Mumbai, 22 January 2025: Weddings in India are more than just ceremonies—they are grand celebrations of culture, love, and sharing happiness, marking one of the most significant milestones in a family’s life. At the same time, weddings have become a matter of social status, leading to the emergence of themes and destinations spreading over days and even weeks. As a result, ensuring adequate funds for the occasion requires meticulous financial planning, not just over a few months but over many years.

Historically, Indians have relied on gold, fixed deposits, and other community saving methods to prepare for wedding expenses. Investments in real estate and traditional savings schemes have also been common, offering stability and long-term value. However, these options often lack flexibility or the ability to grow wealth significantly over time.

Here is why life insurance solutions can provide a disciplined approach to goal-based savings. They combine wealth creation with financial security, ensuring the child’s wedding aspirations are fulfilled even in unforeseen circumstances.

A report by investment banking and capital market firm Jefferies highlights that India hosted over 80 lakh weddings in 2024, making the Indian wedding system the second largest globally, with an estimated spend of INR 10.7 lakh crore. On average, Indian weddings cost around INR 12.5 lakh—twice as much as the expenditure on education from preschool to graduation. Luxury weddings dominate the market, with expenses often rising above INR 1 crore.

Recognising the significance of weddings and their monetary impact on consumers, Tata AIA Life Insurance (Tata AIA), one of India’s leading life insurers, has introduced ‘Shubh Muhurat,’ an innovative life insurance solution. It features capital guarantee with equity exposure, certainty of benefits to the desired beneficiary, life cover, immediate death benefit, and more to help parents save for their child’s dream wedding and ensure the occasion becomes memorable for a lifetime.

Commenting on the launch, Venky Iyer, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tata AIA, said: “At Tata AIA Life, we endeavour to understand and address the unique needs of our consumers based on their life stages. Further, we understand the significance of weddings for parents. A marriage is not only a celebration of love and togetherness but also a testament to familial emotion and aspirations. Shubh Muhurat is intended to help families plan well in advance.”

“Also, we wanted to provide a solution that in the unforeseen event of the loss of life of the parent, the goal is protected. With Shubh Muhurat, we aim to help families confidently plan these joyous moments and ensure that they are taiyaar (prepared) to celebrate one of the most important milestones in their life.”

This solution is best suited for parents aged between 31 and 50 years, having children in the age group of 1 to 20 years. Investing in this solution early can give the parent long enough to accumulate the desired corpus for the child’s grand wedding.

Tailored Benefits of Shubh Muhurat

Shubh Muhurat is designed to make wedding planning a joyous, stress-free experience with the following unique benefits:

• Planning for the various wedding-related expenses: A wedding involves significant expenses spread across multiple stages—from booking venues, hosting ceremonies, expenditures on food and drinks, buying jewellery and wedding outfits, arranging accommodation for the guests, etc. Shubh Muhurta’s planned payouts ensure funds are available precisely when needed, allowing parents to focus on celebrating rather than arranging for money at the last minute.

• Capital Guarantee with Equity Exposure: The assurance that the premium paid will be protected provides parents financial security and peace of mind. Even if markets fluctuate, the guaranteed lump sum ensures that wedding plans remain on track, unaffected by market uncertainties.
• Long-Term Wealth Growth: Weddings often come with grand aspirations. Shubh Muhurat helps build a substantial corpus over time through market-linked investments. This ensures that the financial resources are adequate to meet even extravagant wedding dreams, such as destination venues or high-end arrangements, without compromising other life goals.
• Exclusive Protection under MWPA: By safeguarding the policy proceeds under the Married Women’s Property Act (MWPA), Shubh Muhurat ensures that the funds intended for the child’s marriage are legally protected and will only be available to the nominee regardless of external financial claims.
• Benefit Protection Rider: This rider provides unparalleled security:

• Immediate Death Benefit: In the unfortunate event of the insured’s demise, the family receives financial assistance to continue their life’s aspirations without disruption.
• Premium Waiver: Future premiums are waived, ensuring policy continuity without financial strain on the family.
• Maturity Benefit for Nominees: Even in the insured’s absence, the intended maturity benefit is paid, ensuring the child’s marriage goals are fulfilled.

 Shubh Muhurat is part of the broader Shubh Solutions suite being introduced by Tata AIA, offering tailor-made life insurance products for every stage of life—from wealth creation in the early years to funding for child’s education to marriage, fulfilling aspirations and legacy planning during the golden years. It aligns beautifully with Tata AIA’s brand promise of empowering its consumers to be ‘Har Waqt Ke Liye Taiyaar.’

Recognising that every family’s aspirations are diverse and may be different from child’s wedding at a particular time, Tata AIA is simultaneously introducing the second offering in this series – Shubh Fortune.

Shubh Fortune is a comprehensive financial solution created to address diverse life milestones. Whether it is wealth creation in the early part of your career, planning for child’s education or fulfilling aspirations like buying a house, Shubh Fortune is designed to help individuals seamlessly navigate life’s major events.

Empowering Indian Families to Celebrate Without Compromise

With these innovative offerings, Tata AIA Life reinforces its dedication to helping Indian families plan and celebrate life’s most meaningful milestones. It reflects Tata AIA’s mission to create solutions that blend financial stability with cultural values, enabling families to cherish life’s special moments without financial strain.

Maharashtra, 22nd January 2025: Celebrating the legacy of Marathi film industry, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, returns with its highly anticipated show BIG Marathi Bioscope with Subodh Bhave. Known for its intriguing narrative, fascinating trivia and nostalgic journeys through Marathi cinema, the show’s third season was officially launched at a press conference held in Pune with the acclaimed actor Subodh Bhave. With innovative themes and engaging elements, the new season will strengthen listeners’ connection to Marathi cinema while honoring its unique and timeless legacy. The show is all set to premiere on 27th January from 7 pm to 8 pm, Monday – Saturday in Pune and from 7 am to 10 am on Sundays in both Pune and Mumbai only on BIG FM.

Taking on the host’s mantle once again, the multi talented actor, writer, producer and director, Subodh Bhave, embodies the essence and brilliance of Marathi cinema. With his masterful storytelling, Subodh will guide audiences on a riveting journey celebrating the industry’s finest moments. Season 3 will introduce a captivating ‘Jodi Special’ theme, honoring iconic duos, from beloved on-screen pairs to creative collaborations like singer-composer, director-actor and lyricist-composer partnerships. Adding a personal touch, listeners can dedicate songs to their favorite stars, fostering a unique connection between fans and the legends they admire.

The third season of BIG Marathi Bioscope unfurls the magic of Marathi industry by exploring rare stories, offering insights into the lives of celebrities who have sparked positive societal change. This fusion of entertainment and meaningful storytelling makes the show a heartfelt tribute to Marathi cinema landscape, celebrating both culture and community.

Sharing his excitement, Subodh Bhave said, “I am thrilled to host another season of BIG Marathi Bioscope, especially after the incredible response from the audience for the past two seasons. For me, the true power of storytelling lies in its ability to create meaningful bonds and I’m grateful to BIG FM for providing a platform that nurtures this connection. This season brings fresh elements and I’m confident it will resonate even more profoundly with listeners, bringing them closer to the artists and stories they love.”

Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM, added, “At BIG FM, we take pride on crafting content that connects with audiences on a personal level and BIG Marathi Bioscope with Subodh Bhave has been a true testament of these ethos. The tremendous success of the past two seasons reaffirms the deep connection Marathi cinema fans share with the show. With Subodh Bhave as the host, we are confident that the third season will set new benchmarks in audience engagement. We’re also immensely grateful to our sponsors for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in shaping this journey.”

Promising an extraordinary experience, BIG Marathi Bioscope Season 3 with Subodh Bhave is sponsored by Lokmanya Multipurpose Co-op Society Ltd, co-powered by Deshpande Eye Hospital & Laser Centre, supported by Associate Sponsor Valentina Industries, in partnership with Indian Oil and Saam TV as telecast partner. The show will air across multiple cities, including Pune, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Solapur, Kolhapur and Nagpur, from Monday to Saturday, 7 pm to 8 pm. On Sundays, it will air from 7 am to 10 am in Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Indore and Nagpur and 8 am to 11 am in Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Solapur and Kolhapur. The season will conclude with a grand finale in Pune, featuring iconic celebrity duos who have left an indelible mark on the Marathi film industry. The show is further amplified with extensive promotions across BIG FM’s on-air programming, social media channels and other digital platforms, ensuring a wider reach and engagement.

Bengaluru, January 22, 2025: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has recently entered into a Corporate Agency tie–up with CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd.

CARS24 Financial Services Private Limited (“CARS24 Financial Services”) is a professionally managed Non-Banking Financial Company (“NBFC”) registered with the Reserve Bank of India and with IRDAI as an Insurance Corporate Agent. The Company is a part of CARS24 group and offers a variety of vehicle financing solutions to customers. INSURE24, a major milestone for CARS24, is set to transform the digital insurance landscape for India’s rapidly growing online consumer base.

This partnership will enable CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. to distribute products of HDFC Life to existing and future customers of CARS24. The life insurance solutions of HDFC Life will be offered across the branches as well as the digital platforms of the partner. Both partners aim to work together with the objective of increasing the reach of life insurance across locations where CARS24 has a presence. This in turn would contribute towards the larger objective of ‘Insurance for all by 2047’.

HDFC Life, with 70 products (including individual and group products) and a claim settlement ratio of 99.50% and CARS24 with a strong presence of over 280 branches across the country look forward to a long and fruitful partnership that will play a significant role in financially securing more Indians.

Speaking on the partnership, Vineet Arora – Chief Business Officer, Distribution, Data & technology, HDFC Life, commented “We are pleased to partner with CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. Their focus on innovation and technology complement our wide range of offerings and together we can reach out to a wider audience thereby providing them with life insurance solutions. We believe life insurance is a must-have for every individual with responsibilities. Financial security is the foundation stone to building a strong future for oneself and one’s family. This partnership with Cars24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. will further strengthen our efforts to reach out to individuals across the country and secure them, financially.”

Vikram Singh Pathania, Vice President of Consumer Finance at CARS24 and Head of INSURE24, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to join hands with HDFC Life to take our product offerings to the next level. HDFC Life‘s forward-thinking strategies, and profound understanding of the digital landscape, perfectly complement our mission to make insurance simple and accessible for all consumers.

HDFC Life‘s strengths in product innovation, digital expertise, and seamless technology integration will empower INSURE24 to effectively engage with today’s digitally-savvy consumers.”

January 22, New Delhi: The anticipation for Paatal Lok Season 2, premiering January 17th on Amazon Prime Video India, has ignited a wave of excitement across social media. The series returns after the hugely popular first season in 2020. Since the trailer’s release, excited fans have taken to social media platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit with a barrage of witty memes and engaging content.

The season revolves around the murder of a prominent Nagaland politician in the State’s capital, thrusting Hathi Ram into a perilous investigation. While the region’s serene beauty is undeniable, the series masterfully explores the darker side, showcasing the challenges faced by protagonist Hathi Ram (Jaideep Ahlawat) as he navigates a hostile and unforgiving environment.

Amazon Prime Video India takes a unique route to promote the series by “unwelcoming” Hathi Ram to Nagaland to protect the idyllic state from the hell that follows him where he goes. Eye-catching outdoor hoardings and a viral video starring Samay Raina, Rinku Singh, Farida Jalal, and Manav Manglani has piqued audience interest. Characters from the Amazon Prime Video universe also joined in unwelcoming Hathi Ram to Nagaland through a series of billboard creatives on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/share/_j5hCuja-

Brands have joined the social media buzz by discouraging Hathi Ram from going to Nagaland in their own quirky ways – some bribing him and others being a little more direct!

• Travel Triangle https://www.instagram.com/p/DE1_PqOy59Q/?hl=en
• Stayvista https://www.instagram.com/p/DEzgE7hoZbc/?igsh=b2RtNDlvNDAxOG14
• Taco Bell https://www.instagram.com/p/DEzVpDJiP-6/?igsh=eDFxa3Q1MHd2cGti
• Bewakoof : https://x.com/bewakoof/status/1879069428664746423?t=C4h1kPj37wTlDk7wWUsXQw&s=19
• Biryani by Kilo https://www.instagram.com/p/DEztM1vpQS-/?hl=en
• Wendy’s https://www.instagram.com/share/BABD-_2bQw
• Ixigo https://www.instagram.com/p/DEzi1xVzItx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Upstox https://www.instagram.com/p/DEzoY4DOsaO/?igsh=MW40c2gxb282cTdpYQ==
• Abhibus https://www.instagram.com/share/BADfuhOHsr
• Bobble https://www.instagram.com/share/BAN9KPUJd7
• Wow Momos https://www.instagram.com/share/BAQ6Tmgzta
• Burger King: https://www.instagram.com/stories/burgerkingindia/3546070196377753991?igsh=ZDQxenMwd24xZm9v
• Wake Fit: https://x.com/WakefitCo/status/1879499472738369698

Join the conversation on social media and discover why Nagaland isn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat for Hathi Ram.

Guwahati / National Bureau January 22, 2025 : Northeast, with nearly 16% growth in direct selling, is poised to fly higher as all eight sister states registered a leap jump in sales, adding ₹ 255 crore from the previous year to cross ₹1854 crore in the year 2022-23, the Indian Direct Selling Association disclosed here in the 2nd Northeast Direct Selling Conference and Expo organized here today.

The region, which accounts for 8.7% of the ₹21,282 crore national turnover of the direct selling industry (DSI), provides self-income opportunities to over 4.2 lakh direct sellers, the IDSA disclosed, and added that Assam, being the 9th largest direct selling market in the country, rules the roost with ₹1,009 crore in sales, 13% YOY growth, and a 4.7% national market share, supported by over 2.4 lakh direct sellers.

Combined, the other seven states contribute ₹845 crore: Nagaland ₹227 crore, Mizoram ₹156 crore, Arunachal Pradesh ₹78 crore, Tripura ₹72 crore, Meghalaya ₹19 crore, and Sikkim ₹5 crore. Notable growth rates were seen in Mizoram (31%), Sikkim (25%), Nagaland (22.7%), and Manipur (20%). The industry contributes around ₹300 crore annually to the exchequer of northeastern states, reinforcing its role in the region’s development, the IDSA highlighted.

Ms. Anasua Dutta Barua, Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Govt. of Assam, said in her key note address that while creating a conducive environment for the direct selling industry under the regulations, the state is committed to safeguard the interests of consumers. Underscoring the need to ensure the products quality for consumers, she offered all the help to the industry from his department, which also aboard IDSA as a subject matter expert in the Monitoring Committee, set up by in compliance to the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules 2021. The Govt. is working towards creating an effective mechanism to ensure companies adhere to direct selling rules, she added.

Mrs. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of Pride East Entertainment, expressed her admiration for the contributions of women to society and national development. She emphasized that women, once venturing beyond the traditional confines of the home, have achieved remarkable success across various fields. Highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of women in the direct selling sector, she praised their ability to set inspiring examples through their achievements. Mrs. Sharma congratulated the women honored at the event and commended the IDSA for organizing such initiatives, which serve to motivate others to join this transformative journey.

Mr. Vivek Katoch, Chairman, IDSA, said, “Northeast continues to be among the key and priority markets for the DSI. The growth figures clearly reflect that it is poised for new horizons, reaffirming the relentless hard work of direct sellers. The industry, growing at more than 12% rate at the national level, has provided self-employment for nearly 86 lakh Indians. The IDSA member companies can confidently lay claim to successfully protecting consumer interests as well as those of over 4.2 lakh direct sellers in the region. He said ten states including Assam, so far have established monitoring committees in line with the Rules. The other states to follow suit.”

The daylong event witnessed brainstorming by industry leaders, experts, and policymakers on crucial topics such as industry growth, regulatory frameworks, consumer awareness, reforms, policy advocacy, and interactive sessions for the empowerment of women and youth through direct selling opportunities. It comprised recognition of 45 women entrepreneurs from the region for their achievements in direct selling, a product ramp walk in the traditional Northeast attire, and a grand exhibition that showcased the innovations and diversity of the direct selling industry.

Mr. Rajat Banerji, Secretary IDSA, CEOs of the various member companies and Ms. Ruchi Bhardwaj Barua, fitness and nutrition coach, were among the dignitaries and a large number of direct sellers present on the occasion.

Hyderabad, January 22, 2025: The Indian School of Business (ISB) and the Veni Rao Foundation have partnered to launch the annual ‘Veni Rao Tech for Social Good Challenge’, an initiative aimed at sparking innovative solutions to pressing social challenges. Enabled by a generous endowment of ₹ 1 Crore by the foundation, the challenge will be hosted annually by ISB, drawing on its academic expertise to discover and support solutions with meaningful, scalable impact.

The initial focus of the challenge is on digital health innovations, with ISB’s Max Institute of Healthcare Management (MIHM) spearheading this phase. The two organisations will foster ideas that leverage emerging technologies to address critical healthcare issues.

Building on the Veni Rao Foundation’s legacy of impactful healthcare initiatives—including surgical facilities and mobile health clinics across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka— the challenge will act as a platform for professionals, startups, and students to develop scalable solutions for underserved communities.

Ratna Reddy, Founder-Trustee of the Veni Rao Foundation and Founder of CHIREC International School emphasised the shared vision: “This partnership reflects our commitment to driving social impact through innovation. By engaging diverse stakeholders, the annual challenge will accelerate the development of practical solutions that improve lives in underserved communities.”

Professor Sarang Deo, Deputy Dean, Faculty & Research and Executive Director, Max Institute of Healthcare Management, ISB, highlighted the partnership’s significance: “There is a growing need to direct cross-functional teams to optimise the latest and emerging digital technologies in addressing pressing healthcare challenges. We are sure our partnership with the Veni Rao Foundation would go a long way in validating the innovations and measuring their impact on clinical and non-clinical outcomes.”

India, January 22, 2025: Check Point Software Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider, has announced the opening of its third office in India. Following on the heels of the launch of its second-largest global office in Bengaluru last year, the new Mumbai facility represents a key milestone in the company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for prevention-first security solutions for organization in India.

Located in the prestigious Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai’s prime financial hub and home to many of India’s largest Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) organizations, the state-of-the-art office is designed to support Check Point’s rapid growth in the region. The facility features over 50 workstations, multiple advanced meeting rooms, and dedicated training spaces, enabling large-scale customer and partner training sessions and regional events. These enhancements mark a significant upgrade from the previous location, equipping Check Point to strengthen its channel ecosystem and scale operations effectively.

The need for robust cyber security solutions in India’s BFSI sector is critical. According to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report, the industry has endured over 20,000 cyberattacks, leading to losses of $20 billion in the last 20 years. Check Point’s Threat Intelligence Report further reveals that Indian BFSI organizations experienced an average of 3,284 attacks per week over the past six months—almost double the global average of 1,843 attacks.

Ruma Balasubramanian, President of the Asia Pacific & Japan region at Check Point Software Technologies, emphasized the importance of the new office, stating, “India is a key market for us, both in terms of talent and market potential. Given the rapid pace of digitalization and the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape in India, the region presents immense business growth opportunities. This office enables us to strengthen our presence, cultivate cyber security talent, and provide improved services to tackle the ever-changing threat landscape. By scaling our operations, we are committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners.”

She added “This expansion reflects our dedication to addressing India’s growing cyber security needs amid the rapid pace of digital transformation. Beyond delivering cutting-edge solutions, we aim to bridge the cyber security skills gap by empowering local talent through comprehensive training programs, solidifying Check Point’s role as an enabler of digital innovation.”

Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director for India and South Asia at Check Point Software Technologies, said “India is a vital market for us, and the opening of our Mumbai office underscores our commitment to accelerating and securing BFSI sector growth. With Mumbai at the heart of India’s financial industry, we are ideally positioned to deliver world-class security solutions and foster innovation in collaboration with our partners.”

Hyderabad, January 2025: The Government of Assam, in partnership with FICCI as the Industry Partner, is set to host the Hyderabad chapter of its ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ Roadshow on January 23^rd, 2025; from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm; at Hotel Taj Krishna. This series of events builds momentum toward the Advantage Assam 2.0 – Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025, which will take place on February 25 and 26 in Guwahati.

Led by Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Minister of Education, Welfare of Plain Tribe & Backward Classes, Government of Assam; the Hyderabad Roadshow will highlight Assam’s economic transformation and invite investments across diverse sectors. Dr. Ranoj Pegu and senior officials from the Government of Assam including B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Assam; K. S. Gopinath Narayan, Principal Secretary, Government of Assam and Oinam S Singh, Commissioner, Industries & Commerce, Government of Assam; will present Assam’s pro-investment as policies and engage in direct discussions with potential investors.

The Hyderabad Roadshow will emphasize Assam’s strategic strengths in key industries:

• Electronics and Semiconductors
• Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing
• Renewable Energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Food Processing
• Tourism and Hospitality

Advantage Assam 2.0 Vision:

The upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit aims to position Assam as a leading investment hub and gateway to Southeast Asia. With its enhanced infrastructure, natural resources, and a single-window clearance system for investors, Assam is primed for transformational growth.

Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu said, “We have already seen tremendous interest from national and international players in Assam’s potential. The Bengaluru Roadshow will continue this momentum, connecting us with the brightest minds and businesses that can help shape Assam’s journey as a top investment destination.”

Driving Assam’s Transformation:

Assam has witnessed unprecedented growth, bolstered by over ₹65,000 crore in infrastructural investments since 2014. Key initiatives include:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing: Tata Group’s establishment of India’s first Semiconductor Assembly and Test Unit in Jagiroad

• Infrastructure Development: Six-lane highways, bridges over the Brahmaputra River, and digital connectivity initiatives

• Healthcare and Education: Partnerships with Tata Trust for world-class cancer care and the establishment of 23 medical colleges

Assam’s Call to Investors:

The Hyderabad Roadshow marks a significant step in realizing Assam’s vision of inclusive economic development and global investment partnerships. With its unparalleled growth story, strategic location, and investor-friendly policies, Assam invites industries across sectors to be a part of its transformational journey.

New Delhi, January 22, 2025: IDEMIA India Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of IDEMIA, a global leader in cryptography and biometric technologies, proudly announces its collaboration with Microsoft in India to introduce In-depth industry demand technology skills development initiative aimed at empowering underserved youth with globally recognized cloud and AI certifications.

IDEMIA India Foundation runs an in-depth skilling program focused on bridging the digital and economic divide for underprivileged youth, with a special emphasis on women participants, to help them build careers in latest technology, with more than 50% representation in the programs.

Through this partnership, IDEMIA India Foundation will offer Microsoft Certified courses on Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to equip participating youth with critical technology skills including training on digital productivity, software development, IT support, cloud computing, data management, data analysis and artificial intelligence. This program is designed to enhance the employability and earning potential of qualifying more than 500 candidates enrolled in IDEMIA India Foundation’s domain-specific training initiatives in a year.

The certification programs offer a strategic blend of foundational and advanced courses tailored to specific domains, ensuring participants gain industry-relevant expertise. For Master Data Management, the courses include Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals, equipping learners with essential tools for efficient data handling. The IT Help Desk track focuses on system administration and cloud-based solutions, addressing critical IT support needs. For those in Data Analysis, the program provides Associate Analyst certification and Data Analysis Fundamentals to build analytical proficiency. Each course integrates theoretical learning with practical, hands-on training, preparing candidates to excel in the workforce.

Matthew Foxton, Regional President of IDEMIA India, commented on the announcement, stating, “This partnership with Microsoft reflects our shared vision of fostering secure and sustainable socio-economic development by addressing critical workforce challenges through technology and innovation. By providing these globally recognized certifications, we aim to equip participants with in-demand skills, enhancing their employability and unlocking better career opportunities. Moreover, this initiative encourages a culture of lifelong learning, empowering individuals to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving industry landscape. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Microsoft for their shared vision and partnership in making this transformative initiative possible. Strategic corporate partnerships like this are key to accelerating positive social impact.”

Manju Dhasmana, India Senior Director, Corporate Social Responsibility remarked, “At Microsoft, we believe in the power of technology to transform lives and bridge societal divides. This partnership with IDEMIA India Foundation underscores our commitment under ADVANTA(I)GE India 2030 to equip the next generation with industry demand skills including AI skills to succeed in the AI enabled economy. By combining Microsoft’s expertise in latest technology certifications with IDEMIA’s commitment to inclusive development, we aim to create opportunities that empower underprivileged youth to achieve their full potential.”

The program follows a structured execution strategy to ensure effective training and certification. It begins with a pre-assessment to evaluate candidates and place them in suitable courses. The curriculum integrates domain-specific training with Microsoft certifications, delivered by expert, certified trainers. Upon completion, participants undergo final assessments to earn official Microsoft certifications, validating their skills and readiness for the workforce.

IDEMIA India Foundation has allocated funds to cover training costs, while the curriculum and certification will be provided by Microsoft, ensuring a high return on investment through enhanced employability and professional growth.

January, 2025: Canon India today announced the launch of its first official e-Shop in India, marking a significant milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey. Serving as the ultimate ‘One-Stop Destination for Canon consumer products,’ the platform ensures seamless accessibility for customers across more than 89,000 PIN codes in India. By partnering exclusively with Canon-authorized business partners, the e-Shop offers a wide range of high-quality products, including cameras, lenses, printers, and accessories, enabling consumers to explore and purchase authentic Canon products from Canon authorized business partners. This strategic initiative aligns with the growing preference among Indian consumers for digital shopping to meet their technology needs.

With features like secure payment options and easy order tracking, the Canon e-Shop offers unparalleled convenience, reliability and security. In addition to offering Canon’s complete range of consumer products on a single platform, the e-Shop will showcase all ongoing offers and schemes, enhancing value for users.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mr. Toshiaki Nomura, President & CEO, Canon India said, “At Canon India, we are committed to understanding and adapting to our customers’ evolving needs, thereby ensuring Customer Delight throughout. The launch of our e-Shop is a testament to this commitment, as it offers a seamless and trusted shopping experience at the convenience of a touch. By bringing our extensive range of Canon products onto a single platform, we ensure our customers can effortlessly transition from exploring our brand to fulfilling their technology requirements. This milestone aligns with our vision to enhance accessibility, convenience, and trust, reaffirming Canon India as a customer-first brand.”

The Canon India e-Shop launch reinforces the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital footprint. With a phased expansion strategy to onboard additional partners and products, Canon aims to establish a holistic platform to meet the dynamic needs of its customers. While the initial rollout emphasizes a cohesive shopping experience, future enhancements will include innovative features such as an AI-powered chatbot for personalised customer support.