8, Dec 2023
JAIN International Residential School, Bengaluru Bags ‘No. 1’ Ranking in Times School Survey 2023 – 2024
Bengaluru, December 8, 2023: JAIN International Residential School (JIRS), Bengaluru has bagged the ‘No.1’ position in the recently concluded Times School Survey 2023-2024. The ranking as the Top Residential School in Bengaluru is proof that JIRS is a complete residential school that offers the best facilities to the students, comparable to global standards.
On receiving the award, Mr. Rudra Kumar Sharma, COO, of JIRS, commented, “We are very honoured to receive the award and to be ranked as the leading residential schools in the city. This would not have been possible without the support of the staff, students, and parents. With our theme this year being ‘Shaping icons of tomorrow’, JIRS upholds the concept of learning for life, preparing the young minds of today to become tomorrow’s leaders. We wish to be students and parents’ choice and continue to mould children holistically to face the challenging world.”
JIRS is recognized as a truly international standard school with students from across India and many other countries. Children are raised with strong roots of Indian culture and values, with international academic exposure, focusing on holistic development, in a homely Gurukul environment at the 350-acre, world-class sprawling green pollution-free campus.
One of the key and important highlights at the 350-acre JIRS campus is their world-class infrastructure facilities for sports. With an amalgamation of more than 30 playing areas for all major indoor and outdoor games, with qualified professional coaches training students for the national and international level, the school gives sports a dominant presence. JIRS ensures a great training environment with experienced fitness experts and participation in multiple school and national level tournaments which offer a perfect platform for the students to grow and develop a bright future.
The complete boarding school concept makes children independent, bold, mentally, and emotionally strong, develops strong interpersonal relationship skills, and makes them appreciate the diversity of children from various places and thoughts.
With 24+ years of legacy, the school currently has over 600 students and over 200 staff, offering co-educational schooling from Grades 5 to 12 and three internationally recognized curriculum (IBDP, CBSE & Cambridge International) which not only helps in the growth and development of the children but also helps shape them into icons of tomorrow.
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- By Rabindra
8, Dec 2023
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) & Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) partner with Corporates
Ahmedabad, December 8: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, organized a Roundtable Meet for Corporates to ‘Support, Activate and Build Assured Livelihoods (SABAL) for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) under CSR Actions’.
Dr. Vineet Rana, General Manager, National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation, DEPwD, Government of India; Shri Jagannath Sahoo, President, SBI Foundation; Shri Rajendra Nimbalkar, IAS, Managing Director, Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd., Mumbai; Shri Saumya Chaudhuri, CGM, IDBI Bank Ltd; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; Dr. Raman Gujral, Director, Department of Projects (Corporate) at EDII, as well as senior officials from DEPwD and CSR leaders from leading corporate entities attended this groundbreaking meet. The ‘Meet’ took up the agenda of sensitizing society at large and instituting interventions and measures that ensure the establishment of 3,000 new enterprises PwDs, including 1,500 technology-driven and 1,500 general enterprises.
This pivotal roundtable meeting brainstormed on creating a better world for PwDs through an effective synergy between government, corporates, and institutions. The discussions revolved around the specific objectives of ensuring empowerment of PwDs through sustainable enterprise creation; creating a set of best practices in the context of infrastructure, perception, environment, security, and other facilities to promote their complete inclusion in society; floating ways to ensure an integrative working environment; deciding on an inventory of business opportunities that PwDs could tap into to create own enterprises; aligning the project and its interventions with sustainable development goals and breaking the professional segregation in society that relegates disabled PwDs to lower-paying jobs.
Based on the discussions and takeaways, the participating corporates identified some primary areas of cooperation. Some of the activities identified to achieve the goal of creating 3000 PwD-led enterprises included an awareness Campaign to Ensure Community Integration of PwDs; Immersive Life Skills for Adolescents with Disabilities; Sourcing Business Opportunities for PwDs; Sensitization workshops for PwDs; Credit Linkage Support; Entrepreneur Growth-cum-Counselling Programme (EGCP) to Support PwD-led Enterprises and Micro Skillpreneurship Development Programme (MSDP) to enable unemployed PwDs to set up their business.
Dr. Vineet Rana emphasized the pivotal role of NHFDC in empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), stating, “Through NHFDC, we aim to facilitate financial development, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for PwDs in collaboration with EDII and corporate partners.”
Shri Jagannath Sahoo highlighted the collaborative efforts of SBI Foundation with EDII, stating, “SBI Foundation, in partnership with EDII, is committed to creating promising livelihood opportunities for differently-abled individuals through our collaborative ‘Support, Activate and Build Assured Livelihoods’ programme.” Shri Sahoo emphasized on the significance of equity and new possibilities for PwDs.
Shri Saumya Chaudhuri endorsed the role of IDBI Bank’s CSR wing, stating, “IDBI Bank, as part of its CSR initiatives, actively engages in sensitization workshops and credit linkage support aimed at fostering an inclusive environment where people from various echelons of society get multiple opportunities to thrive and prosper.”
A video was screened explaining the features of the newly launched DePwD PM Daksh portal for skilling and employment of Divyangjan.
Dr. Sunil Shukla, opined, “For the development process to deliver better outcomes, the approach has to be inclusive. Inclusive Development focusses on equity and social growth, which is important for any society. And, in this context, development opportunities for PwDs needs to be curated on high priority, on a regular basis. We need to ensure that the PwDs get suitably trained and handheld. It is also important to establish best practices at workplaces and at various levels of the social framework to foster equality and inclusivity at all levels.”
Dr. Raman Gujral, discussing the various projects undertaken by corporates to empower PwDs, said that EDII has so far 8,653 PwDs through 272 skill training programs, leading to the establishment of 1,247 enterprises. EDII houses the Centre for Empowerment of the Differently Abled (CEDA), supported by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Directorate of Social Defence, Gujarat State Handicapped (Divyang) Finance & Development Corporation, Government of Gujarat, on its campus.
A brainstorming session was held between the officials and corporate leaders present in the conference room. The one-hour-long round table discussion included topics related to accessibility, aids, and assistive devices, AI for PwDs, Job mapping, entrepreneurship opportunities, and disability sensitization.
8, Dec 2023
SIAM Promotes Safe Mobility with 9th Inter-School Competition on ‘Road Safety’
Mumbai, 08 December 2023: With the aim of fostering secure mobility nationwide at the grassroots level, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted the 9th Inter-School Competition on ‘Road Safety’ from December 07th to December 08th, 2023. In collaboration with Gyan Mandir Public School, Naraina Vihar, New Delhi, this event was part of SIAM’s Road Safety Initiative, known as सुरक्षित सफर (SAFE JOURNEY). The two-day competition engaged students in various activities designed to raise awareness about issues related to ‘Safe Mobility.’
The annual inter-school competition on Safe Mobility serves as an attempt to sensitize children to various issues related to road safety and to raise awareness about their responsibility towards themselves, their families, society, and the country at large. The event offers children the chance to explore and showcase their imagination and creativity, further enhancing their critical thinking skills to ensure safer mobility on roads.
The program comprised various competitions centered around the theme of SDG goal 3.6 – to reduce road injuries and deaths. Students from all age groups were involved in several activities, including ‘E-Poster making,’ ‘Jingle,’ ‘Logo Designing,’ ‘Presentation on road safety,’ ‘Brochure Designing,’ ‘Movie Making,’ ‘Photography,’ etc.
Approximately 1000 students from 38 schools participated in the inter-school competition. The activities were judged by experts in their respective fields, which ensured unbiased and transparent results.
Talking on the initiative, Mr. Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “Empowering young minds with the essence of road safety from an early age is paramount. Road safety is a collective responsibility that necessitates active engagement from all stakeholders to ensure the well-being of society and individuals. Our initiative blends education with interactive games, facilitating a more effective absorption of crucial road safety principles by children. Our enduring partnership with Delhi Traffic Police and Gyan Mandir Public School has been instrumental in advancing the cause of road safety. The overwhelming enthusiasm displayed by children from diverse schools during the program encourages us to continue organizing such competitions in the future, fostering a culture of safety and responsibility on our roads.”
The inter-school competition reflects SIAM’s commitment to advancing safer mobility and fostering a sense of responsibility among children to enhance the safety of Indian roads for all. Over time, SIAM has actively partnered with governments, corporations, and diverse stakeholders to promote the importance of Safe Mobility across the country.
8, Dec 2023
Social Beat Wins Digital D2C Mandate for Mankind Pharma
Leading digital marketing agency, Social Beat, has secured the D2C digital mandate for Mankind Pharma, one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies after a multi-agency pitch. The partnership with Social Beat will mark a significant step forward in Mankind Pharma’s digital marketing efforts to strengthen its online presence and engage with a wider audience.
Mankind Pharma, known for its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare solutions, has chosen Social Beat as its digital partner to drive sales through the brand’s own website and drive growth in the digital space. With a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical products, Mankind Pharma aims to connect with consumers across various demographics and geographies.
“We are delighted to be chosen as the digital marketing partner for Mankind Pharma,” said Suneil Chawla, Co-founder of Social Beat. “This collaboration presents a fantastic opportunity to leverage our expertise in digital marketing to help Mankind Pharma reach new heights in the online landscape. We look forward to crafting a highly impactful website and campaigns that resonate with Mankind Pharma’s objectives and growth.”
Social Beat, known for its data-driven approach and creative digital solutions, has a track record of delivering outstanding results for a wide range of clients across industries. The agency will be responsible for crafting and executing comprehensive digital marketing strategies for Mankind Pharma, encompassing various channels such as social media, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and more.
Speaking about the partnership, Mr Joy Chatterjee, AVP at Mankind Pharma, said, “In today’s digital age, it is imperative for us to have a strong online presence and engage effectively with our customers. Social Beat’s expertise in the digital marketing arena and their proven track record make them the ideal partner for our digital journey. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring and are confident that together, we will achieve great success.”
Social Beat’s experience in the pharmaceutical sector, coupled with its understanding of the Indian market, positions it well to assist Mankind Pharma in achieving its digital marketing objectives.
7, Dec 2023
HPS Begumpet announces the Grand Finale of its Centenary year celebration, initiates the largest fundraiser in the history of schools in India
Hyderabad, 7th, December 2023: The Hyderabad Public School (HPS), Begumpet, has officially unveiled its plans for the Grand Finale of its highly successful year-long centenary celebrations. The school today announced an investment of 17.5 cr for a Multi-sport facility and an additional 10 cr for an innovation Centre (similar to T Hub) to foster entrepreneurship.
The finale that will be inaugurated on the 19th of December will be held between the 24th and 27th of December, 2023. The finale celebration which comprises of more than 50+ activities curated for the HPS fraternity comprising of students, staff, alumni & parents,
The four-day Grand Finale will feature a monumental fundraising initiative, aiming to raise INR 17.5 crore for a state-of-the-art green field Multi-utility sports center designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor. This is part of the school’s audacious Vision 2050 to raising INR 150 Crores for monumental development plans. The school is one of the few schools in the country that provides donors with 80G Tax exemptions and has an FCRA license to accept foreign donations. It is actively promoting Educational Philanthropy and the concept of giving back, which is very popular in the Western world in most legacy not-for-profit institutions.
The school is in the process of constructing an Innovation Centre projected at a cost of 10 cr, similar to T-Hub to foster entrepreneurship and innovation culture at the school level itself, generously funded by HPS Alumni. Spanning 15,000 square feet, this unique facility stands as a pioneering project, making HPS the sole school in the country to boast such an achievement. The faculty will actively encourage hands-on learning experiences in robotics and AI within this center.
The Grand Finale week will be kickstarted with an HPS Centenary Dinner, an exclusive limited seating Fund Raising Dinner, on the 24th of December, 2023 at the Taj Falaknuma Palace. The dinner is set to be attended by distinguished guests and alumni from around the world with the purpose of raising funds for the HPS Centenary Sports Center.
The ensuing three days, i.e. 25th to 27th of December will see the entire HPS universe of over 15,000 people culminate in the campus and celebrate 100 years of the school. This is expected to be perhaps the largest celebration held by any school in India. With the purpose of celebrating its centenary, exchanging ideas, sharing knowledge, networking, and strengthening the HPS family further, a series of events across the campus are planned. Some of the key highlights include a spectacular HPS Carnival, an HPS Museum – The Echoes of Time, HPS StartX – an Entrepreneurship Summit, a Sports Reunion, The Centenary Golf Tournament at the Hyderabad Golf Club, a regal Vintage Car Showcase, a Speed Networking sessions, a learning zone with Book Readings, Panel Discussions, Workshops, the depositing of a Time capsule, a stunning performance by the popular band “The Bartenders”, a Centenary Alumni Reunion dinner along with “Best Kept Secret” playing live, Art Competition, Photography Competition, a mock Parliament session, and many more activities. The finale concert will be held on the 27th of December in the front field with the 100-year-old building as the backdrop. The renowned trio – Shankar Ehsan Loy is set to enthrall the audience at The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet.
Elaborating on the finale celebrations, Mr. Gusti J Noria – The President HPS Society said, “The Grand Finale of the HPS’s centenary year is a testament to our last 100 years of legacy, leadership, and excellence looking towards the future to lead, serve and soar. We look forward to the entire HPS family getting together and rejoicing on this landmark and momentous occasion”.
Key Highlights:
- The HPS Connect Mobile Application
The celebrations are exclusive for the HPS community comprises of Students, Parents, Staff, Alumni, and their families. Access to the campus would be exclusively for the members of the HPS family. The HPS Connect Mobile Application has been developed to provide seamless access and connectivity to the HPS community to network, schedule, and participate in the various centenary celebrations.
- The HPS Centenary Dinner at The Taj Falaknuma
24th December, 2023 – 7 pm onwards
The HPS Centenary Fundraising Dinner at the historic Taj Falaknuma Palace is slated to be held on December 24th – the Dinner is open to Alumni, Parents, Educationists, Philanthropists, or any other individual or body corporate willing to support the cause of education & sports.
A state-of-the-art Indoor Multisport Center, covering an expansive 50,000 square feet and estimated to cost INR 17.5 Crores is being built on the campus. The sports center has been designed by acclaimed architect Hafeez Contractor. This cutting-edge facility shall have 4 badminton courts, 8 table tennis tables, 3 squash courts, an indoor sports hall for Chess, Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, and Boxing, a full-fledged gymnasium, and a sports medicine center. The goal of this advanced facility is to serve as a source of inspiration and nurture a new generation of sporting leaders from HPS, with aspirations for participation in prestigious events such as the Olympics and other international championships.
- The HPS Carnival
25th & 26th December – 10 am to 7 pm
A spectacular celebration of joy and wonder where the HPS family shall create lasting memories. The HPS Carnival shall be a kaleidoscope of colours with over 150 stalls of food, shopping, activities & games. The children of the school shall set up game stalls and marry the vintage carnival with the modern era. A host of live performances including live bands, dances, rope malkhamb, and yoga displays shall keep the audience engaged. An HPS has got talent program is also in the pipeline.
- Echoes of Time: Looking back to look forward
25th & 26th December – 10 am to 6 pm
A 100-year-old legacy deserves to be displayed and preserved for generations to see. Presenting Echoes of Time, an immersive experience that will be housed in the century-old Shaheen Block and will take you through the legacy & historical journey of the school. Words will not do justice to the exquisite installations that have been carefully curated.
- HPS StartX Entrepreneurship Summit:
25th & 26th December – 9:30 am to 6 pm
HPS is set to launch its IP two-day StartX Entrepreneurship summit with more than 30 startups, over 300 founders, 2000 attendees, 25 speakers, and 10 pitches. The StartX summit is a Shark Tank-inspired platform to encourage the HPS community entrepreneurs and hopes to support early venture startups with less than INR 25 cr revenue. Established HPS alumni will get a chance to give back to their alma mater, and support and fund these startups during the event. The summit will also involve masterclasses to empower entrepreneurs and students with partnership opportunities, tools, and insights to create successful and impactful ventures through innovative solutions, and creative problem-solving methods emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and ideation.
- Speed Networking Circles
Innovative five-minute Speed Networking Circles will facilitate the pairing of mentors and thought leaders across various fields with aspiring individuals, encouraging the exchange of ideas and inspiration to contribute to the HPS community and shape the school’s future success stories. These dedicated circles will focus on areas such as entrepreneurship, performing arts, technology, content creation, law, finance and accountancy, creative arts, healthcare, and marketing.
- Entrepreneurship Panel Discussions and Workshops
Future-oriented panel discussions covering a range of topics will provide a platform for students, entrepreneurs, and founders to interact with industry visionaries. Emphasis will be on driving growth and innovation, exploring India’s ascent in entrepreneurship and technology, including space exploration, defense technology, and Agritech. A segment titled ‘Cultivating Grit’ will unveil the secrets of entrepreneurial success and offer insights into the early stages of venture building. Participants will also gain valuable knowledge on navigating early-stage funding and establishing successful partnerships in the dynamic investment landscape through a dedicated session on Angel Investing. The ‘Creator Economy’ segment will delve into the role of digital platforms and the transformative impact of AI in content generation. Additionally, a segment on ‘Intrapreneurship’ will highlight strategies for staying competitive within large corporations and multi-generational businesses.
- Speakers and Thought leaders
A stellar list of speakers and thought-leaders include Nandan Reddy – Cofounder, Swiggy; Satish Mummareddy – Product Leader AI, Meta; Ishan Chatterjee – MD, YouTube India; Nimisha Jain – MD & Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group Rahul Tamada – Cofounder & CEO, Tamada Media; Vikas Jhabakh – MD, Motovault & Benelli India; Sanjeev Sisodia – VP Customer Success, Support & Sales – Postman; Raj Madangopal – Cofounder & COO, Banyan Nation; Sharat Potharaju – Cofounder & CEO, Beaconstac;; G. V. Sanjay Reddy – Chairman, Reddy Ventures; Sanjay Jesrani – Founder & CEO, Go North Ventures; Sarath Naru – Managing Partner, Ventureast; Rajesh Manthena – ED & CDO, Cancer Centres of America; Dr. Srikanth Sunderarajan – General Partner, Ventureast; Hari Buganna – Founder & Chairman, InvAscent; Kishore Kothaplli – Partner, SVP India.
- Vintage Car Showcase
25th December – 10 am to 1 pm
A grand Vintage Car display shall be held in the backfield of the school and will bring together over 100 vintage cars celebrating the legacy of the past. The show is being held in association with the Hyderabad Vintage Car Club.
- Time Capsule
26th December – 5 pm
A time capsule will be embedded to be opened in the 125th year of the school.
- Super Car Showcase
26th December – 4 pm
A Super Car display shall be held on the campus and shall showcase to students the advanced technological advancements in the automobile sector.
- Learning Zones
25th & 26th December – 10 am to 5 pm
A plethora of intellectual activities shall be held across the campus and will include:
- Panel discussions:
- Technology – The Death of Libraries
- Social Media – Its impact of the behaviour of Students
- Mental Health in Education: Past, Present and Future
- How Gamification can transform education -Exploring fun and interactive learning
- Workshops:
- Film making
- Photography
- Jewelry Making
- Scientific Temperament
- Mental & Physical Health
- Cooking
- Music
- Book Reading
- Mock Parliament
- Sports Reunion
25th December – All day
Sports have always been an essential part of HPS. Expect some friendly & some not-so-friendly competing matches of Cricket, Football, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis played between Alumni, Staff & Students. This year the newly built swimming pool is also expected to see a lot of races.
- Photography Competition
25th & 26th December
A photography competition will be held in association with Canon with the theme “Spirit of HPS – The Emotional Connect”. The four judges for the competition would be Mr. Mani Shankar, Mr. Ricken Desai, Mr. Kishor Krishnamurthy & Mr. Ismail Sheriff.
- The Bartenders – Live in Concert
25th December – 7pm onwards
This would certainly be a night to remember as the HPS family welcomes Mike McCleary’s creation “The Bartenders” as they reinvents vintage iconic Hindi film songs with a modern twist. The concert is set to be held in the newly build Open Air Theatre of the school.
- Centenary Alumni & Staff Reunion Dinner
26th December – 7pm onwards
The Alumni Reunion Dinner hosted by the Jagirdars College & The Hyderabad Public School Old Students Association, now in its 19th consecutive year, promises to be a night of nostalgia and reconnections. Over 2500 alumni and 500 former and present staff are set to celebrate 100 years of their alma mater. Popular pop band “Best Kept Secret” shall uplift the night with their performance as the guests enjoy their favorite school food.
- Celebrate Art
25th & 27th December
The school campus shall be uplifted with art from the ages. Corners to allow artists to sketch will be created and the entire campus will be made lively with picnic corners and hangout zones.
- Centenary Finale Concert
27th December – 7 pm onwards
The Finale Concert by Shankar Ehsan Loy shall be held in the front field with the majestic century old buildings as the backdrop. This concert shall be the perfect conclusion to the year long celebration as the school pays gratitude to every member of the HPS community of the last 100 years.
Many more activities comprising of dances, music, art, craft will be held throughout the campus for the finale. Preparations are in full swing for the school to host its vast network of alumni, former & present staff, students, parents, global leaders, and dignitaries commemorate its centenary year finale.
7, Dec 2023
Priyal, the viral star of the latest Instagram trend Moye Moye, Gains National Fame
Mumbai, 7th December 2023– In the ever-evolving world of social media, one name that has been making waves is Priyal, popularly known by her Insta name Yikespari the latest sensation on Moye Moye, a popular social media platform. Priyal has quickly risen to fame with her engaging content and captivating presence.
Known for her unique style and authentic personality, Priyal has amassed a dedicated following on Moye Moye, where she shares a blend of lifestyle, fashion, and travel content. Her vibrant and relatable posts have struck a chord with audiences worldwide, earning her recognition as an influential figure in the digital space. The reel made by Priyal reached 31M views and the number is still going up.
What sets Priyal aka Yikespari apart is her collaboration with Mad Influence, a renowned global influencer marketing agency. Mad Influence, known for its expertise in fostering collaborations between influencers and brands, recognizes Priyal’s ability to resonate with diverse demographics.
Priyal, also known as Yikespari on Instagram currently has a reach of more than 2 Crores accounts. With a captivating blend of lifestyle, fashion, and travel content, she has cultivated a devoted online community. With a promising future ahead, Priyal is set to further captivate audiences with her creativity, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to positively impacting the digital sphere.
The song “Moye Moye,” performed by Serbian singer-songwriter Teya Dora under the title ‘Dzanum,’ has garnered over 58 million views on YouTube, making it a catchy and popular track for content creators.
7, Dec 2023
After 3 successful runs, the sixth edition of #JapaneseFilmFestivalIndia comes to Mumbai and Bengaluru, the “full-of-cinephiles” cities
Japan Foundation hosted the sixth edition of the Japanese Film Festival India in New Delhi, in association with PVR INOX from 12th-15th October. The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Koji Yoshida, the Director of the Japan Information Centre, the Embassy of Japan in India, and Mr. Koji Sato, Director General of the Japan Foundation New Delhi. The event was attended by notable stalwarts, film critics, and members of the Japan Foundation and the Japan Embassy. Influencers and Delhi-based cosplayers attended the screening along with the members of the Delhi Anime Club and Delhi Film Club.
Following Delhi, the Japanese Film Festival was hosted in Chennai and Hyderabad from 2nd-5th November, experiencing similar success and praise. The event was attended by notable entities, including the Consul-General of Japan in Chennai, as well as members of popular groups like The Hyderabad Anime Club.
After these great turnouts, the Japan Foundation is all set to start the penultimate leg of the Japanese Film Festival in Mumbai and Bengaluru from 7th to 10th December. The festival will be held at PVR ICON, Infiniti Mall, Andheri West in Mumbai, and at INOX, Mantri Square Mall, Malleswaram in Bengaluru.
The highlight of this year’s annual JFF India is the screening of the popular anime from the ‘Detective Conan’ universe and the 4K remastered edition of ‘Lupin The 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro,’ the first anime film directed by Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki in 1979. The sixth edition of JFF will showcase 11 masterpieces, including ‘A Man’, ‘Anime Supremacy!,’ ‘Intolerance,’ ‘MONDAYS: See you “this” week!,’ ‘Father of the Milky Way Railroad,’ ‘Detective Conan: Episode “ONE”’ ‘Detective Conan the Movie: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital,’ ‘We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,’ ‘Detective Conan the Movie: The Last Wizard of the Century,’ and Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest award-winning film, ‘Monster.’
During the inaugural speech, Mr. Koji Sato, Director General of the Japan Foundation New Delhi, expressed, “We are glad that the JFF, which began in 2017, is now in its sixth edition and has become an annual event for the people of India. It goes without saying that anime is very popular in India, but we hope that through this film festival, people will also discover the appeal of the latest Japanese feature films.”
Director of the Japan Information Centre at the Embassy of Japan in India, Mr. Koji Yoshida, expressed his appreciation for the film event, stating, “We congratulate Japan Foundation on the successful opening of the sixth edition of the Japanese Film Festival in India. We are confident that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow through the medium of film.”
Following the Mumbai and Bengaluru editions, the last leg of the JFF India will take place in Kolkata and Pune from 18th-21st January 2024 at INOX South City, Kolkata, and PVR ICON Pavilion Mall, Pune.
Mr. Gautam Dutta, Co-CEO, of PVR INOX Limited remarked, “We are extremely pleased to host the 6th Edition of the Annual Japanese Film Festival yet again, now as a merger entity of PVR INOX and the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India. Japan Foundation and PVR have shared a long association since 2017 and there has been no looking back ever since. We have taken inspiration from this new emerging trend of film festivals from Japan Foundation and our recent film festivals based on legends of Indian cinema have met with huge success.”
7, Dec 2023
Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal inaugurates ICSI Centre for Corporate Governance, Research and Training (CCGRT) in Kolkata
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India set up its 3rd Center for Corporate Governance, Research and Training (CCGRT) in New Town, Kolkata to facilitate research, training, and consultancy to the corporate sector.
Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal inaugurated this state-of-the-art Facility, spread across an area of 1.5 Acre in New Town, Kolkata, on 06 December 2023.
Congratulating the Institute on this landmark occasion, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal said “I commend the Institute for developing this Research Facility. It speaks volumes about the foresightedness and futuristic approach of the ICSI. Company Secretaries, the Corporate Warriors of the Nation, have been undertaking an array of responsibilities while guiding and handholding the Corporate Boards of India Inc.”
Located in the Smart Green City of Kolkata, the ICSI CCGRT has an Educational Block of 27494 sq. ft. area and a Hostel Block of 21708 sq. ft. area. The Educational Wing houses classrooms, a library, two Moot Courts, a Conference Room, and an Auditorium with a capacity of 300 people. The Hostel Wing has 24 rooms and a Yoga/Meditation Center. Besides this, the world-class centre has a Badminton Court and an open-air theatre laden with beautiful lawns.
The Hon’ble Governor also awarded the meritorious students, FCS, as well as the members of the Institute who successfully completed their Post Membership Qualification.
Humbled by the acknowledgment and appreciation, CS Manish Gupta, President, of the ICSI said, “As the country moves ahead in its journey to becoming one of the strongest economies of the world, the role of Company Secretaries inevitably has increased many folds. By setting up this Centre, the ICSI has added further impetus to the overall growth and development of all its stakeholders while holding strong to the values, ethics, and morality ingrained in its motto”.
The ICSI also organized the Convocation Ceremony for the members of the Eastern Region for the year 2023, in the newly inaugurated CS Deepak Kumar Khaitan Auditorium at the ICSI CCGRT Facility.
7, Dec 2023
South Indian Bank Extends Application Deadline for ‘SIB Ignite – Quizathon’ till December 22
Mumbai, December 7, 2023: South Indian Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, extends the deadline for submitting application for ‘SIB Ignite – Quizathon’ till 22 nd December 2023. ‘SIB Ignite – Quizathon’ is a national-level quiz competition for students across the country. The decision to extend the registration deadline reflects the overwhelming enthusiasm and response received for the contest.
‘SIB Ignite – Quizathon’ has captured the interest of college students nationwide, drawing and motivating them to exhibit their general knowledge and enrich their understanding on diverse subjects. The quiz competition welcomes participation from college students representing various academic disciplines, offering them a platform to showcase their knowledge across a diverse spectrum of subjects. These subjects include current affairs, renowned individuals, sports, business, technology, arts, history, and geography. The nationwide competition enables students to showcase their quiz acumen. The competition welcomes multiple teams from each college, with a minimum team size of two members.
Ms. Azmat Habibulla, Chief Marketing Officer at South Indian Bank, said, “The SIB Ignite – Quizathon, a testament to South Indian Bank’s 94-year legacy, invites young minds to participate in a competition designed to connect with and empower the youth. Acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping India’s future, the quiz reflects the Bank’s commitment to fostering innovation, development, and societal evolution. With a deep belief in the dynamic force of youth, the initiative aims to ignite intellectual curiosity and knowledge. We extend a warm invitation to all vibrant and inquisitive college students nationwide to join this enriching competition, propelling positive change and laying the groundwork for a brighter future.”
The competition comprises of three rounds. The first phase is a preliminary qualifying round held online, allowing teams from eight regions across the nation to participate in the quiz. The top eight teams from each region will then progress to the zonal level. During the zonal round, the selected teams from the preliminary phase will be tested on their quick thinking and problem-solving skills through challenging questions. The top team from each zone will advance to the national-level grand finale. The teams that have successfully qualified from each zone will vie for the coveted title of national champion. The national champion will be honored with a cash prize of Rs. 1,50,000/-, the runner-up will receive Rs. 1,00,000/-, and the team securing the third place will be presented with a cash prize of Rs. 60,000/-.
The ‘SIB Ignite – Quizathon’ invites college students nationwide to showcase their talents and knowledge. Students can participate in the quiz competition by registering on the SIB Ignite Registration link – https://online.southindianbank.com/SIBIgnite/. The deadline for registration is extended to December 22, 2023. Pinnacle, a specialized provider of automated chat integration and communication solutions for enterprises, is the associate partner for the ‘SIB Ignite – Quizathon’.
7, Dec 2023
EY survey reveals that just 60% of music creators can pursue their careers on a full-time basis
Hyderabad/Mumbai, 7 December 2023: EY, the leading professional services firm, launched the first-ever comprehensive report on the state of the music publishing industry in India titled ‘The music creator economy: The rise of music publishing in India.’ The report aims to provide valuable insights into the current state, market potential, and perspectives surrounding music publishing in the country.
The report estimates that India generates over 20,000 original songs annually, contributed by 40,000 music creators. Music directly or indirectly generates over INR12,000 crore in revenues each year.
Commenting on the survey findings, Ashish Pherwani, EY India Media & Entertainment Leader, said, “Music is an important part of India’s media and entertainment sector and is an important contributor to India’s Soft Power. Both local and international labels have driven the music segment’s sound recording revenues for a long time. However, music publishing revenues remain much smaller, given the differing views on its applicability and litigation.”
Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame, now President of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), stated, “The works of songwriters and composers inspire our lives and enrich our cultures. With the support of publishers and authors societies, they are also a driver of economies that fuel other businesses and employ millions of people. This study can help improve many readers’ knowledge of our sector.”
The first-of-its-kind survey conducted by EY, in which 500 music creators participated, indicated that their financial income is unpredictable and often limited:
1. 87% of respondents would have liked to make a living off their music alone, but only 60% were able to do so.
2. Working outside of the traditional employer-employee relationship, one-time payments (upfront fees), live performances, and royalties were the primary sources of income for most creators.
3. A majority strongly believed that they needed to learn more about music production and monetization.
4. Only 56% of respondents had access to the equipment and infrastructure required to produce music.
5. 35% of respondents reinvested more than 50% of their earnings from music on equipment, gear, software, and other infrastructure required to create music.
While India consumes more music per capita than the world average, it ranks 14th in recorded music revenues. In contrast, publishing revenues are ranked 23rd due to various issues like lack of legal clarity and consequently, low compliance.
However, despite these challenges, India’s music publishing industry has grown, reaching INR884 crore (approx. US$100 million) in the fiscal year 2022-23. The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), with over 13,500 authors as its members, continues to expand its revenue, thanks to the support it has received from GOI, as more music users comply with publishing requirements.
