Category Archives: News

CDPF and NCPEDP Pave the Way for a Unified, Inclusive Future in Disability Rights

New Delhi, March 10, 2025: Disability rights leaders from Commonwealth nations came together on Friday to deliberate on inclusive policies, emerging best practices, and the future of disability discourse in India and beyond. The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) hosted a roundtable, bringing together civil society organizations and persons with disabilities from countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives.

The roundtable featured key participants, including Richard Rieser, General Secretary, CDPF, and Arman Ali, Executive Director, NCPEDP among others. Discussions focused on collaborative strategies to advance disability inclusion across borders.

Prior to the roundtable, a crucial meeting took place between Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Richard Rieser, and Arman Ali. This meeting explored India’s progress in implementing inclusive policies and identified key areas for improvement.

Speaking about the event, Arman Ali, Executive Director, NCPEDP, stated: “Inclusion isn’t a privilege; it’s a right. This collaboration with CDPF reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities have a voice in shaping policies that affect them. Learning from international best practices and sharing our experiences will help us create a world that truly embraces diversity.”

This international collaboration between CDPF and NCPEDP reaffirmed the urgency of building inclusive ecosystems that uphold the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). By fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences, the initiative strengthened India’s role as a leader in disability rights advocacy.

Formed in 2008, CDPF operates across 56 Commonwealth nations, working towards the equitable participation of persons with disabilities through democratic means. As a full member of CDPF, NCPEDP’s continued leadership in disability advocacy ensures that India remains at the forefront of global efforts for inclusion.

Shriya Pilgaonkar Is Back at YRF in an All-New, Exciting Avatar

Shriya Pilgaonkar, who made her Bollywood debut in 2016 opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Fan, has carved an impressive path in the industry. Handpicked by director Maneesh Sharma from an audition of 750 girls, she quickly made her mark, earning acclaim for her performances in projects like the Emmy-nominated Mirzapur, British series Beecham House, Guilty Minds, Broken News, and Taaza Khabar.

Now, her journey comes full circle as she returns to Yash Raj Films (YRF) for an exciting new project. A recent behind-the-scenes photo shared by Shriya on social media set off a wave of speculation among fans, who spotted a YRF script in her hand. As per a source close to the production, Shriya will be seen in a completely new avatar, adding to the intrigue.

The project reportedly also stars Vaani Kapoor, Surveen Chawla, and Gullak fame Vaibhav Raj Gupta. With Shriya’s versatility and strong screen presence, anticipation is high for what she brings to this upcoming YRF venture.

Shriya made her Hindi film debut with Fan in 2016. She landed her role after standing out among 750 auditions conducted by Maneesh Sharma—a moment she considers a major breakthrough, especially since it meant sharing screen space with Shah Rukh Khan. In Fan, she portrayed Neha, a Delhi-based call center employee and a close friend of Gaurav.

Shriya then went onto establish herself with successful web series such as Mirzapur (2018), Guilty Minds and The Broken News (both 2022) and Taaza Khabar (2023). She has also acted in and directed various plays.

At the age of five, Pilgaonkar first appeared on television in the Hindi serial Tu Tu Main Main, playing a boy named Bittu. Pilgaonkar made her stage debut in 2012 with her performance in Karan Shetty’s 10-minute short play Freedom Of Love. The play was a part of the NCPA’s Short and Sweet Festival. In the play, she acted, sang, and danced.

Get Closer to Surya Kumar Yadav with moha: Play Smart’s Exclusive Meet and Greet

National, March 2025 – moha, a leading ayurvedic skincare brand by Charak Pharma, hosted an exclusive Meet & Greet event with renowned Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav at Imara by Canto on 4th March 2025. Other than celebrating summer skincare with moha, focusing on the importance of sun protection and playing it smart, both on and off the field, the event centred around the meet and greet with cricket fans where Surya Kumar Yadav was giving autographed bats to 5 lucky content winners who are moha sunscreen users. It was a perfect blend of skincare, sports, and fan interaction, making it an unforgettable experience for all.

Known for his dynamic performance, Surya Kumar Yadav, popularly known as SKY, shared his personal skincare routine, highlighting how India’s First Sunscreen Spray by moha effortlessly shields his skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and protects him from the sun. He also revealed how the moha: Footcare Cream helps him unwind, keeping his feet refreshed and nourished after long hours of play.

Indian Cricketer, Surya Kumar Yadav says, “As a cricketer, I am constantly exposed to the sun, and taking care of my skin is just as important as my physical fitness. moha’s Sunscreen Spray ensures that I stay protected from harmful UV rays, and the moha: Footcare Cream keeps my feet in top condition after long matches. Incorporating moha into my routine is crucial to maintaining peak performance on the field.”

The session began with a warm welcome from the host, introducing distinguished guests Suryakumar Yadav, Indian Cricketer and Dr. Ram H. Shroff, Director of Charak Pharma. Dr. Ram addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of sun protection and the benefits of using moha skincare products to maintain health and hydration during the summer months. He highlighted moha’s commitment to leadership in Ayurveda and its brand values of natural, effective care. Dr. Ram explained how moha’s products, including India’s first Sunscreen Spray, are formulated with natural ingredients to ensure effective protection without harmful chemicals. He emphasized that moha’s focus is on providing solutions that not only safeguard the skin but also support overall well-being, aligning with the brand’s dedication to offering holistic, chemical-free skincare solutions.

Dr. Ram H. Shroff, Director, Charak Pharma says, “At moha, we are committed to providing clinically backed Ayurveda products that not only protect the skin but also promote overall health. Our Sunscreen Spray and Footcare Cream are designed to keep the skin hydrated, nourished, and safe from the sun’s harmful effects. It’s essential for athletes to protect their skin while maintaining their performance, and we’re proud to offer solutions that support this.”

Suryakumar Yadav, popularly known as SKY, emphasized that men need skincare as much as women, particularly athletes who spend long hours exposed to the sun. The harsh sun can cause significant damage and irritation to the skin, making sun protection and proper skincare essential for athletes. Beloved cricketer Suryakumar Yadav also shared insights on the challenges athletes face from prolonged sun exposure and offered tips on maintaining a skincare routine despite his busy cricket schedule. He highlighted moha’s Sunscreen Spray as a key product in his daily regimen, providing strong protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays to ensure his skin remains shielded. Additionally, he spoke about moha’s Footcare Cream, which helps keep his feet nourished and refreshed after long hours on the field. The event wrapped up with group photos, where Surya Kumar Yadav proudly posed with moha’s Sunscreen Spray and Footcare Cream both featured in the Summer Ready hampers given to all attendees, underscoring the brand’s dedication to delivering quality skincare solutions tailored for everyone.

Judiciary Gold by Toprankers Creates Milestone in DJS 2024 with Exceptional Student Success

New Delhi March 10, 2025 ; Judiciary Gold by Toprankers, one of India’s top online platforms offering online coaching classes for judicial services competitive examinations, is proud to celebrate the phenomenal success of its students in the Delhi Judicial Services (DJS) Examination 2024. Leading this achievement is Samriddhi Talwar, a Judiciary Gold student, who has secured Rank 1 in DJS 2024.

 The list of Judiciary Gold achievers in DJS 2024 includes:

• Rank 1: Samridhi Talwar
• Rank 11: Pranshu Shukla
• Rank 19: Shalabh Deep Goyal
• Rank 26: Shreya Mishra
• Rank 28: Niharika Diwan
• Rank 31: Anusha Sharma
• Rank 33: Bhavya Phutela

This phenomenal achievement reflects Judiciary Gold’s unwavering commitment to providing the most comprehensive, structured, and student-centric preparation platform for judicial services aspirants across India. Through expert-curated study materials, personalised mentorship, regular mock tests, and a results-driven approach, Judiciary Gold has empowered thousands of students to fulfil their dream of joining the esteemed judicial services, and they have trained 8000+ aspirants in the last 4 years.

Speaking on this proud occasion, Mr. Harsh Gagrani, Co-Founder, Toprankers said: “At Judiciary Gold, our primary mission has always been to guide students with concept clarity, strategic preparation, and emotional resilience. Our innovative teaching methods and strong mentor-student connection have enabled students to excel, even in one of the toughest examinations like DJS. We are immensely proud of our achievers and congratulate each one of them for their hard work and dedication.”

Since its inception, Judiciary Gold by Toprankers has built a reputation as India’s most trusted platform for judicial exam preparation, mentoring thousands of aspirants and 550+ selections in the last 4 years across 14+ States The DJS 2024 results are yet another testament to Judiciary Gold’s expertise and its student-first philosophy.

To students who could not clear this year’s examination, Judiciary Gold extends a message of hope and encouragement:
“Success is often just around the corner. Stay focused, stay determined, and most importantly, believe in yourself. With the right strategy and guidance, success will soon be yours.”

Indian Idol 15: Hema Malini Reveals Why She Was Hesitant to Sign the Iconic ‘Naseeb’ Starring Big B and Shatrughan

Sony Entertainment Television’s Indian Idol 15 is all set to bring a vibrant Holi special episode, featuring the legendary Hema Malini as a special judge. Adding to the festivities are judges Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani and Badshah, along with hosts Abhijeet Sawant and Meiyang Chang. The episode promises a delightful blend of music, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments! The spotlight shines on ‘Idol Ki Basanti’ aka Ritika, who delivers a heartwarming rendition of the evergreen classic ‘Mere Naseeb Mein’. Impressed by her dramatic expression and singing, Shreya Ghoshal lovingly states, “I call her a drama queen because she catches the drama in a song so well.” The performance sets the tone for a nostalgic journey as Badshah takes the opportunity to ask Hema Malini about her experience of working on the star-studded film ‘Naseeb’.

Hema Malini reveals her initial hesitation about joining a multi-star cast, stating, “When they signed me in a multi-star cast, I got scared, but there was no problem at all. The target was to complete the film within a year, but all the artists were busy—Amit Ji, Rishi Kapoor, Reena Roy, Amjad Ali Khan Ji, Shatrughan Sinha, even the supporting actors. t was very difficult to shoot the scenes where everyone was together because we all had many film shootings at the same time and we had to travel, but we managed very well thanks to the producer and the team, and I think it was completed in one year.”

Adding to the evening’s nostalgia, Meiyang Chang recalls a heartwarming story that Fardeen Khan previously shared about Hema Ji and Firoz Khan Ji, prompting her to share her side of the incident. She says, “It was during the shoot of the song ‘Kya Khoob Lagti Ho, Badi Sundar Dikhti Ho’. Feroz Khan ji was a very passionate filmmaker, and during a blast scene at the end of the song, there were people laughing in the background, because of which he got angry and kicked something out of anger. He later realized that it was my makeup box”. She jokingly adds, “There was pin-drop silence after that for two days because everyone was scared. He said sorry after he realized it was mine.”

Mahindra Rise Honors the Unseen Heroes Who Shine the Brightest Without the Spotlight

Mumbai, 10 March 2025: Every day, we look up at the sky and admire the moon, captivated by its glow. But beyond the moon, the stars are quiet, constant, and unwavering, truly lighting up the night. In much the same way, while some achievements capture headlines, there are countless women who brighten our lives every day—without seeking recognition. This Women’s Day, Mahindra Rise, in collaboration with Schbang, is inviting us to celebrate them with ‘SheIsOnTheRise, ’ a campaign that shifts the focus to the women who show up, support, and make a difference in ways big and small.

Whether it’s a mother juggling responsibilities, a house help ensuring a smooth-running home, a teacher shaping young minds, or a colleague who always shows up, these women deserve to be celebrated. And this Women’s Day, Mahindra Rise is making sure they are.

At the heart of the campaign is an evocative film featuring Gul Panag, drawing a beautiful analogy between the moon and the stars. While the moon gets all the attention, it’s the countless stars that light up the night, just as everyday women brighten our lives, quietly and consistently. The film reminds us that these women, too, deserve the spotlight.

Too often, familiarity blinds us to what’s truly valuable, while distance magnifies glamour. The women who shape our daily lives may not demand attention, but their presence is irreplaceable. We look up to the extraordinary, yet often forget to appreciate the steady hands that hold everything together.

To make this appreciation tangible, Mahindra Rise has launched a unique AI-powered microsite where anyone can create a personalized thank-you poster for the women who impact their lives.

The ‘SheIsOnTheRise’ campaign isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. Too often, Women’s Day celebrations remain confined to social media tributes and corporate events. Mahindra Rise and Schbang wanted to create something more personal and interactive, a platform where people could actively participate in celebrating the women who impact them daily.

The campaign aims to spark a culture of appreciation, encouraging people to recognize and honor the women who make a difference

Rohan Hukeri, Executive Vice President, Brand Solutions, Schbang says “Stories have the power to change perceptions, and with this campaign, we wanted to spotlight the women whose stories often go untold. ‘SheIsOnTheRise’ is not just a celebration; it’s an invitation for people to actively acknowledge and appreciate the women who make their lives better, every single day. The film serves as a heartfelt reminder that recognition shouldn’t be limited to women in leadership positions but should extend to every woman who supports, nurtures, and uplifts.”

Huzefa Roowala, Creative Consultant, Schbang, “True celebration isn’t just about acknowledgment—it’s about action. With ‘SheIsOnTheRise,’ we wanted to move beyond grand gestures and create a campaign that makes appreciation personal and real. The film serves as a reminder that recognition shouldn’t be reserved for milestones; it should be an everyday practice. By giving people a way to actively thank the women who shape their lives, we’re turning gratitude into something tangible, ensuring that every woman—whether at home, at work, or in the community—feels seen and valued.”

PM Modi Inaugurates Namo Hospital in Silvassa, Debuts Misso, the Country’s First AI-Powered Knee Replacement Robot

New Delhi/ Silvassa, Mar 10, 2025: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the 450-bedded Namo Hospital in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The ₹460 crore facility is a state-of-the-art healthcare institution, designed to provide advanced medical services to the region. The Prime Minister also launched multiple public welfare projects worth over ₹2,500 crore, including new hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing public services and healthcare accessibility.

During his visit, PM Modi reviewed the 3D model of the upcoming hospital, appreciating its modern medical infrastructure. A significant highlight of the event was the demonstration of Misso, India’s first indigenously developed AI-powered robotic system for knee replacement surgery, presented by Meril’s CEO, Mr. Vivek Shah.

“At Meril, we are committed to developing innovative, world-class technologies that not only enhance surgical precision but also improve clinical outcomes and patient recovery. Misso represents a proud milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in advanced medical technology,” said Mr. Vivek Shah, CEO, Meril.

This cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionize orthopedic surgeries in India, offering greater precision and improved patient outcomes.

Zomato’s New Women’s Riding Center in Mumbai Aims to Improve Access and Opportunities for Female Riders

Mumbai, Thursday, March 10th, 2025:

• On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Dr. Bhushan Gagrani, I.A.S., Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), inaugurated Zomato’s first ‘Women’s Riding Center’ in Mumbai.
• These centers aim to enhance women’s mobility and access to livelihood opportunities.
• Zomato will facilitate these trainings through physical centers in various cities, including Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
• This initiative is part of Zomato’s livelihood program for women, aimed at breaking gender barriers and empowering them by providing the skills and opportunities necessary to succeed in the logistics sector. The goal is to facilitate training for 10,000 women for roles within Zomato-affiliated companies.

SocProS 2025 Concludes Successfully at IIT Roorkee, Paving the Path for AI-Driven Viksit Bharat

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India – March 10, 2025: The Department of Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Saharanpur Campus, IIT Roorkee, in collaboration with Liverpool Hope University, UK, successfully organized the 13th International Conference on Soft Computing for Problem Solving (SocProS 2025) . Themed “Artificial Intelligence for Viksit Bharat,” the conference provided a platform for leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals to deliberate on advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Soft Computing, and Optimization.

The 13th International Conference on Soft Computing for Problem Solving (SocProS 2025) featured an esteemed lineup of distinguished plenary speakers, including Prof. Andries Engelbrecht from Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Prof. Christian Blum from the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Spain; Prof. RNDr. Vaclav Snasel, Rector of VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic; Prof. David L. Blunck from Oregon State University, USA; and Prof. Xin Yao from the School of Data Science, Lingnan University, Hong Kong. Additionally, the conference hosted renowned invited speakers such as Prof. Ritu Gupta from Curtin University, Australia; Prof. Ajit Kumar Verma from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway; and Prof. Ritu Shandilya from Mount Mercy University, USA, who shared their insights on AI applications and computational intelligence.

The conference featured 170 research presentations, with selected papers recommended for publication by Springer. Experts discussed various AI advancements, including how neural networks can continuously learn and improve without forgetting past knowledge. They explored search trajectory visualization in metaheuristics, which helps AI find the best possible solutions efficiently by visualizing its decision-making path. Trustworthy AI was another key topic, focusing on making AI systems more reliable and ethical. Discussions also covered AI-driven sports analytics, where AI is used to analyze player performance and strategy, and computational intelligence in software development, which helps create smarter, more efficient software. Additionally, researchers highlighted AI-enabled digital health systems that use AI to improve medical diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

The inaugural session featured Prof. Durgesh Pant, Director General, UCOST , as the Chief Guest, and Shri Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, SETU Ayog, Uttarakhand , as the Guest of Honor, who delivered insightful addresses on the transformative potential of AI. Prof. AK Sharma, Dean of Faculty Affairs, IIT Roorkee, and Prof. KK Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, extended their best wishes for the success of the conference. Prof. Pant said , “ At IIT Roorkee, we are dedicated to fostering innovation in Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing. SocProS 2025 has brought together global experts to explore AI’s transformative role across industries, reinforcing our commitment to technological progress and a self-reliant India. We look forward to expanding our research collaborations to drive impactful AI solutions.”

The event concluded with a prize distribution and valedictory function, where Shri DK Bansal, Director, Bansal Technocrat Pvt. Ltd., presented awards to outstanding researchers. The Best Paper Award was shared by Mohit Jagwani & Sivakumar Rajagopal from VIT Vellore and Vanshika Pundir, Palak Bhandari & Vidit Kumar from Graphic Era University. The Best Student paper was awarded to Chitra Jain, Aryan Kaushik, Abhishek Saini, Maitri Vashistha, Kamal Kumar Gola from COER University, Roorkee. Best Application Paper Award was given to Vedant Deshmukh, Yash Vaskar, Ujwala Bharambe, from University of Mumbai and Dr. Pushkar Ingle from Fortis Hospital. The Kusum Deep Best PhD Thesis Award was awarded to Jeena Thomas from IIIT Kottayam.

British Lingua Observes International Women’s Day: Advocates Education and Language as Pillars of Women’s Empowerment

New Delhi, 8th March 2025:On International Women’s Day 2025, British Lingua, a globally recognized institute for English communication skills, organized a seminar titled “Empowering Women Through Education and Language: A Path to Social Justice.” The event, led by Dr. Birbal Jha, a distinguished educationist and social reformer, Founder of British Lingua, served as a platform to highlight the vital role of women in society and the pressing need for gender equality through education and linguistic empowerment.

In his address, Dr. Birbal Jha, emphasized women’s empowerment as a cornerstone of societal progress, stating:
“8th March is not just a day of celebration but a moment of reflection and commitment to gender equality. Women are the backbone of society, and their empowerment defines the progress of a nation. A woman is not only the foundation of a family but also the architect of society. Empowering her means empowering the world.”

Education: The Key to Empowerment
The seminar focused on education as the primary driver of women’s empowerment. Dr. Jha reiterated that education is the catalyst for breaking barriers and enabling women to reach their full potential.

“An educated girl does not just uplift herself but raises entire generations. When you educate a girl, you educate a society. When you empower a woman, you empower a civilization,” emphasized Dr Birbal Jha, an English litterateur of international repute for literary skills and English skills training in India.

Women: The Pillars of Progress
Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in shaping civilizations, economies, and social structures. Their contributions to family, society, and professional fields are unparalleled. Yet, despite their significance, women worldwide continue to face discrimination and inequality.

“Women’s empowerment is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right. A nation’s true progress is measured by the dignity and opportunities it provides to its women. A society that uplifts its women is a society that thrives.”, added Dr Birbal Jha, known as the Youngest Living Legend of Mithila.

Breaking Stereotypes and Creating Opportunities
Dr Birbal Jha held that for centuries, societal norms have restricted women’s ambitions. However, history has proven that when given equal opportunities, women excel in every field—be it politics, business, science, or the arts.

“A girl’s dreams should not be confined by outdated traditions. Give her wings, not shackles,” remarked Dr. Birbal Jha, a globally recognized litterateur and author.
Dr Jha further added, “To create a truly inclusive and progressive society, we must collectively remove barriers hindering women’s growth. This includes addressing workplace discrimination, wage gaps, and the lack of leadership opportunities. Women are not meant to be confined—they are meant to shine.”

Respect for Women: A Foundation for Progress
Highlighting the importance of respect for women, Dr. Jha stated, “A society that does not respect its women is destined to struggle. Women must be treated with dignity, and their voices must be heard in every sphere of life. Respect for women is not just a virtue; it is the foundation of a just and progressive world.“

“Ensuring women’s respect and equal participation in society is not the responsibility of one individual alone. It is a collective duty—one that falls on governments, organizations, and individuals alike,” Dr Birbal averred.

Dr. Jha firmly believes that women have consistently demonstrated intelligence, resilience, and leadership skills in driving meaningful change. Their unique perspectives bring balance and harmony to leadership roles.

“Every woman is a leader—whether at home, in the workplace, or in society. It is time to recognize, respect, and celebrate their contributions. The world needs more women in leadership, decision-making, and positions of influence,” concluded Dr. Birbal Jha, a social advocate and crusader.

The seminar reaffirmed that education and language proficiency are critical tools in bridging the gender gap and fostering a more equitable society. British Lingua remains committed to empowering women through education and language skills, ensuring they can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life.