Archives January 2025

India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. made a striking impact at Comic Con, India’s premier pop culture festival, held on January 18–19, 2025, at KTPO, Whitefield, Bengaluru. Known as a hub for innovation and technology, Bengaluru provided the perfect setting for this iconic event, seamlessly merging creativity, lifestyle, and cutting-edge technology.

 The event brought together a vibrant mix of attendees, including comic book fans, anime enthusiasts, motorcycle lovers, and tech-savvy individuals, all eager to immerse themselves in Yamaha’s unique brand experience. Yamaha’s Experience Zone stood out as a highlight, captivating visitors with a range of engaging activities. Virtual racing through the MotoGP gaming setup offered an adrenaline-filled experience, while the Samurai-themed MT-03 and YZF-R15 motorcycles created picture-perfect moments for attendees. The RayZR Street Rally allowed fans to capture and instantly share their memorable experiences, adding to the excitement of the event.

 The enthusiasm of the crowd was unmistakable as attendees celebrated their love for motorcycling and Yamaha’s innovation. Yamaha recognized this passion by rewarding the most engaged cosplayers and fans with exclusive Comic Con and Yamaha branded merchandise and memorabilia.

 As Bengaluru Comic Con 2025 draws to a close, Yamaha reaffirms its commitment to creating innovative experiences that connect deeply with India’s youth. Events like Comic Con not only highlight Yamaha’s position as a premium and sporty motorcycle brand but also strengthen its bond with young Indians by merging the thrill of motorcycling with the vibrant energy of pop culture. Yamaha continues to inspire and engage, fostering lifelong Yamaha fans for generations to come.

Bengaluru, January 20, 2025: India’s urban transportation landscape is set for a significant transformation as leading urban mobility platform, Rapido, announces its ambitious 500-city expansion plan at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, starting from January 17th. The company’s presence at the expo will showcase its commitment to connecting communities and fostering economic empowerment through accessible and convenient transportation solutions.

Building on its current operations in over 120 cities and having facilitated over 200 crore rides, the expansion will roll out in phases. Beginning in February with Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Rajasthan, the initiative will progressively extend affordable mobility options to new states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and others. This strategic approach aims to cater to the diverse transportation needs of a rapidly developing Bharat. Captains on the platform have earned a total of ₹15,111 crore since inception, and the platform facilitates 3.6 million rides daily.

“The Bharat Mobility Expo provides a vital platform to discuss the future of transportation in India,” said Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder, Rapido. “We’re excited to share our vision and demonstrate how technology can create positive social and economic impact. With over 1.3 crore Captains earning over 15,000 crore rupees on the platform, our expansion to 500 cities is a testament to our commitment to empowering individuals and building a more connected India. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders at the expo and collaborating to shape a more accessible and sustainable future for urban mobility.”

The Bharat Mobility Expo serves as a critical forum for industry leaders, policymakers, and the public to discuss and shape the future of transportation. The company’s participation underscores its dedication to innovation, accessibility, and its role in building a more mobile and connected India. Visitors to the stall can explore initiatives across our Bike, Auto, and Cab services. The company’s focus on safety and customer experience will also be highlighted. These initiatives showcase the platform’s contribution to creating over 1.8 million earning opportunities within the gig economy. The company’s innovative technology, focused on enhancing customer experience and safety, will also be a key highlight.

Mumbai, January 20, 2025- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has been recognized with the Great Place to Work® Certification for second time in a row, affirming its commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture for its employees. Awarded in the Non-Profit and Charity category, this certification reflects NSDC’s continuous dedication to employee satisfaction and organizational excellence.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International, stated, “This is a testament to NSDC’s core values of integrity, inclusion, innovation and impact, which makes it an inspiration for every member of NSDC to excel. We are committed to nurturing an environment that promotes learning, innovation, and equitable opportunities for all.” He also mentioned that NSDC celebrates its identity as a diverse and inclusive community, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and respect throughout the organisation, which is essential for a productive and rewarding work environment.

The Great Place to Work® is a global leader in workplace culture, helping organizations create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience. In India, the Great Place to Work® collaborates with over 1400 organizations annually, spanning 22 diverse industries. According to its research, exemplary workplaces share attributes such as effective leadership, a consistently positive employee experience, and a commitment to sustainable financial performance.

NSDC has significantly contributed to India’s skilling ecosystem by facilitating the implementation of several successful upskilling initiatives and vocational institutions which have elevated the benchmarks of skilling in India. With more than 40,000 training centres across 750 districts, NSDC successfully placed 9.4 million candidates, trained over 40.19 million candidates, including 18 million women and 12.9 million individuals from urban and rural India. One of the NSDC’s most transformative initiatives has been the launch of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) which provides a comprehensive platform integrating skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

This latest accolade reinforces NSDC’s position as a leader in skill development in the industry and workplace culture in India, paving the way for impactful changes at both grassroots levels and within the professional landscape.

Gurugram, January 20, 2025 – Signature Global Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Signature Global (India) Limited, has launched AarogyaRise, a mobile health clinic initiative designed to deliver quality healthcare services to rural and underprivileged areas in Gurugram.

At a ceremony held at Signature Towers, Sector 30, Gurugram, the leadership team of Signature Global, in collaboration with Artemis Hospital, flagged off the AarogyaRise buses.

Following the inauguration, two medical buses were proceeded to the Signature Global Superbia located at sector 95 and Signature Global City 93 sites, where health check-up camps were organized, prioritizing the well-being of labourers.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman of Signature Global, said: “At Signature Global, we envision a world where access to essential services like healthcare, education, and skill development is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all. AarogyaRise is a significant step in this direction, bringing quality healthcare directly to those who need it most in rural and underserved areas. This initiative goes beyond treatment, focusing on awareness, prevention, and early detection to empower communities to lead healthier lives.

Our commitment to societal upliftment is also reflected in other initiatives of the Signature Global Foundation, such as Project Paathshala, which has positively impacted over 28,000 children across 52 schools, with a mission to bring smiles to one lakh kids, and Jagruk Beti Swasth Beti, which has reached over 4,000 girls to promote health and hygiene awareness. AarogyaRise is a natural extension of our efforts to foster sustainable, inclusive growth and build a stronger, healthier society for generations to come.”

AarogyaRise is a transformative “Health Access on Wheels” initiative aimed at addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas. The fully equipped mobile clinic provides a wide range of essential medical services, including OPD consultations, gynecological care, general physician support, dental and eye care, and a mobile ICU for emergencies.

The clinic will travel to remote villages, conducting medical camps to offer free consultations, health check-ups, and preventive care services. By prioritizing health awareness, disease prevention, and early detection, AarogyaRise is revolutionizing healthcare delivery for underserved populations, reaffirming Signature Global Foundation’s commitment to driving positive societal change.

January 18, 2024— Prime Video, India’s most-loved entertainment destination, today announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of National Award-winning filmmaker Shoojit Sircar’s latest cinematic offering, I Want To Talk. Produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar under the banner of Rising Sun Films, this heartfelt drama stars Abhishek Bachchan in the lead, along with Ahilya Bamroo, Jayant Kriplani, Johnny Lever, Pearle Dey, and Kristin Goddard in pivotal roles. The film is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories worldwide.

A deeply emotional and thought-provoking drama about resilience, I Want to Talk follows the transformative journey of Arjun Sen, a chatty and shrewd Bengali man living the quintessential “American Dream.” Arjun’s life is upended when he learns he has only 100 days to live. Faced with his mortality, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities and reassess what truly matters in his life. His journey becomes a sincere quest to reconnect with his estranged seven-year-old daughter and to make every remaining moment count, making for an intrinsically true-to-life father-daughter story.

“I Want To Talk is a poignant reminder of the indomitable power of human connection and resilience. I’ve always been fascinated by the complexities of human relationships and how these can help one heal and transform. Through this film, I wanted to tell a story that would not only touch hearts but also spark meaningful conversations and inspire audiences to cherish every moment with their loved ones. This film would not have been possible without the incredibly talented cast and crew, who poured their hearts and souls into bringing this story to life. I’m delighted that audiences worldwide can now stream our labor of love, on Prime Video,” said director Shoojit Sircar.

18th January 2025: The CREDAI-Pune Metro’s 23rd edition of the annual property exhibition, the Pune Property Expo 2025, was inaugurated today by Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation. The exhibition, held at the Agriculture College Ground, Pune, will run until 19th January 2025. The exhibition aims to provide a platform for homebuyers and investors to explore a wide range of real estate options, including affordable to luxury housing, NA plots to premium villas, commercial properties to pre-leased assets. The event will bring together over 55 trusted developers, showcasing more than 400 RERA-registered projects from Pune, PCMC and PMRDA regions.

During the launch, Honorable Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation of India Shri Murlidhar Ji Mohol, said “I am delighted to be a part of the CREDAI-Pune Metro Property Expo 2025. This platform is crucial for discussing the steps being taken towards Pune’s development. I greatly value the suggestions shared by the President of CREDAI and firmly believe that organizations like CREDAI-Pune Metro contribute significantly to the development and betterment of Pune as a city. Pune currently has a thriving population of 70 lakh, which is expected to grow in the coming years. As proud Punekars, we must work together and actively contribute to the city’s development. By collaborating and supporting positive initiatives, we can address challenges like traffic congestion and infrastructure improvement, ensuring a brighter future for Pune. Our current priorities include constructing new roads and infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion, and advancing airport development. With one lakh new houses being built annually, increasing urbanisation is putting significant pressure on the city’s infrastructure. To address the water supply challenges, we are working on installing 1,800 km of new water pipelines and water meters.”

Mr. Ranjit Naiknavare, President, CREDAI- Pune Metro, said “CREDAI Pune Metro is proud to work hand in hand with the Government and the policymakers. We had a productive conversation with Union Minister Mohol where we discussed various issues for the betterment of the city and infrastructure for the citizens at large related to environment, fast track Metro Expansion, reforms in cooperative housing sector laws and construction of an international convention centre in Pune.”

Also present on the occasion were Vice Presidents Manish Jain, Arvind Jain and managing committee members Kapil Gandhi, Punit Oswal and Anup Jhamtani.

Visitors can look forward to several highlights, including special offers, spot loan assistance from leading financial institutions and entertainment activities. On 19th January, the expo will host customer-focused seminars featuring notable experts. Key sessions include:

· The Essentials of Redevelopment for Homeowners, a panel discussion featuring prominent speakers such as Mr. Gautam Chaterjee (Ex-Chairman, Maha RERA), Mr. Suhas Patwardhan (Chairman, Maharashtra Co-Operative Housing Federation) and Mr. Vikram Karandikar (M.D. Chaphalkar Karandikar), moderated by Mr. Sanjay Deshpande (CMD, Sanjeevani Developers).

· The Hidden Checklist Every Homebuyer Needs by Mr. Rahul Ajmera, Partner, Vasupujya Corporation.

· Role of Homebuyers in Eco-Friendly Practices by Mr. Sandeep Sonigra, M.D., Orange County Group.

18th January, 2024: Lodha Genius Programme, the flagship education initiative of the recently endowed Lodha Foundation, in partnership with Ashoka University, calls for applications from the brightest minds from Grades 9 – 12 to join its fully funded multi-year educational programme. The application window is open from December 01, 2024 to January 15, 2025. This announcement comes close on the heels of the recent endowment to the Lodha Foundation by Abhishek Lodha and his family.

The Lodha Genius Programme is a multi-year initiative that includes an annual four-week campus experience at Ashoka University, paired with year-round continued learning. It is designed to complement all major examination boards, helping students deepen their studies and explore various career paths in their chosen fields. The programme offers a unique combination of immersive science and mathematics courses, practical life skills, continuous mentorship, and exclusive internship opportunities. The programme identifies and supports students from middle school through to their first job, collaborating with distinguished academics, including Nobel Laureates. It also provides scholarship opportunities for select students to study in the US or attend prestigious international STEM events.

Commenting on the Programme, Mahika Shishodia, Head of Education, Lodha Foundation, said, “The Lodha Genius Programme is the flagship education initiative of the newly endowed Lodha Foundation. The focus of the Programme is to enhance the quality of education, especially for gifted children, irrespective of income background, from all over India. The children are assessed through an entrance exam that focuses on scientific reasoning, mathematics, and logic, rather than a specific curriculum. We then select students based on their problem-solving abilities and conduct interviews to identify the brightest minds—whom we define as ‘geniuses’. In its third year, the programme will offer these geniuses access to people, opportunities and ideas that will help propel them forward. The Lodha Genius Programme aims to shape tomorrow’s changemakers, leaders and philanthropists; children who will lead India towards a sustainable future and give back to the nation and society.

“The Lodha Genius Programme represents a groundbreaking initiative that combines the best of rigorous academic learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure. We are proud to collaborate with the Lodha Foundation in nurturing exceptional young talent and to take this initiative further this year, making meaningful contributions to the education industry and society. Since last year, we have witnessed extensive participation from India’s exceptional students. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to shaping India’s future through education,” Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University said.

Prof. K. VijayRaghvan, Chair, Science Advisory Council, Ashoka University commented “The Lodha Genius Programme is a comprehensive and innovative educational initiative that goes far beyond a typical summer program. In addition to an engaging summer experience at Ashoka, it offers year-round immersive learning, mentorship, and development opportunities. The collaboration between Ashoka University and the Lodha Foundation is a testament to our shared commitment to empowering India’s future leaders and changemakers through education.”

18 January 2025: FWD by Myntra, one of India’s leading GenZ fashion and lifestyle destinations, has unveiled a witty and entertaining campaign featuring chess grandmasters Vishwanathan Anand and Gukesh Dommaraju, showcasing the latest GenZ collection on Myntra’s FWD platform. Designed to resonate with the bold and trendy preferences of GenZ shoppers, this campaign blends humor, style, and pop culture in an innovative ad film.

The core message of the campaign unfolds as Anand, in his quest to connect with GenZ, seeks Gukesh’s help in mastering their lingo. From hilariously mispronouncing “skibidi” as “kabaddi” to performing an offbeat Michael Jackson move, Anand’s attempts at pop culture highlight the generational gap. Gukesh humorously suggests that while mastering GenZ lingo may be a tall order, donning GenZ outfits from FWD by Myntra can be the perfect way to bridge the gap.

Set against a vibrant and stylish backdrop, the campaign video brings together two generations of chess excellence. It kicks off with Gukesh, sporting a cutting-edge FWD outfit complete with trendy glasses, a sleek jacket, and bold accessories, as Vishwanathan Anand playfully inquires how it feels to be the world chess champion. The duo’s lighthearted banter begins, with Gukesh humorously flaunting his trophy and Anand one-upping him with a subtle flex of his own: “Touch? I have five of them. Do you want to touch four more?” Gukesh’s amused response—“Nice flex, sir”—ties in seamlessly with the GenZ obsession with ‘flexing’ in style.

When Gukesh suggests everyone ink their iconic moments, Anand humorously notes he’d run out of space with his achievements. The campaign wraps up with Anand asking if it’s ‘Forward’ or ‘FWD,’ and Gukesh cheekily replied, “Depends on who’s talking—Vishy or Vishwanathan Anand.” Anand’s closing line, “Vishy, sir,” seals the moment with charm. The video ends with Anand confidently embracing his new FWD look, sporting trendy GenZ-inspired attire and joining Gukesh in getting a tattoo.

Creative credits –

Agency: Braindad

Writer & Director: Vishal Dayama

Producer: Devarsh Thaker

On the launch of the ad film, Sunder Balasubramanian, CMO, of Myntra, said, “With this campaign we intended to tap into the incredible surge of interest in chess, especially among Gen Z, fueled by popular streamers, comedians, and the impressive achievements of young players like Gukesh – one of the youngest to achieve grandmaster status. We also know that Viswanathan Anand’s influence resonates strongly with younger audiences. This campaign brings these two iconic chessmasters generations together to highlight how FWD by Myntra helps you look your freshest and best. FWD is all about keeping Gen Z ahead of the curve in fashion, and what better way to showcase that than by partnering with icons who embody both timeless appeal.”

FWD by Myntra has rapidly become a dominant force in the GenZ fashion market, surpassing a major milestone by more than doubling its customer base to 16 million in just over a year. The platform offers a wide range of over 1 lakh styles, featuring 75,000+ trend-first designs with 2,500 new drops weekly, ensuring young shoppers always have access to fresh, on-trend items. From oversized tees and cargo pants to co-ord sets, bold accessories, and partywear, FWD caters to every mood and occasion, offering trendy, affordable options that empower budget-conscious Gen Z consumers to experiment fearlessly with fashion and make bold, unforgettable style statements.

18th January 2025: To a healthier Hyderabad: Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, launches the exclusive Healthy Hyderabad Health Check initiative as part of Apollo’s continuous effort to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by encouraging people to avail preventive health checks early on. The digital launch took place on January 15 at Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad in the presence of Shri Satish Kumar Jaju (Business Cell Convenor, BJP), Shri Ramesh Kumar Bung (Chairman, Mahesh Bank), Shri Pramod Kumar Kedia (Sr. Counsel and Chairman, Agrasen Co-Operative Urban Bank Ltd.), and other eminent personalities of Hyderabad.

The Healthy Hyderabad Health Check has been launched to increase awareness about preventive health checks among the people of Hyderabad. This is part of Apollo Hospitals‘ continuous effort to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by improving the adoption of health checks. The Healthy Hyderabad Health Check is an exclusive package that offers a full body checkup to individuals through blood and urine work. X-ray and ultrasonography are also part of the package. The exclusive package for women will include cervical screening as well.

18 Jan 2025: Isuzu Motors India will showcase its electric mobility concept pickup with the unveiling of its Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototype, D-MAX BEV at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. The vehicle was first unveiled in Thailand, earlier this year. The D-MAX BEV has been developed to meet a broad range of commercial and passenger vehicle needs while retaining the tough underlying performance expected of pickup trucks. This marks a significant step in Isuzu’s journey toward sustainable innovation, underscoring its commitment to developing future-ready solutions.

The concept vehicle is equipped with a full-time 4WD system with newly developed e-Axles in front and rear, offering excellent performance on rough roads and linear acceleration. With high towing capacity along with a robust frame and body design, the D-MAX BEV will perform just as well as existing diesel models.

In addition to the D-MAX BEV, Isuzu will also showcase the accessorized version of the D-MAX S-CAB Z. The vehicle is a testament to the brand’s legacy of delivering robust, reliable, and versatile vehicles. Renowned for its durability and efficiency, the D-MAX S-CAB Z continues to be a preferred choice for commercial operations, offering exceptional performance and functionality. Both these vehicles align with the company’s Bharat Mobility theme of ‘Now… and Forever.’

Isuzu Motors India made notable achievements in its portfolio in the year 2024. This includes the production milestone of one lakh vehicles at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The landmark milestone was achieved with the rollout of the popular Isuzu D-MAX model that has consistently garnered trust and recognition for its durability and reliability. Isuzu Motors India also strengthened its position as a leading exporter of commercial vehicles from India further reiterating Isuzu’s ‘Make-in-India’ commitment.

In addition to ramping up production, Isuzu Motors India has significantly expanded its reach across the country. Going forward, the company is looking at strategically increasing its touch points for taking the brand much closer to its customers. The company is also making strides in workforce diversity, with 22% of its production line workforce comprising talented women—a reflection of its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

As Isuzu continues to deliver vehicles built on a foundation of quality, reliability, and innovation, the brand’s philosophy of “Never Stop” remains at the heart of its operations, inspiring every step toward creating meaningful mobility solutions.