Category Archives: News

55-day-long recitation of the Mahashivpuran begins at the grand Shiv Darbar

Chhatarpur, New Delhi, August 11 2023: In the divine presence of Shri Krishnagiri Parshva Padmavati Shaktipeethadhipati, the National Saint, Sarvadharma Divakar Dr. Shri Vasanta Vijay Ji Maharaj Saheb, preparations have been completed. It is likely to start from August 11th to October 5th, 2023, for a 55-day long celebration consisting of the Shiv Mahapuran recitation, Yagna (Ritual Offering), and the grand Rudrabhishek Mahotsav. During this 55-day-long festival, the installation and worship of 1.11 Crore earthly Shiva Lingams will also take place. As part of the grand Mahotsav held at the Markandeya Hall Chhatarpur Temple, arrangements have been made for a massive Bhandara for thousands of devotees every day.

During the 55-day-long Shiv Maha Anushthan (Ritual Observance), a special and auspicious devotional worship will take place from 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM. From 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM, there will be a blissful recitation of the Shiv Purana. In the evening, from 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM, a benevolent Mahayagna accompanied by divine chants will be conducted, and the Bhajan Sandhya (devotional song evening) will commence at 8.00 PM with a continuous flow of melodious hymns. The divine Shiv Darbar (Court of Lord Shiva) adorned at Chhatarpur Markandeya Hall will resound with the devotion of ardent Shiva devotees under the guidance of Sant Shri Vasanta Vijay Maharaj Ji. Listening to this spiritual gathering will enrich your life. Such a historically divine opportunity to witness and hear won’t come again in your lifetime.

News18 Kerala Political Conclave: A historic gathering of leaders, forging a path toward India 2024

11th August 2023: News18 Kerala is proud to present the Kerala Political Conclave, a groundbreaking event that will mark the commencement of our 2024 Election programs. This conclave promises to be a remarkable and enlightening discussion, focusing not only on political and developmental issues within Kerala but also across the nation. The Kerala Political Conclave will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday; August 11, 2023, and will be broadcast live from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In a never-before-seen gathering, the Kerala Political Conclave brings together the prominent leaders of the three major political parties on one platform. This convergence of political leaders promises to provide unprecedented insights into the state’s political landscape. Set to be an engaging two-hour show, the conclave will effectively capture the pulse of Kerala politics, allowing viewers to gain a full understanding of the current socio-political scenario.

The participation of renowned figures from many parts of society is a distinguishing feature of the conclave. Their interactions with the political leaders will shed light on various perspectives, enriching the discourse with invaluable insights. The conclave boasts an esteemed lineup of political leaders like Ramesh Chennithala; MLA and Former Opposition Leader, K Surendran; BJP State President, MV Govindan Master; CPM State Secretary representing their respective parties.

The entire event will be broadcasted live on television, ensuring that the audience from all corners of the state and the country can tune in to witness this historic event. The major discussion will be “India 2024 – Kerala’s Political Vision”. At the heart of the conclave lies the focus on Kerala’s political vision for India in 2024. The three prominent leaders will engage in a spirited debate, presenting their distinctive viewpoints on this critical subject.

Following a detailed and entertaining session for all participants, the leaders will engage in a lively discussion, addressing their party’s policies and strategies for the nation. To make the event even more inclusive, the audience will be able to ask questions and voice their ideas during the conclave.

The Kerala Political Conclave is set to be a momentous occasion, uniting key political figures and diverse perspectives to articulate Kerala’s vision for India. Join us for this thought-provoking and illuminating event as we embark on our path towards a brighter tomorrow.

Quote on World’s Indigenous day by Action Aid, a global NGO

We cannot simply apply the term “indigenous” to tribal populations in a country like India. India has a complex pattern of indigeneity because of its civilizational continuities and despite its colonial history. Yet, we must recognize that about 20% of the world’s so-called “indigenous” people reside in India. They represent a rich diversity of cultures. We need much humility to listen to tribal communities and celebrate their egalitarian social structures and harmonious relations with nature. We need great sensitivity to respond to their needs. Tribal communities continue to face multiple barriers related to land ownership, wages, social security and access to ecological commons. We need to recognize their role as frontline ecological defenders as the natural custodians of ecological resources.
We have to build the feminist just transition required in this time of mounting climate crisis on the affirmation and protection of the rights of tribal communities.

Advocating the rights of tribal communities has for decades been an integral part of ActionAid Association’s work. The 2023 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples theme is “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination”. In this spirit, we re-affirm our commitment to working with tribal communities, especially those whose livelihood depends on ecological resources, including agricultural labour, small farmers, small-scale fisher folk and fish workers, pastoralists, and even hunters and gatherers of minor forest produce, to ensure their rights, and custodianship of the ecological resources with which they have had a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship over centuries. We will continue to strive to ensure that we integrate youth from tribal communities into our ongoing initiatives and that we continue to help protect their way of life for the benefit of all life on Earth.

ACT Fibernet to host exclusive fan premieres of Netflix’s ‘Guns and Gulaabs’

India, 10 August 2023: ACT Fibernet, India’s largest non-Telco Internet Service Provider is happy to announce the exclusive premiere of Guns and Gulaabs in an exclusive collaboration with Netflix. This captivating series will present a unique blend of thriller and romance, infused with the spirit of the 1990s. Inspired by the misfits of the world, Guns and Gulaabs is expected to have a dark and gritty take on the crime genre while effortlessly coating it in humour.

ACT Fibernet customers who have signed up for the latest Netflix plan will have an exciting opportunity to win complimentary tickets to the premiere of ‘Guns and Gulaabs’ on 13 August 2023 at theatres located in Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur and on 17^th August in Bangalore. This exclusive event will take place before the official launch of the series on Netflix, scheduled for 18th August 2023. Act Fibernet customers on Netflix plans get a chance to meet Rajkumar Rao at the premier

“As part of our brand promise of Feel the Advantage, we work to bring the best plans offers and partnerships to our customers. Our partnership with Netflix ensures that our customers receive exceptional value, enjoying the perfect blend of high-speed internet and top-notch entertainment, resulting in an unparalleled overall experience. Our Netflix bundled plans are amongst the most attractive in the country.

We are delighted to announce exclusive premiere of Guns and Gulaabs , in partnership with Netflix. Our customers who are on ACT- Netflix plans, get a chance to attend the exclusive premiere and meet the stars of the show” said Ravi Karthik, Chief Marketing Officer Atria Convergence Technologies Ltd”

This exciting partnership between ACT Fibernet and Netflix brings seamless integration of top-notch entertainment and high-speed internet, enhancing the viewing experience for subscribers across the country.

ACT Fibernet Netflix Bundled Plans:

BEK TV’s Dakota Cowboy Picked Up by Global Rodeo Group

Bismarck, ND, August 08, 2023 – BEK TV is excited to announce that its hit show, Dakota Cowboy, is now streaming on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Pro Rodeo YouTube channel, bringing the thrilling world of North Dakota rodeo to a wider audience. Viewers can catch all action-packed episodes at youtube.com/@PRCAProRodeo.

“We are so excited to have established a great partnership with the PRCA,” says Bill Palanuk, Co-Host of Dakota Cowboy on BEK TV. “Dakota Cowboy exemplifies the heart and determination of the modern-day cowboy, and we’re excited to share its thrilling episodes with the PRCA’s growing number of subscribers on YouTube.”
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is the oldest and largest rodeo-sanctioned body in the world. Its YouTube channel is a premier destination for rodeo fans, featuring exciting event coverage, interviews, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. “We feel our viewers will find much interest in the content produced by Dakota Cowboy,” said Amy Fast, PRCA Digital Assets Manager. “We look forward to growing together with Dakota Cowboy while expanding our available content.”

Dakota Cowboy is an hour-long original BEK TV production, hosted by Palanuk, aka Wild Bill, and Tisa Peek, horse trainer, rodeo athlete, and author. The weekly program celebrates the ways of Western living in North Dakota, highlighting the rich heritage and traditions of rodeo. Dakota Cowboy provides exclusive content, interviews with renowned rodeo athletes, and shines a light on young student rodeo athletes.

Dakota Cowboy airs on BEK TV each Sunday evening at 7 pm CT. The program also streams live on bek.news, and all episodes are archived on bek.news/dakotacowboy.

BEK TV is the only North Dakota-owned broadcasting company remaining in the state and produces more local content than any other television station. It broadcasts statewide on television and across the world via internet. BEK TV consists of content from both BEK Sports and BEK News.

BEK TV is the largest television broadcaster of high school and collegiate athletics in the region, broadcasting nearly 400 live events each year. The network also is the state’s top producer of original news and opinion programming. BEK TV is the 2021 and 2022 winner of the Bismarck Tribune’s Best of the Best contest, selected by the public for “Best Television Station.”

The concept behind BEK’s news programming is to provide a media service platform that is unscripted and uncensored. BEK TV hosts are untrained broadcasters who share their perspectives and views on topics and issues that North Dakotans are talking about. The BEK network never controls the messaging.
BEK TV broadcasts on television and across the world via the internet. For more information, log onto bek.tv and bek.news.

Stylist Priya Patil reveals the ‘badlaav’ in Amitabh Bachchan’s wardrobe for ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati – Season 15’

Sony Entertainment Television’s fan favourite gameshow, ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati – Season 15’ is all set to premiere on 14th August at 9:00 PM. Over the years, viewers have seen its host, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, don many show-stopping outfits that have been the talk of the town. From three-piece suits, bowties, stylish scarves, and more, stylist Priya Patil is the one-woman army who has been instrumental in making television’s favourite host look dapper every season! While the knowledge-based reality show will see some ‘badlaav’ with new elements being added to the gameplay, Priya too will style Big B with evolving fashion trends that the megastar pulls off with elan.

Speaking about the ‘badlaav’ in Mr. Bachchan’s look this season, Priya Patil said, “For the 15th Season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, my mood board included the brief of keeping the look ‘new’ and ‘fresh.’ Keeping the classic look intact, we have gone a step ahead and added newer elements to it. Sir will be seen in classic three-piece suits, Bandhgalas and Jodhpuris, but I am introducing a ‘Colour Play’ which will be a contrasting combination of colours. To elaborate, the waistcoats will have colour patterns like wine against navy, black and white, powder blue and navy, pinstripes with plains, checks with plains, and more. When it comes to his shirts, I’ve introduced small but evident features which include contrast piping with the collars, different broaches that stand out, and lapel pins that accentuate and complete the overall look. On the classic Jodhpuris, we have added a special drape like a shawl, and completing the look will be a broach holding it together.”

Talking about her experience of styling Big B for KBC she shares, “Sir (Amitabh Bachchan) is a legend and I have learnt a lot by watching him over the years. His dedication, professionalism, and his attention to detail are what I have absorbed from him, and it reflects in all of his attires. I always tell everybody that Sir does not need a stylist, he is a style icon in himself. Clothes don’t make the man; the man makes the clothes; I have always believed that. Whatever he wears, he makes it a trend and he has always been an inspiration to all generations.”

Tune in to watch Kaun Banega Crorepati – Season 15, starting 14th August, every Monday to Friday at 9 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television

We actually felt like college kids roaming around in Mumbai, says Prit Kamani

Mumbai, 5th August 2023: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service has become the buzz of the town with one of its most recent release on the platform – Half CA which features well known actors Ahsaas Channa, Gyanendra Tripathi, Anmol Kajani, Rohan Joshi, and Prit Kamani in pivotal roles. Half CA narrates the journey of a girl Archi who is preparing for one of the toughest exams in the country, Chartered Accountancy. The series beautifully captures the details and intricacies of her journey in the attempt to add the title CA before her name, while her cousin ‘Niraj Bhaiya’ is nicknamed as ‘Half CA’ after two unsuccessful attempts which has taught him everything he needs to know to be a CA but he isn’t qualified on paper for the same. The brother-sister duo face their own share of problems in their individual journeys as they reach the financial capital – Mumbai where Archi meets Tejas. The character of Tejas is played by the talented actor Prit Kamani.

On being asked to share some of his favorite BTS with the cast of Half CA, Prit mentioned, “The day we shot at marine drive amidst thousands of college students, on Sunday streets. We danced and sang songs, and clicked pictures while shooting. We actually felt like college kids roaming around in Mumbai.”

The actor also shared his thoughts on why the audience would like the show. He said, “The direction, the story, the dialogues, the performances, the music but I think mostly because it’s so relatable.” Half CA has been well received in the CA community of India, thanks to its engaging storyline and the outstanding acting by the actors that played the characters, Half CA has earned positive reviews. These factors help to flesh out the subject matter and reveal insights into the day-to-day hardships of a CA aspirant.

He further added, “Ahsaas always amazes me, she’s a friend too and I love working with her. And Gyanendra, Anmol, and Rohan are just brilliant! In fact, every role, big or small, was cast to perfection.” The entire range of what it takes to achieve the milestone is covered in this series, from putting in extra effort during training to almost giving up due to the fierce competition.

Half CA is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, which you can watch for free on the Amazon shopping app and on Fire TV.

Times Now Navbharat crosses 5 million subscribers on YouTube

New Delhi, August 05, 2023: Close on the heels of completing two successful years, Times Now Navbharat makes a strong impact in the Hindi News genre by achieving yet another milestone, crossing a staggering 5 million subscribers on YouTube. A testament to the channel’s content leadership and its growing influence in the digital landscape, the channel secured a remarkable 21% surge in viewership on YouTube and garnered an impressive 400+ million video views along with a massive 3.8 billion impressions in July.

With its innovative content formats, distinctive and bold style of journalism that is firmly based on credible, accurate and decisive news reporting, Times Now Navbharat’s impact reverberates across its digital platforms, leaving an indelible mark on millions of viewers. Witnessing an extraordinary 69% increase in views on Facebook and an impressive, combined video growth of 39% on both YouTube and Facebook, the channel’s digital prominence continues to surge ahead.

Strongly equipped with the fastest news, exclusive news breaks and most viewed prime-time shows – News Ki Pathshala and Sawal Public Ka, the channel has built a strong resonance with the viewers, driving high-decibel engagement across platforms. With a series of digital exclusives that integrates the channel’s broadcast, Times Now Navbharat has been offering well-rounded insights on every major news break such as Manipur Violence, Seema Haidar incident, Chandrayan 3 launch.

Rohit Chadda, President & COO- Digital Business, Times Network, said, “This achievement serves as an impressive feat for Times Now Navbharat as we celebrate 2 years in creating disruptive news content. The unparalleled innovative & interactive show formats have strongly positioned the channel as the preferred destination for Hindi news on digital platforms. As we move forward, we are excited to explore new avenues of engagement and set even higher benchmarks in the dynamic space of digital news.”

Commanding an unyielding digital presence, the channel’s prime-time shows “Sawal Public Ka” and “News Ki Pathshala” captivated viewers, garnering an extraordinary 780 million video views across various digital platforms (YouTube, Facebook and Instagram ).

Mrs. India Inc Beauty Pageant 2023 Under Scrutiny: Allegations of Favoritism and Lack of Transparency Surface

Delhi, August 4, 2023: On Thursday, a press conference at the Press Club of India revealed concerning issues surrounding the overall selection process of Mrs. India Beauty Pageant 2023, Season – 4, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Contestants who participated in the pageant, organized by Ms. Mohini Sharma, gathered to express their concerns about favoritism and lack of transparency in the judging panel. Among the attendees were contestants Prerna Sood from Dubai, Ritu Narain, Jagmeet Kour, Saloni Grover, and Shivika Singh Bais, who traveled from different parts of India.

The Mrs. India Beauty Pageant has always been celebrated for empowering married women and promoting their achievements and talents. However, recent allegations have cast doubts on the credibility of the results, threatening the pageant’s reputation.

Prerna Sood emphasized the need for independent auditing, contestants scoring from judges/Panel/organisation and stringent measures to restore faith in the pageant’s credibility. Ritu Narain voiced the participants’ demand for an honest and impartial competition. Jagmeet Kour expressed concern over arbitrary scoring, which compromises the essence of the event. Saloni Grover stressed the importance of transparency as despite several requests and reminders, MRS INDIA INC has failed to provide official receipts for financial transactions, Unfulfilled Commitments of photoshoot and other packages.Shivika Singh Bais urged a thorough investigation into the allegations of favoritism.

Together, the contestants called for a fair resolution to the matter and appealed to the Mrs. India Inc organizing committee to implement measures ensuring transparency and impartiality in future editions of the pageant. This may involve diverse and well-qualified judging panels and clear communication with contestants and the public regarding scoring criteria.

The attendees believe that addressing these issues will uphold the pageant’s reputation as a platform celebrating the talent and achievements of married women from all walks of life.

Participants, witnesses, and concerned individuals are encouraged to cooperate with ongoing investigations to ensure fairness and integrity in the Mrs. India Beauty Pageant.

Utsav heralds Indian Independence Day with Saare Jahan Pays tribute to freedom fighters with its 18th presentation

on Wednesday and Thursday, August 9th and 10th, 2023 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

For a world that is enslaved by political and technological dynamism, music, art and culture come as breath of fresh air that upholds its identity and helps every soul find anchorage. Utsav Educational and Cultural Society does exactly that by being torchbearers of Indian cultural heritage for 35 years now. Under the wing of its founder Smt. Ranjana Gauhar – Padmashree and Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee, Utsav Came forward to herald the momentous occasion of Indian Independence Day on Wednesday and Thursday, August 9th and 10th, 2023 at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi with the 18th presentation of their flagship production – “Saare Jahan se Achchha.”

The production commemorates India’s struggle for freedom in the form of Musical Dance Drama “Khud Mein Kabir, Kabir Mein Hum” and dance forms – Odissi and Mohiniyattam performed by seasoned and established artists. Spread over two days the festival paid tribute to the martyrs and achievers of the nation in its own unique language.

Programme on the of Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 featured Utsav’s Repertory and Guru Ranjana Gauhar bringing out the philosophy of Sant Kabir in a Musical Dance Drama “Khud Mein Kabir, Kabir Mein Hum”. The performance was choreographed and directed by Ranjana ji herself and embellished with melodies composed by Shri Saroj Mohanty.

Second day, Thursday, August 10th, 2023 of Indian Independence Day celebrations witnessed fluidity personified in the form of Odissi Dancer Vinod Kevin Bachan (Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar) disciple of Guru Ranjana Gauhar in the first act. The former converged into another feminine and delicate performance by Jayaprabha Menon (Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee) and disciples through Mohiniyattam finally breaking into a suave presentation of Odissi by Gurus Ashok and Bandita Goshal and disciples (Bhubaneswar).

Enthralled for having showcased a magnificent spectacle for Delhi folks for the 18th time, Smt. Ranjana Gauhar remarked, “I consider myself as a custodian of the Indian Arts and Cultural realm. For 35 years, through Utsav we have organized major annual dance festivals such as Unbound Beats of India which unleashes new horizons for upcoming and outstanding dancers; Su- Tarang which celebrates young dancers and the World Dance Day that is absolutely free-spirited and allows one to express themselves uninhibited! Through Saare Jahan Se Achchha we offer a platform where senior and established dancers of the country pay tribute to real heroes of the nation. Talented artists in Indian and abroad from different genres of Indian classical dance perform at these festivals at Delhi’s most popular cultural hubs to a discerning audience and rasikas. It satisfies me that we have been very well received by viewers through generations and am hopeful that in our small ways we will help the legacy of Indian Heritage stay alive for centuries to come.”

About Smt. Ranjana Gauhar:

Smt. Ranjana Gauhar, who has trained under the legendary Guru Mayadhar Rauthad, took Philosophy Honours for her graduation followed by a master’s degree in English Literature. Her education and creative skills saw her rise in name and fame in her pursuit of art at a pace few can match. Her talent in blending the traditional with the contemporary, her imagery, which is both innovative and individualistic, has made Ranjana all the more appealing to the audience at home and abroad.

Gaiety, grace and strength are the hallmarks of Ranjana’s performances, compelling the spell-bound audiences to describe her recital as an experience in a sublime spiritual odyssey. Ranjanaji has travelled with her art of Odissi dance across the length and breadth of the country. She has participated in prestigious dance festivals including Khajuraho Festival, Kalidas Festival in Ujjain and Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale Centenary Festival at Kalakshetra. This cultural ambassador of India has performed at the Festival of India, Queen Elizabeth Royal Festival Hall, The Royal Hall of Plymouth, the Commonwealth Institute, Oxford University, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Dahlem Museum, Berlin, West Germany besides having performed in other cities in Germany, Italy, France, Greece, Serbia, Cyprus, Kuwait, Switzerland, Tunisia, Yugoslavia, Japan, Holland, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Croatia and Latin American Countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Mexico. In Mexico, Ranjana represented India at the Cervantino Festival. She has also exposed the beauty of Odissi dance to audiences in Cambodia, Bhutan, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, the continent of Africa, Mauritius and Egypt. Recently she alongside with her troupe has performed in Spain, Argentina as well as the Dominican Republic. She has given solo and group recitals in some of these Festivals.

She is also actively involved in creating awareness through presenting lec-dems in rural and semi-rural regions of the country. Ranjana ji is the Founder-President and moving spirit behind the non-governmental organization ‘Utsav Educational and Cultural Society – Ranjana’s Odissi Dance Academy’ started by her in 1987 where she uses her experience and commitment to the teaching of Odissi dance and music in the Guru Shishya Parampara.