15, Jul 2025
NMIMS Chandigarh welcomes new batch with Inspiring Orientation Ceremony
Chandigarh, July 15, 2025: SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh marked a significant milestone with the successful inauguration of its new cohort at the School of Technology Management & Engineering (STME) through a vibrant and insightful Orientation Ceremony held on 12th July at the campus. The event brought together distinguished dignitaries, faculty, parents, and enthusiastic first-year students to celebrate the beginning of a promising academic journey.
The ceremony commenced on an auspicious note with the NMIMS Anthem and a lamp-lighting ritual, symbolizing the light of knowledge and new beginnings.
Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Director I/C, NMIMS Chandigarh Campus and Associate Dean, STME, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic student development. She proudly shared that NMIMS has recently been re-accredited with a NAAC A++ grade, attaining an impressive CGPA of 3.59 out of 4.0.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Nishant Kumar Yadav (IAS), Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh, and Guest of Honor Dr. Ashok Sangwan, Head of IT Security at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Yadav delivered an inspirational keynote, sharing insights from his journey to the Indian Administrative Services, his training at the IAS Academy in Mussoorie, and the broader relevance of education, discipline, and physical wellness in shaping effective public service leaders. He also spoke about Chandigarh’s unique heritage, encouraging students to pursue their goals with dedication and purpose.
Dr. Sangwan followed with a dynamic session focused on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the importance of strong foundational skills in engineering. He engaged students through interactive activities and emphasized the importance of staying present in the learning process, fostering both technical expertise and soft skills for sustained success in the industry.
A special highlight of the program was the “Wellness First” awareness session led by Dr. Inderdeep Kaur Sawhney, Health Officer at the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh. The session addressed critical topics related to mental health and drug awareness, offering students practical strategies to manage stress, recognize early signs of substance misuse, and maintain emotional well-being during their academic journey.
The event concluded with faculty briefings by Dr. Jagpreet and Dr. Yugal, who outlined the academic framework, support systems, and institutional care mechanisms in place for students.
With courses set to begin on Monday, July 14, 2025, the orientation ceremony successfully laid a strong foundation for the incoming batch, fostering a sense of purpose, community, and enthusiasm. NMIMS Chandigarh continues its mission to nurture future leaders through a blend of academic rigor, innovation, and personal development.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Jul 2025
VinFast Opens Pre-Booking for Highly Anticipated Premium Electric SUVs VF 7 and VF 6
Gurugram, July 15, 2025: Following a successful debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year, VinFast Auto India — the Indian subsidiary of global electric vehicle leader VinFast — has officially opened bookings today for its premium electric SUVs, the VF 7 and VF 6, across the Indian market.
These models will be officially launched for public sale in August, following the inauguration of the company’s plant in Thoothukudi, with deliveries to follow subsequently.
Indian customers can now reserve their preferred VinFast electric SUV either at VinFast showrooms or through the company’s official website, VinFastAuto.in, with a fully refundable booking amount of INR 21 000.
Designed to deliver global-quality electric mobility solutions tailored for Indian roads and consumer needs, the VF 7 and VF 6 offer impressive real-world range on a single charge. Both models are engineered for convenience, whether for daily city commutes, intercity travel, or weekend getaways — addressing range anxiety while delivering comfort, performance, and cutting-edge technology.
The vehicles will be assembled locally at VinFast’s upcoming factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to India as a critical market and future EV production hub.
Model Highlights
- VF 7: A dynamic electric SUV featuring a spacious premium interior, Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), large touchscreen, connected car technologies, panoramic glass roof, wireless charging, and signature LED lighting.
- VF 6: Family-oriented and stylish, the VF 6 combines premium comfort with Level 2 ADAS, an intuitive infotainment system, connected features, signature lighting, and a panoramic roof — designed for everyday practicality and smart driving.
Speaking on the Pre-Booking announcement, Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said: “We are deeply encouraged by the overwhelming support from Indian consumers at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. It reaffirmed the country’s readiness and enthusiasm for sustainable mobility solutions. The VF 6 and VF 7 represent our vision of bringing world-class EVs tailored to local needs, and we’re confident that Indian customers will find these models not only competitive, but truly inspiring.”
To ensure a seamless ownership experience, VinFast has signed agreements with 13 dealer partners to establish 32 dealerships across 27 cities, forming a robust 3S (Sales, Service, Spares) ecosystem. The initial set of dealerships will be established in key urban and emerging EV markets, including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Cochin, Bhubaneshwar, Trivandrum, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Coimbatore, Surat, Calicut, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Shimla, Agra, Jhansi, Gwalior, Vapi, Baroda and Goa.
The company has also announced partnerships with RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure to create a reliable, nationwide charging and after-sales service network. These strategic collaborations will offer real-time charging access, AI-driven diagnostics, and integrated digital platforms to support VinFast’s fast-growing customer base and EV infrastructure.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, VinFast has also partnered with BatX Energies, a leading Indian clean-tech company specializing in battery recycling, rare metal recovery, and end-of-life battery repurposing. This collaboration marks a significant step toward building an integrated, circular battery value chain in India — reinforcing VinFast’s mission to enable a greener future through responsible innovation.
14, Jul 2025
Chandigarh; 14th July, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi concluded the third edition of its flagship outreach initiative, PRAYAS 3.0, with a formal valedictory ceremony held on campus. The program, aimed at fostering curiosity and scientific temperament among school students across the nation, provided an immersive a month long exposure to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The event brought together students from diverse schools across the region, offering them a unique opportunity to reside and learn at one of India’s premier technical institutes. Throughout the program, participants engaged in a dynamic mix of workshops, lectures, lab visits, and team projects all meticulously designed to make STEM education engaging and accessible.
Among the highlights of the program were the introductory computer programming classes, hands-on circuit design, mechanical prototyping activities, and problem-solving exercises. One of the highlights was the Robo Soccer competition, where students developed, programmed and controlled robotic systems to play a friendly soccer match among them. This was the first hands-on experience with robotics for most of the participants, and it created a deep sense of excitement and fulfillment.
Reflecting on the success of the program, a student mentor remarked, “The excitement on their faces as they controlled their robots on the soccer field was priceless, most students had never done anything even remotely close to this before.”
In his address, Dr Tushar Jain, Head CCE, IIT Mandi, emphasized the importance of early STEM exposure and applauded the students for their enthusiasm and adaptability. “PRAYAS is about planting seeds of curiosity, we hope this experience stays with these young minds for a lifetime and shapes the way they think about learning and the world. Through our interactive workshops, hands-on robotics, coding, and engineering design classes and exposure to cutting-edge research facilities at IIT Mandi, we aim to demystify science and technology for school students. We hope the learning and confidence they have gained here will leave an indelible mark, motivating them to become scientists, engineers, and innovators.”
The valedictory session concluded with certificate distribution.
14, Jul 2025
Aviva India Launches Child Future Plan for Semi-Urban Families
New Delhi , 14th July 2025: Aviva India, a leading private life insurance company, announced the launch of its latest life insurance offering – Aviva Bharat Bal Vikas Yojana, a Non-Linked Non-Participating life insurance savings plan aimed at helping families in rural and semi-urban India build a secure future for their children. With premiums starting at just ₹1,000 per month, the plan combines guaranteed maturity benefits and life cover, helping families confidently plan for milestones like higher education, skill development or even starting a small business.
The plan offers a minimum entry age is 3 years, and the maximum entry age is 50 years, with policy terms ranging from 12 to 30 years and a maturity age of up to 80 years, making it suitable for a wide range of life stages and financial goals. Its flexible premium payment options—monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually—make it easier to fit into diverse household budgets.
In the unfortunate event of the life insured’s demise during the policy term, the nominee will receive the highest of:
- Death Sum Assured, or
- Surrender Value as on date of death (higher of Guaranteed Surrender Value or Special Surrender Value), or
- X%** (minimum 105%) of the total premiums paid
Commenting on the launch, Vinit Kapahi, Chief Marketing Officer, Aviva India, said, “Aviva Bharat Bal Vikas Yojana is built around real, everyday aspirations of families beyond metro cities. It’s a simple, goal-oriented plan for parents who wish to protect and nurture their children’s dreams, without the complexities often associated with financial products.”
The plan offers maturity benefits in the form of a guaranteed sum assured at the end of the policy term, ensuring financial support for the child’s future. It also provides tax benefits as per prevailing laws, making it a practical choice for families looking for both financial security and future-focused savings.
This launch reflects Aviva’s deepening commitment to financial inclusion – reaching not just metros, but real Bharat, where protection is needed most.
14, Jul 2025
6 Indian Platforms Offering Innovative Mobility Solutions
July 14, 2025: India’s mobility ecosystem is no longer just about getting people from point A to point B; it’s about efficiency, convenience, sustainability, and innovation. A new wave of startups is transforming everything from how we pay at fuel stations to how we commute, charge EVs, and optimize fleet operations. Here is a list of platforms offering innovative mobility solutions
1. ToneTag – Making Drive-Through Payments Seamless with In Car Payment Solution
ToneTag’s In Car Payment Solution is revolutionizing how Indians pay on the move. Whether it’s fueling up, charging an EV, or crossing a toll, users can now complete transactions directly from their car using secure sound-based technology — without tapping, scanning, or handing over a phone. The solution ensures speed, safety, and zero contact, making it a game-changer for fuel stations, EV infrastructure, and mobility service providers.
2. Ola Electric – India’s Connected EV Revolution
Innovation: Smart electric scooters with OTA updates and hyper charging network
Ola Electric is leading India’s EV push with its app-first, software-driven electric scooters. Their products feature connected dashboards, keyless unlocking, and planned integration with a nationwide hypercharger network — making EV adoption smarter and scalable.
3. Yulu – Shared Micro-Mobility for Urban India
Innovation: App-based electric bikes for last-mile connectivity
Yulu’s dockless EV bikes provide a sustainable and efficient last-mile commute option in congested Indian cities. With low-cost rentals, GPS tracking, and zero emissions, Yulu is helping reduce traffic and pollution in metros like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.
4. Bounce Infinity – Battery Swapping for Two-Wheelers
Innovation: EV scooters with removable batteries and a growing swap station network
Bounce Infinity offers electric scooters with detachable batteries, enabling users to swap at nearby kiosks rather than wait hours for a charge. This drastically reduces EV downtime and addresses one of India’s biggest EV adoption barriers range anxiety.
5. Rapido – Bike Taxis for Hyperlocal Commute
Innovation: Two-wheeler ride-sharing and delivery services across 100+ cities
Rapido has tapped into India’s need for affordable, agile commutes with its bike-taxi platform. It’s especially popular in Tier II and III cities where last-mile connectivity is a challenge and public transport is still developing.
6. Chalo – Smarter Bus Mobility Through Tech
Innovation: Live bus tracking, digital passes, and cashless ticketing for public transport
Chalo is making Indian bus rides smarter and stress-free with real-time tracking, mobile ticketing, and route optimization. It’s enabling digital transformation in public transport across cities like Bhopal, Kochi, Indore, and Nagpur.
14, Jul 2025
Schmitten Chocolates Donates 2 AC’s to Vatsalyapuram Orphanage
Surat, 14th July 2025 – Schmitten Chocolates went beyond to spread warmth, joy and smiles where it matters the most among the children of Vatsalyapuram Orphanage. As part of its on-going CSR initiative, Schmitten donated two air-conditioners to enhance the children’s living space.
The day was nothing short of magical. It began with fun-filled games like the Whisper Challenge, where phrases such as “Kaccha Papad, Pakka Papad” had everyone in splits, and a Dance Freeze Challenge that had the entire room bursting with energy. One of the most memorable moments was when our team danced with the kids to The Schmitten Song, teaching them fun moves and creating an atmosphere of celebration and pure joy.
To end the day on a meaningful and inspiring note, every child was asked to write down their dream, what they hope to become when they grow up along with their name. These heartfelt aspirations were then pinned up on a special wall within the orphanage, becoming a daily reminder of hope and purpose. The dreams ranged from becoming a teacher, scientist, CA and businessman to serving the nation as a fighter pilot or helping the underprivileged. Each note was a powerful reminder of the potential waiting to bloom.
“We believe chocolate is more than just a treat, it’s a way to bring people together, to create moments of joy, and to inspire. This was a reminder that the sweetest impact we can make is through kindness, connection and care. At Schmitten, we remain committed to spreading happiness not just through our chocolates, but through meaningful actions that make a difference.” said Jayesh Desai, Chairman of Rajhans Group & Founder of Schmitten Chocolates.
14, Jul 2025
World Youth Skills Day 2025: Building Future-Ready Youth
By – Amit Goyal, Managing Director, South Asia, Project Management Institute.
“As we mark World Youth Skills Day 2025, it is vital to recognize that empowering today’s youth with future-ready skills is synonymous with equipping them to master the projects of tomorrow. In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological advancement and artificial intelligence, building digital fluency and cultivating adaptive competencies are essential to developing future-ready mindsets and meaningful career pathways.
We see clearly that skills in project success, data-informed decision-making, and collaborative agility are not just valuable, but are actively redefining the future of work across all sectors. These are the core competencies that enable individuals to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and close complex undertakings, turning challenges into opportunities.
To enable inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience, preparing youth must become a shared priority. Institutions must evolve beyond conventional training paradigms and invest in scalable, experiential learning frameworks that integrate mentorship and real-world application. By fostering a culture of continuous development and ethical innovation, we empower youth to lead transformative change, manage complex initiatives, and deliver tangible value through AI and digital skills across industries, communities, and borders. At PMI, we believe every person has the potential to be a successful project leader, driving progress for a better future.”
14, Jul 2025
Bollywood and Sandalwood Actresses come together to unveil QPL 2.0 Logo
Bollywood and Sandalwood Actresses come together to unveil QPL 2.0 Logo
Bangalore, July 14, 2025: The Queens Premier League (QPL) unveiled the logo of its much-anticipated second season ‘Kreedotsava’ in Bengaluru, after the stupendous success of its inaugural edition last year. The event marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the league, which is expanding into a multi-sport, entertainment extravaganza with 12 new games added to its roster.
The unveiling was led by the Mahesh Gowda, Founder of QPL, Popular Actress Ramya, who is also the face of the QPL, and Pramod Shetty, renowned actor and QPL Co-Founder, in the presence of media, partners, and supporters from across the city’s television, fashion, and entertainment circles. Also Bollywood actress Elli AvrRam showed her presence supporting QPL team.
“With QPL 2.0, we’re not just leveling up—we’re revolutionizing the space for women in sports and entertainment,” said Mahesh Gowda. “This season is about reaching 50 million digital views, expanding across India, and creating real, inclusive impact. It’s concerning to see today’s youth increasingly consumed by online gaming and excessive mobile use. When celebrities are making time to stay active and lead by example, it’s a powerful reminder for young people to follow suit and prioritise their physical well-being. Our core aim is to encourage and engage people to be physically active, rather than spending excessive time on technology. We believe that real empowerment begins with real participation”, he added.
The event spotlighted QPL’s evolving mission to empower women by providing a dynamic stage that blends entertainment, sports, and social impact. Building on its debut season, which saw over 25 million digital views and 5,000+ live attendees, QPL 2.0 is poised to become a national movement.
“QPL is where entertainment meets purpose. It is more than a league—it’s a platform that brings together the entertainment industry and corporates in a powerful collaboration to promote fitness, purpose-driven engagement, and women empowerment at scale. It is a vibrant celebration of talent, energy and inclusivity, and most importantly, it’s a platform that encourages people to embrace physical activity over passive screen time. We’re proud to support an initiative that brings such meaningful engagement,” said Pramod Shetty during the address.
The event intends to showcase the female celebrities, connecting them to young audiences in an attempt to inspire them to step out with purpose. The league will continue to champion women technicians and behind-the-scenes talents, reinforcing its commitment to their holistic empowerment. The initiative reflects a growing trend toward purpose-driven engagement, where entertainment meets empowerment and visibility transforms into influence.
About Queens Premier League (QPL)
Queens Premier League is India’s first-of-its-kind platform that fuses sport, fashion, and entertainment to celebrate female talent and empowerment. It brings together celebrities, emerging talent, and industry partners to create a vibrant, impactful space for women to thrive in a digitally saturated world.
14, Jul 2025
Daaji’s Holy Tirthankaras Presents Jain Wisdom Through the Lens of Heartfulness
Mumbai, 14 July 2025: Holy Tirthankaras: In the Light of Heartfulness, the latest bestseller by Daaji, Global Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, presents the lives of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras. Co-authored with Shri B. Rathinasabapathy, the book weaves together historical accounts, meditative practice, and reflections for contemporary spiritual seekers. It highlights the continued relevance of the Tirthankaras’ values today, while also drawing attention to their connection with nature and the environment.
Each chapter traces the story of a Tirthankara and the tree under which they attained Kaivalya, or liberation. But the book does not stop at narration. It reflects on the qualities these sages lived, like non-violence, truthfulness, detachment, mental and emotional regulation, and how the same values can be practised now through methods like meditation in the presence of yogic Transmission (Pranahuti), and rejuvenative cleaning. These are part of the Heartfulness approach followed by millions around the world.
Daaji writes that, “The immense austerities [the Tirthankars] undertook without any aid… make us appreciate the help we receive from the yogic Transmission or Pranahuti in Heartfulness practices.” This contrast between then and now shows how approaches to inner development have changed over time.
The book also revisits the roots of Raja Yoga. Rishabh Nath, the first Tirthankara, is introduced as the originator of Raja Yoga who introduced Pranahuti to humanity in that ancient bygone era. Daaji also notes that Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, also known as Babuji… talks of a sage who lived seventy-two generations before Raja Dashratha… who discovered Raja Yoga. However, he does not mention the name of that sage. Daaji has taken the bold step of revealing the sage’s name in his latest book, as Rishabh Nath, connecting Heartfulness to the most ancient spiritual lineage of our civilisation.
The connection with trees in the book goes beyond nature worship. Trees are described as retaining spiritual charge far longer than human beings. The Tirthankaras’ choice to meditate under trees is not a coincidence, attributed to peace or being under the shade. It is a very conscious decision to receive continuous support of spiritual energy required for their inner work. Their presence under these trees is presented as part of a natural environment that could absorb, reflect, and sustain the stillness and ongoing spiritual evolution.
Throughout the book, Daaji emphasises practical change and reminds readers that transformation requires effort. He speaks directly to younger readers, encouraging self-discipline, simplicity, and introspection. The Ten Guidelines for Heartful Living are included as practices to help cultivate a life oriented toward self-transformation, personal growth, and character formation.
Holy Tirthankaras is more than a history book or religious commentary. It uses the lives of the Tirthankaras as a reference point to ask: What kind of person are we becoming? What are we doing with our attention, energy, and life?
14, Jul 2025
The League of Legends: Bobby Deol Becomes J. Hampstead’s Brand Face
Mumbai, Jul 14, 2025: Renowned fashion brand J. Hampstead has announced Bobby Deol as its new brand ambassador, marking an exciting new chapter in its storied journey. Bobby, fondly called ‘Lord Bobby’ by his fans, embodies the brand’s values of timeless elegance, refined craftsmanship, and modern sophistication.
With a rich heritage, it is one of India’s most trusted luxury menswear brands, offering premium suiting and shirting fabrics and ready-made garments that blend European finesse with Indian precision.
Talking about the association, Bobby Deol says, “I’m honoured to represent J. Hampstead, a brand that exemplifies classic style and lasting quality. Its attention to detail and legacy of excellence align perfectly with my own fashion values.”
Avnish Poddar, Director, J. Hampstead, adds, “Bobby’s distinctive style and appeal make him an ideal ambassador for the brand. His association brings fresh energy and strengthens our connection with today’s aspirational, fashion-conscious consumers.”
This collaboration celebrates a powerful union that promises to redefine the future of luxury menswear and elevate what it means to belong to a different league.
