Author: Rabindra

Bhavna Panday Reflects on Her Journey in ‘Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives

Mumbai: 14th October 2024: Bhavna Panday Reflects on Her Journey in ‘Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives’, says, “I’m not as bothered about what people think anymore, because I want to continue being myself in a more confident manner”

Bhavna Panday On Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives: We could say that I debuted with Karan Johar

On October 18, your favorite gang returns to Netflix with a new twist! The fabulous lives of Bhavna Panday, Maheep Kapoor, Neelam Kothari, and Seema Sajdeh will welcome new additions from Delhi as Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Shalini Passi, and Kalyani Saha Chawla join the mix in ‘Fabulous Lives v/s Bollywood Wives’. As Season 3 kicks off, Bhavna Panday, wife of actor Chunky Panday and mother to Bollywood star Ananya Panday, opens up about her experience, from initial apprehensions about being on screen and sharing her life to embracing her true self on screen.

Reflecting on how it all began, Bhavna shared, “I was very unsure when I first got Bollywood Wives because it was something that me, the girls, and Karan (Johar) were doing for the first time. I was really very nervous about how people would react to me because this was a reality show. I was not playing a character but in fact representing not just myself but also my family, so I had to be very cautious and careful.” Bhavna humorously acknowledged her first-time collaboration with renowned filmmaker Karan Johar, saying, “We could say that I debuted with Karan Johar,” adding a playful chuckle.

On her equation with the ladies, she says, “Season 3 is where we all have more of a comfort level with each other and the cameras. We have all been friends for so long that being with each other comes naturally to us. I have a very special equation with each of the girls and with this shared experience, our bond is even closer.”

As the series gained popularity, Bhavna’s comfort level grew. Now, with the highly anticipated third season of the show, she feels more confident than ever. “Over the seasons, I have gotten more comfortable in front of the camera and in my own skin. Earlier, I used to be more conscious — not about what I was saying, but how it might come across. But now, with this third season, I feel a lot more confident and comfortable, and I’ve opened up a lot more.”

Bhavna, known for her grace and poise, emphasized the importance of authenticity as her journey continued. “I’m not as bothered about what people think anymore, because I want to continue being myself in a more confident manner.”

In the last season, Bhavna Panday wowed us all as she adopted natural remedies such as organic products and face yoga to maintain her beauty regime over the years. We cannot wait to see what this natural beauty queen brings to the screen this time around.

Season 3 of Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives promises to showcase Bhavna Panday at her most authentic and self-assured, as she continues to balance her roles as a public figure, mother, and wife while navigating the dynamic world of reality television.

60-Foot Ravana Effigy Burnt in Dussehra Celebration at Central Park, Kolkata

Kolkata, 14th October, 2024: Keeping up with the tradition of burning the tallest effigy in the city of joy during Dussehra, Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad Committee & Sanmarg burnt a 60-feet tall Ravana and 50 feet effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakaran at the Central Park (Salt Lake), Kolkata. The main objective of this event was to provide a vibrant interface between the citizens and the rich culture & tradition of West Bengal by celebrating the victory of good over evil.

The event was attended by: Sri. Sujit Bose, Minister of State for Fire; Sri. Krishna Chakraborty, Mayor of Bidhannagar; Sri. Vivek Gupta, MLA; Sri. Sabyasachi Dutta, Chairperson of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation; Smt. Ruchika Gupta, Director of Sanmarg; Sri. Sanjay Agarwal, President of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad; Sri. Lalit Beriwala, Chairman of Trust Board of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad; Sri. Amit Poddar, Secretary of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad; Sri. Pradeep Todi, IPP of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad & many other eminent personalities.

The event drew thousands of devotees on the ground to witness the annual ritual – the burning of an effigy of demon king Ravan. Many people of Hindu faith observe Dussehra through special prayer meetings and food offerings to the gods at home or in temples throughout India. They also hold outdoor fairs and large parades with effigies of the demon king Ravana, which are burnt on bonfires in the evening. Idols of goddess Durga are immersed in bodies of water.

Speaking to the media, Sri. Sanjay Agarwal, President of Salt Lake Sanskritik, “We had made many special arrangements at Central Park ground to celebrate the victory of good over evil. In addition to the symbolic burning of a towering 60-feet Ravana effigy, we also hosted a captivating fire show and various cultural performances that captivated the audience.”

On this Occasion, Sri. Lalit Beriwala, Chairman of Trust Board of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad said, “This year marked the grand 12th anniversary of our Dussehra event, famously known as East India’s largest celebration. Vijaya Dashami signifies the culmination of the annual Durga Puja festival, and Ravan effigies are set ablaze nationwide to symbolize the victory of righteousness over malevolence. We brought in artists from various regions to enthrall the audience. Besides the cultural performances, a series of sacred rituals preceded the effigy burning, with an audience exceeding 25,000 enthusiastic participants.”

Speaking to the media, Sri. Amit Poddar, Secretary of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad, “This celebration not only marks the victory of good over evil but also reinforces our rich cultural heritage. We are proud to unite our community in this grand tradition.”

Get Ready! King Khan’s Emotional Roller-Coaster: Dunki Premieres on Zee Cinema

Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience immersedin emotions and heartwarming moments as Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki makes its World Television Premiere on Sunday, October 13th at 12 PM, only on Zee Cinema.

Directed by the acclaimed Rajkumar Hirani, known for his masterpieces like Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, PK, and Sanju; Dunki is a heartfelt narrative that combines emotions, drama, and warm moments, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.

The exceptional ensemble cast elevates the film’s narrative, led by the charismatic Shah Rukh Khan, whose depth brings his character to life. Joining him is Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, legendary Boman Irani, Anil Grover and Vikram Kochhar who add their signature charm and wit to the mix.

Shah Rukh Khan graces our screens once again in Dunki, a film that beautifully intertwines the universal longing for home. This captivating narrative delves into the struggles and aspirations of those seeking a better life, while also highlighting the importance of family and belonging. Produced by Rajkumar Hirani and Gauri Khan, Dunki showcases masterful storytelling and features a stellar cast that brings these heartfelt stories to life.

LIC’s new business premium for H1FY25 rises 25% YoY to Rs 1.15 trillion

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the country’s largest life insurer, recorded a 24.73% year-on-year (YoY) growth in its new business premium, reaching Rs 1,15,549.89 crore in H1FY25, up from Rs 92,642.63 crore in H1FY24, according to data from the Life Insurance Council.

For H1FY25, LIC’s Individual Premium segment collection stood at Rs 29,491.74 crore, a 17.33% increase from Rs 25,136 crore during H1FY24. The Group Premium segment saw a growth of 27.57% to Rs 84,679.12 crore from Rs 66,377.80 crore the previous year. Group Yearly Premiums also grew by 22.17% to Rs 1,379.03 crore, compared to Rs 1,128.82 crore in H1FY24.

For H1FY25, LIC issued 91.87 lakh policies and schemes, marking a 13.75% increase from 80.76 lakh in H1FY24. In the Individual category, policies and schemes grew by 13.77% to 91.70 lakh, up from 80.60 lakh in the same period last year. Group Yearly Renewable policies and schemes also increased by 3.68% to 14,216 in H1FY25 compared to 13,712 the previous year, while Group schemes and policies rose by 21.99% to 2,685 from 2,210 in H1FY24.

Vedanta Announces David John as Strategy Director and Dr A.B. Subbaiah as Team Manager of Kalinga Lancers

New Delhi, October 14, 2024: Vedanta Limited today announced the appointment of David John as Strategy Director and Dr. A.B. Subbaiah as Team Manager for the Kalinga Lancers, ahead of the much-anticipated return of the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024, following a seven-year hiatus. These key appointments highlight Vedanta’s commitment to building a competitive and successful team for the upcoming HIL season as they prepare to dominate the player auction and assemble a well-rounded squad capable of winning the tournament.

Speaking on the appointments, Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Aluminium, said: “We are thrilled to have David and Dr. Subbaiah join the Kalinga Lancers leadership. Their extensive experience and knowledge of hockey will be instrumental in shaping the team’s success. At Vedanta, we are committed to promoting sports and nurturing talent, where hockey holds a special place. We believe their leadership will guide the team towards excellence in the upcoming Hockey India League season.”

David John has been associated with Indian hockey since 2011, having served as the exercise physiologist of the national men’s team and high-performance director of Hockey India. As Strategy Director, David will focus on making Kalinga Lancers the top performing franchise. He will design match strategies, onboard top players, and ensure the team’s physical, mental, and nutritional readiness. Additionally, he will hold leadership meetings to build forward-looking strategy and provide a season-end performance rereview.

“I congratulate Vedanta on becoming the owner of Kalinga Lancers,” said David John, Strategy Director of the Kalinga Lancers. “It’s an exciting opportunity to work with the team. My focus will be on developing a strategy that blends technical skills with a tactical mindset, allowing the team to make the most of its strengths. Before that, we are looking forward to a very successful player auction where we aim to acquire best talent that the sport has to offer,” he added.

Former India captain, goalkeeper, coach and Arjuna awardee, Dr. A.B. Subbaiah comes on board as Team Manager. He will oversee communication, team meetings, equipment management, travel logistics, and risk management, ensuring smooth team operations on and off the field.

Commenting on his new role, Dr. A.B. Subbaiah, Team Manager of Kalinga Lancers said, “Congratulations to Vedanta. With my experience as former player and coach, I am keenly looking forward to building and managing a world-class team that will surely win laurels and millions of hearts.”

Vedanta’s acquisition of the Kalinga Lancers is part of its broader socio-economic development efforts in Odisha, aimed at strengthening the hockey culture and fostering local talent. By investing in the team, Vedanta is not only contributing to sporting excellence but also inspiring the next generation of athletes and supporting community development.

Vedanta’s presence in Odisha is significant, with the company operating India’s largest aluminium plant (1.8 MTPA) in Jharsuguda, and a state-of-the-art alumina refinery (3.5 MTPA) in Kalahandi. Vedanta Aluminium has created more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state, further solidifying Odisha’s position as a leader in India’s industrial landscape. Additionally, through investments in coal, bauxite, ferrochrome, and iron ore, Vedanta plays a critical role in advancing the “Make in India” initiative, contributing nearly 50% of India’s aluminium production and reducing the nation’s dependency on imports.

Indian Overseas Bank enhances customer experience with the launch of retail loan processing centres in multiple cities across India

Chennai, October 14, 2024: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), one of the leading public sector Bank in India, in its drive towards excellence in customer experience and service delivery announces the launch of Retail Loan Processing Centres (RLPC) in Chennai as well as seven other locations in India. The Bank also inaugurated a unique heritage-inspired ATM at Chennai Central Railway Station. These initiatives align with the bank’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric banking.

The bank inaugurated a total of eight RLPCs, one in physical mode at Chennai and seven others in virtual mode across major cities. The new Retail Loan Processing Centre (RLPCs), is designed to streamline the loan approval process, reduce turnaround time, and provide faster and more efficient services to retail customers. “Our new Retail Loan Processing Centres are not just about convenience; it’s about building a smarter, more resilient banking framework. By harnessing digital tools and advanced analytics, we’re ensuring stronger risk management while significantly reducing loan processing times” said Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava, MD & CEO, Indian Overseas Bank at the inauguration.

Simultaneously, IOB virtually launched RLPCs across Bangalore, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Mumbai. Each centre is equipped with digital technologies and automation capabilities, ensuring swift loan approvals and quick disbursements. These facilities will play a pivotal role in enhancing financial accessibility and supporting the bank’s growth strategy in the retail segment.

In an impressive blend of heritage with modern banking, IOB also unveiled its iconic ATM kiosk at Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M G R Central Railway Station, Chennai designed as a replica of the historic Victorian-era redbrick station building. The ATM blends seamlessly into the station’s heritage aesthetic while offering modern banking conveniences such as cash withdrawals, deposits, and balance inquiries.

“This ATM is more than just a service point, it emphasises IOB’s commitment towards blending innovation with tradition and stands as a tribute to the heritage of Central railway station architecture, a landmark that has witnessed the evolving history of Chennai. At IOB we believe in innovating with purpose, and this initiative reflects our vision of intertwining the past with the future, seamlessly bringing banking closer to the people” added Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava.

These launches are a part of Indian Overseas Bank’s larger vision to elevate banking services across the country by creating touchpoints that are not only functional but also inspiring. By embedding itself within the fabric of India’s most cherished locations, the bank is reinforcing its pledge to provide seamless, accessible banking to all, without losing sight of the cultural heritage that makes each city unique.

JD Lakshminarayana Launches Organic Creamery: Iceberg’s First Company-Owned Outlet for Premium Organic Ice Cream

Hyderabad, October 14, 2024……VVs Lakshminarayana, popularly known as JD Lakshminarayana, a retired police officer turned politician opened Organic Creamery, a new premium brand and first company-owned outlet of Iceberg, India’s first organic ice cream brand in the city at Kondapur on Dussehra.

Speaking on the occasion, JD Lakshminarayana termed Iceberg ice creams as green ice creams. I was told by Suhas that some of the organic ingredients used in making these ice creams are purest A2 milk, organic butter, organic dhaga mishri, organic fruits, gondh gum, vegetable-extracted colours, organic cocoa, organic jaggery, organic stevia. They are sweetened with dhaga mishri, and gondh (edible gum) is used as a natural preservative. I was even told that the usage of gondh as a natural preservative ensures the shelf-life of ice cream to six months. I was also told that they have applied for a patent for the same. Indeed, it is an ice cream lover’s paradise, he added.

The man behind the brand, Suhas B Shetty is an entrepreneur with a difference for his innovative approach and health-friendly ice creams and for his entrepreneurial endeavours for offering employment to 100 people directly and 35o indirectly. He also needs to be appreciated and encouraged for all organic solar-powered factories, a first of its kind. He is a job giver instead of a job giver. He stands tall as an example for many youths in this country. It is my proud privilege meeting him, he said.

Youth must be job givers rather than job seekers. They must be more creative and disruptive.

He hails from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, the city which gave many luminaries such as Potti Srriramulu, Amarajeevi, who sacrificed his life for the cause of Andhra Pradesh, former Vice President of India Shri Venkaiah Naidu, well-known playback singer S.P Bala Subrahmanyam, Rocketman Dr G Satheesh Reddy; Founder of Shantha Biotechnics, Padmabhushan Dr KI Varaprasad Reddy

More and more organic products are needed of the hour. But how organic is organic food? The certification process of organic food products must be made more stringent. More and more labs that test them must be made available at an affordable cost to encourage more organic products to be produced, he said.

The store set up at an investment of INR 70 lakh offers more than 36 flavours which promises that these ice creams are cold-free. We promise you that these will never catch you a cold, not you feel thirsty after eating them. You will not have an itchy feeling in your throat. These are guilt-free ice creams, said Suhas B. Sheety, a 33-year-old founder, who has the distinction of taking the brand to “Shark Tank India” Season 3 and has the unique distinction of being the first-ever company from AP to have participated.

Among other highlights of the store are regional sundaes called Begum Ka Bazaar, Hi-Tech Citt’s Gentleman, Purana Pul Ke Miya Bhai, Lakdi-ka-pul- ke Badshah and Twin Cities Romeo. These are new and customised varieties special only to this store.

Begun Ka Bazar is an ice cream made using Caramel Nuts, and Grameen Kulfi Ice Cream topped with dried apricots, and dates and drizzled with honey. Purana pulk e miya bhai is made using jaggery almond ice cream topped with hot Caramel fudge and chia seeds.

Iceberg offers ice creams ranging from classic options such as vanilla and butterscotch to organic fruit flavours such as sitaphal, tender coconut, chikoo, and guava. We’ve also developed innovative flavours like charcoal, malai khurma, and gulab jamun.

Iceberg was one of the early players to introduce Keto Ice Cream. And bagged orders to supply these products to Hritik Roshan Co-owned HRX Fitness brand.

DPS Indirapuram Introduces ‘Ehsaas’ Mindfulness Program on World Mental Health Day

In recognition of the growing need for mindfulness in today’s fast-paced world, DPS Indirapuram has launched ‘Ehsaas,’ a unique program aimed at cultivating mindfulness among its students. Designed to develop awareness and adaptability, the program focuses on enhancing decision-making abilities, fostering resilience, and promoting emotional regulation. By introducing mindfulness practices into the daily routine, the school seeks to equip students with essential life skills to navigate both academic and personal challenges.

Speaking about the initiative, Mrs. Priya John, Principal of DPS Indirapuram, said, “Mindfulness is a powerful tool in shaping not only a child’s academic journey but also their overall well-being. Through ‘Ehsaas,’ we aim to empower our students to explore, experience, and express mindfulness in every aspect of their lives. This initiative will help them build stronger concentration, better social skills, and emotional strength, preparing them for a balanced and thoughtful future.”

The 3 E’s of mindfulness—exploring, experiencing, and expressing—are being practiced regularly by teachers through various activities in classrooms. These practices are already helping students improve their focus, patience, and concentration while also encouraging positive social interactions. The school believes this initiative will pave the way for long-lasting emotional and mental well-being among the students.

Tenable Cloud Risk Report Sounds the Alarm on Toxic Cloud Exposures Threatening Indian Organisations

India, 10 October 2024 – Tenable®, the exposure management company, today released the Tenable Cloud Risk Report 2024, highlighting that organisations globally and in India are unknowingly exposed to the “toxic cloud triad,” a trifecta of cloud security risks that could lead to severe data breaches and financial losses.

The report is based on extensive analysis of billions of cloud assets across data gathered from billions of cloud assets across multiple public cloud environments. The data collected during the first half of 2024 (Jan – Jun) includes a comprehensive set of cloud workload and configuration information from real-world cloud assets in active production.

The Toxic Cloud Triad

With the rapid adoption of cloud technology across industries in APAC, the report underscores the challenges posed by misconfigurations, excessive permissions, and critical vulnerabilities that open doors to threat actors. The findings reveal that 38% of organisations have at least one publicly exposed, critically vulnerable, and highly privileged cloud workload, forming the toxic cloud triad.

Many breaches reported worldwide in 2024 resulted from 1-day vulnerabilities exploited on exposed workloads. Of these, some of the most dangerous breaches involved lateral movement by using the privileges of the compromised workloads.

“With cyber risks spreading across every corner of the business, the threat level has become unsustainable,” said Rajnish Gupta, Country Manager, Tenable India. “To tackle the biggest vulnerabilities, organisations need to understand toxic cloud triads and other risky combinations—and know exactly what data is exposed. Attackers exploit the gaps, slipping through outdated defences that can’t keep up or react fast enough.”

Additional key findings from Tenable’s Cloud Research team include:

• 84% of organisations have risky access keys to cloud resources: The majority of organisations (84.2%) possess unused or longstanding access keys with critical or high severity excessive permissions, a significant security gap that poses a substantial risk.
• 23% of cloud identities have critical or high severity excessive permissions: Analysis of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Microsoft Azure reveals that 23% of cloud identities, both human and non-human, have critical or high severity excessive permissions.
• Critical vulnerabilities persist: Notably, CVE-2024-21626, a severe container escape vulnerability that could lead to the server host compromise, remained unremediated in over 80% of workloads even 40 days after its publishing.
• 74% of organisations have publicly exposed storage: 74% of organisations have publicly exposed storage assets, including those in which sensitive data resides. This exposure, often due to unnecessary or excessive permissions, has been linked to increased ransomware attacks.
• 78% of organisations have publicly accessible Kubernetes API servers: Of these, 41% also allow inbound internet access. Additionally, 58% of organisations have cluster-admin role bindings — which means that certain users have unrestricted control over all the Kubernetes environments.

World Mental Health Day: Promoting Awareness and Advocacy for Mental Well-Being

World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote advocacy for mental well-being across the globe. Established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health in our lives and encourages open discussions to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. Each year, the day focuses on a specific theme that highlights pressing mental health challenges, providing an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments to come together and support initiatives that foster mental well-being. By prioritizing mental health, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society, ultimately improving the quality of life for everyone.

Comments by Experts:

Mr. Abraham George, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, Ennoventure, Inc: ’World Mental Health Day 2024 presents a timely opportunity to reflect on the vital role mental well-being plays in our lives. This year’s theme, ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’, highlights the profound connection between our emotional health and the environments we work in. It’s not just a call for organizations to strengthen their support systems, but also a reminder to prioritize well-being in our communities and personal lives. Acknowledging the significance of emotional and psychological health is crucial to cultivating a culture of support and understanding.

At Ennoventure, Inc., we are deeply committed to cultivating an inclusive and empowering environment where mental well-being is valued as an integral part of our work culture, and stigmas are actively challenged. Our goal is to equip teams with the resources and support they need to thrive, both personally and professionally. By investing in wellness initiatives, we not only enhance individual lives but also create a more innovative and resilient organization.

On this World Mental Health Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to creating healthier workplaces where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Together, we can build a culture that champions well-being and drives lasting change.’’

MedRabbits Healthcare

 Mr. Amol R. Deshmukh, Founder and CEO of MedRabbits Healthcare: ‘’As we observe World Mental Health Day 2024, it is essential to emphasize the importance of mental wellness, particularly for the elderly. Aging often brings significant changes and challenges that can deeply impact emotional health. At MedRabbits Healthcare, we understand these unique challenges and are dedicated to building a system that supports the mental well-being of seniors.

While this year’s theme focuses on mental health in the workplace, we believe the conversation should also extend to the elderly. Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and prioritizing it for seniors can help them lead more meaningful lives. By addressing their emotional and psychological needs, we can reduce isolation and foster stronger community connections. Our goal is to create an environment that provides comprehensive mental health care, ensuring seniors have access to the support they need.

As we advocate for workplace mental health, let’s also commit to enhancing the mental well-being of our senior citizens. Together, we can work to remove the stigma around mental health and create a nurturing environment that values the emotional health of every generation. Supporting the unique needs of the elderly is a responsibility we must embrace to promote a healthier, more inclusive society.’’

Edupull

 Mr. Rohan Rai, Co-Founder, Edupull: “As students step into new chapters of their lives—whether moving abroad for education or starting a new job—mental health awareness is more important than ever. These transitions can be exciting, but they often come with challenges, from adapting to unfamiliar environments to managing new responsibilities. Recent research shows that mental health issues affect 19% of adults, 46% of teenagers, and 13% of children each year, yet only half of those affected receive the help they need. This is largely due to the stigma still surrounding mental health.

For students and young professionals, the pressure to succeed in new academic or professional settings can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and self-doubt. These struggles are rarely discussed, but they can have a deep impact on well-being. In such times, one cannot stress enough the importance of words of affirmation—repeating positive truths about your abilities can shift your mindset and help combat feelings of inadequacy. Reminding yourself that you are capable, resilient, and worthy can be a powerful tool to counter self-doubt. Another crucial thing is setting realistic goals—breaking larger tasks into manageable steps reduces the burden of pressure and makes challenges more approachable. And always remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength.

At Edupull, we believe that supporting students is about more than just academics. It’s about empowering them to care for their mental and emotional well-being, too. By fostering a culture where mental health is prioritized, we can help students not just survive but truly thrive in whatever path they choose.”