India Assist Joins Forces with Uttar Pradesh Government for Mahakumbh 2025 and Tourist Information Centres Across the State
New Delhi, 22 January 2025: India Assist, a leader in tech-enabled travel assistance, has partnered with the Uttar Pradesh Government to upscale the travel experience for millions of visitors during Mahakumbh 2025 and beyond. This ongoing collaboration sees India Assist actively operating Tourist Information Centres (TICs) within the Mahakumbh area in Prayagraj, along with additional TICs located at the city’s railway station and airport.
As Mahakumbh 2025 unfolds, drawing over 40 crore pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad, India Assist’s dedicated TICs are proving to be pivotal in enhancing the travel experience. These centers are offering real-time assistance to visitors, providing guidance on navigation, local attractions, and crucial emergency support, such as medical aid and theft resolution. The initiative continues to showcase how technology and human-driven support come together to ensure travelers can confidently navigate the Mahakumbh, one of the largest human gatherings in the world.
Mr. Harish Khatri, Founder of India Assist, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “India is a country of diverse experiences and cultural treasures, and Mahakumbh stands as an incredible amalgamation of spiritual and cultural unity. Through this ongoing partnership, we are privileged to help millions of visitors celebrate this extraordinary event with ease and confidence. By blending innovative technology with on-ground human support, we ensure that every visitor feels guided and cared for throughout their journey.”
As the event continues, the TICs are not only offering immediate travel assistance but are also introducing visitors to the benefits of tech-enabled services, encouraging the use of digital tools for ongoing travel support. By seamlessly combining cutting-edge technology with local expertise, India Assist is enhancing the Mahakumbh experience and setting new standards for tourism across Uttar Pradesh.
Beyond Mahakumbh, India Assist’s role extends to managing a network of TICs in key cities across Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and others. These centers are providing visitors with timely information and assistance, ranging from basic inquiries to urgent support, ensuring that travelers’ journeys remain safe, enjoyable, and worry-free.
With the Ongoing Mahakumbh 2025, India Assist’s ongoing efforts reflect the growing potential of travel technology to elevate visitor experiences and strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s position as a leading global travel destination.
CloudTV Broadens Content Selection with New Partnerships: Aha TV, Mask TV, JOJO, KLiKK, NeoTV Plus, and TravelXP
Mumbai 22 January 2025: In a quest to meet the growing demand for a seamless and user-friendly entertainment experience, CloudTV, India’s first and only TV operating system announced strategic partnerships with Aha TV, Mask TV, JOJO, Ultra Jhakass, KLiKK, NeoTV+, and TravelXP. These collaborations are set to enhance CloudTV’s robust content offerings, catering to the unique entertainment preferences of viewers across India by delivering diverse, genre-specific programming tailored to regional and cultural sensibilities.
This collaboration with streaming services across multiple regional languages in the country will help build an extensive content repository to serve CloudTV’s ever-expanding 12-18 million user base. Bringing together a rich blend of content that will power its 6+ million devices and is set to pave the way for India’s rapidly growing Smart TV OS industry.
In light of the recent partnerships, Abhijeet Rajpurohit, COO and Co-Founder, CloudTV, said, “Our goal has always been to provide the best content for the users and expand the range of offerings to our customers. Understanding the Indian market, and with our goal to also support local and regional partners, we want regional entertainment to be more accessible to our viewers. With these partnerships, our users will have access to the most popular and widely spoken languages in the country such as Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu. This partnership is aimed at advancing the digital entertainment sector and establishing CloudTV as the go-to platform for Smart TV brands seeking to offer a content-rich experience to their users.”
CloudTV, an Indian TV operating system designed to cater to the distinct tastes of Indian viewers, is redefining the Smart TV experience. Its recent collaboration with ZEE5 brings an expansive content library to CloudTV-powered Smart TVs, complemented by a rich selection of diverse applications, including
- Aha TV: A Telugu and Tamil content platform featuring blockbuster movies, shows, and originals.
- Mask TV: Offering fresh entertainment through movies, series, and unique storytelling.
- JOJO: A platform for kids and families, packed with engaging and educational programs.
- Ultra Jhakass: A Marathi OTT platform offering films, shows, and kids’ content.
- KLiKK: Bengali streaming platform offering a mix of movies, series, and original content.
- NeoTV+: A FAST channel platform offering live TV channels across news, sports, lifestyle, and entertainment in multiple regional languages.
- TravelXP: TravelXP is a global travel media network offering immersive travel content, including documentaries, destination guides, and lifestyle shows.
In addition to the several content partnerships, CloudTV and JioAds recently announced their partnership to revolutionize CTV advertising in India. This collaboration aims to unlock the next generation of innovative advertising solution for India’s diverse market. This partnership will be driving the growth of CTV ads landscape in India delivering value to advertisers and the consumers with content that resonates.
CloudTV’s rising adoption rates in Northern (50%) and Western (35%) markets highlight its success in meeting the entertainment demands of Indian viewers. Featuring an intuitive interface and user-friendly design, CloudTV enables seamless channel navigation and personalized Smart TV experiences. By offering effortless access to a wide variety of content, it bridges the gap between technology and entertainment, delivering a tailored, immersive, and hassle-free viewing experience for audiences across India.
ZF Aftermarket Announces Major Expansion of TRW Brake Pad Range in India
New Delhi, India: ZF Aftermarket, a leading global supplier of aftermarket components, shared that as on date TRW Brake Pads, part of its extensive portfolio, now cover nearly 90% of the Indian vehicle parc, providing high-quality and reliable braking performance to a vast majority of Indian drivers. This significant and extensive coverage of its product range underscores ZF Aftermarket’s commitment to safety and its focus on providing enhanced convenience for motorists across the country.
ZF Aftermarket’s has been committed to providing comprehensive braking solutions for the Indian market. The current coverage of 90% Indian Vehicle Parc has been built over a steady expansion of the parts over 2023 and 2024. In 2023, TRW Brake Pads with 56-part numbers covered only 80% of Indian vehicles. But in 2024, the coverage has risen to 90% with an infusion of additional 50-part numbers.
At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, TRW showcases its TRUE Originals Brake Pads alongside its latest advancements in automotive safety technology, which along with TRW’s products are designed to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.
“At ZF Group, our unwavering commitment to the Indian market is reflected in our dedication to innovation and excellence. Through ZF Aftermarket’s cutting-edge and dependable solutions, we are elevating safety and reliability for Indian drivers, addressing their unique mobility needs with precision. Our expanded coverage in the Aftermarket sector seamlessly complements our extensive portfolio in the OEM segment, empowering ZF Group to meet the diverse demands of the market with advanced technology and unparalleled quality.” says Mr. Akash Passey, President, ZF India.
TRW TRUE Originals Brake Pads, which are a part of the ZF Aftermarket portfolio, are engineered and manufactured to the highest standards, delivering consistent and dependable braking performance, ensuring driver safety and vehicle longevity and meet the diverse demands of Indian roads and vehicles. With a launch of over 56 -part numbers only for brake pads and more than 250 active distributor codes across India, it is convenient for customers to find the right parts for their vehicles.
Vijay Khorgade, Head of Business Line Pass Car for India, MEA and CIS, mentioned, “ In a concentrated effort over the past two years, ZF Aftermarket has launched 109-part numbers under its TRW brand ensuring an ever-expanding coverage for both brake pads and brake discs. The 90% coverage proves that our high-quality products are now widely available and well accepted by our end customer. This facilitates our goal of providing a one-stop solution to our customers with our chassis products. Designed for excellence, these brake pads and discs cater to nearly all vehicle models in the Indian market, reinforcing ZF Aftermarket position as a trusted partner in Maximizing Mobility Uptime.”
ZF Aftermarket’s extensive portfolio of high-quality components enhances the longevity and reliability of vehicles. At the same time, ZF Aftermarket’s specialists provide expert support and services for its partners, ensuring that any issues are efficiently resolved, Maximizing Mobility Uptime Together.
Schbang Elevates Dipshika Ravi to National Creative Director, Digital
Schbang, the leading creative, media, and technology transformation company, is excited to announce the appointment of Dipshika Ravi as its new Digital National Creative Director, West & North. With over 17 years of experience in the advertising industry, Dipshika brings a wealth of expertise in creating compelling stories and cutting-edge campaigns that have shaped some of the most influential brands in the world.
In her new role, Dipshika will oversee and enhance the creative vision for Schbang’s diverse portfolio. She will lead a talented team of creatives, driving innovation, strategy, and excellence while ensuring that the agency’s output resonates deeply with audiences across India and globally.
Dipshika’s career has been marked by a passion for storytelling and an ability to understand people and cultures, which has helped her craft work that truly connects with audiences. She has been recognized as one of India’s Top 40 Creative Leaders and is also recognised as one of the ‘Top 40 Under 40’ leaders by e4m and Social Samosa, and was also honored as a ‘Superwoman’ by Social Samosa. Over the years, she has contributed to over 600 digital campaigns for renowned brands such as PepsiCo, Singapore Tourism Board, HDFC Life, MakeMyTrip, Mahindra Auto, Godrej, Kellogg’s and Canon and her work has earned over 80 national and international awards. She has also served on multiple global and Indian juries. Her previous roles include working with agencies such as Creativeland Asia, Hungama (a WPP company), iProspect, and LS Digital.
Commenting on the appointment, Harshil Karia, Founder, Schbang, said, “We have always prided ourselves on being at the forefront of digital innovation, and I am thrilled to welcome Dipshika to the team. Her expertise will further strengthen our capabilities across clients, enabling us to deliver greater value and help them achieve their goals.”
Umma Saini, Chief Creative Officer, Schbang expressed, “We are super excited to have Dipshika join our team. With her exceptional drive, deep experience, and enterprising spirit we are looking forward to taking Schbang further on an exciting creative journey for our clients and us.”
Expressing her excitement about the new role, Dipshika said, “I have always followed Schbang’s work and culture closely for years, and this felt like the natural next step for me. It’s wonderful to be part of a culture that thrives on high standards, equal opportunities, and a collaborative spirit where everyone is encouraged to bring their best ideas to the table. I am looking forward to creating some great campaigns that not only bring us awards but also solve bigger brand challenges.”
Advait Energy Transitions Secures Strategic Contracts for Solar and Green Hydrogen Ventures in India
January 22, 2025 — Advait Energy Transitions Limited (formerly Advait Infratech Limited), a leading name in the renewable energy sector, has announced significant milestones that reinforce its position as a pioneer in the industry. The company has recently secured prestigious projects across key renewable energy initiatives, emphasizing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth.
Milestone Achievements
- Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Project: Advait Energy Transitions Limited has secured a prestigious order from Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) for the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of a web-based online portal and mobile application to facilitate the implementation of 40,000 off-grid or standalone solar pumps under the PM KUSUM Component ‘B’ scheme. The project encompasses several key aspects, including the integration of solar pumps with SCADA software, the deployment of cloud services, integration with payment and SMS gateways, and RMS device configuration. Additionally, Advait Energy Transitions Limited will undertake a 5-year operations and maintenance commitment, ensuring the seamless functioning of the system over the long term.
- The project’s execution will go live within 30 days and will last for over a period of one year, followed by sustained maintenance for five years.
- Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI): Advait Energy Transitions Limited has received a Letter of Award from the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) under Tranche II of the PLI Scheme. The project involves establishing a 200 MW Alkaline Electrolyser manufacturing capacity in India, a significant step under the Green Hydrogen Mission to drive the country’s energy transition. This initiative highlights Advait’s commitment to aligning with the Government of India’s mission for renewable energy and green hydrogen development. Spanning five years, the PLI scheme aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen manufacturing, further reinforcing the nation’s leadership in sustainable energy solutions.
Commitment to a Greener Future
These projects highlight Advait Energy Transitions Limited’s dedication to advancing India’s renewable energy goals. The company’s collaboration with domestic entities like KREDL and SECI is a testament to its robust capabilities in executing high-impact, technology-driven projects.
Deepa Fernandes, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of Advait Energy Transitions Limited, commented, “These projects mark a significant step forward in our journey towards creating a sustainable future. We remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that align with India’s renewable energy and sustainability goals.”
Sun Neo Commemorates 200 Episodes with Beloved Shows Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, Ishq Jabariya, and Saajha Sindoor
Sun Neo, a channel launched in 2024, has been doing great within just a year. The cherry on the cake is its shows Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, Ishq Jabariya, and Saajha Sindoor, which have become fan favorites in no time. The channel has completed 200 episodes successfully, and Ashish Dixit, Lakshay Khurana, and Sahil Uppal, who portray the lead roles in the respective shows, express their joy and gratitude for this incredible achievement.
Ashish Dixit, who plays the Karthik in Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, expressed, “From the very beginning of this journey, our entire team felt that our show Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya on Sun Neo would do really well. Today, we are celebrating the completion of 200 episodes, and we hope that it continues to reach even greater milestones, like 500 or even 1,000 episodes, so we can celebrate those too. I feel very lucky because, through this show, I had the chance to work with the talented actress Jaya Bhattacharya. We had a wonderful time on set today! We celebrated with a cake-cutting, and everyone was so happy.
Lakshay Khurana, who plays Aditya in Sun Neo’s Ishq Jabariya, shared, “I am very happy and filled with gratitude as Ishq Jabariya reaches the remarkable milestone of 200 episodes. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering love and support of our audience. Being a part of this show has been a fulfilling experience, and portraying Aditya has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. The entire team, from Siddhi Sharma to Kamya Panjabi, has been very supportive, and they are like a family on set. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this beautiful journey!”
Sahil Uppal, who plays Gagan in Sun Neo’s Saajha Sindoor, said, “Reaching the milestone of 200 episodes is an incredible feeling, and I am deeply grateful for the audience’s love and support that has brought us here. The energy on set is infectious, with celebrations and a shared pride in what we’ve achieved as a team. Working alongside such talented individuals, especially Sangita Ghosh, who brings warmth and understanding to every interaction, has been a rewarding experience. In a time when many shows face challenges in staying consistent, it’s heartening to see Saajha Sindoor continue to captivate viewers.”
Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya follows Vaishnavi (Brinda Dahal), an orphan who sees Chhathi Maiyya as her mother. Ishq Jabariya tells the story of Gulki (Siddhi Sharma) and her struggles to achieve her dreams. Saajha Sindoor depicts Phooli (Stuti Vinkle), who is labelled an unmarried widow after her groom dies on their wedding day.
Palacio of Unity – The Ultimate Republic Day Celebration at The Game Palacio
January 2025: This Republic Day, as the nation celebrates its 76th year of pride and progress, The Game Palacio invites everyone to indulge in the spirit of unity with its “Palacio of Unity”. Renowned for blending luxury, entertainment, and exceptional dining experiences, The Game Palacio is set to make this day memorable with specially curated offers designed for friends and families to come together.
The Game Palacio introduces irresistible offerings that add a touch of indulgence to the celebrations. Mocktails are available at just Rs.76, while flat 26% off on pizzas promises to satisfy cravings in a gourmet style. Additionally, guests can enjoy 26% cashback on recharge of Rs.2000, making this Republic Day not just celebratory but also rewarding. These exclusive deals capture the essence of unity and joy, ensuring an experience that combines fun and flavour.
Apart from the festive offers, The Game Palacio stands out as a premier entertainment destination with state-of-the-art facilities that cater to every age group. The gaming zone features boutique bowling lanes, virtual reality games, and cutting-edge arcade activities, ensuring an immersive experience that guarantees endless excitement for families and groups alike.
Complementing the vibrant gaming setup are two signature dining experiences housed at The Game Palacio. Verde, an elegant Italian restaurant, takes guests on a gourmet journey with authentic, handcrafted dishes that celebrate the art of fine dining. Kamakaze adds another layer of sophistication with its eclectic menu designed to delight diverse tastes. Together, they create the perfect balance of luxury and indulgence for guests seeking both entertainment and culinary excellence.
Celebrate this Republic Day at The Game Palacio, where every moment is designed to bring joy, unity, and lasting memories with your loved ones. With its exclusive offers and premium experiences, The Game Palacio is the ultimate destination to honour this special day in true style.
Sustaining Progress: IIM Bodh Gaya’s ‘Happy Periods’ Programme Keeps Educating Girls
On 22 January 2025, IIM Bodh Gaya organized menstrual awareness sessions at nearby schools of Bodh Gaya. The event was conducted by 12 members under the guidance of Chairperson Prof. Suresh K G and Prof. Gargi Roy of Pragati – The CSR Committee of the institute. The initiative aimed to spread awareness and ensure its impact reached many young girls.
The programme was carried out in collaboration with Niine India at two schools. The initial session was conducted at Rampur Government School at 11:00 AM with around 200 girls. The programme started with an informative nukkad natak performed by Pragati members, emphasising the significance of menstrual hygiene. The session proceeded with a detailed presentation, quizzes, games, and a discussion on managing menstrual cycles.
Pragya, one of the students, said, “The session was good and informative, we got to learn many facts about periods. Now, we are motivated to talk about it with our parents and friends without any hesitation and will make them aware.”
Md. Sahab Uddin, the Principal of the school, commended the initiative aimed at fostering an open dialogue on a topic often regarded as a societal taboo. She emphasised the importance of a supportive environment for young girls, ensuring they feel acknowledged and safe.
The second phase commenced at 2:00 PM at Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2, OTA, connecting with 300 young girls. The session mirrored the first, including the presentation and Q&A session that motivated the young girls to open up and clarify their misconceptions and doubts. In addition, it also featured a documentary video educating girls on the importance of hygiene and care during the menstruation cycle.
The sessions concluded with the distribution of sanitary pads sponsored by Niine India. The programme served as a testament to the initiative of integrating education with tangible support to empower young girls. The event was evidence of the Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya’s commitment towards serving the community and social welfare.
ZF LIFETEC Debuts Advanced Passive Safety Features at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025
ZF LIFETEC, a global leader in passive safety systems and advanced mobility solutions, participates in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, held from January 17 to January 22, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi. The company showcases its cutting-edge technologies at Booths H1-B3 (ZF) and H1-A6 (Rane), attracting significant attention from industry leaders, OEM stakeholders, academicians, key forums such as ACMA, SAE, automotive suppliers, and the general public.
“ZF LIFETEC’s participation in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is a remarkable opportunity to introduce new technologies and showcase our ability to develop technologies for the Indian market. The event enables us to showcase our passive safety technologies and engage with key industry players who share our vision of safer, smarter, and sustainable solutions to save lives on the road. On behalf of ZF LIFETEC, we thank ACMA for providing the opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities and all our partners for their seamless efforts to make this event successful,” says Ravi Kumar Tirumukulu, Executive Director of ZF LIFETEC India
Attendees at the ZF LIFETEC booths experience firsthand the company’s advancements, including the latest technologies in:
- Seat Belt Systems: Innovations in seatbelt technologies designed to enhance occupant protection and comfort.
- Inflatable Restraint Systems (Airbags): A novel airbag system, the Bag-in-Roof (BIR) airbag, integrated into the vehicle’s roof, offering enhanced protection without compromising interior design.
- Steering Wheel Systems: Precision and safety delivered through integrated steering technologies like Hands-On Detection (HOD) and Steering Wheel Integrated Displays.
M. Pravat’s ‘Terraform’: A Solo Artistic Journey
The solo exhibition ‘Terraform’ by artist M. Pravat at STIR Art Gallery, New Delhi, has its preview on 18 January 2025, with an overwhelming response from art enthusiasts, collectors, and critics alike. The exhibition, features a thought-provoking collection of sculptures, installations, and paintings that explore the interplay between urban landscapes and the natural world.
Pravat’s innovative use of materials—ranging from bricks, stone, pigment, dust, and LED lights to found objects—has created a compelling body of work that probes the tensions and interrelationships between the built environment and the natural world. His pieces evoke a sense of a world in perpetual transformation, caught in the limbo of urban development and climate crisis, offering viewers a glimpse into the ongoing geo-engineering and development projects shaping contemporary cities.
Each artwork serves as a cartographic map to a world in constant flux, reflecting not only the rapid urbanization but also the larger environmental challenges that threaten the delicate balance of biodiversity on our planet. ‘Terraform’ acts as a call to action, urging reflection on the sustainability of the urban landscapes we create and inhabit, while questioning the cost of such progress to our ecosystems and future.
The exhibition, attended by a host of distinguished personalities from the art world, including Chintan Upadhyay, Bose Krishnamachari, Nidhi Aggarwal, Kanchan Chander, Mithu Sen and Rohit Kapoor, s
M. Pravat’s art continues to break boundaries as it explores architectural forms and materials through a fractured lens. His work challenges the conventional understanding of space and form, inviting viewers to reconsider the environments they navigate daily. This exhibition marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey, offering a new dimension of insight into the role of architecture in shaping our experiences and perceptions.