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.

January is celebrated as Pride Month in Mumbai, with various cultural activities being held throughout the month culminating in the Pride March on February 1st

To celebrate pride month in Mumbai, Sridhar Rangayan’s award winning film Evening Shadows is being screened on January 21st at Cinepolis Andheri West. This special screening is a joint initiative of Reborn India Film and Cinepolis India.

Sridhar Rangayan, director of the film said, “We are very happy to bring this special screening to audiences in Mumbai to reiterate the importance of family acceptance of LGBTQ+ children. The film was a huge success and we now have a sequel to this film titled Kuch Sapney Apne ready for release. Everyone should come and join this journey of love and acceptance.”

Evening Shadows is a heartwarming story about a gay man Kartik (Devansh Doshi) coming out to his mother Vasudha (Mona Ambegaonkar) in a small town, and how she is unable to understand anything about his sexuality. But with love and care, they manage to understand each other and she stands up against her husband Damodar (Ananth Mahadevan) to embrace her son. Kartik’s partner Aman (Arpit Chaudhary), uncle Ramesh (Abhay Kulkarni), aunt Lata (Veenah Naair) and Sarita (Yamini Singh) form the supporting cast.

The film features a beautiful song composed and sung by Shubha Mudgal, with lyrics by Saagar Gupta, who has also written the dialogues for the film.

In 2018 the film stormed the festival circuit with official selection at 82 international film festivals, winning 27 awards globally! The film received a lot of love from not only parents of LGBTQ+ children across the world, but also non-queer youth and their family members. The film helped young gay & lesbian people to come out to their parents after showing the film.

The film also helped kickstart ‘Sweekar – The Rainbow Parents’, a support group for parents of LGBTQ+ children. It now has more than 500 members spread across several cities in India.

Tickets for this special screening are available online on BookMyShow and at the Cinepolis box office.

January 22, 2025, ORRA Fine Jewellery is inviting patrons / customers to bask in the brilliance of their ‘Diamond Festival.’ This exclusive festival promises an unforgettable journey through the world of fine jewellery, where customers can explore our latest collection, showcasing the finest diamonds in captivating designs. The Diamond Festival has emerged as a celebration of luxury, and this year, each piece has been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of contemporary fashion while preserving the timeless charm of diamonds. What’s more is that the brand will also have some first-time offers that you surely don’t want to miss!

The Diamond Festival holds profound significance at ORRA Fine Jewellery, transcending beyond a mere showcase of exquisite diamonds. It symbolizes a commitment to everlasting beauty, precision, and trust. In a world where trust is paramount, ORRA’s Diamond Festival becomes a trusted companion in crafting unforgettable memories.

Starting from 18th January to 17th February, patrons will have the unique opportunity to discover an array of stunning diamond pieces that reflect the vibrant energy of the season. And for the first time ever, ORRA will be offering an exclusive discount on the diamond value—a truly unique offering to elevate your jewellery collection.

To make it even more special, ORRA will offer additional discounts and special offers for its curated collections, promising a seamless blend of grace and style for every discerning customer.

Additionally, customers will also get an opportunity to explore a limited-edition diamond jewellery box-sets curated for Republic Day and Valentines Day, allowing them to mark the occasion with patriotic elegance.

New Delhi, 22 January 2025: The joint venture (JV) between NTPC Limited and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), TPCL (Trincomalee Power Company Limited, a 50:50 JV company registered in Sri Lanka) is developing a 50 MW (extendable to 120 MW) solar project in Sampoor, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka and has finalized a landmark tariff for the project after rounds of deliberations with various stakeholders in Sri Lanka.

It is learnt that the Hon’ble President of Sri Lanka, Mr Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in a public meeting confirmed that the final tariff for the Sampoor Solar project in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka has been set at 5.97 US cents per unit. This initiative will help diversify Sri Lanka’s energy mix with a significant boost to the country’s clean energy capacity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The finalized tariff structure ensures long-term energy security while aligning with Sri Lanka’s ambitious renewable energy goals. With the increasing focus on renewable energy, the Sampoor Solar Project represents a major leap forward in Sri Lanka’s green energy agenda.

NTPC Limited is actively pursuing international investments in the energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy (RE) projects, including solar, wind, and hybrid power. The Sampoor project aligns with NTPC’s vision of “becoming the world’s leading power company” and reflects NTPC’s commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions in key international markets.