Archives September 2025

Bharat Prawaas Awards 2025 Celebrates Excellence in Passenger Mobility; Shri Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates Event

Mumbai / New Delhi, September 12, 2025: The Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) successfully hosted the Bharat Prawaas Awards 2025 today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished leaders from government, industry, and the mobility ecosystem.

The Event was inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, who graced the ceremony as Chief Guest. The event was further distinguished by the presence of Shri Prakash Sangam, CEO, redBus, Shri Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, Shri Satish Sehrawat, President, Indian Tourist Transporters Association (IATA), and Dr. Harish Sabharwal, President, All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). Senior leadership from BOCI, including Shri Jagdeo Singh Khalsa, Chairman; Shri Prasanna Patwardhan, President; Shri Mohammed Afzal, National Vice-President; Shri D.R. Dharmaraj, General Secretary, Shri Harsh Kotak, Treasurer of BOCI and Shri Jagdish Patankar, Exec. Chairman, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications, the Event Curator.

The Bharat Prawaas Awards, earlier held alongside the biennial Prawaas event, has now emerged as a national platform that will annually recognize and celebrate excellence in India’s passenger mobility and transportation sector. Anchored in the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Awards honoured organizations and individuals who have contributed to building a modern, inclusive, and sustainable transport ecosystem.

This year’s edition, supported by redBus as the Lead Partner, received nominations from over 230 organizations and individuals across the mobility sector, out of which 63 winners were felicitated. One of the key categories was the People’s Choice Awards, instituted by redBus to honour the invaluable contribution of bus operators to India’s ground transport ecosystem. These awards featured sub-categories such as the Rising Star Awards, recognizing emerging operators demonstrating exceptional growth and innovation, and the STU Awards, highlighting excellence and service delivery by State Transport Undertakings. Driven by public participation and backed by data-based assessments across parameters like safety, operational excellence, and customer service, these recognitions carry special significance. The Prawaas Excellence Awards further honoured 44 winners for best practices in operations, services, technology adoption, and sustainability.

On this occasion, BOCI also formally announced the fifth edition of Prawaas, India’s flagship multimodal transport show, which will be held in August 2026 at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. To mark the announcement, a special preview film was screened, offering participants a glimpse of the scale, vision, and highlights expected at Prawaas 5.0.

Another significant milestone was the announcement of a State Ranking Index, being developed by BOCI in partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI), to assess the ease of bus operations and the sector’s investment climate. Covering themes such as business environment, workforce, safety, clean fuel transition, PPP, and institutional buses, the index aims to spur reforms and healthy competition among states. The full State ranking report will be released at Prawaas 5.0 in 2026.

Following the Awards, BOCI hosted the BOCI Dialogue, a half-day leadership forum designed to bring together policymakers, fleet operators, OEMs, technology pioneers, and industry stakeholders to shape the future of Indian mobility. The opening session titled “Building Future-Ready Mobility for a Viksit Bharat” highlighted how public transport can become the backbone of equitable, efficient, and sustainable growth for a developed India by 2047. The second session, “Regulatory Innovations for Smart and Sustainable Transport”, explored how progressive regulatory frameworks can accelerate the adoption of smart mobility solutions, strengthen safety, and create a transparent, future-ready ecosystem for operators, manufacturers, and passengers.

The Bharat Prawaas Awards 2025 and the BOCI Dialogue together reinforced BOCI’s commitment to advancing India’s transport sector and aligning the industry with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The event not only celebrated excellence but also reaffirmed the collective responsibility of policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators in shaping India’s journey towards a safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility future.

Men’s Dinner event to feature keynote speaker Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. 

(St. Louis, Mo., September 12, 2025) St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer (STLMGAC) – a leading nonprofit dedicated to funding cancer research, prevention, and care activities in the St. Louis region – will hold its 54^th annual Men’s Dinner on Thursday, November 20, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton located at 100 Carondelet Plaza in Clayton, Mo.

Tickets are $425 per person with proceeds directly benefiting local cancer-related organizations. The evening will feature an open cocktail bar, hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner, and both live and silent auctions. This year’s keynote speaker will be Pro Football Hall of Famer and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Terry Bradshaw.

Bradshaw is a four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, and a multi-Emmy and award-winning broadcaster for FOX NFL Sunday. An accomplished motivational speaker and New York Times bestselling author of five books, Bradshaw brings inspiration and recognition to the Men’s Dinner event.

St. Louis beneficiaries of this year’s STLMGAC fundraiser include the American Cancer Society-Hope Lodge, The Bennet Project, BJC Healthcare, The Breakfast Club, Camp Rainbow, The Cancer Support Community, The December 5^th Fund Friends of Kids with Cancer, Gateway to Hope, HavenHouse St. Louis, Make A Wish Foundation – Missouri, Mercy Cancer Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, SSM Health Foundation St. Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, Valeda’s Hope, and Washington University School of Medicine.

Since its inception in 1969, STLMGAC has raised more than $6 million for over 40 charities serving the St. Louis cancer community. The independent nonprofit provides vital support to individuals facing a cancer diagnosis and is committed to advancing scientific research in the search for a cure.

For information about the Men’s Dinner sponsorship opportunities and purchasing tickets, call (314) 786-5950 or visit their website.

September 12, 2025: Barsana Magic, the flagship wellness brand from Sanjeevani Agrofoods Limited, proudly unveils its all-new Protein Range, crafted to make protein simple, delicious, and accessible for everyone. Guided by the mission “Protein for All”, this launch introduces protein-packed coffees and an Everyday Protein Mix, designed to fuel energy, fitness, and daily wellness. The Barsana Magic Protein range is crafted to meet everyday essential need of Protein for every age.

A Smarter Way to Stay Energized

Today’s fast-paced lifestyles demand more than just taste, they need real nutrition, delivered quickly and conveniently. Barsana Magic’s Protein Range does exactly that, blending great flavors with high-quality protein to help individuals hit their daily goals without hassle. Whether you’re hitting the gym, working long hours, or simply managing household routines, this range gives you the perfect balance of energy, strength, and recovery.

The Protein Line-Up

Protein Dark Chocolate Coffee – Bold cocoa meets smooth coffee, delivering 25g protein in every 35g pouch for powerful recovery.
Protein Iced Latte Coffee – A chilled latte with a healthy twist, energizing you anytime, anywhere.
Protein Iced Mocha Coffee – A coffee bean indulgence that fuels strength without guilt.
Protein Iced Vanilla Coffee – Creamy, aromatic vanilla coffee, reimagined with protein for your daily boost.
Protein Assorted Coffee Pack – A flavor-packed variety box to keep your routine exciting.
Everyday Protein Mix – A 13.5g protein per scoop versatile natural protein for Chapatis, Dosa, Idli/Vada, Cake, Soup and what not, making daily nutrition effortless.

The Vision: Protein for All

Mr. Shrikant Sharma, Managing Director of Sanjeevani Agrofoods Limited, shared:
“At Barsana Magic, we believe protein shouldn’t be complicated, it should be a natural part of everyday life. With this new Protein Range, we’re bringing nutrition, taste, and convenience together in one lifestyle solution. ‘Protein for All’ is not just our mission, it’s our promise to empower every age with healthier choices.”

Why Barsana Magic Protein Range?

Power-Packed Nutrition – 25g protein per coffee pouch and 13.5g per scoop in Everyday Mix.
Convenience on the Go – Ready in seconds, mix anytime, anywhere.
Unmatched Taste – Flavors crafted to excite your palate while nourishing your body.
For Every Lifestyle – Ideal for students, professionals, parents, and fitness enthusiasts.

Availability

The Barsana Magic Protein Range is now available on leading e-commerce platforms, the official Barsana Magic website, and select retail stores.

With this launch, Barsana Magic continues to transform modern wellness, offering nutrition solutions that are natural, innovative, and built for today’s energetic lifestyles.

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025 – A Decade of Cinema, Coming 29th & 30th October in Mumbai

The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards (DPIFF) 2025 is set to mark a monumental milestone, celebrating 10 glorious years of Indian cinema on a global stage. Honouring the legacy of Late Shri Dhundiraj Govind Phalke – the Father of Indian Cinema, DPIFF has grown into one of the nation’s most prestigious award ceremonies and film festivals, uniting legendary icons and emerging talent under one emblem of cinematic excellence.

The 2024 edition was a glittering affair, graced by luminaries including Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nayanthara, Rani Mukerji, Shahid Kapoor and many more, reaffirming the festival’s status as a platform that celebrates both stardom and artistry. The annual award ceremony witnesses the presence of celebrities, industry veterans, ministry delegates, government dignitaries, distinguished members of the film fraternity, and media personnel, making it a true convergence of talent, influence, and creativity.

This year, the 10th edition promises to be grander than ever, featuring a star-studded celebration with captivating performances and a cinematic tribute to India’s rich film heritage, showcasing stories from North to South. The festival continues to champion emerging voices through its Global Short Film Festival, which has drawn outstanding participation from filmmakers across the world, making it one of the most dynamic highlights of the occasion.

Sources indicate that renowned international personalities are also expected to attend, further establishing DPIFF as a truly global celebration of storytelling and creativity. Speaking about this landmark edition, Mr. Abhishek Mishra, CEO of DPIFF, said:”As we step into our 10th year, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards will celebrate the universal magic of cinema like never before. This edition will be a grand gathering where legends, emerging creators, and audiences come together to honour the stories that move the world.”

The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, taking place on 29th & 30th October in Mumbai, promises to be a magical convergence of talent, storytelling, and spectacle, a true celebration of cinema’s enduring legacy and its global impact.

MoU signed between IACG, India and Kyoto Seika University, Japan, at T-Hub in the presence of VC, The Young India Skill University and others

Hyderabad, September 11, 2025: IACG (International Academy of Computer Graphics), India’s first college to offer full-time Graduation & PG in Multimedia Courses, and Kyoto Seika University, Japan—the world’s first university to offer Manga & Anime—have signed and exchanged an MoU at T-Hub, Hyderabad, on Wednesday late evening.

The MoU was exchanged between Mr. Rama Krishna Polina, Founder & Managing Director, IACG Multimedia College, and Mr. Shin Matsumura, Director, Centre for Research on Contemporary African and Asian Cultures, Kyoto Seika University. The ceremony was held in the presence of Mr. VLVSS Subba Rao, Vice Chancellor, The Young India Skill University; Mr. Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General, JETRO; and Mr. Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO, Green Gold Animation (creator of Chhota Bheem).

The key outcomes of the MoU are: the student & faculty exchange programs between India and Japan, Industry-Academia Linkages to bring global best practices into Telangana. Also, Outsourcing & Talent Opportunities facilitated by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation) and Global Placements for Telangana-trained talent in the Manga & Anime sector

Mr. VLVSS Subba Rao stressed that “Degrees will not matter in the future—skills and competencies will. With AI spreading fast, the education system must move to a revolving curriculum that adapts to change.”

Mr. Shin Matsumura pointed out that Japan’s ageing population urgently needs young Indian talent in the creative industries.

Mr. Rama Krishna Polina noted India’s potential: “We are in the age of AI Generative, VR, AR, and automation. India’s cultural heritage—our 3 crore gods—offers unlimited storytelling opportunities. With government incentives and the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) & IICT for Animation & VFX, Telangana can become a global content powerhouse.”

A stress-free Intermediate in CGA (Computer Graphics & Animation) was launched on the occasion, designed for students with artistic, storytelling, and creative ambitions.

Dr. Suresh Madiraju, Principal of IACG, said Hyderabad, with its thriving IT ecosystem, is uniquely positioned to become a global hub for next-gen Manga & Anime talent.

Japan leads the world in animation, accounting for 60% of global animation consumption. The Anime industry is valued at USD 25+ billion, producing 1,000 new Manga titles and 300+ Anime seasons every year. Production budgets are 10 times higher than those of U.S. animation projects, offering enormous outsourcing potential.

“JETRO will actively facilitate partnerships, placements, and outsourcing linkages with Japanese studios. This MoU positions Telangana as a global creative talent export hub,” added Takashi Suzuki

Big Update for UPI Users: New Transaction Limits from September 15 on PhonePe, Google Pay & More

Pic Credit: Pexel

If you’re someone who regularly transfers money using UPI platforms like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm, there’s a major update you should know about. Starting September 15, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will roll out new UPI transaction limits — especially helpful for those making high-value payments for loans, insurance, taxes, and investments.

 What’s Changing?

Earlier, UPI transactions were capped at ₹1 lakh per day for most users. But now, NPCI has revised the limits specifically for Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions — allowing:

• ₹5 lakh per transaction, and
• Up to ₹10 lakh per day

These new rules will apply only when you pay directly to verified businesses or service providers, such as:

• Insurance companies
• Stockbrokers
• Loan EMI payment portals
• Income tax departments

This means you can now make bigger payments via UPI — securely and conveniently — without splitting them into multiple transactions.

 New UPI Transaction Limits: Sector-wise Breakdown

Category Old Limit New Per Transaction Limit New Daily Limit

• Insurance & Capital Markets ₹2 lakh ₹5 lakh ₹10 lakh
  Loan EMI Payments ₹2 lakh ₹5 lakh ₹10 lakh
  Credit Card Bill Payments ₹2 lakh ₹5 lakh ₹6 lakh

Important Note: These limits apply only to Person-to-Merchant transactions. The ₹1 lakh limit for Person-to-Person (P2P) transfers remains unchanged.

Why This Update Matters

The new UPI rules are rolling out just ahead of September 15, the deadline for many tax-related payments. The move is expected to make high-value payments faster and more seamless, especially for salaried individuals, self-employed professionals, and business owners.

By allowing higher limits, NPCI is addressing a growing demand from users who rely on UPI for large payments — from tax filing to investment and loan servicing.

Is It Safe?

Yes. These transactions are allowed only when sent to verified merchants and go through UPI’s secure platform. The increased limits do not apply to casual transfers between individuals (like sending money to a friend or family member).

Also, these new limits will be implemented across all UPI-enabled platforms — PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM, Paytm, and others — as long as your bank supports the update.

From September 15, 2025, users will be able to send up to ₹10 lakh per day via UPI to verified merchants — a welcome move for those handling large payments online. This change reinforces India’s growing confidence in digital payments and is another step toward a cashless, tech-forward economy.

So, if you’re planning to pay taxes, EMIs, or invest using your UPI app — you’re in for a smoother, faster experience.

INDIA,11TH SEPTEMBER 2025‘Designed for the evolving needs of today’s households, the Celesia BLDC Cookerhood series by Hindware Smart Appliances is a premium, wall-mounted chimney that combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek, modern design. Available in 60 cm, 75 cm, and 90 cm variants, it seamlessly integrates into contemporary kitchens while offering unmatched performance.

With an impressive MaxX Suction capacity of 1600 m³/hr, the chimney ensures rapid and efficient removal of smoke, odour, and grease, creating a clean and fresh cooking environment even during heavy frying and grilling. The advanced Turbo Speed with 8+1 levels allows users to adjust suction power as per their cooking needs, offering both flexibility and efficiency.

Designed for ultimate convenience, the Celesia BLDC features Motion Sensor Technology, enabling hands-free operation with a simple wave of the hand, perfect for hassle-free and hygienic use while cooking. Its Filterless Technology eliminates the need for frequent cleaning while ensuring consistent suction, and the Thermal Autoclean function automatically takes care of sticky oil and residue, making maintenance effortless.

Backed by a 3-year comprehensive warranty and an industry-leading 12-year warranty on the motor, it delivers long-term reliability and peace of mind. Priced at INR 40,990 for the 60 cm model, INR 42,990 for the 75 cm model, and INR 44,990 for the 90 cm model, the Celesia BLDC is the perfect solution for today’s modern kitchens.

New Delhi, India, September 11th, 2025 – Wishes and Blessings, a Delhi-based NGO committed to uplifting the underprivileged, is all set to host the fourth edition of its flagship fundraiser concert ‘Jashn-e-Qawwali’. The event is scheduled on Friday, 12th September 2025, from 7:00 pm onwards at Kamani Auditorium, Delhi. The evening will feature a captivating live performance by the internationally renowned Qawwali troupe, the ‘Niazi Nizami Brothers’. They are all set to create a magical musical evening with their famous earworm ‘Hasta hua noorani chehra’ and other popular qawwalis. The tickets of the event are available for ₹499/-only on District by Zomato.

The NGO has been organizing the fund-raising event, Jashn-e-Qawwali for the last three years with 100% of the proceeds going towards transformative initiatives led by the organisation. Now in its fourth year, the funds raised from ‘Jashn-e-Qawwali’ will contribute to build a permanent home for the elderly residents of the NGO’s old age home-Mann Ka Tilak, which currently runs on leased land, in Maidan Garhi, Saket, Delhi. Since its establishment in 2018, it has helped over 280 senior citizens. The home provides free of cost shelter, meals and healthcare to abandoned, abused, and neglected elderly individuals.  Although leased land serves its purpose, it fails to give elderly individuals assurance that this is their permanent home. In addition to that, despite need and willingness, the organisation cannot accommodate more elderly due to limited space. 

On organizing the 4th edition of the fund raiser, Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, Founder & President of Wishes and Blessings says, “Jashn-e-Qawwali is more than an evening of music-it is a celebration of humanity. At Wishes and Blessings, our vision is to create a society where compassion is a way of life. Through this event, we connect heart to a cause often invisible- the plight of abandoned elders. Every hand that joins us, take us one step closer to a future where no elder feels forgotten”.

On their upcoming performance at the fund-raising event, Shahid Niazi, one of the leading artists of the Niazi Nizami Brothers troupe, says, “It is our privilege to perform at Jashn-e-Qawwali. This concert allows us to showcase our tradition while contributing to the meaningful cause. We are hoping to make it a soulful evening that everyone will remember”.

Udaipur, September 11, 2025: Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), a Vedanta Group company and India’s largest & only integrated producer of Zinc-Lead-Silver, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan Heritage Authority (RHA) for the development of the Heritage Corridor at Poonchari ka Lautha, in the district of Deeg, Rajasthan. The MoU has been signed for a period of three years, with Hindustan Zinc committing financial support of INR 85 Crores through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Onkar Singh Lakhawat – Chairman, Ram Ranjan – CEO of Rajasthan Heritage Authority, Arun Misra – CEO, Hindustan Zinc, Anupam Nidhi – CSR Head, Hindustan Zinc with other senior dignitaries.

The project aims to preserve and promote culture and heritage through restoration of historical sites and supporting infrastructure development, including botanical gardens and horticulture, improvement of the Parikrama Marg, residential facilities for visitors, and development of demarcated complexes and walkways. Located at Poonchari ka Lautha in Deeg within the Braj cultural landscape, marking the ‘tail’ of sacred Govardhan Hill and a key stop on the Govardhan Parikrama, the site holds deep spiritual and cultural significance; investing in social impacting project like these safeguards a living pilgrimage corridor, improves safe access, and supports local livelihoods.

Adding to this, Onkar Singh Lakhawat – Chairman, Rajasthan Heritage Authority, said, “Rajasthan is home to some of India’s most treasured cultural and historical landmarks, and it is our responsibility to preserve them for posterity. The support from Hindustan Zinc will accelerate our efforts in developing the Heritage Corridor at Poonchari ka Lautha into a vibrant hub that not only safeguards history but also enhances visitor experience. This collaboration sets a positive example of how industry and government can come together to conserve heritage while fostering sustainable tourism.”

Speaking on the occasion, Arun Misra, CEO & Whole-time Director, Hindustan Zinc, said, Heritage connects communities to their roots and strengthens identity. At Hindustan Zinc, we are proud to support the Rajasthan Heritage Authority in preserving and revitalizing these cultural treasures while also developing infrastructure that will enhance the experience for visitors and benefit local communities.” 

With this collaboration, Hindustan Zinc continues to strengthen its legacy of contributing to community development and cultural preservation as part of its holistic social impact projects. Over the years, the company has undertaken projects spanning education, health, water conservation, women empowerment, and environmental sustainability.The Heritage Corridor initiative at Poonchari ka Lautha adds a new dimension to this journey by supporting Rajasthan’s vision of conserving its historic treasures while creating sustainable tourism opportunities that will boost local livelihoods and enhance regional pride.

Hindustan Zinc is driving positive change in communities through focused social impact initiatives across key areas such as women empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, quality education, healthcare access, and inclusive sports and skill development platforms. By FY25, the company’s efforts have positively impacted over 23 lakh people in more than 2,300 villages, positioning Hindustan Zinc as one of India’s top 10 CSR spenders and setting a benchmark for how industry can foster large-scale, inclusive, and sustainable development.

About Hindustan Zinc

Hindustan Zinc Limited (BSE: 500188 and NSE: HINDZINC), a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and is amongst the top 5 silver p

New Delhi, September 11, 2025 – Zypp Electric, India’s leading EV rental platform, has turned its 8th Foundation Day into a marketing milestone with the resounding success of its cost-effective, viral campaign ‘Green Hai Toh Zypp Hai’. The initiative not only celebrated Zypp’s journey but also created massive buzz around EV awareness and road safety, which was in collaboration with Traffic Gurugram, positioning the brand as both a sustainability leader and a marketing innovator.

The campaign received an overwhelming response, with over 2,500 active participants, generating more than 25 million organic impressions across platforms and inspiring communities through 3,000 user-generated content (UGC) videos and posts. The top 3 videos of this campaign garnered over 6.3 million, 6.1 million, and 1.1 million views, respectively, from across India, reflecting the organic reach of the campaign. These stories, created by customers, riders, and partners, highlighted real journeys of sustainability, electric mobility adoption, and the growing impact of green logistics in India. An iPhone was included as part of the prize, to be awarded to the person whose video generated the highest number of views among the followers.

Through ‘Green Hai Toh Zypp Hai’, Zypp Electric amplified its vision of transforming last-mile delivery with its EV fleet, significantly reducing carbon emissions and urban pollution. The campaign not only celebrated Zypp’s journey over the last eight years but also spotlighted the collective role of consumers and businesses in accelerating India’s shift towards clean mobility.

Akash Gupta, Co-founder & CEO, said: “Green Hai Toh Zypp Hai wasn’t just a campaign; it was proof of how powerful community-driven marketing can be. With limited budgets, we achieved virality, created real social conversations, and amplified our mission of EV adoption and road safety. This campaign is a case study in how purpose-led marketing can also deliver massive brand traction and create community-driven efforts and inclusion towards the mission and vision of going emission-free.

With this milestone celebration, Zypp Electric reaffirms its commitment to scaling its EV fleet from 20,000 to 100,000 in the next 12-18 months, empowering more than 2 Lakhs gig workers, and enabling sustainable last-mile delivery solutions for India’s growing e-commerce, food, grocery, quick commerce, and hyperlocal ecosystem.