Disney+ Hotstar releases School of Lies, starring Nimrat Kaur and directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware

Mumbai, 25th May 2023: The walls of this boarding school echoes lies and conspiracies – Disney+ Hotstar drops the trailer of their upcoming mystery drama, School of Lies. Wrapped in the intense mystery of a missing child, this gritty thriller is headlined by Nimrat Kaur, Aamir Bashir, Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, Sonali Kulkarni and Jitendra Joshi. Inspired by true events and produced by BBC Studios, School of Lies is created by Ishani Banerjee and Avinash Arun Dhaware, directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware and will begin streaming on Disney+ Hotstar starting 2nd June 2023.

At RISE – the boarding school, when a 12-year-old Shakti goes missing, things start to spiral out of control, revealing the hidden skeletons in the closet of the boarding school. Will they unravel the mystery? Will they be able to find Shakti? School of Lies also stars Varin Roopani, Divyansh Dwivedi, Aryan Singh Ahlawat, Hemant Kher, Parthiv Shetty, Adrija Sinha and Aalekh Kapoor in pivotal roles. Tune in to Disney+ Hotstar to know more.

Sameer Gogate, General Manager, Production, BBC Studios India, said, “The School of Lies is an enthralling mystery inspired from a set of true events. The Show is set in a boarding school that is plagued by the disappearance of a young boy and exposes the systemic failures and the plight to unravel the truth, while showcasing the myriad of emotions and situations children face every day as they brace life. It brings to light the intricate lives of young students as they grow up, their families and the boarding school ecosystem. We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Disney+ Hotstar and super excited about this association with Avinash & Nimrat and the cast and crew who have been pivotal to this show.”

Nimrat Kaur, playing the character of Nandita Mehra, the school counselor in Disney+ Hotstar’s School of Lies said, “With the shoot of School of Lies, I learnt about the layered complexities of children and how they can reveal a new side to them every step of the way. This unique series, inspired by real life events, brings forth mind bogglingly unpredictable occurrences behind the closed gates of a fictional boarding school. Playing the highly complex role of a guidance counselor in this establishment with the dilemma of having to choose between the right and the necessary path of action in unprecedented life situations was not only tremendously rewarding but an experience that’ll forever be close to my heart.”

Creator and Director Avinash Arun Bhaware, “School of Lies is the story of a child’s loneliness, disconnect and repression. Also the story of a child’s freedom, magic and more. Every child, in a boarding school or otherwise, will go through these phases at some point or the other. In today’s world, children are much more sensitive and exposed. School of Lies is a story of the times we live in, and an attempt to look with empathy at all the forces within us that may liberate or destroy us.”

School of Lies is a drama thriller set in the fictional Dalton Town, surrounded by hills where a young 12-year-old boy goes missing from a private boarding school RISE, and the subsequent domino effect it causes as the truth is only as complex, as simple. A tale of shame, anger and grief, the narrative explores various stakeholders as the mystery unfolds- young boys on the cusp of adulthood, an aging teacher with a terrible secret, a distant counselor with a moral conflict and a panicking mother in denial. School of Lies is also the story of two young explorers as they discover life and magic. It all collides over 8 episodes to reveal a stunning secret.

~ Join the search for Shakti and get buckled up for the skeletons in the closet of RISE with School of Lies, streaming exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar from 2nd June 2023 onwards ~

*This programme is a work of fiction inspired by true events and is meant for entertainment purposes only. All characters, names of characters, places, and events depicted in this programme are purely fictitious.

The Hinduja Family Secures Top Spot for the fifth time on the Sunday Times Rich List

Mumbai,25th May 2023: The Hinduja family and Mr. Gopichand Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, a 108-year-old multinational conglomerate with a multi-billion dollar turnover, has topped the Sunday Times Rich List for the fifth time at £35 Billion. The Sunday Times Rich List compiles the net wealth rankings of the top 1,000 individuals or families residing in the United Kingdom, highlighting the wealthiest among them. This prestigious ranking is a testament to the Hinduja Groups remarkable achievements and outstanding success in the world of business.

The Hinduja family’s contributions across various sectors, including automotive, finance, energy, and healthcare, have not only redefined industry standards but also created a lasting impact on the global economy. Incidentally, the Sunday Times Rich List came out within hours of passing away of the Hinduja Group, Chairman, Mr SP Hinduja. Under the visionary leadership and strategic guidance of late Mr SP Hinduja, and Mr GP Hinduja, the Group has soared to unprecedented levels of success across diverse industries.

Expressing his gratitude for this remarkable achievement, Mr. Gopichand Hinduja remarked, “Me and my family are deeply grateful and humbled to have secured the top position on the prestigious Sunday Times Rich List. I love my brothers. We four are one soul. This recognition not only acknowledges our family’s relentless pursuit of excellence, it also serves as a testament to the collective efforts, unwavering dedication, and remarkable resilience demonstrated by every member of the Hinduja family and the exceptional talent within our organizations. ’’

Beyond the remarkable business accomplishments of the Hinduja Family, they remain actively engaged in philanthropic initiatives through the Hinduja Foundation. With a focus on education, healthcare, and community development, the foundation has positively impacted countless lives.

Among the other esteemed names featured on The Sunday Times Rich List are Sir Jim Ratcliffe with £29.688 billion, Sir Leonard Blavatnik with £28.625 billion, David and Simon Reuben and family with £24.399 billion, Sir James Dyson and family with £23 billion, Lakshmi Mittal and family with £16 billion, and the Weston family represented by Guy, George, Alannah, and Galen Weston.

Kottail Milano Eyes Retail Expansion Across India, To Open 40 New Stores In 2023

PAN India,25th May 2023: Kottail Milano, a leading Indian clothing brand committed to providing the latest trends in fashion, is gearing up to expand its retail footprint across the country by opening 40 exclusive stores in 2023. The primary focus of the expansion will be tier 2 cities in northern Indian states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Founded in November 2016 by Mr. Anil Bansal, the New Delhi-based Kottail Milano, has been a pioneer in fashion clothing with key products that include Shirts, Tshirts, Jeans, trousers, Formals, Suits, sweatshirts, Jackets, woolens, and other menswear products. Over the last few years, it has already established its presence in Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand. In April & May 2023, Kottail Milano also opened new stores in Haldwani (Uttarakhand), Shamli (Uttar Pradesh), Jewar (Uttar Pradesh), Faridkot (Punjab), Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh), and Narela (New Delhi).

In fact, across the 7 years of its existence, Kottail Milano has succeeded in opening 100+ brand outlets, while attaining a turnover of INR 50 Crores. The clothing brand is also projected to generate a revenue worth INR 100 Crores for FY 2023-24. On the other hand, the new retail expansion plan targetted across the Indian tier 2 cities, is expected to help stamp its mark in the country even further, through its unique designs and contemporary apparel selections.

Mayank Bansal, Director at Kottail Milano, said, “We, at Kottail Milano, are very excited by the prospect of opening a total of around 50 new stores as part of our expansion policy. We have witnessed a tremendous level of traction in tier 2 cities and the planned retail expansion will be an important milestone in our objective of opening 500 stores in the next 3 years. The latest step will also help us navigate our way into newer categories like womenswear, kidswear, activewear, and footwear.”

Kottail Milano brings the latest fashion trends at unbeatable prices without ever compromising on quality. Their products range across casual wear, and formal wear, as well as an extensive collection that offers something for every taste and occasion. The New Delhi-based clothing brand is one that puts great emphasis on style and comfort in its designs, which are guaranteed to bring forth ultimate value for money.

Signify lights up Majuli Island in Assam with solar lighting, benefitting over 32,000 lives

25th May 2023 Guwahati, India – Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has illuminated 43 villages in Majuli Island, Assam, with solar street lighting to enhance the safety of local citizens. The project executed in partnership with Evangelical Social Action Forum (ESAF) is part of the company’s Har Gaon Roshan CSR program, that focuses on sustainable rural development.

Majuli is one of the world’s largest river islands and is often dubbed the cultural capital of Assam as it is home to many ethnic groups that have lived here for centuries. It is also a natural habitat for rich flora and fauna, harboring many rare and endangered species, especially migratory birds, that make Majuli their home during the cold winters.

But every year, during the monsoons, the swirling waters of the Bramhaputra river bring life on the island to a standstill, making it inaccessible and cut off from the mainland. After sunset, the island is engulfed in a thick veil of darkness, making it unsafe to venture out or conduct any economic activity.

Keeping in mind these unique challenges faced by the locals, Signify worked closely with ESAF to install 100 solar-powered streetlights to make the streets safer for the citizens after dark. The company also donated 2,000 solar portable lamps to households for indoor lighting, replacing the kerosene lamps that left harmful fumes. According to the project estimates, more than 32,000 people living on the island will benefit from this initiative.

Shri Bhuban Gam, Honorable MLA of Majuli constituency, added, “The welfare of our people is of utmost importance to us, and this project will significantly impact the lives of people living on the island, providing them with access to clean and affordable energy. We appreciate Signify’s efforts towards enhancing the safety of the local people.”

Commenting on the project, Natasha Wadhwa, Head – CSR, Signify Innovations India Limited said “By lighting up the lives of more than 32,000 inhabitants of the beautiful Majuli Island with sustainable solar lighting solutions, Signify is not just illuminating the present, but paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. We are proud to play a part in illuminating the path towards a greener and equitable world. “

The ‘Har Gaon Roshan’ project focuses on promoting rural development by providing solar energy-based lighting facilities in rural villages to enhance the safety of women and children after sunset and extend the working hours of the village, thereby also enabling economic activities after dark.

Ashwinder R Singh Launches Master Residential Real Estate – A Game-Changing Book for Homebuyers and Real Estate Professionals

25th May,2023: Ashwinder R Singh, CEO – Residential at Bhartiya Urban and a bestselling author, is set to revolutionize the market again with the launch of his groundbreaking second book, “Master Residential Real Estate.”

His latest release has sparked immense excitement among homebuyers, channel partners, developers and real estate professionals. The anticipation surrounding “Master Residential Real Estate” is a testament to Singh’s reputation as a trusted authority and his ability to offer insights into the industry. His first book was “The A to Z of Residential Real Estate.”

“I am excited about ‘Master Residential Real Estate.’ This book is a comprehensive guide that empowers homebuyers and industry professionals with the knowledge and strategies to successfully navigate the real estate market. It is a culmination of my experience and expertise, aimed at helping individuals achieve their dreams in the world of real estate.” – Ashwinder R Singh, Author of “Master Residential Real Estate.”

Singh’s exceptional achievements have garnered recognition from industry giants such as Boman Rustom Irani, Chairman and Managing Director of Rustomjee Group and National President, CREDAI. Mr Irani commended Singh’s unwavering commitment to sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with others. He praised “Master Residential Real Estate” as a comprehensive resource that provides unparalleled information, empowering individuals to realize their aspirations in the real estate world.

Sharing his views, Rajan Bandelkar, President, NAREDCO, and Founder & MD Raunak Group, lauds the book as a thoughtfully researched guide and an invaluable resource for all industry stakeholders. Bandelkar highlighted Singh’s dedication and hard work, evident in the winning strategies presented within the book, aimed at fostering success in the real estate realm.

Hailing the book as a tried and tested tool for guaranteed success in home buying and real estate development, Harshvardhan Patodia, CMD, Unimark Group and Immediate Past President of CREDAI National said, “Singh’s second opus is the culmination of multiple years of relentless research, passion, and unwavering commitment, resulting in a powerful resource that handpicks the most relevant facts and figures.”

Ananta Raghuvanshi, Founder & President of NAREDCO Mahi, under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, commented, “The readers will benefit immensely from the outpourings of the tremendous knowledge he gained through sheer effort and intellect.”

“Ashwinder is a fine blend of a financial wizard and realty Moghul. Banking and realty are experiences which have shaped his decisions where logic and emotion together weave a success story. I have seen his journey, hard work, and growth,” Raghuvanshi added.

“Master Residential Real Estate” tackles the challenges faced by homebuyers head-on, offering industry secrets, priceless tips, and step-by-step guidance on seizing market opportunities, selecting the perfect location, implementing effective pricing strategies, and demystifying the home loan process. Going beyond expectations, the book also addresses the issue of inadequate knowledge in regulatory frameworks, empowering readers to make informed decisions and turn their dream homes into reality.

Featuring visually stunning presentations, “Master Residential Real Estate” offers more than just surface-level knowledge. It delves deep into real estate policies, regulations, and market trends, simplifying the complex documentation process. The book highlights legal essentials and pitfalls to avoid, making it a comprehensive homebuyer’s guide. It takes a fresh and captivating approach to demystify the complexities of the real estate industry.” The book has been published by ZebraLearn.

UltraTech Cement to implement Coolbrook’s innovative technology for industrial electrification

Enclosed is the press release on UltraTech Cement Limited partnering with Finland-based Coolbrook, a transformational technology and engineering company, to start a joint development project with the aim to install Coolbrook’s RotoDynamic HeaterTM (RDH) technology at an UltraTech production plant for electrification of cement production.

UltraTech is the first cement company in India and among the first in the sector globally to explore the use of this innovative technology that will help reduce burning of coal in cement production processes. The technology uses electrification from renewable sources for the heating processes in cement production and removes the need to use fossil fuels, thus accelerating decarbonisation of cement manufacturing operations.

We are all acutely aware of the fact that the cement sector, which is a critical enabler for the country’s development, being a hard-to-abate sector also has a very high carbon footprint. The key challenge is finding a technological breakthrough to reduce the carbon footprint. The partnership with Coolbrook assumes significance in this background.

Equally, India is at a very nascent stage of infrastructure development and our journey to becoming a $5 trillion economy will be possible only when we have the best-in-class infrastructure. UltraTech’s efforts to leverage innovative technology to decarbonise cement manufacturing will help to catalyse similar initiatives across the industry thus contributing to reducing the overall carbon footprint burden of India which is key in the country’s efforts to meet its Climate Change goals.

Photo Caption (from left to right): Mr. Joonas Rauramo, CEO, Coolbrook; Mr. K C Jhanwar, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement; Mr. Ilpo Kuokkanen, Executive Chairman, Coolbrook; and Mr. E R Raj Narayanan, Business Head and Chief Manufacturing Officer, UltraTech Cement, at the signing of the continued collaboration.

NTPC Wins Prestigious ATD Best Award

Mumbai, 25th May 2023: NTPC has been bestowed with the prestigious ATD BEST Award. This international award was received by Shri D.K. Patel, Director (HR) at a ceremony held on 22nd May, 2023 at San Diego, CA, USA. The ATD BEST Award instituted by Association for Talent Development, USA (previously referred as American Society for Training) is considered as one of the most coveted and the highest level of award in the field of Learning and Development.

It recognizes organizations that practice talent development as a strategic business tool and demonstrate enterprise-wide success as a result of employee talent development. NTPC secured an overall 13th rank, thereby figuring amongst the top international level awardees consequent to a rigorous evaluation and assessment processes. It ranked best amongst Indian PSUs and is the only PSU to have won this award six times. This is so far the best performance by NTPC in an international award in the domain of HR.

The award is a testament to NTPCs outstanding Learning and Development practices and its relentless pursuit of excellence through innovative approach, adopting technology, setting benchmark and fostering a culture of continuous learning by investing and providing opportunities to its employees tailored to business imperatives and employee’s needs.

NTPC has been in the forefront in adopting and institutionalising progressive and best HR practices, which have also been recognised by various awards and accolades.

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Driving Sustainability Forward: How Travel and Expense Paves the Way for responsible spend culture in Utility and Energy Company

As we celebrate Environment Day, it’s an appropriatetime to renew our pledge for building a sustainable planet for our people with products as an enabler.Small sustainability changes can lead to big results.While clean energy is a critical goal, there are other ways that utilities can embed greener practices throughout their organizations, such as financial and administrative processes that can be reviewed and reimagined in more sustainable ways. One such area of opportunity is travel and expense (T&E) management, as it affects nearly every employee across an organization. Turning to cloud-based software to manage T&E — or further optimizing SaaScan help businesses create more sustainable processes and influence employees to recognize the environmental impact of their travel and purchases.

Here are three ways that digitized intelligent T&E processes can help move the needle on sustainability across utilities and energy companies:

Integration of Sustainability Metrics

The integration of sustainability metrics offers significant benefits to organizations, fostering a harmonious blend of purpose and profit. The integration of sustainability metrics brings forth numerous benefits for utility and energy companies committed to sustainability. By infusing these metrics into their operations, companies can gain valuable insights into their environmental and social impact. This enables them to identify areas for improvement, set meaningful sustainability goals, and track progress over time. Integration of sustainability metrics also fosters transparency and accountability, allowing companies to communicate their sustainability efforts effectively to stakeholders and the public.
Some sustainability metrics like Trees saved by taking a particular travel route, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions with transport types, recyclability Index, green procurement with vendor ratings,employee engagement index helps in identifying cost-saving opportunities and enhancing operational efficiency through optimized resource allocation in a purpose driven way. Ultimately, the integration of sustainability metrics empowers utility and energy companies help to drive positive change, strengthen their reputation, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Paperless Expense Management

A paperless expense management system that takes care of itself and lets employees work on their business brings a plethora of benefits to organizations, aligning efficiency with sustainability. By digitizing expense processes, companies streamline workflows, saving valuable time and resources. Providing only needed touch points to create expense reports, to automate PDF receipt, credit card transaction, and invoice data ingestionand to compile travel itineraries can save employees and accounts payable (AP) staff time, save valuable efforts in post-facto reconciliation, data errors& hence better compliance to local tax regulations.

Measure success and find areas for improvement with data

Gamification of success KPIs and metrics is critical. By incorporating elements such as competition, rewards, challenges, and interactive experiences, gamification aims to make sustainability more enjoyable, accessible, and impactful.Robust tracking and analytics can help companies turn employee spending decisions into visibility and tangible measurement of sustainability actions. By adopting data driven decision making, companies can track progress, share results, and include these details in communications to employees, leaders, customers, regulators, and the greater community.

For example, with SAP Concur solutions, companies can observe monthly, quarterly, and annual data points on travel& spend patterns, by employee, department, route, green procurement vendors& act on it in responsible way. Infuse sustainability in your foundational fabric!