Radico Khaitan Presents ‘MERA CRICKET’ Anthem to Ignite High Spirits in T20 Men’s World Cup 2024

26th June 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Mera Cricket marks the singing debut of cricket legend, Harbhajan Singh The song is a musical celebration of cricket’s universal appeal and its ability to unite people The song was released on June 8 on the Hitz Music YouTube Channel and across all major audio streaming platforms

Radico Khaitan Limited is thrilled to ignite cricket fervor worldwide by presenting ‘MERA CRICKET’, an electrifying anthem dedicated to the T20 Men’s World Cup 2024. This anthem is a gift from Radico and Hitz Music to cricket fans across the globe, capturing the unparalleled passion and excitement that cricket inspires.

Marking the singing debut of cricket legend Harbhajan Singh, ‘MERA CRICKET’ is a musical celebration of cricket’s universal appeal and its ability to unite people. The song also features legendary cricket icons like Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag, Mithali Raj, Aaron Finch, Sreesanth, Vivek Razdan, and Aakash Chopra. Written by the talented Padamjeet Sehrawat, with music composed by Sehrawat and Kamal Joshi, this anthem promises to resonate deeply with cricket enthusiasts.

“We are immensely proud to present ‘MERA CRICKET’, a heartfelt tribute to the game that celebrates the joy and shared passion it brings to millions. At Radico Khaitan, we strive to honor cricket’s unifying spirit through this musical journey. As advocates for both music and sports, we appreciate the common synergy between these universal languages, which have the extraordinary ability to unite people globally. ‘MERA CRICKET’ symbolises our commitment to this vision, and we’re excited to share this celebration with cricket fans worldwide,” shared Mr. Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director of Radico Khaitan Limited.

Released under the Hitz Music label, this unique collaboration promises an unforgettable listening experience. Cricket fans across the globe can immerse themselves in the anthem, enhancing their sports spirit, starting June 8, 2024, on the Hitz Music YouTube Channel and across all major audio streaming platforms.

Sonu Sood Joins ApplyBoard as Brand Ambassador to Empower Indian Students on their Study Abroad Journey

26th June 2024  Delhi, India  ApplyBoard, the leading global student mobility platform, is thrilled to announce an innovative partnership with renowned actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood. In a move to empower Indian students, Sonu Sood is now the official first brand ambassador for ApplyBoard, kicking off a multi-year collaboration designed to dismantle barriers and unlock potential for students around the world.

Sood is a renowned Bollywood actor who has starred in over 50 films across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada languages. Beyond his successful film career, Sood is widely respected for his extensive philanthropic work, particularly through his role as Founder and Executive Director of the Sood Charity Foundation, where he and his team’s humanitarian efforts focus on enabling access to health, education, and employment for underserved people.

“Sonu Sood’s vast experience and enduring commitment to education make him the perfect brand ambassador for ApplyBoard,” says Meti Basiri, Co-founder and CEO, of ApplyBoard. “Together, we share a deep commitment to democratizing access to education. This partnership marks a significant step forward in empowering students from all backgrounds to pursue their academic aspirations on a global scale.”

Established in 2021, the Sood Charity Foundation embodies the legacy of Sood’s late mother, Professor Saroj Sood, a dedicated educator who believed in providing free, quality education to everyone, regardless of their background or resources. The foundation carries on its mission by empowering underprivileged individuals in India with access to education, fostering career opportunities, and promoting self-reliance.

“Raised by an educator, education has always been paramount to me,” says Sonu Sood. “Accessibility, however, remains a significant hurdle for many deserving students. My late mother selflessly dedicated her life to teaching and instilled in me the importance of breaking down these barriers. I’m honored to join forces with ApplyBoard because together, we can unlock the potential for students around the world to achieve their study abroad dreams and pursue a brighter future.”

This impactful collaboration leverages Sood’s immense influence and ApplyBoard’s industry-leading expertise to create a transformative collaboration for educational advancement globally. The partnership will encompass a multitude of initiatives including:

Raising Awareness: Wide-scale campaigns spearheaded by Sonu Sood will shine a light on the vast array of international education opportunities available to potential students.

Empowering Resources: ApplyBoard’s comprehensive platform is readily accessible to students, offering valuable resources and expert guidance to navigate the application process for international studies seamlessly.

Scholarship Opportunities (details to be announced): ApplyBoard and Sonu Sood are dedicated to creating pathways for deserving students by offering scholarships to bridge the financial gap and make international education a reality.
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“We are incredibly honoured to partner with Sonu Sood to unlock potential for Indian students,” says Karunn Kandoi, Chief Experience Officer at ApplyBoard. “Sonu’s unwavering dedication to education perfectly aligns with ApplyBoard’s core mission of enabling access to education. His passion and influence will be instrumental in empowering countless students to embark on their transformative international education journey.”

University Centre of Ahmedabad University Wins Prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects International Award for Excellence 2024

26th June 2024  Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India It is a tremendous honour for Ahmedabad University that the University Centre, designed by Stephane Paumier Architects, has won the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Award for Excellence 2024. The RIBA awards are recognised globally as celebrating outstanding work in architecture demonstrating design excellence, visionary thinking, and social impact.

According to the RIBA jury, the University Centre of Ahmedabad University, one of the eminent groups of winners across 14 countries, symbolises a bold gateway between the University and the heritage city of Ahmedabad in India’s State of Gujarat. Housing an energising place for the exchange of ideas, informal meetings, and social events, the University Centre is one of three ‘iconic’ buildings, along with two of the University schools, the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, surrounding a central landscaped park. Within the Centre are housed incubation spaces, student services, a food court, multipurpose spaces for sport, performance and cinema, with a running track and futsal court located on the roof.

Articulating the spirit behind the building, Ahmedabad University Vice Chancellor Professor Pankaj Chandra says, “Academic buildings provide a perspective on how educational institutions define their engagement with the purpose and soul of the institution – the building of a student’s mind, its values and their inter-relationship, as well as the space for imagination by its faculty…The amazing University Centre sends a message that vibrant and meaningful learning outside the classroom must complement that inside. This is what transformative education is about! This is the value of academic buildings and their architecture.”

The RIBA awards are decided through a rigorous process by a jury chaired by Simon Henley of the award-winning London-based architecture practice, Henley Halebrown. Each selected project is visited in person by an expert designated as a RIBA Local Ambassador. All the RIBA winners go on to be considered for the RIBA International Prize for the world’s most transformative new building.

Chennai to Host International Plastics Expo Between 14 – 17 June 2024

26th June 2024  Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Organised by TAPMA, 40,000+ entrepreneurs are expected to visit the 300+ stalls at the expo

The Tamil Nadu Plastics manufacturers Association (TAPMA), the apex body of 8500+ plastics processors in the state, is organising IPLAS an International Plastics Exhibition on June 14 – 17, 2024 at Chennai Trade Centre.

This is the sixth in the series since 2005 and the highlights of this edition are Exhibition space 17500 sq.m. 300+ exhibitors from all over India including a few from China. There are more than 90 live demos in the event. The wide exhibit profile covers machinery, materials, moulds and dies, printing and converting machinery and auxiliaries. This exhibition will help expansions or new start-ups in the plastics sector. Visitors will get new project ideas and can find all under one roof.

Over 40,000 visitors are expected to visit and benefit from this international event. The visitors will come from neighbouring states and other parts of India too. TAPMA is supporting hospitality for international visitors from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar and Kenya. Like previous editions, this edition also will facilitate growth in the sector besides adding jobs for the youth in the coming years. This expo is likely to see the purchase of new machinery to the tune of Rs. 1000 crores and this will create vibrancy and new jobs also

TAPMA is also organising WOPS – a world of Plastics, a theme pavilion to create a fresh awareness about plastics, their contributions and the ways of disposing of it post-use. This theme pavilion will promote segregation at source and also recycling of plastic waste. There will be an interactive Virtual Reality Videos and games for the school children. on display will be a wide range of long-lasting furniture made from post-consumer comingled waste picked up from municipal waste. Invitation is being extended to school/college students, resident associations officials of corporations and other local bodies engaged in solid waste management.

Malaysia Airlines and Tourism Malaysia Collaborate for a Vibrant Mall Activation in Ahmedabad

26th June 2024 Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Malaysia Airlines and Tourism Malaysia are delighted to announce their joint initiative, a captivating Mall Activation event at Nexus Ahmedabad One in Ahmedabad, scheduled for June 15th and 16th, 2024. This innovative event aims to showcase the rich cultural tapestry, diverse attractions, and unparalleled hospitality that Malaysia has to offer while enticing Indian travelers to explore its wonders.

The Mall Activation promises an immersive experience, featuring an array of engaging games, interactive activities, and exciting prizes, designed to captivate the imagination of attendees and ignite their wanderlust for Malaysia. From cultural showcases to virtual tours, visitors can expect an unforgettable journey through the sights, sounds, and flavors of Malaysia, right in the heart of Ahmedabad.

Mr. Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Tourism Malaysia to bring the spirit of Malaysia to Ahmedabad. This Mall Activation not only underscores our commitment to promoting tourism but also highlights the strong cultural ties between Malaysia and India. Through immersive experiences and exciting activities, we aim to inspire Indian travellers to choose Malaysia as their next holiday destination.”

Echoing Mr. Aresandiran’s sentiments, Ms. Noriah Jaafar, Director of Tourism Malaysia-Mumbai, emphasized the significance of the event in fostering closer ties between the two nations. “As the gateway to Asia, Malaysia offers a treasure trove of experiences for Indian travelers, from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to vibrant cities and delectable cuisine. Our collaboration with Malaysia Airlines underscores our shared commitment to showcasing Malaysia’s diverse offerings and welcoming Indian visitors with open arms,” she remarked.

The Mall Activation at Nexus Ahmedabad One in Ahmedabad is poised to be a celebration of Malaysia’s allure and a testament to the enduring partnership between Malaysia Airlines and Tourism Malaysia. Visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience that ignites their passion for travel and opens doors to new adventures in Malaysia.

To empower its valued Indian customers, Malaysia Airlines is offering exclusive and attractive deals for travel to Malaysia.

Education Loans for International Studies Now Available on Bajaj Markets

26th June 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India Individuals can now fulfill their dream of studying abroad with education loans available on Bajaj Markets, a leading financial marketplace. One can get an unsecured loan of up to Rs. 75 Lakhs and a secured loan of up to Rs. 1.5 Crores.

The interest rates start from 10.25% p.a. and flexible tenures range up to 15 years. These education loans can help cover up to 100% of the tuition fees and additional expenses, making overseas education feasible.

Lenders typically consider academic achievements, grades, choice of course, university, internships, and financial status to check the applicant’s eligibility. Required documents include KYC documents, income proof, academic records, and collateral-related documents (for secured loans). If the applicant is planning to study abroad, they may be asked to submit an unconditional offer letter from a university and Form I-20.

Bajaj Markets ensures quick loan approvals and complete transparency, with minimal documentation requirements. Applicants can choose from multiple lenders and find an option that best suits their needs.

Alongside education loans, one can also get other financial solutions from leading financial institutions on Bajaj Markets. Individuals can choose from a variety of credit cards, investment options, and insurance policies. One can apply for any of these products through the Bajaj Markets website or app.

360 ONE WAM Forays into WealthTech, Acquires ET Money, India’s leading Mutual Fund Platform & Digital Investment Advisor

26th June 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  360 ONE WAM, India’s premier wealth manager for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, has entered into a Definitive Agreement to acquire Times Internet-incubated Wealth-focused fintech ET Money.

ET Money is India’s largest non-brokerage Digital Platform for Direct Mutual Funds and also the biggest SEBI-registered Investment Advisor by number of clients. Subject to regulatory approvals, 360 ONE WAM will acquire 100% of ET Money via a stock swap and cash deal. Times Internet will remain invested by owning a stake in the listed entity, 360 ONE WAM.

360 ONE WAM is one of India’s largest wealth and alternates-focused asset management firms. It is the investment and financial advisor to 7200+ relevant families in the High Net Worth Individual (HNI) and Ultra HNI segments with aggregate assets of around Rs. 4,67,000 crores* (USD 56.3 bn) under management.

The acquisition will aid 360 WAM in completing the flywheel across client segments and reinforcing its position as India’s premier wealth manager. 360 ONE has recently launched its HNI and Global offerings in addition to the existing core UHNI Wealth business.

Karan Bhagat, Founder & CEO of 360 ONE WAM, said, “As we move forward, 360 ONE and ET Money will now be able to leverage the product suite, domain understanding of the business, portfolio advisory solutions, brokerage services and credit solutions to a large user base. The acquisition is expected to result in a strong and faster path of monetisation for ET Money across both users as well as product offerings.”

ET Money serves an emerging and growing segment of mass affluent Indians that is driving the growth of the Mutual Fund industry and WealthTech overall. ET Money has over 9 lakh transacting clients, with more than 1 lakh revenue-generating users. The platform tracks a total AUM of approximately Rs. 70,000 crores, with Rs. 28,000 crores invested through it. Each month, ET Money sees gross sales exceeding Rs. 1,200 crores and mutual fund net flows of nearly Rs. 750 crores. It also drives upwards of Rs. 450 cr. of SIP every month. ET Money Genius, the platform’s unique investment advisory service, has grown rapidly, reaching an AUA of Rs. 1,200 crores.

With growing assets, India’s mass affluent investors’ needs are also evolving to demand more personalized advisory. These investors also prefer to manage all their money in one place, allowing ET Money to cater to their varied needs with wealth solutions like NPS, Fixed Deposits, P2P investments, and annuity products.

Satyan Gajwani, Vice Chairman, Times Internet, said, “We are incredibly proud of ET Money’s achievements, and we are sure it will reach further heights with 360 ONE, where we will be shareholders.”

ET Money will continue to operate independently as a 100% subsidiary of 360 ONE WAM. Both companies would work to unlock ET Money’s full growth potential by making 360 ONE WAM’s brokerage, customized wealth management solutions, and secured lending products accessible on the ET Money app.

“We have had a shared vision with Times Internet and now with 360 ONE WAM to align our businesses deeply with our investor’s investment outcomes and thereby create trusted relationships. We are excited about the possibility of leveraging 360 ONE WAM’s expertise and ecosystem built for the high-income segment and democratizing access to premium wealth products and solutions to every Indian,” said Mukesh Kalra, CEO of ET Money.

*As on March 31, 2024.