Preserve wealth and manage inflation with ICICI Pru GIFT Select

Chandigarh, March 20, 2025: In today’s uncertain economic environment, financial planning to ensure an additional income stream has become important which can aid individuals to manage rising inflation, navigate market fluctuations, and achieve financial goals. To meet this need individuals are looking for investment options which provide both safety of capital invested and growth. To fulfil this need, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched a unique long-term savings product – ICICI Pru GIFT Select, a product designed to provide guaranteed income while preserving wealth.

“Our goal is to help customers achieve their long-term financial aspirations with certainty,” says Mr. Amit Palta, Chief Product and Distribution Officer, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. The product offers flexibility, allowing customers to choose the duration of their guaranteed income while also receiving a lump sum on maturity in a tax-efficient manner. The increasing income feature, compounding at 5% annually, helps them manage inflation effectively.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance is also transforming life insurance distribution with digital innovations, empowering agents through the IPRU Edge mobile app. “Agents play a crucial role in helping customers make informed financial decisions. With IPRU Edge, we are equipping them with a digital office at their fingertips,” Mr. Palta explains. The mobile app provides business leads, social media marketing content, and a paperless buying journey, allowing agents to focus on growth.

Between April and December 2024, the productivity of agents using IPRU Edge surged by 25%. Notably, 98% of eligible agents using the app were paid commissions on the same day. AI-powered solutions have enabled the Company to issue approx. 50% of the savings policies on the same day.

ICICI Prudential Life’s commitment to customers is evident in its 99.3% claim settlement ratio for the period April 2024 to December 2024, with an average claim settlement time of just 1.2 days for non-investigated claims. With its customer-centric approach and digital-first innovations, the Company continues to set new industry benchmarks, ensuring financial security for policyholders and seamless career growth for agents.

Aakash Launches Aakash Digital for Medical & JEE Test Prep

National, March 20, 2025 – Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), the national leader in test preparatory services, is Breaking Barriers in the Test Preparation sector by making high-quality coaching more accessible, affordable, flexible and result-oriented than ever. As part of the Aakash 2.0 strategic plan, AESL is scaling up its digital intervention by bringing out a new and unique digital offering.

All Aakash products have been merged in the digital space under one roof – Aakash Digital 2.0 – a transforming online learning, AI-powered, interactive platform that delivers high-quality, affordable, and results-driven coaching for NEET, JEE, and Olympiads. Leveraging AI-powered insights, interactive learning tools and expert mentorship to ensure students across India receive top-tier coaching from the comfort of their homes.

A beta version of Aakash Digital 2.0 was launched a year ago and has delivered impressive results. Students in remote corners of the country have taken advantage of Aakash Digital’s new offerings and performed well in the high stakes exams of NEET and JEE. An opportunity they would not have otherwise got the benefit of.

Some notable examples are Gandhi Varda Jaimin from the tribal district of Banaskantha in Gujarat secured AIR 350 in NEET 2024; Rashmi Prakash Palai from Sundergarh in Odisha got AIR 649 in NEET 2024; Ishant Patel and Siddha Nema from Satna in Madhya Pradesh secured AIR 1482 and 2558 respectively in JEE Advanced 2024; Harish Kumar Uma Senthilkumar from Karur in Tamil Nadu obtained AIR 4357 in JEE Advanced 2024 among many more such success stories from remote corners of the country.

Key features of Aakash Digital:

  • Learn from Home, Save Time & Effort – No more commuting to coaching centers. Study in a comfortable home environment, maximizing time for revision and practice.
  • Affordable, High-Quality Education – Access top-tier coaching at a fraction of traditional costs, ensuring financial constraints never hinder success.
  • Flexible Learning Anytime, Anywhere – Attend live or recorded classes at your convenience—ideal for students balancing school and test prep.
  • Focused & Distraction-Free Learning – Create a personalized, stress-free study space at home for better concentration and retention.
  • More Time for Practice & Mastery – With less travel time, students can allocate more hours to solving problems and mastering concepts.
  • AI-Driven Performance Insights – Advanced SWOT analysis highlights strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, helping students refine their preparation.
  • Real-Time Parent Engagement – Parents receive regular progress updates, fostering transparency and accountability.
  • Personalized Learning & Progress Tracking – Digital tools provide in-depth performance analysis, allowing students to track their growth.
  • Unmatched Interactive Learning – Two-way interactive classes ensure real-time doubt resolution with India’s top educators.
  • Expert-Led Nurturing Programs – Designed by leading academicians, these programs provide instant academic support and mentorship
  • Live Doubt Resolution – Students can access up to 10 hours of Live Doubt-Solving sessions daily with expert faculty.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Deepak Mehrotra, Managing Director & CEO, Aakash Educational Services Limited, said, “At AESL, we believe in empowering students with the right guidance, knowledge, and resources to achieve academic excellence. Aakash Digital is paving the way for a new era in test prep by making high-quality education accessible, engaging, and outcome-driven. Students across the country can now experience India’s most trusted coaching from anywhere in the world with best-in-class faculty, advanced learning tools, and personalized mentorship.”

A Bite of Tradition! Chef Anahita Dhondy Reinvents the Classic Chicken Farcha as a Burger

March 20, 2025: Chef Anahita Dhondy comments on this recipe: “It’s time to feast and enjoy the beginning of spring! and chicken farce is always part of celebrations. So, I thought why not make it into a yummy burger, quick and easy and everyone loved it.”

Recipe

Ingredients for the burger:

  • Godrej Yummiez frozen chicken burger patties
  • Oil for frying
  • 2 eggs
  • 1tsp Parsi sambhar masala
  • Salt and pepper

For the chutney:

  • 1 cup fresh coriander
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh coconut grated
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1/2tsp whole jeera
  • Salt, sugar to taste
  • 2/3 ice cubes a little water to blend

Other ingredients for assembly:

  • Burger buns
  • Butter
  • Orange marmalade
  • Salad leaves
  • Onion slices
  • Tomato slices
  • Chips on the side (why not)

Method

  1. Whisk eggs in a bowl with masala salt and pepper.
  2. In a pan, add oil, once hot, dunk the burger patty into the egg and fry on each side for 4 mins each
  3. Blend all the ingredients for the chutney and keep aside
  4. Toast burger buns with a little butter
  5. Assemble your burger as shown in the video and enjoy!

Somaiya Vidyavihar University Welcomes Thought Leaders for Media Manthan 2025

Mumbai, 20th March 2025 – Somaiya Vidyavihar University, a multidisciplinary institution with over 80 years of legacy under Somaiya Vidyavihar, successfully concludes Media Manthan 2025. The event delved into the intricate relationship between media, democracy, and the public sphere, sparking insightful discussions on the role of media in shaping public discourse. Hosted by the Department of Mass Communication, Somaiya School of Humanities and Social Sciences, in association with the Press Club of India and the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia, Media Manthan 2025 brought together leading journalists, media professionals, and scholars for an engaging International Conference and Conclave.

The conference began with an inspiring inaugural session featuring Chief Guest Prof B K Ravi, Vice Chancellor of Koppal University; renowned film director Mr. Anil Sharma; Ambassador TP Sreenivasan, Faculty of Eminence and Prof V N Rajasekhran Pillai, Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Prof B K Ravi’s keynote session on Journalistic Metamorphosis set the stage for thought-provoking discussions.

Throughout the event, distinguished speakers addressed critical issues such as digital media’s impact on democracy, responsible journalism, corporate communication in the digital age, and the role of gender in the public sphere. Notable discussions included an expert talk by Dr Tamilselvi Natarajan on media literacy and fact-checking and an insightful lecture by Mr. Yogendra Puranik, Japan’s first elected non-Japanese MLA, on ‘Bridging Cultures: The Impact of International Communication on Public Opinion Formation.

Day 1 also featured research paper presentations on media, digital communication, and social influence, covering topics like social media’s impact on politics, activism, gender representation, and news coverage.

The second day of the conference saw engaging conversations on the intersection of art and retail marketing by Ms Anushka Guha, an engaging session on gender and the public sphere by Prof Manjula Bharathy, and an impactful panel discussion featuring Dr Milind Kokje (Chief Editor, BioSpectrum Asia), Sahil Joshi (Managing Editor, India Today), and Ms Vaishna Roy (Editor-in-Chief, Frontline), moderated by Ms Chetna Israni( Founder of Morning Star BrandCom) on the theme The Journalist, The Politician, and The Public: Who Shapes Whom?

During the valedictory session, Mr Gautam Lahiri, President of the Press Club of India, along with Prof. Nandakumar Gilke, Registrar of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and Prof. G N Devy, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences reflected on the conference’s role in fostering media accountability and democratic values. Mr Lahiri also shared insights on the history, importance, and role of the Press Club of India, congratulated SVU for successfully organizing the event, and expressed his enthusiasm for greater collaboration with the university in the future.

Prof. G N Devy, emphasized the historical role of Indian media, “From the middle of the 19th century till the middle of the 20th century, Indian media played an active role in gaining independence for this country. That part of the sociological engagement of the media needs to be studied fully.”

Mega Medical Camp in Bind A Historic Public Health Initiative

Bind, Bihar, 20th March 2025 – A historic Mega Medical Camp was successfully conducted at the High School in March second week at Bind campus under the banner of the Dr. Dheeraj Welfare Foundation. The camp, designed to offer quality healthcare services to the needy, received an overwhelming response from the local population.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Girivar Dayal Singh (IAS), Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Bihar, and Deepak Kumar Mishra, Municipal Commissioner, Bihar Sharif, who together lit the ceremonial lamp to signal the starting of the event.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Dheeraj Kumar, Founder of the Dr. Dheeraj Welfare Foundation, underscored the importance of affordable healthcare. “Our mission is to make medical facilities available to all sections of society. A healthy society is the cornerstone of a safe future,” he added. He again went on record saying that he will make sure more such medical camps are organized in order to bring necessary healthcare services to the people and raise awareness among people”.

The camp was able to provide free medical care and consultations to around 4,000 patients. A group of 17 specialist doctors from PMCH Patna, IGIMS Patna, and IMS Patna were actively involved in the process, devoting their skills to treating the people of Bind and nearby regions.

This effort reiterated Dr. Dheeraj’s strong conviction that helping humanity is a moral responsibility. He promised that such initiatives would keep coming in the future, making sure that more people get the medical care they deserve.

The Dr. Dheeraj Welfare Foundation expresses its sincere thanks to all the doctors, volunteers, and well-wishers who helped make this Mega Medical Camp a grand success.

ICRA Business Activity Monitor report for March 2025

This report highlights a significant moderation in year-on-year (YoY) economic activity, with the index registering a 35-month low of 5.6% in February 2025, down from 9.4% in January 2025. This slowdown is attributed to weaker YoY growth across a majority of the constituent indicators, partially influenced by the base effect related to the leap year in 2024.

Key findings of the report include:

The year-on-year (YoY) growth in economic activity, as measured by the ICRA Business Activity Monitor – an Index of high frequency indicators, moderated sharply to a 35-month low of 5.6% in February 2025 from 9.4% in January 2025, amid weaker YoY growth performance across 10 of the 15 constituent indicators, partly reflecting the base effect related to the leap year in 2024. The average YoY growth in January-February FY2025 stands at 7.5%, lower than the 8.8% growth seen during Q3 FY2025. The early trends for March 2025 are mixed, amid an uptick in the growth in electricity generation and a deterioration in the growth performance of average daily vehicle registrations.

  • YoY growth of ICRA Business Activity Monitor moderated to 5.6% in February 2025: After witnessing a robust performance in January 2025, the YoY growth in economic activity slowed in February 2025. The ICRA Business Activity Monitor rose by 5.6% in the month, the slowest pace in 35 months, although this was partly led by the unfavourable base effect owing to the leap year in 2024. There was a deterioration in the YoY growth for as many as 10 of the 15 constituent indicators in February 2025 vis-à-vis January 2025, including most automobile and mobility/transport-related indicators and non-oil exports. With this, the average growth in January-February FY2025 stands at 7.5%, trailing the growth of 8.8% seen during Q3 FY2025.
  • MoM contraction in the index widened in February 2025 vs. February 2024: The index declined by 5.0% on a sequential basis in February 2025 as against the 1.7% fall seen in February 2024, partly on account of higher number of days in the latter month, with 2024 being a leap year. As many as eight of the 13 non-financial indicators witnessed a deterioration in their MoM performance in February 2025 vis-à-vis February 2024, with a particularly weaker performance in vehicle registrations, motorcycle production, non-oil exports, and GST e-way bills.
  • Data for early-March 2025 is mixed: The average daily vehicle registrations stood at 49.9k units during March 1-18, 2025, ~20% lower on a MoM basis and ~27% lower on a YoY basis. In contrast, the YoY growth in electricity demand surged to an eight-month high of 6.7% during March 1-17, 2025 from 2.9% in February 2025, aided by above-normal temperatures and a greater number of heatwave days in the month

ICRA Business Activity Monitor is a composite indicator that comprises:

  • Auto production (2Ws and PVs)
  • Vehicle registrations ▪ Output of Coal India Limited (CIL)
  • Power generation
  • Non-oil merchandise exports
  • Cargo handled at major ports
  • Consumption of petrol and diesel

Finished steel consumption

  • Generation of GST e-way bills
  • Domestic airline passenger traffic
  • Aggregate deposits and non-food credit of SCB

Wealth Creation Week is Back! Zee Business to Guide Investors on Winning Strategies from March 18-28

March 20, 2025:Zee Business, India’s leading Business News Channel, is thrilled to announce the return of Wealth Creation Week—a highly anticipated programming initiative dedicated to equipping investors with expert insights, strategic market intelligence, and wealth-building opportunities. Airing from 18th March to 28th March, this special series goes beyond conventional financial discourse—it’s a movement that has shaped the investment journeys of millions over the years.

First launched in 2020 amid the challenges of the COVID-19 era, Wealth Creation Week proved to be a trusted source of financial guidance, helping investors navigate turbulent markets with confidence. Over the years, it has become a vital knowledge hub for individuals committed to making informed investment decisions. This year, the legacy continues, delivering actionable insights and expert strategies to empower investors in securing long-term financial stability and success.

The 2025 edition of Wealth Creation Week features a dynamic line-up of expert-led programs tailored for both beginners and experienced investors. Starting from March 18th, Wealth Creation Pick will air daily at 9:00 AM & 9:25 AM, offering top stock recommendations to maximize returns. At 9:40 AM, Wealth Creator Research will provide in-depth market analysis and high-impact investment strategies. Additionally, special episodes of Wealth Creator से मिलिए will highlight inspiring success stories of industry leaders, offering valuable insights and motivation for investors at every stage of their journey.

Mr. Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor of Zee Business, emphasized the significance of this show series, stating, “At Zee Business, our mission is to arm investors with the right knowledge and tools to achieve financial independence. Wealth Creation Week is not just about picking stocks—it’s about shaping financial destinies. When investors make informed decisions, their wealth grows, and so does the economy.”

Adding to this, Mr. Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL), highlighted the broader impact of the initiative: “Financial literacy is the cornerstone of wealth creation, and Zee Business has always been committed to empowering citizens with credible financial insights. Wealth Creation Week is designed to inspire, educate, and guide individuals toward financial prosperity, ensuring they achieve their goals with clarity and confidence.”

Beyond its role as an informative series, Wealth Creation Week is a catalyst for financial empowerment—breaking down complex market trends into actionable insights. Whether one is a first-time investor or a seasoned trader, this initiative ensures that every viewer gains the knowledge and confidence to navigate the financial landscape successfully.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 21 News channels, reaching more than 555+ million viewers in current year through its linear properties.

Classic Meets Contemporary: The Great Eastern Home Unveils Its French Collection

March 20, 2025:Transport yourself to an era of grace and grandeur with The Great Eastern Home’s French Collection. Crafted to echo the essence of historic French design, this collection infuses interiors with a regal charm, seamlessly blending classic artistry with enduring elegance.

The Great Eastern Home offers a breathtaking selection of French-inspired furniture and décor, each piece a testament to the legacy of master artisans. From intricately carved chairs and dining sets to ornate cabinets that exude charm, the collection celebrates the beauty of traditional craftsmanship. Elegant vases and lamps add a touch of luminous sophistication, while stately beds and mirrors transport you to the grand salons of France’s aristocratic past. Every item in this collection, from its delicate embellishments to its rich textures, is designed to create an atmosphere of opulence and timeless allure.

Designed to transform rooms into luxurious palatial settings, The Great Eastern Home’s French Collection brings opulent sitting areas adorned with gold leafing and rough texture. From a single statement piece to a full collection for your living room, these pieces allow you to create an atmosphere of unparalleled beauty.

Immerse yourself in the elegance of The Great Eastern Home’s French Collection and enjoy furniture that stands the test of time.

Uber Enhances Moto Safety with New Features and Kits

Chandigarh, March 20, 2025: Uber, India’s leading ridesharing company, is ramping up safety for two-wheeler riders and drivers with new technology-led safety features and the distribution of 3,000 safety kits across the country.

As part of the first phase, select Uber Moto drivers in Delhi received safety kits comprising helmets, reflective vests, safety stickers, and protective gear today from Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Shri Harsh Malhotra. In addition, Uber plans to introduce AI-powered Helmet Selfies for drivers and in-app ‘helmet nudges’ for riders to improve helmet adoption. Women Rider Preference, a first-of-its-kind feature allowing female drivers to filter for female riders, will now be extended to Moto rides.

Bike taxis have become a preferred mobility option due to their affordability, convenience, and ability to navigate traffic. According to the India Economic Impact Report 2024, compiled by UK-based Public First, Uber Auto and Moto contributed INR 36,000 crore to the economy in 2024. A KPMG report titled “Unlocking the potential of bike taxis in India” estimates the sector could create 5.4 million flexible livelihood opportunities in India by 2030, reinforcing its growing significance.

Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Shri Harsh Malhotra, said: “India is among the world’s largest two-wheeler markets, and ensuring road safety is our shared responsibility. Helmet compliance is a major factor in saving lives from road accidents involving two-wheelers. Uber’s proactive efforts to enhance road safety with tech-driven features like Helmet Selfies and nudges are commendable. Safety kits with helmets and protective gear will keep drivers and riders safe. These efforts need to be scaled further, and we hope that similar initiatives will be adopted by other companies too.”

Manish Bindrani, Head of Regional Supply Growth, Uber India & South Asia, added: “Uber Moto is one of the fastest-growing segments for Uber, loved for its affordability, ability to cut through traffic and easy integration with public transport. Today, the total number of two- and three-wheeler trips on Uber has surpassed car rides. With new safety features and the distribution of safety kits, we are reinforcing our commitment to safer roads while supporting drivers with flexible earning opportunities.”

New Safety Features for Uber Moto

  • Helmet Selfies for Drivers: This industry-first AI-powered feature ensures compliance with helmet use. Drivers are periodically prompted to take a selfie wearing a helmet before starting a trip. If the helmet is missing, they will not be able to begin the trip.
  • Helmet Nudges for Riders: Moto trips will begin with an in-app reminder prompting riders to wear a helmet before starting their journey. This will encourage riders to use helmets during rides and stay safe.
  • Women Rider Preference (WRP): Initially launched for cars, WRP will now extend to Moto rides, allowing female drivers to filter for only female riders, when they want to. This option will give female drivers peace of mind and flexibility, particularly during late hours.

Beyond these new initiatives, every Moto trip on Uber is backed by key safety features, including a 24×7 Safety Line, an in-app emergency button, phone number anonymization, and RideCheck, which detects long stops, midway-drops and route deviations, prompting Uber to check in with the rider and driver. These efforts reinforce Uber’s commitment to making two-wheeler mobility safer, more reliable, and accessible to millions of Indians.

ICICI Bank Enhances Accessibility with Fresh Branch Inauguration in Chhindwara

March 20,2025:Chhindwara: ICICI Bank has set up a new branch at Chhindwara – Nagpur road, near Bodri bridge. This branch, the Bank’s third in city and 17th in district, is equipped with an ATM.

The branch was inaugurated by Shri. Sudhir Jain, Sub Division Magistrate, and Shri. Chandra Prakash Rai, Commissioner, Nagar Nigam, Chhindwara.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts and deposits including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits and loans like, business loan, gold loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan and education loan along with remittance and card services. It also provides locker facility at its premises. It operates from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Monday to Friday and on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The branch also offers Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include opening of accounts and Fixed Deposit (FD), raising cheque book request, generation of e-statements and change of address, among others.

ICICI Bank has more than 310 branches and over 510 ATMs and cash recycling machines (CRMs) in Madhya Pradesh.