Book Vietjet Flights at Up to 83 percent Off for Women’s Day

Mumbai, February 28, 2025 – Vietjet, Vietnam’s new-age airline, is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 with an exciting promotion, offering 83,000 Eco-class tickets available at discounts of up to 83% (*). This deal is valid for bookings made between March 3 and March 5, 2025, using the promo code VJ83 on Vietjet’s official website (www.vietjetair.com) and the Vietjet Air mobile app.

This limited-time offer applies to Vietjet’s entire flight network for travel between March 17 and May 22, 2025 (**), making it the perfect opportunity to explore Vietnam in spring. Don’t miss this special opportunity to honor the women in your life with unforgettable journeys!

Vietjet is solidifying its position as the airline with the most routes between India and Vietnam. In March 2025, the airline will launch two new direct services from Bangalore and Hyderabad to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis, expanding its India-Vietnam network to 10 routes with 78 weekly flights.

Further strengthening its presence across the Asia-Pacific region, Vietjet will also introduce new international routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with Beijing and Guangzhou (China) in the coming weeks.

Event Listing | Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple at PVR HOME

PVR HOME is hosting a night of laughter and entertainment with Neil Simon’s legendary comedy, The Odd Couple, taking the stage on March 2nd at 7:30 PM. This iconic play, known for its sharp wit and timeless humor, promises an evening of uproarious laughter and brilliant performances.

The Odd Couple is Neil Simon’s Broadway comedy adapted to India. This urban non-stop comedy that invariably draws housefull shows, is based on a hilarious classic story set in the bustling metro city of Gurgaon about two women of opposite personalities who find themselves living together in a shared apartment and that’s when the comedy of errors begins. The play is full of witty dialogues and funny banter that delves into the challenges and humorous moments of co-existence, shedding light on the complexities of marriage, friendship, and personal space. This exclusive show is brought to you by Club HOME by PVR and presented by Dreamcatchers Theatre Group.

Details:

Date & Time: March 2nd, 7:30 PM

Venue: PVR HOME, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj

Duration: 90 Minutes

Tejasswi’s Risotto Stuns Judges on Celebrity MasterChef

28th February 2025: Sony Entertainment Television’s Celebrity MasterChef continues to serve up high-stakes culinary moment as contestants take on a brand new challenge – Italy via India! This time, the challenge pushes them to showcase their creativity by preparing a dish that reflects one colour from the Italian flag – all within 90 minutes. Celebrity cook – Tejasswi Prakash picks white and pours her heart and soul into cooking a special risotto.

Chef Ranveer Brar takes the first bite, and asks her – “When you tasted this, did you remember your mom? Are you convinced by the emotions you wanted to bring in? He goes on to dramatically tap his spoon on the table, validating her dish, exclaiming, “This is your best dish.”

The surprises don’t stop there – an impressed Farah Khan kisses Tejasswi’s hand in a gesture of appreciation. She states, “This is the best risotto I have ever eaten. I don’t even like risotto – but this is so flavourful.” A visibly overwhelmed Tejasswi gets emotional by the responses.

IceWarp’s Anita Kukreja Wins ‘Most Admired Brand Leader’ & ‘Mark of Excellence’ at World Brand Congress 2025

Mumbai, India – February 28, 2025: Anita Kukreja, Head of Strategic Alliances and Brand, IceWarp, has been honored with 2 prestigious awards – “Most Admired Brand Leader” and “Mark of Excellence” at the World Brand Congress & Awards 2025, held at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. These recognitions highlight her mark of excellence in branding & strategic vision for her organization as well as her outstanding contributions to brand strategy, innovation, and business leadership in the ever-evolving Indian IT landscape.

The World Brand Congress & Awards is a highly esteemed platform that celebrates excellence in brand leadership and marketing innovation. The event brings together industry leaders, marketing experts, and brand strategists to discuss emerging trends and share insights into the future of branding.

Apart from receiving distinguished awards, Anita Kukreja was also an esteemed panelist at the event, where she shared her insights on the topic “Brand Evolution: Adapting to the Future.” Drawing from her vast experience, she elaborated on how brands must continuously innovate and adapt to stay relevant in the rapidly changing market dynamics. She emphasized the importance of customer-centric strategies, digital transformation, and agile marketing approaches in building resilient brands.

On receiving the award, Anita Kukreja expressed her gratitude, stating:
“I am deeply honored to receive the awards for being a “Most Admired Brand Leader” and “Mark of Excellence “at the World Brand Congress & Awards 2025. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of my team and the unwavering commitment to brand excellence. In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, adaptability and innovation are key drivers of success, and I am committed to steering brand strategies that align with future market trends.”

Speaking on Anita’s accomplishments, Dr. Aalok Pandit, Executive Director, CMO Global said “Anita Kukreja’s recognition as the ‘Most Admired Brand Leader’ and the ‘Mark of Excellence’ at the prestigious World Brand Congress & Awards 2025 is a testament to her unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership in the world of branding and marketing. Her ability to craft compelling brand narratives and drive impactful marketing initiatives has set new benchmarks in the industry. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and look forward to witnessing her continued success in shaping the future of brand excellence.”

Anita Kukreja’s recognition at this esteemed forum underscores her exemplary leadership and strategic vision in brand building. Her participation in the panel discussion further reinforced her thought leadership in shaping the future of branding.

Mumbai kicks of pop-culture season with Comic Con India’s Cosplay 101 Workshop

MCC cosplay workshop

Maruti Suzuki Arena Mumbai Comic Con 2025 powered by Crunchyroll presents its first edition of the Annual Cosplay 101 Workshop, where creativity, craftsmanship, and fandom bring the best of pop culture from Indian fans. This workshop is a platform for cosplayers, enthusiasts, and first-timers to dive into the exciting world of anime, manga, comics, and beyond.

This year’s workshop will be hosted by an incredible lineup of cosplay experts:

  •  Saurabh Singh Rawat (@metalbenderstudios) – Indian Cosplay Champion of 2024, an accomplished artist and former art director with a decade of experience in the television industry. He now runs his studio, specializing in intricate costumes, props, and collaborations with global brands like Ubisoft.
  •  Medha Srivastava (@medha.vi) – A renowned cosplayer and concept artist, Medha is the first Indian female to win an international cosplay competition at TI9 Shanghai (2019). She has won multiple national cosplay championships, including ICC 2019, 2020, and 2023, and has worked with major brands like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, and Hotstar. She has been featured in Times of India, The Hindu, The Quint, and many more. Currently, she is collaborating with Oscar-winning legend A.R. Rahman on multiple projects.
  •  Jeet Molankar (@jeetjm) – A costume designer and co-founder of Iron Thread Studio, Jeet won the Indian Championship of Cosplay (2018) and represented India at C2E2 2018. He has worked on blockbuster films like KALKI 2898 AD, BMCM 2024, and GOAT 2024 and collaborated with brands like Google, Flipkart, Marvel, Disney, Amazon, YouTube, TVS, and H&M. He has also designed mascots for IPL teams KKR, MI, LSG, as well as international T20 teams South Africa DSG and Dubai Knight Riders.

ADDA.io Announces Unlimited Visitor Approvals for Housing Societies

New Delhi, 28th February 2025: Gated Communities in India have recognized the benefit of Visitor Entry Apps. However, lately there has been rising dissatisfaction among residents. Residents like to keep a list of pre-approved Guests on the app, so they do not have to rush to their Phones as and when Visitors arrive. However, popular Gate apps were not allowing pre-approvals beyond a certain number. This meant a Resident had to keep rushing to their phone in the middle of meetings and other appointments, just to approve walk-in visitors.

ADDA.io has revolutionized this situation by announcing unlimited pre-approved visitor’s approvals. This means a Resident can set up all their expected Guests in a pre-approved list and have a disturbance free day! This is a blow to existing Gate apps that were expecting Residents to pay for this feature.

“When Residents add pre-approved Guests, it strengthens the security of the Community. By doing so Residents are taking responsibility for their Visitors, proactively informing the Security team about the expected Visitor. This should be prioritised and not penalized by charging them for it! This also inconveniences the Residents if they cannot pre-approve a Guest and must rush to their phone every time a walk-in guest comes. At ADDA we prioritise the balance between Resident Convenience as well as Community Security, this is one such feature,” said Mr. Manjunath, the Product Manager for ADDA.io Gate Management product – ADDA Gatekeeper.

ADDA.io, presently a challenger in the space of visitor apps in India, has provided a fresh breath of relief to Management Committee members/RWA members who were struggling with other gate management apps, through its ADDA Gatekeeper solution for society gates. Notably, ADDA Gatekeeper has already been implemented across at least 1,500+ housing societies/communities across 40+ cities in India.

“We have been struggling with a different Gate App, which was chosen by the previous Management Committee as it came for Free. Lately residents were getting irritated by too many Ads and Spam being forced onto them by this App. Residents also complained that without the knowledge of the Association, Residents were individually asked to pay for essential features. Finally in Dec 2024, we moved to ADDA Gatekeeper.,” said Mr. Nitin (Name changed), the management committee member of a 2,000+ unit apartment community in Bangalore who moved to ADDA Gatekeeper recently from a competitor product.

“Representatives of RWAs, AOAs and estate managers of some notable housing societies in Bengaluru confirmed that the surge in e-commerce and deliveries has made visitor management a key area of focus for Gated Communities. An average Apartment Resident can receive up to 7 visitors on a weekday and up to 20 visitors on a weekend. We are consistent in our mission to ease urban lifestyle and no pre-approved guest limit feature is just another step forward,” said ADDA.io Co-Founder & CEO Ms.San Banerjee.

Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal reaffirms commitment to Assam’s growth after Advantage Assam 2.0

Shri Anil Agarwal,

Guwahati, February 28, 2025: Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, reflecting on his visit to Advantage Assam 2.0, highlighted Assam’s immense potential and reaffirmed his commitment to the state’s progress. Taking to social media, Agarwal shared his experiences in Assam, including its growth trajectory, rich cultural heritage, and thriving tea industry, while also outlining ideas to transform the state into a world-class oil-producing hub.

Agarwal emphasized Assam’s strategic potential in oil and gas, suggesting a model similar to the U.S., where small oil wells allow start-ups and entrepreneurs to participate actively. “Big things come in small packages,” he remarked, advocating for simplified clearances, financial incentives, and enhanced exploration efforts to unlock the sector’s full potential. Increasing domestic oil and gas production, he added, would reduce import dependency and lower energy costs.

Beyond energy, Assam’s tea industry, which contributes over 50% of India’s total production, holds vast potential, Agarwal noted. He proposed encouraging small and medium-sized tea estates with fewer regulatory hurdles, creating jobs, and promoting boutique tea brands for global markets.

The state’s vibrant cultural heritage was also in focus, with Agarwal witnessing the historic Jhumoir Binandini event, where 8,000 tea community members performed in what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” “Hon’ble PM led the way, playing the Dhomsa drum, bringing the entire stadium alive,” he wrote.

Cairn Oil & Gas, a Vedanta Group subsidiary, further reinforced its commitment with a Rs. 50,000 crore investment in oil and gas exploration, targeting 100,000 barrels of production per day and generating one lakh new jobs. The company’s CSR initiatives, including Nand Ghars, digital classrooms, and handloom skill centers, will also contribute to Assam’s socio-economic development.

As Advantage Assam 2.0 unlocks new opportunities, Vedanta remains dedicated to driving Assam’s transformation into a major energy and industrial hub, said a company spokesperson.

Amazon Pledges $1.2M to Protect Mumbai’s Flamingo Habitat & Mangroves

Mumbai, February 28, 2025 – Amazon today announced a US$1.2 million investment to restore the mangrove forests and mudflats that are critical foraging for Mumbai’s iconic flamingo population. Working with Hasten Regeneration, a social enterprise and developer of ecosystem restoration projects, the investment will fund the clean-up along the settlements on Thane Creek in Mumbai and plant mangroves in the nearby state of Gujarat. Amazon is supporting the initiative through its $100 million Right Now Climate Fund, which promotes climate resilience, biodiversity, and nature conservation projects in communities where it operates.

The project will tackle plastic pollution by installing a trash boom that blocks plastic waste from entering the Mumbai basin, where more than 1 million migratory birds – among them flamingos and over 180 other species – stop to feed each season. The goal is to remove at least 150 tons of plastic waste and replant the flamingo feeding grounds, including the stopover sites on the way to the nesting areas in the neighbouring Gujarat province. The project also aims to improve the quality of life for the slum settlement on the bank of Thane Creek, which will benefit from a cleaner environment.

Mangroves can sequester and store up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than mature tropical forests, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mangrove planting work will also generate employment and opportunities for the rural community in Gujarat, especially female-led planting companies.

“The preservation of Mumbai’s flamingo habitat is paramount, not only for the biodiversity it sustains but also for the communities whose livelihoods depend on it,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India. “By joining forces with Hasten Regeneration on this landmark project, we aim to safeguard Mumbai’s flamingo habitat for future generations.”

“This collaborative effort between Amazon and Hasten Regeneration is a game changer for the Mumbai basin. The project cleans up the polluted banks of Thane Creek, which is one of the most polluted waterways in the world. We are also creating a positive social impact, employing women to replant mangroves in critical stop-over sites for the precious flamingos on the way to their nesting grounds,” said Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration’s India branch and Director of Alaap.

“This initiative, aligned with the government’s goals under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes, will significantly contribute to protecting the habitat of flamingos and other migratory birds by planting 375,000 mangrove shrubs and trees. And with that, it will, over time, build climate resilience for local communities by protecting against storm surges, rising sea levels, and erosion, while also creating multiple sustainable livelihood opportunities” said Shri Mukeshbhai Zinabhai Patel, Minister of Forest and Environment, Climate Change, Water Resources and Water Supply, State of Gujarat.

In 2023, Amazon announced a US$15 million investment from the Right Now Climate Fund to support nature-based projects in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Amazon has launched three projects in India including this one, supporting the Centre for Wildlife Studies to plant 300,000 trees in the Western Ghats on the border of tiger and elephant habitat; and working with ICLEI South Asia to launch a network of 75 school gardens to support urban biodiversity and combat child malnutrition, to provide 15 million meals for children in India’s municipal schools.

Dilip Modi on Record 16.99B UPI Transactions in January

Dilip Modi

Mr. Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO of Spice Money

“The recent data released by the Ministry of Finance, showing UPI transactions crossing a record 16.99 billion in January 2025, marks a significant milestone for India’s digital economy. UPI remains the cornerstone of India’s digital payment ecosystem, contributing to 80 percent of retail payments across the country. In the 2023-24 financial year, the total transaction volume exceeded 131 billion, with the value surpassing Rs 200 lakh crore.

This data highlights the growing acceptance of digital payments and the trust people have in India’s digital financial ecosystem. At Spice Money, we are proud to be part of this journey, working to make financial services accessible to everyone, especially in rural and underserved areas.

This achievement reflects the collective efforts of the government, banks, and fintech companies. Over 80 UPI apps and 641 banks are live in the UPI ecosystem, demonstrating its widespread adoption and scalability. This growing participation underscores the platform’s reliability and efficiency, solidifying its pivotal role in driving digital financial inclusion across the country

A critical part of this success has been the role of business correspondents, who have been instrumental in bringing digital financial services to the last mile. They are the backbone of financial inclusion, ensuring that even the most remote communities can participate in the digital economy.

As we move forward, it is important to focus on reaching even more people, particularly those in smaller towns and villages. With a 1.5 million Adhikaris network, Spice Money remains committed to empowering individuals and businesses with simple, reliable, and affordable financial solutions. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of digital payments reach every corner of the country.”

Kia India Recognised As ‘Great Place To Work’

Great Place To Work

New Delhi, 28th February 2025 – Kia India, the country’s leading mass-premium carmaker, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ certification for the period of February 2025 – February 2026. This certification underscores Kia India’s unwavering commitment to building a trust-based, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired.

With over 92% employee participation from corporate, regional, and plant offices across the country, this achievement highlights Kia India’s employee-friendly policies, which prioritize the all-round professional development of its workforce.

On the occasion, Mr. Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO of Kia India, remarked, “Being recognized as a Great Place to Work is a proud milestone for all of us at Kia India. Our dedication to fostering a customer-centric, people-focused, and collaborative ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of everything we do. This certification is a testament to our ongoing journey. We remain committed to listening to our people, learning from their insights, and investing in their growth, making Kia India an even more inspiring place to work. As we continue to redefine mobility, we are steadfast in our mission to cultivate a workplace that nurtures innovation and growth.”

The certification process followed the rigorous Great Place to Work® model, evaluating workplace culture across five key dimensions: Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride, and Camaraderie. Kia India excelled in all these areas, reinforcing its commitment to employee engagement, well-being, and a culture of excellence. Notably, Kia India stands out as one of the few automobile manufacturers in the country to receive this prestigious recognition.