22, Nov 2023
HSBC India Presents ‘Masha and the Bear LIVE’, A Theatrical Adaptation by Viacom18 LIVE Debuts in India!

22nd November 2023, Mumbai India: Viacom18 LIVE, pioneers in experiential and immersive entertainment experiences, is all set to mesmerize kids and families with the live theatrical adaptation of the famed animated series on Nick Jr., ‘Masha and the Bear’. Building on the success of the ‘Peppa Pig’ musical that returned earlier this year, the one-of-its-kind entertainment experience with the young, spirited girl and the bear will be making its debut in India. Produced by Viacom18 LIVE and presented by HSBC India, the entertainment spectacle will go on an incredible journey across the country, commencing in Mumbai on 23rd December 2023, followed by performances in Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad and thereafter concluding its tour in Mumbai in March 2024.

Packed with music, dance, and a strong narrative around “A Very Detective Story”, to make it suit and appeal to children of all ages, the show will provide the audience with an interactive experience where Masha and The Bear will need the audience’s help to solve this mystery together. Featuring various characters from the show, ‘Masha and the Bear LIVE’ is a musical story that will revolve around Masha, The Bear, Professor Nonbelevious, Rosie, the Panda, Sly Fox, and Silly Fox & more, who will join Masha to solve the mystery of missing items from her home! With stunning visuals, engaging storytelling, and delightful music, the extravaganza will transport children into the beloved animated world of Masha and her best friend, the Bear, leaving everyone satisfied with solving this mystery with their favorite characters. That’s not all!

Creative - Masha and the Bear LIVE

With tickets available on www.kidsdayout.co, HSBC Card holders will have an exclusive 72-hour window to have first rights to the best seats & meet & greet opportunity across each show, along with discounted ticket rates.

Gaurav Mashruwala, Business Head, Viacom18 Live (Integrated Network Solutions) said, “Viacom18 LIVE takes pride in curating immersive entertainment experiences that have left an indelible mark across different age groups. Masha and the Bear, the beloved show on Nick Jr., have captured the hearts of many in India, and we are thrilled to bring their magical world to life on stage. We’re excited to have HSBC India as our partner and help us making this extraordinary experiential possible right in our home turf.”

Jaswinder Sodhi, Head – Of Customers, Digital & Marketing, HSBC India said, “We are super excited to be part of an extraordinary live theatrical adaptation of one of the kids’ favourite shows on television, Masha and the Bear. At HSBC, we strive to connect people to opportunities and possibilities, and we offer curated experiences to our customers. Viacom18 Live fosters a similar spirit of connecting through the power of storytelling. HSBC Starstruck is an initiative started by us wherein clients enjoy a host of exclusive experiences such as the best seats for a show, exclusive presales window, discounts and meet & greet with artists. The India tour of Masha and the Bear will be a part of the HSBC Starstruck initiative, wherein our HSBC clients will have access to exclusive benefits.”

Masha and the Bear has gained immense popularity in India, captivating both children and parents with its delightful storytelling and endearing characters. Its widespread appeal on Nick Jr India has made it a household favorite across the country. With the great history of Viacom18 LIVE providing immersive live entertainment, including events like ‘Vh1 Supersonic,’ ‘Vh1 Lift Off,’ and ‘Peppa Pig LIVE musical, the Masha and the Bear LIVE is set to continue this tradition of bringing unforgettable experiences to the audience.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic of Masha and the Bear LIVE in India!

Get ready to embark on a journey of laughter, love, and adventure with your favourite animated friends.

22, Nov 2023
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) announces the finale of The Inventors Challenge 2023 in collaboration with Arm® Education and STMicroelectronics

The Government of India has been focused on developing the country’s semiconductor ecosystem and catalyzing India’s rapidly expanding electronics manufacturing industry. These efforts will enable innovation and India’s emergence as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design. The Inventors Challenge contest is an effort towards nurturing faculty and students’ capabilities in semiconductor and technology innovation.

The Inventors Challenge 2023 was a team event that saw 1,370 ideas submitted based on the United Nations Global Goals, with over 80 teams receiving developer boards from STMicroelectronics for prototyping their ideas.

AICTE

8 teams were announced as winners of The Inventors Challenge 2023 on 20th November 2023

“The Inventors Challenge -2023 reiterated our belief in the importance of industry-academia knowledge sharing. The initiative was well received and the feedback from participants has further strengthened our belief to continue such interactions, these interactions with Industry exposes the academic ecosystem to technological innovations,” said, Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE

“We are pleased to run The Inventor’s Challenge once again this year together with AICTE & Arm, we believe this will strengthen fostering innovation and pave the way for valuable partnerships to enrich the local ecosystem, “said, Vivek Sharma, Managing Director, India, STMicroelectronics

“At Arm, we believe in the power of technology to build a better world for everyone. Higher and further education institutions have a pivotal role to play in enabling technology innovation in the semiconductor ecosystem, and we work closely with academic, industry, and government partners to drive technological advancements that will have a positive impact. Huge congratulations to this year’s winners and we look forward to seeing how their innovations will help progress toward the United Nations’ Global Goals,” added, Guru Ganesan, President, of Arm India

22, Nov 2023
KreditBee Scores Big: Consumer Engagement rockets through the ICC Men’s World Cup

Bangalore | November 22, 2023: KreditBee, India’s leading online credit solution provider, launched its customer awareness initiative, ‘KreditBee VS Wannabe,’ coinciding with the Cricket World Cup, a highly anticipated sporting event hosted in India that cuts across the barriers of India’s diverse fabric. Targeted at the consumers of the middle-income India, who have very often been intimidated by the jargons of the Fintech sector while also being victims of financial fraud, the campaign brings out the simplicity of concepts and aspects that sets KreditBee apart from fraudulent platforms.

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With the primary objective to educate this demographic about the benefits of obtaining credit exclusively from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) registered lenders, such as KreditBee, the brand brought out a series of ads laced with wit and everyday humour. Through a three-part video series set against the backdrop of a stadium, the campaign draws a clear distinction between choosing KreditBee, as opposed to opting for other ‘wannabe’ lending applications. The campaign also aimed to underscore KreditBee’s commitment to protecting customer data, providing transparent fee structures, and a hassle-free loan disbursal process. The videos depict the challenges associated with unverified lenders and emphasize the ease of the loan process with KreditBee.

The success of the ‘KreditBee VS Wannabe’ campaign is evident in its significant impact on brand visibility and engagement. The campaign’s dissemination on social media and Disney+ Hotstar further amplified its reach, driving increased app installations and direct traffic to the website.

This method has demonstrated a notable increase in brand search queries, leading to subsequent installations prompted by these searches. Moreover, there has been a significant surge in direct traffic to the website, accompanied by the successful optimization of click-through rates (CTR). By tapping into the extensive viewership of prominent cricket tournaments, this advertising approach has not only driven heightened user engagement but has also proved instrumental in boosting conversions. The ripple effect created spans across various stages of the consumer journey.

Ishan Bose, CMO, KreditBee

Ishan Bose, Chief Marketing Officer, KreditBee said, “We are thrilled about the success of the ‘KreditBee VS Wannabe’ campaign, especially during the Cricket World Cup 2023. It not only brought attention to the challenges people face with unauthorised lending apps but also emphasised the importance of choosing genuine lenders. The positive response reflects the effectiveness of our efforts in educating and engaging our audience. This campaign aligns with our commitment to providing transparent and hassle-free financial solutions to the Indian middle class.”

22, Nov 2023
Squadrone CEO, Cyriac Joseph, Honoured with EAGE Award for Geophysics Innovation

Bangalore 22 November 2023: Cyriac Joseph, the Founder and CEO of Squadron Infra and Mining Pvt Ltd, has received the prestigious EAGE Award 2023 for Outstanding Field Innovation in Geophysics. The recognition comes in light of Squadrone’s groundbreaking work in Geohazard Detection and Mitigation with Geophysics. The award was presented during the 2nd Indian Near Surface Conference and Exhibition, hosted by AF Academy (AQUA Foundation Academy) and EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers).

Squadrone CEO, Cyriac Joseph, Honored with EAGE Award for Geophysics Innovation

On receiving the award, Cyriac Joseph said, “At Squadron, we are committed to reshaping Geoscience through Innovative Technologies such as Drone-Based GPR and Drone-Based Magnetometer. These advancements are disrupting traditional Geophysical Mapping methods globally, proving to be game changers in Critical Mineral Exploration, Environmental monitoring, Greenfields Mineral deposits discovery, and Geophysical hazards management.”

Squadron Infra and Mining Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Bangalore, India, is leading Digital Transformation in Mining through its pioneering use of drone-based technology integrated with AI & ML. Specializing in Mining applications such as Mineral Prospecting and exploration, Open-pit mining, Underground Mining, Tunnelling, and Cavity mapping, Squadrone is reshaping the industry landscape in India. Squadron Infra and Mining Pvt. Ltd. combines domain expertise in Mining with deep knowledge of drones and specialized applications, driving advancements in Mineral Prospecting/ Exploration, Open-pit mining, Underground Mining, Cavity mapping, etc.

The European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) is a global professional, not-for-profit association promoting the science of geophysics, geology, and reservoir engineering.

22, Nov 2023
RV University and ICAI sign an MoU to build a strategic alliance for boosting education and research initiatives

Bengaluru, 22 November 2023: RV University (RVU), Bengaluru and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), a statutory body set up under an Act of Parliament, have entered into an MoU. The MoU involves collaborations in the areas of inter-institutional visits, faculty exchange, staff development, academic publications, research, and educational collaboration. The MoU also entails collaborations for faculty development programmes in the areas of common interest, apart from joint organization of workshops, conferences, seminars, and similar academic programmes with the aim of capacity building.

 The MoU was signed at the ICAI Office in Hyderabad by Dr. Subhashree Natarajan, Dean School of Business and School of Economics, RV University and Ms. Vandana D. Nagpal, Chairman, Board of Studies, ICAI, in the presence of representatives of the academic council at ICAI.

RV University and ICAI sign MoU Image

 Commenting on the MoU, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy stated “We are delighted to have signed an MoU with a reputed institute like ICAI. It will immensely benefit our business students. The MoU is part of the endeavours of the University to collaborate and co-create industry-oriented curriculum and research works, which is vital to the futuristic centres of learning.”

 RVU has similar MoUs with leading academic industry and research organisations across India and abroad.

 RV University (RVU) has announced that it will accept applications for admission for the next academic year starting in August 2024. Candidates can apply through the online application form available on the University’s website https://admissions.rvu.edu.in/. RVU offers merit scholarships to deserving students.

 The School of Business which aims at developing thought leaders with ‘original thinking capabilities, doing and innovating’ offers four-year regular UG programmes – B.B.A. (Hons.), B.Com (Hons.) and Public policy analysis with exit option after the third year, and two-year regular postgraduate programmes- MBA (regular), MBA – Global Financial Markets, MBA in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, MBA – Sustainability with streams in Enterprise Risk and ESG. The three streams of BBA (Hons.) degrees are – BBA (hons) Regular, Digital Marketing and Professional (ACCA with 9 paper exemptions). The specialization or career tracks in B.B.A. (Hons.) include business analytics | entrepreneurship | finance | human resource management and marketing. The three streams of B.Com. (Hons.) degrees are B.Com. (Hons.)- Regular, Capital Market, Professional (CMA / ACCA with 9 paper exemptions). The career tracks of B.Com. programmes are in finance and accounting | banking and insurance | and wealth management.

22, Nov 2023
Mobilising Malaria Prevention: International SOS Launches Refreshed Malaria Digital Learning

Mumbai, 22 November Malaria remains a global health challenge that is faced by organizations worldwide and its prevention is an essential aspect of workforce health and safety. As part of an ongoing mission to support the health and well-being of the global workforce, International SOS, the world’s leading health and security risk services company, has launched a refreshed malaria digital learning module. This e-learning course is designed to equip those living in malaria-affected areas or those traveling to such regions with the knowledge and preparedness necessary to safeguard their health while abroad.

Dr. Chris Van Straten, International SOS Global Health Advisor Clinical Governance, said “International SOS has been committed to the fight against malaria for over 20 years in endemic regions, from conducting health risk assessments to implementing vector control programs and supporting community outreach. Our refreshed malaria e-learning module is instrumental in assisting organizations in fulfilling their Duty of Care by educating and empowering their workforce in malaria prevention.”

Malaria DLP imagery

Dr. Chris added, “It is important to note that signs of malaria can often be overlooked, given their similarity to symptoms of other, less severe illnesses. This presents a significant concern, as malaria can be fatal if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Organizations with local or international workforces, especially in malaria-prone areas, need to double their efforts to protect their employees and the surrounding communities where they operate.”

Developed and written by International SOS medical experts, this course covers a comprehensive range of topics including:

· The ABCDE (Awareness, Bite prevention, Chemoprophylaxis, Diagnosis, and Emergency) prevention approach for malaria:

Providing a practical approach to promote healthy practices that reduce transmission of malaria and prevent severe illness from the disease.

· Guidelines on preparing for malaria before traveling: Equipping individuals with the necessary information to plan for a safe trip.

· Understanding malaria symptoms: Educating users to recognize the signs of malaria and the actions to take when experiencing symptoms.

· Case studies from the International SOS Assistance Centres: Offering real-world scenarios and best practices to assist those preparing to travel to remote areas.

The digital learning module is initially available in English, with French, German, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese versions scheduled to follow in the coming months. The platform has also been designed to adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, ensuring that it is accessible to a wide range of users. The course takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and can be easily accessed via the International SOS Training Portal within the Digital Learning Portfolios.

22, Nov 2023
Santhigiri Ashram playing the role of catalyst in the country’s progress: Vice-President India

New Delhi, November 22: India is poised at a historic moment to take its place as a world leader on the strength of its cultural heritage and path-breaking initiatives for women and youth empowerment and institutions such as Santhigiri Ashram are playing the role of a catalyst in this holistic endeavour, Vice-president Jagdeep Dhankar said here today.

L-R P K Krishnadas A N Radhakrishnan Shashi Tharoor Jagadeep Dhankar Swami Gururethnam JnanaThapaswi K V Thomas Swami Chaithnya JnanaThapaswi

 Dedicating the Silver Jubilee Centre at the Delhi branch ashram of Santhigiri Ashram to the public, Mr Dhankar said that in its short span of 25 years, this ashram branch has played the role of a catalyst to bring about revolutionary social change through a holistic development.

 ”What we need in this country today is a mindset that reflects our civilisational ethos. Rather than empowering the pocket of a person, we must empower their minds and their faculties. You are doing this in an effective manner, by empowering human resources through skill development,” Mr Dhankar said.

The Vice-President said the Ashram’s journey of 25 years has been remarkable. ”You are catalysing a big social change, handholding those who need your assistance. You are playing a pivotal role in changing Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity,” he said.

 Mr Dhankar said he can’t express in words what he felt. ”I will leave this place fully surcharged, energised, motivated and inspired to follow the principles that Santhigiri Ashram is espousing…… Every memory itched in my mind,” he stated. Earlier, he planted a sapling in the ashram premises. Then he entered the prayer hall along with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who welcomed him along with Ashram president Swami Chaithanya Jnana Thapaswi and General Secretary Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi on his arrival.

Dr Tharoor, the Thiruvananthapuram lawmaker, said his association with the institution has been for a decade and a half, which has now emerged as a major spiritual, developmental and social institution. He said it was a matter of great pride to be with the ashram. He stressed the three tenets of Santhigiri — Annadanam (Food for all), Adursevanam (Healthcare) and Aatmabodhnam (spiritual realisation). He praised Ashram’s accomplishments in the field of healthcare, preventive healthcare and Ayush, especially, its targetted skill development programmes. He said the Ashram continues to play an important role in providing solace and succour to the people.

Praising the Santhigiri Ashram for doing a great job, he appreciated everything that was being done in the national interest. He praised the recent anointing of 22 sanyasinis last month, which was also praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Commending the efforts and achievements made by the Ashram, he urged that innovation was needed in the field of mental health so that people do not lose health. Mr Dhankar met Her Holiness Shishyapoojitha Amritha Jnana Thapaswini, the present Guru Apparent of Santhigiri Ashram and also offered prayers at the prayer hall.

On Friday, Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the Silver Jubilee function of the Delhi branch of the renowned Kerala-based Santhigiri Ashram.

Santhigiri Ashram, Saket Branch serves as a centre for coordinating myriad spiritual, cultural and holistic healthcare activities in addition to spiritual pursuits. The centre is actively engaged in encouraging communities through skill development and public healthcare initiatives, particularly in the regions of North and North-East India. Her holiness Shishyapoojitha Amritha Jnana Thapaswini, the present Guru Apparent of Santhigiri Ashram, did Pratishtha Sthapana on Sunday.

22, Nov 2023
Savor the Tradition: Daawat E Awadh at Barbeque Nation, Sayaji Kolhapur

Barbeque Nation at Sayaji Kolhapur hosts the grand gastronomic celebration, Daawat E Awadh, from November 17 to 26, 2023. This extraordinary festival promises patrons a captivating journey into the heart of Awadh’s culinary heritage. Renowned for its intricate cooking techniques and aromatic spices, Awadhi cuisine has consistently delighted the palates of food enthusiasts throughout the ages. Barbeque Nation’s Daawat E Awadh food festival endeavors to transport patrons to the essence of this culinary paradise, offering a symphony of flavors that will undoubtedly leave them yearning for more.

Daawat E Awadh, Barbeque Nation, Sayaji Kolhapur

 “Delving into Awadh’s culinary legacy is a journey of passion and expertise. As the Executive Chef at Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur, I am delighted to curate an authentic experience at Barbeque Nation’s Daawat E Awadh food festival. Explore the rich tapestry of flavors, where each dish narrates the story of Awadh’s gastronomic heritage, promising an unforgettable symphony of tastes and aromas,” said Chef Kishan Gunjal, Executive Chef, Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur.

 Guests can indulge in a diverse array of succulent kebabs, each meticulously marinated and cooked to perfection. From the timeless Seekh kebabs to the delightful Boti kebabs and the melt-in-your-mouth Shami kebabs, every bite promises an explosion of flavors.
Taking center stage at this food festival is the Awadhi biryani, a culinary masterpiece. Patrons can relish the aromatic Awadhi subz biryani, a vegetarian delight, or the opulent and flavorful Murgh Awadhi biryani, a testament to the culinary finesse of Awadh.

 The Awadhi culinary experience is incomplete without an assortment of meticulously prepared curries, each simmered to perfection and infused with a blend of aromatic spices. Patrons can savor the tangy flavors of Murgh dahi surkh, appreciate the delicate spice balance in Sofia dum ki machhli, and revel in the rich creaminess of Shahi jhinga dum nisha. No exploration of Awadh’s culinary treasures is concluded without partaking in its delightful desserts. Connoisseurs can satisfy their sweet cravings with the rich and decadent Shahi tukda, the creamy and aromatic Kesar phirni, or the uniquely delightful Awadhi e paan ki mithas.

 The Awadhi legacy is celebrated in every succulent bite, making Daawat E Awadh at Barbeque Nation a must-attend for food enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled exploration of India’s culinary treasures. Guests can indulge in this extraordinary celebration of Awadhi cuisine, where tradition meets innovation and every dish is a testament to the culinary finesse that defines Barbeque Nation’s commitment to gastronomic excellence.

22, Nov 2023
The rhythm of blues continues to echo: The Mahindra Blues Festival returns for its twelfth edition in February 2024

Mumbai, 22nd November 2023: Get ready to immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms of the blues at Mumbai’s iconic Mehboob Studio on 10th & 11th February 2024. Celebrating its 12th year, the Mahindra Blues Festival (MBF), a cornerstone of Asia’s blues scene and the very home of India’s blues movement, promises an electrifying blend of legendary and fresh blues talent from across the globe.

Early Bird Tickets Are Now Available at BookMyShow

Mahindra has been an ardent supporter of arts, music, and culture and has been at the forefront of building deep, meaningful connections with communities in India and around the world through these artistic endeavours and shared human experiences.

Mahindra Blues Festival 2024 launch

The Mahindra Blues Festival, embodying this ethos for 11 years, brings an unparalleled blues experience to Mumbai. The festival’s legacy is etched in its rich past of hosting blues luminaries.

Over its storied history, the Mahindra Blues Festival has been a stage for global blues legends and a beacon for enthusiasts worldwide. Regular attendees have been treated to performances by greats such as Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Taj Mahal, Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmie Vaughan, Billy Gibbons, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Johnny Lang, Beth Hart, Ana Popovic, Matt Schofield, Shemekia Copeland, along with a diverse roster of artists including Charlie “Kingfish” Ingram, Arinojoy Sarkar, Ivan Singh, and many more. Adding to its global appeal, the festival is also held biannually in Chicago at Buddy Guy’s Legends Club.

As we anticipate the 2024 line-up, the festival will continue its tradition of showcasing a dynamic mix of international stars and homegrown heroes, further cementing its status as a pivotal platform in the blues world. Echoing the reverence for the genre’s icons, the festival’s stages, including the ‘Polka Dot Parlour’ and the ‘Soul Strat Saloon’, will pay homage to legends and honor the contributions of Indian blues-rock stalwarts. The Mahindra Blues Band Hunt will also be soon announced, further enriching the fabric of the festival, and spotlighting nascent talent on the garden stage, a testament to the genre’s evolving narrative.

Mahindra Blues Festival 2024

But aficionados know that it’s not just about the music. The Mahindra Blues Festival transcends the auditory experience, offering a slice of gastronomy with specially styled food and beverages, a comfortable den with a viewing screen for a more relaxed experience, and exclusive merchandise and record stalls for attendees to take home a piece of the festival. Each element contributes to the mosaic of the blues experience.

Mr Jay Shah, Vice President – Cultural Outreach, at Mahindra Group, reflects, “Mahindra is a name synonymous with nurturing arts, culture, and community, and continues to fuel India’s blues passion. The Mahindra Blues Festival is more than a convergence of musical talent; it’s a cultural odyssey that pays homage to the rich tapestry of blues music worldwide. As we step into our twelfth year, we’re honored to continue fostering this deep-rooted connection among blues enthusiasts worldwide.”

A testament to enriching lives through music, MBF has attracted a dedicated following in the country and the world, growing into an online community of over 1,80,000 people across social media channels. A significant milestone in India’s blues music scene, it continues to hone a confluence of music in 2024 while staying true to the genre and beckons you to a two-day sojourn into the essence of blues.

22, Nov 2023
Premium Menswear Brand ‘Kingdom of White’ Launches New Store in Pune

Pune, 22 November 2023: Kingdom of White, an illustrious premium menswear brand built on a simple yet profound philosophy – For the Love of White – announces the launch of its latest store in Pune. This expansion signifies a crucial step in the brand’s growth, planting its roots in one of India’s most culturally and commercially rich cities. Kingdom of White’s presence in Pune is a celebration of the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, which aligns seamlessly with the brand’s values.

Located on the 1st floor of KOPA Mall in Koregaon Park, Pune – the store promises a pleasant shopping experience for those who appreciate the purity and sophistication of white apparel. It proudly showcases Kingdom of White’s latest collection draws inspiration from cultures around the world,
and features the latest designs. It is a testament to the brand’s commitment to crafting timeless, elegant, and premium quality pieces in a color that never goes out of style.

kingdomwhite

 Commenting on the new store, Vineet Haralalka, CEO, said, “Kingdom of White looks forward to connecting with Pune’s diverse populace and becoming a part of its vibrant culture through our brand-new store. We believe that the brand’s timeless and elegant designs complement the city’s unhurried pace beautifully. Our goal is to offer luxurious white apparel that the city will love.”

At the Pune store, Kingdom of White presents a wide range of options, with prices starting from INR 999 and going up to INR 3,499.