All posts by Sujata Achary

Chennai, February 27, 2025: Indian Bank today organized a Mega SHG Credit Campaign at Thiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, to empower the Women SHG members in the State. The Bank sanctioned SHG loans amounting to over Rs.1500 Crores to various beneficiaries. Shri Binod Kumar, MD & CEO of the Bank handed over the sanction tickets to the beneficiaries in a program held at Thiruchirapalli.

The event saw the participation of around 1,000 women SHG members. During the occasion, the Bank also recognized NGOs, who have made considerable efforts in promoting SHGs and providing rural women a better social status. To further encourage self-reliance, the Bank provided a platform for showcasing products manufactured by local SHG members. By supporting the income-generation initiatives of these rural women, the Bank reaffirms its commitment to improving the living conditions of rural families and their upliftment.

The bank also entered into an MoU with M/s. Sri Vethaa Diary Pvt Ltd aims to facilitate hassle-free loans to dairy farmers in the district through digital diary loans, a recent initiative by the Bank. Shri Chandrasekaran. V, General Manager (FI/Rural Banking / SLBC / RRB), along with senior officials of the Bank, was present at the event.

Thrissur, 27th-02-2025 – In response to the ongoing crisis surrounding captive elephant welfare and public safety in Kerala, Voices for Asian Elephants (VFAE) has launched Shiva Shakthi, a life-sized robotic elephant, at Chakkamparambu Sree Bhagavathi Temple near Mala, Thrissur. This pioneering initiative offers a humane and culturally sensitive alternative, allowing temples to uphold sacred traditions without the cruelty and dangers associated with live elephants. VFAE is now accepting requests from temples seeking to adopt their robotic elephant, which the organization will consider sponsoring.

The launch of Shiva Shakthi comes as Kerala grapples with a surge in tragic incidents involving captive elephants. In just two months of 2025, six people have lost their lives due to captive elephant-related incidents. A festival in Koyilandi, Calicut district, turned into a tragedy, leaving three people dead and 50 injured when two distressed elephants, tormented by fireworks and exhaustion, panicked. Another captive elephant in Thrissur gored his mahout and ran 14 kilometers in distress before being recaptured. In 2024 alone, 24 captive elephants died due to neglect, mistreatment, and disease. Over the past six years, 154 elephants have perished in Kerala, alongside countless human casualties.

“We have an opportunity to rewrite history, to lead the way in compassionate traditions. The high-tech, high-touch robotic elephant is the future—it allows us to preserve our sacred customs while upholding the values of ahimsa (non-violence) that are deeply rooted in our culture. This is not about abandoning tradition; it is about evolving with wisdom and kindness. If we truly respect our heritage, then we must embrace progress that honors all living beings—human and elephant alike,” said Sangita Iyer, Founding Executive Director of VFAE.

Shiva Shakthi stands 10 feet tall, weighs 600kg, and is crafted from fiber and rubber, offering a lifelike presence. Its eyes, ears, tail, and trunk move electrically, and it can even carry up to four people, ensuring temples can conduct rituals without inflicting suffering. The robotic elephant was designed by Four He-Arts Creations in Chalakudi, marking a breakthrough in ethical festival practices.

“We believe in the concept of robotic elephants, and we’re seeing increasing awareness among temples regarding the ethical concerns and safety risks posed by live elephants. We are deeply grateful to Voices for Asian Elephants for their generous sponsorship of Shiva Shakthi,” said C.D. Sreenath, President of Vijnanadayini Sabha, the public trust managing Chakkamparambu Sree Bhagavathi Temple.

This initiative follows the successful pilot project at Sree Sankaran Kovil, where VFAE introduced Tamil Nadu’s first robotic elephant. More temples are recognizing that tradition does not need to come at the cost of cruelty.

Beyond addressing captive elephant welfare, VFAE is also committed to protecting wild elephants. VFAE’s dedication extends far beyond temple festivals. The organization has Donated 4 acres of private land in Kerala’s South Nilambur, securing a vital corridor for 340 wild elephants. Prevented 1,139 train-elephant collisions in West Bengal using AI-driven EleSense technology. Planted 50,300 elephant-friendly trees, restoring habitats while employing 200+ tribal individuals in Odisha.

V. K Venkitachalam Secretary -Heritage Animal Task Force, Thrissur attended the ceremony representing VFAE.

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals,

“At BioAsia 2025, during a panel discussion on ‘Integrated Healthcare and Patient Outcomes,’ Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, emphasized how initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and eSanjeevani Telemedicine are transforming healthcare by bridging gaps between hospitals, digital health platforms, and home-based care. She noted that the pandemic accelerated digital adoption by over 300%, proving the urgency of integrated healthcare models that ensure continuity of care and early interventions. She further stressed that technology must work in tandem with clinical excellence, ensuring that digital advancements do not replace but enhance the expertise of doctors, improve diagnostic precision, and standardize quality care across all touchpoints.

On technology’s role, she highlighted Apollo Hospitals’ strategic partnership with Microsoft, which focuses on developing AI-driven tools to improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. This collaboration spans disease progression analysis, genomics research, and AI-driven decision-making models aimed at enhancing clinical accuracy and patient outcomes. Microsoft is assisting Apollo in data management and AI integration to create scalable solutions that reduce diagnostic delays, optimize hospital workflows, and improve remote healthcare delivery. The partnership has already identified four AI copilots—for clinicians, patients, nurses, and hospital operations—to support real-time decision-making and proactive care management.

Addressing affordability, she underscored Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), microinsurance models, and healthcare lending as essential in reducing financial barriers and ensuring quality care reaches Tier-2 cities and underserved communities. She emphasized that the future of healthcare lies in making advanced treatments both accessible and preventive, ensuring that cutting-edge innovations, combined with clinical expertise, help reduce the burden of disease before it escalates into crisis care.”

National, 27 February 2025 – Indian women entrepreneurs are leading households financially and spearheading artificial intelligence (AI) adoption to power their small businesses. GoDaddy’s 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey reveals these women are redefining success with confidence and resilience, using technology to streamline operations and inspire a new era of business opportunity and innovation in a post-COVID world.

In India, over a quarter (27%) of small businesses surveyed are women-owned, with 74% of these reporting as having launched their business in the last five years. These statistics highlight the growing presence of women in entrepreneurship in India and underscore their resilience, especially considering the challenging economic climate brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago.

AI is championing women’s entrepreneurship

Women entrepreneurs are not just running their businesses, they are excelling with unwavering confidence. A staggering 90% of those surveyed expressed their belief in their capabilities, a testament to their well-founded strength in the business arena. Additionally, 58%AI will help their small business compete with larger, better-resourced companies in the next year.

For example, Indian women are reporting saving 12 hours per week by using AI tools –such as GoDaddy Airo®, an AI-powered experience that simplifies website creation, logo design, and digital marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. This time saved equates to over one working day per week, time which they spend on coming up with creative ideas (47%), learning new skills or improving current ones (41%), and planning the future of the business (34%).

Women entrepreneurs are resilient in the face of economic uncertainty

Despite mixed emotions about the current Indian economy, with only 38% feeling very optimistic, women entrepreneurs remain resilient. 81% believe their business will grow in the next 3-5 years, which is higher than men (77%).

And these are not just predictions. Over one-third (37%) of women entrepreneurs in India are
the primary income earners for their households. These women are contributing to local economies, creating new jobs , and supporting families.

Female business leaders are embracing digital tools to grow

In addition to finding fulfillment in creating their source of income (58%) and supporting their family (52%), women entrepreneurs take joy in learning new skills to run their businesses (44%).

“With AI-powered tools like GoDaddy Airo, women entrepreneurs can free up time to spend it on what really matters to them,” said Laura Messerschmidt, President of International Markets at GoDaddy. “Whether that is growing their business, focusing on family or enhancing their skills, Indian women are inspiring the next generation of successful women business leaders.”

Entrepreneurship is playing an increasingly pivotal role in women’s lives with 79% of respondents saying it has enhanced their quality of life, offering a sense of fulfillment and empowerment with the opportunity to pursue their passion.

“GoDaddy’s findings confirm that technology is a powerful equalizer, enabling women to redefine their roles in business,” continued Messerschmidt. “GoDaddy is here to support Indians dreaming of becoming their boss but haven’t found the time to start their own business. Starting a business is never easy, but GoDaddy Airo makes it a whole lot easier.”

Key capabilities of GoDaddy Airo include brand creation, digital marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO), navigated in an intuitive user-friendly interface with no technical expertise required. GoDaddy Airo generates custom logos, websites, and email addresses within minutes, develops targeted social media campaigns aligned with local events, and enhances online visibility with built-in AI SEO.

New Delhi, February 27th, 2025: TECNO, an innovative, AI-driven technology brand, has just unveiled more details about the upcoming launch of its latest flagship imaging and AI smartphone, the CAMON 40 Series, as well as its newest AI-driven product ecosystem, including the AI laptop MEGABOOK S14 and AI glasses series, at MWC Barcelona 2025.

These innovations will debut at the “TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch” event on March 4, reinforcing TECNO’s commitment to pioneering AI adoption and improving the intelligent connected experience for consumers in emerging markets.

The Newest AI-driven CAMON 40 Series: Redefining Mobile Photography with Powerful Snap Anytime

With a legacy of redefining smartphone photography, TECNO’s CAMON Series has consistently delivered superior imaging experiences and cutting-edge technology to users worldwide. As the flagship camera phone product line of TECNO, the CAMON 40 Series is expected to set a new benchmark with advanced features, offering unprecedented snap photography while introducing incredible AI-enhanced experiences. Designed for effortless interactions, the CAMON 40 Series will enable users to capture fleeting moments instantly while enjoying a highly efficient device that can meet users’ unique needs.

The CAMON 40 Series will bring a significant leap forward in mobile photography, combining cutting-edge hardware with TECNO’s advanced AI imaging technology. It will introduce a groundbreaking advancement that revolutionizes the snap photography experience with zero-delay performance and a one-tap button. This innovation will enable users to capture dynamic moments with unprecedented speed and creative freedom. Powered by TECNO AI and the latest MediaTek Ultimate processors, the series will deliver smoother multi-skin tone imaging processing and AI Imaging Creation.

TECNO AI is set to be another major highlight of the new series. From image generation to content creation, to intelligent search, and smart calling, the TECNO CAMON 40 Series powered by TECNO AI will bring practical AI features to consumers’ daily lives. More details will be disclosed at the launch event.

Newest AI Flagship Laptop S14 and TECNO AI Glasses Series: Seamless Connectivity and Productivity Powered by TECNO AI

Guided by the philosophy of “TECNO AI, So Easy”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the infinite potential of practical AI across its entire product ecosystem, making cutting-edge innovation more accessible and delivering exceptional experiences tailored to users in emerging markets. Building on this vision, TECNO will introduce a significant upgrade of its AIoT ecosystem with the AI flagship MEGABOOK S14 laptop and its debut AI glasses series, enabling smarter, more intuitive interactions across devices.

The new AI-powered MEGABOOK S14—the world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop—redefines portable productivity with AI-enhanced tools, revolutionizing on-the-go work and creativity. Meanwhile, TECNO’s first AI glasses series, including the TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, merges powerful AI functions with advanced imaging capabilities and a sleek design. These interconnected devices form a unified, intelligent ecosystem, enriching everyday experiences through seamless AI integration. With this comprehensive and user-centric approach, TECNO is shaping the future of AI-driven innovation across all aspects of life.

TECNO warmly invites all MWC Barcelona 2025 attendees to visit its booth at 6B11, Hall 6, Fira Gran Via, and experience the revolutionary imaging technologies and AI-powered smart lifestyle offered by the CAMON 40 Series, AI PC MEGABOOK S14, and TECNO’s first AI glasses series.

Mumbai, India, February 27, 2025: Acclaimed Indian actress and musician Shruti Haasan is set to make her international debut as a leading lady in the much-anticipated British psychological thriller The Eye, directed by Daphne Schmon. The film will have its India premiere as the opening feature of the 5th Wench Film Festival, founded by Sapna Bhavnani—India’s pioneering festival dedicated to horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films—taking place from February 27 to March 2, 2025.

The Eye tells the haunting story of Diana (played by Shruti Haasan), who journeys to the remote island where her husband Felix (Mark Rowley) drowned, seeking closure by scattering his ashes. However, her grief soon turns to intrigue when she learns of the mysterious ‘Evil Eye’ ritual—an ancient practice that might bring Felix back but demands a dark and unsettling sacrifice.

The film was shot on location in Athens and Corfu, harnessing the atmospheric beauty of Greece to heighten the film’s eerie and suspenseful tone. Following its initial screening at the London Independent Film Festival and its showcase at the Greek International Film Festival, The Eye continues to generate excitement among global audiences.

Speaking on the eve of the Indian premiere of her film, Shruti Haasan shared, “Psychological thrillers have always been a genre that fascinates me. To be part of a story that dives deep into human emotions, grief, and the supernatural is incredibly exciting. Besides the fact that the film has a riveting storyline and top-notch production quality, what makes this project even more special is that it was created under an all-women-led production house, which aligns with my passion for supporting women in the film industry. Furthermore, this film champions a sustainable way of filmmaking, something that the world desperately needs. If we want to continue telling our stories, we must be able to tell them in a manner that is conscious of our impact.”

Talking about The Eye, director Daphne Schmon said, “The Eye is both a love letter to Corfu, the island where my family is from and an exploration of the dark psychological impulses surrounding grief. The story demanded an actor who could embody its emotional depth and complexity, and Shruti Haasan was the perfect fit. Her ability to navigate Diana’s grief, paranoia, and resilience with such authenticity is truly remarkable. It was only an artist of Shruti’s caliber who could do justice to this role, and she has delivered a stellar performance that will leave a lasting impact.”

Produced by Fingerprint Content, The Eye represents a fresh and compelling approach to filmmaking, integrating sustainability into the production process. The film’s team has taken significant steps to ensure an environmentally responsible shoot, setting a precedent for future projects.

National 27th February 2025: Celebrating the exemplary work of innovative leaders and exceptional changemakers, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, successfully hosted the third edition of the BIG IMPACT AWARDS 2025 at Taj Santacruz, Mumbai. Held on February 25, 2025, the awards were presented by LIC Housing Finance Ltd., The evening witnessed influential business leaders, renowned dignitaries, and celebrities, all coming together to recognize excellence across diverse sectors and felicitate winners with the coveted BIG IMPACT trophy.

Since its inception, the BIG IMPACT Awards has evolved into a prestigious platform that celebrates achievements beyond traditional standards. These awards recognize and celebrate businesses that push boundaries with innovative thinking, pioneering ideas, and impactful contributions that make a lasting difference. In line with the brand’s philosophy of Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho, it redefines excellence by emphasizing creativity, inclusivity,y, and transformative leadership. This year’s winners embody resilience, visionary thinking and a strong commitment to driving positive change across industries. The event witnessed an esteemed lineup of celebrities and dignitaries such as Bobby Deol, Amruta Fadnavis, Divya Khossla, Karan Veer Mehra, Dia Mirza, Taha Shah Badussha, Hina Khan, Shantanu Maheshwari, Aditi Govitrikar, Ridhi Dogra, Varun Sood, Maahi Mukherjee, Anjini Dhawan, Deepshika Deshmukh, Maahi Mukherjee and Miss India winners – Nandini Gupta, Rekha Pandey and Nikita Porwal amongst others.

The third edition of the BIG IMPACT Awards brought together Mumbai’s thriving entrepreneurs and celebrated their impact in an evening filled with inspiration and star-studded glamour. The awards had Mahindra & Mahindra as the Drive-in Partner was co-powered by Meyer Vitabiotics and Triumph with Bajaj Freedom as the Auto Partner, SBI Mutual Fund as the Associate Partner, and Bank of India as the Banking partner.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Sunil Kumaran, COO, of  BIG FM, shared, “Mumbai thrives on ambition, and at BIG FM, we are honored to celebrate the visionaries who turn dreams into reality. The BIG IMPACT AWARDS embody our philosophy of ‘Embracing Unconventional Excellence’, reaffirming our commitment to redefining success beyond conventional standards. This third edition reflects the unstoppable spirit and we are privileged to witness the journey of those shaping the future. Congratulations to all the winners, your success inspires us all.”

Amidst the dynamic energy of India’s financial capital, the BIG IMPACT Awards 2025 honored visionary entrepreneurs who are transforming industries, driving social change, and championing sustainability. The prestigious awards were hosted by BIG FM’s RJs – RJ Vrajesh, RJ Dilip, and RJ Rani. The awards are set to expand to more cities, further strengthening their legacy of celebrating excellence and fostering meaningful impact.

Mumbai, 27th February – Get ready for an electrifying evening of soul-stirring music and high-energy performances as R City Mall, proudly presents Kailash Kher & Kailasa live in concert on 1st March 2025. Known for his powerful vocals and fusion of Sufi, folk, and contemporary Indian music, Padma Shri awardee Kailash Kher is set to mesmerize the audience with his biggest hits, like “Allah Ke Bande,” “Teri Deewani,” “Saiyyan,” and many more.

Setting the stage for this grand spectacle will be a special opening performance by Muktika Ganguly, granddaughter of the legendary Kishore Kumar and daughter of Amit Kumar, alongside talented musicians Rishabh Giri and Roshan Giri.

This one-of-a-kind musical event is part of R City Mall’s commitment to bringing world-class entertainment and cultural experiences to Mumbai, making it the ultimate destination for shopping, dining, and live events.

Event Details:

Venue: R City Mall, Ghatkopar
Date: 1st March 2025
Time: 6:00 PM onwards

An Unmissable Musical Experience: Kailash Kher & Kailasa – The Voice of Soulful India: A global icon with a distinctive, earthy voice, Kailash Kher has redefined Indian music with his unique blend of folk, rock, and Sufi influences. Backed by his dynamic band Kailasa, he has performed at some of the world’s biggest stages, leaving audiences spellbound with his energetic stage presence and emotionally charged lyrics.

With a setlist featuring timeless hits and audience favorites, this live concert at R City Mall promises to be an unforgettable musical experience for fans of all ages.

Muktika Ganguly – A Legacy Continues: The evening will open with a special performance by Muktika Ganguly, who carries forward the illustrious musical legacy of Kishore Kumar and Amit Kumar. Blending retro charm with a contemporary touch, she will be accompanied by Rishabh Giri (Singer & Guitarist) and Roshan Giri (Musician & Programmer) for an enchanting set.

More than just a shopping mall, R City Mall is a hub for world-class experiences, offering a vibrant mix of fashion, dining, and entertainment. From hosting spectacular concerts and cultural showcases to bringing international entertainment formats to Mumbai, R City continues to redefine experiential retail and leisure.

With limited tickets available and music lovers eagerly anticipating this grand evening, make sure you secure your spot today for a night of unforgettable performances at R City Mall, Ghatkopar.

India, 27th February 2025 – Kärcher India, a global leader in cleaning technology, recently participated in the highly anticipated India Poultry Show 2025 held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, from February 21st to 23rd. The event proved to be an excellent platform for showcasing Kärcher’s cutting-edge cleaning solutions tailored for the poultry industry.

India’s animal husbandry industry is one of the fastest-growing markets, driven by rising domestic consumption and increasing exports of poultry products. With growing demand comes the responsibility of maintaining stringent hygiene standards in farms, hatcheries, and processing facilities. Clean and bio-secure environments are critical in preventing disease outbreaks, ensuring food safety, and improving productivity in poultry farming. Kärcher’s showcased solutions—ranging from high-performance pressure washers, vacuum cleaners, and floor scrubbers—are designed to help poultry farmers and processing units achieve superior hygiene. Effective cleaning plays a crucial role in reducing contamination risks, controlling pathogens, and meeting stringent bio-safety regulations essential for both local consumption and global exports.

The India Poultry Show 2025 featured an extensive lineup of industry innovations, including advancements in poultry nutrition, feed equipment, and animal health. Kärcher’s presence attracted significant interest from industry professionals seeking efficient and reliable cleaning solutions to improve their operational hygiene. “Being part of the India Poultry Show 2025 has allowed us to connect with key players in the poultry industry. Our innovative solutions, including pressure washers and floor scrubbers, have garnered immense interest from visitors looking to enhance cleanliness and productivity in their operations. The response has been overwhelming, and it reinforces our commitment to delivering advanced solutions that make a meaningful impact in the poultry sector,” said Jatinder Kaul, Managing Director at Kärcher India.

Kärcher’s technology addresses key challenges in poultry farming, including waste management, floor sanitation, and pathogen control. Effective cleaning reduces the risk of contamination, ensuring healthier livestock and improved yields. By participating in this event, Kärcher reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Indian poultry industry with best-in-class cleaning solutions that align with bio-safety protocols.

Hyderabad, February 27th, 2025: Prozo, India’s fastest-growing full-stack supply chain company, has further expanded its presence in South India with the launch of two new fulfillment centers in Hyderabad. The new facilities include a multi-client warehouse spanning 17,000 sq. ft. and a client-dedicated space covering 65,000 sq. ft., both strategically positioned to serve a broad customer base across the e-commerce, retail, and enterprise sectors. With this expansion, Prozo now operates 10 fulfillment centers in the state of Telangana.

Hyderabad stands out as one of India’s fastest-growing industrial and technological hubs, offering unparalleled connectivity to key markets across Southern and Central India. Prozo’s new FCs are built with enterprise-grade features, including robust fire safety compliance that ensures the highest safety standards for your operations. Equipped with integrated warehouse management systems, these FCs deliver real‑time insights, empowering clients to monitor and manage their inventory with precision. The state-of-the-art design of Prozo’s facilities provides operational flexibility, allowing businesses to seamlessly adapt to evolving market demands.

“Hyderabad is a significant market for us, given its strategic location and thriving business ecosystem,” said Dr Ashvini Jakhar, Founder and CEO,of  Prozo. “These facilities are equipped with advanced technology and tailored to support businesses in achieving their supply chain goals efficiently and cost-effectively.”

The addition of these facilities underscores Prozo’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for scalable and technology-driven supply chain solutions. With a total of 40 fulfillment centers now operational across the country, covering over 2 million sq. ft., Prozo has solidified its position as a leader in integrated logistics and warehousing services.

In the past year alone, Prozo has added 12 new facilities pan India, reflecting its ability to respond to the rapidly evolving needs of commerce and enterprise clients. The company’s proprietary technology stack, which includes AI-driven demand forecasting, multi-channel integration, and SLA tracking, ensures that clients benefit from precision logistics and seamless operations.

In the past year alone, Prozo has operationalized 12 fulfillment centers across India, taking its pan India warehousing space to over 2 million sq. ft. It is well on its way to solidifying its position as India’s most trusted full-stack supply chain partner.