Sun Neo’s Saajha Sindoor has a fresh face portraying the complex character of Dhara, as actress Alisha Bose replaces Krutika Desai in the role. The show, set against the grand and regal backdrop of Rajasthani royalty, continues to mesmerize audiences with its visuals and intricate storytelling.

Dhara, a character with gray shades, brings a layer of intrigue to the narrative, and Alisha Bose is embracing the challenge of stepping into this nuanced role. Known for her bubbly and lively personality, Alisha shared her excitement about playing a character so different from herself.

Speaking about the experience, Alisha said, “This role feels like a blessing from above. Everything happened so quickly—within a day, I got a call, went for the mock shoot, and was finalized for the role. It all felt surreal! While Dhara’s calm and composed demeanor is quite different from my own chirpy nature, I’m enjoying learning her characteristics and understanding her mindset. It’s been a rewarding journey so far.”

The addition of Alisha Bose to the cast has brought renewed energy to Saajha Sindoor, a show that delves into the traditions, dynamics, and emotional conflicts within a royal Rajasthani family. With its gripping narrative and stellar cast, including Sangita Ghosh, Sahil Uppal, Neelu Vaghela, Alisha Bose, and Nasirr Khan, Saajha Sindoor continues to strike a chord with viewers. Tune in to witness this emotional rollercoaster every Monday to Saturday at 8:00 PM on Sun Neo.

5th December 2024, New Delhi: Andaz Delhi, by Hyatt, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ankit Tiwari as its Beverage Manager at Juniper. With an impressive background in luxury hospitality and a strong focus on beverage management and innovation, Mr. Ankit brings a wealth of expertise to his role, promising to elevate Juniper’s beverage offerings to new heights.

Mr. Ankit steps into his role at Andaz Delhi with an extensive history of working with some of India’s top hospitality establishments. With his passion for mixology, attention to detail, and a keen understanding of evolving beverage trends, he has consistently delivered high-quality guest experiences in the food and beverage sector. In his previous roles, he has honed his skills in team leadership, event planning, and the meticulous curation of beverage menus that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

He is an accomplished bar professional with over 7 years of experience in the alco-bev industry, excelling in roles that combine leadership, creativity, and strategic planning. As a Bar Supervisor at BYG Brewski Brewing Co. in Bengaluru, he successfully led a team of over 30 professionals, implementing cost-saving measures that enhanced profitability and developed innovative training programs to boost team performance and customer satisfaction. His expertise extends to strategic business planning, market analysis, and brand management, showcasing his passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving operational excellence.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Ankit Tiwari to Andaz Delhi as Beverage Manager at Juniper Bar,” said Mr. Hardip, General Manager of Andaz Delhi. “With his background in luxury hospitality and his innovative approach to beverage management, we are confident that he will bring fresh perspectives to our offerings. We look forward to seeing him elevate the experience at Juniper, creating memorable and unique moments for our guests.”

Mr. Ankit’s expertise in strategic planning, brand management, and customer engagement will prove to be instrumental in strengthening the hotel’s position as a leader in the luxury lifestyle segment.

Andaz Delhi, known for its commitment to providing immersive local experiences, is set to benefit greatly from Mr. Ankit’s rich industry knowledge and visionary approach. As Beverage Manager, he will play a vital role in defining the bar’s future direction, and crafting a new chapter of success for Andaz Delhi’s Beverage team at Juniper.

5th December 2024 A century ago, fish populations consisted of larger, longer-living species that contributed significantly to marine ecosystems through predation and resilience against environmental changes, such as marine heatwaves. Today, however, the number of these large fish has sharply decreased, affecting not only fish populations and marine ecosystems but also global food security.

Dr. Asta Audzijonyte, a Pew Marine Fellow at the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), is leading research into the impacts of human activities and climate change on fish sizes. Her work focuses on understanding how declining fish sizes influence fisheries productivity and ecosystem health and exploring potential solutions for bringing back larger fish populations.

“There’s a perception that the ocean is full of big fish because we still catch them with better and better gear, but historical photos, human memories, and data show they’re much smaller than they used to be. The size structure of marine fish populations has changed. This is mostly because we caught and are still catching all the biggest fish – so many fish populations consist only of younger, smaller fish. And that is putting entire populations at risk, changing the natural balance in the ocean and to some degree also taking fun away from fishing.”

She highlighted that the structural composition of marine fish populations has shifted dramatically, largely due to the selective harvesting of the largest fish. Consequently, many fish populations are now made up primarily of younger, smaller individuals, which destabilizes marine ecosystems and poses a risk to population sustainability. “The natural balance in the ocean has been altered, and to some degree, this even reduces the enjoyment of fishing,” she added.

Recreational fishing has proven to be a significant factor in reducing fish sizes in both coastal and inland areas, sometimes accounting for half or more of the total catch. In Tasmania, for instance, the popular sand flathead fishery relies almost entirely on recreational fishing.

A recent European study revealed that recreational fishing activity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained elevated even after restrictions were lifted, a trend likely mirrored in Australia though exact figures are not yet available.

“Today’s technology allows us to find and capture large fish even in deep waters, once considered safe havens,” Dr. Audzijonyte remarked. “Studies also show that anglers tend to target active fish—those most likely to adapt to climate change.”

According to Dr. Audzijonyte, restoring populations of large fish could be achieved within a 10 to 20-year timeframe, given the relatively rapid growth rate of fish, but it requires a collective effort.

“Recovering big fish populations and fostering healthy marine ecosystems will require cooperation among anglers, communities, scientists, and policymakers. Together, we can envision the future of our oceans and take necessary actions,” she noted.

A strong advocate for Marine Protected Areas, Dr. Audzijonyte emphasizes their role in promoting fish population growth, enhancing biodiversity, and preserving genetic diversity. “These protected areas offer a refuge for larger fish and provide smaller fish with the chance to grow and mature, allowing ecosystems to thrive,” she said.

Through ongoing data collection on fish size diversity, her team is contributing valuable insights to support sustainable management practices in coastal fisheries and ecosystems. Dr. Audzijonyte underscores the importance of protecting fish size diversity to ensure marine resilience to climate change. While reversing climate change is complex, preserving and enhancing fish size diversity is an attainable and essential step toward healthier oceans.

A New Educational Tool – Big Fish Card Game

To engage communities in marine science and sustainable recreational fishing, Dr. Audzijonyte’s team has developed an educational card game, “Big Fish.” Launching on Kickstarter on September 15, the game aims to reach a global audience and foster environmental stewardship.

“We hope this game will be played widely, not only as a fun activity but as an educational tool in schools and community events,” Dr. Audzijonyte said.

IMAS Technical Officer Matthew Teston, the lead developer of the game, explained, “Players compete to maximize their points while maintaining a healthy fishing environment. Random events and competition add a strategic layer to the game, illustrating the challenges marine ecosystems face.”

By promoting awareness and understanding of marine conservation through interactive learning, “Big Fish” aspires to inspire future generations to take an active role in protecting our oceans.

New Delhi, 5th December 2024 | Grip Invest announces the launch of ‘unspoken’ – an engaging video series designed to break the generational awkwardness surrounding money-related conversations in families. Featuring five pairs of millennials and their parents, the series captures raw, unscripted discussions on this often ‘taboo’ topic, blending light-hearted moments with wholesome authenticity.

With heartfelt storytelling, Unspoken redefines marketing by igniting essential conversations about money across generations. While money is a central topic in middle-class households, sensitive conversations around it are often avoided. Parents shield their children from financial realities by downplaying struggles, hiding debts, or making sacrifices quietly to ensure their children’s dreams are fulfilled. Meanwhile, children hesitate to ask questions, fearing they might seem ungrateful or intrusive. Over time, this silence deepens into a gap, straining trust, understanding, and relationships within families.

“At its heart, ‘unspoken’ is about breaking barriers,” says Ved Agarwal, Chief Marketing Officer at Grip Invest. “It is an endeavour to recalibrate financial transparency between generations, and in doing so, build trust. We wanted to create a series that doesn’t just resonate with people but motivates them to reflect, act, and strengthen their relationships by starting those difficult conversations about money.”

‘unspoken’ is more than just a series of unscripted conversations; it’s a bridge between the old-world values of financial security and the modern-day ethos of independence and risk-taking. For many millennials, financial independence comes with tension—balancing their desire for autonomy with their parents’ traditional mindset. Grip Invest’s ‘unspoken’ peels back these layers, offering an intimate glimpse into the struggles and aspirations that define financial relationships within families.

‘unspoken’ goes beyond traditional campaigns, evolving into a cultural movement that invites families to initiate meaningful conversations about money and build trust & transparency.

5th December 2024 The Japanese yen has softened after reaching recent highs, weighed down by uncertainty surrounding the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) potential interest rate hike. While Governor Kazuo Ueda has hinted at the possibility of an imminent rate adjustment, some doubts persist over whether the move will occur at this month’s meeting. This uncertainty has contributed to bearish momentum for the yen, reflecting a cautious tone in currency markets.

Economic data, however, hints at underlying resilience in Japan’s economy. November’s Jibun Bank Services PMI exceeded expectations, rebounding from a four-month low due to rising orders and a strong labor market. Inflationary pressures remain elevated, driven by persistent increases in production costs, which strengthen the case for monetary tightening by the BoJ. These factors could provide medium-term support for the yen if the BoJ adopts a firmer stance on rate hikes.

Meanwhile, escalating risks in the Middle East and political uncertainty in France and South Korea could support demand for the yen. However, diverging yield trends weigh on the currency in the near term. While Japanese yields remain mostly subdued, rising U.S. Treasury yields, coupled with robust U.S. economic performance and a less dovish tone from Federal Reserve Chair Powell, are likely to sustain dollar strength, keeping pressure on the yen.

In the world of television, on-screen rivalries often capture the audience’s attention, but behind the scenes, they can lead to some of the most heartwarming friendships. This is exactly what’s happening on the sets of Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya on Sun Neo, where Maitri Bhanushali, who plays Tina, and Brinda Dahal, who portrays Vaishnavi, have forged a deep connection that goes beyond the camera.

Speaking about their incredible bond, Maitri shares, “Brinda and I are like soul sisters, and we have so much in common. Whenever I go to Brinda’s room, the music automatically starts playing, and as soon as it does, I look at her, she looks at me, and we just start vibing together. Whenever we get even a little free time, we make reels. We’ve made so many dance reels together! Even in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, when our characters compete for Kartik in a positive-negative way, dance somehow gets added to the mix.”

She further added, “We often end up doing dance sequences together, and even the Sun Neo channel knows how much we enjoy dancing—they sometimes tell us to perform just because of it! There are times when we choreograph our own dance sequences, and we complete the choreography in just 5 minutes. The choreographers who come on set say that it usually takes an entire day to finish a dance sequence, but the two of us wrap up the entire shoot in just 3 hours. We’re like two little firecrackers when it comes to dancing!”

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya follows the journey of Vaishnavi, an orphan who finds solace and strength in her unwavering faith in Chhathi Maiyya (portrayed by Sneha Wagh), who serves as a mother figure in her life. The show features a talented cast, including Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit.

On December 4, 2024, Ramjas International School welcomed Shri Ravi Shankar Tiwari, Convener of ‘Yamuna Bhikshu,’ as part of the ‘Save Yamuna’ campaign. The event, organized by the Interact Club, aimed to educate students about the significance of the Yamuna River and the urgent need for its restoration. Shri Tiwari, in his address, urged students to become proactive champions of environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to clean the Yamuna. His inspiring message motivated students to contribute to environmental sustainability, prioritize cleanliness, and take responsibility for enhancing the well-being of their surroundings.

A Bold New Step for Women in Automotive

Go Speedy Go (GSG), India’s leading ISO 9001:2015 certified end-to-end automobile service provider unveiled its Women Entrepreneurship Programme and WOW Model (Workshop on Wheels). These groundbreaking initiatives aim to make automobile services more accessible while empowering women across India to take the wheel in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Workshop on Wheels (WOW): Redefining Accessibility

GSG’s WOW Model brings mobile service workshops equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology directly to customers. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, this initiative ensures no car owner is too far from professional automobile services. WOW not only highlights GSG’s commitment to service accessibility but also provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to lead innovative, customer-centric ventures.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

In collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), GSG is breaking traditional barriers with zero-investment franchise opportunities for women. Subsidies cover up to 25-60% of startup costs, making this initiative risk-free and accessible. The program aims to uplift 1,000 women entrepreneurs, generating 10,000 jobs and promoting sustainable social and economic growth.

Comprehensive Support for Success

Participants in the Women Entrepreneurship Programme benefit from:

• Manpower and Training: GSG provides trained mechanics and technicians, alongside extensive skill-building programs.
• Infrastructure Support: Pre-fabricated vehicles, fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools and machinery.
• Supply Chain Access: Reliable sourcing of spare parts, consumables, and lubricants.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Continuous support from industry experts ensures a seamless entrepreneurial journey.

Driving Societal Change

“This program is about more than just creating businesses; it’s about redefining the industry and creating a legacy of inclusivity and empowerment,” said Sachidananda Bhoi, CEO of Go Speedy Go. “Through WOW and the Women Entrepreneurship Programme, we are building a movement that not only uplifts individuals but also transforms communities.”

The initiatives address systemic challenges such as limited financial resources and lack of training while challenging stereotypes in the automotive sector. By promoting financial independence and leadership, GSG inspires women to forge new paths in entrepreneurship.

Building a Better Tomorrow

With these initiatives, GSG envisions a ripple effect of societal transformation. The Women Entrepreneurship Programme and WOW Model aim to build a network of empowered women-led businesses contributing to India’s economic growth, redefining the future of the automotive industry.

Applications Open Now

Women from all sectors with a business idea or entrepreneurial ambition are encouraged to apply. For more information and to join this revolution, visit Go Speedy Go.

New Delhi, 5th December 2024: Becker, a global leader in professional exam preparation for accounting and finance, has announced its plans to deepen its presence in the Indian market. To spearhead this expansion, Becker has appointed Sonia Mishra as the India Country Director. With her extensive experience in education technology and workforce upskilling, Sonia will lead Becker’s efforts to empower Indian students and professionals with high-quality training solutions.

Becker’s initiatives align with the National Education Policy’s (NEP) emphasis on skill development and professional readiness. By empowering Indian professionals with internationally recognized credentials, Becker aims to contribute to India’s goal of becoming a global hub for skilled talent.

Speaking on her vision for India, Sonia Mishra, India Country Director, said, “India stands at a pivotal moment in its journey to becoming a global talent hub for accounting and finance. With a young and ambitious workforce, the potential for growth is immense. At Becker, we aim to bridge skill gaps, foster global mobility, and empower Indian students and professionals with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly complex global financial landscape. Our focus will be on delivering world-class training aligned with global standards, enabling individuals and organizations to stay ahead in a competitive market.”

Meeting India’s Growing Demand for Global Credentials  India has emerged as a strategic market for global accounting and finance professionals. The surge in demand for skilled professionals—driven by India’s economic growth, global integration, and the rise of GCCs—makes it a critical destination for Becker’s expertise. In India, certifications like US CPA and CMA are increasingly being seen as gateways to international careers.

Becker’s primary offerings in India will include its flagship US CPA and CMA programs that equip professionals with the expertise to meet international accounting standards. It also plans to launch Enrolled Agent (EA) program, designed to enhance expertise in US tax law, addressing a growing demand in India’s tax advisory sector.

Sonia Mishra brings over 20 years of leadership experience in education technology and workforce learning. Under her leadership, Becker aims to foster a more collaborative environment with educational institutions and corporates to align skill development and training with finance and accounting industry needs.It will deliver globally recognized training while adapting to the unique requirements of the Indian market and supporting Indian businesses in their learning and development goals.

Chandigarh,5th December 2024 Edutest Solutions, a pioneer in the examination business with four decades of experience, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting an industry-first computer-based test (CBT) with end-to-end encryption. This ground-breaking innovation, executed flawlessly for 1.2 lakh candidates, addresses the long-standing challenges of conventional CBT examinations and sets a new benchmark for secure and reliable digital assessments.

The exam was conducted over three days from Saturday through Monday. To administer the exam smoothly, Edutest had developed a proprietary software consisting of a combination of innovative technological features including no software installation, automated seat allocation, and end to end encryption.

The edtech company’s examination platform has been designed to eliminate the need for software installation on devices, significantly reducing the risk of hacking or unauthorized access. An automated, randomized seat allocation system eliminates human intervention, ensuring fairness and transparency. For enhanced security, question papers are securely encrypted from creation to delivery, ensuring that their integrity remains intact throughout the process. Further, a centralized control hub oversees the entire examination process, offering real-time monitoring and rapid response to any irregularities.

Commenting on the development, Jaya Arya, Managing Director, Edutest Solutions, said, “As the reliance on CBT for examinations continues to grow, our platform is poised to play a crucial role in securing the future of digital assessments. Its innovative solutions promise not only to transform the landscape of secure examinations but also to inspire confidence among institutions, candidates, and stakeholders alike.

Vineet Arya, Director, Edutest Solutions, said, “By addressing all the weaknesses of traditional CBT systems, we have set a new standard for digital assessments. This platform guarantees that exam results reflect merit rather than manipulation, restoring trust in the examination process. It ensures that exams are conducted seamlessly across pan-India centres, including remote locations, while maintaining the highest levels of security and reliability.”