issue include strict laws against smoking in public places, ban on direct and indirect advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco related products and encouragement to farmers growing tobacco, to shift to alternate crops. It is also mandatory to have pictorial and text warning labels on the covers of tobacco products.

It is heartening to note that as a response to all these measures, between 2009 and 2016, there has been significant progress in reduction of prevalence of tobacco use as per data from

GATS-2. However, it is important to note that while efforts to quit tobacco use have increased, the proportion of those who quit successfully still continues to be low. There is need for sustained efforts at all levels and coordination between various sectors to further reduce tobacco use.

Any tobacco user willing to quit usage can join the “m-cessation programme” of The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). A missed call can be given on 011-22901701 for registration. E-registration can also be done on http://www.nhp.gov.in/quit-tobacco.

An exclusive email ID quittobacco@gov.in has also been set up for promotion of this programme.

In order to quit smoking, the most important thing is to have a firm resolve. Indeed, it is difficult to stop smoking, as nicotine in cigarettes is very addictive. Patience and will power are necessary to quit the habit.

“Where there is a will, there is a way”

Dr V Keshavan

Senior Consultant Pulmonologist,

Apollo Hospitals, Hyderaguda.