14, Jul 2025
Škoda Auto hits a 300 in India
Noida, July 14, 2025 – Škoda Auto is revving to newer highs as it celebrates its 25-year legacy in India, and 130 years globally. Earlier this month, the brand achieved its highest half-yearly sales ever in H1 2025. In yet another achievement, the company has now crossed 300 customer touchpoints, catering to customers across 172 cities in India. Providing an unmatched customer experience is central to Škoda Auto’s India growth strategy. The rapid network expansion reflects this, along with the strong momentum the brand is building across India.
Commenting on the achievement, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “Our growing network makes our product range more accessible to customers, while enabling smarter, faster service with consistent quality, across the country. With a strong emphasis on ‘growing together and getting closer to customers’, a large part of our expansion has been undertaken with Škoda Auto’s long-term dealer partners in India, while also bringing new partners with a proven track record of customer centricity into the fold. This expansion is a step forward in strengthening Škoda Auto’s legacy in India and delivering on our promise of safety, value, and a truly rewarding ownership experience.”
Continuing from the Kylaq
The Kylaq is a key driver of Škoda Auto’s growth in India as it targets new customers in new markets that are now being catered to with the brand’s network expansion. Combined with the Kushaq and Kodiaq, Škoda Auto India now has an SUV For Everyone. The Slavia continues Škoda Auto’s sedan legacy in India with a global icon soon to be introduced in the country. The growing network perfectly complements Skoda Auto’s product strategy in India.
The path towards growth
Škoda Auto India’s growth strategy is to go deeper in Tier 1 markets and expand further in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. In line with this strategy, in the past nine months, the brand has entered over 30 new cities, all in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, in addition to continued expansion in existing Tier 1 cities. Furthermore, 86% of the expansion in this period has been in Tier 2 and 3 geographies, and 75% of the 300 touchpoints directly cater to customers in these cities. This provides them with easier access to sales and service support, reduces travel time to the nearest dealership or service facility, and brings consistent quality closer to customers.
Owning a Škoda
The company’s endeavour to be closer to its customers by expanding its network and increasing its touchpoints is further defined by a slew of warranty, maintenance, and Road Side Assistance packages that ensure customers are provided a quality ownership and maintenance experience with a Škoda. In addition to this, Škoda Auto India offers the Škoda Supercare maintenance package as complimentary with every Škoda car for a period of one year. With this, a Škoda owner’s first expense for routine service is only at the end of the second year of ownership or 30,000kms, whichever is earlier.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
14, Jul 2025
Galgotias University Achieves Placement Milestone
Greater Noida, 14 July 2025: Reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and industry readiness, Galgotias University has proudly announced that students from the B.Tech Batch 2021-2025 have secured over 135 offers from Wipro, one of India’s top IT companies. The students achieved the milestone under the company’s Elite Exclusive 2025 hiring program.
Wipro’s Elite Exclusive program is aimed to recruit the best engineering talent across India to fill roles that require top-notch technical skills, sharp thinking and leadership potential.
Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “This achievement is yet another milestone showcasing the strength of our industry-integrated academic model and affirms the university’s growing reputation as a trusted talent partner for leading corporates like Wipro. We remain committed to nurturing future-ready professionals equipped to thrive in a dynamic industry landscape. It’s encouraging to see our students rise to the occasion, and we look forward to the impact they will create in the industry.”
The university’s strong industry collaborations and hands-on learning approach equip graduates with the skills and mindset needed to drive innovation and deliver meaningful impact from day one. This well-rounded model has fostered the development of future leaders who are capable of navigating complex industry landscapes and creating lasting value for both organizations and society.
Expressing their gratitude for the support that she received at the university, one of the students who secured an offer described the achievement as a stepping stone in her career.
Galgotias University has a remarkable placement record with leading Indian and international companies in various sectors. The university’s dedicated Career Planning & Development Centre (CPDC) works closely with students to enhance employability through specialized training, communication workshops, aptitude development and mock interviews.
Furthermore, the university has consistently invested in multidisciplinary research, industry-relevant curriculum, AI-powered labs and international academic partnerships as part of its forward-thinking strategy to prepare its students for the digital economy.
14, Jul 2025
Tata Technologies CEO: Empowering Youth for a Sustainable EV Future Through Upskilling
By- Mr. Warren Harris, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Technologies.
“At Tata Technologies, our vision of ‘Engineering a Better World’ is centered around empowering young minds with the skills and capabilities they need to excel in their careers and lives. Recognising the significant amount of the skill gap in the EV space, in terms of R&D, maintenance, service, etc., it is our constant endeavour to support upskilling of both students and working professionals. Our in-house skilling and partnership programs like the ‘Ready Engineer Program’, teacher training with iRISE, government partnerships to form ITIs and the InnoVent hackathon challenge, are the results of our commitment towards upskilling the youth. We understand the critical role of the youth in driving the future of electric mobility. Today, courses in areas like AI and machine learning for EVs are becoming increasingly vital. Thus, by focusing on these emerging areas, we aspire to empower the youth to adapt to the evolving culture and contribute to shaping a sustainable future.”
14, Jul 2025
Amid global challenges, JIRSMUN 2025 prepares students for real-world conversations
Bengaluru 14th July 2025: JAIN International Residential School (JIRS), Bengaluru, a leading name in Indian residential education, is set to bring back one of the most anticipated academic gatherings on the school calendar with its Model United Nations Conference, JIRSMUN 2025, scheduled from August 29 to 31 to offer a vibrant platform for student voices from across the country.
Model United Nations (MUN) is a mock version of the real United Nations where students take on the roles of delegates representing different countries. They discuss and debate important global issues like conflicts between nations, tariff wars, terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity, and human rights. At MUN, students act like diplomats and follow formal rules during discussions. JIRS has been hosting MUN with students from schools across India. This year, JIRSMUN is expected to be even bigger, especially with the world facing serious and rapidly changing situations.
Announcing about JIRSMUN 2025, Founder of JAIN Group Dr Chenraj Roychand said, “In today’s world, with ongoing conflicts between nations, the challenges of illegal migration, and refugee crisis, platforms like JIRSMUN will help students think beyond textbooks. They can engage with real issues, understand different viewpoints, and learn to handle complex global realities. It is not just about debate, it is about preparing young people to face and understand the world they’re growing up in.”
JIRSMUN 2025 will feature six committees which include, Futuristic United Nations Security Council, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, UN Human Rights Council, All India Political Parties Meet, International Press Corps for the students from Grade 9 to 12 and 1st year Pre- University College. Chapter X, a literature-themed committee is for students from grades 6th to 8th. The conference also aims to develop research and writing skills, public speaking confidence, and diplomatic thinking among students through structured debate, discussion, and roleplay.
In addition to the main sessions, a cultural exchange program will also be hosted on campus to celebrate the diverse traditions, languages, and art forms brought in by participating schools. Students will perform traditional dances and music from their home regions, building connections that go beyond formal debate.
JIRS invites schools from across India to register their delegates for JIRSMUN 2025. Interested participants can choose from residential and non-residential registration options, with dedicated support for logistics and transport. The conference is open to both seasoned MUN delegates and newcomers who want to experience diplomacy, dialogue, and teamwork in a structured and interactive environment. Delegates will also stand a chance to win awards across categories such as Best Delegate, Outstanding Delegate, and Honourable Delegate.
14, Jul 2025
Artist Khushi Khandelwal Debuts Her First Solo Exhibition at AIFACS
New Delhi, July 14th 2025: Emerging Artist Khushi Khandelwal will be showcasing her first solo art exhibition, which will open on July 18th till July 24th, 2025, at Gallery A, AIFACS (All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society), New Delhi. The art exhibition is titled “What’s Under My Skin?” will be open for public, free of cost, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
“What’s Under My Skin?” is more than a title, it’s an invitation to showcase the complex emotional topography that exists beneath the daily surface, examining individual accounts of worry, inner struggle and psychological exposure.
In this series of work, Khushi intends to bring forward the overall concept of anxiety as a parasite growing inside the human body, which is not visible directly. Her pieces strive to render tangible inner condition, employing metaphor and material to make sense of the unsensory. Having a strong visual language that shifts effortlessly between realism, metaphor, and abstraction, Khushi’s paintings aim to investigate what is beneath the skin—issues of anxiety, emotions, vulnerability, and the internal self.
Using an intuitive mix of media—pencils, paints, markers, and pastels—Khushi creates a multi-textural world where feelings dictate form. Each piece is a standalone reflection, yet together they form a cohesive narrative of internal reckoning and transformation.
“This is my first solo show, and it’s a completely new and thrilling opportunity for me. The theme came from thinking about emotions like anxiety and how they grow inside us, almost like parasites. They take root deep within, but no one sees them unless something is torn open. This exhibition is me cutting open that surface, letting people see what’s really happening underneath,” said Khushi Khandelwal.
The exhibition marks a significant moment in Khushi’s artistic journey, having previously participated in group shows but never on this scale or with this level of personal storytelling. All the original pieces will be up for sale, with a specially chosen set of prints for those who want an even more affordable entry point into the world of Khushi’s Art.
14, Jul 2025
SEDL partners with Indian Army’s Western Command for Blood Donation Drive
Mohali, 12th July 2025: Spray Engineering Devices Ltd. (SEDL), a leading sustainable engineering and innovative technological solutions provider specialising in evaporation, crystallisation, heat exchange, condensation and thermal heat recycling process across industrial sectors, recently partnered with the Western Command of the Indian Army to organise a blood donation drive at its Mohali facility. The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from SEDL employees and volunteers, resulting in the collection of 70 units of blood.
The drive was conducted under the supervision of medical officers from the Armed Forces Medical Services, ensuring strict adherence to safety and hygiene protocols. As a gesture of appreciation, SEDL also presented mementoes to the Western Command team for their support and service to the nation.
“At SEDL, we believe corporate purpose must extend beyond engineering excellence,” said Mr. Vivek Verma, Managing Director, SEDL. “We are proud to have hosted this life-saving initiative in collaboration with the Indian Army. Every unit donated reflects our shared responsibility toward society and Nation. We remain committed to contributing meaningfully to the communities and institutions that strengthen our country,” he added.
This drive is a part of SEDL’s widening social outreach efforts for 2025. In a recent environmental initiative, SEDL joined hands with 13 BN CRPF, Chandigarh to mark Van Mahotsav through a large-scale plantation drive. The event, inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, also marked the dedication of a new Wellness Park. As a contribution, SEDL provided 100 plant nameplates and 5 water sprinklers, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Further strengthening its grassroots engagement, SEDL’s employees have initiated an internal education program for the children of blue-collar workers at its facilities. What started with just a handful of students has grown into a volunteer-led movement that today supports over 50 children, offering access to basic education, mentoring, and learning resources.
Beyond its innovations in boiler-less sugarcane processing and sustainable water technologies for zero carbon emission, SEDL is dedicated for Sustainable Environment Development and has been expanding its social outreach too. The blood donation drive is part of a series of community initiatives planned for 2025 — including health camps, wellness workshops, and tree plantation drives.
With over 600 installations in sugar processing and more than 270 water treatment systems worldwide, SEDL reinforces its commitment to driving sustainable and socially responsible industrial growth.
13, Jul 2025
Dance, Devotion, and Discipleship Shine at Guru Purnima Nritya Mahotsav
July, 13 2025: The Satyagraha Mandap at Gandhi Darshan came alive with rhythm, reverence, and radiance as the Guru Purnima Nritya Mahotsav unfolded on the sacred evening. Organised by Urvashi Dance Music Art & Cultural Society in collaboration with Gandhi Darshan and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the event was a soul-stirring tribute to the timeless Guru-Shishya tradition.
Inaugurated by Shri Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti & Darshan Samiti, the event brought together disciples of celebrated classical dance gurus from across India. “Guru Purnima is more than a festival—it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to preserving and promoting Indian cultural heritage through our gurus and their disciples,” remarked Shri Goel.
Dr. Rekha Mehra, Founder of Urvashi Dance Music Art & Cultural Society, shared an emotional note, stating, “Through this Mahotsav, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to the Gurus who continue to be the torchbearers of Indian classical traditions. This evening is an offering of love, respect, and legacy.”
A Warrior’s Rhythm: Disciples of Ajay Bhatt
The festival opened with a striking performance of Mayurbhanj Chhau, a martial dance form from Odisha, by disciples Abhishek, Vishal, and Ravi Shanker. Their commanding leaps and martial movements embodied the spirit of ancient warriors, choreographed with precision by their guru, Ajay Bhatt.
Krishna’s Leela in Chaturang: Disciples of Vishwajeet
Following this was Chaturang, a vivid Kathak presentation by Suraj Kumar, Anchal Sharma, and Astha Gupta, disciples of Vishwajeet. Their dance explored the divine play of Lord Krishna, weaving together Sahitya, Sargam, Tarana, and Nritya with emotive abhinaya and synchronized grace.
Shudh Nritya in Jhaptaal: Disciples of Ritu Gupta
Disciples of Ritu Gupta showcased the technical richness of Kathak in Jhaptaal through a presentation of tukdas, tihais, parans, and pramilus. Their footwork and rhythmic clarity offered a glimpse into the pure dance (nritta) aspect of the form.
Invoking Shakti and Samarpan: Disciples of Purnima
Guru Purnima’s disciples performed two emotionally resonant pieces:
Shakti – A dynamic invocation of the Goddess, highlighting divine femininity and empowerment.
Samarpan – A moving portrayal of the Guru-Shishya bond, complete with mirror work and interactive elements that symbolized teaching, correction, and surrender.
Kathak Through the Eras: Disciples of Barun Banerjee
In a sweeping historical narrative, disciples of Barun Banerjee presented Kathak’s transformation through three key phases:
Mandir Kaal – as a sacred offering in temples,
Darbar Kaal – as an art form refined in royal courts, and
Adhunik Kaal – as a modern yet rooted expression.
This performance stood out for its narrative arc and deeply researched choreography.
Guruvy Namah: Disciples of Punita Sharma
Disciples Sukriti Singh, Rashika Johar, Ritika Mishra, Sumedha Singh, and Charvi, trained by Punita Sharma, offered Guruvy Namah, a heartfelt tribute to the Guru set to Sargam and structured in teen taal. Through aamads, tukdas, tihais, parans, and ladis, the performance reflected rhythmic brilliance and devotion.
Divine Invocation: Disciple of Vandana
The concluding performance was a soulful Durga Stuti in Pancham Sawari Taal (15 beats), performed by a disciple of Vandana. The dancer invoked the fierce yet compassionate energy of Goddess Durga, leaving the audience enveloped in spiritual stillness.
A Living Legacy: Gurus and Their Disciples
Adding to the grandeur of the evening were spellbinding performances by the disciples of some of India’s most celebrated dance legends — Padma Bhushan Dr Uma Sharma, Padma Shri Shovana Narayan, and Padma Shri Nalini-Kamalini. Each group of disciples carried forward the distinct legacy of their gurus with finesse and devotion. From intricate footwork to expressive abhinaya, their performances reflected years of rigorous training and a deep-rooted commitment to preserving the purity and grace of Indian classical dance. These acts not only paid homage to their mentors but also reaffirmed the living tradition of the Guru-Shishya parampara that lies at the heart of Indian culture.
The Guru Purnima Nritya Mahotsav transcended performance to become a sacred offering—a living homage to the Gurus who shape not just artists, but custodians of cultural legacy. As the last note faded and the final bow was taken, what lingered was the spirit of gratitude, discipline, and the enduring beauty of the Guru-Shishya bond.
13, Jul 2025
Delhi Chief Minister Smt Rekha Gupta Inaugurates the 15th Indian Houseware Show 2025
New Delhi, July 13, 2025 : 15th Indian Houseware Show 2025 was inaugurated today by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, in Halls 8 to 11. After the inauguration, CM Rekha Gupta visited the stalls of exhibition and appreciated the unique innovations of the houseware manufacturers. This three-day B2B exhibition, running from July 12 to 14, is being organized by Steel Market Info under the leadership of show organizer R. L. Chaudhary.
Address to the exhibitors, visitors and Media person During the inauguration, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised India’s steel industry, noting how Indian innovation has transformed everyday utility items into premium, globally competitive products. She emphasized that Indian steel products are now being exported even to countries like China. Applauding the innovation, startups, and technological advancement in this sector, she extended heartfelt congratulations to R. L. Chaudhary, Chief Editor of Steel Market Info and the event’s organizer, as well as to all participants.
The Chief Minister highlighted government initiatives such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” campaign and the ODOP (One District, One Product) scheme. She said adopting Indian products not only strengthens the national economy but also supports local industries and generates employment for the youth. Expressing pride that people from her own constituency are achieving great strides in the steel sector, she pledged her active support for the development of the steel industry, not just in Delhi but across the country.
The CM further said, this exhibition is not only a source of inspiration for Delhi but also for the entire nation, playing a vital role in achieving Prime Minister Modiji’s vision of making India the world’s third-largest economy.
On this occasion, R. L. Chaudhary, the event organizer and Chief Editor of Steel Market Info, expressed his deep gratitude to the Chief Minister for inaugurating the event despite her busy schedule. He shared that the 15th Indian Houseware Show is the largest houseware exhibition in India, with over 130 exhibitors and more than 10,000 importers and traders from both India and abroad expected to attend. Exhibitors are showcasing utensils, home and kitchen appliances, gift items, houseware products, machinery, and other related accessories.
Jindal Stainless Limited is the principal sponsor of the show, and major Indian brands such as Balsara, Ambika, Milton, Prestige, TTK, Signoraware, and Saurabh are presenting their latest and most advanced products. The show is being supported by the Ministry of MSME under the PMSS scheme with subsidy benefits. It is also receiving strong support from industry bodies like the Utensils Trade Association Delhi, Wazirpur Utensils Manufacturers Association, and the Deputyganj Stainless Steel Utensils Traders Association, making the event even more comprehensive and impactful.
Organizer R. L. Chaudhary — a former army veteran and Chief Editor of Steel Market Info — shared that this show has been held regularly in different cities across India since 2010. So far, 622 exhibitors from 66 Indian cities and over 20,000 traders have participated. Additionally, 98 exhibitors from 8 countries and 330 traders from 61 countries have attended the show internationally.
Chaudhary also mentioned that Steel Market Info is India’s first and only quarterly magazine dedicated to the stainless steel houseware industry. For the past 25 years, it has been actively connecting manufacturers and traders. The magazine is read in 1,073 Indian cities and has readers in 150 countries. Its international editions are distributed at 10 major trade fairs around the world, helping Indian products gain global recognition.
13, Jul 2025
Indian Bank Organizes Mega SHG Credit Outreach Programme in Madurai
Madurai, July 13, 2025: In a continued effort to drive financial inclusion and rural empowerment, Indian Bank hosted a Mega SHG Credit Outreach Programme at the Tamukkam Convention Centre, Madurai extending financial support to Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the state of Tamil Nadu.
As part of a PAN-India initiative by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Government of India, the programme marks Indian Bank’s contribution to the national mission of empowering 1 crore SHG women with credit access. The event also supports the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”, with a focus on inclusive growth and women-led development.
It is Indian Bank that introduced the concept of SHG-Bank Linkage first time in India as early as 1989. It started in Tamil Nadu’s Dharmapuri district, and since then, it has grown to serve millions of women across the state and the country.
Indian Bank has so far assisted 5.09 lakh SHGs, benefiting more than 60 lakh women. Now Bank stands as the 4th largest Public Sector Bank in SHG financing with over 10% market share with an outstanding credit portfolio of Rs. 22224 crores as of March 2025.
Indian Bank has also launched the ‘Ind Lakhpati Didi’ scheme to help individual women to set up their own businesses. This scheme provides Credit Guarantee support for loans up to Rs. 5 lakhs for 5 years & Interest Subvention of 2% for prompt repayment up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per borrower for 3 years.. So far Bank has assisted more than 20000 units under the scheme.
While addressing the event, Shri M. Nagaraju, I.A.S., Hon’ble Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Government of India emphasized that access to capital for livelihood activities is crucial. Such initiatives not only reduce the dependence on sources of informal credits but also helps inclusion into the formal financial ecosystem. Moreover, Banks face lower credit risk compared to individual lending while creating employment at the grass root level.
The event showcased inspiring success stories from SHG members and SHG-led enterprises across diverse sectors. This initiative is a part of Indian Bank’s broader strategy to disburse over Rs. 20000 crores to SHGs nationwide in FY 2026, positioning itself as a key driver of India’s economic engine.
More than 3000 women from various self-help groups across the state of Tamil Nadu were part of the event. Sanction Letters to the tune of Rs 1011 Crore were handed over during the mega SHG credit outreach programme. With a strong rural footprint and a legacy of community banking, Indian Bank remains a key driver of the SHG movement in India. The Bank has been instrumental in strengthening the SHG-Bank linkage model, offering timely and affordable credit, capacity building, and handholding support.
Shri Binod Kumar, Managing Director & CEO along with Executive Directors Shri Ashutosh Choudhury, Shri Shiv Bajrang Singh and Shri Brajesh Kumar Singh were present on the occasion.
13, Jul 2025
Hit List Makes Its World Television Premiere on 15th July at 7:30 PM Only on Zee Action
July 13, 2025: How far will a man go to protect what he loves? What happens when justice begins to look like personal revenge? Zee Action brings audiences a high-stakes emotional thriller with the World Television Premiere of Hit List on Tuesday, 15th July at 7:30 PM. Directed by Sooryakathir and K. Karthikeyan, this film is not just a crime drama, it’s a direct confrontation with injustice. A gripping game where every move unveils secrets and hidden emotions rise to the surface
The film brings together a gripping narrative, edge-of-the-seat suspense and emotionally charged performances. R. Sarathkumar lends gravitas to the role of a dutiful cop, while Vijay Kanishka impresses with a compelling debut that hints at the arrival of a promising new talent.
‘Hit List’ is the story of an ordinary, non-violent man whose life takes a drastic turn when a masked stranger kidnaps his mother and sister. In a desperate attempt to save his loved ones, he gets trapped in a sinister game where, at every step, shocking secrets are revealed and the mystery behind the masked man deepens.
‘Hit List’ raises a powerful question: when an innocent is forced down the path of violence, do the lines between justice and crime remain clear? Whether you’re a fan of action or driven by emotion, Hit List delivers a gripping blend of both.
Catch the World Television Premiere of Hit List on Tuesday, 15th July at 7:30 PM, only on Zee Action!
