Brigade PU College and Arjunaa Academy Join Hands for Inspiring 2nd PUC Orientation Event

Hassan, March 17, 2025: Brigade PU College, Hassan kicked off its pursuit to new academic heights with an orientation & felicitation program for 2nd PUC parents & students.

Hareesh PK, CEO & Founder of Arjunaa Academy for Achievers (AAA) motivated the students by citing several case studies of people who have reaped massive returns by investing their time & energy in education. 

He also spoke about several challenges that a student commonly encounters during the preparation & equipped students with the right solutions to overcome these challenges.

“The heart of an institution is a highly qualified & dedicated faculty team”  said Mr. Vijay Shankar, Principal and Trustee of Brigade PU college and introduced the entire teaching & non-teaching staff to the students & parents.. 

A brief outline of the academic plan for an entire year was presented & competitive training for the 2nd PUC was inaugurated with a book launch ceremony, unveiling the competitive books that students would be solving during the academic year.

Mr. Sreekanth PK, Director of Arjunaa Academy encouraged the Olympiad toppers of 1st PUC by felicitating them.

Teachers from Arjunaa Academy covered competitive sessions in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & Biology after the orientation program.

Actors reminisce about Holi Celebrations in their Hometowns

Holi, the festival of colours, is a time of joy, traditions, and togetherness. For many, the true essence of the festival lies in the way it is celebrated back home with vibrant streets, age-old rituals, and the warmth of loved ones. &TV artists Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan) and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) fondly recall the unmatched beauty of Holi celebrations in their hometowns and express how much they miss being there this year. However, to keep the festive spirit alive, they plan to celebrate in their special way, following cherished traditions like making gujiyas and performing rituals that connect them to their roots.

Yogesh Tripathi aka Daroga Happu Singh shares, “Holi in my hometown in Uttar Pradesh is an experience like no other. The air is filled with colours, laughter, and folk music. Every year, we celebrate with prayers, followed by playing with gulaal, dancing, and enjoying festive treats like gujiya and thandai. The Lathmar Holi of Barsana and the Phoolon Ki Holi of Vrindavan are mesmerizing. This year, I will not be able to be there, and I will dearly miss the energy, the streets bustling with joy, and the warmth of celebrating with family and friends. But to keep the spirit alive, I will be preparing gujiyas at home and indulging in our traditional rituals. That way, even from afar, I will feel connected to my roots.”

Shubhangi Atre aka Angoori Bhabi echoes the sentiment, saying, “Holi in Madhya Pradesh has always been close to my heart. It begins with Holika Dahan, where we gather around the bonfire, praying for prosperity and happiness. The next day, the city is drenched in colours, and the joy is infectious! In Indore, Rang Panchami is another highlight, with grand processions, music, and dance. Being away from home this year makes me nostalgic for those vibrant celebrations. But to keep the festive spirit alive, I will be making namkeen and malpua just like we do back home. I will also perform the traditional Holika Dahan prayer here, ensuring that the warmth of my hometown’s Holi stays with me, no matter where I am. For me, Holi is more than just a festival it’s a feeling, a beautiful blend of tradition and nostalgia.”

ICRA Analytics Partners with FTSE Russell to Offer Fixed Income Indices

Mumbai, March 17, 2025: ICRA Analytics Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ICRA Ltd, has entered into a collaboration with FTSE Russell, a global leader in providing innovative benchmarking, analytics, and data solutions. ICRA Analytics currently provides comprehensive solutions, analytical tools, and digital platforms for Risk Management, Market Data, and Knowledge Services.

As part of the collaboration, ICRA Analytics will support FTSE Russell by providing valuations for calculating returns on its fixed-income indices. It will also market FTSE Russell’s fixed-income solutions to clients across India.

Founded in 2011, London-headquartered FTSE Russell is well-known for its expertise in creating and managing fixed income indices, which are widely used by asset managers, institutional investors, and financial markets globally. Their indices cover a broad spectrum of fixed-income asset classes, including government, corporate, and emerging market bonds. The company’s fixed income indices are designed to offer transparency, liquidity, and a comprehensive view of the market, enabling investors to make informed choices and manage risks effectively.

Commenting on the collaboration, Jayanta Chatterjee, MD & CEO, ICRA Analytics, said, “We are proud to announce our collaboration with FTSE Russell, whose fixed income indices are designed to offer transparency, liquidity, and a comprehensive view of the market, enabling investors to make informed choices and manage risks effectively. We believe this collaboration will further strengthen our position as a formidable player in fixed income valuations and solutions.”

Ashwini Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head Market Data, ICRA Analytics, said, “India has created its mark in international space. This partnership comes at an opportune time to give the investors a clear view of the market dynamics for their investments, using robust benchmarks based on extensive research and immense experience. I am sure this is going to be a great moment for the investing communities in India and across the globe.

Pi Day Celebrations at NMIMS Chandigarh Spark Mathematical Curiosity

Chandigarh, 17th March 2025: The School of Technology Management & Engineering (STME) at NMIMS Chandigarh celebrated International Mathematics Day with a remarkable event on March 12th, 2025. The celebration, held under the guidance of Associate Dean Dr.Jyotsna Singh, featured a distinguished guest lecture by Prof. Rajendra Kumar Sharma, Vice Chancellor of Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Waknaghat.

In his insightful lecture, Prof. Sharma emphasized the critical role mathematics plays in research, innovation, and addressing real-world challenges. He highlighted how mathematical principles drive advancements in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and engineering, underscoring their vast applications in both academic and industrial settings.
The event was marked by engaging discussions where students and faculty explored the practical relevance of mathematical concepts in everyday life and various industries. The celebration concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where contributions to the field of mathematics were recognized, and key participants were honored for their outstanding efforts.

The event, coordinated by Dr. Aastha Gupta, successfully created an inspiring platform for students to delve into the universal language of mathematics, sparking curiosity and fostering enthusiasm for further exploration in this fundamental discipline.

GoaOnline Services Now Accessible via WhatsApp

Althino, March 17, 2025: The Government of Goa is enhancing citizen convenience by integrating GoaOnline services with WhatsApp. This initiative, led by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics, and Communications, will allow residents to access government documents, certificates, bills, payment receipts, and notifications effortlessly.

GoaOnline, the web-based platform, was initiated in 2017 under the guidance of Late Dr. Manohar Parrikar, with Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, IT Minister, actively supporting its development. This Online platform proved to a blessing to all Citizens specially during the pandemic. The new AI-assisted platform will further enhance their experience and access to 241 government services through Whatsapp.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized the state’s commitment to digital governance, stating, “We are dedicated to making government services more efficient and accessible—transitioning from manual processes to Web based platform called GoaOnline, then anytime, anywhere door step service delivery called Gramin Mitra and now bringing services directly to citizens’ fingertips via WhatsApp.”

Goa’s WhatsApp-based service aims to make governance truly citizen-centric and easily accessible, The Government of Goa is thus striving to offer a keyword-based system to help users navigate various services efficiently.With this integration, GoaOnline users can check the status of their applications, receive due date reminders, access service pre-requisites, and get step-by-step guidance and apply for all 241 services through WhatsApp.

This marks a significant leap in digital empowerment, ensuring public services are always within reach—from doorstep to fingertip.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Welcomes Zetwerk’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Chennai

Sriperumbudur – Pannur, Tamil Nadu, March 17, 2025 – Hon’ble Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today inaugurated Zetwerk Electronics’ latest electronics manufacturing facility in Chennai. This 15-acre campus will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s position in the global Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector, contributing to India’s ambition of a $500 billion ESDM market and Tamil Nadu’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy. Zetwerk is proud to be a key piece of this transformative puzzle, driving industrial growth and self-reliance in high-value electronics manufacturing.

The new factory will focus on manufacturing control boards for washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, and IT hardware, with advanced production capabilities including five Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) lines, Manual Insertion (MI) lines, potting, conformal coating, and rigorous testing processes. At full capacity, the facility will employ approximately 1,200 skilled professionals.

The inauguration ceremony was presided by Hon’ble Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside key industry leaders and partners. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, remarked: “India’s electronics  manufacturing is on a growth trajectory and scaling new heights. Two major Electronics Manufacturing Clusters with approved cost of ₹1,012 crore will be developed at Pillai Pakkam and Manallur. Thanks to the vision of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, we are strengthening India’s position as a global manufacturing hub.Tamil Nadu is a key beneficiary, with the railway budget now exceeding ₹6,000 crore—fueling growth and infrastructure. As Zetwerk launches its 7th factory, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Indian companies in becoming global leaders.” 

Recognizing the beauty and cultural significance of Tamil, he also paid tribute to one of the world’s oldest and most revered languages

Dr TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce in the Government of Tamil Nadu commented “As India’s top electronics producer with 36% share in national exports, Tamil Nadu has always been at the forefront of India’s manufacturing revolution. Investments from new age companies like Zetwerk further strengthen our ecosystem and will enable our ambitious target to scale up our yearly electronics exports to USD 100 billion. This factory not only creates high-value jobs but also reinforces Tamil Nadu’s role as a global hub for high-value electronics manufacturing. We welcome Zetwerk to Tamil Nadu and look forward to seeing its mutually beneficial amalgamation with the state.”

Zetwerk Electronics’ new Chennai facility is its seventh factory in India, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s emergence as a key player in electronics production. The factory will significantly contribute to India’s ambition of achieving a $500 billion ESDM market and Tamil Nadu’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy.

Mr. Amrit Acharya, CEO & Co-founder of Zetwerk, reflected on the company’s journey and future aspirations: “Zetwerk was born from the vision of making India a global manufacturing powerhouse. In just a few years, we have built a full-stack EMS company that is helping reshape supply chains. This new facility is a step toward realizing India’s potential in high-value electronics manufacturing. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and skill development will drive our mission to strengthen India’s global competitiveness. We recognize that the journey toward a $500 billion ESDM industry and a $1 trillion Tamil Nadu economy is a collective effort, and Zetwerk is proud to be a vital piece of this larger puzzle. We want to build a technically competent enterprise focused on advanced engineering and manufacturing excellence, support global value chains and Indian value chains in their journey of India and India+.”

Zetwerk’s Chennai facility is designed to be a world-class export hub, leveraging Indo-US trade opportunities and contributing to India’s role in global supply chains. The company is committed to:

  • Innovation & Excellence: Investing in cutting-edge technology and best practices for high-precision manufacturing.
  • Sustainability & Responsibility: Ensuring environmentally responsible operations and ethical manufacturing practices.
  • Skilled Workforce Development: Creating employment opportunities and upskilling the workforce to build future-ready talent.
  • Collaboration & Growth: Partnering with global and local stakeholders to build a robust supply chain ecosystem.

With this new facility, Zetwerk Electronics takes a significant leap in advancing India’s manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing the nation’s role as a global leader in electronics production.

Leadership Growth: Soumyabrata Sengupta Takes Charge as Media Advisor to Defence and MEA

New Delhi, March 17, 2025—Soumyabrata Sengupta, Executive Director of Spearkraft Group and a Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State Leadership Council has been appointed as the Media Advisor to both the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs. In this prestigious role, Sengupta will provide strategic media guidance to senior military officers and diplomats representing India on the global stage.

An expert political consultant and media advisor, Sengupta has been a trusted name in policy advisory, public relations, and political strategy. With an extensive track record of working with the Government of India (Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Culture), the Government of Delhi, and the Government of West Bengal, he has played a crucial role in shaping high-impact media campaigns and policy communications at both national and state levels.

His latest role will see him assist senior military personnel in crafting effective media narratives, crisis communication strategies, and public engagement initiatives for India’s defense forces. Additionally, his advisory work with the Ministry of External Affairs will focus on diplomatic communications, international media relations, and strategic outreach initiatives to enhance India’s global image.

Sengupta will be working in an independent capacity through Chanakya Strategic Advisors, a public sector advisory and social impact firm under the Spearkraft Group. This move underscores the growing role of specialized advisory firms in navigating the complex intersection of governance, strategic communication, and public perception.

Over the years, Sengupta has provided political and media consultation to several senior politicians, bureaucrats, and policymakers. His deep understanding of political strategy and communication has made him a sought-after consultant in the realm of governance and public policy.

Soumyabrata Sengupta has a strong military background, having been military-schooled for most of his life. After being recommended by the Services Selection Board (SSB), he successfully completed Basic Military Training (BMT) at the Officers Training Academy, Gaya, which further strengthened his strategic thinking and leadership skills. Academically, Sengupta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Amity University, Noida, a Master’s degree in Journalism from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, and an MBA from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB). His diverse educational background has provided him with a unique blend of analytical, communication, and management skills essential for high-level advisory roles.

Expressing his thoughts on the appointment, Sengupta said: “It is an honour to assist two of the most critical ministries in shaping their media strategy and public outreach. In an era where perception and communication are vital to national security and diplomacy, effective media handling is more important than ever. Through Chanakya Strategic Advisors, I look forward to contributing to India’s strategic narrative at both national and international levels.”

With these new responsibilities, Soumyabrata Sengupta continues to strengthen his position as a leading strategic advisor in India’s political and governance landscape. His expertise in media strategy, political consulting, and government advisory further cements Chanakya Strategic Advisors as a key player in the sector.

Commends Exotic Vows: Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Saying ‘I Do’ Abroad

By: Vaibhav Sadhwani, Co-founder, Behind The Scene Weddings – Destination Wedding Consultants

Weddings have long been a reflection of cultural traditions and societal expectations. However, in recent years, Millennials and Gen Z couples have been reshaping the wedding industry by embracing destination weddings over traditional ones. This shift is driven by evolving values, changing financial priorities, and a desire for unique, memorable experiences. Millennials and Gen Z prioritize experiences over material possessions.

Millennials and Gen Z couples are redefining marriage norms. Many prefer to move away from traditional customs that may feel outdated or restrictive. A destination wedding provides a neutral and refreshing setting where both families can celebrate without the pressure of adhering to rigid cultural norms. This flexibility allows couples to create a wedding experience that feels more authentic and true to their values. Couples can exchange vows in picturesque locations such as tropical beaches, historic palaces, or scenic mountain resorts, creating unforgettable moments for themselves and their guests. However, there is much more to a destination wedding than just getting clicked at a picturesque location.

Covid gave rise to intimate weddings, and the trend caught on, where couples are now opting for destination weddings. Effectively, in the same budget one can host a big fat wedding in their city, one can host an intimate destination wedding. Contrary to popular belief, destination weddings can be more affordable than traditional ones. The cost of hosting a large wedding with multiple events, extravagant decorations, and a grand banquet can quickly escalate. In contrast, many resorts and wedding venues offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, food, decor, and entertainment. This streamlined approach helps couples manage expenses while enjoying a luxurious experience at a fraction of the cost.

In today’s digital age, weddings are not just about the couple; they are also about the visuals. With Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok influencing wedding trends, destination weddings provide a stunning backdrop for photos and videos. Exotic locations, breathtaking landscapes, and unique decor make for share-worthy moments that resonate with social media-savvy couples. Thus, couples scout for gorgeous destinations that also match their vibe. A couple who loves to indulge in luxury might opt for palaces of Rajasthan or Europe, while and adventure loving couple may opt for mountain wedding with trekking included as part of pre wedding fun activity.

Sustainability is a growing concern for younger generations, and destination weddings often offer eco-friendly options. Many resorts and venues are adopting sustainable practices, such as zero-waste weddings, organic catering, and eco-conscious decor. Couples can choose locations that align with their environmental values while minimizing the carbon footprint of their celebration.
Millennials and Gen Z are redefining weddings by prioritizing meaningful experiences, intimacy, and personalization. Destination weddings offer an ideal combination of adventure, affordability, and exclusivity, making them the preferred choice over traditional celebrations. As the wedding industry continues to evolve, destination weddings are expected to remain a dominant trend, shaping the way future generations celebrate love and commitment.

A destination wedding isn’t just special for the couple—it’s an incredible experience for the guests as well. Instead of a single-day event, guests get to enjoy a mini-vacation, explore a new place, and bond with other attendees. This creates a relaxed, festive atmosphere where everyone can unwind and celebrate together, making it a truly memorable wedding.

One of the biggest advantages of a destination wedding is the seamless transition into a honeymoon. Instead of planning a separate trip, couples can start their honeymoon immediately after the ceremony. Many destination wedding venues offer honeymoon packages, allowing newlyweds to extend their stay and relax in a beautiful setting without additional travel costs or stress.

Helmed by wedding planners, who has immense experience of organizing weddings at beautiful locations, and who are in touch with local vendors to curate experiences that are hyperlocal, yet go with the values of the guests, destination weddings are a stress-free affair. As the wedding planners make sure that they plan the event minutely, the couples get to enjoy their wedding, which is otherwise not possible.

CREDAI Bengaluru Realty Expo 2025 Kicks Off, Spotlight on Luxury and Affordable Housing

Bengaluru 14th March 2025: CREDAI Bengaluru Realty Expo 2025 was inaugurated by Smt. Joohi Smita Sinha, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, Bengaluru Circle, along with Sri. Amar Mysore, President, CREDAI Bengaluru. The expo to be held from 14th to 16th March 2025 will feature a wide range of high-quality properties from leading developers, providing attendees with unparalleled opportunities to explore and invest in the real estate market. Attendees can expect to find the best investment opportunities across residential, commercial, and luxury segments. The Expo will also host officials from Banks and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), offering exciting loan deals and financial advice. Expert consultations will be available, providing one-on-one advice to help attendees make informed real estate decisions. In total 28 developers and 6 bankers are participating in CREDAI Expo 2025.

Speaking at the inauguration, Smt. Joohi Smita Sinha, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, Bengaluru Circle, said, “Real Estate forms 65% of our portfolio at SBI. Bengaluru has an excellent builder community, and most projects are fully booked at the time of launch itself. I must appreciate the steps taken by CREDAI Bengaluru for putting together this expo to make homes easily available to people, with several top bankers and developers under one roof.”

Commenting on CREDAI Realty Expo 2025, Amar Mysore, President, CREDAI Bengaluru said, “Bangalore’s real estate market is thriving, with numerous opportunities available in various parts of the city. Currently, Bengaluru consumes around 65,000 units annually and we are hopeful that number will go up to 1,00,000 homes soon. the Emerging areas such as Sarjapur Road, Whitefield, Hebbal, and Devanahalli are witnessing significant growth due to their proximity to IT hubs, improved infrastructure, and connectivity. These areas are projected to see property value increases ranging from 8% to 12% annually, and are becoming hotspots for residential and commercial developments, offering promising investment prospects.  The CREDAI Bengaluru Realty Expo 2025 is our flagship event and an excellent platform for homebuyers and investors to interact directly with top developers, gain insights from industry experts, and take advantage of exclusive deals. This event is designed to make the property buying process more transparent and accessible, ensuring that attendees can make informed decisions.”

OPPO F29 Series Debuts on March 20: A Durable Champion for India

National, 14th March 2025: OPPO India will launch the OPPO F29 series, the Durable Champion, on 20th March 2025. The smartphone—built to withstand India’s most challenging environmental conditions—features a 360° Armour Body, extreme waterproofing, and carries certification for 14+ military-grade environmental tests.

The F29 series—as lightweight as 180g and just 7.55mm slim—is not only made in India but also tested by SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) in India for IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings that certify it against the highest levels of dust and water ingress.

Damage-proof 360° Armour Body*

In keeping with the needs of the Indian workforce, the OPPO F29 series is engineered to endure unexpected drops and impacts with its 360° Armour Body. The Sponge Bionic Cushioning on the OPPO F29 series absorbs impact to minimise damage from falls while its elevated battery cover and side frame add an extra layer of protection. At the same time, the new Raised Corner Design Cover on the OPPO F29 series protects all four corners against damage.

The Lens Protection Ring on the smartphone, which is crafted out of strengthened glass, sits higher than the camera lens to prevent scratches on it. Also, the smartphone’s internal frame, which protects its motherboard, has been upgraded to aerospace-grade aluminum alloy; this increases structural integrity by 10% over its predecessor.

 All-round Durable Champion

OPPO—the most preferred brand for water and dust resistance*—has subjected its F29 series to 14 Military Standard (MIL-STD-810H-2022) tests that certify it against high temperature, low temperature, shock, rain, freezing water, sand, dust, salt mist, solar radiation, humidity, vibration, fluid contamination, mold, acceleration that tests for g-loads, and resistance.

Its IP66 rating certifies it against powerful water jets; ideal for users who work in wet conditions, from vendors to construction workers. The IP68 rating endorses it for submersion in 1.5metres of water for 30 minutes; this means it is built to survive accidental drops in water-filled potholes and kitchen sinks, while its IP69 rating implies it can endure high-pressure, high-temperature water jets up to 80°C, making it perfect for those working in industrial settings or extremely humid weather conditions.

The OPPO F29 series takes water resistance to the next level to offer enhanced protection against myriad types of liquids. The smartphone has been internally tested against heavy rain, in river water, hot springs, daily spills from juice, tea, milk, coffee, beer, household liquids such as steam, dishwater, detergent, and even exposure to ice water, cleaning foam, and muddy water. Furthermore, after submersion, the OPPO F29 Series emits a pulsating sound that drains trapped water within the speaker enclosure.

The OPPO F29 Pro will be available in two colors: Marble White, inspired by sunlight reflecting off pristine marble to offer a sophisticated yet rugged aesthetic, and Granite Black with its bold, textured black finish for cool sophistication.

The OPPO F29, on the other hand, will be available in a premium Solid Purple that exudes royal confidence, and a Glacier Blue colour inspired by a crisp, icy blue that is reminiscent of India’s serene mountain landscapes