Event Listing | Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple at PVR HOME
PVR HOME is hosting a night of laughter and entertainment with Neil Simon’s legendary comedy, The Odd Couple, taking the stage on March 2nd at 7:30 PM. This iconic play, known for its sharp wit and timeless humor, promises an evening of uproarious laughter and brilliant performances.
The Odd Couple is Neil Simon’s Broadway comedy adapted to India. This urban non-stop comedy that invariably draws housefull shows, is based on a hilarious classic story set in the bustling metro city of Gurgaon about two women of opposite personalities who find themselves living together in a shared apartment and that’s when the comedy of errors begins. The play is full of witty dialogues and funny banter that delves into the challenges and humorous moments of co-existence, shedding light on the complexities of marriage, friendship, and personal space. This exclusive show is brought to you by Club HOME by PVR and presented by Dreamcatchers Theatre Group.
Details:
Date & Time: March 2nd, 7:30 PM
Venue: PVR HOME, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj
Duration: 90 Minutes
Tejasswi’s Risotto Stuns Judges on Celebrity MasterChef
28th February 2025: Sony Entertainment Television’s Celebrity MasterChef continues to serve up high-stakes culinary moment as contestants take on a brand new challenge – Italy via India! This time, the challenge pushes them to showcase their creativity by preparing a dish that reflects one colour from the Italian flag – all within 90 minutes. Celebrity cook – Tejasswi Prakash picks white and pours her heart and soul into cooking a special risotto.
Chef Ranveer Brar takes the first bite, and asks her – “When you tasted this, did you remember your mom? Are you convinced by the emotions you wanted to bring in? He goes on to dramatically tap his spoon on the table, validating her dish, exclaiming, “This is your best dish.”
The surprises don’t stop there – an impressed Farah Khan kisses Tejasswi’s hand in a gesture of appreciation. She states, “This is the best risotto I have ever eaten. I don’t even like risotto – but this is so flavourful.” A visibly overwhelmed Tejasswi gets emotional by the responses.
IceWarp’s Anita Kukreja Wins ‘Most Admired Brand Leader’ & ‘Mark of Excellence’ at World Brand Congress 2025
Mumbai, India – February 28, 2025: Anita Kukreja, Head of Strategic Alliances and Brand, IceWarp, has been honored with 2 prestigious awards – “Most Admired Brand Leader” and “Mark of Excellence” at the World Brand Congress & Awards 2025, held at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. These recognitions highlight her mark of excellence in branding & strategic vision for her organization as well as her outstanding contributions to brand strategy, innovation, and business leadership in the ever-evolving Indian IT landscape.
The World Brand Congress & Awards is a highly esteemed platform that celebrates excellence in brand leadership and marketing innovation. The event brings together industry leaders, marketing experts, and brand strategists to discuss emerging trends and share insights into the future of branding.
Apart from receiving distinguished awards, Anita Kukreja was also an esteemed panelist at the event, where she shared her insights on the topic “Brand Evolution: Adapting to the Future.” Drawing from her vast experience, she elaborated on how brands must continuously innovate and adapt to stay relevant in the rapidly changing market dynamics. She emphasized the importance of customer-centric strategies, digital transformation, and agile marketing approaches in building resilient brands.
On receiving the award, Anita Kukreja expressed her gratitude, stating:
“I am deeply honored to receive the awards for being a “Most Admired Brand Leader” and “Mark of Excellence “at the World Brand Congress & Awards 2025. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of my team and the unwavering commitment to brand excellence. In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, adaptability and innovation are key drivers of success, and I am committed to steering brand strategies that align with future market trends.”Speaking on Anita’s accomplishments, Dr. Aalok Pandit, Executive Director, CMO Global said “Anita Kukreja’s recognition as the ‘Most Admired Brand Leader’ and the ‘Mark of Excellence’ at the prestigious World Brand Congress & Awards 2025 is a testament to her unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership in the world of branding and marketing. Her ability to craft compelling brand narratives and drive impactful marketing initiatives has set new benchmarks in the industry. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and look forward to witnessing her continued success in shaping the future of brand excellence.”
Anita Kukreja’s recognition at this esteemed forum underscores her exemplary leadership and strategic vision in brand building. Her participation in the panel discussion further reinforced her thought leadership in shaping the future of branding.
Mumbai kicks of pop-culture season with Comic Con India’s Cosplay 101 Workshop
Maruti Suzuki Arena Mumbai Comic Con 2025 powered by Crunchyroll presents its first edition of the Annual Cosplay 101 Workshop, where creativity, craftsmanship, and fandom bring the best of pop culture from Indian fans. This workshop is a platform for cosplayers, enthusiasts, and first-timers to dive into the exciting world of anime, manga, comics, and beyond.
This year’s workshop will be hosted by an incredible lineup of cosplay experts:
- Saurabh Singh Rawat (@metalbenderstudios) – Indian Cosplay Champion of 2024, an accomplished artist and former art director with a decade of experience in the television industry. He now runs his studio, specializing in intricate costumes, props, and collaborations with global brands like Ubisoft.
- Medha Srivastava (@medha.vi) – A renowned cosplayer and concept artist, Medha is the first Indian female to win an international cosplay competition at TI9 Shanghai (2019). She has won multiple national cosplay championships, including ICC 2019, 2020, and 2023, and has worked with major brands like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, and Hotstar. She has been featured in Times of India, The Hindu, The Quint, and many more. Currently, she is collaborating with Oscar-winning legend A.R. Rahman on multiple projects.
- Jeet Molankar (@jeetjm) – A costume designer and co-founder of Iron Thread Studio, Jeet won the Indian Championship of Cosplay (2018) and represented India at C2E2 2018. He has worked on blockbuster films like KALKI 2898 AD, BMCM 2024, and GOAT 2024 and collaborated with brands like Google, Flipkart, Marvel, Disney, Amazon, YouTube, TVS, and H&M. He has also designed mascots for IPL teams KKR, MI, LSG, as well as international T20 teams South Africa DSG and Dubai Knight Riders.
ADDA.io Announces Unlimited Visitor Approvals for Housing Societies
New Delhi, 28th February 2025: Gated Communities in India have recognized the benefit of Visitor Entry Apps. However, lately there has been rising dissatisfaction among residents. Residents like to keep a list of pre-approved Guests on the app, so they do not have to rush to their Phones as and when Visitors arrive. However, popular Gate apps were not allowing pre-approvals beyond a certain number. This meant a Resident had to keep rushing to their phone in the middle of meetings and other appointments, just to approve walk-in visitors.
ADDA.io has revolutionized this situation by announcing unlimited pre-approved visitor’s approvals. This means a Resident can set up all their expected Guests in a pre-approved list and have a disturbance free day! This is a blow to existing Gate apps that were expecting Residents to pay for this feature.
“When Residents add pre-approved Guests, it strengthens the security of the Community. By doing so Residents are taking responsibility for their Visitors, proactively informing the Security team about the expected Visitor. This should be prioritised and not penalized by charging them for it! This also inconveniences the Residents if they cannot pre-approve a Guest and must rush to their phone every time a walk-in guest comes. At ADDA we prioritise the balance between Resident Convenience as well as Community Security, this is one such feature,” said Mr. Manjunath, the Product Manager for ADDA.io Gate Management product – ADDA Gatekeeper.
ADDA.io, presently a challenger in the space of visitor apps in India, has provided a fresh breath of relief to Management Committee members/RWA members who were struggling with other gate management apps, through its ADDA Gatekeeper solution for society gates. Notably, ADDA Gatekeeper has already been implemented across at least 1,500+ housing societies/communities across 40+ cities in India.
“We have been struggling with a different Gate App, which was chosen by the previous Management Committee as it came for Free. Lately residents were getting irritated by too many Ads and Spam being forced onto them by this App. Residents also complained that without the knowledge of the Association, Residents were individually asked to pay for essential features. Finally in Dec 2024, we moved to ADDA Gatekeeper.,” said Mr. Nitin (Name changed), the management committee member of a 2,000+ unit apartment community in Bangalore who moved to ADDA Gatekeeper recently from a competitor product.
“Representatives of RWAs, AOAs and estate managers of some notable housing societies in Bengaluru confirmed that the surge in e-commerce and deliveries has made visitor management a key area of focus for Gated Communities. An average Apartment Resident can receive up to 7 visitors on a weekday and up to 20 visitors on a weekend. We are consistent in our mission to ease urban lifestyle and no pre-approved guest limit feature is just another step forward,” said ADDA.io Co-Founder & CEO Ms.San Banerjee.
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal reaffirms commitment to Assam’s growth after Advantage Assam 2.0
Guwahati, February 28, 2025: Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, reflecting on his visit to Advantage Assam 2.0, highlighted Assam’s immense potential and reaffirmed his commitment to the state’s progress. Taking to social media, Agarwal shared his experiences in Assam, including its growth trajectory, rich cultural heritage, and thriving tea industry, while also outlining ideas to transform the state into a world-class oil-producing hub.
Agarwal emphasized Assam’s strategic potential in oil and gas, suggesting a model similar to the U.S., where small oil wells allow start-ups and entrepreneurs to participate actively. “Big things come in small packages,” he remarked, advocating for simplified clearances, financial incentives, and enhanced exploration efforts to unlock the sector’s full potential. Increasing domestic oil and gas production, he added, would reduce import dependency and lower energy costs.
Beyond energy, Assam’s tea industry, which contributes over 50% of India’s total production, holds vast potential, Agarwal noted. He proposed encouraging small and medium-sized tea estates with fewer regulatory hurdles, creating jobs, and promoting boutique tea brands for global markets.
The state’s vibrant cultural heritage was also in focus, with Agarwal witnessing the historic Jhumoir Binandini event, where 8,000 tea community members performed in what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” “Hon’ble PM led the way, playing the Dhomsa drum, bringing the entire stadium alive,” he wrote.
Cairn Oil & Gas, a Vedanta Group subsidiary, further reinforced its commitment with a Rs. 50,000 crore investment in oil and gas exploration, targeting 100,000 barrels of production per day and generating one lakh new jobs. The company’s CSR initiatives, including Nand Ghars, digital classrooms, and handloom skill centers, will also contribute to Assam’s socio-economic development.
As Advantage Assam 2.0 unlocks new opportunities, Vedanta remains dedicated to driving Assam’s transformation into a major energy and industrial hub, said a company spokesperson.
Amazon Pledges $1.2M to Protect Mumbai’s Flamingo Habitat & Mangroves
Mumbai, February 28, 2025 – Amazon today announced a US$1.2 million investment to restore the mangrove forests and mudflats that are critical foraging for Mumbai’s iconic flamingo population. Working with Hasten Regeneration, a social enterprise and developer of ecosystem restoration projects, the investment will fund the clean-up along the settlements on Thane Creek in Mumbai and plant mangroves in the nearby state of Gujarat. Amazon is supporting the initiative through its $100 million Right Now Climate Fund, which promotes climate resilience, biodiversity, and nature conservation projects in communities where it operates.
The project will tackle plastic pollution by installing a trash boom that blocks plastic waste from entering the Mumbai basin, where more than 1 million migratory birds – among them flamingos and over 180 other species – stop to feed each season. The goal is to remove at least 150 tons of plastic waste and replant the flamingo feeding grounds, including the stopover sites on the way to the nesting areas in the neighbouring Gujarat province. The project also aims to improve the quality of life for the slum settlement on the bank of Thane Creek, which will benefit from a cleaner environment.
Mangroves can sequester and store up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than mature tropical forests, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mangrove planting work will also generate employment and opportunities for the rural community in Gujarat, especially female-led planting companies.
“The preservation of Mumbai’s flamingo habitat is paramount, not only for the biodiversity it sustains but also for the communities whose livelihoods depend on it,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India. “By joining forces with Hasten Regeneration on this landmark project, we aim to safeguard Mumbai’s flamingo habitat for future generations.”
“This collaborative effort between Amazon and Hasten Regeneration is a game changer for the Mumbai basin. The project cleans up the polluted banks of Thane Creek, which is one of the most polluted waterways in the world. We are also creating a positive social impact, employing women to replant mangroves in critical stop-over sites for the precious flamingos on the way to their nesting grounds,” said Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration’s India branch and Director of Alaap.
“This initiative, aligned with the government’s goals under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes, will significantly contribute to protecting the habitat of flamingos and other migratory birds by planting 375,000 mangrove shrubs and trees. And with that, it will, over time, build climate resilience for local communities by protecting against storm surges, rising sea levels, and erosion, while also creating multiple sustainable livelihood opportunities” said Shri Mukeshbhai Zinabhai Patel, Minister of Forest and Environment, Climate Change, Water Resources and Water Supply, State of Gujarat.
In 2023, Amazon announced a US$15 million investment from the Right Now Climate Fund to support nature-based projects in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Amazon has launched three projects in India including this one, supporting the Centre for Wildlife Studies to plant 300,000 trees in the Western Ghats on the border of tiger and elephant habitat; and working with ICLEI South Asia to launch a network of 75 school gardens to support urban biodiversity and combat child malnutrition, to provide 15 million meals for children in India’s municipal schools.
Dilip Modi on Record 16.99B UPI Transactions in January
Mr. Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO of Spice Money
“The recent data released by the Ministry of Finance, showing UPI transactions crossing a record 16.99 billion in January 2025, marks a significant milestone for India’s digital economy. UPI remains the cornerstone of India’s digital payment ecosystem, contributing to 80 percent of retail payments across the country. In the 2023-24 financial year, the total transaction volume exceeded 131 billion, with the value surpassing Rs 200 lakh crore.
This data highlights the growing acceptance of digital payments and the trust people have in India’s digital financial ecosystem. At Spice Money, we are proud to be part of this journey, working to make financial services accessible to everyone, especially in rural and underserved areas.
This achievement reflects the collective efforts of the government, banks, and fintech companies. Over 80 UPI apps and 641 banks are live in the UPI ecosystem, demonstrating its widespread adoption and scalability. This growing participation underscores the platform’s reliability and efficiency, solidifying its pivotal role in driving digital financial inclusion across the country
A critical part of this success has been the role of business correspondents, who have been instrumental in bringing digital financial services to the last mile. They are the backbone of financial inclusion, ensuring that even the most remote communities can participate in the digital economy.
As we move forward, it is important to focus on reaching even more people, particularly those in smaller towns and villages. With a 1.5 million Adhikaris network, Spice Money remains committed to empowering individuals and businesses with simple, reliable, and affordable financial solutions. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of digital payments reach every corner of the country.”
Kia India Recognised As ‘Great Place To Work’
New Delhi, 28th February 2025 – Kia India, the country’s leading mass-premium carmaker, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ certification for the period of February 2025 – February 2026. This certification underscores Kia India’s unwavering commitment to building a trust-based, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired.
With over 92% employee participation from corporate, regional, and plant offices across the country, this achievement highlights Kia India’s employee-friendly policies, which prioritize the all-round professional development of its workforce.
On the occasion, Mr. Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO of Kia India, remarked, “Being recognized as a Great Place to Work is a proud milestone for all of us at Kia India. Our dedication to fostering a customer-centric, people-focused, and collaborative ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of everything we do. This certification is a testament to our ongoing journey. We remain committed to listening to our people, learning from their insights, and investing in their growth, making Kia India an even more inspiring place to work. As we continue to redefine mobility, we are steadfast in our mission to cultivate a workplace that nurtures innovation and growth.”
The certification process followed the rigorous Great Place to Work® model, evaluating workplace culture across five key dimensions: Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride, and Camaraderie. Kia India excelled in all these areas, reinforcing its commitment to employee engagement, well-being, and a culture of excellence. Notably, Kia India stands out as one of the few automobile manufacturers in the country to receive this prestigious recognition.
5 Reasons Why Pilot Salaries Will Continue to Rise
The aviation industry has witnessed significant pilot salary increases recently. From First Officers to Chief Pilots, salaries have been on an upward trajectory. But what is driving these increases, and how do industry experts view the future of pilot compensation? To gain insight, we spoke to Martynas Mazeika, Chief Growth Officer at BAA Training, a leading pilot training provider, who shared valuable perspectives on the factors influencing salary growth.
“The global pilot shortage has been a pressing issue for years, and it is only getting worse. In 2023, industry forecasts predicted a shortage of between 613,000 and 649,000 pilots worldwide between 2023 and 2042. By 2024, the estimates had risen to 649,000-674,000 pilots needed from 2024 to 2043. This suggests that even initial projections underestimated the scale of the problem,“ Mazeika notes.
1. Rapid Airline Expansion
“Airlines are expanding at a massive rate, further intensifying the pilot shortage,” Mazeika explains. “In 2024, Airbus delivered 766 commercial aircraft, with a significant portion going to European carriers. For each new aircraft, airlines often require up to five sets of crews—meaning ten pilots: five First Officers and five Captains. It puts immense pressure on the industry to train and hire more pilots.
“To meet this demand, airlines are increasingly turning to Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) training programs. The MPL program, often delivered in partnership with training providers, allows airlines to prepare pilots more efficiently and better prepare them for airline operations compared to traditional training routes. At the same time, pilots benefit from a direct career pathway and structured training.”
2. Pilot Retirements
Another major contributor to the shortage is the aging pilot workforce. The FAA estimates that around 4,300 pilots will retire annually through 2042. “In Europe, we are seeing similar patterns, with an aging workforce forcing airlines to accelerate recruitment efforts and even relax selection requirements slightly. For example, legacy carriers that have historically required proficiency in a national language are now beginning to eliminate this requirement,” Mazeika adds.
According to the FAA’s 2023 Pilot Workforce Analysis, the number of new pilots entering the industry is insufficient to replace retirees and meet airline expansion needs. Some estimates suggest that the training pipeline could fall short by 5,000-7,000 pilots annually.
“So on one hand, you have rapid airline expansion of their fleets, and on the other, massive retirements with not enough new people entering the industry or undergoing training. This creates the perfect environment for higher salaries, right?” says Mazeika.
3. A Rising Trend in Pilot Salaries Is Too Pronounced to Shift Downwards Anytime Soon
Over the years, pilot salaries in Europe have followed a clear upward trend, reflecting industry growth and increasing demand for skilled professionals. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, First Officers in Europe earned between €21,600 and €72,000 annually. By spring 2023, salaries had already risen significantly, ranging from €25,000 to €91,000. This upward momentum continued into spring 2024, with First Officers earning between €51,000 and €97,000—nearly doubling the lower salary range in just a year. This steady increase highlights a strong recovery in the aviation sector, with salaries surpassing pre-COVID levels.
In 2024, Chief Pilots in Europe earned between €120,000 and €270,000, marking an impressive 49.46% increase from the previous year’s range of €61,000 to €200,000. Salary growth is expected to continue into 2025 and beyond, driven by the ongoing shortage of qualified pilots.
4. Intense Global Competition for Pilots Between Airlines
“The battle for experienced pilots is intensifying as airlines across the globe compete for a limited talent pool. Some airlines are offering significantly higher pay packages to lure pilots away from rivals,“ explains Mazeika.
For instance, according to The Times, in Europe, easyJet has been offering up to £191,000 for Captains, while British Airways pays around £138,000. However, British Airways counters this with a lower retirement age of 55, compared to easyJet’s 65, using early retirement as a recruitment incentive. Additionally, they offer opportunities to transition to long-haul aircraft, which come with significantly higher salaries down the line.”
“But it is not only about the salary,” Mazeika points out. “Work-life balance, retirement plans, and benefits are now key factors in pilot recruitment. Airlines are going all out to make their offers as attractive as possible.”
New airlines, especially in Asia and the Middle East, are aggressively entering the market. “For a new airline with no established reputation, offering above-market salaries is often the primary way to attract pilots,” Mazeika explains. “This creates a ripple effect, pushing salaries higher across the industry.”
5. Rising Travel Demand
Global travel is rebounding strongly, with projections showing a 4.3% annual growth rate over the next 20 years. Airlines are increasing flight frequencies and expanding routes to meet the growing demand. For instance, Ryanair recently reported a significant surge in passenger numbers, surpassing 20 million per month.
Initially, many industry experts predicted it would take years for air travel to return to pre-pandemic levels. However, the recovery has been much quicker than expected, particularly in North America and Europe. In 2024, European airports welcomed over 5 billion passengers, a 7.4% increase from 2023, and exceeded 2019 levels by 1.8%.