9, Jan 2025
Shemaroo Umang’s Main Dil Tum Dhadkan Celebrates 100 Episode Milestone

In the world of showbiz, every milestone is a reason to celebrate, and when a show hits the incredible mark of 100 episodes, the excitement on set is truly unmatched. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of not just the actors but the entire team who make it all possible. The same electrifying energy was felt on the set of Shemaroo Umang’s popular show Main Dil Tum Dhadkan, as it celebrated this remarkable achievement.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as the cast and crew of the show came together to mark this special occasion—a journey filled with emotions, growth, and countless unforgettable moments. Lead actors Radhika Muthukumar, Neelu Vaghela, and Zohaib Siddiqui shared heartfelt stories about their experiences, the bonds they’ve built, and what makes this milestone so meaningful. It’s not just a celebration of storytelling but a reflection of the shared rollercoaster ride that brought them here.

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Radhika Muthukumar, who plays Vrinda, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Reaching 100 episodes feels like a dream come true. Vrinda’s journey of redefining the meaning of motherhood and her unbreakable bond with her son, Kanha, has been full of memorable moments, challenges, and triumphs. I still remember celebrating festivals like Diwali the set with the entire team; it felt like a family. The love and support of our audience mean everything to me. Every scene, every emotion, has been a labor of love, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

Neelu Vaghela, known for her role as Rajeshwari Devi, shared her thoughts: “For me, this journey has been about growth and connection. Rajeshwari is a mother who wants the best for her family, but she also has an orthodox perspective. Playing this character has been a remarkable experience. Over the months, we’ve shared countless laughs on set, and it’s been a beautiful journey. The love from viewers makes all the hard work worth it. I feel so lucky to be part of a show that resonates with so many hearts.”

Zohaib Siddiqui, who plays Keshav, added an emotional note, “100 episodes later, Main Dil Tum Dhadkan is not just a show for me, it’s been my home. Keshav’s character has taught me so much about sacrifice and love. I’ll never forget the late-night shoots and the camaraderie we share. The bond we’ve built as a team reflects in the show, and I am grateful to our viewers for embracing us so warmly.”

9, Jan 2025
Chandak Group achieves major milestone with 2,100+ homes delivered in 2024

Mumbai, January 09, 2025: Chandak Group, a leading Mumbai-based real estate developer with over 35 years of industry experience, has achieved a significant milestone by delivering over 2,100 Homes to customers in 2024. This includes the handover of 600+ slum rehabilitated homes, reinforcing the group’s commitment to social transformation through its impactful development work.

Building on this success, Chandak Group is set to exceed expectations with a target of delivering 2,400+ homes in the year 2025. With more than 12 million square feet of developed space and over 30 completed projects, their contribution to the city’s growth is a testament to their reliability and dedication to excellence.

Chandak Group caters to a wide spectrum of properties which include premium residential, retail, and commercial projects, strategically located in most sought-after areas such as Worli, Wadala, Chembur, Vile Parle, Juhu, Andheri, Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, Mulund, and Dahisar. These properties have been delivered that foster vibrant and thriving communities. Chandak Group’s projects are not just about building structures but about creating communities.

“We never imagined we would own a home, but this has truly changed our lives,” shared Mr. Patil, an SRA rehabilitated resident. “Earlier, we had to wake up at 4 a.m. to fetch water and answer the call of nature. Now, all that is behind us” he added. The SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) project at Chembur is one of many transformative initiatives undertaken by Chandak Group, converting areas once dominated by slums into well-planned housing societies. Residents, who once lived in unhygienic conditions, suffering from inadequate infrastructure, now enjoy individual toilets, reliable water supply, electricity connections, lifts, and a vastly improved standard of living, with enhanced safety for women and children.

The Chandak Group has an impressive portfolio of 10 ongoing projects which are a mix of residential and commercial projects. Additionally, they have 10 million+ sq. ft. in the pipeline to be constructed in strategically selected locations such as Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Kalina, Vile Parle, Borivali etc.

Known for their commitment to timely delivery, Chandak Group has a proven track record of completing projects on schedule. With over 35 years of legacy in the real estate industry, the group continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Mumbai’s skyline.

Chandak Group’s unwavering focus on “Excellence in Delivery” has been the cornerstone of their success, allowing them to create homes for over 10,000 families. Their commitment to fulfilling promises has earned them a strong reputation, embodied in their tagline: “Promises Made. Promises Kept.”

9, Jan 2025
8 Must-Know Edtech Trends Impacting K-12 Classrooms in India

The education system in India is changing quickly, and technology is having a big impact on how students learn. From customized learning to online classrooms, the K-12 education sector is experiencing exciting changes that are making learning more interesting and easier to access. In this article, we’ll look at 8 important education technology trends that are changing classrooms all over the country. We’ll also see how these trends are helping both teachers and students succeed in this new era of learning.

Personalized Learning: Tailored to Each Student
Personalized learning uses smart technology like AI and machine learning to adjust lessons to fit each student’s needs, letting them learn at their own speed. This method makes learning more interesting and motivating by focusing on what students are good at. For example, AASOKA’s personalized learning approach uses advanced tools and a curriculum designed to match the NEP 2020 and NCF guidelines. This ensures every student gets a learning plan made just for them, helping them do their best.

Blended Learning: A Hybrid Approach
Blended learning mixes online and face-to-face teaching, giving students the freedom to choose between live classes and studying at their own pace. It also improves traditional teaching by using digital tools, making learning more engaging. This approach is expected to become the norm, providing flexibility and adaptability in education.

Gamification: Making Learning Fun
Gamification brings rewards and challenges into lessons, making learning very fun and impactful, so the information is memorized better. As these tools improve, they will be used more in classrooms, making learning both enjoyable and effective.

AI and Predictive Analytics: Data-Driven Insights
AI-based tools that predict student performance can show where students might need extra help, letting teachers step in sooner. This way, teaching can be adjusted to fit each student’s needs, making learning more effective. In the future, AI will play a bigger role in classrooms. For instance, Zamit uses its AI system, which includes Measure, Improve, and Monitor features, along with Learner Analytics, to keep track of how students are doing and provide useful information to improve their learning.

AR/VR: Immersive Learning
AR and VR bring interactive 3D experiences for learning purposes and make students engaged in their own learning while exploring complex concepts. Because of these accessibility factors, they will eventually make their way into the school lessons, thereby enhancing rich immersive education.

STEM/STEAM Education: Skills for the Future
STEM and STEAM programs encourage creativity and critical thinking through activities like coding and robotics. These programs prepare students for future careers in technology and science while fostering problem-solving skills. The emphasis on STEM/STEAM education will continue to grow in the coming years.

Cloud Computing: Easy Access and Collaboration
Cloud computing, on the other hand, permits access to all digital resources and even textbooks. It offers easy access to learning materials from anywhere at any time, reducing the cost and promoting effortless teamwork.

AI-Powered Chatbots: Personalized Assistance for Students
AI-powered chatbots and voice-controlled assistants are transforming the way learning resources are accessed by students. These tools immediately provide answers to questions, support with assignments, and provide opportunities for interactive learning. Since they adjust to each learner’s style of learning and his or her specific needs, it gives support and enhances engagement with the learning process.

With this, edtech trends are rewriting the K-12 education scenario in India in terms of learning experiences that can be more personal, engaging, and flexible. As technology changes, schools will have better instruments for supporting different styles of learning that will help bring out the full potential of each student and make them ready for future challenges. Bright times await education with immense possibilities for innovation and growth.

9, Jan 2025
Nuance Consultancy conceptualises the new campaign for The Sassy Spoon’s Flavor-Filled New Menu

Mumbai, 9th January 2025 – Nuance Consultancy has outdone itself with its latest campaign for The Sassy Spoon, infusing the restaurant’s latest menu additions with a dash of bold creativity and a sprinkle of sharp strategy. With global flavours, with a Sassy twist, the new menu screams experimentation and delivers pure joy on a plate. The campaign theme “This & That” is the perfect fusion of variety, inclusivity, and the sheer fun of mixing things up. With spot-on strategies and creative storytelling, Nuance has turned this concept into an experience that feels as exciting as the menu itself. The dishes are the real showstoppers, and Nuance made sure everyone knows it.

 The new dishes are a celebration of contrast and harmony such as the Tofu & Cottage Cheese Poppers with Turai Chutney, Crispy Potato Mille-Feuille with Goat Cheese Fondue & Arabbiata Sauce —a true fusion of the unexpected amongst close to 20 new additions to the menu. It is a culinary equivalent of a well-mixed playlist, where classic and contemporary flavors collide in deliciously surprising ways.

 The campaign’s core idea – “Why pick one when you can have both?” is an invitation to indulge in a culinary collaboration between cultures, ideas and experiments where opposites attract, and variety isn’t just welcomed, it’s celebrated.

 Nuance Consultancy, the agency behind the campaign, hit the ground running with this theme. Rooshabh, Co-Founder of Nuance, explains: “We knew from the start that we wanted to create a campaign that mirrored the creativity and boldness of the dishes themselves. ‘This & That’ encapsulates the essence of what we wanted to convey—why settle for one when you can enjoy the best of both worlds?”

 Of course, no campaign would be complete without the face behind the magic: Rachel Goenka, the founder of The Sassy Spoon, whose vision and culinary expertise birthed these new dishes. As the person behind the flavours and attached memories, Rachel represents the soul of the campaign. Reem Iqbal, AGM – Growth & Marketing at TCSC Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. said “With our new menu, the focus was on celebrating variety & unique flavours. Our collaboration with Nuance, brought this idea to the forefront with the ‘This & That’ campaign. It’s the perfect representation of our menu’s playful & eclectic spirit, and we’re thrilled with the response so far.”

 The campaign takes center stage across social media with eye-catching visuals and strategic Meta ads targeting both regulars and newcomers. To add fuel to the fire, food influencers were invited to dive into the new menu and share their culinary discoveries, sparking conversations and building excitement around the brand.

 With ‘This & That,’ Sassy Spoon is proving that you don’t have to pick a side in the world of food—you can have it all. And why not? When the result is a fusion of flavors as bold as these, the only thing left to say is: “Bon appétit, indeed!”

9, Jan 2025
Quest Global Announces Appointment of Rob Vatter as Executive President

Bangalore, India, Jan 9, 2025— Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, is pleased to announce that Rob Vatter has been selected to join the organization as Executive President. In this role, Rob will assume responsibility for the company’s day-to-day operations and report to Ajit Prabhu, Co-Founder & CEO.

As Quest Global’s Executive President, Rob will focus on scaling operations to best serve our global clients with differentiated quality, innovation, and solutions to help solve the world’s hardest engineering problems. He is an extraordinary leader and will further position Quest Global at the forefront of the engineering services industry

“I am happy to welcome Rob to the Quest Global family. He is an entrepreneurial leader who shares our organization’s values. I look forward to the impact he will make as he applies his wealth of knowledge and experience to support our growth aspirations.” said Ajit Prabhu, Co-Founder & CEO.

, “I am excited to contribute to Quest Global’s mission to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow—to make the world a better place. The organization’s culture and long-term aspiration to build a centenary organization is inspiring and something I am deeply committed to.” expressed Rob Vatter who officially joined the company on December 23rd, 2024

Rob is a leader with over 35 years of experience in sales and operations, working in both technology and ER&D services. Most recently he was the EVP for Cognizant’s Enterprise Platforms and Applications where he delivered significant market share gains. Rob also has experience as the Chief Revenue Officer for ClickFox and before that, he was the CEO of ALTRAN North American where his passion for ER&D services was first ignited.

This appointment will propel Quest Global toward its ambitious growth goals while delivering lasting impact for its clients, partners, and society.

9, Jan 2025
Prime Video Releases Official Trailer for the Highly Anticipated Third and Final Season of Harlem

CULVER CITY, California—January 9, 2025—After a shocking Season Two finale cliffhanger that left audiences on the edge of their seats, Harlem will return for its third and final season on January 23, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. From creator and writer Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip), Harlem Season Three will follow the core four women on the precipice of change like never before. Whether it be motherhood, singlehood, sisterhood, complicated career journeys, or even more complicated families, our stylish and ambitious best girlfriends strive to finally choose themselves above all else.

“As we prepare to say goodbye to this incredible series, we’re both grateful for the journey Tracy has taken us on and excited for our global customers to experience a final season that truly honors these characters,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “This chapter may be coming to a close, but the series will continue to resonate for years to come.”

“I’m beyond grateful to the whole team at Amazon for giving me the chance of a lifetime to tell these four Black women’s stories and shoot it in the city I love: Harlem. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m honored to see the impact it’s made in the culture, as well as the impact it’s had on all of us who’ve been blessed to work on it.” said Tracy Oliver, creator, writer and Executive Producer for Harlem. “A huge thank you to everyone who’s watched the show. I’m excited to finally share our best season yet.”

The final season will welcome newcomers Kofi Siriboe, Logan Browning, Robin Givens, and Gail Bean to join the cast in recurring roles. Siriboe will portray Seth, an MLB player whose confident, charming, and sweet mannerisms land him a spot in one of the ladies’ hearts. Browning will portray Portia, an edgy and beautiful woman from Ian’s (Tyler Lepley) childhood, whose return to Harlem causes a stir. Bean will portray Given’s daughter Eva, a driven, yet playful venture capitalist who has started working with Tye (Jerrie Johnson).

Harlem Season Three is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Paper Kite Productions. In addition to creator, writer, and executive producer Tracy Oliver, Paper Kite’s Amy Poehler (Russian Doll) and Kim Lessing (Moxie) serve as executive producers, alongside 3 Arts’ Dave Becky (True Story), Britt Matt (First Wives Club), and 13-time Grammy Award winner Pharrell Williams (Hidden Figures) and Mimi Valdés (Roxanne Roxanne) from i am OTHER.

9, Jan 2025
Borges Expands into Premium Categories with ZPR Almonds and Single Variety Extra Virgin Olive Oils

New Delhi, 09 January 2025, Borges India, a leading name in Mediterranean food products, proudly announces its foray into new premium categories with the launch of Zero Pesticide Residue (ZPR) Almonds and two Single Variety Extra Virgin Olive Oils. The new offerings reflect Borges’ unwavering commitment to quality, health and sustainability, providing Indian consumers with innovative and nutritious options that align with the Mediterranean diet.

 Speaking on the launch, Mr. Vishal Gupta, Managing Director of Borges India Private Limited said, “We are excited about launching new products in the Indian market, it reflects our fervent dedication towards meeting the evolving consumer needs. Both ZPR Almonds and the Single variety Extra Virgin Olive Oils are testament of brand value of innovation and sustainability, this reinforces our approach to promoting nutritious and appetizing products to the Indian consumer. The new Borges innovations bring authentic flavours and health benefits of the Mediterranean diet to Indian households, helping health-conscious individuals make the right choices. These new additions cater to the growing demand for premium, nutritious products that elevate everyday cooking and snacking experiences”.

 Zero Pesticide residue almonds:
The almonds are of Spanish origin and are of special variety known for their sweet taste. These Almonds stand out for the Zero pesticide residue which means, pesticide residues are below 0.01 mg/kg or 0.01 ppm, a standard verified by an authorized independent European lab. The consumer can verify this by scanning the QR code on the pack and by putting the batch number to see the certificate. To achieve this precision requires careful farming practices, and controlled production process that provides quality products. They are lightly roasted, crunchy and have a rich flavour.

 To enhances the snacking experience of the Indian consumers, Borges India has made available two references/options/variants of the ZPR Almonds.

 • Blanched & Roasted Almonds
• Roasted almonds with skin
These almonds are not only gluten-free but also packed with High Fiber and Protein, making them an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle. These versatile almonds are perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or even using in baking. Borges ZPR Almonds exemplify a commitment to delivering high-calibre products while prioritizing consumer health and safety.

 Single Variety olive oils:
Building on its market success with olive oils and other Mediterranean products, the brand has expanded its portfolio with two distinct extra virgin olive oils made with single variety olives. Each crafted to cater to the discerning palate of the consumer.

• Fruity extra virgin olive oil, is made from 100% Arbequina olives, known for a sweet and gentle flavour which is perfect for salad dressings, low-heat cooking, greens, pasta and soups.
• Character extra virgin olive oil is made from 100% Picual olives known for a bold, intense taste with a hint of spice brings for enhancing grilled meats, seafood and roasted vegetables and salad dressings. It is also considered as an excellent base for onion and garlic sauces.

 With these new offerings, Borges embraces the evolving palates of Indian consumers, delivering authentic Mediterranean flavours. These oils bring versatility and taste to cooking. Both oils are healthy as they are cold pressed and are rich in Mono-unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants.

 The new ranges of Borges India products are now available across online & offline channels, making it easier for consumers across India to access these premium, health-focused products.

9, Jan 2025
Exotel Suite of AI-Powered Communication Solutions Now Available in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace

Bengaluru, India 9th January 2025 – Exotel, a leading provider of AI transformation for customer engagement and experience, today announced the availability of its suite of AI-powered communication solutions designed for enterprises focused on optimizing customer engagement and experience in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store providing applications and services for use on Azure. Exotel customers can now take advantage of the productive and trusted Azure cloud platform, with streamlined deployment and management. These solutions range from Intelligent Virtual Assistants (IVA) to Conversational Quality Analysis (CQA) and Enterprise Contact Center. Exotel’s offerings, including CPaaS, CCaaS, and Conversational AI, work to unify customer interactions, boost conversions through personalized outreach, reduce costs via automation, and enhance agent efficiency.

By leveraging Exotel’s cloud communication platform, enterprises can significantly reduce their time to market, enabling faster deployment of customer engagement solutions. The platform’s cloud-based architecture ensures enhanced scalability, flexibility, and security, allowing businesses to quickly adapt to evolving customer needs while improving responsiveness across all communication channels. With cloud adoption rapidly growing in the enterprise market, Exotel’s IVA empowers companies to deliver superior customer experiences (CX) over the cloud while optimizing operational efficiency and reducing infrastructure costs.

Disparate systems across departments often lead to fragmented data and disjointed customer experiences. Exotel integrates the dismantling of data silos, unifying information sources, and creating a comprehensive customer conversational profile that humanizes interactions across channels.

“As we strengthen our longstanding relationship with Microsoft, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance customer engagement and streamline communication for businesses. By leveraging AI technologies and cloud platforms, we are enabling businesses to not only meet but exceed customer expectations, driving growth and innovation in the digital age.” said Ishwar Sridharan, Co-Founder, Exotel.

Himani Agrawal, Chief Partner Officer, Microsoft India, said, “We are pleased to welcome Exotel to the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, providing our partners with great exposure to cloud customers worldwide. Leveraging Azure’s scalability, reliability, and agility, Exotel will empower enterprises to accelerate their AI innovation with trust and confidence. Together, we are excited to unlock the transformative potential of AI-powered customer experiences for businesses.”

Exotel, as a partner in the Azure marketplace and a key player in AI-driven customer communication transformation, is committed to empowering enterprises with innovative solutions that drive revenue growth, optimize costs, and elevate customer experiences.

The Azure Marketplace is an online market for buying and selling cloud solutions certified to run on Azure. The Azure Marketplace helps connect companies seeking innovative, cloud-based solutions with partners who have developed solutions that are ready to use.

9, Jan 2025
Tamilnad Mercantile Bank partners with Bajaj Broking to enhance investment services

New Delhi, January, 09, 2025 – Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB), one of the renowned old private sector banks has announced a strategic partnership with Bajaj Broking, a leading stockbroking firm, to offer a comprehensive 3-in-1 account solution that seamlessly integrates banking, broking, and investment services.

Through this collaboration, TMB customers will gain access to Bajaj Broking’s online trading platform, enabling their customers to trade and invest in various products with ease. The integrated platform facilitates seamless fund transfers, minimizes paperwork, and provides a user-friendly interface for managing their finances.

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Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Salee S. Nair, MD & CEO of TMB said, “We are delighted to partner with Bajaj Broking to provide our customers with a one-stop solution for their investment needs. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to evolve with our customers’ financial requirements and offering them access to professional investment services through a trusted partner. It is a significant step forward in our mission to provide our customers with a comprehensive suite of financial products and services.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Manish Jain, Managing Director, Bajaj Broking said, “We are excited to extend our comprehensive investment solutions to Tamilnad Mercantile Bank customers. Our advanced trading platform will ensure transparency and ease in trading across exchanges. Customers will benefit from our technology-driven services and valuable research insights. This partnership will empower investors with informed decision-making tools and expand our pan-India presence.”

The partnership leverages Bajaj Broking’s advanced technology platform to deliver a seamless banking and broking experience. TMB customers will benefit from its research insights, empowering them to make informed investment decisions. By integrating banking and broking services, TMB aims to add value to its customers’ financial journeys and empower them with the tools they need to achieve their financial goals.

9, Jan 2025
ISB and Samhita-CGF Empower 500 Rural Women Entrepreneurs Through Transformative Skill-Development Programmes

[Hyderabad, January 9, 2025]:
The Indian School of Business (ISB) Executive Education, in collaboration with Samhita-CGF, proudly announced the successful completion of its pilot Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme for the 2023-2024 period. This three-month initiative aimed at empowering rural women entrepreneurs has trained 500 aspiring businesswomen across five states: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Building on the programme’s success, the current cohort of 550 women is being trained across seven blocks in Uttarakhand.

Developed as a joint initiative, the bespoke programme includes online modules by ISB Executive Education, focusing on essential business fundamentals, along with mentorship modules by Samhita-CGF, delivered in a hybrid format. The programme addresses socio-economic challenges and empowers women to develop entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to balance household responsibilities with business activities effectively. The participants are engaged in business development training, financial literacy workshops, marketing strategies, and digital skills development. Additionally, they benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities, which are integral to the programme. The first cohort demonstrated significant success, with the majority of participants embarking on entrepreneurial ventures or securing livelihood opportunities.

Sujatha Kumaraswamy, Executive Director, Executive Education and Digital Learning, ISB, remarked, “This partnership with Samhita-CGF marks a significant step towards empowering aspiring woman entrepreneurs in rural areas and providing them with the knowledge and insights needed to build and sustain successful businesses. We aim to promote and facilitate teaching excellence at ISB by offering mentoring, training, and resource support to create a social impact.”

Priya Naik, CEO and Founder of Samhita Social Venture Pvt Ltd, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating, “Increasing women’s entrepreneurship is a national priority. With more women coming into the workforce and succeeding as entrepreneurs, we will see a material change in our GDP. We aim to double the incomes of 2 million women entrepreneurs over the next five years. We consider our partnership with ISB Executive Education as a movement where women entrepreneurs handhold each other towards shared success.”

Participants meeting the programme’s requirements received joint certification from ISB Executive Education and Samhita-CGF, recognising their dedication and achievement. The initiative also identified and further developed ‘Champions’ from the course, who serve as role models and change agents within their communities.