21, Dec 2023
Unwind this winter in Pune with Bhimthadi Jatra
National, December 21st, 2023: Bhimthadi Jatra, founded by Sunanda Tai Pawar, celebrates its 17th year, with a captivating rural extravaganza that offers a unique and vibrant experience for visitors from all walks of life. Held annually in Pune, this extraordinary carnival seamlessly blends culture, tradition, skills, and entertainment, making it a must-visit.
With over 400,000 visitors every year, the Jatra welcomes Punekars, Mumbaikars, and art enthusiasts from neighboring cities. There is a beautiful music anthem attached to Bhimthadi this year with an aim to attract the younger generation to embrace the cultural diversity, bridging the gap between the rural and urban culture at Bhimthadi Jatra.
The 17th year is a platform empowering women to showcase their skills in handicrafts, textiles, and food preparation, contributing to their communities.
In a world where the allure of preserving and revelling in cultural heritage is irresistible, Bhimthadi Jatra emerges as a distinctive and authentic experience that beckons exploration. This annual spectacle, nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, not only showcases the region’s agricultural splendour but also unfolds as a vibrant stage for local artisans, craftsmen, and farmers to showcase their talents and products.
Bhimthadi Jatra has attracted eager visitors who are interested in buying products from rural and tribal women around India. The handicrafts at Bhimthadi are made of materials like khun, neem wood, and bamboo. Specially abled children from NGOs make coasters, warli paintings, and pen holders which are sold at the Jatra. She can give valuable input on the things showcased at the event. The home decor items are upcycled and brought to the event. Furniture, kitchenware, and other items made from neem wood and bamboo are also available.
Since its inception, Bhimthadi Jatra has attracted eager visitors who anticipate the delectable food served annually at the fair. The event also boasts repeat customers who return each year to patronize specific food stalls. Millets have been a staple in our diet for generations and have seen a resurgence in popularity recently. Attendees at Bhimthadi Jatra will have the opportunity to sample local Maharashtrian cuisine at various food stalls. Bhimthadi Jatra also provides support to entrepreneurs seeking certification for their food products and assists with proper branding and packaging strategies for their goods.
Continuing its ongoing approach towards embracing conscious choices and clothing, sustainable fashion wear brands like The Kishkinda Trust, Viva La Vida India and Love for the Loom are going to be participating in Bhimthadi Jatra’s 17th year exhibition.
Bhimthadi Jatra itself as an event follows sustainable practices, encouraging and educating the people who are participating and those attending.
– There is a farmers market where you can purchase organically produced products from direct contact.
– There is a policy for non-plastic, non thermocol plates being used, etc.
– The flexes used at the event for advertising purposes are all sent for recycling, ensuring zero wastage at the event.
– Plastic water bottles are not allowed at the event.
– Zero food wastage is ensured as well.
Date: December 21st – December 25th, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Venue: Agricultural College Ground, Shivaji Nagar, Pune
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- By Rabindra
21, Dec 2023
Crystal Crop Protection Limited is now Great Place To Work Certified Organization
New Delhi, Dec 21, 2023– Crystal Crop Protection Limited, one of the fast-growing R&D-based crop protection manufacturing and marketing companies in India, has been awarded with the Great Place To Work® certification. This puts Crystal Crop in the prestigious list of organizations known for positive and progressive workplace culture.
Crystal Crop has taken multiple HR initiatives recently:
- Crystal Women’s Network: With the Goal of Increasing the Diversity Hiring across functions within an Industry where the percentage of Diverse Candidates are less than 5%, to facilitate a safe and encouraging Work environment and create a platform with Senior Mentorship programs and Buddy Programs to encourage Women from Bottom to the Top Levels to succeed.
- Engage & Grow: One-of-a-Kind Training program for the HODs and N-1 Level Leaders to unlearn, strategize and Re-learn new ways to combat old problems. It aims at sharpening the thought process of Leaders and encouraging them to think Out of the Box.
- HR for Non-HR program: This program trains People managers on management skills and HR policies, so that they are efficient enough to solve their teams problem without the need for employees to go to the HR.
- Spearhead workshop: This Interactive Quarterly workshop sessions are aimed at Polishing the Sales Employees with the aim of being the Best Ambassadors of Crystal. This includes Communication with the right Manners and Dress Sense, Negotiations and Relationship Building with Relevant Stakeholders and Shaping their Selling strategies and thought Process.
There are more initiatives in the pipeline:
- New In-Built HRMS system: with New technology that will manage Recruitment, Onboarding, Leave and Attendance Management and Exit Formalities along with Interactive HR Board with Updates on Company Policies, News, Employee Birthdays/Work Anniversaries, and Rewards and Recognition Announcements, etc.
- Advanced Learning Management System (LMS): With a heavy emphasis on Employee Career Development and Skills Training, Crystal will be soon introducing a new LMS platform that will focus on Training and Development programs that are integrated with Career Progression of each Employee.
Speaking on the organization, Crystal Crop’s MD, Mr. Ankur Aggarwal said “We believe in a multi-faceted approach to the workplace. Our focus on internal talent, inclusivity/diversity, training programs for line managers, periodic workshops for employees, revamped insurance claim policies, periodic R&R sessions, and quarterly interactions between employees and HR have enabled us to enhance the workplace experience.”
Speaking on this achievement, Crystal Crop’s CHRO Mr. Bijender Vats said “We are a people first organization, and we focus on policies that create an employee friendly environment. And this certificate is a validation to the same. Keeping in mind that the heart of any organization is the employee experience, we have always worked on making the workplace a positive, flexible, productive, and healthy haven for our employees. This GPTW certification is great source of encouragement for us as an organization.”
Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make strategic people decisions. The Institute serves businesses, non-profits, and government agencies in more than 60 countries and has conducted pioneering research on the characteristics of great workplaces for over three decades.
In India, the Great Place To Work institute partners with more than 1400 organizations annually across over 22 industries to help them build High-Trust, High-Performance Cultures designed to deliver sustained business results. Hundreds of CEOs and CXOs from India Inc. are part of the great place community that is committed to the vision of making India a great place to work for all.
The Institute’s research shows that great workplaces are characterized by great leadership, consistent employee experience, and sustainable financial performance. These organizations can deliver a consistent experience to all their employees irrespective of their role, gender, tenure, or level. Their leaders believe in the vision of creating and sustaining a great place to work for all and role models for all leaders.
21, Dec 2023
Ambuja Cements Uplifts Healthcare Facilities for the Tribal Community in West Bengal’s Farakka region
Bengaluru, 21st December 2023: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Group, through its CSR arm, has forged a strategic partnership with the Health Department in order to enhance the healthcare facilities for the tribal communities of Shymlapur village in Farakka region of Murshidabad district. This is a substantial step towards integrating modern healthcare practices into community welfare that has been relying on traditional treatments so far.
A doorstep healthcare service, spearheaded by Health Sakhi Kalpana Mandal, specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by tribal women in accessing healthcare. They dedicatedly focus on providing late-night assistance, pregnancy testing, and family planning services. Their ‘Matriyan’ program, offering free vehicle services, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that vital healthcare reaches every household in the tribal village.
The success of this initiative is evident from the effective delivery of pregnancy test kits, blood pressure screenings, HB testing, and the distribution of essential supplements and family planning resources. This comprehensive approach has resulted in a noteworthy achievement: a 100% institutional delivery rate in Shymlapur village.
The infusion of modern healthcare practices is creating a positive impact on the tribal communities of Shymlapur. The empowerment of tribal women through specialized services exemplifies how modern healthcare practices are tailored to meet the specific needs of the community, ensuring comprehensive and culturally sensitive care.
Going beyond doorstep services, the program includes health camps and educational sessions, actively fostering heightened health awareness among the tribal community. This holistic approach not only improves healthcare access but also seamlessly integrates the tribal population into mainstream healthcare services.
Ambuja Cements’ commitment to enhancing healthcare in Murshidabad’s tribal areas aligns seamlessly with its business ethos. These initiatives not only elevate the quality of healthcare but also cultivate a sense of trust and engagement within the community, paving the way for sustainable health advancements.
21, Dec 2023
“Life has turned over for Rajat”: Shine Pandey on his character in Amazon miniTV’s Dehati Ladke
Mumbai December 21,2023: – Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service recently released a coming-of-age drama, Dehati Ladke. The show follows the journey of Rajat Raj Singh Chauhan (essayed by Shine Pandey) as he ventures into city life from his hometown in pursuit of his aspirations. Rajat struggles to uphold his commitments to his parents despite the allure of urban life. It is adapted from Shashank Bharatiya’s acclaimed Hindi novel of the same name.
Rajat is portrayed by Shine Pandey, who encounters romance, university life, and camaraderie throughout the film. Sharing about his character from the show, the actor said, “Rajat comes from a small town in Uttar Pradesh, Gonda, and he moves to Lucknow to prepare for UPSC and become an IAS officer. He has a lot of expectations to fulfill for his family, and the entire village, everyone is looking forward to him. He is determined to make it big and achieve his dreams. But obviously, it’s not that easy. Life doesn’t always give you what you want. He meets lots of new people in Lucknow and a new story begins”.
Further elaborating on this he added, “Rajat meets a lot of people as he joins his college, he befriends Shashank, Yuvan and eventually meets Prerna. He also interacts with Chhaya and Prashant Bhaiya. So, things have become difficult for Rajat because he didn’t expect this change in his life. After all, everything is very new. And it is not at all close to what he had lived earlier. So everything is very new for him. He eventually evolves, and a great deal of confusion arises within his head. While watching the show, you’ll see him talking to himself often, trying to understand the mess around him.”
21, Dec 2023
Milind Soman successfully concludes “Lifelong Green Ride 3.0”
Milind Soman successfully concludes “Lifelong Green Ride 3.0,” the third edition that traversed 650 kms from Pune to Vadodara and 200 kms in Bengaluru, promoted health and environmental well-being throughout India
Mumbai…December 21, 2023… Milind Soman, the well-known fitness icon, has triumphantly completed the third season of Lifelong Green Ride in Bengaluru. This multi-city cycling event, orchestrated by Lifelong Online Retail Private Limited, a leading consumer durables company, aims to promote a healthier and eco-friendly environment.
As a key component of the broader Green Ride 3.0 initiative, Milind embarked on a remarkable cycling journey on Lifelong Cycles from Pune on December 11th. Covering a distance of 650 kilometers, he made his way to Vadodara with planned stopovers in Mumbai and Surat. Additionally, Milind covered a total of 200 kilometers on the TVS iQube Electric, underscoring the versatility and eco-friendliness of electric mobility. The journey concluded in Bengaluru, emphasizing the commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious initiatives. As part of the Green Ride initiative, he also visited the Statue of Unity where he, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the adventure sports.
Milind Soman, an avid supporter of the Lifelong campaign advocating to “Fight Lazy,” has been a driving force in inspiring individuals to embrace an active lifestyle and contribute to environmental well-being. The Lifelong Freeride Cycle has been his trusted companion on this mission.
Commenting on the occasion, Bharat Kalia, Co-Founder, Lifelong Online Retail Pvt. Ltd., expressed, “Lifelong Green Ride is an annual event that serves as a powerful testament to our dedication to fostering a healthier lifestyle and environmental sustainability. We are proud to collaborate with Milind Soman in spreading this message across the nation.”
India’s fitness icon and supermodel Milind Soman shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Events like Green Ride are crucial to raise awareness about choosing commuting modes wisely. It is a conscious step towards advocating cleaner and smarter commuting options. I am confident that this initiative has inspired many people, encouraging us to look for alternatives to reduce our carbon footprint by choosing safer options.”
During the Ride, Milind actively encouraged families to participate in the “Ride with Family” initiative, allowing Lifelong customers to enjoy the ride alongside him. Furthermore, he engaged with schoolchildren in Bangalore and Pune, further emphasizing the importance of a healthier lifestyle and environmental consciousness.
The Green Ride 3.0 spanned various cities, navigating diverse terrains to symbolize the collective endeavor required for a healthier planet.
21, Dec 2023
Kotak Mahindra Bank Appoints Mr. Eli Leenaars as an Additional and Independent Director on its Board
Bengaluru, 21st December 2023: Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“Bank”) announced on 18th December 2023 the appointment of Mr. Eli Leenaars (Mr. Cornelis Petrus Adrianus Joseph Leenaars) as an Additional and Independent Director on the Bank’s Board, for a period of four years, effective January 1, 2024, subject to fulfillment of statutory/regulatory or other requirements, as may be necessary.
Mr. Eli Leenaars is a successful leader with over 35 years of extensive experience in the financial services sector, including institutional & investment banking, asset management, corporate & retail banking, and life & general insurance. A respected expert on the future of digital banking and global industry trends in finance, investment, banking, and leadership, Mr. Leenaars has experience in managing businesses through a wide range of matters including mergers & acquisitions, complex corporate restructurings, strategic initiatives, and challenging financial environments.
Mr. Leenaars enjoyed a 24-year career (since 1991) at ING Group N.V., a Dutch multinational banking and financial services company, and several of its subsidiaries and held numerous key management positions. After ING, Mr. Leenaars served as the Group Managing Director and Vice-Chairman of the Global Wealth Management Division at UBS Group AG, a Swiss multinational investment bank and financial services company, from April 2015 to May 2021 based in Zurich.
Mr. Leenaars is currently serving as Group Chief Operating Officer of Quintet Private Bank, a medium-sized Luxembourg-headquartered bank and wealth manager with operations in 6 European countries.
Mr. Prakash Apte, Non-Executive Independent Chairman, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Eli Leenaars to the Bank’s Board of Directors. His experience of over three decades in the financial services sector will guide us as we chart out the next phase of the Bank’s growth. A respected expert on the future of digital banking and global industry trends in finance, investment, banking, and leadership, he will bring a fresh perspective to the deliberations, and the Board is looking forward to working with him closely
21, Dec 2023
Physics Wallah (PW) launches “Mission JRF” Series for UGC NET 2024, YouTube Channel Surpasses 20,000 Subscribers in a Month
Mumbai: 21st December 2023: Physics Wallah (PW), India’s number one competitive test preparation brand, announced the launch of its “Mission JRF” (Junior Research fellowship) series for the UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) June 2024 exam, the batches commenced on December 16, 2023. Physics Wallah (PW)’s comprehensive UGC NET Online Coaching offers top-notch video lectures, interactive classes, mock tests, and expert guidance with twenty-four-seven doubt-solving availability in Hindi and English to help aspirants ace the 2024 exam.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) twice a year to determine the eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
The “Mission JRF” series covers the following:
Paper 1: This paper is compulsory for all candidates and covers topics such as Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Communication Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Education. For this exam, Physics Wallah (PW) prepares students.
Paper 2: This paper is specific to each subject and covers the syllabus prescribed by the NTA. Some of the popular subjects offered by Physics Wallah (PW) include Commerce, Economics, Education, and History.
Atul Kumar, Online CEO of Physics Wallah (PW), said, “The UGC NET exam helps open doors for people who want to work in the teaching or research field in India. It also gives you the chance to receive financial support for doing research through the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Physics Wallah (PW)’s UGC NET YouTube channel has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing 20,000 subscribers in just one month. The UGC NET channel continues to witness an exponential rise in its subscriber base. The rapid growth of the channel can be attributed to its high-quality content, expert guidance, and the trust it has developed within the academic community”.
21, Dec 2023
“The project is truly exceptional, like something never witnessed by the Indian audience”, says Vishaal Asrani director of Masha and the Bear LIVE
Viacom18 LIVE, pioneers in experiential and immersive entertainment experiences, is all set to mesmerize kids and families with the live theatrical adaptation of the famed animated series on Nick Jr., ‘Masha and the Bear’. Produced by Viacom18 LIVE and presented by HSBC India, the entertainment spectacle will go on an incredible journey across the country, commencing in Mumbai on 23rd December 2023, followed by performances in Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad and thereafter concluding its tour in Mumbai in March 2024.
Packed with music, dance, and a strong narrative around “A Very Detective Story”, to make it suit and appeal to children of all ages, the show will provide the audience with an interactive experience where Masha and The Bear will need the audience’s help to solve this mystery together. Featuring various characters from the show, ‘Masha and the Bear LIVE’ is a musical story that will revolve around Masha, the Bear, Professor Nonbelevious, Rosie, the Panda, Sly Fox and Silly Fox & more, who will join Masha to solve the mystery of missing items from her home! With stunning visuals, engaging storytelling, and delightful music, the extravaganza will transport children into the beloved animated world of Masha and her best friend, the Bear, leaving everyone satisfied with solving this mystery with their favorite characters.
Show director of Masha and the Bear LIVE, Vishaal Asrani said, “After 30 years of work in theatre and bringing many productions including, DREAMWORKS’ “Madagascar- A musical adventure” and Rudyard Kipling’s “THE JUNGLE BOOK” to India, we were approached to direct MASHA AND THE BEAR by Viacom18. The project is truly exceptional, like something never witnessed by the Indian audiences. So watch out for a spectacle of song, dance and entertainment of international standard like never before, come alive on stage, for the first time in India.”
Masha and the Bear has gained immense popularity in India, captivating both children and parents with its delightful storytelling and endearing characters. Its widespread appeal on Nick Jr India has made it a household favorite across the country. With the great history of Viacom18 LIVE providing immersive live entertainment, including events like ‘Vh1 Supersonic,’ ‘Vh1 Lift Off,’ and ‘Peppa Pig LIVE musical, the Masha and the Bear LIVE is set to continue this tradition of bringing unforgettable experiences to the audience.
21, Dec 2023
Rashmi Group forays into Coal Mining in West Bengal
Kolkata, 21st December 2023: Rashmi Group, a pioneering force in the Iron and steel industry, has recently forayed into Mining, as a part of the backward Integration process and has achieved a significant milestone by securing the first-ever private coal mining rights in West Bengal. The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, through auction (among others) has allotted three coal mines in the state, namely Kagra Joydev Coal Block and Kasta East Coal Block in Birbhum, along with Jagannathpur B in West Burdwan. These mines were successfully allotted to the Rashmi Group, marking a historic moment in the state’s industrial landscape.
After receiving cabinet approval through the “Long Term Settlement” Scheme (LTS), the Government of West Bengal has transferred 715.58 acres of land to Rashmi Group at Kagra Joydev Coal Block, formerly allotted to DVC. This strategic move sets the stage for the operationalization of the coal block in Birbhum, promising significant employment generation in the region and fostering peripheral development. Additionally, it is expected to contribute substantially to the state government’s exchequer.
Rashmi Group has a robust history of investment in West Bengal till FY 2023, with Rs. 15,000 Crores invested in an Integrated Steel Plant and Rs. 450 Crores in mining activities. Looking ahead, the group is committed to enhancing its presence in the state, with proposed investments of Rs. 20,000 Crores in expanding the Integrated Steel Plant and an additional Rs. 2000 Crores in mining activities from 2023 to 2030.
The current employment scenario showcases the group’s commitment to employment creation in West Bengal, with 40,000 employees in the Integrated Steel Plant and 500 in mining. The proposed expansion plans aim to bolster these figures, with an estimated 40,000 jobs in the Integrated Steel Plant and 15,000 in mining. In terms of revenue contribution, Rashmi Group presently adds Rs. 4700 Crores per annum to the state government’s coffers.
The envisioned expansion plans, including the augmentation of the Integrated Steel Plant in Kharagpur & Jhargram, the establishment of Integrated Steel Plants in Jamuria and Purulia, and other initiatives, signal a promising future for both the industry and the state.
The Group is really indebted to the State Govt. for their continued support and handholding for our existing operations in the State and also for the State Govt.’s encouragement in stepping into new endevours. The State of West Bengal since 2011 has been really industry-friendly and ensuring ease of doing business has given us the confidence to plan larger Investments and also encouraged us to diversify into newer relevant sectors / areas in West Bengal.
In order to start our Mining operations in Kagra Joydev Coal Block (Birbhum), we are confident of the continued support from the local district administration in acquiring Land required for Mining alongside possession of land acquired through LTS in order to proceed with our plans as per schedule.
Mr. Sanjib Patwari, Promoter, Rashmi Group, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s contribution to the state’s growth. He stated, “Rashmi Group is honoured to play a pivotal role in the economic development of West Bengal. We are committed to creating sustainable employment opportunities and contributing to the prosperity of the region. The success of this venture will not
only be a testament to our capabilities but also a symbol of collaborative growth with the state government. Rashmi Group looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with the Government of West Bengal and is optimistic about the positive impact of its ventures on the state’s economic landscape.”
21, Dec 2023
Blues Odyssey: Mahindra Blues Festival’s much awaited Band Hunt takes center stage this December
Mumbai, 21 December, 2023: The spotlight is on Mahindra Blues Festival as it opens applications for the eagerly awaited Band Hunt competition on December 19th, 2023. In this blues extravaganza, the entries will take place online and the finale will unfold on ground, bringing the blues magic to you like never before.
For all blues aficionados and talented Indian bands, it’s time to amplify musical prowess by sharing a blues-drenched performance video on Instagram, Facebook, or Musifie—ensuring that the account hits all the right notes and is open to public viewing. Whether crafting an original masterpiece or weaving magic through a classic cover, the piece can be in any language spoken in India, however the video must be timed between 2 to 5 minutes.
Judging this blues journey are none other than the prodigies themselves, Ehsaan and Loy. Interested artists can register their band via the registration links mentioned in MBF’s Instagram bio. To throw their hats into the ring, participants are urged to serenade the virtual stage with #BluesBandHunt and #MBF2024, without forgetting to tag @mahindrablues. Bands must also share the performance video link along with lyrics of the chosen blues anthem. The deadline for submitting entries is January 7, 2024. The top 3 finalists will be brought down to Mumbai for a band hunt finale- post which each finalist will perform a 20-minute set. The performance will be judged by Ehsaan & Loy, following which the winner will be announced. The chosen one will then get the chance of a lifetime to perform at the prestigious Mahindra Blues Festival stage in February 2024!
Mahindra Blues Festival transcends being an event; it’s a celebration of blues culture, a symphony of heartfelt melodies, and a testament to the enduring spirit of true blues. As the MBF Band Hunt commences—may the riffs echo through and through the blues realm!
