23rd December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  As the world eagerly anticipates the release of Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” Parimatch Sports, a high-quality sportswear brand and associate sponsor of PKL, has launched a powerful campaign dedicated to this iconic sport. Drawing parallels to epic gladiatorial battles, the campaign captures the essence of sport—courage, strength, and strategy—along with the brand’s commitment to empowering your inner champion.

The flagship video of the campaign takes us on a journey to a gladiator arena, invoking the spirit of competition and valor. The tension is palpable as the iconic ‘kabaddi-kabaddi’ chant echoes, setting the stage for a legendary confrontation. The video draws powerful parallels between the bravery of a Kabaddi raider and that of a gladiator facing multiple opponents. As the intensity builds, the narrative asks, “Hai Himmat Panga Lene Ki?” (Are you daring enough to take the challenge?), inviting fans to reflect on their own courage.

The campaign reflects Parimatch Sports’ commitment to empowering fans to embrace challenges and strive for victory, mirroring the tenacity of Kabaddi players.

“It is more than just a promotion; it’s an anthem to the spirit of Kabaddi and its athletes like Parteek Dahiya from Gujarat Giants, Ashu Malik from Dabang Delhi, Vijay Malik from Telugu Titans, highlighting resilience and pride in this traditional Indian sport.” commented the Parimatch Sports Press Office. “We aim to inspire our audience to embrace challenges and strive for victory, as Kabaddi champions do.”

As an Official Partner of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) since 2021, Parimatch Sports has long expanded its collaboration beyond traditional sponsorship, focusing on enriching fans’ experience. The partnership includes exclusive meet-ups with PKL legends, memorable giveaways, and unique events designed to deepen fans’ connection to Pro Kabaddi.

23rd December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Audible, an Amazon company and a leading global provider of original spoken-word entertainment and audiobooks, released its lists of Most Listened To content, across genres and formats (podcasts and audiobooks) for the year 2024 on Audible’s service in India.

11 Rules for Life by renowned author Chetan Bhagat, Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari, and Make Epic Money by Ankur Warikoo stood out among the Most Popular Newly Released Audiobooks in 2024 while George Orwell’s 1984 narrated by Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, and Andrew Scott, and Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine (Hindi Edition) featuring Sharad Kelkar, Mithila Palkar and Neelam Kothari Soni ranked high among the Most Popular Newly Released Original & Exclusive Podcasts.

Among the Most Popular Audiobooks in 2024, returning favourites that captured listeners’ attention all year were Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, and The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness among others. These titles not only dominated the charts throughout 2024 but have also consistently ranked among the top for the past four years, keeping listeners hooked and inspired year after year. Among Most Popular Podcasts in 2024 were Kama Sutra, and Kaali Awaazein brought to life by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan!

Below is the list of most-listened genres and categories on Audible’s service in India in 2024. For the full list of titles, refer to the appendix. *

• Science Fiction & Fantasy was the most-listened-to genre among members with fan-favourite audiobooks such as the Harry Potter series (Book 1, Book 3, and Book 4), Mythos, and Dune drawing listeners into imaginative and fantastical worlds, re-affirming the genre’s timeless appeal.
• Close behind was Literature & Fiction spanning a variety of sub-categories like Romance, Mysteries & Thrillers, among others, featuring popular audiobooks and podcasts—including Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection, The Alchemist, Woh Kaun Thi?, Malang Ishq, The Girl in Room 105 (Hindi)—that continue to strike a chord with a broad and diverse audience.
• Debuting among the most-listened-to sub-genres among the larger Self-Development category were Parenting & Relationships and Business and Careers, reflecting a growing focus on personal growth and self-development. Popular titles like Ikigai, and Thinking, Fast and Slow are hit audiobooks in the category while Secrets of Good Health (Season 2) and Corporate Chanakya are among the popular podcasts.
• Following the introduction of the Kids Profile feature on Audible, Children’s Audiobooks emerged as a much-loved category, with “edutainment” titles capturing the imagination of children and their parents alike. Harry Potter series (Book 2, Book 5, Book 6, and Book 7), Panchatantra, and Disney’s Frozen: Olaf’s Quest are popular titles in this category, fostering a shared family experience.
• Rounding off the top genres is Religion & Spirituality, a perennial favourite among Indian listeners. Popular titles include audiobooks such as Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (Hindi Edition), and Valmiki Ramayan (Hindi Edition), among others along with podcasts like Shiv Purana Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath and The Stories of Mahabharata to name a few.

Karen Appathurai Wiggins, Head of Content, APAC Audible, said, “Reflecting on another remarkable year at Audible, we are truly inspired by how deeply storytelling continues to resonate with our audiences in India. It’s equally exciting to witness their openness to exploring diverse genres as listening preferences continue to evolve. As we look ahead, our commitment remains unwavering—to curate unparalleled audio experiences that engage, entertain, and inspire. With the penultimate goal of making knowledge and literature accessible to Indians, we are striving toward building a library that celebrates the power of storytelling, offering a rich and diverse collection of audiobooks and podcasts with something for everyone.”

APPENDIX

* Check out all the Top 5 Most Listened to categories below #AudibleStats2024:

AUDIOBOOKS –

• Top 5 Most Popular Audiobooks in 2024
• Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results (Unabridged)
• The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness (Unabridged)
• Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (Unabridged)
• Valmiki Ramayan (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)

Top 5 Newly Released Audiobooks in 2024

• 11 Rules for Life: Secrets to Level Up (Unabridged)
• Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI (Unabridged)
• Make Epic Money (Unabridged)
• Shrimad-Bhagavad Geeta (Hindi Edition): Voice of Krishna (Unabridged)
• Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy (Unabridged)

Top 5 Religion and Spirituality Audiobooks

• Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• Valmiki Ramayan (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• Shiv Puran (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• Mahabharat Katha [Mahabharata Story] (Unabridged)
• Kautilya Arthshastra (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)

Top 5 Kids Listens

• Panchatantra (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• The Blue Umbrella (Unabridged)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Book 1 (Unabridged)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Book 2 (Unabridged)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Book 4 (Unabridged)

Top 5 Self-Help Audiobooks

• Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results (Unabridged)
• The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness (Unabridged)
• How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (Unabridged)
• 48 Laws of Power (Unabridged)
• Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (Unabridged)

Top 5 Action & Adventure Audiobooks

• Twisted Love: Twisted, Book 1 (Unabridged)
• The Guy Next Door (Hindi Edition)
• George Orwell’s 1984: An Audible Original adaptation
• Dharmayoddha Kalki: Avatar of Vishnu: Kalki Trilogy, Book 1 (Unabridged)
• Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection (Unabridged)

PODCASTS

Top 5 Most Popular Originals & Exclusive Podcasts in 2024

• Kama Sutra
• Kaali Awaazein
• Shiv Purana Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath
• Vikram Betaal
• Mahabharat ke 25 Aanjaan Patra

Top 5 Most Popular Newly Released Original & Exclusive Podcasts in 2024

• George Orwell’s 1984: An Audible Original adaptation
• The Girl in Room 105 (Hindi Edition)
• Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine (Hindi Edition)
• Veda 360 Degrees: Deep Dive into the Foundation of Sanatan Dharma (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• Suno Mahabharat Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath (Listen to Mahabharata with Devdutt Pattanaik)

Top 5 Wellness & Self-Help Podcasts

• Kama Sutra
• Chanakya for Youth
• Secrets of Good Health Season 2
• Corporate Chanakya (English)
• Secrets of Good Health

Top 5 Mythology Podcasts

• Shiv Purana Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath
• The Stories of Mahabharata
• Shree Bhagavad Gita As It Is
• Mahabharat ke 25 Aanjaan Patra
• Shrimad-Bhagavad Geeta: Voice of Krishna

Top 5 Drama & Romance Podcasts

• Permanent Roommates: He Said, She Said
• Ravan Rising
• Thriller Factory
• Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord (Hindi Edition)
• Little Things: Jab Dhruv Met Kavya, Season 1

Top 5 Action & Adventure Podcasts

• Kaali Awaazein
• Vikram Betaal
• Bhoot Kaal
• Bhoot Kaal with Neelesh Misra, Season 2
• Baby Doll

23rd December 2024  Delhi, India  PayU, one of India’s leading digital financial services providers, has announced the integration of LazyPayEMI solution into its checkout platform. This integration underscores PayU’s commitment to enhancing affordability and accessibility in digital payments, empowering merchants to offer seamless paymentoptions for high-value online purchases to customers at checkout.

LazyPay EMI is designed to streamline high-value online purchases by providing consumers with flexible and hassle-free checkout options. By integrating this solution into PayU’s checkout infrastructure, merchants can now enhance the checkout process for transactions ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹1 lakh, with repayment terms spanning 3 to 12 months.

The integration will enable PayU’s extensive merchant base of over 5 lakh businesses to offer flexible checkout options to millions of customers, driving higher conversions and expanding their reach. Simultaneously, LazyPay’s 3 million active users will benefit from seamless access to PayU’s diverse merchant network, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem that enhances affordability and convenience.

Commenting on the partnership, Nikhil Mehta, Senior Vice President – Payments Strategy and Partnerships- PayU, said, “We are thrilled to integrate LazyPayEMI into our platform. Digital credit adoption is expected to reach ₹7.6 trillion by 2026, and we expect this partnership to play a pivotal role in expanding access to affordable credit for millions of customers who may not have access to traditional credit cards. We expect this move to also boost transaction volumes and merchant conversions significantly by enabling more consumers to access instant credit at checkout.”

“The integration of LazyPay EMI into PayU’s checkout platform marks an important step in our mission to make high-value purchases more affordable and accessible for Indian consumers. This collaboration enables millions of customers to seamlessly opt for flexible repayment plans without the need for a credit card, while helping merchants increase conversions and reach new customer segments. By delivering a smoother and more accessible payment experience, we continue to address evolving consumer needs and drive significant growth opportunities for businesses,” Ankit Nahata, Business Head – LazyPay added.

The LazyPay EMI solution eliminates the need for a credit card, offering a seamless experience supported by easy API integration. Key features of the solution include online KYC processing, easy EMI plan selection, and secure e-signing, ensuring a smooth, user-friendly process for both consumers and merchants. This integration is expected to drive significant growth in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) by unlocking new customer segments and enhancing the overall shopping experience.

23rd December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Inde News, owned by Sudhanshu Kumar, the visionary founder of Dashmani Media Private Limited, has reached a significant milestone by crossing 10 million subscribers on YouTube. Adding to this achievement, the platform has been awarded the Diamond Play Button by YouTube, symbolizing its growing impact in the digital journalism space.

A Journey of Excellence and Innovation

Since its inception, Inde News has become a trusted source for accurate and timely news. Covering diverse topics such as politics, entertainment, technology, and global affairs, the platform’s commitment to factual reporting and engaging content has set it apart in the crowded digital media landscape.

The Diamond Play Button is a testament to Inde News’ dedication to excellence and its ability to connect with millions of viewers.

Words from Sudhanshu Kumar

Reflecting on this milestone, Sudhanshu Kumar shared, “This achievement belongs to our viewers, who have been the driving force behind Inde News. Reaching 10 million subscribers and receiving the Diamond Play Button inspires us to continue delivering news that matters, with integrity and innovation.”

Celebrations and Future Plans

To celebrate, Inde News has announced a series of events, including interactive live sessions, behind-the-scenes features, and exciting giveaways for its audience. Moving forward, the platform plans to expand its regional language offerings, introduce exclusive news series, and enhance its global reach.

A Visionary Platform

Under the leadership of Sudhanshu Kumar and the team at Dashmani Media, Inde News is not just a news channel—it’s a movement that empowers viewers through credible journalism. This milestone is a stepping stone toward even greater accomplishments.

Stay tuned for more updates, exclusive content, and celebrations as Inde News continues to grow and redefine digital journalism.

23rd December 2024  Hyderabad, Telangana, India Dr. Narendranadh Meda, one of the city’s leading Vascular, Endovascular & Podiatric Surgeon, has recently added a state-of-the-art Esaote’s O-Scan MRI machine from Esaote to his hospital, further elevating the standard of care provided to patients in Hyderabad and surrounding regions. The acquisition of this advanced diagnostic technology is expected to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of musculoskeletal and soft tissue imaging, enabling more precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for patients.

Dr. Narendranadh Meda, who has a reputation for pioneering advancements in Podiatric care, expressed his enthusiasm about the new addition, “The O-Scan MRI machine is a game-changer for podiatric patients. It enhances our ability to diagnose complex conditions at an early stage, which is crucial for effective treatment and positive patient outcomes. With this machine, we can provide our patients with faster, more accurate imaging, helping us make informed decisions on treatments and interventions.”

Mr Dheeraj Nasa, Country Business Director, Esaote Asia Pacific Diagnostic Private Limited said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Dr. Narendranadh Meda in bringing Esaote’s revolutionary O-Scan MRI machine to Hyderabad. This state-of-the-art technology is a game-changer for podiatric care, offering unparalleled precision in diagnosing foot and ankle conditions. The O-Scan’s advanced imaging capabilities will empower clinicians to provide more accurate, faster diagnoses, ultimately enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes. At Esaote, we remain committed to advancing medical innovation and improving healthcare for communities worldwide, and this partnership is a significant step forward in transforming podiatric care in India.”

In addition to its unmatched imaging capabilities, the O-Scan MRI offers a user-friendly interface, streamlined workflow, and significantly reduced scan times, making it an ideal choice for busy medical practices and improving overall patient experience. The technology supports a wide range of diagnostic procedures, from evaluating musculoskeletal problems to identifying potential soft tissue conditions or abnormalities that can impact the underlying condition.

Patient Benefits of Using O-Scan MRI by Esaote

The O-Scan MRI by Esaote is a cutting-edge diagnostic tool that brings numerous advantages to both patients and healthcare providers. Its innovative features ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care, comfort, and precision in their diagnostic process. Here are some key patient benefits:

• High-Quality Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis
• Enhanced Patient Accessibility
• Improved Patient Confidence and Peace of Mind

By offering clearer imaging, reduced scan times, improved comfort, and minimal invasiveness, the O-Scan MRI ensures that patients can receive the highest standard of care while experiencing less discomfort and reduced risk. This results in better overall patient outcomes and satisfaction.

23rd Decem ber 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Jain University, in collaboration with Jain School of Design and Shantamani Kala Kendra, successfully commenced the JU 2024 National Art Exhibition and Camp, a groundbreaking initiative celebrating the transformative power of art. The camp is underway at 24 Divine Live Art Gallery, School of design, media and creative arts, JAIN (Deemed- to-be- University), Bengaluru from 22nd to 24th December.

Bringing together 60 artists from various corners of India, the event will feature 100 unique art forms and numerous live art demonstrations across three days of artistic immersion. The thematic focus on Karnataka will emphasise art’s role in uniting communities and fostering cultural and economic development.

The day one of the event was graced by luminaries like Shri Vijay Achrekar, Renowned Artist from Mumbai; Shri Krishna Setty, Eminent Artist from Bengaluru; Shri Srinivasulu IFS, Commissioner, Ayush Department; and Shri Pa Sa Kumar, Senior Artist and Chairman, Karnataka Lalita Kala Akademi.

Highlighting the initiative’s purpose, Dr. Chenraj Roychand, Chancellor of Jain (Deemed-to-be-University) said, “This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between art, society and economic growth, establishing Jain University as a beacon for cultural innovation.”

Avinash D Kate, Dean of Art and Design at Shantamani Kala Kendra, said, “The JU 2024 National Art Exhibition and Camp is a milestone in our commitment to fostering creativity. By showcasing Karnataka’s rich artistic heritage and including participants from the North East, we celebrate India’s cultural diversity and artistic brilliance.”

Inaugurating the camp, Shri C.S. Krishna Shetty, a National Award-winning artist and former Chairman of the Central Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi, emphasized the transformative power of art in fostering unity and bridging societal divides. He highlighted the importance of students harnessing their innate artistic talents to express their emotions and showcase their creativity.

One of the standout participants at the Art Camp is Mr. Rajendar Amkam from Solapur, celebrated for his distinctive weaving art that transforms into mesmerizing portraits. A self-taught artist, Mr. Amkam has received a National Award, two Maharashtra State Awards, and six district-level honours. His exceptional work has been exhibited internationally in Australia and France, as well as at the prestigious “Make in India” initiative, where it garnered acclaim from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Sweden.

The event will not only celebrate artistic heritage but also empower artists through recognition and economic opportunities. Attendees left inspired by the unique cultural and artistic narratives presented.

23rd December 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India The Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM), a premier institution in innovative business education, is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad as its new Director, effective December 15, 2024. A distinguished academic and industry leader, Dr. Sunkad brings extensive experience in driving innovative advancements in artificial intelligence, data science, the Internet of Things, and applied research. His expertise will further elevate JAGSoM’s position as a global leader in technology-driven management education.

This appointment reflects JAGSoM’s forward-thinking approach to business education, led by its Chairman, and renowned management thinker Prof. Jagdish Sheth. The institution aims to integrate emerging technologies like Data Science, AI, and ML into management training, preparing leaders for the evolving global business landscape.

Under the visionary leadership of Prof. Sheth, JAGSoM has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation, offering pioneering programs such as Learning by Solving, Design Thinking, Research Incubation, and Role-Defined Career Tracks. These initiatives are designed to foster “T-shaped professionals” who possess specialized knowledge combined with interdisciplinary skills, equipping them for the demands of Industry 4.0.

Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad, a distinguished thought leader and technologist, is uniquely positioned to drive this mission forward. With an extensive career spanning leadership roles in global multinational corporations and academia, Dr. Sunkad has been at the forefront of advancements in AI, 5G innovation, and cloud-based solutions. As a former Professor and Dean of Academic and International Relations at upGrad INSOFE, he co-developed global programs for both engineers and senior management professionals, and has collaborated extensively with Fortune 500 companies. His expertise in bridging the gap between academia and industry aligns perfectly with JAGSoM’s commitment to emerging technologies and experiential learning.

Dr. Sunkad brings over 20 years of global leadership experience in the AI, IoT, and telecom industries, marked by impactful contributions at esteemed organizations such as Vodafone India, Mobileum India, Viasat USA, CableLabs USA, and ADC Mobile Systems USA. Renowned internationally for his applied research and innovation, Dr. Sunkad’s strategic vision for education aligns seamlessly with JAGSoM’s commitment to globalization. His efforts further strengthen the institution’s AACSB accreditation and enhance its standing in the QS Global Rankings.

Dr. Sunkad holds a Master’s degree from the University of Texas, a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, and an Executive MBA from the University of Denver. He has received numerous prestigious accolades, including being named one of the “Top 50 Cable Technologists in the USA” by Cable Today magazine for his outstanding contributions to the industry and the Distinguished Professor Award by AIM magazine.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad stated: “It is an honour to lead JAGSoM during this transformative era. As we embark on a new era of business education, it’s imperative to equip our students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and data science into our curriculum, we can empower our students to become innovative leaders who can shape the future of business. Let’s embrace this opportunity to transform our institution into a global hub for tech-savvy, future-ready business leaders who can navigate complex business challenges with a blend of traditional management principles and modern technological solutions.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Padode, Founder of JAGSoM, expressed confidence in Dr. Sunkad’s leadership, stating: “Dr. Sunkad’s extensive experience in blending technology with management education positions him as the ideal leader for JAGSoM. His appointment underscores our commitment to equipping students with future-ready skills, fostering professional excellence, and driving meaningful societal impact.”

23rd December 2024  India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s Trusted Telecom Partner, today announced three groundbreaking initiatives set to redefine connectivity and entertainment for millions of Indians. These customer-centric services, launched in Puducherry, reaffirm BSNL’s mission to make digital experiences more accessible and inclusive.

1. Intranet TV (BiTV) Over Mobile

In a first of its kind, BSNL’s Intranet TV (BiTV) brings over 300 live TV channels, including premium channels, to mobile users in Puducherry, free of cost. Delivered in partnership with OTTplay, as a pilot service, launched in Puducherry, showcases BSNL’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge entertainment into everyday life. This service delivers high-quality entertainment, making digital content easily accessible to all BSNL mobile users, irrespective of their plans; at no cost to all its customers of Pondicherry.

Why Choose BiTV?

• Unlimited Entertainment: Apart from live TV, enjoy movies, web series, and documentaries in multiple languages, all at no cost.
• Seamless Technology: Powered by BSNL’s secure mobile intranet, BiTV ensures uninterrupted streaming with exceptional video quality.
• Future Expansion: After Puducherry, BiTV will be rolled out to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand in January 2025, with nationwide availability planned soon.

BSNL CMD’s Thought: “With BiTV, through our partners, BSNL is giving every customer the power to access entertainment on the go, ‘anytime, anywhere’, free of cost, irrespective of the plan they are, making it a perfect alternative to the outdated PRBT systems; by combining cutting-edge technology with top-tier content. BSNL will be one of the first telecom service provider to revolutionize its old PRBT by offering this groundbreaking service.”

Co-founder and CEO of OTTplay, shared: “With new BiTV innovation, we’re proud to bring world-class entertainment to BSNL customers across India. Together, we’re unlocking the magic of cinema and entertainment across genres, languages, and regions and redefining how BSNL customers experience digital entertainment in India.” OTTplay Premium is an OTT aggregator which provides content from 37 premier OTT platforms and 500+ live TV channels which are personalized based on each user’s unique preferences.

2. BSNL’s National Wi-Fi Roaming Facility in Manadipattu Village

BSNL had introduced an innovative BSNL Wi-Fi roaming facility across the country in October 2024. Manadipattu becomes the second village in India to be fully Wi-Fi enabled, as BSNL extends its National Wi-Fi Roaming Facility to rural areas. This innovative service connects both BSNL and non-BSNL customers through a seamless network of Wi-Fi hotspots. Both BSNL and non-BSNL customers can enjoy uninterrupted internet access. The customer however will have to sent his consent to activate the service.

How It Works for Customers:

• BSNL FTTH Customers:
  • Access your home internet from any BSNL Wi-Fi hotspot or any BSNL FTTH connection nationwide—only your home data account is charged.
  • Use Wi-Fi at public spots or even other BSNL FTTH homes. (Customers need to provide one time consent for reciprocal use of these connections across the country)
• BSNL Mobile Users: In addition to BSNL FTTH consumers, we are also extending this seamless high speed Wi Fi connectivity to even BSNL mobile customers also. Even all BSNL mobile users, can
• Connect to BSNL Wi-Fi hotspots directly via your mobile plan. One-time registration makes logging in simple and fast.
• Extend your mobile data usage to BSNL FTTH networks for high-speed downloads.
• In addition, BSNL mobile users can login to any FTTH home connections automatically and will be able to use high speed internet connectivity.

Non-BSNL Users:

• • Access BSNL’s high-speed Wi-Fi hotspots and BSNL FTTH points/ FTTH home connections by paying through UPI, ensuring fast internet for all.

CMD’s Thought: “BSNL’s National Wi-Fi Roaming is a leap forward in bridging the rural-urban divide, empowering every Indian with affordable, high-speed internet access; across the country.”

3. IFTV Launch in Puducherry

BSNL’s Intranet Fibre-based TV (IFTV), first launched nationwide in October 2024, is now available to all FTTH customers in Puducherry. Offering over 500 live TV channels, this service is entirely free, leveraging BSNL’s robust FTTH network. All BSNL FTTH customers will be able to avail of this service, free of cost. The customer will have to sent his consent to activate the service.

Key Features of IFTV:

• No-Cost Access: Customers enjoy premium entertainment without additional fees.
• Superior Streaming: Powered by BSNL’s robust FTTH network, ensuring smooth, high-definition streaming.
• Customer Consent: Activate IFTV with a simple opt-in process for complete control.

CMD’s Thought: “The IFTV launch redefines entertainment for BSNL’s FTTH customers, delivering unparalleled value and making every connection an experience to remember; in terms of entertainment; at no cost to its customers.”

Transforming Digital India

BSNL’s new services highlight its unwavering commitment to digital inclusion and innovation. From seamless connectivity to rich entertainment, BSNL is paving the way for a digitally connected India where every citizen has access to quality services, anytime and anywhere.

23rd December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  In an effort to foster greater awareness about healthy eating habits and nutrition, over 250 students and their parents participated in an interactive and educational event, Achchi Bhookh Quiz, organized in Mumbai. The third edition of the event, hosted by Slurrp in association with Lupin Aptivate, featured a lively quiz competition, focused on enhancing knowledge about food, nutrition, and balanced diets among families. After rigorous nationwide regional rounds across cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and more, the epic journey culminated with the top 12 parent-child duos facing off in the Semi-Finals and Finals held in Mumbai.

The finale, spearheaded by prominent educators and nutrition experts, along with celebrity chef Amrita Raichand aimed to bridge the gap in food literacy and address misconceptions about diet and health. Held for children from Classes 1 to 6 (aged 5 to 11), the event was designed to encourage intergenerational learning, with the program highlighting key aspects of healthy living, including the importance of eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, reducing processed food intake, and the benefits of regular exercise.

The contenders gathered from across India for the national semi-finals and final, with the prizes up for grabs including mountain bikes, a laptop, a tablet PC, and a smartwatch. One of the standout features of the event was the execution of 100 nutrition workshops for families throughout the country. The flagship quiz competition, which saw active participation from students and parents as teams, attracted over 22,000 pan-India online registrations across different cities. Over 100 teams each from 10 locations were selected for an absorbing Cluster Finals round that saw 10 pairs of finalists advancing to the Grand Finale, along with 2 lucky teams with the highest points joining the top 10 finalists.

The finale saw a total of 12 child-parent pairs ready to ace the quiz for the top spots. The questions covered topics such as the nutritional value of different food items, myths about diets, and tips for planning balanced meals along with pop-culture and general knowledge. With 12 teams split into 2 semi-finals, the top 3 from both rounds competed to be crowned the National Champion.

Milan Bijoy, a student of Dr. Pillai Global Academy, New Panvel topped the quiz along with his father Bijoy Rajendrababu, and took home a Hybrid Bicycle, Laptop, Trophy and Certificate, while Samkit Gupta of St. Soldier’s School, Panchkula took home a Hybrid Bicycle, Samsung Tablet, Trophy and Certificate as the first runners-up, partnering his mother, Anjali Jain. Avyukt Doshi from Children’s Academy, Ashok Nagar, Mumbai, and his mother Sejal Doshi, were crowned the second runners-up and awarded a Hybrid Bicycle, Smartwatch, Trophy and Certificate.

Commenting on the finale, Avinash Mudaliar, Co-founder and CEO, Slurrp and HT Labs, said, “At Slurrp, we believe that building a strong foundation of nutrition knowledge starts at home and extends to the community. Initiatives like this not only empower children and their parents to make informed food choices but also foster a culture of mindful eating and healthy living. It’s inspiring to see parents and children coming together to learn, share, and commit to better health. In our mission to engage and making food education accessible, we strive to creating new avenues for learning and knowledge.”

Anil V Kaushal, Business Head, LupinLife, added, “This quiz celebrates the values of healthy eating, curiosity, and the joy of learning. The enthusiastic response from participants has been truly inspiring, reflecting its positive impact on young minds and fostering stronger family connections. It’s been heartening to see the impact of knowledge building among the future stars of the country.”

Experts also addressed audience queries, creating an engaging and informative experience for all attendees. The program concluded with students taking a pledge to adopt healthier lifestyles and help spread awareness within their communities. With the support of LupinLife, the quiz was an engaging experience and highlighted the importance of such initiatives in tackling the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related health issues among younger generations.

23rd December 2024  Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India The growth of luxury real estate in NCR has witnessed a remarkable evolution driven by several key factors reshaping the market’s landscape. As the economy continues to grow, rising incomes have significantly expanded the purchasing power of individuals and families, enabling them to opt for high-end residences that offer a premium lifestyle. Along with higher disposable incomes, there is a marked shift in preferences towards upscale living, as more homebuyers seek spacious, modern, well-connected, high-end homes. The desire for a better quality of life has become a key driver for the growing demand for luxury housing.

In addition, location is at the heart of buyers’ choice, and it has become one of the first factors in property valuation in the high-end segment. Buyers now prefer homes with an elevated standard of living that are strategically located and offer easy access to major city hubs. According to PropEquity, NCR has seen an increase of 137% in housing prices of new residential projects, driven by strong homeownership sentiments, increasing infrastructure development, and the rising cost of land and construction. The report highlighted Ghaziabad contributing 139% between 2019 and September 2024. The area saw an increase of 14% on the housing supply front, gaining prominence as a sought–after destination for luxury housing.

Another report, “Market Beat Delhi NCR Residential Q3 2024”, by Cushman and Wakefield, highlighted how new project launches across Delhi-NCR surged by 121% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Among these flourishing submarkets, Siddharth Vihar stands out as a preferred choice for luxury living, attracting high-end buyers with its enhanced infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and growing livability quotient. Situated close to NH-24 and the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Siddharth Vihar offers seamless connectivity to key areas of Delhi and Noida, making it an ideal destination for professionals and families who need easy access to major commercial and business hubs. Key projects like the FNG Expressway, RRTS, and expanded metro connectivity with Noida and Delhi have drastically improved the city’s accessibility to major key locations.

Developers play a major role in shaping the growth and development of any real estate market, and their contributions are especially significant in emerging regions. In Ghaziabad, developers’ efforts in launching thoughtfully planned and high-quality developments have attracted discerning and affluent clientele, positioning the region as a desirable destination for luxury living. Among the notable developers, Prateek Group stands as a prime example, which has significantly impacted the region’s growth, particularly in Siddharth Vihar. The group has played a key role in transforming the locality into a thriving hub for premium living. Building on this success, the group is coming up with premium residences in Siddharth Vihar, setting new standards for upscale residential developments in the region. The project, featuring timeless Colonial and European architecture, aims to create a space that feels like stepping into a fantasy world, offering a truly enchanting environment to call home.

As Ghaziabad firmly positions itself as a key market for luxury living in the NCR, the region continues to become a prime destination for homebuyers seeking a blend of luxury, convenience, and modern amenities. The city’s competitive pricing positions it as a key market for real estate investors, developers, and luxury homebuyers.