IHCL Signs SeleQtions Hotel in Mandawa Rajasthan

Chandigarh, JANUARY 31, 2025: The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a SeleQtions hotel in Mandawa, Rajasthan. In a conversion project, the haveli has been authentically restored to preserve its historical charm.

Commenting on the signing, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “The growing interest in immersive travel experiences has fueled demand for heritage stays and cultural tourism. Mandawa, with its rich architectural legacy, serves as a convenient extension for travellers exploring the Delhi-Jaipur-Agra circuit. This signing underscores IHCL’s commitment to meeting diverse traveller preferences and tapping into emerging micro-markets. We are pleased to collaborate with Shri Vijender Singh Shekhawat and Shri Pushpender Singh Shekhawat on this project.”

Originally built in the 1870s, the haveli offers a remarkable glimpse into Mandawa’s storied past. Its mural paintings, dating back to the 1890s, feature intricate depictions of religious icons, floral and geometrical motifs, and scenes from life of the era. At the haveli guests can indulge in the culinary offerings at the all-day-diner, bar, or rooftop restaurant. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, hammam, spa, and gym. The restored 17-key IHCL SeleQtions Mandawa will be extended to 35 keys.

Shri Vijender Singh Shekhawat and Shri Pushpender Singh Shekhawat said, “We are excited to collaborate with IHCL, a brand that brings their expertise in the leisure sector and a deep commitment to preserving and restoring heritage properties.”

Nestled in Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, Mandawa is renowned for its exquisitely painted havelis, which feature the world’s largest collection of European-inspired frescoes, attracting tourists from around the world.

Air India and Kenya Airways Launch Codeshare Partnership

Chandigarh, 31 January 2025: Air India, India’s leading global carrier, and Kenya Airways, a leading African carrier, have entered a codeshare partnership, reaffirming their commitment to boosting seamless travel between India and Africa, and beyond. The codeshare partnership complements the existing interline agreement between the two carriers.

The codeshare and interline partnerships together allow passengers of both airlines to enjoy convenient access to a wider range of destinations across regions, leveraging a single ticket and a unified baggage policy for a hassle-free travel experience.

As part of the codeshare agreement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on twice daily flights between Nairobi and Mumbai operated by Kenya Airways, which will seamlessly connect passengers via Mumbai on Air India-operated flights to or from Bangkok (Thailand), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Malé (The Maldives), Melbourne (Australia), and Singapore. These are in addition to existing connections that passengers from Nairobi can take to several other destinations within and outside of India via Delhi, when flying Nairobi to Delhi with Air India.

The new agreement also enables Kenya Airways to place its ‘KQ’ designator code on Air India-operated flights between Delhi and Nairobi, thus enabling Kenya Airways passengers from across Africa to travel to Delhi via Nairobi.

“Deepening our partnership with Kenya Airways aligns perfectly with Air India’s strategic vision of expanding our global footprint and strengthening our position in key markets”, said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “Our codeshare partnership will provide significant benefit to guests of both airlines, and also contribute to the overall growth of air travel between India and Africa.”

The interline agreement between Air India and Kenya Airways enables passengers to seamlessly travel on a single itinerary between any of 28 points in Africa (Accra, Addis Ababa, Dar Es Salaam, Harare, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Seychelles, Kilimanjaro, Mombasa, and Zanzibar to name a few), and any of 15 points in India (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad to name a few).

“We are delighted to expand our partnership Air India, that will open up significant opportunity for our passengers. This codeshare agreement allows us to offer seamless connections to a wider range of destinations across both airlines’ networks, making travel easier and more convenient” said Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Kenya Airways.

Air India and Kenya Airways plan to progressively add other destinations in their networks to the codeshare agreement.

Garuda Aerospace Unveils Drone City Plans with Union Minister Naidu

31st January 2025, Chennai – Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone manufacturer and a prominent member of the Bharat Drone Association, has announced a significant investment of Rs. 100 crore for the development of Andhra Pradesh as India’s first ‘Drone City’. The announcement came during a strategic meeting with the Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Rama Mohan Naidu Ji. This ambitious project aims to foster drone innovation, research, and development in India, transforming the nation into a global hub for drone technology.

During the meeting, Garuda Aerospace’s CEO discussed the company’s alignment with ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ and its significance in national development, the company’s ongoing contributions towards ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, that empowers rural women through drone technology. The conversation also discussed, Garuda Aerospace’s rapid expansion across India and global markets demonstrating the company’s commitment in making India a global drone hub. He shared Garuda Aerospace’s strong progress in the agriculture industry and the company’s partnerships with leading global players.

“This investment signifies our unwavering commitment to revolutionising the drone industry in India and globally,” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “We envision the Drone City as a hub for drone innovation, fostering cutting-edge research, attracting top talent, and propelling India to the forefront of drone technology. This investment aligns perfectly with our vision of expanding our global footprint, pursuing an IPO, and continuing to develop innovative drone solutions that address critical societal challenges.”

Garuda Aerospace is a proud recipient of six DGCA approvals that include Type Certification and RPTO approvals. These validate the company’s technical expertise and commitment to regulatory compliance, essential for responsible drone development and deployment.

Ocular Trauma A Growing Yet Preventable Cause of Vision Loss in India

By: Dr. Pallavi Joshi, Consultant – Cornea, Ocular Surface & Refractive Surgery, Sankara Eye Hospital, Bengaluru.

 

Loss of vision is a significant public health concern in India, affecting an estimated 50 million individuals annually. One of the leading yet often overlooked causes of visual impairment is ocular trauma, particularly among young individuals. This not only impacts their quality of life but also has far-reaching socio-economic consequences. However, on a positive note, approximately 1.2% of vision impairment cases are due to avoidable blindness, highlighting the crucial role of timely medical intervention and preventive measures.

Understanding Ocular Trauma and Its Causes

Ocular trauma refers to any injury affecting the eye, including damage to the cornea, conjunctiva, eyelids, retina, or optic nerve. Each year, over two million cases of ocular trauma are reported in India, with 40,000 resulting in permanent vision loss. These injuries are broadly classified into two categories:

  • Open-globe injuries – Full-thickness wounds of the eye caused by sharp objects or blunt force trauma leading to ruptures.
  • Closed-globe injuries – Partial-thickness wounds resulting from blunt force impact or sharp objects affecting the cornea or sclera.

The most common forms of ocular trauma include blunt injuries, chemical burns, UV exposure-related burns, and orbital fractures. These injuries frequently occur due to workplace accidents, sports activities, assaults, and road accidents. Individuals working in high-risk environments, such as agricultural fields, construction sites, and chemical factories, are particularly vulnerable due to inadequate protective gear and poor safety awareness.

The Socio-Economic Impact of Ocular Trauma

Ocular trauma is more prevalent among young males and children, with the severity and causes varying based on socio-economic status. Farmers, laborers, industrial workers, and students are the most commonly affected groups. In many cases, a lack of awareness and access to affordable protective gear increases the risk of severe injury. Without immediate medical attention, ocular trauma can lead to irreversible vision loss, orbital deformities, and secondary complications such as infections and glaucoma. Beyond physical consequences, the condition imposes an emotional and financial burden on affected individuals and their families, often leading to a decline in productivity and quality of life.

“Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to an injured eye. Never attempt to remove foreign objects or self-medicate without professional guidance. Rinsing the eye to remove debris or chemicals and applying a cold compress can help reduce the impact before seeking medical attention. Immediate intervention is critical in preventing long-term damage, as even minor injuries can lead to severe complications if left untreated,” emphasizes Dr. Pallavi Joshi, Consultant – Cornea, Ocular Surface & Refractive Surgery, Sankara Eye Hospital, Bengaluru.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Ocular Trauma Cases

  • Protective eyewear – Wearing safety goggles or protective glasses in hazardous workplaces and while riding can significantly lower the risk of eye injuries.
  • Workplace safety education – Training workers on the importance of protective gear and the potential dangers of exposure to chemicals, sharp objects, and UV equipment.
  • Sports safety – Using polycarbonate helmets and face shields to prevent eye injuries during sports activities.
  • Childproofing homes – Eliminating sharp and blunt objects in households to reduce the risk of ocular trauma in children.
  • Youth awareness programs – Educating young individuals on first-aid responses for eye injuries to minimize long-term damage.

The Way Forward

Despite its significant impact, ocular trauma remains an often-neglected health issue in India. A major contributor to this problem is the widespread lack of awareness about protective measures and the importance of timely medical intervention. By promoting proactive eye safety measures and ensuring access to quality healthcare, we can work toward reducing preventable vision loss. A future where ocular trauma-related blindness is a rarity rather than a common occurrence is within reach—one step at a time.

Ashoka University Launches Bhashavaad India’s First Open-Access Translation Hub

New Delhi, 31th January 2025: The Ashoka Centre for Translation at Ashoka University, in collaboration with the New India Foundation, launches Bhashavaad, India’s first non-profit, open-access, and crowd-sourced database of Indian translations. Opening with 14,000+ entries, 6,500+ authors, and 7,000+ translators, the aim of the database is to re-energize India’s translation ecosystem with an inventory of demand and supply that is long overdue and extremely valuable for our literary-cultural identity and infrastructure. The database is now live at www.bhashavaad.in.

As with any living archive, Bhashavaad will improve with time and will be updated with more data and information to support its purpose. It strives to answer questions like what is and what is not being translated, who is publishing translations, who is translating, which languages are most active, what are the most translated language pairs, and many more. With more data being added to the existing searchable database, it will help us understand our multilingual landscape better and also the dynamics between languages, the communities that use them, and the regions they belong to.

Rita Kothari, Co-director of the Ashoka Centre for Translation and Professor of English at Ashoka University, is credited with extensively translating between Gujarati, Sindhi, English, and Hindi and also for theorizing translation in the Indian context. On the launch of this database, Rita Kothari said, “Bhashavaad, as both an idea and archive, is an attempt to listen to what’s left over, as opposed to what’s lost, in translation. As such, ‘vaad’ is also to speak, stemming from ‘vaach’ in Sanskrit. Bhashavaad, therefore, shares not a concern about ‘isms’ but instead about the active ‘ings’—thinking, reading, writing, translating, and publishing—taking place in the wider Indian literary sphere. This interactive database is as much about making Indian languages speak to each other as it is about reading and listening to them.”

Arunava Sinha, Co-director of the Ashoka Centre for Translation and Professor of Creative Writing at Ashoka University, with over 90 published translations between Bengali and English, said “the Bhashavaad database can be used to better understand the multilingual landscape of India. Powered by a diverse team of research fellows, academics, student interns, and project leads from different states and towns across India—working on translations from and into languages ranging from Dogri to Dakhni and Maithili to Mundari—it will improve as public users interact with it. This database is a labor of love of all those who are involved in the business of translation, directly or otherwise, many of whom have voluntarily come forward to support us in this endeavor with their suggestions and resources.”

In its current shape, Bhashavaad has noted a massive leap between the first 50 years of the 20th century, with 125 translations, and the first 20 years of the 21st century, with 2673 translations. While the database is still evolving toward its goal of mapping the full landscape of Indian translations, this remarkable growth marks a strong and credible beginning. Of the translations listed so far, the top ten translated languages are Bengali (1749), Hindi (1155), and Marathi (887), followed by Tamil, Malayalam, Urdu, Telugu, Kannada, Sanskrit, and Odia. The top five languages that receive translations outside English are Hindi, Gujarati, Kannada, Bengali, and Telugu. A happy discovery of browsing is the long translations from Manipuri, Maithili, Kodava, Rajbangshi, Mizo, Kokborok, and Bongcher. The top languages for translation from Sanskrit are English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, and Punjabi.

The top publisher of translations is National Book Trust with 2260, closely followed by Sahitya Akademi with 2118. The most prolific translation publishers are Penguin in English, Vani Prakashan in Hindi, Gurjar Grantharatna in Gujarati, DC Books in Malayalam, and Dey’s Publishing in Bengali. The top translated authors include Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Premchand, Amrita Pritam, William Shakespeare, Saadat Hasan Manto, Mahasweta Devi, Jules Verne, and Satyajit Ray. The database throws up delightful translation heroes like Chandrakant Pokale (127 translations from Marathi to Kannada), Ramanlal Soni (83 translations from Bengali and 7 from English to Gujarati), Sudhindranath Raha (65 translations from English and several European languages to Bengali) and Jai Ratan (36 translations from Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi to English).

Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University said, “The launch of Bhashavaad marks an important step toward preserving and celebrating India’s rich multilingual heritage. Ashoka University believes in the power of translation to bridge cultures, deepen understanding, and make literary treasures accessible across languages. We believe this open-access database will serve as an invaluable resource for scholars, researchers, readers, and translators, creating a more connected and inclusive literary ecosystem.”

The Bhashavaad database will continue to be a growing repository of translations where users, including authors-translators-publishers themselves, can add new entries and correct existing ones. Users will soon have interfaces to add or modify information on their books. As it continues to collect data from catalogues, websites, and library lists, Bhashavaad hopes to lead by building further collaborations with repositories of existing records to provide exhaustive documentation in the form of a living archive of India, and Indian literature, in translation.

Amit Shah Inaugurates NUCFDC Office in Mumbai

Mumbai, 30 January 2025: The National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) has officially inaugurated its Corporate Office in Mumbai. The Honourable Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah, virtually inaugurated the NUCFDC Corporate Office on the sidelines of the inaugural event for the International Year of Co-operatives 2025 in Mumbai.

The event was attended by a distinguished group of dignitaries, including Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Co-operation; Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra; and Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Co-operation.

The inauguration of the NUCFDC office marks a significant step toward modernizing the Urban Co-operative Banking (UCB) sector. The event was attended by Laxmi Dass, President of NAFCUB; Ajay Brahmecha, President of the Maharashtra Federation; Satish Marathe, Central Board Member of the Reserve Bank of India; Uday Joshi, President of Sahakar Bharati; Milind Kale, Director of NAFCUB and former Chairman of Cosmos Bank; Gautam E. Thakur, Chairman of Saraswat Co-operative Bank; and Kantibhai Patel, Vice-Chairman of the Gujarat Federation, along with several other prominent leaders from the UCB sector.

Emphasizing the multidimensional benefits that the NUCFDC will provide to Urban Co-operative sector Honourable Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said, “The principle of Co-operation Among Co-operatives will be implemented across the country in the coming days. The Umbrella Organization will integrate activities such as digital banking, mobile banking, online transactions, and international trade with Urban Co-operative Banks. All financial dealings of co-operative institutions will be conducted through co-operative banks. By implementing this principle nationwide, we will achieve significant success, leading to the economic self-reliance of the co-operative sector.”

Shri Jyotindra Mehta, Chairman of NUCFDC, spoke on the occasion, describing the inauguration as a pivotal moment in the transformation of the UCB sector. “The establishment of this new office for the Umbrella Organization marks a major milestone in driving inclusive growth. NUCFDC is dedicated to providing essential resources to this vital segment of the country’s financial ecosystem. We are committed to fostering the development of UCBs and addressing the key challenges they face,” he said.

The NUCFDC has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a non-banking finance company (NBFC) and, once it achieves a paid-up capital of ₹300 crore, can approach the RBI to become a self-regulatory organization (SRO) for the urban co-operative banking sector, with functions prescribed by the RBI. Positioned to play a crucial role in the digital transformation of UCBs, NUCFDC aims to equip these institutions with the necessary tools to succeed in an increasingly digital and competitive financial landscape. As the umbrella organization for UCBs, NUCFDC’s focus will be on modernizing these institutions, integrating essential financial services, and aligning them with the operational standards of commercial banks. The goal is to enhance customer service, strengthen sector stability, and ensure compliance with the Banking Regulations Act.

The organization’s operations will include providing capital, secured credit lines, refinancing loans, and offering emergency liquidity support to UCBs facing short-term financial difficulties. In addition to funding, NUCFDC will also focus on non-fund-based services aimed at enhancing the technological infrastructure of UCBs. This will include the rollout of a shared IT platform offering a comprehensive suite of services. Furthermore, NUCFDC will provide treasury management, payment and settlement services, and other operational solutions to improve the capabilities of UCBs. It will also offer training, consultancy, and HR support to ensure UCBs are well-equipped to navigate evolving regulatory and market demands, laying a solid foundation for the future growth and resilience of the co-operative banking sector.

Qlik Launches Data Flow for Faster Insights in Qlik Cloud Analytics

Philadelphia/Bengaluru, India, January 30, 2025 – Qlik®, a global leader in data integration, data quality, analytics, and artificial intelligence, today announced the launch of its Data Flow capabilities within Qlik Cloud Analytics™. Designed to address the time-intensive challenges of preparing datasets for analytics and AI, this new feature allows users to visually combine, clean, and shape data through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. By reducing the reliance on technical scripting skills, these no-code data prep capabilities enable a broader range of users—both technical and non-technical—to create high-quality, AI-ready datasets quickly and efficiently.

Data Flow provides a flexible, visual approach to preparing datasets for analytics and AI applications, addressing common barriers like time-intensive processes and technical skill gaps. Key features include:

  • Drag-and-Drop Simplicity: Users can combine, clean, and shape multiple datasets through an intuitive visual interface, eliminating the need for scripting.
  • Transparency and Trust: Every action automatically generates Qlik script, giving users visibility into their data preparation processes and building confidence in the results.
  • Flexible Workflows: Supports no-code, low-code, and pro-code approaches, allowing users to adapt workflows based on their technical expertise and project requirements.
  • End-to-End Integration: Fully integrated with Qlik Cloud Analytics, enabling seamless transitions from data preparation to AI and visualizations.

By reducing the time spent on data preparation, Data Flow allows users to focus more on generating actionable insights and driving data-driven decisions.

“Efficient data preparation has always been a critical, yet time-consuming, part of our analytics process,” said Jon Carpenter, Systems and Programming Manager at Pima County. “We’re excited to see how Data Flow can help us accelerate insights and make more informed decisions.”

Data preparation often accounts for the majority of the time analysts spend on projects, creating bottlenecks and limiting the ability to leverage data effectively. Data Flow addresses this challenge by empowering users to take control of their data workflows, regardless of technical skill level.

This innovation aligns with a broader need across industries to expand access to analytics and AI capabilities. By enabling a wider range of users to prepare high-quality, AI-ready data, Qlik is helping organizations reduce dependency on IT resources, accelerate time to insight, and ensure data accuracy and consistency.

“Data Flow is the type of innovation we’ve been looking for—enabling teams across our organization to quickly and easily create high-quality datasets without needing deep technical expertise,” shared Angel Monjarás, Qlik Platform Manager at C40 Cities.

Data Flow is part of Qlik’s ongoing investment in simplifying analytics and bridging the gap between IT and business users. It brings Qlik Talend Cloud’s market-leading integration to Qlik Cloud Analytics, ensuring seamless access to trusted, high-quality data and driving meaningful outcomes.

“Data preparation is often an overlooked yet essential step in the analytics and AI process,” said Brendan Grady, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Qlik’s Analytics Business Unit. “With Data Flow, we’re enabling a broader range of users to confidently prepare AI-ready datasets without requiring technical expertise. This innovation removes traditional barriers and accelerates the journey from raw data to actionable insights, helping organizations drive value faster and more effectively.”

Data Flow is now available to all Qlik Cloud Analytics customers, offering a seamless and accessible way to prepare high-quality datasets for analytics and AI. By reducing complexity and empowering users of all skill levels, this feature accelerates the transition from data to decisions, helping organizations stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Manaal Jewellery Unveils Whispers of Zambia: Royal Elegance

New Delhi, 30th January, 2025 – Manaal Fine Jewellery proudly announces the launch of its latest collection, Whispers of Zambia, an exquisite celebration of heritage and modern artistry. Drawing inspiration from the enduring allure of Indian royalty and their timeless love for emeralds, this luxurious collection showcases the vibrant beauty of Zambian emeralds, paired with natural diamonds in briolettes, rose cuts, and brilliant cuts.

Emeralds, once revered by monarchs for their symbolism of power and protection, are at the heart of Whispers of Zambia. The collection reimagines the grandeur of Indian jewellery traditions with a contemporary twist, creating timeless pieces that blend the vibrancy of heritage with the sophistication of global design. Each creation in the collection speaks of exclusivity, elegance, and artistic brilliance, transforming jewellery into wearable masterpieces.

Aadhya Aggarwal, Founder and Creative Director of Manaal Fine Jewellery says “Whispers of Zambia is a love letter to the heritage of emeralds—a gemstone that has transcended eras, continents, and cultures. Through this collection, we sought to reimagine the opulence of royal courts with a modern sensibility, creating pieces that resonate with our modern muse while honoring timeless traditions. Each emerald whispers its own story, and our designs ensure these whispers are heard for generations to come.”

Available exclusively at Manaal’s flagship boutique in Sunder Nagar, New Delhi, Whispers of Zambia offers an intimate and luxurious shopping experience. From regal necklaces to statement earrings and bespoke rings, each piece is crafted to be a cherished heirloom—an enduring symbol of beauty and individuality.

Re Sustainability and Aarti Circularity Form Groundbreaking Recycling JV

Date: 30th January, 2025

Location: Mumbai

Re Sustainability and Recycling Private Limited (ReSRL), A Re Sustainability Company (ReSL), and Aarti Circularity Limited (ACL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aarti Industries Limited (AIL), a prominent player in speciality chemicals have joined hands to establish a transformative first of its kind in India Joint-Venture Company (JVCo) for driving the development of Plastic Materials Recycling Facilities (PMRFs) across India, aiming to revolutionise plastic resource recovery and sustainable resource management practices.

The PMRFs will focus on segregating, extracting, and recycling resources from diverse waste streams, including plastics, to produce Advanced Circular Materials (ACM) that can be utilised as raw materials, fuels, or recycled polymer feedstock. The partnership is committed to achieving a minimum resource recovery capacity of approx. 500 tons per day indicative by 2030 and exploring various feedstocks, including those from ReSL’s core operations, to maximise material and energy circularity.

The first Plastic Materials Recycling Facility under this partnership will be established in Hyderabad, Telangana, and will pave the way for advanced recycling infrastructure in the region. It will also mark a significant milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable waste management. This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and technology innovation. The JVCo will evaluate and engage leading technology partners to develop and operate state-of-the-art PMRFs, setting new benchmarks in India’s recycling and waste management sectors.

Mr Masood Mallick, Managing Director & CEO of Re Sustainability, stated, “This collaboration is a significant milestone in our journey toward sustainable resource management. The partnership combines our waste management and resource recovery expertise with the rich legacy of Aarti Industries and its 40 years of expertise in speciality chemical manufacturing, enabling us to build cutting-edge infrastructure that addresses critical waste challenges. By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices, we aim to create a robust framework that minimises environmental impact and fosters economic growth through resource efficiency and circularity. Together, we will set a benchmark for sustainable development in India and beyond.”

Mr Mirik Gogri, Director- Aarti Circularity Limited commented, “This arrangement between ACL and ReSRL is a pathbreaking development that builds on the synergies and competencies of two leading companies to address pressing environmental challenges by combining innovation with sustainability. Through this JV, we aim to revolutionise plastic recycling in India and beyond, aligning with ACL’s broader mission to foster a circular economy, minimise waste generation, reduce reliance on virgin resources, and mitigate environmental impact.

Chaina vs. Chamkeeli: Legacy Battle Starts January 27 on Shemaroo Umang

India is a land where family traditions are passed down through generations, one of which is the custom of passing down the responsibility of the house keys to the eldest daughter-in-law of the family. But what happens when this age-old tradition is altered, and the responsibility is handed to the youngest daughter-in-law? Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, a gripping new show from Shemaroo Umang, delves into this intriguing question, offering a fresh take on family dynamics power shifts and exploring unexpected changes in the hierarchy of a grand haveli. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Rajasthan, the show is set to premiere on January 27th, 2025, and will air every Monday to Saturday at 9:00 PM. This family drama promises a rollercoaster of emotions, twists, and captivating characters that will keep audiences hooked.

Produced by the celebrated writer and producer Raghuvir Shekhawat under his new banner, Natkhat Productions, the show features an all-star cast, with Diksha Dhami in the lead role of Chaina, a lively, smart, kind-hearted village girl whose life takes a dramatic turn when she enters the world of a grand haveli. Opposite her is Sheel Verma as Jayveer, and Ishita Ganguly as the cunning sister-in-law, Chamkeeli, who challenges the power dynamics within the family. The unfolding mystery of why Chaina has entered the haveli as Chhoti Thakurain sets the stage for an engaging narrative.

Sharing her excitement about the show launch, Diksha Dhami said, ” I’m really excited for everyone to finally meet my character, Chaina. She’s smart, a storyteller at heart, and has this incredible ability to make people believe in her stories—always using this talent to help those around her. On the surface, she’s cheerful and full of life, but beneath that, she hides a deep pain, which makes her a beautifully complex character to portray. Balancing her joy and hidden struggles has been a challenging but rewarding experience. I’m so grateful to Raghuvir Sir and Shemaroo Umang for trusting me with this role, and I can’t wait for everyone to meet Chaina and join her journey!”

Ishita Ganguly, who plays the villainous Chamkeeli, revealed, “Chamkeeli is the new vamp everyone will love to hate! She’s cunning, she’s bad, and she’s always up to something. From her looks to her antics, she’s unlike any character I’ve played before. I’m loving every moment of bringing her to life and can’t wait to see how fans react!”

Sheel Verma said, “My character, Jayveer, has an important role to play in the bigger story. Right now, not much has been revealed about him, but as the story unfolds, viewers will witness the inner turmoil he goes through and begin to understand why he is the way he is. At times, you might hate his actions, but eventually, you’ll fall in love with him as a person. While Chaina’s entry into the haveli as Chhoti Thakurain leaves everyone stunned, my entry will unwrap secrets that will bring an interesting turn in the story—you’ll have to watch to find out!”