27, Oct 2025
Grihshobha Inspire Awards 2025 to Honour Women Achievers on November 3 in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, October 27, 2025: The Grihshobha Inspire Awards, instituted by India’s iconic women’s magazine Grihshobha, returns with its Bengaluru edition on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC). The awards night will celebrate exceptional women achievers from across diverse fields – from STEM, arts, entrepreneurship, grassroots leadership, and business to social change, public service, and culture.
The Inspire Awards shine a spotlight on women who have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and led with purpose – redefining what leadership and inspiration mean in today’s India. The Bengaluru edition will bring together eminent personalities, thought leaders, and changemakers in an evening that honours excellence and resilience while also celebrating art and expression through a special musical performance.
Following the success of its inaugural edition in Delhi (March 2025), the Inspire Awards are now expanding to new regions to celebrate diversity and regional representation. Each edition aims to uncover powerful stories of women who are transforming their communities and industries through courage, creativity, and conviction.
Anant Nath, Editor of The Caravan and Executive Publisher of Delhi Press, said,
“The Inspire Awards began as a celebration and have now become a movement. The incredible response to our first edition reaffirmed that India is full of stories that deserve to be told. By expanding the awards to new regions, we hope to recognize the depth of talent and leadership across the country. These awards are about shining a light on women who inspire others to lead with purpose and leave behind a legacy of change.”
The Bengaluru event will also feature a musical tribute, a two-part tribute curated and performed by Ananyaa Gaur:
- Curtain Raiser: A Tribute to Feminist Icon Begum Akhtar
- Curtain Call: Celebrating Feminine Voices in Folk Culture
The jury panel for the Grihshobha Inspire Awards 2025 comprises accomplished women leaders who bring credibility, expertise, and cross-sectoral insight to the selection process. Leading the jury is Sathya Saran, former Editor of Femina, joined by Richa Shah, Director of Delhi Press; Padmapriya Janakiraman, Actor;Nuriya Ansari, Education & Social Impact leader; Dilshad Master, Media Veteran & Adventure Enthusiast; Surabhi Kanga, Web Editor of The Caravan; Sobha Narayan, Auhtor & Journalist; and Suparna Mitra, former CEO of Titan Watches & Wearables Division.
The Inspire Awards follow a rigorous, transparent selection process, moving from a longlist of over 200 nominations across India to final awardees chosen by the distinguished all-women jury. This process reflects Grihshobha’s commitment to celebrating leadership that transcends region, industry, and background – embodying its philosophy of empowerment and progress.
About Grihshobha
Published by Delhi Press, Grihshobha is India’s most-read Hindi women’s magazine with over one million readers, published in eight languages – Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Bangla. For over 45 years, Grihshobha has informed, inspired, and empowered readers through its rich blend of stories on home, lifestyle, health, and relationships.
Delhi Press is one of India’s largest and most diverse publishing houses with 36 magazines in 10 languages, spanning women’s interest, current affairs, family, and children’s segments.
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- By Neel Achary
27, Oct 2025
Chtrbox Reports Strongest Quarter Ever, Poised to Accelerate Growth Post IPO.
Mumbai, 27th October, 2025 : Chatterbox Technologies Limited (formerly Chatterbox Technologies Private Limited), India’s leading digital and influencer marketing platform, announced its unaudited financial results for the half year ended September 30, 2025, showcasing strong performance following its successful Initial Public Offering.
The company reported significant year-on-year growth in revenue and profitability, reinforcing its leadership in India’s rapidly expanding digital and influencer marketing ecosystem. This performance reflects robust market confidence and validates Chtrbox’s strategic direction and client-centric approach.
Key Highlights:
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Strong year-on-year revenue growth during the first half of FY2025-26
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Steady increase in profit after tax and earnings per share
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Strengthened balance sheet and reserves following successful IPO and BSE SME listing
Raj Mishra, Founder, CEO & Managing Director, Chatterbox Technologies Limited, said:
“We are pleased with our performance in the first half of FY2025-26, which reflects the strength of our business model and our position in India’s digital and influencer marketing sector. The successful completion of our IPO and listing on BSE SME marks an important milestone in our journey. Our consistent revenue and profit growth demonstrate the trust our clients place in us and the effectiveness of our platform. We remain focused on delivering value to all stakeholders and capitalising on the immense opportunities in the creator economy.”
The strong performance is attributed to Chtrbox’s continued investment in expanding service offerings and deepening client relationships in an increasingly digital-first marketplace.
Curt Marvis, CEO & Co-Founder, QYou Media, commented:
“Chtrbox’s strong half-yearly performance validates the immense potential of the influencer marketing sector in India. The company’s steady revenue growth and profitability demonstrate the maturity and scalability of this business model. As stakeholders in this ecosystem, we’re witnessing growing brand appetite for creator-led campaigns, and Chtrbox’s ability to deliver measurable results while expanding operations sets a strong precedent for the sector.”
As of September 30, 2025, Chtrbox reported growth in total assets and reserves compared to the previous fiscal year-end. The proceeds from its IPO have strengthened the company’s cash position, enabling it to pursue further growth and innovation initiatives.
Looking ahead, Chtrbox remains committed to expanding its capabilities, deepening brand partnerships, and empowering creators across diverse content verticals, anticipating sustained momentum through the second half of the fiscal year.
27, Oct 2025
Birla Open Minds Launches Experiential Learning Books for Grades 5 to 8
Mumbai, 27th October 2025: Birla Open Minds today unveiled its Experiential Learning Books, a pioneering initiative designed to make education active, engaging, and connected to the real world for students in Grades 5 to 8 (ages 10–14). The launch was held at Gopi Birla Memorial School, with educators, students, and stakeholders witnessing the introduction of this first-of-its-kind program tailored to middle schoolers at a pivotal stage of cognitive and social development.
The Experiential Learning Books aim to empower students to move beyond rote learning by integrating theory with practical application. Rooted in David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle and enriched with design thinking, the books encourage students to explore, reflect, and innovate while solving real-life challenges.
Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director, Birla Open Minds, said, “In today’s rapidly changing world, education cannot be limited to memorizing facts. Students need to think critically, solve problems, and connect classroom learning to real-life challenges. Our Experiential Learning Books have been designed to do exactly that, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving. With these books, learning becomes an active, engaging process, preparing students not just for exams but for the complexities of life itself. Experiential learning is no longer a choice; it is essential to shaping confident, capable, and future-ready individuals.”
Grade-wise Experiential Learning Books
Grade 5 – Decoding Food Labels
India faces a growing challenge of childhood obesity, with over 14 million affected children. Yet, only 16% of Indian consumers read food labels regularly. This book turns students into food detectives, teaching them to understand nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and marketing claims. Through hands-on activities and real-life investigations, students learn to make healthier choices and even guide family and friends.
Example engagement questions:
- How many teaspoons of sugar are in a tetra-pack juice? (Often 6–8, more than a soft drink)
- How much real fruit is in “fruit-flavoured” candy? (Usually none)
Grade 6 – Chemical Footprint: What We Use, What We Risk
From personal care products to cleaning sprays, synthetic chemicals are everywhere, yet many are untested for long-term safety. This book helps students identify chemicals in everyday life, understand health and environmental risks, and explore safer alternatives. It’s a journey of awareness and responsibility, empowering students to make informed choices.
Example engagement questions:
- How many chemicals have you touched today? (Hundreds, many untested in combination)
- Can your home-cleaning products pollute the air you breathe? (Yes, through VOCs)
Grade 7 – The True Cost of Fast Fashion: Think Before You Wear
Fast fashion drives over 80 billion clothing purchases globally every year, creating massive waste and environmental damage. Students explore the hidden journey of their clothes, from production to disposal, uncovering impacts on people and the planet. The book encourages creative, sustainable choices and challenges students to rethink consumption habits.
Example engagement questions:
- How many litres of water does it take to make a cotton t-shirt? (Over 2,700 litres)
- How much of your wardrobe do you wear regularly? (Often only 20%)
Grade 8 – Fast Tech: The Life Cycle of Your Gadget
Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are indispensable, but their production and disposal involve significant ethical and environmental considerations. This book traces the full life cycle of gadgets, from raw materials to e-waste, exploring mining practices, labor conditions, and recycling challenges. Students learn to make responsible tech choices and understand their role in a sustainable future.
Example engagement questions:
- How many raw materials are mined for a single smartphone? (Over 75 pounds, including rare elements)
- How much e-waste is properly recycled? (Only 17%)
The Experiential Learning Books will be followed by the launch of the Learners Kit on 29th November 2025, offering additional resources and activities to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Benjamin Franklin’s adage, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”, captures the vision of Birla Open Minds. These books aim to transform classrooms into spaces of curiosity, creativity, and exploration, preparing students not just academically but for life.
27, Oct 2025
Divine Surrender’: Buddhist Anthem of Peace and Compassion Unveiled in Mumbai
‘DIVINE SURRENDER’ A Buddhist Anthem of Peace, Awakening and Compassion Unveiled in Mumbai
Mumbai, 27th October, 2025: An evening of music, mindfulness, and spiritual reflection unfolded in Mumbai as ‘DIVINE SURRENDER’ The Buddhist Anthem of Peace, Awakening and Compassion” was officially launched at Downtown 20 Hall, Churchgate.
Penned by Shri Rajkumar Badole, former Minister and current MLA, the anthem carries a profound message of peace, self-realization, and compassion — values central to Buddhist philosophy. The project features internationally acclaimed actor Gagan Malik in a symbolic role, with music composed and sung by Pawa, a renowned Buddhist musician known for blending meditation, melody, and mindfulness into one transcendent experience. The anthem is directed by Niraj Prabhakar, who adds a cinematic depth to this spiritual creation and Produced by Mr. Aniket Badole of Yugandhar Creations. The song will also be launched in multiple languages like Thai, Vietnamese, Sri Lankan, Cambodian & Bangladeshi & many more”.
Recorded at Studio 28, Bangkok one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious studios ‘Divine Surrender’ was brought to life with a grand symphony orchestra, creating a majestic fusion of Eastern spirituality and global orchestral soundscapes. The anthem serves as an artistic bridge between cultures, celebrating the timeless teachings of the Buddha through the universal language of music. Presented by Yugandhar Creations, ‘Divine Surrender’ stands as a heartfelt artistic offering that unites music, spirituality, and global harmony on one stage
The launch event was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, making it a truly memorable evening. Mr. Donnawit Poolsawat, Consul-General of the Royal Thai Consulate in Mumbai, and Shri Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, attended as Chief Guests. The Guests of Honour included Ms. Shirani Ariyarathne, Consul-General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai; Shri Dinesh Waghmare, Chief Election Commissioner, Maharashtra; Ms. Koushalya Wickramasinghe, Chairperson of Siddhivinayk Cine Arts (Pvt) Ltd.; and Act. Captain Nattakit Chaichalermmongkhon, Thai businessman and researcher, Mr. Aniket Badole, Producer, Yugandhar Creations. The event also saw the presence of Pawa, the composer and singer of the anthem; Gagan Malik, acclaimed actor; and Niraj Prabhakar, director of the ‘Divine Surrender’ music video.
Speaking at the launch, Shri Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Today, this beautiful song ‘Divine Surrender’ has been launched with collaborations from Thailand, and I am truly happy to witness it. In politics too, we have artists who appreciate culture and creativity, and I feel proud to see such initiatives coming from our own leaders. I extend my best wishes to the entire team behind this anthem.”
Mr. Donnawit Poolsawat, Consul-General, Royal Thai Consulate in Mumbai said, “It is truly heartening to see a project like Divine Surrender emerge as a bridge between Thailand and India, two nations who are deeply connected through the shared wisdom of Lord Buddha. This anthem reflects the timeless message of peace and compassion that our cultures have cherished for centuries, now expressed through the universal language of music.”
Shri. Rajkumar Badole shared, “Divine Surrender’ is more than just music — it is a prayer for global harmony, a surrender to the divine truth within. When I penned these verses, I envisioned a message of peace that transcends borders. With Pawa’s soulful music recorded in Thailand and Gagan Malik’s profound presence bringing it to life, this anthem has truly become a bridge of compassion between India and the world.”
Adding to the reflection, Pawa said, “Through this anthem, I wanted to create an experience that helps people pause, breathe, and reconnect with the compassion that lives within us all as Buddha music is not just music but about meditation.
Mr. Gagan Malik, who has featured in the anthem, shared, “This world, in the phase it is going through today, needs peace more than ever. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a true visionary he had foreseen this long ago, understanding that only compassion and equality can guide humanity forward. I feel grateful that through ‘Divine Surrender,’ I can carry this message of peace and awakening ahead.”
The evening witnessed an inspiring confluence of culture, art, and spirituality. Dignitaries, monks, artists, and members of the creative fraternity came together to celebrate the message of peace and awakening that the anthem embodies. The atmosphere was serene and contemplative, with live performances and moments of silence that invited introspection and harmony.
The event marked a significant milestone in the journey of Buddhist art and music from India to the world a harmonious confluence of philosophy, creativity, and devotion that left the audience deeply moved.
27, Oct 2025
Occupational Therapy in Action: KOTA and AIOTA Jointly Mark World OT Day with New App Launch
Thiruvananthapuram, 27th October, 2025: The Kerala Occupational Therapists’ Association (KOTA) and the All India Occupational Therapists’ Association (AIOTA) jointly celebrated World Occupational Therapy Day. The event held in Thiruvananthapuram, was inaugurated by former minister and Kazhakoottam MLA, Kadakampally Surendran. M. Abdunnasir, Chairperson of the Kerala State Allied and Healthcare Council, was the Chief Guest.
During the inaugural function, the Kerala Occupational Therapists’ Association’s new mobile app was launched. The KOTA Community Mobile App is a centralized digital platform for occupational therapists in the state that aims to enhance connections, collaboration, and service accessibility among the members. The facility is also available for the public to find information, including where occupational therapists practice in government and private sectors, and their membership status. The app will also feature a community forum for members to discuss topics related to occupational therapy and information on various workshops.
The event was organized focusing on this year’s World Occupational Therapy Day theme, ‘Occupational Therapy in Action’, to increase public awareness about occupational therapy and highlight the field’s importance in society.
“We are celebrating this year’s World Occupational Therapy Day in a social context where Occupational Therapy has been proven effective in the treatment of conditions including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and ADHD,” said Kadakampally Surendran MLA during his inaugural speech. “While we take pride in the achievements Kerala has made in the health sector, the reality remains that there is a lack of awareness in society about fields like Occupational Therapy. Such shortcomings must be addressed through practical actions”. He added.
“The World Occupational Therapy Day celebration holds great significance, as it comes at a time when a unified syllabus and curriculum for occupational therapy have been introduced in the country,” said Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry, Honorary Secretary of the All India Occupational Therapists’ Association. He added that “We are passing through a moment that truly marks the gravity of occupational therapy in the health sector.,” Dr. Joseph Sunny is also a key person who played a significant role in the historical changes in the field of occupational therapy recently announced by the Central Government.
Occupational therapists who demonstrated excellent performance in the field, and this year’s rank holders from the Kerala Health University were honored at the ceremony. There were various cultural programs by the occupational therapy students from the National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (NIPMR) and KMCT College Of Allied Health Sciences.
KOTA President, Dr. Mary Philip, Secretary, Dr. Smruthy Jose C, AIOTA Honorary Secretary, Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry, Organizing Chairperson, Dr. Vinith Dani Joseph, Secretary Dr. Joseph Bose, Dr. Anna Daniel (National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) and Dr. Muhammed Shareef (KMCT College of Allied Health Profession) were present.
25, Oct 2025
Crucial Launches DDR5 Pro OC 6400 CL32 – Its Most Powerful Gaming Memory
BOISE, Idaho, 25th October, 2025: Crucial®, a brand of Micron Technology, Inc., is deepening its commitment to gamers with the debut of Crucial DDR5 Pro Overclocking (OC) 6400 CL32 Gaming DRAM. Engineered for tech enthusiasts and offered in 32GB kits or 16GB single modules1, this new memory delivers faster speeds, lower latency and a bold new design that looks as good as it performs. This launch cements Crucial’s commitment to PC gamers with new 10-nanosecond/CL32-class latency and delivers on feedback related to aesthetics, now with a new elevated heatspreader design.
“Today’s AAA games are more immersive, fast paced and demanding than ever. They push systems to their limits with real-time action, intense multitasking and ultra-high frame rates,” said Dinesh Bahal, corporate vice president and general manager of Micron’s Commercial Products Group. “Gamers need memory that can keep up. Crucial DDR5 Pro OC 6400 CL32 is designed for those who want to win on both performance and style. It helps players load games faster, react instantly and stay ahead of the competition. It’s fast, reliable and looks incredible inside your rig.”
Performance and specs:
Delivering meaningful performance gains in memory-sensitive games like Watch Dogs: Legion and Red Dead Redemption, Crucial DDR5 Pro OC 6400 CL32 offers average frame rate improvements of up to 25%, for smoother gameplay.2 While performance gains vary by title and hardware configuration, the most significant improvements are typically seen in games and applications that are memory-intensive.
1: Densities are defined by JEDEC for the life of the DDR5 generation of memory.
2: Testing was conducted using a hardware configuration featuring an AMD X870 chipset motherboard, and a Ryzen 9 9800X3D processor. Performance comparisons based on Crucial DDR5 5600 memory modules versus Crucial DDR5 Pro Overclocking 6400MT/s CL32 with AMD Expo enabled. Actual results may vary.
With speeds up to 6400MT/s3, this memory delivers up to 37.5% lower latency than JEDEC-standard DDR54, is optimized for next-gen multi-core CPUs and supports stable overclocking with Intel® XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO™5 (requires manual BIOS enablement). It’s compatible with Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2) and AMD Ryzen™ 9000 Series processors, ensuring seamless integration into modern gaming and creative setups.
Key features:
- Faster than ever: Up to 6400MT/s speed and CL32 latency means quicker reactions and smoother gameplay: More than 14% faster than standard 5600 DRAM. 6
- Micron-powered performance: Backed by Micron’s trusted memory technology for long-term reliability and energy efficiency.
- Multitask like a pro: Perfect for gaming, livestreaming, 3D rendering and content creation,7 making it ideal for custom builds or for anyone who uses data-intensive applications like AI and machine learning.
3: Crucial DDR5 Pro OC Gaming memory modules (UDIMMs) can reach rated speeds with Intel XMP 3.0 or most AMD EXPOTM turned on in the UEFI/BIOS settings. Altering clock frequency or voltage beyond rated speeds of 6,400MT/s and timing of 32-40-40-103 at 1.35V may result in damage to computer components and will void your Crucial warranty. Micron disclaims all liability for such damage.
4: Comparing the true memory latency of Crucial Pro DRAM: OC Gaming Edition of 10ns for 6,400MT/s CL32 to the true memory latency of Crucial Pro DRAM Plug-and-Play edition of 16ns for 6,000MT/s CL48. 10ns is 37.5% lower than 16ns of true memory latency.
5: Crucial DDR5 Pro Memory modules (UDIMMs) can only be installed in desktops/workstations built to support DDR5 DRAM, such as 13th and 14th Gen Intel® Core™ and AMD Ryzen™ 9000 Series desktop processors.
6: Limited lifetime warranty valid everywhere except Austria, Belgium, France and Germany, where warranty is valid for ten years from the date of purchase. DRAM components and modules are rated for 6,400MT/s 32-40-40-103 at 1.35V. Altering the module’s clock frequency, speed, timings or voltage beyond its specifications may damage system components and will void its warranty.
Micron disclaims all liability for damage caused by overclocked beyond 6,400MT/s 32-40-40-103 at
1.35V. Please check your CPU and motherboard manuals for their warranty information when overclocked.
7 : Under memory-intensive workloads, DDR5 can deliver up to two times the bandwidth of DDR4, per an internal simulation of dual-ranked x8 modules in client platforms.
Engineered to win, styled to stand out
With a camo-inspired pattern, available in stealth matte black or snow fox white, Crucial’s refined heatspreader combines function with standout aesthetics. A diamond-cut Crucial logo and bold “Crucial Pro” spine branding introduce a refined, tactical look. Designed for durability, the new heatspreader delivers reliable cooling performance and a clean, modern finish that complements high-performance builds.
Crucial DDR5 Pro OC 6400 CL32 Gaming DRAM will be available starting October 21, through e-tailers, retailers and channel partners. Visit Crucial.com for more information on where to purchase.
25, Oct 2025
Grazia India Unveils Cool List 2025 Honouring New-Age Changemakers
Introducing Grazia India’s Cool List 2025: The Changemakers Redefining What It Means to Be Cool
India, 25th October, 2025: Grazia India, the dynamic and innovative brand known for blending contemporary fashion with timeless elegance, unveils its highly-anticipated Grazia Cool List 2025. This year’s edition celebrates the individuals shaping India’s cultural landscape with ingenuity, courage, and vision. The Cool List 2025 captures the vibrant pulse of a nation where music meets design, cinema meets conscience, and digital storytelling amplifies authentic voices. Each name on this list stands out not just for talent, but for the conviction, curiosity, and creativity that define what it truly means to be cool today.
From screen to sound, couture to content, the Cool List 2025 is a mosaic of talent reflecting the evolving face of contemporary India. These are the creators who turned ideas into movements, blurred the boundaries of their genres, and rewrote the rules of influence and impact. Whether on stage, on screen, or in digital spaces, they’ve emerged as cultural forces shaping trends and inspiring communities.
Rohit Gopakumar, Director of Worldwide Media and CEO of ZENL, BCCL TV & Digital Network, “The Grazia Cool List 2025 captures the spirit of a new era in India’s cultural and creative ecosystem. It’s more than recognition, it’s a lens on those shaping trends, ideas, and conversations across music, film, fashion, and design. Each individual honored demonstrates not only excellence in their craft but a vision that inspires innovation, challenges conventions, and defines what it means to influence culture meaningfully in today’s dynamic world.”
Adding her thoughts, Mehernaaz Dhondy, Editor-in-Chief, Grazia India, said, “It’s that time of the year again Cool List season is officially here! This is one of our most cherished IPs and, honestly, a true labour of love (our shoots span weeks, cities, and plenty of caffeine the behind-the-scenes could be a show in itself). Every year, we set out to find the voices who are defining now the thinkers, performers, designers, and creators who inspire with their passion and perspective. Each year, we curate names that have shaped the year in their own unique ways from breakout stars to cultural powerhouses, from storytellers to innovators.
“Cool List 2025 is officially here! This is one of our most cherished IPs and truly a labour of love. Every year, we set out to spotlight the voices shaping the moment the thinkers, performers, designers, and creators who inspire with their passion and vision. The Cool List celebrates those who have left their mark over the year, from breakout stars to cultural powerhouses, from storytellers to innovators, each making their own unique impact.”
Here’s the entire list of celebrities for Cool List 2025:
- Lakshya
- Samiksha Pednekar
- Vishal Jethwa
- Masoom Minawala
- Anuv Jain
- Kayan
- Ali Fazal
- Jonita
- Shaheer Sheikh
- Elnaaz Norouzi
- Vir Das
- Fatima Sana Shaikh
- Gurfateh Pirzada
- Sara Tendulkar
- Zahan Kapoor
- Kusha Kapila
- Shantnu Nikhil
- Darshan
- Pavitra Rajaram
- Stebin
- Tahir Sultan
- Raj & DK
- Bijoy Shetty
- Aditi and Aditya Dugar
- Ankita Chawla
- Rooshad
- Amrit
- Nida Merchant
- Saloni Kukreja
- Chaitanya
25, Oct 2025
PVL 2025: Mumbai Meteors book a spot in the final with a dominant win over Goa Guardians
25th October, 2025: Mumbai Meteors defeated the Goa Guardians 15-8, 15-8, 16-14 to book a spot in the final of the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad on Friday. Shubham Chaudhary was named the Player of the Match. Mumbai will play the winner of the second semifinal between Bengaluru Torpedoes and Ahmedabad Defenders.
Goa showcased their attacking intent early on with Nathaniel Dickinson’s spike and Rohit Yadav’s power-packed serve. But Goa’s defence struggled against consistent attacks from Mumbai’s Shubham Chaudhary and Amit Gulia. Dickinson’s spike helped Goa win the super point, but Mumbai’s disciplined formation edged the Meteors ahead.
Prince tried to counter-attack for Goa from the middle zone, but Karthik kept Mumbai stable. Smart play from Shubham minimised Mumbai’s errors. Goa made a change in formation, bringing on setter Aravind to turn the momentum. A super serve from LM Manoj provided a moment to celebrate for the Guardians. But Prince’s overhit shot cost Goa a super point, helping Mumbai take a two-set lead.
Amit’s super serve continued Mumbai’s dominance while adding more pressure on Goa’s shoulders. Petter Ostvik won the battle against Prince in the third set, helping Mumbai dominate the middle zone. Vikram won a super point, giving a glimmer of hope to the Goa fans. But just when it looked like Goa would be able to fight back, Karthik blocked Chirag Yadav’s spike, helping his side win the game and reach the final.
24, Oct 2025
‘Game of Thrones’ Star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Showcases Odisha’s Mangrove Restoration in UNDP Series
UNDP Goodwill Ambassador and ‘Game of Thrones’ star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau highlights Odisha’s mangrove restoration story in global documentary series
Bhubaneswar, 24th October, 2025 : The second season of the acclaimed series ‘An Optimist’s Guide to the Planet’, hosted by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador and ‘Game of Thrones’ star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, premiered on Wednesday. It features the mangrove restoration work under the Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC) initiative in Odisha. ECRICC is a collaborative effort of the Green Climate Fund, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, and the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Odisha, with implementation support from UNDP.
The opening episode, titled ‘Protect’, follows Coster-Waldau’s visit to Bagapatia village in Kendrapara district, where communities displaced by rising sea levels and coastal erosion are rebuilding their lives through climate-resilient practices. The episode captures how local women and men are restoring mangroves and safeguarding their coastline as part of the ECRICC project.
In the show, Coster-Waldau who is also a climate advocate, travels across continents, spotlighting communities creating practical solutions to environmental challenges. The Odisha segment, which begins around the 15-minute mark of the premiere, showcases the importance of community-led action. The episode also highlights stories from Denmark and Ecuador and weaves a global narrative of optimism and climate action.
The six-part series will air Wednesdays on Bloomberg Originals, available on major streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Samsung TV+, and LG channels. It will also air on Bloomberg TV and will be available on-demand on Bloomberg.com and YouTube.
