Category Archives: News

ASCI Releases Whitepaper on Opinion Trading: Calls for Regulatory Clarity Amidst Growing Concerns

Mumbai, May 20, 2025: The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released a whitepaper titled “Examining Opinion Trading in India,” shedding light on the emerging area of opinion trading /prediction markets and the need for regulatory clarity around this rapidly growing sector. As per the National Initiative for Consumer Interest (NICI), these platforms have over 50 million users and transactions exceeding INR 50,000 crore annually. Opinion platforms engage users to make monetary bets on binary (yes/no) outcomes of real-world events ranging from sports to politics.

Globally, opinion trading is regulated either as a financial instrument, or under gambling laws. In India, SEBI has already issued an advisory dated April 29th, 2025 cautioning the public that “… opinion trading does not fall within regulatory purview of SEBI, as what is traded is not security…”. There are several public interest litigations and the courts are also evaluating its standing in the country.

ASCI has come across advertising from various players both global and local, as well as influencers on social media that promote opinion trading as knowledge and skill based games. However, analysis of such posts reveals that some of these appear to be pure speculation and can pose financial risks – especially for young and financially vulnerable groups.

ASCI has called for regulatory clarity on the status of such activities in India. If such activities and their advertising are permitted, then certain advertising guidelines need to be developed to safeguard consumers. However if such activities are not legally permissible, then all stakeholders need to establish mechanisms to monitor any violations of the law.

Besides seeking clarity on the legal status of opinion trading, the whitepaper spotlights the current advertising practices and applicability of existing laws, as well as examines regulatory approaches to similar services in other countries.

Ms. Manisha Kapoor, CEO & Secretary General of ASCI, said, “Opinion trading platforms raise serious concerns as their structure and mechanics closely resemble betting in some instances, and can expose consumers to significant financial risk. The advertising that accompanies these platforms often heightens the risk, with exaggerated claims of easy winnings and false assurances of reliability. No disclaimers cautioning consumers are provided. ASCI’s whitepaper highlights these risks and urges urgent regulatory clarity so appropriate steps can be taken to protect consumers from potential harm.”

‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ Opens to Blockbuster Weekend, Becomes Biggest Hollywood Opener of 2025: PVR INOX

By- Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO- Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd.

“There are very few franchises that have consistently delivered edge-of-the-seat entertainment for nearly three decades, and Mission: Impossible stands tall among them. The film has opened to blockbuster numbers, recording a phenomenal 50% occupancy over the opening weekend, making it the biggest Hollywood opener of 2025. The excitement around The Final Reckoning truly reflects the enduring love for the franchise and Tom Cruise’s unparalleled commitment to delivering cinematic excellence. Given the legacy of Ethan Hunt and the iconic action sequences that define the series, this film is more than just a finale—it’s a celebration of the cinematic experience itself.

At PVR INOX, we are thrilled to be the destination where fans can immerse themselves in this high-octane farewell, experiencing the sheer scale, spectacle, and thrill that the big screen was made for. We are confident that it will continue to break records and keep audiences captivated.”

KIIT World School students excel in CBSE 10th and 12th board exams

Gurugram: Students of KIIT World School, Sohna Road, have excelled in the Class XII and Class X exams conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Yoshita Mehta from Humanities stream of Class XII emerged as the topper of the school with an impressive score of 95%. Manashi Choubey from Commerce stream secured second position with 94.2% marks and Yuvraj Gaur secured third position with 93.8% marks.

The school proudly announces a 100% pass rate in CBSE Class X exams. The overall average score is 76%, which reflects the dedication and hard work of both students and teachers. Tanishka Singh of Class X scored 91.2% with 456 marks, Abhishek Kumar Sinha scored 90.8% with 454 marks and Aarav Verma scored 90.4% with 452 marks.

Expressing pride in the exceptional achievements of the students, Neelima Kamrah, Principal, KIIT World School said, “The success of our students reflects their unwavering dedication and the constant support of our faculty. This achievement highlights the strength of our holistic educational approach. The focus of the school will always be on holistic education, enabling students to excel academically and personally.”

Finnair offers a record number of flights to Lapland next winter

New Delhi, 20 May 2025: Next winter, Finnair will offer a record amount of capacity to Finnish Lapland and will increase weekly frequencies to the popular winter destinations Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Kittilä. The additional services are concentrated on the busiest travel days around the weekend, when most of the rental cottages have their changeover day, for example.

“We are happy to be able to offer our customers even more comprehensive connections to all our Lapland destinations throughout the winter. The additional flights will be focused especially on the high season from December to February, but we have also added flights in March, thus supporting the whole winter travel season”, says Perttu Jolma, Vice President, Network, Finnair.

Finnair, also known as Santa’s official airline, will have up to 72 weekly flights to Rovaniemi next winter, 10 flights more than last winter. During the busiest season, the airline will fly to Rovaniemi up to 16 times a day on Saturdays and 14 times a day on Sundays.

Kittilä, which is popular among travellers heading to, for example, Levi and Ylläs, will have up to 41 weekly flights this winter, seven flights more than last winter. During the busiest weeks, Finnair flies to Kittilä up to eight times a day on Saturdays and Sundays. Finnair’s northernmost Finnish destination, Ivalo, will be operated up to 33 times a week, with additional flights on Saturdays and Sundays.

In addition to Lapland, Finnair will also add two additional frequencies for Saturday and one for Sunday to Kuusamo, a popular winter destination in Eastern Finland.

Request for listing Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra presents ‘Kendra Dance Festival’ reference May 25th, 27th and 29th, 2025

Sunday, May 25th, 2025 : MEERA, a journey of Liberation and Enlightenment

An embodiment of fearless devotion and unwavering inner strength, Meera brings to life the spiritual odyssey of the poet-saint who defied societal norms in pursuit of divine truth. Through evocative Rajasthani and Gujarati folk movements, this production draws from the meticulous documentation of folklorist Komal Kothari, capturing not just a woman’s voice but a nation’s inner compass—resilience rooted in faith.

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 : PARIKRAMA, the journey of the Atman

Choreographed in the martial and expressive styles of Mayurbhanj Chhau and Kalaripayattu, Parikrama delves into the elemental cycle of existence—life, death, and rebirth—mirroring the nation’s capacity to regenerate with strength after every trial. Inspired by the Panch Tattvas and layered with insights from the Padma Purana, the production is a meditative journey that resonates deeply in times of renewal and reflection.

Thursday, May 29th, 2025 : KARNA, the Marginalised Hero of Mahabharata

A deeply layered portrayal of honour and identity, Karna revisits the life of one of Mahabharata’s most tragic heroes, who struggled between duty, loyalty, and truth. Drawing from Rashmi Rathi by National Poet Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’, and choreographed in the raw intensity of Chhau and Kalaripayattu, Karna finds new resonance today—as it embodies the virtues of courage, sacrifice, and complex morality, qualities India has demonstrated on and off the battlefield.

The above productions are Produced and Directed by Padmashri Shobha Deepak Singh (Chairperson – Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra).

HCG Hospitals Ahmedabad promotes Preventive Heart Health with a Week-Long BP & ECG Free Screening Camp

Ahmedabad, May 20, 2025: HCG Hospitals Ahmedabad, organized a week-long free BP and ECG free Check-up Drive from May 17 to May 24, 2025, along with a special awareness Health Talk Session on Blood Pressure and Its Complications to support the objectives of World Hypertension Day 2025. The drive, conducted within the hospital premises, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring for everyone above the age of 20 and the imperative need to prevent cardiovascular complications—a silent and growing health concern, observed across age groups, in recent years.

 This initiative featured dedicated booths for comprehensive blood pressure and ECG screenings. The initiative aimed at raising awareness and encouraging the public—particularly those with risk factors, or a family history of heart disease—to proactively assess their cardiovascular health.

 Leading interventional cardiologists from HCG Dr. Bhupesh R. Shah and Dr. Jay Shah were the Chief Speakers at the Health Talk Session held as part of the initiative. They provided valuable insights and guidance on the theme, “Blood Pressure and Its Complications” and stressed the importance of ‘knowing your numbers’. Hypertension has emerged as a silent threat, accompanied by negligible or no noticeable symptoms, but fraught with significant risks to health and the potential to trigger serious conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.

 Dr. Bhupesh R. Shah, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, said: “Hypertension isn’t just a medical condition—it’s a wake-up call. In today’s fast-paced urban scenario, stress, improper diet, and inactivity have become part of lifestyle routines. Unless we make conscious health-monitoring choices and stay aware of our numbers, high blood pressure will continue to silently erode our health. Awareness is only the first step; taking charge through regular check-ups and healthier habits is what will induce a tangible difference.”

 At HCG Hospital, preventive care is the cornerstone of our commitment to community health. Recognizing that conditions, such as hypertension often go undiagnosed until they cause severe complications, the hospital believes in taking proactive steps to educate the public. By conducting informative awareness initiatives and offering accessible screening programs, HCG aims to empower individuals to take charge of their health before problems arise—especially in fast-paced urban environments, where lifestyle-related health risks are on the rise.

 Dr. Jay Shah, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad shared: “Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it shows no clear symptoms until serious damage has occurred. That’s why early detection through regular screenings is not just important, but life-saving. The large turnout for this initiative demonstrates growing awareness, and we hope it will encourage more people to proactively monitor their heart health before complications arise.”

 Participants who attended the free health screening camp and health talk are eligible for an exclusive discounted Cardiac Health Check-up package, valid for a period of one week following the event.

 HCG Hospitals Ahmedabad

HCG Hospitals Ahmedabad has dedicated itself to the goal of providing quality healthcare services to patients to restore their health, as holistically as possible. This multispecialty hospital unit was established in 2007, inspired by the principles of compassion, caring, and community partnership. HCG Hospitals strive to find innovative ways to elevate the quality of patient care by setting exceptional standards, implementing optimal and advanced treatment protocols, and ensuring both compassion and comfort, while leveraging the latest technology in executing every aspect of patient care.

 At HCG Hospitals, our six Centers of Excellence — Cardiac Sciences, Spine Surgery, Neurosciences, Bone & Joint Care, Emergency & Critical Care, and Internal Medicine — reflect our unwavering commitment to quality healthcare. Every step we take is centered around patient care and comfort, ensuring excellence in every experience.

Dulquer Salmaan’s Multilingual Line-up Promises a Stellar Year Ahead

Dulquer Salmaan is all set to light up screens across the country with a power-packed slate of films in three different languages—each offering a fresh glimpse into the ever-evolving world of one of India’s most versatile stars.

First up is Aakasam Lo Oka Tara in Telugu—a film that explores love, longing and destiny through a poetic, romantic lens. Known for his effortless charm and emotional depth, Dulquer returns to Telugu cinema in a role that promises to tug at the heartstrings.

Next, he makes a much-awaited return to Malayalam cinema with Kaantha. This marks his comeback to his home industry after a significant gap, and the anticipation is sky-high. Early buzz suggests Kaantha is shaping up to be a gripping, layered drama that may well be his next big multilingual hit in 4 different languages.

Rounding off the trio is I’m Game, a bilingual Tamil-Hindi project that dives into the world of high-stakes action and thrill. It’s a genre shift that perfectly fits Dulquer’s ability to adapt, surprise, and completely own the screen—no matter the language.

Three industries. Three unique narratives. Dulquer Salmaan is not just acting—he’s transcending borders and storytelling styles, reminding us once again why he’s one of Indian cinema’s most exciting leading men.

NCPEDP, Mphasis F1 Foundation and IIIT-Bangalore Host High-Impact Multistakeholder Consultation on Assistive Technology and Ecosystem Building

Bangalore, May 20, 2025 The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), in partnership with Mphasis F1 Foundation, convened a landmark two-day multi-stakeholder consultation titled “Re-Imagining Pathways for Assistive Technology” on 23rd – 24th April at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B). This event, in collaboration with IIIT-B’s Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS), united policymakers, corporates, startups, academia, civil society, and persons with disabilities to forge innovative, inclusive AT solutions for India.

Designed to accelerate inclusive innovation, the event showcased thought leadership and action in the AT sector. A key highlight was NCPEDP’s presentation of a comprehensive policy paper on India’s AT landscape, along with panel discussions, a roundtable, and startup pitches focused on scalable, inclusive solutions.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Pradeep Gupta, Chairperson of NCPEDP, emphasized “India’s Assistive Technology ecosystem holds immense potential to transform lives and livelihoods—but realizing this potential requires a vibrant startup ecosystem supported by enabling policies, academic collaboration, and active participation from incubators. At NCPEDP, we believe the time is ripe for the emergence of dedicated AT hubs across the country. Through collaborative efforts, we can unlock this market and ensure AT becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth.”

Panel discussions explored key challenges in the assistive technology value chain, including import dependency, high production costs, and limited access. Experts emphasized the need for local AT manufacturing, policy support, subsidies, CSR initiatives, and integration into healthcare. They also highlighted how AT can promote inclusive education, workforce inclusion, skilling, and independent living for persons with disabilities.

Mr. Arman Ali, Executive Director, NCPEDP, in his welcome address remarked, “At NCPEDP, we envision a future where inclusive design is not an afterthought but a foundational principle of technological innovation. This consultation is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration—bringing together technologists, researchers, and persons with disabilities to co-create solutions that are accessible by default.”

“At Mphasis, we believe technology should drive inclusion, not barriers. Through our partnership in this consultation, we are proud to support the exploration of practical and impactful assistive technologies. As a global leader, Mphasis is committed to fostering inclusive innovation that empowers people with disabilities and creates a more accessible future.”
—said Ms. Deepa Nagaraj, Global Head of Communications, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem, ESG, and CSR, Mphasis in her keynote address.

A multistakeholder roundtable explored innovative financing models—ranging from government subsidies and insurance coverage to ESG-aligned venture capital investments. A three-tiered framework was proposed, linking the innovation ecosystem, lived experience of persons with disabilities, and the market ecosystem to create meaningful policy impact. Speakers highlighted the widespread lack of awareness and called for urgent investment in information access, data systems, and inclusive infrastructure.

Reflecting on the vision behind the initiative, Prof. Amit Prakash, Professor and Convener of CAGS at IIIT-Bangalore, stated, “At CAGS–IIIT Bangalore, we are committed to fostering an ecosystem where policy, technology, and lived experiences intersect to create solutions that are not only accessible but also equitable. This consultation reflects our belief that true impact lies in co-creation—with persons with disabilities as central contributors in shaping the future of AT.”

The final day of the consultation spotlighted innovative startup pitches presenting cutting-edge assistive technology (AT) solutions. A distinguished jury from NCPEDP, ICMR, IvyCap Ventures, Mphasis, IIIT-Bangalore, and STPI evaluated the pitches, awarding the NCPEDP-Mphasis AT Hub Seed Grant to seven promising startups, providing them with crucial seed funding to scale their impactful solutions. The pitch day showcased cutting-edge assistive technology solutions, evaluated by an esteemed jury: Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of Cyber Media Group and Chairman, NCPEDP; Anju Gupta, President of IvyCamp; Sumit Chauhan- Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Mphasis; Darshitha Niranjan,  Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Mphasis; Prof. Amit Prakash, Convener of CAGS at IIIT-Bangalore; Dr. Nishant Peddagopu, COO of Software Technology Park of India, Bangalore; and Dr. Ravinder Singh, Senior Scientist at ICMR.

The following innovators won grants from the investors:

Subtlebotic Private Limited: Wearable neuro-motor robotic system enhancing mobility for individuals with physical disabilities.

• Aumeesh Tech Pvt Ltd: Cost-effective, lightweight mechanical orthotic device aiding those with spinal injuries and gait issues.
• Exobot Dynamics Pvt Ltd: Lightweight, affordable bionic hand designed for arm amputees.
• Curacraft Designs Pvt. Ltd.: High-activity prosthetic foot tailored for Indian transtibial amputees.
• Lifespark Technologies Private Limited: Wearable mobility aid reducing gait issues and falls for Parkinson’s patients.
• Akumen Artificial Intelligence Pvt Ltd: Affordable AI-powered solutions for the visually impaired.
• Grailmaker Innovations Private Limited: Web-based platform enabling home-based therapy for cerebral visual impairment.

NCPEDP and Mphasis F1Foundation are redefining India’s Assistive Technology (AT) frontier with the launch of a groundbreaking AT Hub, a visionary initiative to forge an inclusive future. This strategic endeavor confronts persistent challenges like insufficient awareness, siloed efforts, and constrained funding by uniting key players, including the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Mircosoft, STPI, AssisTech Foundation and others as a vital force in assistive device production and distribution. The consultation also drew prominent attendees, including Aditya Srivastava and Gautam Narayan from Kalaari Capital, Barath Thangaraj from MakeMyTrip & Goibibo, Tom Sebastian from Seedstars, and Rajnish Kapur from IAN Fund, reinforcing the consultation’s impact.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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