10, Oct 2023
Taraji P. Henson talks about her character as a super Villain in PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie
When a magical meteor crash-lands in Adventure City, it bestows superpowers upon the PAW Patrol pups, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! Skye, the team’s smallest member, finds her dream come true with these new abilities. However, the situation takes a dark turn when the pups’ archrival, Mayor Humdinger, escapes from jail and joins forces with Victoria Vance, a meteor-obsessed mad scientist, to steal the pups’ superpowers and become supervillains. Produced by Paramount Pictures and Viacom 18 studios, ‘PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie’ is set to release across India on October 13 in English, and Hindi.
In this sequel, viewers are introduced to a new memorable villain, Victoria (Vicky) Vance, voiced by Taraji P. Henson. She’s a meteor-obsessed scientist conducting risky experiments from an abandoned observatory on the outskirts of Adventure City. Her latest invention, the Meteor Magnet, aims to bring meteors down to Earth from their orbit.
During a meteor shower, Vance attempts to use the magnet but inadvertently causes a meteor to crash into Adventure City, resulting in widespread destruction. When the PAW Patrol gains superpowers from the mysterious meteor crystals, Vance becomes furious. Those powers should belong to her since it was her meteor! Now, Vance is willing to go to great lengths, even partnering with the PAW Patrol’s arch-nemesis, Humdinger, to steal those crystals and powers from the heroic team.
Henson embraced playing the role of Vance, showcasing both her villainous side and some of her more complex qualities. She emphasizes Vicky’s intelligence and her creation of a massive magnet capable of pulling objects from the sky. Vicky insists that she’s entitled to the meteor’s superpowers.
Talking about her role as Vicky, Henson says, “I love how she plays against the ‘mad scientist’ thing. That term really rubs Vicky the wrong way. If you want to tick her off, call Vicky a mad scientist because she honestly doesn’t see herself that way. Vicky really thinks she’s doing good in the world. But of course, she’s not.”
Talking about Henson, director Brunker says that she brought unexpected dimensions and energy to the character. “Taraji was game for any and every idea we threw at her, and often came up with her own ideas,” he remembers. “Taraji’s Vicky walks the line between being a great villain and a character who’s fun to watch.”
Beyond Taraji P. Henson’s involvement, the comedy-adventure also showcases the comedic talents of Marsai Martin, who reprises her role as Liberty, a long-haired miniature Dachshund and devoted PAW Patrol fan from the previous film. Lil Rel Howery takes on the character of Sam Stringer, a charming and modern news anchor who becomes Adventure City’s new voice. Additionally, famed comedian/actor Chris Rock briefly lends his voice to one of Humdinger’s beloved felines, thanks to the magical meteor crystals, granting it the power of speech.
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- By Rabindra
10, Oct 2023
Manappuram Finance inks MoU with JCB India
Thrissur: Manappuram Finance India Ltd (MAFIL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with construction equipment manufacturer JCB India Ltd to finance the latter’s range of equipment and engineering products. The agreement was signed by Kamal Parmar, Head, of Vehicle and Equipment Finance, Manappuram Finance, and JCB India representative the other day. As per the agreement, the finance options will be available across the country. The pact will go a long way in helping both sides increase their business volumes.
“We are pleased to announce the signing of an MoU with JCB India for financing a range of their construction equipment. This MoU will lead to higher volume growth for both partners. It will help both companies to leverage each other`s strengths in the respective markets”, said Mr V.P. Nandakumar, MD and CEO of Manappuram Finance.
“This agreement with JCB India opens up our network of branches to expand their dealership footprint across India and is an integral part of our efforts to diversify our portfolio offering by making a foray into new verticals to spur growth. It is indeed a major step to boost our business of construction equipment finance,” he added.
10, Oct 2023
ZEE Tamil celebrates 15-year milestone with reimagined consumer experience, paying tribute to Tamil Nadu’s cultural ethos
Chennai, 10th October 2023: Staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving entertainment landscape, Zee Tamil, one of India’s leading Tamil general entertainment channels, has today unveiled its new design interface that captures the heart and soul of Tamil Nadu. The marigold-inspired design is reflective of the cultural ethos of the region. Rooted in its brand promise of ‘Manadhal inaivom, maatrathai varaverpom’ (Bridging hearts and welcoming change), Zee Tamil’s transformation paves the way for embracing change while connecting with today’s confident, vibrant consumer.
Zee Tamil’s strategic evolution of its on-screen TV experience optimizes information delivery for maximum business impact. Supported by cutting-edge Neuroscience, this intelligent design system captivates consumer attention, enhancing memorability and viewer retention of tune-in details. It solidifies platform recall and amplifies brand partners’ visibility, offering a unique value proposition.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Kartik Mahadev, Chief Marketing Officer – Content SBU, ZEE said, “Zee engages the many Bharats and its aspirations through content brands that are rooted in culture. The refreshed Zee Tamil brand design is an ode to the strength and dynamism of the Tamil viewer. The “marigold” inspired design is a vibrant expression of the auspicious new beginning that the channel seeks to provide through its inspiring content, nudging positive actions, and inspiring outcomes. Zee Tamil’s transformative endeavor will further strengthen the ZEE network commitment to consistently design and deliver extraordinary experiences to our viewers.”
Speaking on the channel’s business strategy, Mr. Ramanagirivasan, Chief Channel Officer – ZEE Tamil said, “Over the past 15 years, Zee Tamil has built a robust audience connection through content crafted with a profound understanding of consumer sentiments. This bond is a testament to the deep emotional resonance we share with our viewers. In the last 1 year, the strategic overhaul of our prime-time fiction programming has resulted in a substantial surge in viewership share in Tamil Nadu (U+R), from 17% to an impressive 23%. We aspire to carry forward this momentum by not just delivering engaging content but also enhancing consumer experience through our innovative tech-forward approach.”
Zee Tamil’s new design world centres around the core thought of ‘Vibrance’, embodying the growing inner strength and confidence of the Naya Bharat that is charting new territories like never before. This unique design approach is brought to life through the visual metaphor called the ‘Circle of Spark’ that ignites life’s most defining moments through inspiring stories and aspirational characters.
In sync with the larger campaign thought, ‘Ungal manam virumbum maatram, indhe ini aarambam’, which translates to ‘A good start to the change your heart desires’, the channel will embark on this new journey by reaching out to 1 lakh women across temples in Tamil Nadu and offering them prasadam along with marigold flowers. Further, viewers of Zee Tamil can also look forward to two exciting new shows – Naladamayanthi and Sandhya Ragam starting from Oct 9 in prime time.
In the wake of the brand refresh, Zee Tamil’s annual awards show, Kudumbha Viruthugal, is set to make a remarkable international debut. In an unprecedented move, the show will now extend its invitation to Tamil fans worldwide. For the Tamilian diaspora across the globe, their connection to Tamil content serves as a vital link to their cultural heritage and entertainment. Select fans from various regions will win an extraordinary opportunity to meet their beloved stars in person.
The consumer experience-led brand refresh and the fresh content line-up coupled with all these exciting initiatives undertaken by Zee Tamil further propels its growth story and reaffirms the channel’s commitment to bridging hearts and welcoming change in Tamil Nadu and beyond.
9, Oct 2023
Exclusive – Indian Cricket Legend Sanjay Manjrekar to host Radio City’s ‘Nissan Cricket ka Blockbuster’
India, 10th October 2023: Radio City, India’s leading radio network, is gearing up to present “Nissan Cricket ka Blockbuster”, a grand celebration of the most-awaited cricketing season that promises to be a spectacle like no other. With Nissan as the presenting sponsor, Radio City has added a unique ‘X Factor’ to this extravagant affair. The radio station is elated to onboard Indian cricket legend ‘Sanjay Manjrekar’ as the host of this season. Known for his amazing skills and exceptional contributions to the game of cricket as both a player and commentator, he will provide fans with a fresh and enriched perspective on the game.
The key elements of Nissan Cricket ka Blockbuster include various interesting segments such as “Match Ki Kahani,” featuring pre-and post-analysis of ongoing games, along with intriguing stories based on historical matches. “Drinks Breaks Ki Faaltugiri” will offer a humor post-ad break segment that seamlessly combines cricket and Bollywood entertainment. “Cricket Jockey+ Predict and Win” will engage fans by inviting them to predict 1st innings total scores, with exciting prizes up for grabs. “Game Point (Weekend Show)” will provide a weekly wrap-up of the season’s events and a “Blockbuster Anthem” will serve as a high-octane celebratory theme song.
Ashit Kukian, Chief Executive Officer, Radio City, said “We are thrilled to present an all new season of our cricketing IP ‘Nissan Cricket ka Blockbuster’ with the legendary Sanjay Manjrekar as the official host. Popularly known as an iconic figure in Indian cricket, Sanjay Manjrekar’s sharp and seasoned commentary will exclusively enhance the cricketing experience of cricket fanatics, promising to make each match an unforgettable spectacle. At Radio City, we always aim to stay ahead of the curve and with this endeavour, cricket enthusiasts can gear up to experience enriched insights and a unique outlook on the game.”
Sanjay Manjrekar, Indian Cricket Commentator and Former Cricketer said, “I am super excited to join hands with Radio City and present Nissan Cricket ka Blockbuster as this season is set to be electrifying. As the host of this year’s Nissan Cricket ka Blockbuster, I will be sharing interesting insights on all the matches as well as entertaining the audience by creating a cricket vibe like no other. Right from updates on wickets to player stats and trivia, I will engage all the game enthusiasts with the most fun-filled moments from the world of cricket throughout the season. Tune into India’s no.1 Radio Station, Radio City, and get ready for an exciting cricketing extravaganza.”
Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “We are pleased to associate with Radio City for its cricketing IP “Cricket ka Blockbuster” as the presenting sponsor this season. Cricket is a game that bonds everyone and Radio City has been successfully uniting the cricket enthusiasts from across the country in the spirit of the game each cricketing season. Through this association, we aim to augment the brand salience of Nissan by reaching out to all the listeners and making the cricket celebrations a glorious one and look forward to the listeners walking into the Nissan showroom to test drive the Big, Bold, Beautiful Nissan Magnite-The official car of ICC Men’s cricket world cup 2023 and win exciting match tickets.”
Radio City’s “Nissan Cricket ka Blockbuster” is poised to redefine cricket celebrations in India, with Sanjay Manjrekar taking center stage. Radio City extends a warm invitation to all to create indelible memories during this cricketing season. With cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaiting this season’s premier cricket event, Radio City is set to redefine the experience with a fusion of thrill of the sport, the glamour of Bollywood and non-stop entertainment. As a part of the promotion, Radio City is focused on extensive marketing efforts to promote the Blockbuster campaign, including social media engagement, influencer partnerships, outdoor advertising, print ads, PR coverage, and cinema promotions. Through digital marketing initiatives, Radio City aims to engage its audience through exciting contests, highlight moments of the day, match updates, trivia, and more on its media platforms.
9, Oct 2023
Young Boys Club celebrates 54th Year of Durga Puja with the theme ‘Devi Durga – The Power of Universe’
Kolkata, 10th October 2023: With the Bengal is famous for its theme-based pandals during the Durga Puja festival. The members of Young Boys Club like always have taken up the challenge to discover relevant social issues as it’s theme. This year they have chosen the Theme as – “Devi Durga – The Power of Universe”. Every year, the festival of Durga Puja brings out the best in terms of creativity and art when it comes to ideating themes for Puja pandals in West Bengal. Young Boys Club which turns 54 this year has come with a theme related to the current scenario of the world. This puja is located near Tara Chand Dutta Street in Central Kolkata which connects Central Avenue with Rabindra Sarani and is a big draw with the residents.
In the Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga is considered as one of the most powerful sacred figures. The prowess of Durga in general is depicted with her 10 hands holding different weapons and symbolizing various shaktis that humans possess. The form of Goddess Durga assures protection and safety to the devotees. Goddess Durga is ferocious to the demons and at the same time benevolent to her devotees. The ten arms of Goddess Durga symbolize that she protects her devotees from all directions – the eight corners and from the sky and the earth. The symbolism of these 10 globes in her hand signifies how Devi is protecting these 10 globes from all difficulties and problems.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Rakesh Singh, Chief Organiser said, “This year, Young Boys Club is replicating the embodiment of divine power of Devi Durga where 32 feet Mother Durga will be placed outside, symbolizing her as the source of global power. To convey Devi’s association with world power, the idol will have ten globes in her ten hands, symbolizing the different aspects of the Earth.”
“The revelers will get to witness intricate work with jhinuk inside the pandal. Alongside the idol inside is also made of jhinuk. The preparations for the pandal have been ongoing for the past four months. An additional attraction, a model of Chandrayaan-3, to commemorate India’s lunar victory will be placed outside our pandal.” said Mr. Vikrant Singh, Youth President of Young Boys Club.
Goddess Durga’s depiction in itself is the explanation of how humans should act in their lives in every situation. The presence of 10 globes in her hands teaches us the way of life where it represents that the World is One – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is a Sanskrit phrase found in Hindu texts such as the Maha Upanishad, which means “The World Is One Family”. The idea of the phrase remains relevant today as it emphasizes a global perspective, prioritizing the collective well-being over individual or family interests. It encourages to think about the welfare of others, fostering global solidarity and responsibility, especially in addressing crucial issues like climate change, sustainable development, peace, and tolerance of differences. From knowledge to wisdom to love and loyalty, she provides her benevolent assistance in every aspect of life. The celebration of Durga Puja is not merely limited to the gigantic stalls and statues of Goddess Durga. One needs to understand and implement the path that she urges to follow in the walk of life. Durga Puja is in full swing, as communities and neighborhoods across India welcome the ten-armed-goddess home.
9, Oct 2023
Academy of Vedic Vidya and Astrotalk forge alliance, creating pathways to Vedic Wisdom
The Academy of Vedic Vidya, a leading institution at the forefront of Vedic science and occult Knowledge, announced its partnership with Astrotalk, one of India’s most visited astrology websites. With this partnership, the Academy of Vedic Vidya becomes Astrotalk’s hiring partner, providing unprecedented advantages to its students.
Established in October 2022, the Academy of Vedic Vidya has been a torchbearer in preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Vedic Science. With a mission to make this ancient wisdom accessible to the modern world, the academy has trained approximately 1,500 students and nurtured 500 self-reliant practitioners specializing in fields such as Astrology, Numerology, Palmistry, Vastu, Tarot, and Pranic Healing. Their unique approach combines traditional teachings with contemporary methodologies, ensuring the timeless relevance of Vedic Science in today’s fast-paced world.
The recent collaboration with Astrotalk as an hiring partner signifies a significant leap forward for the Academy of Vedic Vidya and its students. Through this partnership, students’ profiles will receive priority interviews with Astrotalk, eliminating the usual waiting time and significantly improving their chances of employment. Ten students have already found rewarding careers with Astrotalk, and this number is set to rise as the academy plans to refer more talented individuals, empowering them to jump-start their careers in the realm of Vedic sciences.
Diksha Katyal, Co-founder of the Academy of Vedic Vidya, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “This collaboration with Astrotalk exemplifies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of Vedic science practitioners. By providing our students with opportunities and support, we are empowering them and advancing the cause of Vedic Knowledge globally. Together with Astrotalk, we aim to create a network of knowledgeable practitioners who positively impact individuals’ lives, ushering in a new era of enlightenment and empowerment.”
Astrotalk, known among astrology websites, offers online astrology predictions and connects individuals with experienced astrologers from India. The partnership with the Academy of Vedic Vidya strengthens Astrotalk’s commitment to promoting authentic Vedic practices and enhancing the accessibility of astrology to a broader audience.
This collaboration signifies a paradigm shift in Vedic sciences education and employment opportunities. As the Academy of Vedic Vidya and Astrotalk join forces, they pave the way for a brighter future for Vedic science enthusiasts, ensuring that the profound wisdom of ancient traditions continues to thrive in the modern era.
9, Oct 2023
Double Blessings Await: Astrologer Parduman Suri Advises on Sarvapitri Amavasya and Indra Yoga Alignment
Sarvapitri Amavasya is a special day to honour and satisfy your ancestors. This year, it holds even more significance because it coincides with the last solar eclipse of the year, known as Shanichari Amavasya. To observe this special occasion, Celebrity Astrologer Parduman Suri, India’s Youngest Astrologer, Vastu Consultant, India’s Nostradamus awardee, and Motivational Speaker, unlocks some insights.
Sarvapitri Amavasya spans two days, starting on October 13th and ending on October 14th at 11:25 pm. If the 14th of October falls on a Saturday, it is considered Amavasya. This day also witnesses the formation of Indra Yoga, an auspicious planetary alignment. Even if you’ve already performed Shraddha for your ancestors, it’s advised to do it once more on Sarvapitri Amavasya for the well-being of your known and unknown ancestors.
On this day, Shraddha is performed for ancestors who passed away on Amavasya or whose date of death is unknown, including ancestors preceding your grandfather. If you couldn’t perform Shraddha during Pitru Paksha, you can do it on Amavasya.
Worshipping the Peepal tree is crucial during Sarvapitri Paksha since it’s believed that ancestors reside in these trees. Offering water to the Sun and Peepal trees is a sacred practice. This time, Sarvapitri Amavasya lasts for two days, allowing you to worship the Peepal tree anytime between 9:51 a.m. on October 13th and the entire day on October 14th. Sarvapitri Amavasya is also known as Mokshadayini Amavasya, a day to please and satisfy your ancestors through offerings.
To honour your ancestors on this day:
If you already offer water to the Sun, do so while meditating on your ancestors and praying for their peace.
Offer water to the Peepal tree, as it is believed to quench the thirst of all ancestors.
Offer water with black sesame seeds to your ancestors, which bestows blessings upon all household members. Mixing water with milk, sesame seeds, kusha grass, flowers, and scent is considered ideal.
Panchabali, offering a portion of food to cows, dogs, crows, deities, and ants, is a sacred tradition. Pray for blessings from your ancestors with devotion
Make sure to share a meal with your sister, son-in-law, and nephew-niece, as it brings happiness to your ancestors. After the meal, express gratitude to all known and unknown ancestors and apologize for any mistakes committed by you or your family members, knowingly or unknowingly
9, Oct 2023
CII IWN Telangana organises the ‘Leadership Conclave 2023’ – UPLIFT: A Gender Equal DigitALL Future
Hyderabad: October 09, 2023: CII IWN Telangana organized the ‘Leadership Conclave 2023’ – UPLIFT: A Gender Equal DigitALL Future at The Westin, Hyderabad. Dr G Satheesh Reddy, former Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri and President of The Aeronautical Society of India inaugurated the Conclave and Mr Joe Schulz, Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer, of Carrier Digital delivered a Keynote address.
Dr Satheesh has mentioned that government departments are actively promoting gender parity across all their sectors and are witnessing growth in various dimensions as a result.
Mr Sai Prasad, Vice Chairman of CII Telangana and Executive Director of Bharat Biotech International Limited, called upon CII IWN to focus on supporting women in the informal sector by promoting digitalization. He articulated his aspiration for achieving 50% gender parity across all sectors by the year 2047.
Ms Srividya Reddy, Chairwoman, CII IWN Telangana & Vice Chairperson, GNITS Hyderabad extended a warm welcome to all the participants at the Conclave. She emphasized that digital transformation has the potential to narrow the gender equality divide.
Ms. Shobha Dixit, Immediate Past Chairwoman, CII IWN Southern Region and Director, Alpla; Ms. Tanuja Abburi, Vice Chairwoman, CII IWN Telangana & DEI Lead, Amazon; Ms. Shweta Kirkire, Sci/Engr- ‘SG’, Space Applications Centre (ISRO); Dr. Rashmi Pimpale, Chief Executive Officer – Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH), Government of Telangana; Mr. Sanjeev Deshpande, Convenor – CII Telangana Digital Transformation, IT & Startups Panel & Head of APAC Region, MD-India, NTT Data Business Solutions were the prominent speakers along with the others at the conclave.
The conclave witnessed 350 participants and explored themes such as Women in Design and Innovation, Digital Transformation in the Workplace, and the Role of Technology and Women in Policy and Governance.
9, Oct 2023
MTR Foods creates water conservation capacity of 40 million litres in Karnataka in partnership with Myrada
Bengaluru, 9th October 2023 – MTR Foods, a pioneer in packaged foods, has created a water conservation capacity of 40 million liters in Karnataka, in collaboration with Myrada, a non-governmental organization, operating in underdeveloped and drought-prone regions. The initiative will improve water storage capacity and its supply in the local community through building and renovating village ponds to harvest rainwater and recharge groundwater. MTR Foods is investing Rs. 10.6 million towards this project to significantly benefit the region.
The project is situated in and around Bommasandra area. Improving local supply of water, created rooftop harvesting system and recharge pits in 3 schools in the region. Water ponds have been renovated and constructed in. Additionally, a new tank/ pond construction has been done in Anekal The capacity created will directly impact around 5000 lives and households and is expected to successfully replenish 40 million liters of water in the near future. This will positively influence the regional ecosystem and benefit the local community.
Commenting on the same, Sunay Bhasin, Chief Commercial Officer, MTR Foods Pvt. Ltd. said, “We believe it’s important to consistently support our community. The water conservation project in Karnataka is a part of our sustainability initiatives and aims to help improve water access in the area. It will benefit local households and the respective schools with more water now being made available. We hope that this improved access will enable better quality of life in the region and positively impact the ecosystem.”
Previously, on the occasion of World Environment Day 2023, MTR Foods reinforced its commitment towards the environment by initiating a comprehensive cleanup drive at Madiwala Lake. The initiative aimed not only to clean the area but also to raise awareness about responsible waste management and the importance of preserving natural water bodies.
9, Oct 2023
Empowering Dreams: Akshaya Patra Honored as India’s 2023 Top 20 Dream Workplace for Change-makers
Bengaluru, 9th October — The Akshaya Patra Foundation is proud to announce its recognition as one of India’s Top 20 Best NGOs to Work For in 2023. This prestigious accolade, awarded by the ‘Great Place to Work’ India, is a testament to the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering an enriching and fulfilling work environment.
In a landscape where career choices for Millennials and Gen Z are evolving, the allure of NGO and NPO careers is on the rise, transcending traditional corporate paths. The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s recent report, “Working for Good,” highlights that employees in Non-Profit and Charity Organizations experience a workplace environment on par with those in other industries, with an overwhelming 94% expressing a profound sense of purpose in contributing to society.
Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Being recognized as India’s 2023 Top 20 Dream Workplace for Change-makers is a testament to Akshaya Patra’s unwavering commitment to its core values and culture. Our success reflects the harmonious confluence of missionaries and professionals, leading to the well-being of our dedicated employees. Together, we continue to make a transformative impact on the lives of millions through our mission of nourishing children’s dreams.”
Mr. Mukesh Tiwari, CHRO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, added, “We believe in providing an inclusive and supportive environment that enables our team members to thrive. This accolade reinforces our belief that a culture of compassion and excellence can drive positive change in Poshan nationwide.”
The Akshaya Patra Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the Central and State Governments, partners, donors, and volunteers for their invaluable support in nourishing the future of our country. We are forging a path towards a brighter, more nourished tomorrow.
