MUMBAI, India – January 23, 2025 – Today, Prime Video released ten first-look images for The Wheel of Time’s upcoming third season, which will debut globally on March 13, 2025. This release is part of #WOTWednesdays, a fan-favorite weekly reveal of series news and assets leading up to the season premiere. The Wheel of Time is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios and is based on Robert Jordan’s best-selling epic fantasy book series of the same name.

In The Wheel of Time, a humble farm boy, Rand al’Thor, learns he is The Dragon Reborn—a dangerous figure from history destined to save the world … or break it. The Wheel of Time turns, and the Last Battle approaches.

After defeating Ishamael, one of the most powerful of the Forsaken, at the end of Season Two, Rand reunites with his friends in the city of Falme and is declared the Dragon Reborn. But in Season Three, the threats against the Light are multiplying: the White Tower stands divided, the Black Ajah runs free, old enemies return to the Two Rivers, and the remaining Forsaken are in hot pursuit of the Dragon… including Lanfear, whose relationship with Rand will mark a crucial choice between Light and Dark for them both. As the ties to his past begin to unravel, and his corrupted power grows stronger, Rand becomes increasingly unrecognizable to his closest allies, Moiraine and Egwene. These powerful women, who started the series as teachers and students, must now work together to prevent the Dragon from turning to the Dark…no matter the cost.

The Wheel of Time series on Prime Video has solidified its place as a monumental success for the platform. Based on Robert Jordan’s beloved and epic fantasy book series, the show weaves a tale of magic, destiny, and adventure that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. In 2021, Season One launched as the biggest original series debut in Prime Video history at the time, excelling in both reach and subscriber acquisition. It continues to remain among the top three series debuts of all time on Prime Video behind The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Fallout. Overall, the show has generated more than 100 million viewers worldwide to date. Additionally, both Seasons One and Two are Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, further cementing the show’s critical acclaim. The Wheel of Time serves as a cornerstone of Amazon MGM Studios’ suite of successful, high-quality tentpole fantasy series, and together, these series underscore the studio’s leadership in delivering premium storytelling to a global audience.

The Wheel of Time stars Rosamund Pike (Saltburn, Gone Girl) as Moiraine Damodred, Daniel Henney (Criminal Minds) as al’Lan Mandragoran, Josha Stradowski (Gran Turismo) as Rand al’Thor, Zoë Robins (Power Rangers Ninja Steel) as Nynaeve al’Meara, Madeleine Madden (Dora and the Lost City of Gold) as Egwene al’Vere, Marcus Rutherford (Obey) as Perrin Aybara, Dónal Finn (Rogue Heroes) as Mat Cauthon, Ceara Coveney (Young Wallander) as Elayne Trakand, Kate Fleetwood (Harlots) as Leandrin Guirale, Natasha O’Keeffe (Peaky Blinders) as Lanfear, Ayoola Smart (Killing Eve) as Aviendha, Kae Alexander (Game of Thrones) as Min Farshaw, Sophie Okenedo (Hotel Rwanda, Slow Horses) as Siuan Sanche, and Shohreh Aghdashloo (House of Saddam, The Penguin) as Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan.

The Wheel of Time was adapted for television by executive producer and showrunner Rafe Judkins (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Hemlock Grove). Rick Selvage and Larry Mondragon of two productions (Winter Dragon), Ted Field of Radar Pictures (Jumanji: The Next Level, Winter Dragon), Mike Weber (Jumanji: The Next Level, Beirut), Marigo Kehoe (Outlander, The Crown), Ciaran Donnelly (Kin), Justine Juel Gillmer (The Survivor, Halo), Dave Hill (Game of Thrones) and Rosamund Pike (Saltburn, Gone Girl) also serve as executive producers. The Wheel of Time is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios.

Noida: Wishing to represent the idea on the International Day of Education, the Director General, IMS Noida, Prof. Dr. Vikas Dhawan believes that this country needs absolute change in policies of education and it should be given prominence by the government in the upcoming Union Budget 2025.

Speaking of challenges and opportunities, Dr. Dhawan said that “education forms the cornerstone of a thriving nation” and it becomes imperative for India to align the policies with international standards while taking on the unique socio-economic fabric of the country. There is a potential in the union budget to overcome the lacuna in quality education, skill development, and inclusive access. For him, focus areas include –

1.  Budgetary Expenditure Adjustment: NEP 2020 should increase expenditure on education to at least 6% of the GDP, along with infrastructure, training, and so forth, in the same area.
2.  Learning by Skills: There should be policies that facilitate cooperation between industry and academia with such an intent that the emerging industries, be it AI or renewable energy, blockchain so, students learn the practicals, hands by skill.
3.  Digital Education: Establish wholesome high-speed internet in rural and semi-urban regions, affordable electronics, and wide e-learning modules.
4.  Teacher Empowerment: Upskilling teachers at the national level on innovative teaching methods and hybrid learning space transformation.
5.  Higher Education Support: Grants for research and innovation on topics of STEM, as well as international collaborations with Indian universities.

According to him, scholarships must also be more inclusive. “I will request the government to increase scholarship funding and underprivileged group programs, particularly girl child and other marginalized sections”, Dr. Dhawan added.

Dr. Dhawan concluded, “The International Day of Education reminds us that we, collectively, bear responsibility for shaping the future through learning. The Union Budget 2025 needs to reflect this vision of building up every single student, every single educator, and every single institution to their maximum potential.”.

IMS Noida has always been ahead of the curve with transformative initiatives that relate to its mission of excellence in education and preparing for the fast-changing demands of this dynamic world.

New Delhi, 23rd January 2025: BC Jindal Group, India’s leading conglomerate with over Rs. 18,000 crore turnover, has announced that its renewable energy arm, Jindal India Renewable Energy (JIRE), sets sight on expansion and is actively pursuing aggressive acquisitions of operational assets both domestically and abroad. This is in line with the company’s goal to expand its capacity to 5 GW within the next four years. These acquisitions are anticipated to be finalized in 1-2 years and will be funded through a mix of internal accruals and debt.

JIRE aims to generate 5 GW of power from solar, wind, hybrid, hydro, and FDRE modes. To achieve this JIREL is focused on the acquisition of an operational portfolio in the initial couple of years. In parallel JIRE is focused on establishing its presence in renewable energy-rich states by developing Renewable projects connected to the grid at CTU and STU to meet the energy demands of utilities as well as Industrial and Commercial (C&I) customers.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Amit Kumar Mittal, CEO, of Jindal India Renewable Energy, said, “In 2025-2026, we are looking to strategically expand our capacity portfolio by acquiring key operational assets within the country and across geographies. JIRE seeks to enhance its play in the RE segment which will increasingly throw up huge opportunities as India’s energy mix undergoes a fundamental transition. For JIRE, these acquisitions will be crucial in shaping the growth trajectory of the company in the coming years.”

With an existing portfolio of 1,200 MW thermal power generation in Angul, Odisha, BC Jindal Group had recently floated its dedicated entity, JIRE, to hold the renewable venture of the group. This company will oversee the renewable power generation, solar cells, and module manufacturing businesses.

Jindal India Renewable Energy operates under the BC Jindal Group, founded in 1952 by Shri B.C. Jindal. Originally a steel pipe and fittings manufacturer, the group has grown into one of India’s leading conglomerates with a significant presence in the power sector. JIRE’s initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to energy diversification. With a focus on environmental well-being at the core of its inception, BC Jindal Group’s commitment extends beyond compliance to a genuine dedication to preserving the environment for future generations.

Hyderabad, January 23, 2025: Bringing together, 3500 athletes from 29 different sports, across all the 12 districts of Meghalaya, the 6th Edition of Meghalaya Games, 2025 was inaugurated at the Wahiajer Stadium, Jowai, by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma. The biggest annual multi-sport event of the state showcases Meghalaya’s sporting prowess and its readiness to host national-level competitions, with the 2027 National Games on the horizon. The Meghalaya Games, 2025 will also host three traditional sports of the state, Mawpoin, Rah Moo Khrah and An’Ding Oka, reflecting the state’s commitment to preserve and promote indigenous sports.

Addressing a packed stadium, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma stated that these games are not just sports but the Government’s investment in its youth. He said, “As a government, we have always mentioned to all of you that the youth are a very important part of our policy making; of the schemes that we implement; of the work that this government does. And this particular game and the four games that happened during the tenure of this government is a testament of this commitment to our youth. We ensure that these games are held on a rotation basis because we know that every region has its strengths. Every region and every district must be developed and allowed to host games like these. Today, with the hosting of this game, lot of infrastructure development has taken place in the Jowai area and West Jaintia hills as a whole. whether it is about road construction or its improvement of buildings or construction of massive stadium like this.”

Notably, for the first time, the Meghalaya games will feature seven para-athletes, four women, and three men, set to take part in the para-shooting event (pistol and rifles).

The state anthem filled the air, followed by a dynamic parade of athletes, symbolizing unity, and the indomitable spirit of Meghalaya’s youth. A special highlight of the evening was the singing of the Games’ theme song, “Niom Beit Naphang”. The official mascot, “U Kiang,” inspired by the clouded leopard and a tribute to the legendary freedom fighter U Kiang Nangbah, was a poignant reminder of Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit.

In his speech, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Shri Shakliar Warjri, highlighted the transformative impact of sports in Meghalaya, thanking each and every one who has worked hard to make the Meghalaya Games, light of the day. He stated that beyond wins and losses, the games like this become a platform for people to visit various parts of the state, for the first time; just like the 6th edition of the games has made many people travel to Jaintia Hills for the first time. We aim to ensure that the athletes who have performed well in these games go on to represent and excel in global events like the Olympics.

The previous edition of the Meghalaya Games 2024, inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu held at P A Sangma Stadium, Tura, left an indelible mark on Meghalaya’s sporting legacy. The games had over 3000 participants competing across 22 sporting disciplines which included two demonstration sports. This year thus marks an increase in not only the number of participants but also competitive and four demonstration sports, including traditional sports of Meghalaya.

The games are set to award over 1,600 medals across six days of intense competition. The Games are set to be conducted across multiple venues in Jowai and other locations in West Jaintia Hills, under the supervision of 500 technical officials.

Shri John K Kharshing, President of MSOA, expressed the huge participation across all the districts of Meghalaya, as a testament and the significance of Government’s commitment to sports. He credited the Meghalaya Sports Policy, 2019 and its implementation, awards & scholarships, and the robust leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister in making the 6th edition of Meghalaya Games, this successful.

The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya; Shri Prestone Tynsong, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya; Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya; His excellency Mr Sardor Mirzayusupovich Rustambaev, Ambassador to India, Embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan, Shri Shakliar Warjri, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs; Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh; Hon’ble MLA of Jowai Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, Hon’ble Power Minister Shri A.T Mondal; Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Excise and Disaster Management, Shri Kyrmen Shylla, Hon’ble Minister of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer affairs Shri Comingone Ymbon, Shri John F. Kharshiing, MSOA, Working President, MLAs and Key officials of the Government of Meghalaya.

As the crisp air of winter sets in, The Westin Mumbai Garden City introduces the Winter Garden – a celebration of the season’s finest moments. This curated concept captures the essence of winter through a series of events and experiences that invite guests to indulge, connect, and create cherished memories in a warm and inviting ambience.

Embark on a culinary journey like no other as The Westin Mumbai Garden City proudly presents the Truffle Fest at Prego, the hotel’s signature Italian dining destination. From 24th to 31st January 2025, indulge in an exclusive menu celebrating the luxurious and earthy flavours of truffles, curated to perfection by our expert chefs.
This week-long gastronomic celebration will feature an array of exquisitely crafted dishes, each infused with the rich aroma and flavour of premium truffles. Highlights of the Truffle Fest menu include:

Hand-dived Scallops with Sunchoke and Truffle Puree: A harmonious blend of oceanic freshness and earthy richness.

• Pizza Tartufata: A classic Italian favourite elevated with truffle indulgence.
• Black Truffle Tagliatelle with Parmesan and Scamorza Cream: A creamy delight for pasta lovers.
• Truffle-Scented Baked Potato Gnocchi with Sage: Comfort food taken to new heights.
• Black Truffle and Pancetta Risotto: A rich and velvety dish that’s pure perfection.
• One-Pot Chicken with Truffle Pesto and Wild Mushroom: A hearty and flavorful creation.
• Textures of White Chocolate with Truffle Ice Cream: A decadent dessert that redefines indulgence.

Each dish has been designed to showcase the unparalleled allure of truffles, making the Truffle Fest a must-visit for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Event Details:

Dates: 24th to 31st January 2025

Venue: Prego, The Westin Mumbai Garden City

By Mr Sunil Sisodiya, Founder, Geetanjali Homestate
Goa has been in the news for years as the ultimate holiday destination due to its beautiful beaches and cultural lifestyle. This paradise by the coast is fast turning out to be the hub for high-net-worth individuals who wish to invest in luxury real estate across India and worldwide.
Premium properties in Goa are in high demand, driven by a combination of factors. The pandemic has forced people to work from home, and affluent professionals have been looking for homes that can provide them with serenity and a better quality of life. Goa, with its serene environment and modern amenities, fits the bill perfectly. Industry reports indicate that luxury property transactions in the state increased by 30% year on year in 2024, and this trend does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

The influx of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) has led to the development of upscale residential projects, particularly in areas like Assagao, Anjuna, and Morjim in North Goa. These locations are gaining popularity for their boutique villas, gated communities, and sea-facing apartments. The average price per square foot in these prime areas has risen by approximately 20% over the past year, reflecting strong market confidence.

Government policies have also contributed significantly to the growth of Goa’s real estate industry. The ease of doing business and smooth property registration process have made it easier for investors to enter the market. Moreover, the infrastructure development projects undertaken by the state, such as the expansion of the Dabolim Airport and the upcoming Mopa International Airport, have improved connectivity to Goa, making it an even more attractive destination.

Another driving factor is the robust rental market in Goa. With its thriving tourism industry, luxury properties often double as lucrative vacation rentals, offering investors steady returns. Industry estimates suggest that high-end villas in prime locations can yield rental incomes of up to 8-10% annually, a significant draw for buyers seeking both lifestyle and financial benefits.

However, experts would caution that there is due diligence in the process from the part of the prospective buyer. Legal clearances, property titles, and other environmental regulations would have to be cleared before a smooth transaction.

As Goa continues to evolve as a luxury real estate hub, it remains a testament to the growing trend of lifestyle-driven investments. The state’s unique charm, coupled with promising economic indicators, positions it as a preferred choice for discerning homebuyers in 2025.

Hyderabad, 23 January 2025: Master Minds Co-Founder CA Mohan Mattupalli, speaking about the remarkable achievement of his student securing All India Rank 1 in the CA finals, on the podcast “Backbenching with Vivek” with his characteristic candor, remarked, “Top ranks don’t come from fancy buildings; they come from exceptional teachers.” Master Minds, a leading coaching institute, has become synonymous with success, guiding thousands of CA/CMA aspirants each year to achieve their dreams. This latest triumph further cements their reputation for excellence and unwavering commitment to quality education. The platform “Backbenching with Vivek” has carved a remarkable niche, boasting a commanding reach of over 100,000 engaged YouTube subscribers.

In a candid conversation with the host Vivek Kandula, CA Mohan Mattupalli delved into critical yet overlooked aspects of education, the misplaced priorities of parents when selecting training institutes. “Parents often prioritize flashy facilities and premium ambiance while overlooking the most crucial factor, faculty quality. This approach leaves many students falling short of qualifying for CA/CMA by a wide margin,” he remarked. He urged parents to look beyond glossy brochures and flashy promises of coaching institutes and emphasized the need to focus on what truly matters, quality coaching. CA Mohan unveiled the secret behind Master Minds’ incredible success in consistently cracking the top CA/CMA ranks, as a formula built on a foundation of exceptional teaching, unwavering dedication, and a relentless focus on student success.

“CA Mohan sir doesn’t just run an institute – he’s building India’s future CAs/CMAs,” says Vivek Kandula, founder of STRUX Digital and host of Backbenching with Vivek. “His success with Master Minds shows that focusing on strong fundamentals beats chasing fancy infrastructure.”

Viva, Asia’s largest manufacturer and supplier of aluminium composite panels (ACP), a pioneer in innovative building materials, proudly unveiled SOLID X—India’s first pre-coated ready-to-install solid aluminium panels—at the prestigious BAU Expo in Germany. This groundbreaking product marks a new era in architectural design, combining unmatched strength, versatility, and sustainability to redefine modern facades and interiors. With decades of expertise in the building materials industry, Viva continues to push the boundaries of innovation, offering a product that not only elevates durability and aesthetic appeal but also champions eco-conscious manufacturing.

SOLID X aluminium panels are engineered to deliver exceptional performance, setting new benchmarks in architectural materials. With a fire rating of A1, the highest classification for non-combustible materials, and a weather-resistant PVDF coating, these panels ensure long-lasting beauty and safety. Designed with parallel flatness to minimize internal stress, they provide sleek aesthetics and superior load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for wider spans and greater design flexibility. The lightweight yet strong composition facilitates easy installation, while customizable textures and colors cater to diverse architectural visions.

The panels are a testament to sustainability, produced using eco-friendly practices that result in a low carbon footprint. Viva’s commitment to durability is backed by a 15-year warranty, offering long-term performance and peace of mind. Features like scratch resistance, antimicrobial silver-ion coating, and self-cleaning properties further enhance the value of SOLID X, making it a perfect choice for both functional and aesthetic applications.

Mr. Mayank Jain, Director of Viva Composite Panel Pvt. Ltd., said, “The launch of SOLID X at BAU marks a significant milestone for Viva as we introduce India’s first pre-coated ready-to-install solid aluminium panels to the global stage. SOLID X reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, offering architects and designers a revolutionary material that combines unmatched durability, aesthetic versatility, and eco-conscious manufacturing. This is not just a product—it’s a promise to redefine the future of facades and interiors worldwide.”

Viva SOLID X panels are versatile and can be seamlessly integrated into various spaces, including commercial environments like corporate offices, retail stores, and malls; residential properties such as high-rise buildings, apartments, and villas; and public infrastructure, including airports, metro stations, and stadiums.

With SOLID X, Viva has introduced a product that redefines facades and interiors while setting a benchmark for sustainable architecture. By launching this transformative innovation at BAU, Viva underscores its position as an industry leader committed to driving the future of building materials.

Mumbai, 22 January 2025: The Priority Sector Lenders Association of India (PSL Association or PSLAI), formed as a Section 8 company, has been conceptualized to make loans under the Priority Sector Lending norms, an important business vertical for Banks and NBFCs. Currently, as per the RBI regulations, Banks are required to maintain at least 40% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANDC) as priority sector loans. This amounts to an annual disbursement of nearly INR 64 trillion to MSMEs. Since loans under PSL are relatively of a small amount and are also considered riskier, the majority of the target is met by institutions through indirect means, such as securitization deals.

The RBI defines PSL loans under 8 heads, which include agriculture, MSME and affordable housing. So far, credit to the agricultural sector has garnered the largest share of the pie under the PSL disbursements. The MSME sector, contributing nearly 29% of India’s GDP and 45.73% of exports, faces a significant credit gap of INR 103 trillion, as of Fiscal 2024​. Despite a growing demand for credit of INR 138 trillion, only 25% of the sector’s formal financing needs are currently met, leaving the majority of MSMEs reliant on informal credit sources.

With a view to solve the problem of credit for Priority Sectors especially for MSMEs, under the aegis of iSPIRT, a new industry body named PSLAI has been formed. iSPIRT is bringing on board multiple lending institutions like UGRO Capital, IIFL, fintechs like GetVantage/GetGrowth Capital and many others as its founding members. iSPIRT believes that India’s digital growth, supported by the Indian DPI, has opened up newer avenues for the SME/MSME sector, and with the right product developments and policy push, the credit under this sector can double to nearly INR 130 trillion in the next few years and achieve 2x growth in the next 3-5 years. However, this requires deep deliberations across a few pillars:

1.  Recognising a new category of NBFC lenders which focuses on Priority Sector Loans: NBFC-PSL (similar to NBFC-MFI & NBFC-HFC)
2.  Enhancing the faith in the creditworthiness of Priority Sector Borrowers through dialogue and deep deliberation
3.  Increasing the adoption of DPIs like OCEN to increase the flow of cashflow-based financing
4.  Increasing the liability flow of priority sector lending in India through policy advocacy

PSLAI will be headed by Priyashmita Guha as the Chief Executive Officer and run with the help of an accomplished Board of Directors. Before joining PSLAI, Priyashmita was the COO of the Digital Lenders Association of India and was instrumental in driving the network growth of the association.

Sharad Sharma, Co-Founder, iSPIRT said, “The focus of PSLAI will be on initiating conversation on liberalized risk weightage on PSL portfolios, mitigating perceived risks through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and establishing fair practices within the industry. It will advocate for policy reforms which will further strengthen the borrower ecosystem, particularly for MSMEs.”

Shachindra Nath, Founder and Managing Director, UGRO Capital said, “If you go and talk to a bank in India today, they will say MSME financing is not an issue. Every shopkeeper can get an Udyam certificate and become a priority sector borrower. The Bank’s 7.5% PSL requirement for MSME gets completely filled up. With a provision of being tagged or licensed as NBFC-PSL, technically any lending from a Bank to such an entity can come at a lower rate and be part of the Bank’s priority sector lending.”

Team PSLAI believes that promoting and developing credit products that use India’s DPI and support cashflow-based lending products will play an important role in making PSL more mainstream. The Association thus plans to include, promote and popularise digital networks like OCEN (Open Credit Enablement Network) and other DPI technology networks as vital product development tools. PSLAI will actively work with network partners and financial institutions to develop innovative lending products, built on all platforms.

The Association will bring together financial institutions, industry stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and tech companies to tackle the unique challenges and capitalize on the vast opportunities within priority sector lending (PSL).

Raipur, January 22, 2025: NMDC’s Bailadila Iron Ore Mine, Bacheli Complex, successfully hosted the inaugural-cum-flag-off ceremony and First Aid Competition for the ‘40th Annual Mine Safety Fortnight Celebration 2024’. Organised under the guidance of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Bilaspur and Raigarh regions, the inaugural event took place at Raipur on January 20, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from the mining industry.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri R.K. Singh, Director of Mine Safety (Bilaspur Region-2), Shri Arun Kumar, Deputy Director of Mine Safety (Bilaspur Region-2), Shri B. Bhadaru, Deputy Director of Mine Safety (Bilaspur Region-1), Shri B. Venkateswarlu, Executive Director, Bacheli Complex, Shri Sanjeev Sahi, Chief General Manager, Kirandul Complex, and Shri T. Shivakumar, Mines Manager, Bacheli Complex. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to prioritising safety and sustainable mining practices.

The ‘First Aid Competition’, a key highlight of the event, witnessed enthusiastic participation from various mines across the Bilaspur and Raigarh regions. Teams showcased their emergency response skills, emphasising the importance of preparedness and safety in mining operations.

The event provided a valuable platform for mine owners, agents and managers from across the region to engage in discussions on best practices in mine safety. This collaborative approach reinforced NMDC’s unwavering commitment to achieving the highest safety standards within the Indian mining industry.