Bank of India Signs MoU with Indian Army for BOI Rakshak Salary Package

Mumbai, March 7th 2025: Bank of India, one of India’s leading public sector banks, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army to extend the BOI Rakshak Salary Package to Army Personnel, Veterans and Agniveers recruited under the Agnipath Scheme. The MoU covers special benefits including enhanced free comprehensive Personal Accident Insurance Cover (PAI), attractive offers on Debit and Credit Cards and a host of other offers.

The ceremony for the exchange of MoUs was held on 4th March, 2025 at the Indian Army Headquarters, New Delhi. Lt. Gen. Rajeev Puri, AVSM, VSM, DG (MP & PS) of the Indian Army chaired the ceremony. The event was also attended by Major Gen. V K Purohit, ADG PS, Shri Subrat Kumar, Executive Director, Bank of India and other Senior Officials of both the organisations.

Lt. Gen Rajeev Puri thanked BOI for extending the bouquet of services to Indian Army. He also suggested to have some Defence Friendly Branches of the Bank at Army Dominant areas.

Shri Subrat Kumar, Executive Director Bank of India said, “We are proud to be associated with the Indian Army and happy to extend the Benefits of our Rakshak Salary Scheme. He assured best banking products and customer service, supported by state-of-the-art digital infrastructure.” He also urged that Army Pensioners should avail the benefits of BOI Door Step Banking. On Behalf of Bank of India he expressed his gratitude towards the Indian Army.

BOI’s Rakshak Salary Scheme is a specially crafted salary account for personnel working in Defence Forces, Paramilitary, and State Police. It offers free personal accidental insurance cover of up to ₹100 lakhs, free air accidental coverage of ₹200 lakhs, along with many other privileges and concessions, with applicable terms and conditions.

Spinny Commends Women Car Buyers as Their Numbers Accelerate

Mumbai, India – March 07, 2025: Over the past few decades, women in India have achieved remarkable milestones. Taking the front seat—both in their cars and in driving change, society has witnessed a powerful shift.

This transformation is reflected in a recent report by Spinny, India’s leading full-stack used car platform, which highlights a significant rise in women car buyers. In 2024, women made up 26% of Spinny’s customer base, a substantial increase from 16% in 2023. Notably, by March 2025, this number surged to 46%, signaling growing confidence among women in purchasing used cars and reshaping automotive preferences and societal norms.

What do women want?

60% of women buyers prefer automatic hatchbacks for their ease of use, while 18% opt for compact SUVs. Top models include the Renault Kwid, Hyundai Grand i10, and Maruti Suzuki Swift. Delhi-NCR leads with 48% of women buyers, followed by Mumbai at 46%, Bengaluru at 41%, and Pune at 39%. Non-metro cities like Lucknow and Jaipur also show a 20% growth in women buyers. The average age of women buyers ranges between 30 to 40 years, reflecting a trend of young professionals investing in personal vehicles.

Emphasizing the transformative impact of this trend, Niraj Singh, CEO and Founder of Spinny, stated, “We believe it’s a woman’s world, and we are celebrating this with a special discount for women buyers. Over the years, women have made up an average of over 32% of our car buyers, and we remain committed to increasing this number.

In the spirit of consistency, from March 7 to March 9, Spinny is rolling out special offers for women—whether they’re buying, selling, or upgrading their car. Women buyers can enjoy discounts of up to ₹1,00,000, while one lucky woman seller wins ₹5,000 every day. This initiative not only celebrates women’s car owners but also empowers them to make independent automotive choices.

The increasing number of women purchasing cars reflects a broader societal shift towards financial independence and breaking traditional norms.

With women buyers reshaping the automotive landscape, Spinny remains committed to fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and seamless car-buying experience. As more women take the wheel both literally and figuratively their preferences are driving a revolution in the industry, emphasizing trust, convenience, and personalization. Spinny continues to champion this shift, ensuring that every customer finds a car that truly matches their journey.

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Stream for Free LG Channels Launches 100+ Channels on LG Smart TVs

New Delhi, March 07, 2025 – LG Electronics India announces the expansion of its free ad-supported TV (FAST) service, LG Channels, which now offers over 100 channels. This service provides users with a diverse array of content across entertainment, music, news, kids, lifestyle, and more – all without any subscription or payment.

With LG Channels, LG SMART TV users can enjoy a viewing experience without set-top boxes, subscriptions, or payments. The service ensures access to a wide variety of content for users, providing convenience in entertainment.

LG Channels caters to a broad audience with popular channels spanning across various genres, ensuring there is something for everyone in the family. The platform also celebrates India’s linguistic diversity, offering content in Hindi, English, and regional languages such as Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, and Bangla.

Mr. Hong Ju Jeon, MD- LG Electronics India said “At LG Electronics India, we focus on the entertainment experience for our customers. LG Channels now offers over 100 free channels with content that caters to audiences of all ages and interests. We will continue expanding LG Channels to bring even more personalized content to our customers.”

With the momentum building around FAST channels, LG Channels continues expanding its portfolio, ensuring viewers have access to even more engaging content in the future. This innovation aligns with LG Channels’ mission to deliver diverse, subscription-free entertainment to LG TV users.

LG channels can be accessed on LG smart TV through the LG channel app available on all devices.

Simply Fresh Welcomes Change with a Thought-Provoking Women’s Day Campaign

7 March 2025, IndiaSimply Fresh, the flagship edible oil brand of BN Group, is celebrating Women’s Day with a powerful new video campaign that challenges outdated stereotypes and encourages a fresh perspective on gender equality. Aligning with its broader #RakhoIraadeFresh campaign, the video highlights the importance of breaking biases and embracing an open mindset toward women in all roles.

The thought-provoking video opens with a working woman managing household responsibilities before heading out for work. As she steps into a taxi driven by a woman, the driver curiously asks why she chooses her taxi every day. The passenger smiles and responds, “People say women can’t drive well, but you do it so smoothly.” The moment serves as a reminder that societal perceptions need a refresh—one that fosters inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Speaking about the campaign, Kiran Giradkar, CMO, BN Group, said, “At Simply Fresh, we believe that progress begins with a fresh perspective. Women excel in every field, yet stereotypes continue to hold them back. Through this campaign, we aim to inspire conversations around gender equality and encourage people to rethink their biases. This Women’s Day, let’s commit to keeping our minds and attitudes as fresh as our choices.”

With this campaign, Simply Fresh continues to advocate for a world where talent and dedication matter more than preconceived notions. The brand’s message resonates beyond Women’s Day, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a society that treats everyone with fairness and respect.

ISH & GeSS Education Partner to Boost Global Hospitality Careers for Indian Talent

Gurugram, India, March 07, 2025: In a groundbreaking initiative, Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), home to Ecole Ducasse India, recognized for setting global standards for Hospitality and culinary education in India, has partnered with GeSS Education, a leading Australian education provider, to introduce a distinctive international career pathway for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals in India.

The partnership will enable ISH’s Intensive Certificate in Culinary Arts (ICAP India) & Intensive Certificate in Bakery and Pastry Arts (ICAP India) students to gain globally recognized Australian vocational qualifications. It will provide them a structured pathway to work in Australia’s thriving hospitality sector under skilled migration visa programs (407/482 Visa). The initiative is uniquely positioned at the intersection of education, skills, and global employability, bridging the demand for trained culinary professionals in Australia while elevating India’s standing as a hub for world-class hospitality talent.

ISH, known for its liberal hospitality and business education approach, and GeSS Education, a trusted name in Australian vocational training aligned with Austrade in India, are combining their expertise to offer an education-to-employment pipeline that ensures Indian students are job-ready, globally competitive, and industry-aligned.

Empowering India’s Culinary Talent with Global Credentials

Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Kunal Vasudeva, Managing Director & Co-Founder of the Indian School of Hospitality, stated, “At ISH, we believe talent should not be constrained by geography. The hospitality industry thrives on mobility, skills, and passion, and this partnership is about enabling Indian students to build rewarding careers that extend far beyond our borders. With this initiative, we are creating a real, tangible impact by delivering focussed skills education and ensuring employability in global markets where demand for skilled professionals is soaring.”

“This extends beyond obtaining a qualification; it’s about enabling a young, ambitious professional from India to enter the global hospitality workforce with confidence, credibility, and real earning potential. We are not selling a dream; we are creating structured, outcome-driven opportunities that align with the future of work in hospitality,’’ added Mr. Vasudeva.

Echoing her views, Ms. Cristine Russell, Founder & Managing Director, GeSS Education, said, “India has some of the world’s most passionate culinary professionals, and we see immense potential in providing them with structured career progression opportunities. Through this collaboration, we deliver an internationally accredited skill-based education and ensure that graduates are placed with leading hospitality employers in Australia.”

“Our success is driven by the dedicated professionals behind these programs—our expert team, whose commitment to quality education, personalised support, and exceptional customer service ensures every student has a unique experience. With key team members like Dharna Mukherjee, our Chief Operating Officer leading operations in India, we provide a seamless experience, from training to employment, making global career aspirations a reality,’’ added Ms. Russell.

GeSS Education, which has successfully implemented offshore vocational training programs in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and now India, brings to this partnership its cutting-edge Learning Management System (GeSS LMS), compliance expertise, and employer partnerships to facilitate international job placements.

A Unique Opportunity in the Hospitality Skills Market

Before transitioning to the Australian job market, the program will allow students to train under Ecole Ducasse, India experts with global pedigree and infrastructure. Upon successful completion, graduates will have opportunities to be placed in flagship hospitality businesses in Australia as skilled chefs, with potential pathways for career acceleration.

This initiative is critical when hospitality businesses worldwide are facing acute workforce shortages. Australia, in particular, is experiencing a strong demand for skilled hospitality professionals, making this an opportune moment for Indian students to leverage their education and enter an internationally competitive job market.

A Strategic Fit for India’s Skill & Education Ambitions

This partnership aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and the Skill India initiative, emphasizing industry-relevant, globally recognized skill development. With hospitality and tourism contributing significantly to India’s GDP, structured vocational education pathways like this will play a key role in making Indian talent more mobile, employable, and globally sought after.

The collaboration also spotlights the importance of internationally aligned qualifications, bringing together ISH’s reputation in liberal hospitality & business education and as an Australian Educational Training Institute, GeSS Education operates within the framework of Australian education standards, with a strong international outlook aligned with Austrade’s education and skills promotion efforts.

Digitization Meets Tradition Holiya Mein Ude Re Gulal Blends Music & Culture for Holi

New Delhi, 7th March 2025: Tips Music Limited and Legacy Collective Roots are excited to announce the launch of “Holiya Mein Ude Re Gulal,” a vibrant new Holi song set to release on March 5th, 2025. This romantic track captures the playful and colourful essence of India’s beloved festival of colours.

The song features the enchanting vocals of Nikhita Gandhi alongside Romy and Ila Arun, with music composed by Lijo George and rap segments by Shyam Sidhawani. The music video, directed by Adil Shaikh, stars Manisha Rani, Abhishek Kumar, Romy and Nikhita Gandhi, bringing the romance and joy of Holi celebrations to life.

Kiran D’Cruz, SVP – Brands & Partnerships, Tips Music Ltd, shares, “Holi has always been a festival that brings joy, colour, and connection to our lives. With ‘Holiya Mein Ude Re Gulal,’ we wanted to capture that authentic spirit in a musical experience that feels both timeless and fresh. The song beautifully balances the traditional essence of the festival with contemporary musical elements that today’s listeners crave. This collaboration with Legacy Collective Roots allows us to continue our tradition of creating music that becomes the soundtrack to life’s most cherished moments. As we see music consumption evolving, this release showcases our commitment to preserving cultural celebrations while making them accessible to new generations through memorable melodies and authentic emotions.”

Sreekanta Dash, Senior Brand Lead- Domestic Dark Spirts, Bacardi India said “At LEGACY COLLECTIVE, we are passionate about reviving and redefining India’s rich cultural heritage—bringing iconic homegrown expressions across cuisine, art, and music into the contemporary spotlight. Our latest collaboration with TIPS Music on “Holiya Re Ude Re Gulaal” is a vibrant celebration of Holi, capturing the festival’s infectious spirit of joy, colour, and togetherness. With this track, we unite India’s diverse regional musical traditions with a modern twist—blending legacy with innovation to create a soundscape that resonates with today’s audiences. This partnership embodies our vision of crafting experiences that evoke pride and  deepen connections with India’s cultural roots.”

Nikhita Gandhi, who is a performer and singer on the track, expresses, “There’s something magical about the celebration of Holi that connects with people on a deeply emotional level. ‘Holiya Mein Ude Re Gulal’ gave me the unique opportunity to express this festival’s beauty both through my voice and on-screen presence. Working alongside such talented artists to create this musical celebration has been a great experience. We have poured our hearts into crafting something that honours the tradition while giving listeners a fresh melody to associate with their Holi memories for years to come.”

Romy, also shared, “The collaborative spirit behind the song mirrors the communal joy of Holi itself. The track maintains respect for traditional Holi expressions while introducing contemporary elements that make it relevant to today’s audience. I’m confident this song will find its way into Holi playlists across the country.”

Lijo George, singer and music composer, reflects, “I aimed to create the perfect balance between celebration and romance. We have incorporated traditional instruments and rhythms that evoke the festival’s essence, while the contemporary arrangement ensures the song resonates with listeners across generations. Working with such diverse vocal talents allowed us to create layers of expression that capture the multifaceted nature of Holi – from its energetic playfulness to romantic moments. The music had to be versatile to accompany the celebrations that make Holi so special.”

“Holiya Mein Ude Re Gulal” is part of an ambitious project by Tips Music and Legacy Collective Roots celebrating India’s rich musical heritage across different regions. The collaboration aims to offer audiences fresh and engaging musical experiences that honour traditional festivities while appealing to contemporary sensibilities

The song will be available on all major streaming platforms starting March 5th, 2025. Get ready to add some musical colour to your Holi celebrations!

BNI Capital Chapter Growth Shines as Women’s Day is Celebrated in High Spirits

Hyderabad, 7th March 2025: BNI Capital Chapter, one of the largest BNI chapters in the Hyderabad region with 120 members, celebrated International Women’s Day with bonhomie and camaraderie at Taj Deccan, today. Chief Guest Dr Sreedevi Yadavalli, Managing Director, Argala Health Services Pvt. Ltd.; Special Guests Abhimanika Yadav, Mrs. Asia Pacific Universe 2016, and Anupam Pandey, Investments & Scaling, Anthill Ventures; joined in the celebrations. BNI Capital has the largest number of women members in the region with 23 strong lady entrepreneurs. Pankaj Surana, President, BNI Capital; Anudeep Thommandru, Vice President, of BNI Capital; Sirisha Adepu, Secretary-Treasurer, BNI Capital, among others graced the memorable occasion. Women members were felicitated on the occasion in recognition of their humongous contribution.

 Speaking on the occasion Guest Dr Sreedevi Yadavalli said, the way members exchanged business in the ninety minutes of the meeting is an amazing exhibition of the power of networking. The tried and tested recipe BNI has designed for generating business for referral partners is proving to be invincible and most reliable. The way time is monitored to encapsulate the entire agenda is worth emulating.

 BNI, a 40-year-old world’s largest business networking and business referral organization, has over 3.4 lakh members across 79 countries. GIVERS GAIN is the core value of BNI and offers its members the opportunity to network, collaborate, share insights, and most importantly Business Referrals.

Chief Guest Dr Sreedevi Yadavalli (6th from Left seated), Managing Director, Argala Health Services Pvt. Ltd.; Special Guests Abhimanika Yadav (7th from Left seated), Mrs Asia Pacific Universe 2016 & Anupam Pandey (5th from Left seated), Investments & Scaling, Anthill Ventures; Pankaj Surana (3rd from Left seated), President, BNI Capital; Anudeep Thommandru (4th from Right seated), Vice President, BNI Capital; Sirisha Adepu (4th from Left seated), Secretary-Treasurer, BNI Capital; flanked by women members of BNI Capital at the International Women’s day celebrations hosted by BNI Capital at Taj Deccan, today.

 

AI Drives Professionals to Seek Upskilling from Employers upGrad Report

Mumbai / New Delhi, March 7, 2025: upGrad Enterprise, the corporate skilling leader and the Enterprise division of one of Asia’s largest integrated and forever learning majors upGrad, today unveiled The Workforce Wishlist 2025, a comprehensive report capturing the evolving skilling aspirations and work motivators of Indian professionals in an AI-driven workplace.

A survey of over 8,000 Indian professionals across 28 industries – including automotive, banking, e-commerce, education, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and retail reveals a significant correlation between upskilling initiatives and employee retention, with 42% of respondents indicating they remain with organisations that invest in their learning and development. Despite 91% valuing employer-supported training, 78% report a lack of relevant opportunities. The demand for AI skills is evident, as 83% consider them crucial, yet 65% identify as novices.

  1. Other key Findings include:
    Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, green skills, and data analytics remain at the top of the upskilling agenda.
  2. 51% of respondents favor hybrid learning, 48% seek role-specific training, while 40% prefer mixed learning methods.
  3. Standardized programs no longer work, a customized and collaborative approach is a potential way forward
  4. One in three professionals lacks leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, while only 20% actively work on developing them. This jeopardizes leadership pipelines, highlighting the need for a company-wide push to bridge the gap and unlock growth opportunities.
  5. 44% want AI safety training, 57% seek sustainability skills and 63% prioritize cybersecurity in today’s modern-day workplace parlance
  6. Decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence need focus
  7. Companies must balance employer-led and self-driven learning, move AI skilling from intent to action, and ensure AI safety training

Commenting on the report, Srikanth Iyengar, CEO of upGrad Enterprise, said, “Workforce dynamics are undergoing a significant transformation – upskilling and skilling have really evolved beyond ‘good to have’. Hence, these trends mirrors individuals’ work motivators and while we have built a very strong industry-backed primary research repository for us, it supports us in servicing our clients with much sharper and accurate skilling solutions – striking the right leadership chords, to help GCCs and global organisations build a powerful, future-ready talent pipeline across domains.”

The report reveals that 45% of respondents are Millennials (ages 29–44), 31% are GenX (ages 45–60), 22% are GenZ (ages 13–28), and 2% are Baby Boomers (ages 61–79). This demographic distribution underscores the need for employers to integrate structured, action-driven learning opportunities—ensuring that upskilling is not just an HR mandate but a shared leadership vision to future-proof careers.

From Chic to Casual: Women’s Day Looks for Every Celebration

March 7, 2025:Women’s Day is more than just a celebration, it’s an opportunity to honor the incredible women who bring joy, laughter, and unwavering support. With Women’s Day falling on a weekend, it’s the perfect time to relax, recharge, and embark on an adventure. Whether it’s a cozy night in, a weekend getaway, or an active day out, the right outfit can set the tone for a memorable experience.
Here’s a guide to the perfect Women’s Day outfit because these styles aren’t just for one day, but for celebrating women in every moment, every day.

A laid-back movie date with the girl gang calls for an outfit that blends comfort with ease. Wide leg pants paired with an oversized tee, or a cute crop top creates a flattering look, perfect for a trendy day wear. The loose, breathable fit of the pants ensures unrestricted movement, be it for mid-move stretch or to sprint to the popcorn counter in style.
For a Weekend Getaway: Relaxed Fit Shorts

For those planning a weekend getaway with friends, whether it’s a road trip, a beach escape, or a city adventure, make sure to pack a classic pair of khaki shorts! These versatile shorts are perfect for embracing both style and practicality. Pair them with a lightweight tee or layer with a shirt for a look that’s stylish, breathable, and ready for any spontaneous adventure.
For a Brunch Date: Classic Oversized T-Shirt

Comfort should always be on the menu when it comes to a brunch hangout! An oversized tee, tucked into high-waisted baggy jeans or paired with flowy pants creates an effortlessly put-together look. To add a lively touch to the look, go for vibrant colors or playful prints.

For those looking to move, groove, and celebrate with their friends, breathable activewear that ensures freshness through every yoga pose, dance move, and HIIT session is essential. A well-fitted workout tee that wicks away sweat helps maintain all-day freshness while matching workout leggings further enhance ease of movement.
For a Creative DIY Night: Graphic Printed T-Shirt

Choose a sustainable style for a hands-on night! An evening of painting, baking, or crafting calls for an outfit that feels relaxed yet expressive. A graphic printed t-shirt, made from eco-friendly fabric, adds personality to the look while giving a subtle nod to the conscious choices. Team it up with wide-leg pants or yoga pants to have comfort and ease of movement by side. Whether it’s decorating cupcakes or creating vision boards, this combination makes for a fun and stylish look.
In the end, Women’s Day is a reminder to celebrate the strength, beauty, and unique contributions of every woman—something that should be celebrated every day, not just on this occasion. No matter how one chooses to mark the day, whether over brunch, a creative DIY night, or a fun workout, the right outfit keeps one comfy and stylish, ensuring every moment feels effortless, joyful, and full of love.

Your Shortcut to CUET Success: Get the Best Guidance

March 7, 2025: Choosing the right mentor for preparation for CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is essential for structured and successful study. A mentor provides a customized study plan based on a student’s strengths and weaknesses, guiding them through difficult topics with expert advice. They help students develop exam strategies, manage time efficiently, and offer motivational support to keep them focused. In addition, mentors provide access to key resources, conduct mock tests, and deliver expert feedback. These combined efforts enhance the student’s confidence, leading to improved performance in the CUET exam.

  • Personalized Study Approach: Every student learns differently. A mentor assesses strengths and weaknesses, helping craft a personalized plan that ensures targeted learning. This ensures that weak areas are improved while building on strengths.

  • Expert Knowledge and Experience: An experienced mentor with an in-depth understanding of CUET’s syllabus and structure provides valuable insights on important topics, common pitfalls, and subject selection strategies. This guidance helps students tackle the exam more effectively and confidently.

  • Time Management Skills: Navigating CUET requires more than knowledge—it demands smart time management. A mentor helps students organize their study schedules and teaches them how to approach the exam with a strategic mindset. This ensures that they complete the paper within the given time frame while maintaining accuracy.

  • Consistent Feedback and Improvement: Regular mock tests and evaluations are crucial for CUET success. A mentor offers consistent feedback, highlights areas for improvement, and tracks progress. This ongoing evaluation ensures that students remain on the right path and continuously refine their preparation.

  • Emotional Support and Motivation: Preparing for an entrance exam like CUET can be mentally exhausting. A mentor serves as both a guide and a source of emotional support, offering encouragement during challenging times and helping students maintain focus and a positive attitude. This motivational boost can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and staying confident.

While choosing the right mentor is crucial for CUET’s success, it’s equally important to follow proven strategies for effective preparation. Maintaining a consistent study routine, revising key concepts regularly, and solving mock tests and previous year’s papers help reinforce your learning and boost your confidence. With expert guidance and strategic planning, you can develop time management skills, strengthen weaker areas, and approach the exam with a clear mind, ensuring a higher chance of success on exam day.