16, Dec 2024
Stovekraft Ltd. Announces the Launch of the ‘Super Khush 2025’ Sale for its popular ‘Pigeon’ Brand
New Delhi, 16th December 2024 : Stovekraft Ltd., one of India’s leading kitchen and home appliances manufacturers, has launched its much anticipated ‘Super Khush 2025 Sale’ for its popular ‘Pigeon’ brand. The sale offers customers unbeatable combo offers at the welcome the new year with high-quality, innovative appliances and kitchen products from Pigeon. Each combo provides savings of up to 60% on MRP, enabling customers to equip either their own kitchens or even gift their loved ones with thoughtful gifts for New Year.
The ‘Super Khush 2025 Sale’ will feature incredible deals on Pigeon’s wide array of products, including its Cookware range consisting of Pressure Cookers, Non-stick pans and Tawas as well as its appliances such as Ovens, Blenders, Mixers, and Electric Rice Cookers etc.
The ‘Super Khush 2025’ Sale is our way of thanking customers for their trust in the Pigeon brand for more than two decades. This sale will allow more households to experience the quality and innovation behind the Pigeon brand, along with enjoying some great savings.” said Rajendra Gandhi, Managing Director of Stovekraft.
The Super Khush 2025 Sale will be launched this month and the combos will be available across more than 125,000 retail outlets across the country. Customers can also pick up the products at the 200+ Pigeon Exclusive Brand Outlets that are now open in all major cities in the country giving customers nationwide access to these fantastic offers.
Celebrating 25 years since its inception, Pigeon has been synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability. Stovekraft Ltd., the parent company of Pigeon has also recently launched innovative products such as Air Fryers and a range of Cast Iron cookware for health-conscious consumers.
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- By Rutuparna Rath
16, Dec 2024
Uber sees highest ever Intercity trips booked in 2024, buoyed by travel demand
Bangalore, December 16, 2024: Uber, India’s leading ridehailing app today released the latest edition of its ‘Intercity Ride’ index, the annual data compilation of its popular Intercity mobility product, which revealed that the year-to-date number of trips in 2024 have already surpassed last year’s highs.
In 2024, Uber recorded its highest-ever Intercity trip bookings, fueled by Indians’ increasing penchant for travel, holidays and transformative improvements in the nation’s road infrastructure. The expansive network of national highways and expressways has significantly reduced travel times, making long-distance road journeys more seamless, convenient, and appealing than ever before.
The weekend continued to be the most favoured days for Intercity travel by Indians, with Sunday leading the pack with the highest number of trips booked, followed by Saturday and Friday, respectively.
Commenting on the strong growth momentum, Shweta Mantri, Head of Rider Verticals, Uber India and South Asia said, “It’s been amazing to see how much love Uber Intercity has received this year. People are using it in so many ways – whether it’s quick getaways, family visits, or just exploring new places. We’re thrilled to be a part of their journeys and can’t wait to make road trips even more fun and hassle-free for everyone, with features such as Reserve to aid journey planning, and Round Trips to expand travel possibilities.”
Riders can book Uber Intercity round trips for up to 5 days, with the flexibility to retain their car and driver while making multiple stops along the way. To simplify travel planning, Uber offers the option to reserve rides with pre-assigned drivers and riders can book up to 90 days in advance. This not only empowers riders to organize their journeys seamlessly but also provides drivers with the ability to predict their earnings and plan their schedules more effectively. In 2024, Reserve bookings for Intercity more than doubled, underscoring the growing trust and enthusiasm for this enhanced journey planning feature.
To make travel even more convenient and affordable for Indians this December, Uber has launched its ‘Big Intercity Sale 2024’, with attractive discounts on existing prices. Safety continues to be the top priority for Uber, and the company has introduced 24×7 live support for all Intercity trips, including pre-trip and on-trip assistance.
The round trip feature was loved way more by riders for their leisure travel and visits to places of worship as they could keep the Uber with them, while one-way trips were most booked by those going to visit their families, where the date of return could be flexible.
16, Dec 2024
ShemarooMe Presents The World Digital Premiere of an Unconventional Love Story—Udan Chhoo
As winter blankets the country in its chilly embrace, families find warmth in shared moments—exchanging laughter and creating lasting memories. In this spirit of togetherness, ShemarooMe, Gujarat’s leading OTT platform, is set to present the world digital premiere of Udan Chhoo on December 12th. This quirky and unconventional love story promises to be the perfect way for loved ones to relax, reconnect, and enjoy quality time at home.
Directed by Anish Shah, Udan Chhoo explores the unexpected romance and escapades of two soon to be in-laws, challenging societal norms and raising the question—can love find a second chance, no matter your age? The film follows Hasmukh Mehta, a single father on a quest to find the perfect match for his daughter, Krina. During the process, he unexpectedly reconnects with his college sweetheart, Pankor, now a successful entrepreneur. In an ironic twist of fate, Pankor is the mother of the boy Hasmukh is considering for his daughter. This coincidence transforms a traditional matchmaking into an emotional journey of rekindled romance, rediscovery, and the complexities of family dynamics. With a refreshing storyline, the movie combines humour and heartfelt moments, making it a standout in contemporary Gujarati cinema.
Featuring a talented cast, Udan Chhoo stars Deven Bhojani as Hasmukh Mehta, Prachee Shah Paandya as Pankor, along with Aarohi Patel, Aarjav Trivedi, and supporting performances by Alisha Prajapati, Naman Gor, Pratik Nanda, and Sohni Bhatt. The stellar performances bring the story to life, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages.
Deven Bhojani, who plays Hasmukh, shared his excitement about the film’s digital release: “Udan Chhoo has been an extraordinary journey for me as an artist. Hasmukh is a wonderfully layered character, mixing humor, vulnerability, and deep emotion. It’s rare to find a role that allows you to explore so many dimensions. Working with Anish Shah, who brings such a fresh and genuine vision, has been an absolute joy. The way the film balances nostalgia with modernity makes it relatable across generations. I’m excited that with the film’s world digital premiere on ShemarooMe, even more people will experience this beautiful story, and I truly hope it finds a special place in the hearts of families everywhere.”
Prachee Shah Paandya, added: “Udan Chhoo is a celebration of relationships and second chances, delivered through a lens of humor and warmth. It’s a film that breaks barriers and explores relationships in a refreshing and meaningful way. Playing Pankor in the film has been so fulfilling. She is a strong and inspiring character who has built her own legacy despite life’s challenges. Bringing her emotional journey and love story to life was both challenging and rewarding. I believe the film will captivate viewers and leave a lasting impression.”
16, Dec 2024
DKMS Achieves Milestone with First Allogeneic Transplantation of Cryopreserved Non-Directed Stem Cells
December 16, 2024 – The international non-profit organization DKMS has set itself the goal of giving people with blood cancer a second chance at life – and doing so even faster. For this, it has built a new and efficient infrastructure for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: at the center is the DKMS Stem Cell Bank, where surplus adult stem cells are cryopreserved and stored as Adult Donor Cryopreserved Units (ADCUs). These ADCUs are then made available for patients and transplantation centers worldwide for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. One year after the first ADCU was stored, the first patient was able to benefit from one of these cryopreserved donations.
Every 27 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with a blood cancer or a blood disorder. Despite the growing donor pool, transplantation centers are still facing challenges: the search for an unrelated donor until the subsequent transplantation is a race against time. And even after an initial treatment, a further transplant may be needed, requiring another donation. A second donation is not a single case. Generally, about one in 30 donors donates stem cells for a second time, mostly for the same patient.
In either case – the faster a suitable donor is identified and the faster the hematopoietic stem cells reach the patient, the better the chance of survival. But even when a match is found, it can take up to 12 weeks before a transplantation takes place. This urgent need was the initial motivation for extending activities to process and store Adult Donor Cryopreserved Units (ADCUs). These ADCUs should be accessible to transplantation centers and patients more quickly. If a suitable ADCU is already stored at the DKMS Stem Cell Bank, recipients will benefit from a full availability within a few days.
First ADCU transplantation
The first transplantation of such an ADCU from the DKMS Stem Cell Bank showed that this is not just theory. The patient received this ADCU as a stem cell boost. The stem cell unit used was cryopreserved and stored at the time of the first transplantation. That the cells have already been available in the DKMS Stem Cell Bank had many advantages: the confirmatory typing and preliminary examination of the donor material had already been carried out, only a few days passed between the request and the transplantation, the shipment was extremely fast and the donation arrived at the transplantation center in the appropriate quality. As a result, the patient received the stem cell boost he needed as soon as possible. At the same time, the donor did not have to undergo the mobilization and apheresis process again, since a second donation was not necessary – two stem cell grafts were obtained from a single collection, and both have now been used.
The first milestone on the journey of the ADCUs has thus been reached. “The whole team in Dresden was very happy about this first stem cell transplantation from the DKMS Stem Cell Bank. The delivery process from the cryotank to the patient and the transplantation went smoothly, but now we have to keep our fingers crossed. We truly hope that the treatment will now have the desired effect,” said Dr. Alexander Platz, Medical Director of the DKMS Stem Cell Bank.
Two stem cell grafts from a single collection
To date, the ADCU approach is worldwide unique, uncomplicated and ethically acceptable towards the donors, thus making a significant contribution to the further development of stem cell transplantation. The goal of this innovative approach is to provide two stem cell grafts with one donation:
• directed donation to a patient in immediate need of a stem cell transplant (PBSC)
• non-directed ADCU for future immediate availability for any patient
ADCUs therefore play an important role, especially for patients with urgent needs, since their use significantly shortens the time to transplantation. For cryopreserved stem cells, the time from initial consultation to transport to the clinic is typically no more than three days. Even if the initial donor is not available at short notice, ADCUs can be an alternative. “This is another important milestone in our lifesaving mission, we are thus significantly increasing the chances of survival for patients in urgent need of a transplant,” said Dr. Elke Neujahr, Global CEO of DKMS Group gGmbH.
At the moment, 100 ADCUs are already stored at the DKMS Stem Cell Bank in Dresden and can be requested by transplantation centers through the DKMS Registry. They are also listed in the database of the Central Bone Marrow Donor Registry Germany (ZKRD) and can be requested by transplantation centers there as well. DKMS is now working on to gradually increase the number of ADCUs and rapidly build up the inventory. The available ADCUs guarantee a one hundred percent availability to be faster in the race against blood cancer in the future.
The DKMS Life Science Lab, the Clinical Trials Unit, the DKMS Collection Center and the Collaborative Biobank are further facilities that contribute to research and development in the field of stem cell donation in the science hub of Dresden, Germany.
In this case, the DKMS does not disclose any further information in order to maintain anonymity. Patients should be given the opportunity to fully concentrate on themselves and their recovery during this physically and mentally difficult time. Only after a two-year period and with the consent of both parties can anonymity be rescinded.
16, Dec 2024
New Season of Chilean Cherries in India
The much-awaited season of Chilean cherries has arrived, bringing the freshest and most delicious cherries to Indian markets. Known for their vibrant red colour, unmatched sweetness, and juiciness, Chilean cherries are the perfect fruit for the festive and winter months.
Chile, the world’s leading exporter of cherries, is celebrating another fruitful season and availability of Chilean cherries in India NewSeasonFreshArrivals!
Whether enjoyed as a healthy snack, a festive gift, or an ingredient in recipes, Chilean cherries promise to bring a burst of flavour and joy to every occasion.
Mr. Sumit Saran, In-Country Market Representative of Chilean Cherries, said, this season offers Indian consumers the opportunity to experience the unmatched quality of Chilean cherries. Through various promotional activities and campaigns, we aim to showcase their taste and versatility as the perfect snacking option.
Chile, a country in South America, is one of the largest producers of premium quality of cherries in the world.
Chilean cherries will be available across India for the next two months, and can be bought easily from any fruit store or any e-commerce platform.
16, Dec 2024
Mahindra Integrates Dolby Atmos into Electric Origin SUVs BE 6 and XEV 9e for Premium Audio Experience
16 December 2024: Mahindra and Dolby Laboratories, a leader in immersive entertainment experiences, announced that Mahindra will integrate Dolby Atmos® in its Electric Origin SUVs – BE 6 and XEV 9e. This groundbreaking collaboration between the two brands has set a new milestone making Mahindra the first Indian automaker to bring Dolby Atmos to its Electric Origin SUVs.
Consumers will be able to experience their favourite songs in Dolby Atmos through Gaana, integrated into the infotainment system on the BE 6 and XEV 9e. Dolby Atmos will deliver an unparalleled auditory journey within the confines of the BE 6 and XEV 9e, equating the experience into a sonic studio experience. This collaboration will set a new benchmark for contemporary in-car entertainment experiences among Indian auto makers.
Dolby Atmos is a new way to create and experience entertainment that delivers artistic expression at its fullest capacity, immersing listeners in the content they love and forging a deeper connection between creators and their fans. In the car, entertainment in Dolby Atmos goes beyond the ordinary listening experience, revealing details with unparalleled clarity and depth. For consumers, it unlocks new levels of emotion for them to enjoy their music, podcasts, movies, and more. Dolby Atmos can turn just about every vehicle into a space where drivers and passengers get even more out of their favorite entertainment.
Karan Grover, Senior Director, Commercial Partnerships – IMEA, Dolby Laboratories said, “We are excited about the possibilities that our collaboration with Mahindra can bring for customers in India. Dolby Atmos in Mahindra’s Electric Origin SUVs – BE 6 & XEV 9e, will take the car journey to an entirely new level by transforming the interior cabin into an entertainment space that brings consumers closer to the content they love. With Dolby Atmos, every ride will be an extraordinary experience that complements the unlimited potential of the Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e.”
R Velusamy, President – Automotive Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited said, “The BE 6 and XEV 9e embody Mahindra’s vision of delivering extraordinary experiences across every aspect of driving. By integrating Dolby Atmos, we are setting a new benchmark for in-car entertainment, ensuring that every journey is not only seamless but also truly immersive.”
BE 6 and XEV 9e boast 16 Harman Kardon speakers, which comes as standard with the vehicles. The speakers next to front seats are three-way speakers designed with a tweeter, mid-range, and a woofer. The centre is Harman’s patented Unity Speaker design and rear surround speakers are high fidelity mid-range. There is also a subwoofer and two speaker drivers in the ceiling which will help deliver an exceptional in-cabin audio experience with Dolby Atmos.
The Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e will offer a premium SUV experience that caters to those who demand the finest in every aspect of their lives. This aligns with Dolby’s vision of providing the best-in-class entertainment experiences for consumers. Together, with Mahindra, Dolby is set to redefine the future of in-car entertainment by allowing creators to place and move sounds all around listeners, unlocking new levels of emotion and filling the car cabin with greater details, clarity, and sound separation.
16, Dec 2024
The India International Industrial Expo 2024 Concludes
Kochi, December 16, 2024: The India International Industrial Expo 2024, a premier industrial gathering aimed at driving collaboration, at the KINFRA International Exhibition Centre, Kakkanad, Kochi concluded. The three-day expo was organized by the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) and Metro Mart. The expo, which attracted nearly 10,000 visitors, featured 300 stalls and seminars covering relevant topics. The second edition of the Industrial expo is scheduled on January 2026.
The morning session featured a Symposium on Financial Assistance and MSME Schemes, inaugurated by K.N. Balagopal, the Minister for Finance.
“Kerala is witnessing extraordinary growth in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, and events like this expo are a testament to that progress,” said Minister during his inaugural speech of the symposium. “Economic development can only be achieved with increased focus on industry and trade. Additionally, changes in the banking sector are anticipated to align with these advancements, he added.
“It’s inspiring to see young entrepreneurs venturing into business. Organizing such exhibitions more frequently will undoubtedly create opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive and make a meaningful impact”, said UMA Thomas MLA, Thrikkakkara inaugurating the valedictory function. The MLA presented an honor to Radhamani Pillai, the Chairperson of Thrikkakkara Municipality.
The expo was conducted in association with the Kerala Government’s Department of Industries, KINFRA, KSIDC, and the Central MSME Ministry. The expo brought together over 300 prominent machinery manufacturers from India and abroad, offering a platform for exhibitors to showcase their cutting-edge products and services. Aspiring entrepreneurs had the opportunities to network with machinery manufacturers, while help desks of many banks were present to provide necessary financial assistance.
V. Prasad, Deputy General Manager, KFC, U.C. Lachithamol, Asst. Director MSME DI, Thrissur, Jiju Mohan, Chief Manager -SBI, took presentations. KSSIA members, entrepreneurs and exhibitors participated in the symposium.
Nizarudeen, State President-KSSIA, K.P. Ramachandran Nair Chairman-IIIE 2024, Joseph Paikada, General Secretary-KSSIA, P.A. Najeeb, General Manager, DIC-Ernakulam, Sajith Kumar K, General Manager, DIC-Kasaragod, P J Jose, A V Sunil Nath, and A. Fasiludeen State Vice Presidents -KSSIA, B. Jayakrishnan, Treasurer- KSSIA, M. M Mujeeb Rahman, Joint Secretary- KSSIA, Siji Nair, CEO- I.I.I.E 2024, Damodar Avanoor, Former State President -KSSIA, and S. Salim, News Chief Editor- KSSIA attended the valedictory function.
16, Dec 2024
UltraTech boosts sustainable transport by leveraging inland waterways
Mumbai, 16th December 2024: UltraTech Cement Limited, India’s largest cement and ready-mix concrete company, is leveraging inland waterways to transport a large consignment of mineral gypsum via National Waterway 1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system) in a pilot project. UltraTech is the first cement company in India to leverage National Waterway 1 for gypsum transport at scale.
This pilot movement was flagged off by the Hon’ble Minister of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal at G.R. Jetty, Kolkata today. UltraTech’s participation in the pilot was supported by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). The consignment is being shipped from Haldia port in West Bengal to Gaighat terminal in Patna, Bihar and is being transported to Pataliputra Cement Works, UltraTech’s cement grinding unit located in Patna district, Bihar.
Use of inland waterways over roadways and railways will result in significant carbon emissions reduction. It will also help decongest roads and rail routes. UltraTech’s participation in the pilot provides a boost to the Government of India’s (GoI) efforts to promote use of inland waterways in the country. The project has been enabled by the GoI’s revised Cargo Movement policy, in line with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Mr. K C Jhanwar, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement Limited, said, “Emerging and innovative transport solutions are a key lever in UltraTech’s shift towards sustainable logistics practices. Through this pilot, we are proud to partner the Government of India in promoting use of inland waterways in line with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The pilot movement over National Waterway 1 underscores UltraTech’s commitment to green logistics as an enabler to realise its Net Zero goal by 2050.”
In April 2023, UltraTech leveraged inland and coastal waterways to transport 57,000 metric tonnes of phosphogypsum from Paradeep port in Odisha to UltraTech’s integrated manufacturing unit Gujarat Cement Works located in Amreli, Gujarat, in a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. Guided by its Sustainable Supply Chain Framework, UltraTech aims to cultivate a resilient supply chain that supports its business and mitigates risks.
16, Dec 2024
Vama: Celebrating the Voices of 20 Women Artists from Delhi on Culture and Identity
New Delhi, December 16, 2024: Sahitya Kala Parishad, Government of NCT, Delhi, unveiled Vama: Showcasing Women Artists from Delhi, an eight-day art exhibition that spotlights 20 eminent women artists from Delhi. The ongoing art exhibition, at Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam from December 14th to 21st, 2024, is curated to empower and showcase the artistic brilliance of women.
Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj, Hon’ble Minister of Art, Culture & Languages, praised the artists and said, “Delhi has always been a hub of artistic expression, and this initiative is a testament to our commitment to promoting and celebrating the immense talent of women artists. ‘Vama’ is not just an exhibition but a platform for recognizing and empowering women who enrich our cultural heritage through their creativity”
The audience will get to witness diverse art forms offering a rich variety of perspectives and mediums at The Vama: Showcasing Women Artists from Delhi. Some of the artists and their artwork that are featured here are Nilanjana Nandy’s This Side-That Side, a diptych, explores alienation and division through grid spaces. Talking about the artwork, Nilanjana mentioned that it was started at the end of 2021 and culminated in 2023. Angelica Basak is presenting her Breathe series which are made of ceramic sculptures and symbolizes the balance between chaos and tranquility. Rashmi Khurana’s mixed-media work combines paper mache and acrylic to express unique creative techniques.
While presenting her Mayura Series which is an acrylic on canvas, artist Shampa Sircar explained that her work celebrates life’s interconnectedness, with the peacock symbolizing glory and the lotus representing spiritual growth. Another unique art to look for is Aditi Aggarwal’s diptych Dream 6 and 7 reflects on memory, identity, and uncertainty, using the Gum Bichromate process. Talking about the art, Aditi said that the artwork captures her within an unfinished studio at Kaladham, surrounded by surreal and dystopian elements. One panel portrays her beneath a granite-like sun, while the other features two suns casting an unsettling glow. Holding her late father’s camera stand—a symbol of memory and connection—Aditi navigates themes of identity, change, and uncertainty. Audiences will also get to immerse in Durga Kainthola’s Travelogue Diaries that blends traditional and contemporary elements, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and global interconnectedness.
While briefly explaining her photography, Rashmi Choudhary shared insights into her works that are a blend of storytelling and visual art that captures profound themes. Goonj reflects the intertwined frequencies of grief and hope, channeling forgotten voices seeking to be heard, with a flash of color symbolizing the dawn of optimism breaking through the darkness. Meanwhile, Anant depicts a historic corridor with timeless charm, evoking the vastness of the cosmos and the infinite layers of life. Together, the works symbolize an ongoing journey, both inward and outward, exploring resilience, meaning, and boundless possibilities. Another artist, Kavita Nayar’s Transcending explores the human spirit in oil pastels while artist Richa Navani’s art spans multiple mediums, addressing themes like gender politics, sexuality, and ecology, with geometric abstract symbols inspired by nature and rituals.
While showcasing her art, Pratibha Singh said, “I grew up near the Banaras Ghats, which greatly influenced my artistic vision. My works, including series like Shape of Things to Come and Transformer, explore the connections between humans, machines, and animals. My current series, Terraform, reflects on humanity seeking alternative habitats, using mixed media like paper pulp and coir fibers.” Artist Dipa Potwray’s work, blending silk and cotton, draws on childhood memories and Assamese tradition, while Vandana Kumari’s photography captures the resilience and beauty of rural life and migrant stories.
16, Dec 2024
Padma Shri Deepa Malik Flags Off ‘Sangati Yatra’ – A 6000 Km Ride for Accessibility Across India
New Delhi, 16th December 2024 : An inspiring journey was flagged off today from Modern School, Barakhamba Road, Delhi, by chief guest Padma Shri Paralympian Deepa Malik, in the presence of prominent dignitaries including Delhi Police Crime Branch Chief Devesh Chandra Srivastava and Dr. Vijay Dutt. This 20-day expedition features a team of five divyang (differently-abled) individuals covering 6000 km on specially designed scooters and bikes adapted for wheelchair use.
This historic journey is being conducted and led by Sangati Foundation’s founder Sudhir Dheer, who is himself differently-abled. Together with co-founder Alka Selot Asthana, Sudhir established Sangati Foundation, which works towards the empowerment and rights of the differently-abled. Accompanying Sudhir Dheer on this journey are Amir Siddiqui, Pawan Kashyap, Suraj P.A., Soumya K., and Tejpal Yadav.
Objective of the Journey
This journey is not just a bold initiative but a testament to the skills, determination, and potential of the differently-abled. It aims to raise awareness in society and among policymakers about the need for equitable opportunities for the differently-abled in tourism, education, business, and employment.
Sudhir Dheer stated, “This journey is full of challenges, but our team is brimming with enthusiasm and resolve. It’s an opportunity to showcase the exceptional abilities of differently-abled individuals to the world.”



