All posts by Sujata Achary

Maharashtra, 13 February 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is transforming rural education in Chandrapur, Maharashtra through its innovative CSR programmes in physical literacy and sports promotion. Fourteen students from Ambuja-supported ZP Upper Primary School, Upparwahi, Chandrapur, participated in the 2024 International Karate Championships in Hyderabad, winning one Gold, five Silver, and seven Bronze medals.

Similarly, Anushka Mandavkar, a seventh grader from Nadgaon School, has progressed to become a state-level 800m runner under the Khelo India initiative. She recently secured 2nd position in 300m running at an event in Nagpur. Since 2018, the initiative has empowered thousands of students, enhancing physical fitness, building sports skills, and inspiring participation in national and international competitions.

The programme started as a pilot in 10 schools in Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh, and later expanded to include 15 schools in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It focuses on developing core physical competencies like endurance, agility, strength, and speed. Due to Ambuja Cements’ efforts, a 2023 assessment by ELMS Sports Foundation reported a 73-74% improvement in students’ physical fitness in addition to creating inspiring success stories.

Ambuja Cements is championing holistic development in underserved communities by collaborating with sports organizations, local authorities, and schools. The initiative also boosts school attendance, enhances discipline, and promotes inclusivity, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to unlock their full potential.

Mumbai, 13th Feb: Mukand Limited, a leader in the specialty steel and heavy machinery industry, successfully hosted the 5th Edition of its annual Mukand Shahapur Road Race as part of its CSR initiative to promote sports and physical well-being among school students on 8th Feb in Shahapur, Thane. The annual race witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 900 students from 44 schools, making it a grand celebration of athleticism, determination, and community engagement.

The event kicked off in the early morning hours, with students arriving from various parts of Shahapur, bringing an air of excitement and energy. The race saw young athletes put their best foot forward, displaying immense perseverance and sportsmanship. Speaking to the Principal of the winning school, it was revealed that students had been practicing for the past 1.5-2 months, and their dedication truly paid off as they secured the top positions in both the male and female categories.

Post the thrilling race, the event transformed into a cultural extravaganza. The audience, including fellow students and esteemed guests, was enthralled by traditional dance performances, poetry recitations, and a soul-stirring speech by a Class 8 student on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, highlighting leadership lessons from his life. The students’ artistic expressions added a cultural dimension to the event, making it a truly memorable occasion.

Mr. Neeraj Kant, CEO of Mukand Limited, expressed his delight at the event’s success, stating:
“At Mukand Limited, we strongly believe in nurturing young talent and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports. The Mukand Shahapur Road Race has become a much-anticipated event, inspiring students to embrace discipline, hard work, and teamwork. Seeing their enthusiasm and dedication reaffirms our commitment to creating opportunities that foster growth and development. Congratulations to all the participants, teachers, and the organizing team for making this event a resounding success.”

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, recognizing the winners and appreciating the participation of all students. Mukand Limited remains dedicated to empowering communities and fostering young talent through various CSR initiatives, and the Mukand Shahapur Road Race continues to be a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

National, 13th February 2025 – Vidysea, an AI-driven study abroad platform designed to empower students with personalized academic and career guidance, has secured a seed investment round of approximately $1 million. The round was led by Zee Learn Limited (ZLL) along with Aarvi Family LLP, with additional contributions from the company’s founders and other shareholders.

This seed funding round will help Vidysea strengthen its product, and expand its team to provide the highest quality services and support.

The funding will be instrumental in accelerating Vidysea’s mission to provide unbiased, data-driven insights that help students make well-informed academic and career choices during their further studies journey, particularly for international. The company, founded in September 2024 and headquartered in Noida, is building an advanced AI-powered product that simplifies and enhances the decision-making process for students worldwide who want to study further. Vidysea helps students discover and connect with the best institutions worldwide from K12 to college and graduate schools. Furthermore, Vidysea helps simplify the complicated process of admission, selection, and post-selection for the students.

“We believe in Vidysea’s vision of leveraging technology to bridge the gap between students and their ideal academic paths. The need for personalized career guidance has never been greater, and we see immense potential in what Vidysea is building. By leveraging technology to provide accurate, unbiased, and personalized recommendations, they are addressing a crucial gap in the industry. The platform provides clarity, and equips students with the knowledge they need to make informed choices.” — Manish Rastogi, CEO, ZLL

“Investing in the future of education is equivalent to investing in the future of society. Vidysea’s AI-driven approach ensures that students receive guidance that is transparent, unbiased, and aligned with their aspirations. We believe in their mission to empower students with the right tools and information, and we are proud to back their efforts. ” — Ravi Patel, Aarvi Family LLP

Speaking on the funding round, Karunn Kandoi, CEO and Founder of Vidysea, said, “This investment allows us to take a significant step toward our vision of revolutionizing student career guidance and navigating them through their further study goals. Not much has changed since I did my MBA till date, we are building a platform that simplifies students’ overwhelming choices and helps them throughout the process for them to get accepted into their dream school and program. Technology is evolving rapidly and can be leveraged and built to provide students with the right tools to navigate their choices effectively. Vidysea is committed to ensuring every student victory by receiving high-quality, reliable, data-driven guidance to unlock their potential.”

Speaking on the funding round, Sameer Upadhyay, CSRO and Founder of Vidysea said, “We are excited to be solving this large problem of the industry, helping students navigate through the challenges like admission, visa, settlement, etc. We thank ZLL and Aarvi Family LLP for believing in us and what we are building”

At the iconic Mehboob Studios, a display at the Soulstrat Stage read, “The Blues Live Here,” and the 13th Edition of the Mahindra Blues Festival was a testament to that! Fans from across the country and beyond united to celebrate the resilient and joyful spirit of the genre. From the Grammy-winning artist Ruthie Foster to solid, young artists like Megan Murray, the attendees immersed themselves in these electrifying acts with the accompaniment of scrumptious food and soul-quenching beverages.

For the two-day extravaganza, the lineup featured Ruthie Foster, who regaled the attendees with her transcendental performances, blending blues, rock, and gospel on both days; Kanchan Daniel, for her second performance at the festival, blended blues, rock, and soul, exploring larger societal themes and personal experiences; and the Siliguri-based band, the John Blue Ensemble, won over the crowd at the Garden Stage, encapsulating the spirit of this year’s wider theme to spotlight young and upcoming artists.

The Australian blues artists, The Teskey Brothers, embodied the depth of the genre in their performance, underscoring the musical allure of harmonica; LA-based singer and songwriter, Megan Murray, serenaded the audience with originals and covers, peppering her performance with stories that personified resilience and manifestation; the Grammy-nominated artist, Robert Randolph, brought the infectious concoction of rock and blues with his signature steel pedal guitar, bringing down the house with his suave performance.

The showstopper for the two-day gala was the All-Star Jam, where the Nanhi Kali Choir joined generations of globally renowned Blues artists for a power-packed performance. As part of the ‘Blues in School’ initiative, Mahindra remains committed to preserving the blues legacy for future generations. This year’s edition focused on spotlighting the young talents, taking forward the baton of this rich legacy through a vibrant spectacle of the coming together of generations.

Check out the highlights of the 13th Edition of the Mahindra Blues Festival through this photo gallery, which captures the enthusiasm and the transcending power of music across generations and geographical boundaries.

Mumbai, 13th February 2025: Amazon MGM Studios, along with Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby, today unveiled the delightful and mesmerizing theatrical trailer of its highly anticipated Original movie, Superboys of Malegaon. Inspired by a true story, the film is set in Malegaon, a small town in Maharashtra, and chronicles the life of Nasir Shaikh, an amateur filmmaker who, along with his friends, revitalizes the town by transforming it into a hub of filmmaking passion. An Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby production, Superboys of Malegaon is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti. The movie is directed by Reema Kagti and written by Varun Grover. It features a highly talented ensemble cast, including Adarsh Gourav, Shashank Arora, Vineet Kumar Singh, Anuj Singh Duhan, Saqib Ayub, Pallav Singh, Manjiri Pupala, Muskkaan Jaferi and Riddhi Kumar. Superboys of Malegaon is set to premiere in theatres across India, the US, UK, UAE, Australia, and New Zealand on February 28.

The trailer of Superboys of Malegaon sweeps the viewers into a heartwarming journey of dreams, resilience, and cinematic magic. It introduces Nasir Shaikh, a dreamer from the small town of Malegaon, where movies provide an escape from the grind of daily life. Inspired by these movies, Nasir sets out to transform Malegaon into Bollywood, armed with bold ideas, out-of-the-box thinking, and a spirited group of friends. Together, they embark on a mission to create a movie for the people of Malegaon, made in Malegaon. The trailer captures laugh-out-loud auditions, ingenious filmmaking hacks, and a whirlwind of emotions and determination as they tackle the challenges life throws their way. Superboys of Malegaon is a moving and uplifting story of friendship, passion, and the power of dreaming big, proving that creativity knows no boundaries.

“Superboys of Malegaon, celebrated at TIFF and the BFI London Film Festival, is a shining example of the universal appeal of authentic Indian narratives”, said Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video India. “Its theatrical release across India, the US, UK, UAE, Australia, and New Zealand marks a landmark moment as Amazon MGM’s first Indian original film to debut in cinemas globally. This exciting step reflects our commitment to delivering bold, diverse, and thought-provoking stories to audiences worldwide. We’re deeply grateful to our incredible collaborators, Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby, for bringing this extraordinary journey to life, and we can’t wait to share this uplifting tale on the big screen!”

Ritesh Sidhwani, producer, of Excel Entertainment, shared, “Superboys of Malegaon is a celebration of dreams and resilience-universal emotions that everyone can relate to. We are excited to collaborate with Amazon MGM Studios to bring this inspiring story to theatres. We hope the film resonates deeply with the audience and touches millions of hearts. This story is a powerful reminder of the limitless potential of hope, creativity, and the human spirit.”

“As filmmakers, our goal has always been to create meaningful films that resonate not only with audiences in India but also with people around the world,” said Farhan Akhtar, producer, of Excel Entertainment. “Superboys of Malegaon is a heartwarming story that demonstrates how no dream is too big if you work hard enough to make it come true. We are thrilled to have collaborated with Amazon MGM Studios to bring this incredible project to life. From its journey through international film festivals and screenings to its upcoming theatrical release, Superboys of Malegaon celebrates the power of storytelling to unite people across the world.”

Zoya Akhtar, Producer, Tiger Baby, I am excited to collaborate with Excel Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios to bring this inspirational story to life that celebrates the human need to create art no matter what the circumstances are and the love that Superboys has received at various global screenings just reaffirms how universal that feeling is.

Reema Kagti, Director and Producer, of Tiger Baby, commented, “Superboys of Malegaon is a story about the power of the underdog and the magic of cinema. The film is not just about the origins of Malegaon filmmaking; it’s about the dreams, the young filmmakers and their town built along the way. We are excited to bring this unique story to the big screen, one that is inspired by the incredible journey of people who created magic with limited resources, but endless dreams and determination.”

Superboys of Malegaon has garnered global acclaim, winning hearts and receiving widespread praise. At its world premiere during the 49th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2024, it earned a standing ovation from a packed auditorium, highlighting its emotional impact. It also captivated audiences at the 68th BFI London Film Festival and left a lasting impression at the 4th Red Sea Film Festival. Recently, it shone at the 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival, receiving a special mention in the Young Cineaste segment. With its compelling narrative, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling, this comedy-drama has left a lasting impact on fans and critics alike.

Hyderabad, 13 February 2025: In an exciting display of traditional kite fighting, Rainbow Kite Club Hyderabad and Hyderabad Deccan Kite Club showed amazing skills against the Bangalore International Kite Club in a two-day tournament held at Shankerpally Ground, Rangareddy District.

The tournament saw professional kite fighters engaging in intense battles using 6-cord Manjha made of cotton thread, staying true to the traditional art of kite flying. Speaking at the event, Bareilly Manjha Director Himalaya Shinghal, a strong advocate for safe kite flying, emphasized the dangers of nylon threads, which are widely used despite posing serious risks.

“These clubs are committed to preserving the true essence of kite flying while ensuring safety. Our mission is to encourage the younger generation to step outdoors, engage in this age-old tradition, and experience a world beyond digital screens,” said Singhal.

A Push for Eco-Friendly Kite Flying

The tournament also highlighted efforts to promote environmentally safe Manjha. Rainbow Kite Manjha Bareilly, a Bareilly-based business specializing in traditional cotton-based Bareilly Manjha under the brand RKM TALWAAR, played a key role in the event. The company actively opposes the use of Chinese, nylon, and plastic threads, which are known to be hazardous to humans, birds, and the environment.

While Himalaya Shinghal runs the business from Bareilly, his brother Aakash Shinghal, an IT professional based in Hyderabad, continues to fuel the passion for kite flying in the city, ensuring that the tradition remains alive for future generations. With tournaments like these, Hyderabad is witnessing a revival of competitive kite flying, bringing together enthusiasts who cherish the sport’s heritage while promoting safer and more sustainable practices.

Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a timeless treasure from Herbelin’s Cap Camarat Collection. These luxurious timepieces serve as a heartfelt token of your enduring love. A Herbelin watch is more than just a gift; it’s a symbol of your commitment and a beautiful reminder of your special bond.

Introducing the first women’s watch in the Cap Camarat collection: the stunning CAP CAMARAT – QUARTZ – STEEL & ARCTIC BLUE 14545B25. This eye-catching timepiece boasts a sleek stainless steel design, showcasing a striking icy blue dial within its 33mm case. At just 7.10mm thick, it’s both sporty and stylish, making it the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the special woman in your life.

The CAP CAMARAT 12245B25 is a refined watch for men. Its durable stainless steel case frames a 40.5mm arctic blue dial. A standout feature is its excellent nighttime visibility, thanks to luminous silver markers. This sophisticated timepiece makes a truly memorable gift, combining style and practicality in a way any gentleman will appreciate. The striking blue dial and robust design make it a perfect accessory for the modern man.

This Valentine’s Day, present your loved one with a luxurious Herbelin timepiece. Explore our exclusive collections and discover the perfect symbol of your affection.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Feb. 12, 2025 — AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Commissariat à l’énergieatomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) of France to collaborate on the advanced technologies, component, and system architectures that will shape the future of AI computing. The collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organizations to push the boundaries on energy-efficient systems needed to support the world’s most compute-intensive AI workloads in fields from energy to medicine.

Through this initiative, AMD and CEA will engage in a structured collaboration, focused on technological advancements in onnext next-generation AI compute infrastructure. AMD and CEA also are planning a symposium on the future of AI computing in 2025 that will convene European stakeholders and global technology providers, startups, supercomputing centers, universities, and policymakers to accelerate collaboration with state-of-the-art and emerging AI computing technologies.

“AI computing continues to drive innovation across industries, and international collaboration is critical to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Ralph Wittig, Corporate Fellow and head of research, at AMD. “Through this collaboration with CEA and leading French engineers, we aim to bring cutting-edge AI research closer to real-world applications by advancing system architectures that meet the demands of tomorrow’s AI workloads, while growing the joint research and development opportunities between the U.S. and France.”

“CEA is committed to driving innovation in AI computing by advancing next-generation technologies opening the road for disruptive architectures that balance performance and energy efficiency. Our collaboration with AMD represents a significant step toward fostering international cooperation in high-performance computing, bringing together world-class expertise to address the growing demands of AI workloads,” said Julie Galland, Director of the Technological Research division at CEA, “By combining CEA’s research leadership with AMD’s cutting-edge technology, we aim to develop breakthrough solutions that will shape the future of AI computing in Europe and beyond.”

This effort underscores AMD’s commitment to fostering international collaborations that accelerate AI innovation, making AI more inclusive and sustainable, and strengthening cooperation, in particular, between the United States and European research institutions.

Telangana-based SeedWorks International, a seed research and development company has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the capital markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise funds through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The IPO, with a face value of Rs 2, is entirely an Offer-for-Sale of up to 5,19,70,282 equity shares by the Promoter, Individual, and Investor Selling Shareholders. It includes a reservation for a subscription by eligible employees and a discount is being offered to eligible employees bidding in the employee reservation portion.

Offer for Sale consists of shareholders selling shares up to 3,99,17,145 equity shares by True North Fund V LLP, up to 1,09,27,044 equity shares by South Asia Growth Fund II Holdings LLC, up to 10,44,038 equity shares by Dr. Balalji Manmohan Nukal, and up to 82,055 equity shares by South Asia EBT Trust (through Orbis Trusteeship Services Private Limited).

The Offer is being made through the book-building process, wherein not more than 50% of the net offer is allocated to qualified institutional buyers, and not less than 15% and 35% of the net offer is assigned to non-institutional and retail individual bidders respectively.

SeedWorks International is a seed research and development company specializing in hybrid and OPV seeds for key crops like rice, cotton, pearl millet, mustard, vegetables, and fruits. It was the second-fastest-growing Indian seed company by revenue (FY21-FY24) with an 11.98% CAGR. In FY24, it ranked third in cotton seeds, fourth in hybrid rice, and fourth in pearl millet seeds by sales volume in India, according to the F&S Report mentioned in the DRHP.

The Company’s emphasis on product development to drive innovation in seeds, demonstrated by its industry-leading R&D investments, has over the years, led to the commercialization of product offerings with performance traits such as improved yield and disease tolerance, among others. Between FY21 and FY24, its market share in cotton seeds rose from 5.60% to 6.45%, while hybrid rice increased from 7.10% to 7.30%. It started commercializing the pearl millet segment in 2019, it quickly gained a 4.90% share by FY24. Beyond India, the company is the fourth-largest hybrid rice seed player in the Philippines (12% market share in CY23) and among the top four in Nepal (26%-29% in CY24). It is also expanding into Kenya, Malawi, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria, focusing on cotton and vegetable crops.

Strategic collaborations with global leaders like BASF and public sector institutions have strengthened its technological capabilities. It holds licenses for ‘Provisia’ and ‘Clearfield’ herbicide-tolerant rice technologies from BASF, supporting the development of HT hybrid rice in India and the Philippines. Backed by a rigorous quality assurance framework, the company conducts grow-out tests at six locations and operates a 7,500 sq. ft. quality control lab with advanced testing infrastructure. Its initiatives span pre-season (PSA), product differentiation (PDA), and off-season (OSA) activities, ensuring a continuous focus on seed quality and farmer engagement.

SeedWorks International’s revenue from operations increased from ₹488.31 crore in Fiscal 2023 to ₹522.69 crore in Fiscal 2024, primarily due to an increase in the sale of seeds.
For the six months ended September 30, 2024, revenue from operations stood at ₹407.50 crore, and Profit after tax stood at ₹70.25 crore.

Equirus Capital Private Limited, DAM Capital Advisors Limited, and SBI Capital Markets Limited are the book-running lead managers and KFin Technologies Limited is the registrar of the issue. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited.

Marriott International Hotel

This Valentine’s Day, The St. Regis Goa Resort presents a collection of extraordinary dining experiences, perfect for creating lasting memories with your special someone. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic barbecue by the beach, an intimate poolside dinner, or an enchanting evening by the river under the stars, each experience offers a unique way to indulge in love and luxury.

Poolside Dining – Escape to a tropical paradise with a private poolside meal that combines elegance and intimacy. As you sit surrounded by the lush beauty of the resort, personalized service ensures a perfect celebration. Delight in a gourmet meal of your choice, whether it’s a selection from international cuisines or local favorites. The setting, adorned with candles and fresh flowers, offers a sparkling vista perfect for romance. Complement your meal with a bottle of fine wine or refreshing cocktails, and let your dedicated butler attend to every detail, making your evening unforgettable.

BBQ Experience at Manor Beach – Surrender to the serene sounds of the ocean and the intoxicating aromas of a bespoke barbecue feast at the resort’s private beach. The gentle, balmy ambiance sets the stage for an evening filled with flavors from limitless barbecue grills, served in a candlelit, oceanfront setting. Enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning sunset views, all with the impeccable service of our legendary St. Regis butlers, ensuring your Valentine’s Day is as perfect as the setting.

Dining by the River Sal – For an unforgettable evening, dine by the meandering River Sal, surrounded by the natural beauty of Goa. A customized three-course gourmet menu awaits, featuring an enticing blend of Pan Asian, Italian, Indian, and authentic Goan flavors, along with refreshing drinks. The intimate setting is adorned with special arrangements, creating the perfect atmosphere for romance. Your butler ensures a flawless dining experience, making every moment as magical as the view.

“At The St. Regis Goa Resort, we take pride in offering experiences that go beyond the ordinary. This Valentine’s Day, we invite our guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, complemented by exquisite dining, creating memories that will last a lifetime,” said Satish Kumar, General Manager, The St. Regis Goa Resort.