24, Dec 2024
Principals and Educators Shape NEP 2020 Future at Chiplun Sampark
Chiplun, 24 December, 2024: Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. organized its second Sampark Initiative, bringing together over 50 school principals and senior educationists from Chiplun, Ratnagiri. The event served as a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of education and provided a deep dive into the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, led by Dr. Hema Bhadawkar, Associate Professor at KJ Somaiya School of Education and NEP Coordinator for Somaiya Vidyavihar University.
The event commenced with Dr. Bhadawkar’s insightful session on NEP 2020, offering an overview of the policy and its key facets. Highlights included topics such as Early Childhood Care and Education, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Strategies to Reduce Dropout Rates, Holistic and Engaging Curriculum Design, Inclusive and Equitable Education, Efficient Resource Management, and Standard-Setting for School Education. Her expertise shed light on the practical applications of the policy, ensuring participants left with a clearer understanding of its transformative potential.
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Hema Bhadawkar, Associate Professor at KJ Somaiya School of Education, expressed her enthusiasm: “The active participation and response from the principals were truly encouraging. It was a privilege to contribute to Target Publications’ Sampark initiative, and I eagerly look forward to more collaborations in the future.”
Sachin Kodolikar, Executive Director of Target Publications, shared his gratitude: “We are immensely grateful to the principals and senior educationists who honoured us with their presence. The comprehensive insights provided by Dr. Bhadawkar on NEP 2020 were invaluable. We are confident that this session addressed many questions about the policy, enlightened our participants to implement its vision effectively in their institutions.”
The Sampark initiative marks a significant step forward in Target Publications’ commitment to fostering dialogue and growth within the education community.
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24, Dec 2024
Bank of Baroda Teams Up With Sachin Tendulkar for Masterstroke Campaign
Mumbai, December 24, 2024: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, today announced the release of its first ad campaign and brand film, ‘Play The Masterstroke,’ featuring the cricketing legend and the Bank’s Global Brand Ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar. Just as Sachin is synonymous with playing some incredible masterstrokes on the cricket pitch throughout his career, the film encourages people to boldly and confidently play the masterstrokes of their lives to realise their financial dreams and aspirations, by choosing a Bank that is trusted by millions and backed by a legacy of over a century.
The tagline ‘Play The Masterstroke’ serves as a motivational call to action for customers, urging them to chase their dreams, be it owning a home, purchasing a car, or achieving a significant personal or professional milestone. With Sachin Tendulkar, who symbolizes excellence, trust, resilience, consistency and leadership, as the face of the campaign, the Bank reinforces its position as a trusted partner in helping customers score big and achieve their financial goals.
Bank of Baroda has also launched a product film with Sachin on the bob Masterstroke Savings Account, an exclusive bank account designed for customers looking for a premium banking experience. Using a dash of humour, the ad grabs the attention of viewers and conveys the many unique features and host of privileges that come with the bob Masterstroke Savings Account.
Shri Shailendra Singh, Chief General Manager – HR & Marketing, Bank of Baroda said, “The association with Sachin Tendulkar marks an interesting phase in the branding journey of Bank of Baroda, known for consistently reinventing itself to connect with the marketplace and remain meaningful to its customers. Sachin embodies the spirit of ambition and determination that resonates within each one of us. Just as Sachin has inspired millions to strive for greatness, it is our endeavour to serve the people of India in achieving their aspirations.”
The ‘Play The Masterstroke’ campaign extends the term ‘Masterstroke’ from the cricketing domain to the banking space, with the tagline also deftly incorporating other cricketing vocabulary such as ‘over’ and ‘century’.
The background music in the brand film is an original composition that was especially curated using a combination of an acoustic violin and an electric violin, with the subtle integration of “Yeh Hain Mera Masterstroke” to reinforce the brand positioning.
The brand film will be played on social media and across theatres in India, with the product cuts being played extensively on television.
24, Dec 2024
Sonic 3 Breaks Record: Largest Shadow Projection Achieved
New Delhi, December 24, 2024: Delhi is once again set to witness a vibrant celebration of artistic expression. Sahitya Kala Parishad, Government of NCT Delhi, has unveiled the third edition of the prestigious ‘Voice of Colors’ artist camp.
This exclusive residential camp is happening at the serene Zorba The Buddha, Tropical Ghitorni, New Delhi, from December 23 to 27, 2024 . This artist camp is a residential camp bringing together some of India’s most celebrated artists to collaborate, create, and exchange ideas in an intimate setting.
Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj, Hon’ble Minister of Art, Culture & Languages, said , “The ‘Voice of Colors’ artist camp is a celebration of creativity and cultural diversity, providing a platform for artists to craft unique masterpieces that resonate deeply with viewers. Such events not only inspire art enthusiasts to embrace and promote artistic expression but also ignite a passion in the younger generation to carry forward this legacy of creativity. Let us continue to encourage our artists and ensure that art remains a beacon of inspiration for all.”
Curated by Vineet Paliwal, Programme Officer at Sahitya Kala Parishad, the camp features an illustrious lineup of artists, including Bharti Verma, Kavita Nayar, Jagdish Chander, Farhad Hussain, Shabir Hussain Santosh, Tejinder Kanda, Vidhyasagar Upadhyay, and Vandana Rakesh.
Over the course of five days, these talented individuals will craft artworks that beautifully reflect the diverse facets of art and culture against the tranquil backdrop of Zorba The Buddha. Art enthusiasts can look forward to an exhibition following the event, showcasing the breathtaking artworks created during this immersive experience.
24, Dec 2024
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Achieves Guinness World Records™ Title for Largest Shadow Projection.
Paramount Pictures unveiled a massive spectacle this holiday season, in anticipation for the upcoming theatrical release of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 on Thursday, December 18th, with an attempt to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the “largest shadow projection.”
The shadow was projected on an exterior wall of the American Dream, with a live stream shown on the first floor of Court A within the mall.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3, from Paramount Pictures, in association with SEGA, opens exclusively in theatres nationwide on Friday, December 20th. Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.
WHAT: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3, in association with Paramount Pictures and SEGA, to attempt to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for “LARGEST SHADOW PROJECTION”
WHEN: The shadow projection began at 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, December 18 and broke the record at 9:01 PM ET.
WHERE: American Dream – 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
HOW: The past record was 15.7 m (51 ft 6.1 in) long x 8.09 m (26 ft 6.5 in) wide. A full list of rules can be found below:
The artwork must be of a recognizable image, concept or scene at the discretion of Guinness World Records.
The design of the shadow projection must be sent for pre-approval. Any designs not sent for pre-approval may be disqualified.
The image must be one continuous shadow representation.
The supplies used to form the shadow projection must be available commercially. A breakdown of materials used to create the shadow projection must be submitted as evidence.
Overall measurements of the image must be provided as well as a breakdown of height, width etc.
There is no limit regarding the number of projectors used.
The image must be projected for a minimum of four hours.
There is no minimum time frame for the construction of the sculpture, nor is there a limit to the number of people involved. However, the duration and number of participants should be documented.
The record is measured based on the greatest length and width separations of the shadow projection.
To be considered for the record, the shadow projection must surpass any existing record in this category by all dimensions.
23, Dec 2024
Data-Driven Trends Redefining Business Growth by 2025: Insights from Kapil Mehta, VP of Data & AI, Visionet Systems
“As we move towards 2025, companies will adopt a set of transformational trends that will significantly redefine operations and drive business growth. A key shift will be the move from siloed data to a unified, data-driven culture that empowers teams to make informed decisions in real-time. This can be driven by the uptake of self-service tools as well as AI-powered software. Employees at all ranks can then access and study data without necessarily requiring any technical skills. Data democratization will thus go up and will break down those barriers.
Organizations will thus build collaborations, agility, innovation, and compliance with certain regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, among other regulatory compliance. The needs for Data-as-a-Service will also be advanced by this trend. Businesses will always require scalable real-time insights through intelligent APIs and dashboards, yet they will minimize their reliance on certain internal teams and accelerate certain innovation.
Alongside this, the adoption of advanced data architectures, such as data fabric and data mesh, will increase. Organizations will be able to manage diverse data across legacy systems, cloud platforms, and edge devices through these architectures, thereby streamlining decision-making and integrating various data sources into cohesive frameworks for real-time insights. Synthetic data will come to the forefront and solve issues of privacy and will train AI models faster with large realistic datasets without compromising sensitive information. As data will become a driving force in most businesses, embedded analytics will become the new norm, easily becoming a part of the workflow, improving user experience and productivity.
Moreover, the integration of generative AI and generative BI will transform business operations by making complex analytics accessible to all employees. Gen BI, powered by natural language processing, will empower teams across departments to run complex queries in real-time, speeding up decision-making and fostering a data-driven culture. Additionally, AI-as-a-Service will democratize AI tools, helping businesses tackle industry-specific challenges and improve customer engagement through hyper-personalization. In 2025, these trends will streamline operations but also promote business growth, innovation, and more relevant, personalized customer experiences.” – Kapil Mehta, VP of Data & AI, Visionet Systems
23, Dec 2024
Lupin & NAPCON Organize Walkathon for COPD Awareness
Tamil Nadu, India, November 21, 2024: Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) and the National Conference of Pulmonary Diseases (NAPCON) 2024 successfully hosted the second ‘A Step Towards HealThy Lungs Walkathon’ on 20th November 2024, at the Racecourse, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This event aimed to raise awareness about the escalating prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphasize the critical role of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyles for their prevention and management.
The Walkathon was flagged off by Mr. Hirak Bose, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Lupin and Dr. MohanKumar T, Organizing Chairman of NAPCON 2024. With walk categories of 2.5 km and 5 km, the walkathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Rotary Club, and the community at large, underscoring a unified commitment to promoting respiratory health and advocating for healthier living practices. Certificates of participation were presented to all the attendees.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment for better lung health, symbolizing not just a health milestone, but also a strategic step towards a better society.
Lupin and NAPCON remain steadfast in their commitment to promoting lung health and increasing COPD awareness. This collaborative effort signifies a robust alliance in the healthcare industry, poised to make a substantial impact on public health in India.
Dr. Mohan Kumar T, Organizing Chairman of NAPCON 2024 stated, “The surge in respiratory ailments is a significant public health concern. Through this Walkathon, we aspire to inspire individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles and highlight the importance of physical activity in maintaining optimal lung health.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Karthikeyan R., Organizing Secretary of NAPCON 2024 added, “Environmental pollution is a major contributor to respiratory diseases. Our Walkathon not only promotes physical fitness but also serves as a call to action for cleaner air and a healthier environment.”
Rajeev Sibal, President, India Region Formulations, Lupin said, ” The rising incidence of respiratory illnesses such as COPD, is affecting public health. We at Lupin aim to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and support and inspire those affected by this challenging condition. This Walkathon reaffirms our commitment to fostering healthier communities.”
Hirak Bose, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Lupin said, “This COPD Walkathon is a progressive step towards Healthy Lungs and marks a significant milestone in our journey to promote lung health. Supporting initiatives such as this Walkathon aligns with our mission to enhance patient well-being and promote awareness about the benefits of an active lifestyle.”
23, Dec 2024
ALLEN Bengaluru Celebrates Excellence: SOPAN Honors Over 1,200 Achievers in IIT-JEE, NEET, and Olympiads
Bengaluru, 23 Dec: ALLEN Bengaluru celebrated “SOPAN: A Celebration of Excellence” on December 22 at Christ University Auditorium. In this annual event, more than 1,200 brilliant students were honored for their achievements in IIT-JEE, NEET (UG), and the Olympiads, including 65 students who participated in national and international Olympiads. More than 650 medals were distributed to those who excelled in ALLEN’s internal tests alongside 558 other victorious students who have proved their mettle. More than 5,000 students and parents were present at SOPAN this year across two sessions where cash rewards worth Rs 45 lakh were distributed to ALLEN students who performed well in JEE and NEET 2024.
The students’ achievements were celebrated in the presence of Chief Guest Hon’ble Justice Sh. B.S. Patil, Lokayukta (State of Karnataka), Guest of Honor Sh. Nadipelli Venkteshwar Rao (Founder Birla Open Minds International Schools and Pathfinder Group of Schools), Dr. Vijay Danapur, Director & CEO, Vriksha Vijnan Private Limited, along with Sh. Rajesh Maheshwari (Director, ALLEN), and Sh. Nitin Kukreja CEO, ALLEN, who felicitated these young achievers, inspiring them with heartfelt words and imparting invaluable wisdom.
Speaking at the event, Sh. Rajesh Maheshwari said, “I feel immense pride witnessing the young talent of Bengaluru making their presence felt in IITs and premier medical colleges across the nation. I extend my best wishes to all the successful students for their future endeavors and sincerely hope they contribute significantly to nation-building. ALLEN was built on the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed with the right guidance and care. For over 36 years, we’ve stood by this commitment, helping students unlock their true potential, and will continue to do so without fail.”
“It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of Bengaluru SOPAN. I have witnessed the relentless efforts of these students and their parents. We aim to transform not just academic outcomes, but lives. ALLEN’s focus on excellence and holistic development is a testament to our belief that every student, with the right support, can excel at the highest levels.” said Sh. Nitin Kukreja at SOPAN.
Zonal Head & Vice President Shri Mahesh Yadav said, “I thank Goddess Saraswathi for blessing the students with success in their academic pursuits of excellence. This year, ALLEN Bengaluru students have not only secured admissions in IITs nationwide but have also earned seats in JIPMER, AIIMS, NITs, and other prestigious institutions. This is an incredible feat and one we hope to repeat every year going ahead.”
23, Dec 2024
4 Must-Have Brands to Supercharge Your Business Growth in 2025
As we step into 2025, businesses are facing a world that’s more digital, dynamic, and fast-paced than ever. To stay ahead, it’s essential to have the right tools in place—especially when it comes to cybersecurity and payment solutions. These two areas are the backbone of smooth operations and steady growth in today’s connected world. Here, we’re diving into four brands that every business should consider to boost their growth. Whether it’s securing your data or streamlining payments, these industry leaders are setting the standard for success in the year ahead.
Seqrite
In the age of digitisation, the increase in online transactions during the festive season makes businesses vulnerable to cyberattacks. Seqrite is a leading enterprise cybersecurity solutions provider. With a focus on simplifying cybersecurity, Seqrite delivers comprehensive solutions and services through their patented, AI/ML-powered tech stack to protect businesses against the latest threats by securing devices, applications, networks, cloud, data, and identity. They are differentiated by their easy-to-deploy, seamless-to-integrate comprehensive solutions providing the highest level of protection against emerging and sophisticated threats powered by state-of-the-art threat intelligence and playbooks backed by world-class service provided by best-in-class security experts at India’s largest malware analysis lab – Seqrite Labs. Seqrite Data Privacy management solution enables organizations to stay fully compliant with the DPDP Act and global regulations.
Easebuzz
No festive season is complete without a surge in e-commerce and retail transactions. Easebuzz is a software-enabled payments platform designed to digitize payments for small businesses, including e-commerce players. Its smart APIs and cost-effective solutions make it easier to integrate online payment collections, vendor payouts, and financial operations into existing tech stacks, websites, and apps. With Easebuzz, institutes can streamline financial processes without worrying about complex business scenarios.
Arete
Arete is transforming the way organizations prepare for, respond to, and ultimately, prevent cyberattacks. With decades of experience, their global team of cybersecurity experts has been on the front lines of some of the world’s most challenging data breaches and ransomware attacks. Their complete offerings — from incident response to managed and advisory services — are designed to help companies address the full threat life cycle while also strengthening their overall cyber posture.
Barracuda
Barracuda strive to make the world a safer place. They believe every business deserves access to cloud-first, enterprise-grade security solutions that are easy to buy, deploy, and use. They protect email, networks, data, and applications with innovative solutions that grow and adapt with our customers’ journey. Hundreds of thousands of organizations worldwide trust Barracuda to protect and support them so they can focus on taking their business to the next level.
23, Dec 2024
Year ender quote by Skyview By Empyrean, Jammu
Mr Owais Altaf Syed, Director, Skyview By Empyrean
Looking back at 2024
Skyview by Empyrean, a premier mountain harbour at Sanget-Patnitop, Jammu made remarkable progress in guest experience and sustainable tourism. The Patnitop Marathon saw over 500 participants from 48 cities promoting health and fitness. The Sama-Vaya Art Retreat showcased the works of eight artists, celebrating Jammu’s vibrant culture. Through influencer partnerships, Skyview shared its breathtaking views and warm hospitality with wider audiences. The property also hosted 30 travel agents to boost local tourism. The arrival of Chef Lalit Kumar elevated dining at Banana Leaf with innovative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The year ended with grand festive celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Skyview was also recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with guests praising its eco-friendly practices, gondola rides, and adventure activities.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the landscape of travel and tourism continues to evolve, India stands out as a vibrant destination for both leisure and business travellers, promising a bright future for the hospitality sector. Skyview by Empyrean has outlined several strategic initiatives and expectations for 2025, focusing on expansion, sustainability, and enhancing guest experiences.
Our strategy includes expanding our room inventory to nearly 60 rooms over the next 24 months, introducing new amenities such as an indoor heated pool, a wellness area, and a spa. We believe that these additions will elevate the guest experience and cater to the growing demand for luxury and family-friendly destinations. By aligning with the government’s vision and integrating sustainability into our operations, we aim to position Skyview by Empyrean as a must-visit destination that offers adventure, luxury, and an authentic experience of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty and cultural heritage
23, Dec 2024
German Design Awards Honour TECNO PHANTOM V Fold2 5G and PHANTOM V Flip2 5G: A Triumph of Product Design Excellence
New Delhi, 23rd December 2024: TECNO, an innovative technology brand and globally recognized innovator, has once again underscored its prowess in designing excellence by securing two prestigious “Excellent Product Design” awards at the esteemed German Design Awards 2025. The TECNO PHANTOM V Flip2 5G and PHANTOM V Fold2 5G were both honoured in the Computer and Communication category, reflecting the brand’s unwavering commitment to harmonizing cutting-edge technology with unparalleled fashionable designs.
The German Design Awards are the premium prize of the German Design Council. With its global scope and international appeal, it is one of the most prestigious awards in the design landscape across all industries. The German Design Awards have been identifying key design trends, presenting them to a broad public and honouring them since 2012. This year’s competition was particularly intense, featuring submissions from 59 countries vying for the top accolades.
The TECNO PHANTOM V Fold2 5G, a standout winner at the German Design Awards for its innovative design, impressed the judging panel with its revolutionary foldable technology. It seamlessly integrates a compact 6.42” outer screen with an expansive 7.85” main 120Hz LTPO display, all powered by a robust 5750mAh Aircell battery with rapid 70W charging. The FreeForm imaging system elevates its functionality and creativity to new heights. The Rippling Blue edition, a collaboration with German high-end TV and audio brand LOEWE., embodies sophisticated elegance while upholding sustainable design principles. Its eco-friendly packaging, crafted from plant fibres and recycled materials, further underscores TECNO’s dedication to sustainability.
Equally impressive, the TECNO PHANTOM V Flip2 5G, an icon of sleek and flowing design, captivated the panel of judges with its revolutionary ThruPool Cover Screen, inspired by infinity pools. This stylish creation features a 3.64” screen seamlessly integrated with the slightly curved main body, with a suspended camera lens immersed in flowing pixels. Its ultra-slim flagship 120Hz main screen balances aesthetics with functionality. With AI-enhanced features like the advanced Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant and AI Artboard, the user experience is further elevated. The foldable design flips traditional shooting on its head, enabling creative imaging experiences with FreeCam, which allows hands-free shots at any angle from 30-150°.
The judges of the German Design Awards 2025 commended TECNO for its dedication to design excellence. Regarding the PHANTOM V Fold2 5G, the jury remarked, “The TECNO PHANTOM V Fold2 5G exemplifies the seamless integration of innovative technology and sophisticated design. The device’s foldable screen, coupled with its potent AI features and refined aesthetics, sets a new benchmark in the smartphone market.”
TECNO’s success at the German Design Awards 2025 builds upon the brand’s impressive legacy in design. Last year, the TECNO PHANTOM V Flip 5G received a Special Mention at the German Design Awards 2024 for its distinctive circular outer screen, themed ‘The Planet,’ and its cosmic-inspired aesthetic. This year, however, the TECNO PHANTOM V Flip2 5G has achieved an even higher honour at the GDA 2025, further cementing TECNO’s status as an innovator at the forefront of the design landscape and marking consecutive victories at the prestigious awards.
“We are honoured to receive these awards, as they signify the recognition of TECNO’s steadfast commitment to design excellence,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “Guided by our ‘Stop At Nothing’ ethos, we relentlessly push the boundaries of design and technology to deliver cutting-edge, stylish innovations to our global audience. Our continued focus on the foldable market highlights our dedication to pioneering design. Looking forward, we are poised to further strengthen our position as a leader in AI-driven innovation, bringing even more transformative technologies to our users around the world.”
As an innovative technology brand operating in over 70 markets, TECNO has been dedicated to revolutionizing the digital experience in emerging markets worldwide. Through its unwavering pursuit of design excellence and the seamless integration of contemporary aesthetics with the latest technologies, TECNO is poised to continue making a significant impact on the global design landscape.
