22, January 2025, New Delhi: Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), along with City Sabha, Raahgiri Foundation, and Safetipin, announced the launch of the Delhi Sustainable Mobility Charter, or the Dilli Charter, under the Sustainable Mobility Network—a citizen-driven initiative to reimagine Delhi’s transport system and demand actionable solutions for improving urban mobility, combating air pollution, and fostering inclusivity.

Delhi is home to over 33.8 million people—a bustling, historically rich, and complex city. Lately, however, this home has increasingly become uninhabitable for many. From suffocating air pollution to rising heatwaves, crumbling transport systems, and unsafe public spaces, the very essence of urban living in Delhi is under threat. As Delhi prepares for its Legislative Assembly Elections, citizen groups are coming together to demand urgent action for a sustainable, equitable, and accessible transport system.

Transportation is at the heart of Delhi’s challenges with 51.5% of local pollution attributable to transport emissions. With over 2 million private vehicles registered in 2023, the lack of reliable and affordable public transit options has forced many residents to rely on personal vehicles, exacerbating air pollution, traffic congestion, and social inequities.

The Charter focuses on four key pillars:

• Expanding and Improving Public Transport Infrastructure
• Ensuring Inclusivity and Safety in Urban Mobility
• Combating Climate Change and Air Pollution Through Sustainable Practices
• Strengthening Accountability and Governance

Each pillar is backed by actionable solutions, ranging from enhancing bus and metro connectivity to promoting walking and cycling, ensuring accessibility for all, and advocating for stricter enforcement of air quality standards. The Dilli Charter serves as a comprehensive framework and a call to action for transforming Delhi into a thriving and equitable city. Developed through consultations with 30+ diverse stakeholders including urban mobility and air pollution experts, and public transport users, the Charter reflects the voices and aspirations of Delhi’s citizens. The solutions presented are not only efficient and sustainable but also aim to achieve socially inclusive and equitable access to mobility.

There is an ongoing signature campaign, hosted on Civis and Jhatkaa, to generate public awareness for the charter while the organizers present it to political parties ahead of the Delhi elections.

Aparajita Bharti, Founding Partner at YLAC, stated: “With the Delhi elections scheduled for February 5, there is a crucial window for citizens to engage and advocate for a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable mobility framework for the state. This is an attempt by citizens to set the agenda for the next government, no matter which party comes in power, this should be the first priority for the new government.”

Kalpana Viswanath, CEO and co-founder of Safetipin -“ The pervasive feeling of unsafety in public spaces and transport has long hindered women’s ability to fully participate in city life and access the economic and social opportunities that a city like Delhi offers. With elections around the corner, this is the moment to raise our voices and demand that every citizen’s right to a safe and inclusive public space is upheld”

Sarika Panda Bhatt, Co-Founder and Trustee at Raahgiri Foundation: The Delhi Sustainable Mobility Charter is a step towards a much-needed shift away from an urban planning paradigm that promotes fossil fuel driven private transport that exacerbates the triple problems of air pollution, climate change and unsafe roads. Delhi urgently needs to transition to a sustainable transport system that prioritizes walking, cycling, and public transport.

Saleha Sapra, Co-Founder of City Sabha, states – “The Dilli Charter brings a list of unaddressed or unchecked priorities to its public and state actors, spanning climate change, air pollution, and public transport issues. There is no such thing as a lack of political will; these collectives and collaborations create a willingness to act for the better. Therefore, we must re-imagine a Delhi that is logically more accessible, breathable, safe, and receptive to the ever-evolving urban complexities of its residents. Together, we have a real-time opportunity (before the state elections) to demonstrate a will for comprehensive mobility planning and the right to breathe and move safely in the city.”

This initiative is undertaken as part of The Sustainable Mobility Network, a coalition of organizations advocating for “Zero Emissions, Zero Exclusion, and Zero Road Deaths,” which envisions a Delhi that is accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. The charter is supported by a broad coalition of organizations, including CEEW, Civis, OMI Foundation, People Resources Centre, Save Life Foundation, and Jhatkaa, who are amplifying the Charter’s message through digital advocacy and public engagement.

As Delhi stands on the cusp of change, the Dilli Charter represents an opportunity for citizens to demand accountability from their leaders and shape the future of their city. It is time to ensure that Delhi doesn’t just survive but thrives as a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient city for all.

Bengaluru, January 22, 2025: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has recently entered into a Corporate Agency tie–up with CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd.

CARS24 Financial Services Private Limited (“CARS24 Financial Services”) is a professionally managed Non-Banking Financial Company (“NBFC”) registered with the Reserve Bank of India and with IRDAI as an Insurance Corporate Agent. The Company is a part of CARS24 group and offers a variety of vehicle financing solutions to customers. INSURE24, a major milestone for CARS24, is set to transform the digital insurance landscape for India’s rapidly growing online consumer base.

This partnership will enable CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. to distribute products of HDFC Life to existing and future customers of CARS24. The life insurance solutions of HDFC Life will be offered across the branches as well as the digital platforms of the partner. Both partners aim to work together with the objective of increasing the reach of life insurance across locations where CARS24 has a presence. This in turn would contribute towards the larger objective of ‘Insurance for all by 2047’.

HDFC Life, with 70 products (including individual and group products) and a claim settlement ratio of 99.50% and CARS24 with a strong presence of over 280 branches across the country look forward to a long and fruitful partnership that will play a significant role in financially securing more Indians.

Speaking on the partnership, Vineet Arora – Chief Business Officer, Distribution, Data & technology, HDFC Life, commented “We are pleased to partner with CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. Their focus on innovation and technology complement our wide range of offerings and together we can reach out to a wider audience thereby providing them with life insurance solutions. We believe life insurance is a must-have for every individual with responsibilities. Financial security is the foundation stone to building a strong future for oneself and one’s family. This partnership with Cars24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. will further strengthen our efforts to reach out to individuals across the country and secure them, financially.”

Vikram Singh Pathania, Vice President of Consumer Finance at CARS24 and Head of INSURE24, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to join hands with HDFC Life to take our product offerings to the next level. HDFC Life‘s forward-thinking strategies, and profound understanding of the digital landscape, perfectly complement our mission to make insurance simple and accessible for all consumers.

HDFC Life‘s strengths in product innovation, digital expertise, and seamless technology integration will empower INSURE24 to effectively engage with today’s digitally-savvy consumers.”

January 22, New Delhi: The anticipation for Paatal Lok Season 2, premiering January 17th on Amazon Prime Video India, has ignited a wave of excitement across social media. The series returns after the hugely popular first season in 2020. Since the trailer’s release, excited fans have taken to social media platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit with a barrage of witty memes and engaging content.

The season revolves around the murder of a prominent Nagaland politician in the State’s capital, thrusting Hathi Ram into a perilous investigation. While the region’s serene beauty is undeniable, the series masterfully explores the darker side, showcasing the challenges faced by protagonist Hathi Ram (Jaideep Ahlawat) as he navigates a hostile and unforgiving environment.

Amazon Prime Video India takes a unique route to promote the series by “unwelcoming” Hathi Ram to Nagaland to protect the idyllic state from the hell that follows him where he goes. Eye-catching outdoor hoardings and a viral video starring Samay Raina, Rinku Singh, Farida Jalal, and Manav Manglani has piqued audience interest. Characters from the Amazon Prime Video universe also joined in unwelcoming Hathi Ram to Nagaland through a series of billboard creatives on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/share/_j5hCuja-

Brands have joined the social media buzz by discouraging Hathi Ram from going to Nagaland in their own quirky ways – some bribing him and others being a little more direct!

• Travel Triangle https://www.instagram.com/p/DE1_PqOy59Q/?hl=en
• Stayvista https://www.instagram.com/p/DEzgE7hoZbc/?igsh=b2RtNDlvNDAxOG14
• Taco Bell https://www.instagram.com/p/DEzVpDJiP-6/?igsh=eDFxa3Q1MHd2cGti
• Bewakoof : https://x.com/bewakoof/status/1879069428664746423?t=C4h1kPj37wTlDk7wWUsXQw&s=19
• Biryani by Kilo https://www.instagram.com/p/DEztM1vpQS-/?hl=en
• Wendy’s https://www.instagram.com/share/BABD-_2bQw
• Ixigo https://www.instagram.com/p/DEzi1xVzItx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Upstox https://www.instagram.com/p/DEzoY4DOsaO/?igsh=MW40c2gxb282cTdpYQ==
• Abhibus https://www.instagram.com/share/BADfuhOHsr
• Bobble https://www.instagram.com/share/BAN9KPUJd7
• Wow Momos https://www.instagram.com/share/BAQ6Tmgzta
• Burger King: https://www.instagram.com/stories/burgerkingindia/3546070196377753991?igsh=ZDQxenMwd24xZm9v
• Wake Fit: https://x.com/WakefitCo/status/1879499472738369698

Join the conversation on social media and discover why Nagaland isn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat for Hathi Ram.

Guwahati / National Bureau January 22, 2025 : Northeast, with nearly 16% growth in direct selling, is poised to fly higher as all eight sister states registered a leap jump in sales, adding ₹ 255 crore from the previous year to cross ₹1854 crore in the year 2022-23, the Indian Direct Selling Association disclosed here in the 2nd Northeast Direct Selling Conference and Expo organized here today.

The region, which accounts for 8.7% of the ₹21,282 crore national turnover of the direct selling industry (DSI), provides self-income opportunities to over 4.2 lakh direct sellers, the IDSA disclosed, and added that Assam, being the 9th largest direct selling market in the country, rules the roost with ₹1,009 crore in sales, 13% YOY growth, and a 4.7% national market share, supported by over 2.4 lakh direct sellers.

Combined, the other seven states contribute ₹845 crore: Nagaland ₹227 crore, Mizoram ₹156 crore, Arunachal Pradesh ₹78 crore, Tripura ₹72 crore, Meghalaya ₹19 crore, and Sikkim ₹5 crore. Notable growth rates were seen in Mizoram (31%), Sikkim (25%), Nagaland (22.7%), and Manipur (20%). The industry contributes around ₹300 crore annually to the exchequer of northeastern states, reinforcing its role in the region’s development, the IDSA highlighted.

Ms. Anasua Dutta Barua, Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Govt. of Assam, said in her key note address that while creating a conducive environment for the direct selling industry under the regulations, the state is committed to safeguard the interests of consumers. Underscoring the need to ensure the products quality for consumers, she offered all the help to the industry from his department, which also aboard IDSA as a subject matter expert in the Monitoring Committee, set up by in compliance to the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules 2021. The Govt. is working towards creating an effective mechanism to ensure companies adhere to direct selling rules, she added.

Mrs. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of Pride East Entertainment, expressed her admiration for the contributions of women to society and national development. She emphasized that women, once venturing beyond the traditional confines of the home, have achieved remarkable success across various fields. Highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of women in the direct selling sector, she praised their ability to set inspiring examples through their achievements. Mrs. Sharma congratulated the women honored at the event and commended the IDSA for organizing such initiatives, which serve to motivate others to join this transformative journey.

Mr. Vivek Katoch, Chairman, IDSA, said, “Northeast continues to be among the key and priority markets for the DSI. The growth figures clearly reflect that it is poised for new horizons, reaffirming the relentless hard work of direct sellers. The industry, growing at more than 12% rate at the national level, has provided self-employment for nearly 86 lakh Indians. The IDSA member companies can confidently lay claim to successfully protecting consumer interests as well as those of over 4.2 lakh direct sellers in the region. He said ten states including Assam, so far have established monitoring committees in line with the Rules. The other states to follow suit.”

The daylong event witnessed brainstorming by industry leaders, experts, and policymakers on crucial topics such as industry growth, regulatory frameworks, consumer awareness, reforms, policy advocacy, and interactive sessions for the empowerment of women and youth through direct selling opportunities. It comprised recognition of 45 women entrepreneurs from the region for their achievements in direct selling, a product ramp walk in the traditional Northeast attire, and a grand exhibition that showcased the innovations and diversity of the direct selling industry.

Mr. Rajat Banerji, Secretary IDSA, CEOs of the various member companies and Ms. Ruchi Bhardwaj Barua, fitness and nutrition coach, were among the dignitaries and a large number of direct sellers present on the occasion.

Hyderabad, January 22, 2025: The Indian School of Business (ISB) and the Veni Rao Foundation have partnered to launch the annual ‘Veni Rao Tech for Social Good Challenge’, an initiative aimed at sparking innovative solutions to pressing social challenges. Enabled by a generous endowment of ₹ 1 Crore by the foundation, the challenge will be hosted annually by ISB, drawing on its academic expertise to discover and support solutions with meaningful, scalable impact.

The initial focus of the challenge is on digital health innovations, with ISB’s Max Institute of Healthcare Management (MIHM) spearheading this phase. The two organisations will foster ideas that leverage emerging technologies to address critical healthcare issues.

Building on the Veni Rao Foundation’s legacy of impactful healthcare initiatives—including surgical facilities and mobile health clinics across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka— the challenge will act as a platform for professionals, startups, and students to develop scalable solutions for underserved communities.

Ratna Reddy, Founder-Trustee of the Veni Rao Foundation and Founder of CHIREC International School emphasised the shared vision: “This partnership reflects our commitment to driving social impact through innovation. By engaging diverse stakeholders, the annual challenge will accelerate the development of practical solutions that improve lives in underserved communities.”

Professor Sarang Deo, Deputy Dean, Faculty & Research and Executive Director, Max Institute of Healthcare Management, ISB, highlighted the partnership’s significance: “There is a growing need to direct cross-functional teams to optimise the latest and emerging digital technologies in addressing pressing healthcare challenges. We are sure our partnership with the Veni Rao Foundation would go a long way in validating the innovations and measuring their impact on clinical and non-clinical outcomes.”