Author: Neel Achary

Bank of Baroda Signs MoU with Government of Tamil Nadu for Customised Salary Account for State Government Employees

Chennai, 19th May 2025: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to offer a customised Salary account package for employees of the State Government, including employees of the Police, Forest, Fire & Rescue Departments. The newly launched Salary account package comes with comprehensive insurance coverage at zero cost to the employees, making it one of the most attractive offerings in the Banking sector.

The MoU was signed by Shri T.N. Suresh, General Manager & Zonal Head – Chennai Zone, Bank of Baroda and Smt. T Charusree, IAS, Commissioner of Treasury & Accounts, Government of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M. K. Stalin. On the occasion, Shri Thangam Thennarasu, Finance Minister; Shri N Muruganandam, IAS, Chief Secretary; Shri T Udhayachandran, Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department and Shri Sreenivas Ravipati, Deputy General Manager – Chennai Zone, Bank of Baroda, were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri T. N. Suresh, General Manager & Zonal Head – Chennai Zone, Bank of Baroda said, “We are pleased to have signed an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu. This collaboration will extend financial and insurance benefits to the employees of the State government, thereby supporting their financial aspirations and well-being. This package has been thoughtfully designed to provide extensive insurance cover to employees along with various other benefits like concessional interest rates with waiver in processing charges on Retail loans.”

Bank of Baroda’s customized Salary Account for Tamil Nadu State Government employees comes with complimentary insurance benefits like Personal Accident Insurance with maximum coverage of ₹1.55 crore, Term Life Insurance coverage of ₹15 lakh, Permanent Total Disability Cover of up to ₹1 crore & Hospicash Facility of Rs 2000 per day for daily hospitalization.

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Hits Training Milestone for HVAC Professionals Across the Middle East and Africa

DUBAI, UAE, 19 May 2025 – In line with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning announced the successful training of over 2,500 professionals at its showrooms and training facilities across the Middle East & Africa distribution channels.

This milestone reflects the company’s growing role in accelerating sustainable development across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), where energy-efficient cooling is becoming a top priority.

With global cooling demand expected to increase drastically by 2050, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that most air-conditioning units in use today are two to three times less efficient than top-performing models. Achieving net-zero targets, according to the IEA, requires both the adoption of high-efficiency systems and a shift in building design and user behaviour, such as adjusting thermostat settings and incorporating passive cooling strategies .

“We are proud to see the region setting the benchmark for sustainable building practices,” said Ahmed Aqel, general manager, Johnson Controls-Hitachi MEA. “Our training programs are designed to accelerate that vision by equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge to implement HVAC solutions that not only reduce energy consumption but also support wider behaviour and design shifts needed to reach net-zero.”

Located in the UAE — the first country in the MEA region to commit to net-zero emissions – the training program provides an immersive experience with cutting-edge HVAC technologies. It covers a range of offerings range from residential to advanced variable refrigerant flow (VRF) solutions. Designed specifically for the MEA region’s extreme climate and rapidly expanding urban areas, these systems cater to the soaring demand for efficient cooling solutions.

The program is specifically designed to support engineers, consultants, and decision-makers in sectors such as real estate development, education, healthcare, and industry. In addition to technical mastery, participants learn about optimizing system performance, reducing operational costs, and aligning with national green building codes and sustainability frameworks.

“In the Middle East, where space cooling accounts for up to 70% of residential electricity consumption, HVAC is one of the largest contributors to peak power demand . As the region’s cities expand and temperatures rise, scalable, efficient cooling technologies are no longer optional — they are essential,” Aqel pointed out.

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning has maintained a strong presence in the MEA region for over a decade, delivering integrated HVAC solutions to residential, commercial, and institutional projects. The company’s diverse product portfolio and ongoing investment in knowledge development reflect its commitment to shaping a low-carbon, high-efficiency future.

With the UAE’s growing momentum in green building policies, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning is playing a pivotal role in supporting the transition to smarter, cleaner infrastructure. The company’s efforts resonate beyond technology: they empower human capital, support sustainability policies, and enable a future-ready built environment.

Tom Cruise Wins India Again: Bollywood Celebs Rave as Mission: Impossible Hits Screens Ahead of Global Release

As Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning storms Indian theatres ahead of its global release, fans and Bollywood celebrities alike are raving about Tom Cruise’s thrilling role as Ethan Hunt. Farhan Akhtar took to Instagram to share his awe, calling the film “Mindblown !! What a ride… @tomcruise brings the MI series home in style.. And how” While filmmaker Farah Khan left a cheeky comment on Cruise’s Cannes post performing stunt on a chair “I want to be that chair Tommm.”

But beyond the fanfare lies a deeper connection, Cruise’s long-standing love affair with India. From his memorable Taj Mahal visit during Ghost Protocol promotions to his admiration for the drama, energy, and joy of Bollywood, the Hollywood icon recently reaffirmed his dream of making a Bollywood film, saying “It’s on my list of kind of films to make.” His praise for Indian cinema and even attempts at speaking Hindi have only fueled fans’ hopes of seeing him light up the big screen in a desi avatar. And let’s be honest, if Cruise ever lands in a bollywood style helicopter stunt while mouthing a heroic Bollywood one-liner, it might just break the internet and a few box office records too!

Why Dodging Life’s Problems Is Like Passing the Ball to Your Opponent : Dr(HC) Prachetan Potadar

By-Dr(HC) Prachetan Potadar

You’ve probably heard the saying, “What you avoid controls you, but what you face sets you free.” Sounds like the kind of advice your coach would give before halftime, right? But it’s not just pep talk—it’s real strategy. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve become a pro at dodging life’s challenges, only to realize you’re handing the ball straight to the opposition, letting your problems score against your happiness.

In India, avoidance feels like playing a defensive offside trap—sidestepping that annoying relative who floods the family WhatsApp group with “Good morning!” videos at midnight. We mute those group chats like they’re penalty shootouts waiting to happen. And who hasn’t “missed the boss’s call” like a last-minute offside? Our game plan? “Ignore it, and it’ll fade away.” Except, spoiler alert—it never does.

Here’s the match fact: when you avoid a problem, you’re basically passing the ball to your opponent—letting that problem control your midfield and dominate the game. And trust me, that problem loves to dribble right into the spotlight like a show-stopping striker shouting “Goal!” at the top of their lungs.

Take that family WhatsApp group for example. You mute it or even leave it, but every time your phone buzzes, your heart races like you’re defending a crucial penalty. But what if you took control and faced it head-on? Open the chat, scan the messages, and send back a cheeky meme—the “Blinking Guy” or a slick “Aapko kya lagta hai?” Ranbir Kapoor GIF. Suddenly, you’re not just offside—you’re the captain leading the team, the cool cousin everyone’s talking about at the next family meet.

Or think about that one subject you’ve been avoiding like a dodgy tackle. “Kal padh lenge,” you tell yourself, playing the procrastination game. But come exam day, you’re under more pressure than a last-minute free-kick, hoping for a miracle or some mercy from the referee. Avoiding that subject turned it into your personal World Cup final nightmare, stressing you out for days. But if you’d taken early shots on goal, you’d be chilling with your mates, flaunting your study notes like a viral highlight reel.

Avoidance is like handing the referee the whistle—letting your fears call all the shots, disrupt your game plan, and wreck your focus. Whether it’s dodging marriage questions, delaying that dentist appointment, or pretending tax season is offside, running away only makes the problem grow bigger, like an extended injury time. But facing it? That’s your winning goal—the moment you break through the defense and claim victory, like scoring a last-minute winner that sends the crowd into a frenzy.

So next time you’re tempted to dodge, remember: you’re just giving the ball away to your problems. Be the striker of your own story. Open that chat, tackle that textbook, have that tough talk. And if it feels too intense, throw in a meme—because nothing says “I’m in control” like a perfectly timed “Arre yeh toh galat ho gaya” GIF.

And if fear still tries to block you, remind yourself in Hindi: “Mogambo khush hua!” because you’re about to score big. In Tamil, say it like Rajinikanth: “En vazhi, thani vazhi!”—your way, your rules. In Marathi, channel the spirit of the mighty Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with: “Jay Bhavani, Jay Shivaji!”—face your battles head-on. From Gujarat, take the famous line: “Tame mane samjo to sachu, nahi to potani chal!” — understand yourself first, then take charge. And in Kannada, shout with Darshan’s style: “Naanu thaan champion!”—because you are the champion of your life.

Life’s too short to let your fears play defense. Face them, laugh at them, and take back the pitch. Because as every football fan knows, the match is won by those who don’t shy away from the ball—and scoring feels way better than watching your phone buzz like a red card.

Findability Sciences Expands Presence in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to Accelerate Global AI Innovation and Talent Development

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, May 19, 2025: Findability Sciences, a global leader in AI-driven enterprise solutions, today announced the expansion and hiring of its operations in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra. This strategic move reflects the company’s continued investment in scaling its AI capabilities and deepening its commitment to nurturing high-potential talent in India’s emerging technology corridors.

The new facility, located at 4th Floor, ABC East, Beside Prozone Mall, Chikalthana MIDC, will serve as an extension of Findability Sciences’ current Center of Excellence in the city. It will support the growth of the AI engineering team and enhance the development and delivery of the company’s flagship offerings, including the Agentic Workflow Engine (AWE), Enterprise Forecasting, and GenAI-powered Business Process Co-Pilots.

Findability Sciences’ decision to expand in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar stems from its long-standing efforts to transform local talent into globally competitive AI professionals. Over the past decade, the company has partnered with educational institutions in the region to run structured training programs. These initiatives have enabled more than 100 youth from low-income families to build successful careers in AI. These professionals are now working on global projects across the United States, Japan, and India, delivering high-quality solutions that drive business transformation for clients.

“Our continued growth in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar reflects our belief that global innovation can emerge from any corner of the world,” said Anand Mahurkar, Founder and CEO of Findability Sciences. “By investing in this region, we are not only scaling our operations but also empowering local talent to solve global AI challenges.”

The expanded facility is designed to accommodate over 50 additional professionals, strengthening Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s reputation as a rising hub for AI innovation. This development also aligns with the city’s designation as a Smart Industrial Cluster and supports Findability Sciences’ broader mission to contribute to regional economic progress through deep-tech investments.

To lead this new phase of growth, Findability Sciences has announced key leadership appointments. Mandar Kulkarni, Vice President and General Manager of the Center of Excellence, will oversee the operations of the new facility. Adarsh Jaiswal will serve as the Technical Director and be responsible for driving engineering excellence and project execution. Sagar Mahurkar joins as Business Director and will lead client engagement and delivery.

Findability Sciences’ approach to integrating innovation with grassroots talent development continues to set it apart in the AI industry. The company was recently named one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in 2024, a recognition that underscores its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions while empowering new generations of technologists.

AB de Villiers steps back into the spotlight as Sneaker LAB’s brand partner

National, 19th May 2025: Sneaker LAB, the South Africa-based brand redefining sneaker care through its science-led, probacterial -powered solutions, has unveiled its new campaign featuring cricketing legend AB de Villiers as their brand partner. The high-impact campaign brings the brand’s unique philosophy to Indian audiences, merging innovation, sustainability, and sneaker culture, with de Villiers leading the way.

Known for his trailblazing IPL career and massive fan following in India, de Villiers represents the spirit of evolution and global appeal that Sneaker LAB champions. This partnership marks a powerful union, ushering in the brand’s India chapter rooted in shared values of purpose, performance, and progress.

With sneaker culture booming across the country, the campaign makes its debut at an opportune moment, when consumers are actively seeking smarter, more sustainable ways to care for their footwear. With a belief that science and sustainability go hand in hand, the brand offers eco-friendly sneaker care solutions powered by biotechnology. Its unique probacterial formula uses good bacteria to break down dirt and eliminate odour even after application, making sneaker cleaning both effective and environmentally responsible.

Sharing his thoughts on the association, AB de Villiers, South African cricketer and brand partner for Sneaker LAB, said, “When Sneaker LAB approached me, I instantly connected with their fresh approach and purpose-led vision. They are doing something different by combining science, sustainability, and style in a way that truly stands out. I am proud to represent a brand that is not just innovative but also committed to doing good in a country that I am deeply connected to.”

Speaking about the campaign, Jo Farah, Founder of Sneaker LAB, shares, “This campaign captures the essence of what we stand for at Sneaker LAB, a belief that innovation and sustainability can come together in everyday life. Launching the campaign in India is a meaningful step for us and having AB de Villiers lead this journey makes it even more special. His story, his values, and his connection with Indian fans bring depth to our message, and we are proud to start this new chapter with him.”

To complement the campaign, Sneaker LAB is introducing a special three-month-long campaign called The Golden Wipe – A Ticket to Meet AB, running from 16 May until October when winners will be announced. Hidden inside select Sneaker LAB Sneaker Wipes boxes across India are 5 Golden Wipes with exclusive codes. Lucky finders will win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet AB de Villiers in person, along with an eventful day. Designed to celebrate India’s love for cricket and sneakers, this campaign brings together the worlds of sport and style in a way that is both personal and unforgettable.

Sneaker LAB is more than just a brand; it is a movement toward smarter, sustainable fashion care. With AB de Villiers leading the charge, the brand is set to redefine how India looks after its sneakers by merging innovative science with eco-conscious values. As it steps into one of the world’s most vibrant markets, Sneaker LAB is here to make a mark and inspire a new generation of sneaker culture.