Category Archives: News

Sun Neo Stars Brinda Dahal, Siddhi Sharma, and Stuti Vinkle Share Their Excitement for Navratri, Garba, and Music

The vibrant days of Garba, music, and celebration are here as Navratri begins! Sun Neo stars Brinda Dahal, Siddhi Sharma, and Stuti Vinkle, who play lead roles in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, Ishq Jabariya, and Saajha Sindoor respectively, share their excitement for the festive season and how they plan to celebrate despite their busy schedules.

Brinda Dahal, who plays Vaishnavi in Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, expressed, “Navratri represents the victory of good over evil, just like Goddess Durga defeating Mahishasura. It reminds us that righteousness always prevails, and what’s wrong will stay wrong. Being from Assam, where Navratri isn’t celebrated as widely, I’m thrilled to experience it fully this year. I’m especially excited to attend Garba with my friends! Dressing up in vibrant outfits and accessories is something I absolutely love. I’ve even set aside time for special shopping just for this occasion, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in the festive spirit, dancing and celebrating with everyone. This Navratri is going to be truly special!”

Siddhi Sharma, who plays Gulki in Sun Neo’s Ishq Jabariya, shared, “At home during Navratri, we set up Mata Rani, and I paint her image on the wall. We celebrate Ashtami by hosting a Kanya Pooja, inviting young girls and serving them food. My sister and I also attend Garba. As a child, I wasn’t great at Garba, while my sister won prizes every year. I’d cry because she won, and I didn’t, even though I participated. Over time, I outgrew that and started focusing on enjoying the festival for myself. Now, I love the freedom of dancing during the last part of Garba, where we can just have fun and dance however we like.”

Stuti Vinkle, who plays Phooli in Sun Neo’s Saajha Sindoor, added, “Navratri is special to me because it encourages us to honour the positive feminine energy within. While I’m still getting familiar with the celebrations, I love participating in the Kanjak ritual, where kids gather to share food and have fun. I have fond memories of going out with friends for Kanjak as a child, collecting small gifts and money, which always brought me joy. Today, Navratri is a reminder of divine energy and the importance of women’s empowerment. If given the chance, I would love to portray Radha or Parvati, as they represent strength, devotion, and grace.”

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya follows Vaishnavi (Brinda Dahal), an orphan who sees Chhathi Maiyya (Devoleena Bhattacharjee) as her mother. Ishq Jabariya tells the story of Gulki (Siddhi Sharma) and her journey to become an air hostess. Saajha Sindoor depicts Phooli (Stuti Vinkle), who is labeled an unmarried widow after her groom dies on their wedding day.

The Rare Edit – Season 4: A Curated Showcase of Timeless Elegance by Rare Jewels – A Ranka Legacy

Pune, October 2024 – Rare Jewels – A Ranka Legacy is proud to announce the launch of The Rare Edit – Season 4, an exclusive, bespoke showcase of timeless gold, diamond and polki masterpieces curated by the visionary duo Sheetal and Vastupal Ranka. This much-anticipated event is set to take place from 4th to 6th October 2024 at Rare Jewels’ flagship store in Pune.

This season’s edition of The Rare Edit will present an exquisite fusion of heritage and contemporary design, capturing the essence of luxury and craftsmanship that Rare Jewels has come to symbolize. The handpicked collection features intricately designed gold, diamond and polki pieces, catering to both the traditional and modern sensibilities of today’s discerning clientele.

At the heart of this exclusive event lies the intersection of timeless tradition and modern elegance. The Rare Edit offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Rare Jewels’ heritage of craftsmanship, with each piece reflecting an artful balance between classic luxury and modern aspirations. From regal polki necklaces to contemporary diamond sets, each creation embodies the brand’s commitment to quality and design excellence.

Sharing her excitement, Sheetal Ranka, co-founder of Rare Jewels – A Ranka Legacy, said, “The Rare Edit is our labor of love—a thoughtful curation that reflects both the elegance of our heritage and the contemporary tastes of today’s clientele. Each piece in this collection tells a story and we are thrilled to offer our guests an experience that brings together beauty, craftsmanship and timelessness.”

Speaking on the inspiration behind the event, Vastupal Ranka, co-founder of Rare Jewels – A Ranka Legacy, added, “The Rare Edit is about creating an experience, not just displaying jewelry. We want our clients to feel a deep connection to the craftsmanship and the legacy behind each piece. This season, we’ve taken inspiration from both our heritage and modern aesthetics to offer something truly extraordinary.”

The Rings of Power Season 2 Finale Finally Reveals Daniel Weyman’s Character Identity

The highly anticipated finale of Prime Video’s The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is now streaming, and has caused a stir globally! Fans are buzzing with excitement as the climax takes them on a whirlwind of twists and mind-blowing reveals, but nothing prepared them for the jaw-dropping moment everyone had been waiting for – the true identity of the gray haired stranger played by Daniel Weyman. Social media was rife with numerous speculations and theories about who it could be, but they were floored when they learned the true identity! Just a line from the wizard blew viewers’ minds, “Gandalf. That’s what they’re going to call me, isn’t it?” It sent the Tolkien fans into an absolute frenzy, sealing this finale as an unforgettable moment in television history. But did you know that Weyman himself was kept in the dark about his character’s real identity until the very scene was shot?

Recalling the ‘pretty special moment’, Daniel Weyman shared, “This was the first time I’d heard anything about it. I didn’t feel too bothered about the buzz around his name because I was just playing these really precise scenes.” He added, “Literally right before filming that scene was the first time I learned that I was going to utter those words. It was a pretty special moment. To suddenly be given this information was a real pinch-me moment as a 47-year-old thinking back to my childhood dreams of being a wizard.”

Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios announced that over 150 million viewers have watched The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power season one globally. Season two has already generated over 55 million viewers before the finale premiered on the service, expecting the same level of growth and momentum for this season. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 boasts an outstanding cast, starring Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Cordova, and Charlie Vickers, among many others. Created by J.D.Payne and Patrick Mckay, all eight episodes of the latest season are now available to stream in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, exclusively on Prime Video.

Aflatoon Brings a Flavorful Twist this Navaratri

Celebrate this Navratri with Aflatoon’s exciting take on vegetarian North Indian cuisine! Brought to you by the House of SOCIAL, Aflatoon offers a delightful array of festive dishes that bring a contemporary twist to beloved classics. As the nine days of Navaratri inspire many to enjoy vegetarian delights, Aflatoon’s carefully curated menu perfectly complements this celebration, adding vibrant flavors to your festive table.

With a name as unique as its offerings, Aflatoon delivers a fresh and quirky spin on North Indian favorites. Every dish is designed to evoke the comfort of familiar flavors while introducing a playful element of surprise in every bite. Aflatoon’s signature bright, cheerful packaging—featuring psychedelic designs, vibrant square boxes, and reusable glass jars and copper tins—makes the dining experience even more memorable, right from the moment it reaches your door.

The standout dishes are a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Try the Angoori Golgappe, mini golgappas filled with a zesty aloo mixture, paired with khatta and meetha pani for a burst of tangy flavor. The 6 Chili Kadai Paneer brings a smoky, spicy experience to life, combining crisp paneer cubes with six distinct varieties of chilies, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. For indulgence, the Malai Paneer Biryani combines rich paneer cubes with fragrant basmati rice. For a comforting classic, the Dhaba-Style Dal Makhani is slow-cooked to perfection, featuring black lentils and kidney beans in a creamy tomato gravy, finished with a hint of butter.

The chaat selection offers a colorful twist with the Kale and Palak Patta Chaat, a vibrant medley of kale and palak fritters, crispy quinoa, orange segments, pomegranate, and dal moth, served with mint chutney, saunth, and yogurt—a deliciously refreshing combination. There’s also the Crispy Quinoa and Bhalla Chaat, where crispy quinoa meets fluffy bhallas, served with a trio of orange chutney, chili-mint chutney, yogurt, and saunth.

For kebab lovers, there’s a tempting variety to indulge in. The Pickled Paneer Tikka features paneer marinated in achari spices and baked in a tandoor to perfection, served with chili-mint chutne. The Lotus Stem Shammi Kebab is a delicate, melt-in-the-mouth shammi kebab made with lotus stem and lentils, finished with a subtle hint of cardamom. The Broccoli Malai Tikka Au Gratin is an elegant take on broccoli florets, marinated in a creamy mix of cashew and cheese, baked in the tandoor, and drizzled with rich truffle oil for a luxurious finish.

Olixir Oils Expands Wellness Portfolio with Launch of New Hair and Skin Care Products

Ahmedabad, October 05, 2024: Olixir Oils, the cold-pressed oil brand of NK Proteins Private Limited, on Friday announced the expansion of its wellness portfolio by launching four new products. These include Hair Growth Oil, Hair Nourishing Oil, Complete Hair Care Oil, and Face Oil, aimed at providing natural solutions for healthier hair and skin. The new products reflect Olixir’s commitment to offering high-quality cold-pressed oils rooted in natural ingredients.

The new collection is formulated with essential oils like Bergamot, Ylang-Ylang, Primrose, Rose, Rosemary, and Lavender, as well as cold-pressed oils like Moringa, Coconut, and Castor. Each product is designed to support holistic hair and skin care, using the best of nature’s resources. These oils are known for their nourishing, hydrating, and restorative properties, making them perfect for those looking to incorporate wellness into their daily routines.

Moringa is a highly valued natural ingredient known for its rich nutrient profile, offering essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that deeply nourish and revitalise both hair and skin. Packed with vitamins that promote hair strength and healthy growth, Moringa Oil stands out as a key ingredient. Its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties soothe the scalp, combat dandruff, and add shine, making it the ultimate powerhouse for holistic hair care.

Ms. Priyanshi Patel, Founder of Olixir Oils, expressed her vision for the expanded wellness line, stating, “Our goal is to elevate everyday self-care routines by providing premium products that are inspired by tradition and rooted in purity. With this new wellness line, we have combined our expertise in crafting cold-pressed oils to create a range that consumers can trust for their hair and skin health. We believe in offering products that are natural, effective, and provide holistic benefits.”

The Hair Growth Oil is a blend of Castor Oil, Moringa Oil, and Ylang-Ylang Oil that promotes hair growth, reduces dandruff, and improves scalp health. It also offers stress relief and reduces inflammation. The Hair Nourishing Oil is formulated with Coconut Oil, Moringa Oil, and Bergamot Oil, providing hydration and nourishment while promoting relaxation. It also boasts anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a versatile addition to any hair care routine.

The Complete Hair Care Oil, made from Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Moringa Oil, Rosemary, and Lavender, provides comprehensive care for dry and damaged hair, offering moisture, protection, and improved texture. The Moringa Primrose Face Oil combines Moringa Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Rose Oil to deliver deep hydration, reduce signs of ageing, and improve skin tone and texture.

These oils are designed to be versatile, suitable for various hair and skin types, and can be used as pre-shampoo treatments, leave-in conditioners, or daily skincare. They are crafted with natural, sustainable ingredients, ensuring optimal benefits and effectiveness.

Kapture CX Collaborates with Google Cloud to provide superior Customer Experience across industries

India, October 2024: Kapture CX, India’s leading GenAI-powered CX automation platform has recently announced its collaboration with Google Cloud to provide intelligent customer experience across industries. As part of the collaboration, KaptureCX has onboarded its market-leading CX and CRM solution on Google Cloud Marketplace to offer superior, AI-powered CX and CRM software to organisations of all sizes.

With an accelerated digital transformation, digitally native brands and industries including retail, and BFSI are increasingly relying on advanced CX technology to meet rising customer expectations. This makes a seamless, omnichannel experience crucial for their brand loyalty and Kapture CX is continuing to revolutionise that space by offering personalization in optimising customer journeys and offering a fertile ground for highly secured and efficient customer support. With KaptureCX, over 1000+ customers have found a unified platform to empower their support agents to handle large volumes of interactions across multiple channels with Gen-AI powered automation.

In its forward-looking bets, Kapture CX has partnered with Google to provide CX solutions to these industries. The CX platform has undertaken a revolutionary step in the space by incorporating Google’s products Dialogue flow and CCAI into its solution.

Delighted with the announcement, Gaurav Juneja, CRO & Head of Partnerships of Kapture CX said, “Joining hands with Google Cloud is an extension to our present commitment to achieving high end customer satisfaction and reducing cost by improving operational efficiency. This integration marks a pivotal step in our journey that will help us combine our expertise with Google’s cutting-edge AI and empower businesses to delight the customers with a turnkey omnichannel contact centre.”

As part of the strategy, Kapture CX will incorporate Google’s Dialogflow CX (advanced), augmented with built-in Gen AI features in Vertex AI Agent Builder. Subsequently, it will help the brands deliver more natural, contextual and personalised customer conversations even with virtual agents. Additionally, it will allow brands to deploy the platform across CX channels including web, messaging, email, etc. in the shortest time possible and manage their virtual agents and scale with ease.

“We are always excited to see our customers build innovative products using our technology and KaptureCX is doing just that and offering solutions to its diverse customers across sectors.”, said Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD at Google Cloud India

Additionally, Kapture CX will also integrate Google’s Contact Center AI (CCAI) Platform, a Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solution offering security and privacy, along with unified data. By enabling brands to automate and manage multiple and large volumes of tickets, the CX platform will empower brands to deliver intelligent multimodal customer experiences across channels.

Shillong witnessed robust growth across Home, Kitchen and Outdoors business on Amazon.in ahead of the festive season

Shillong, 5th October 2024: With the onset of the festive season, Amazon.in has reported double-digit YoY growth of 20% in Shillong across the Home, Kitchen, and Outdoors business. The demand for bath faucets and accessories has grown by 70% YoY, along with a 40% YoY increase in bath hardware, reflecting a growing interest in home improvement and upgrading bathroom functionality. Additionally, professional and specialized tools have seen strong YoY growth with vehicle tools growing by 25% YoY and power tools by 35% YoY.

In Meghalaya, the demand for products such as lighting fixtures, floor mats, and liners has grown by 30% YoY, reflecting a growing customer preference for enhancing home aesthetics. Furthermore, both Shillong and Meghalaya have seen a 55% YoY rise in demand for craft supplies, reflecting a heightened interest in DIY activities.

Commenting on the occasion, K N Srikanth, Director, Home, Kitchen and Outdoors, Amazon India, said “As the festive season kicks off, we remain committed to offering our valued customers a wide selection of products, unparalleled convenience, and exciting deals to deliver the ultimate shopping experience. Shillong is an important market for us, and we have witnessed a notable growth of 20% YoY in our Home, Kitchen, and Outdoors business. This further strengthens our position as India’s most trusted, preferred, and loved online marketplace. We remain dedicated to supporting our brand partners and sellers while spreading joy to our customers in Meghalaya and across the country.”

Meghalaya is an important market and plays a significant role in driving the growth for Amazon.in. As India’s most loved marketplace, Amazon.in will continue to work with local stores and MSMEs across the state and country, bringing new tools, technologies, innovations, and initiatives that will unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of Indian businesses. The online marketplace has over 41 service partners across 28 cities, 1 delivery station in the Northeast, and over 425 sellers in Meghalaya. Over the years, Amazon.in has invested in creating a robust physical infrastructure across India and has 2 fulfillment centers and 1 sortation center in the Northeast along with hundreds of Amazon-owned and partner delivery stations. Additionally, the online marketplace has recently opened 3 new fulfillment centers across India including 1 in the Northeast.

The first 48 hours of the Amazon Great Indian Festival 2024, which started on 27th September, have seen the biggest ever opening for the sellers and brand partners on Amazon.in with nearly 11 crore customer visits and over 8,000 sellers surpassing INR 1 lakh in sales. Customers got access to more than 25,000 new product launches across categories such as laptops, TVs, fashion and beauty, home décor, appliances, furniture, smartphones, and groceries from top brands. More than 140% of Prime members shopped during the first 24 hours and purchased 8X more than their average daily purchases, across over 3 lakh unique products including smartphones, beauty products, apparel, and everyday essentials.

MSU & Polaris School of Technology Host Orientation for Integrated B.Tech Program in AI & ML

Medhavi Skills University (MSU) and Polaris School of Technology (PST) hosted a successful orientation session for MSU’s prestigious four-year Integrated B.Tech program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) at the VRR Convention Center, Electronic City, Bengaluru. The orientation witnessed the participation of key leaders from both MSU and Polaris, highlighting the commitment to industry-academia integration.

Cricket legend and Indian Cricket Team’s former captain Sourav Ganguly, who serves as an advisor at Polaris graced the event. He engaged in an insightful conversation with the students. Sharing his views on the collaboration, Mr. Ganguly highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in higher education for bridging the gap between traditional education and practical industry needs.

Representing MSU, Mr. Tejash Bagri, Chief of Staff, Chancellor’s Office, and Dr. Lalit Narayan, Dean of Academics & Skill Integration, attended the ceremony, reflecting MSU’s leadership in skill-based higher education. From Polaris, Co-founder & COO Bhaswat Agarwal and Co-founder & CEO Mukul Rustagi graced the event, emphasizing the innovative and industry-relevant approach to engineering education. The orientation set the tone for a transformative learning experience, blending academic knowledge with hands-on industry training.

This program is the first of its kind, offering industry-immersive, new-age skill training that meets the evolving demands in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The course, curated by MSU with PST as the Industry Skilling Partner, is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, providing students with advanced learning opportunities.

Students enrolled in the program will benefit from a rigorous, practice-driven learning approach, ensuring they gain the necessary skills and expertise required in the industry. The curriculum also includes immersive experiences in tech parks located in Bangalore and Noida, surrounded by leading IT companies. Starting from the third semester, students will engage in on-the-job learning and internships, with 5-6 internships spread across the entire program, offering them practical exposure and industry insights.

In addition to this, students will receive guidance and mentorship from experienced IITians, who bring their extensive industry networks and experience with high-growth tech startups, multinational corporations (MNCs), and leading MAANG companies. This mentorship will provide students with the direction and support they need to excel in the dynamic world of AI and ML.

The classes for the Integrated B.Tech program have already begun. This pioneering course, part of MSU’s WISE initiative, will offer students an immersive learning experience with opportunities for industry exposure, skill enhancement, and financial independence through paid internships. With this collaboration, MSU and Polaris aim to equip students with the technical and practical skills necessary to excel in today’s competitive job market.

Chola MS Partners with TTIBI to Launch Innovative ‘Pay How You Drive’ Insurance Model

Bengaluru, 5th October 2024: Chola MS General Insurance, a joint venture between the Murugappa Group and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited of Japan, in conjunction with Toyota Tsusho Insurance Broker India Pvt. Ltd. (TTIBI), has expanded the insurance product offerings by introducing Pay How You Drive (PHYD) for Innova Hycross model.

The ‘Pay How You Drive’ leverages the Embedded Connected Car technology in the vehicle to arrive at driving scores based on critical driving metrics such as speed, braking, acceleration, and distance traveled. This driving score data is then used to calculate customized premiums for each policyholder.

Speaking on the occasion Mr V. Suryanarayanan, Managing Director of Chola MS, stated “Our collaboration with TKM and TTIBI is driven by our mission to provide innovative, customer-focused insurance solutions. We are excited to offer the ‘Pay How You Drive’ insurance product that rewards policyholders’ safe driving behaviour with transparency and reliability. This offering enables Toyota Hycross policyholders to determine their insurance costs.”

Mr Takayuki Ueda – Managing Director, CEO & Principal Officer, Toyota Tsusho Insurance Broker India Pvt. Ltd. (TTIBI) said “Marking a significant milestone in India’s insurance landscape, Pay-How-You-Drive (PHYD) has been launched, drawing inspiration from Japan’s successful usage-based insurance models. Leveraging Japan’s expertise in telematics-driven insurance, the partnership between TTIBI and Chola MS combines global best practices with local insights, adapting Insurance framework to India’s unique market conditions. This collaboration aims to provide impressive results and rewards safe driving habits, promotes road safety, and empowers customers to control their insurance premiums, enjoy personalized benefits, and contribute to a safer driving culture.”

Roha Realty Evolves into Vida Realty: Embarking upon a Journey of Customer-Centric Excellence

Mumbai, 5th October 2024: In a groundbreaking move, Roha Realty has officially rebranded into Vida Realty, ushering in an exciting new chapter poised to reshape the real estate industry. This change aims to boost consumer trust and engagement, which will help create a more personalized experience for buyers, ensuring their unique needs and aspirations are met throughout the home-buying journey. This rebranding is more than just a name change—it marks a revolutionary shift towards delivering homes that enrich lives, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and quality.

The name “Vida,” meaning life in Spanish, symbolizes the company’s dedication to crafting homes that will uplift the standard of living of Vida residents. Vida Realty’s new logo, inspired by the five elements of life—Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Ether—reflects this holistic vision. These elements not only represent sources of energy and growth but also align with the company’s core values of sustainability, durability, and community building. The five petals of the logo encapsulate Vida Realty’s five commitments: Buy Back Guarantee, Quality Assurance, On-Time Delivery, Payment Assurance, and Sustainability.

“We’re not just rebranding; we’re redefining what it means to deliver exceptional homes,” said Harshvardhan Tibrewala, Managing Director of Vida Realty. “With this revitalization, we’re welcoming a future where sustainability and customer satisfaction are at the forefront, delivering homes that stand the test of time. Our commitment to innovation and quality will not only meet but exceed the expectations of our residents, fostering a vibrant community where everyone can thrive.”

Vida Realty will carry forward Roha Realty’s legacy of trust and excellence while incorporating new initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable living, community building and modern construction techniques. This includes the adoption of aluminum shuttering technology for enhanced durability and green building practices such as rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient systems, ensuring long-lasting and eco-friendly developments.

One of Vida Realty’s standout features is its exclusive Buy Back Guarantee, offering customers the unique option to sell their apartment back at the original price within 30 days post-possession, providing unmatched security and confidence. The brand also maintains a strong commitment to timely project delivery and rigorous quality assurance, ensuring that every home exceeds customer expectations.

Looking ahead, Vida Realty plans to launch several flagship projects in Mumbai, with developments in Jogeshwari, Byculla, and Chembur scheduled for FY24-25, followed by Borivali, Tilaknagar, Parel, and additional projects in Chembur in FY25-26. Furthermore, Vida Realty plans to develop 5 million square feet of new inventory, valued at ₹3,000 crores, with ₹1,500 crores worth of projects set to launch in the upcoming year. These initiatives will showcase the company’s commitment to sustainable living, modern amenities, and community-focused development, reinforcing its vision of “Building a Better Life” through the creation of vibrant, thriving communities.