4 February 2025, Jaipur – Dettol Banega Swasth India, Reckitt India’s flagship programme, partnered with the 18th Jaipur Literature Festival to ensure a safe and hygienic experience for all attendees at the Festival venue Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. The Festival, presented by Vedanta, in association with Maruti Suzuki, and powered by Vida, presented a diverse array of themes and writers, thoughtfully curated for a global audience. Audiences from around the world had the chance to hear some of the finest thinkers and writers speak on a range of topics. The 18th edition also featured the concurrently held Jaipur BookMark—India’s premier publishing conclave—, the Jaipur Music Stage, art installations, merchandise, local cuisine, and more. Expanding its reach, the Festival offered a vibrant and enriching experience, reinforcing its status as a premier literary event.

Commenting on the partnership, Ravi Bhatnagar, Director – External Affairs and Partnerships, Reckitt, South Asia, said, “At Reckitt, we believe that hygiene is the foundation of good health and a cornerstone of sustainable communities. Our long-standing partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival provides a powerful platform to drive meaningful conversations on health, hygiene, and sustainability. Through Dettol Banega Swasth India, we have been working relentlessly for more than a decade to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to make hygiene a lifelong habit. As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, fostering a culture of hygiene and well-being will be key to shaping a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future for all.”

Sharing her thoughts on the collaboration, Preeta Singh, President, Teamwork Arts, said, “The Jaipur Literature Festival has always been more than just a literary event; it is a global platform where ideas are exchanged, creativity is celebrated, and voices from across the world come together. Each year, we strive to make it more inclusive, engaging, and relevant, ensuring it continues to inspire generations of readers, thinkers, and storytellers. Our partnership with Dettol Banega Swasth India, Reckitt India’s flagship programme, reinforces our commitment to providing a safe, hygienic, and enriching experience for all who attend.”

Hyderabad, February 04, 2025- A unique culinary event held where young chefs from 9 countries cooked their national dishes in a friendly and non-competitive event on Monday night at The Glass Onion, Next to Infosys, Boulder Hills Madhava Reddy Colony Opp ISB, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

A gathering brought together Chef representatives from nine countries to showcase their national dishes. This is a unique and non-competitive gathering when 50 participants belonging to different countries showcased their national dishes in different cities such as Goa, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune and Ahmedabad in India, with 9 of them taking part in the Hyderabad event.

Known as the United World Young Chefs (UWYC) Gastronomic Experience, it was a great event the city has witnessed. It was the most sought and eagerly looked forward to event in the city organised under the aegis of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC) London.

The representatives who represented nations such as Albania, Australia, Greece, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Timor-Leste, Nigeria, Uganda, Philippines, and India, presented their cuisines exclusively to the most renowned and elite personalities of Hyderabad, ensuring a truly memorable gathering.

Food unites the world, said Mr. Emmanueal of IIHM. It is the biggest culinary event held in the world where chefs from 50 different countries cook together in a friendly competition, he added.

Celebrating friendship and camaraderie, UWYC offers Young Chef Olympians a chance to experience solidarity through culinary arts amidst the intense competition. The national dishes were kept open to public vote, allowing the world to determine the most popular national dish.

Esteemed guests such as Ms Abhilasha Bisht IPS, Director General of Police, and world-renowned chefs like Chef Steven Munkley, Chef Sarah Hartnett, Chef Stefan Hogan, Chef Rahul Akerkar, Chef Chalapathi Rao, and Chef Amey Marathe and many culinarians and Hospitality leaders will be in attendance.

New Delhi | 4 February 2025: Ms. Navin Menon, Editor, Publications, Children’s Book Trust Inaugurate The CBT Stall and address the press Meet . Children’s Book Trust Officials from CBT were present at their stall in Hall no 6 (Children’s Pavilion) at Bharat Mandapam at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 to address the media about their Growth plans for 2025. Ms. Navin Menon, Editor, Publications, Children’s Book Trust and Ms. Rana Siddiqui Zaman, Lead Strategist, Content, Communications & Promotions, Children’s Book Trust shared the highlights of their new marketing campaign and what the expected outcome will be.

Ms. Navin Menon, Editor, Publications, Children’s Book Trust said to the media, “Our content strategy to match our growth ambition has also evolved over the years, this year we are launching around 25 new titles and we will also be translating into many more languages to meet the requisites of our marketing reach”. Ms. Rana Siddiqui Zaman, Lead Strategist, Content, Communications & Promotions, Children’s Book Trust while addressing the media said, “Looking at the enthusiastic response in the fairs in the East and based on our internal survey, CBT is mulling over opening Book Stores designed as Children’s Fun Zones in prominent Eastern Indian Cities with engaging activities for children. The idea to engage children in good books that represent Indian cultural and moral values as well as physical games and fun activities.”

This year CBT will also be launching a 20,000 sq ft Shankar’s International Children’s Centre in Delhi where it plans to have Meeting Rooms, Activity Centre for Clay Modelling, Painting etc, Congregational Halls, Art Gallery for paintings received during previous Painting competitions, Venue for its On-The-spot Competition, Doll’s Workshop, etc to have cultural and artistic exchanges between different groups of children from different parts of India or abroad and expatriates.

Mr. Kishore Lal, Chairman, Children’s Book Trust says, “We need to help Children to stay away from screens of portable electronic devices and come back to reading good books. Books usually generate a deeper spirit of enquiry in young minds and a healthy, progressive outlook to life and living.” He continued to add, “We have had our presence internationally through our books which we sell in many countries, with the coming up of our SICC, we would like to have them here physically. We are a non-profit trust and our aim is not to make huge profits but to spread awareness about the benefits of growing up with good books.”

Children’s Book Trust is a not-for-profit organization founded by the renowned political cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai in 1957, making it the oldest Publisher for children’s storybooks in India. It has relentlessly for the last 68 years been finding new arenas and new opportunities to help children in their mental and creative growth through itself and its sister institutions.

This year, the Trust has taken up an aggressive marketing stand as a result of innumerable requests from parents to deviate children from excessive use of mobile phones. CBT’s primary aim was always to engage children in good books that represent Indian cultural and moral values as well as physical games and fun activities to help the children grow creatively and intellectually.

Keeping the idea of deviating children away from mobiles which many parents say has now become pandemic in India and Trust’s own primary aim, the Trust recently undertook an internal survey and its findings have shown the way to its new marketing strategy. Survey shows that parents and their children in Southern, Eastern and North Eastern India are still willing to buy and read books.

Before going to the Southern States, the Trust is focusing on its ‘Look East Policy’. The children’s publisher will be focused on the Eastern and North Eastern states including West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Meghalaya and Assam where it wants to be present in Book Fairs, Schools, Public and Private Libraries and even Stores in major cities in this region. This will help in CBT’s efforts to bring children and books nearer and presenting their books in new and innovative ways.

Under its ‘Look East Policy’ this year, CBT has started the year by participating for the first time at the 41st edition of Asansol Book Fair in West Bengal’s second most populous city Asansol and is following it up with their participation at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair from 28th January to 9th February, 2025.

Mumbai, February 4, 2025 – In a landmark moment for the future of education, VidyaAI, the world’s first AI-powered personalized learning platform, was officially launched today at the prestigious IIT Bombay E-Summit 2025. The event, known as Asia’s largest entrepreneurial platform, provided the perfect stage for VidyaAI to unveil its transformative potential in revolutionizing education.

A Revolutionary Step in Education:
VidyaAI, proudly conceptualized and developed in India, is a personalized and adaptive learning platform designed to cater to the diverse learning needs of students, educators, and institutions. By combining Generative AI, real-time analytics, and multi-language accessibility, VidyaAI delivers tailored learning experiences, making education more inclusive, efficient, and impactful.

“This is not just a product launch; it’s the beginning of a new chapter in education where every learner, regardless of their background, can access personalized and quality education,” said Dr. Utpal Chakraborty, Co-Founder of VidyaAI. “We are proud that VidyaAI is not only Made-in-India but is also a tool for nation-building, empowering students and educators to achieve their fullest potential.”

Transforming Education, One Learner at a Time:
Key features of VidyaAI include:

• Personalized Learning Paths:Tailored to each student’s unique strengths and needs.
• AI Buddy:Real-time support available 24/7 for clarifying doubts and enhancing understanding.
• AI-Generated Notes and Summaries:Simplifying complex topics for better retention.
• Gamified Learning:Making education interactive, engaging, and fun.
• Multi-Language and Offline Support:Bridging the gap for learners in remote and underserved areas.

Bringing Global Innovation, Rooted in India’s Values:
Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Salil, Co-Founder of VidyaAI, said, “Education is the backbone of any nation. VidyaAI is our commitment to making India a global leader in ed-tech innovation while addressing the diverse needs of learners across geographies. This platform is a testament to India’s growing influence in the technology space, powered by world-class AI.”

A Grand Launch at IIT Bombay E-Summit 2025:
The event was graced by eminent personalities, including Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder and Chairman of Infosys, Sonam Wangchuk, renowned innovator and education reformist, and Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director at NRSC ISRO. Other distinguished speakers such as Bharat Desai, Co-Founder of Syntel, Viraj Bahl, Shark Tank India personality, Pulkit Jain, Co-Founder of Vedantu, and Sandeep Jain, Founder of GeeksforGeeks, added to the event’s prestige.

This grand unveiling showcased VidyaAI as a first-of-its-kind personalized learning platform, empowering education through AI-driven solutions and setting the stage for a brighter, more inclusive educational future.

IIT Bombay as the Launchpad for Innovation:
The E-Summit provided the ideal platform for the launch of VidyaAI, reflecting IIT Bombay’s legacy as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. Prof Biplab Banerjee, a distinguished professor at the Centre of Machine Learning and Data Science at IIT Bombay, remarked, “IIT Bombay E-Summit is proud to be part of VidyaAI’s journey. This platform not only represents a technological breakthrough but also highlights how innovation can address critical challenges in education and contribute to nation-building. VidyaAI is a shining example of what India can achieve when education meets technology.”

Empowering Nation-Building Through Education:
VidyaAI aligns closely with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes personalized and technology-driven learning. By bringing adaptive education to millions, VidyaAI is expected to play a significant role in equipping India’s youth with future-ready skills while bridging the educational divide across rural and urban regions.

Hyderabad: The International Start-up Foundation (ISF) organized the GCC & CEO Summit at ITC Kohinoor, Hyderabad. The summit brought together global leaders from Global Capability Centres (GCCs), government representatives, and industry pioneers to discuss corporate innovation, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration.

Distinguished guests included Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, Industries and Commerce, Government of Telangana; Shri J. A. Chowdary, Chairperson & Convenor of ISF; U.S. Consul General Ms. Jennifer Larson, Sadhguru Sri Madhusudan Sai,Founder of the Shri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission.

The ISF GCC & CEO summit had the participation of 50-60 leaders of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), underscoring their critical role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship. The summit discussed the policy framework and government support required to attract GCCs to the city. It also discussed how GCC’s can actas catalysts for start-up growth by providing mentorship, market access, and funding, thereby fostering a dynamic ecosystem for emerging ventures. The summit hosted roundtable discussions focused on removing entry barriers for GCCs, deepening engagement with start-ups and universities, and leveraging technology for risk mitigation with the objective of positioning Hyderabad as a premier hub for GCC-driven innovation, leveraging their global expertise to accelerate the success of start-ups in high-impact sectors.

Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, Industries and Commerce and Legislative affairs, Govt. of Telangana highlighted the Telangana government’s commitment to establishing a world-class hub for GCCs, backed by progressive policies, cutting-edge infrastructure, a thriving innovation ecosystem and availability of trained manpower. He emphasised the government’s focus is on nurturing an environment that drives innovation, accelerates digital transformation, and contributes to the state’s economic growth with an favourable policy framework.

Shri J. A. Chowdary, Chairperson & Convenor, ISF, remarked “At the International Startup Foundation we are committed to provide platforms that help to identify and facilitate the opportunities of collaboration with startups. The ISFGCC & CEO Summit serves as a critical platform, bringing together key stakeholders—start-ups, global corporations, and government leaders—to foster impactful collaborations. Hyderabad’s ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and ISF is committed to fostering knowledge-sharing and helping businesses scale globally.”

The International Startup Foundation (ISF) Founder Team, led by Dr. Siva Mahesh Tangutooru, Co-Founder and Managing Trustee of ISF, along with other Co-Founders M. Satyendra Kumar, Atluri, and SeshadriVangala, spearheaded this initiative. The ISF GCC & CEO Summit aimed to bring together key leaders from Global Capability Centers (GCCs) to discuss and shape a policy framework that positions Telangana as a premier investment destination by fostering a robust ecosystem.

With the rapid evolution of new-age technologies reshaping certain functions within GCCs, the summit also focused on developing a strategic framework to leverage these advancements effectively while enhancing skill development to create new employment opportunities. “A comprehensive report outlining the panel’s recommendations will be submitted to facilitate the development of a forward-looking policy framework, further strengthening Hyderabad’s position as India’s GCC hub,” stated Mr. Prakash Bodla, Founder & CEO of Aarohan Consulting and Leader for the GCC Vertical at the International Startup Foundation.

A fireside chat was held on the side-lines of the summit with Sadhguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Founder of the Shri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission, in conversation with Ms. Sirisha Voruganti. CEO & MD, Lloyds Technology Centre. The discussion focused on leadership, philanthropy, and social impact, offering practical insights for business leaders.

The summit concluded with a high-impact networking session, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore potential collaborations. The ISF GCC & CEO Summit 2025 reaffirmed Hyderabad’s position as a premier global business hub, paving the way for further advancements in corporate innovation, global entrepreneurship, and social impact.