Affrika Blackmon brings 10 years of social services experience to the growing nonprofit.

(St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 4, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently named Affrika Blackmon as one of its Community Support Specialists. With more than 10 years of experience in social services, Blackmon will focus on connecting families, child care providers, and community members with the information and support they need through Missouri’s statewide Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) system.

Blackmon’s newly created position is made possible by a contract with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood, which provides dedicated focus in serving Missouri families with young children in need of help. In her position, she will represent CCAMO and serve the Missouri Childhood Resource and Referral (MCRR) Center, which provides crucial child care subsidy navigation for parents going to school or taking a job and connects families to essential resources across the state including locating child care.

Prior to joining CCAMO, Blackmon was the Social Service Coordinator for Volunteers of America and a Senior Social Services Specialist at the Department of Mental Health. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Criminal Justice from Ashford University in San Diego, California.

“We are delighted to have Affrika bring her deep commitment and proven leadership in social services to our organization,” said CCAMO CEO Robin Phillips. “Her expertise will be instrumental as we work to break down barriers to ensure every Missouri family can find and access quality child care.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

Bengaluru, August 22nd , 2025: South United Football Club (SUFC) today inaugurated its Residential Academy, the Centre of Excellence, designed to empower young Indian footballers through elite training, academic excellence, and holistic development. Spanning age groups U-13, U-15, and U-17, the Academy offers a high-performance environment that provides a structured pathway to professional football, built on progressive training, holistic player development, and long-term growth. The residential academy will also utilise SUFC sponsor benefits to identify talent from children across the country, with lesser privileged backgrounds, and give them holistic training, education and nutrition. The Academy was inaugurated by Mr. Rizwan Arshad MLA representing the Shivajinagar constituency in the presence of Mr. Sharan Parikh Director at South United Football Club, Mr. Mohammed Rafik CEO at South United Football Club, and Mr. Husein Dohadwalla Co-CEO Crimson Education.

The Residential Academy features FIFA-standard football infrastructure, including 11-a-side, 6-a-side, and 3-a-side turfs, along with floodlit pitches to support evening training and matches. Athlete recovery and conditioning are prioritized through a fully equipped gym, ice baths, steam rooms, a physiotherapy room, and an off-site swimming pool all managed by seasoned professionals. The Academy also features a sports nutritionist-curated diet to ensure optimal nutrition for every player. Comprehensive medical and safety protocols are in place, including tie-ups with leading hospitals for emergency care, on-site first-aid facilities, and 24/7 CCTV surveillance managed by dedicated security personnel.

At South United FC, we nurture aspiring talent and provide a tried and tested pathway for young Indian footballers to reach their potential,” said Mr. Sharan Parikh, Director, South United Football Club. “Our Residential Academy is not just about producing great footballers; it is about building great individuals. Through structured development and community-centered initiatives, we are proud to invest in the future of Indian sport and society. The Residential Academy is designed as an ongoing annual programme, welcoming new batches each year and continually strengthening each player’s growth and development. The Academy’s first cohort has been selected through extensive trials held under the SUFCRA banner, spanning 16+ cities across India. This nationwide effort reflects SUFC’s commitment to identifying talented and dedicated athletes who represent the future of Indian football.”

“Winmore Academy Jakkur, has partnered with South United Football Club to introduce an innovative educational support program for elite student-athletes.” said Mr. Husein Dohadwalla Co-CEO Crimson Education. Under this initiative, promising SUFC players will receive full education scholarships at Winmore, with a customized academic calendar and logistical support that enables seamless integration of high-performance training and scholastic achievement.

“Our approach is professional and personal,” added Mr. Indresh Nagarajan, Programme Head. “Every training session, academic lesson, and mentoring moment is tailored to bring out the best in each athlete. The SUFC Residential Academy reflects our commitment to total player development to include mind, body, and spirit.”

At the heart of SUFC’s coaching philosophy lies Optimized Performance Training (OPT), an advanced framework that combines technical skill development, tactical intelligence, physical conditioning, and mental resilience. Players will receive position-specific coaching, regular performance assessments, and data-driven progress tracking, while also engaging with sports psychologists and injury-prevention experts to ensure comprehensive development.

With a curriculum that nurtures both footballing acumen and personal development, SUFC’s Residential Academy serves as a vital conduit for feeding high-caliber talent into India’s broader sporting ambitions, strengthening the national pool with players who are equipped to perform, lead, and inspire on and off the field.

Giving Delhi NCR’s infrastructure a substantial push, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on August 17, 2025 inaugurated two key National Highway projects — the Delhi stretch of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) — easing commuting for residents across the region.

Constructed at a combined cost of around Rs 11,000 crore, these highways will significantly decongest the region, cut travel time, boost connectivity between Delhi and Gurugram, and support the long-term infrastructural growth of the National Capital Region.

The 29-km Dwarka Expressway comprises two sections — a 19-km stretch in Haryana, which was inaugurated in March 2024, and the 10.1-km Delhi section inaugurated by the Prime Minister today.

The Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway has been built at a cost of around Rs. 5,360 crore.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Alipur–Dichaon Kalan section of the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), along with new connectivity links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat. The stretch has been developed at an estimated cost of about Rs 5,580 crore.

With improved connectivity, overall economic activity in the region is set to receive a major boost, with sectors such as real estate, logistics, and trade expected to benefit significantly.

Experts from the real estate sector believe that the enhanced connectivity will lead to increased demand for both residential and commercial developments, particularly in emerging micro-markets along the new corridors.

Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, “The inauguration of the Delhi stretch of Dwarka Expressway is a significant milestone in the infrastructural growth story of Delhi NCR. Dwarka Expressway, being a dynamic and transformative urban corridor, has not only significantly redefined connectivity between Delhi and Gurugram but has also provided a major push to real estate growth in the region. The recent inauguration of the Urban Extension Road (UER) II, also known as Delhi’s third Ring Road, complementing the fully operational 29-km Dwarka Expressway, further elevates its strategic importance. These interlinked, access-controlled highways are set to drastically reduce travel time between Delhi, IGI Airport, and Gurugram, while decongesting NH-48 and other key arterial routes.”

Bridging major economic hubs such as Cyber City, Udyog Vihar, and key IT parks, this infrastructure not only streamlines commuting but also catalyzes large-scale residential, commercial, and retail development. The doubling of property prices over the past 5 years on Dwarka Expressway is a testament to the fact that the infrastructural boom has a ripple effect on the real estate sector, increasing the overall appeal of the market among consumers. Moving forward, we anticipate that the growth story of the real estate market around Dwarka Expressway will continue to accelerate, driven by sustained infrastructure development, enhanced connectivity through the upcoming metro and the rising demand from both homebuyers and investors seeking long-term value.”

Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said, “The inauguration of the Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road (UER) II by the Hon’ble Prime Minister is a major step towards improving connectivity, boosting infrastructural growth, and stimulating economic activity in the Delhi NCR region. The housing sector, in particular, stands to benefit, as major infrastructural projects invariably enhance the overall appeal of the housing market among buyers. The Dwarka Expressway has emerged as a pivotal growth corridor, offering unmatched connectivity between Delhi and Gurugram and significantly reducing travel time.

The two-fold jump in property prices witnessed in the micro-market of the Dwarka Expressway over the past couple of years underscores the strong demand for premium homes in the region. With upcoming infrastructural upgrades, the presence of renowned educational institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, and well-developed social infrastructure, the Dwarka Expressway is poised to remain a leading driver of property growth, particularly in the premium housing segment.”

Prasar Bharati and AEx SPORT Announce Strategic Partnership to Broadcast Global League Wrestling (GLW)

Mumbai, 11th Aug, 2025: In a landmark development poised to transform India’s sports entertainment landscape, Prasar Bharati, the national public broadcaster, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AEx SPORT, the sports innovation vertical of UK-headquartered AdiGroupe, to broadcast Global League Wrestling (GLW) — the first professional wrestling league of its kind in India and the Asia-Pacific region.

This unique collaboration brings together the expansive national reach of Prasar Bharati — across both television, digital platforms and radio — and the global branding, content, production, IP and marketing expertise of AEx SPORT, to create a world class sports entertainment property designed for Indian, Asia-Pacific and global audiences.

A Cultural Milestone in Indian Sports Entertainment

GLW will officially be unveiled on 17 September 2025, followed by its broadcast debut on 4 October 2025, coinciding with the Government of India’s continued push to promote sports and youth engagement. GLW will be telecast on DD Sports and streamed on Prasar Bharati’s digital platform, Waves, and AIR with the inaugural season spanning 40 weeks of immersive, family-friendly programming.

Shri Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman, Prasar Bharati, emphasized:

“This marks a new era for Indian pro-wrestling. The idea is to catapult the Indian sports to the global standards. Building on our existing partnerships with Hockey India, the Handball Association of India, PGTI, and others, this partnership reinforces our commitment to promote a variety of sports and will give India’s next generation of youth and athletes a national platform.”

Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO, Prasar Bharati, commented:

“This partnership underscores Prasar Bharati’s continued commitment to delivering engaging, culturally resonant, and high-quality content to Indian audiences. GLW introduces a new genre of youth-led programming that combines traditional Indian storytelling with international sports entertainment standards.”

Sanjay Viswanathan, Chairman, AdiGroupe and AEx SPORT, added:

“GLW is part of AEx SPORT’s broader mission to build immersive and inclusive sports-based cultural experiences for sports fans worldwide. We are dedicating GLW to India on the auspicious day of 17 September, to build Indian youth’s pride and self-confidence through competitiveness and excellence in sports entertainment, and provide an opportunity for Indian pro-wrestling talent to shine on a global stage.”

Championing Indian Talent with Global Appeal

The GLW format has been meticulously developed to reflect Indian cultural ethos while embracing global benchmarks in narrative structure, production design, and athlete presentation. The league will introduce a fresh storytelling ecosystem, complete with original characters, cinematic storylines, and a production environment tailored for family viewing.

The Great Khali Joins GLW as Brand Ambassador and Talent Commissioner

Bolstering GLW’s appeal, The Great Khali, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and one of the most globally recognized Indian athletes, will serve as Brand Ambassador and Talent Commissioner. In this dual role, he will play a pivotal part in talent identification, mentorship, and content development.

The Great Khali stated:

“Wrestling transformed my life and gave me a global platform. GLW presents a serious, structured, and entertaining opportunity for the next generation of Indian athletes to follow that same path. GLW will help them shine on Indian and global stages — on our own terms.”

Mumbai, 7th August 2025: Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) celebrated the convocation of its 16th batch of students, marking another significant milestone in its mission to skill and empower rural youth through world-class training in advanced manufacturing practices. A total of 200 students—comprising 60 Regular TTTI students and 140 Toyota Kaushalya course students from rural Karnataka—were honoured during the ceremony for successfully completing their holistic development journey across Knowledge, Skill, Body, and Attitude.

The academic honours were bestowed upon the graduates by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, renowned aerospace engineer and former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The event saw participation from Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), Toyota Technical Skill Academy – Japan, Toyota Indonesia Academy, and representatives from senior leadership of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Toyota Group Companies and Suppliers, fostering meaningful knowledge exchange amongst all who participated in the event.

As part of this year’s convocation, Toyota Kirloskar Motor also formalised strategic collaborations to enhance the skilling ecosystem through three significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs):

An MoU exchange with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) will facilitate certification and content development for TTTI and external trainees in the electronics sector. ESSCI will support the development of new course content, help establish a Center of Excellence, and enable short- and long-term certified programs aligned with the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET).

An MoU with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) will focus on the training and certification of Trainers, Assessors, and students in key automotive job roles. This partnership aims to bridge the critical skill gaps by strengthening trainer capabilities and advancing the automotive skilling ecosystem.

Additionally, seven private ITIs across Karnataka entered into an MoU with TKM to collaborate on skill development and training support. These include; Shree Mahaveera Education Societies: Shah Dham ji Jadhav ji Chheda Pvt ITI (Hubballi), Sir Siddappa Kambalagi Memorial Pvt ITI (Gadag), Shri Jagadguru Thontadarya Pvt ITI (Dambal), Sri Hombegowda Pvt ITI (Channapatna), Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Pvt ITI (Chamarajanagara), Shri Sindagi Shanthaveera Pattadyakshara Pvt ITI (Moratagi) and Gurunank Dev Pvt ITI (Bidar)

Since its inception in 2007, Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) has remained committed to equipping rural youth with advanced technological knowledge and holistic development to create industry-ready professionals. With a consistent 100% placement record, TTTI graduates have secured promising opportunities not only in Karnataka but also across India and in international markets. The Toyota Kaushalya program, introduced in recent years, has been well-received for its innovative ‘Learn and Earn’ model that integrates theoretical learning with On-the-Job Training (OJT). As part of the Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) initiative, TTTI also imparts Japanese-style manufacturing practices, further aligning with the Government of India’s ‘Skill India’ Mission.

TTTI ensures inclusive access to education by offering free, fully residential training to economically underprivileged girls and boys from rural Karnataka. Its rigorous and holistic approach has enabled students to earn accolades at premier platforms such as India Skills and World Skills competitions. The institute’s residential programs focus on all-round development—covering knowledge, technical skills, and physical and mental well-being—making TTTI a sought-after center of excellence in technical training. The three-year Regular Program and the two-year Toyota Kaushalya Program are both designed around the pillars of Body and Mind, Skill, and Knowledge, with training offered in core trades such as Vehicle Assembly, Welding, Painting, and Mechatronics. As of August 2025, TTTI has successfully graduated 1,417 students and currently trains over 1050 students at its Bidadi campus.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Guest Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation said, “It is an honour to be a part of this important milestone in the lives of these bright young individuals. The Toyota Technical Training Institute stands as a symbol of what dedicated industry efforts can achieve in the field of skilling. TTTI’s focus on rural empowerment, practical learning, and excellence in training is truly commendable. These graduates represent the aspirations of a new India—technically skilled, resilient, and ready to shape the future. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each graduate and applaud Toyota’s enduring commitment to nation-building through skill development.”

Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President -Finance and Administration- Toyota Kirloskar Motor, “As part of our unwavering commitment to nation-building through skill development, Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) has been consistently transforming rural youth into world-class, competitive technicians. Our graduates, now over 1,400 strong, have brought pride to the nation by excelling at prestigious global platforms like WorldSkills. In parallel, Toyota is also supporting the development of over 80 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Karnataka to strengthen the broader skilling ecosystem. Our programs are aligned with leading certifying bodies such as the Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC), Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), and the Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM), ensuring high-quality, industry-relevant training for India’s youth. Recently TTTI also added Auto IT Skill Training in the curriculum to equip students in software, mobility area of automobiles. We are the first ones to introduce this kind of program to the technician’s category. We remain committed to gender diversity by encouraging women to join the technical workforce. Empowering Futures: around 1,25,000 individuals skilled and industry-ready through our commitment to excellence in Skill Development.”

Graduates received multiple certifications, including the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC), ASDC Certificate, JIM Certificate, and a Toyota Certificate of Completion, equipping them for wide-ranging career opportunities. Of the total 1,417 TTTI alumni, 481 have joined Toyota Kirloskar Motor, with others placed in group companies, supplier organizations, and overseas roles.

Students from TTTI have also brought international acclaim to India, earning accolades at global platforms such as the World Skills Competition—including 1 Medallion (Brazil 2015), 1 Bronze & 1 Medallion (Abu Dhabi 2017), 1 Medallion (Russia 2019), and 2 Bronze medals (Germany 2022). Additionally, in 2024, TTTI students won the Medallion of Excellence in Additive Manufacturing, & Mechatronics at the World Skills Competition 2024 held in France.

As TTTI celebrates the achievements of its 2025 graduating cohort, the institute reaffirms its commitment to nurturing skilled professionals who will drive India’s manufacturing growth and contribute meaningfully to national development.

6th August 2025, Mumbai: The Deeksharambh 2025, a six-day induction programme for new students of the School of Branding and Advertising (SoBA), NMIMS Mumbai Campus, was held on a solemn and elegant note in the college auditorium to mark the beginning of a transformative academic journey for aspiring professionals.

The orientation program commenced with the registration of new students, followed by the traditional lamp lighting and chanting of Saraswati Vandana to dispel the darkness of ignorance with the light of wisdom. The NMIMS Anthem instilled a collective spirit of unity, pride and belonging among students and faculty.

The proceedings began with an introduction of the School by Associate Dean Dr Kiran Desai. She shed light on the institution’s academic ethos and its focus on creating industry relevant skillsets. She emphasised, “The core principles of a meaningful education and career in advertising and branding lie a focus on strong fundamentals in business, marketing and branding, and an unwavering commitment to delivering real value – not just to marketers and organizations, but to society at large.”

The Registrar, Dr Tanmoy Chakraborty, reaffirmed that, NMIMS, recently reaccredited with the prestigious NAAC A++ grade and an outstanding CGPA of 3.67 out of 4.0, remains dedicated to maintaining academic excellence and value-based education across its campuses.

Mr. K. V. Sridhar aka Pops, Global Chief Creative Officer, Nihilent Limited, Co-Founder, Nativepur, Hall of Fame, DMIA, best-selling Author of ‘30 Second Thrillers, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Sridhar has garnered recognition in Campaign Brief Asia’s ‘40 legends of last 40 years’ besides a Creative Achievement Award from the New York Festivals. NMIMS students embarking on their careers benefitted from the scintillating presence of the man himself who shared practical insights into advertising, creative and branding careers.

An engaging panel discussion was held on ‘Career Paths in Branding and Advertising, Challenges, Opportunities and Career Strategies’, followed by Q&A and concluding remarks. The distinguished panellists were Mr. Sukesh Nayak, CCO, Ogilvy, Ms. Darshana Shah, CMO, Aditya Birla, and Mr. Ajay Mehta, CCO, WPP.

Dr. Desai introduced faculty and staff members of SoBA and expressed gratitude to distinguished guests, faculty and student coordinators for making the ceremony a success. The audience rose for the National Anthem to close the inaugural session with dignity and patriotic reverence.

A brilliant dance performance by NMIMS’ very own Zephyr, a deeply engaging musical performance by Leherein, a spectacular and extravagant fashion show by Atelier and the comic Sa-Re-Drama Act enthralled the audience in the afternoon session.New students were introduced to various committees, councils and forums before the grand ceremony culminated with a Vote of Thanks by Student Anchors for all guests and participants. The event set a profound and aspirational tone for the year ahead, laying a solid foundation for a purpose-driven and intellectually enriching academic life at SoBA.

Counsellor sessions, origami and caricature workshops, presentations by various departments, speeches by guests, student portal and library orientations, presentations on incubation centres and sound therapy sessions were also held over six days through July 23.

2nd August 2025, Bhubaneswar: Marking a significant moment for Odisha’s real estate landscape, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) held its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) 2025 in Bhubaneswar, making a return to the state after a nine-year gap. The event brought together a distinguished panel of national leaders, developers, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on the future of real estate, investment prospects, and sustainable urban development.

The meeting was graced by Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati, who emphasized Odisha’s strategic economic transformation. “Odisha stands at a critical inflection point—emerging as the growth engine of Eastern India. Smart cities like Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri Corridor, and major industrial corridors are unlocking immense potential,” he said. He urged developers to focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities for balanced urbanisation and invest in affordable housing, green development, and digital infrastructure. The Governor stressed the need for ethical business practices and customer-centric models to build trust in the sector.

Credai President Shekhar G Patel highlighted the evolution of Bhubaneswar over the last decade, stating, “From a twin city, we now see a vision for a dynamic Tri-City cluster comprising Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri. This region is poised to be one of India’s top 50 urban centers.” He underscored the contribution of the real estate sector to India’s economy, stating, “Currently contributing 8.4% to India’s GDP, it is the second-largest employment generator after agriculture. With RERA streamlining the industry, 95% of the sector is now organised. By 2030, it is projected to become a $1 trillion sector, contributing 10% to the GDP.”

Welcoming the guests, Credai Bhubaneswar President Sofia Firdous expressed pride in Bhubaneswar being chosen for the EGM. “With strategic central initiatives like the Smart City Mission, Bhubaneswar is emerging as the real estate capital of Eastern India,” she said.

Speaking at the event, G Ram Reddy, President-Elect of CREDAI, emphasized the organization’s growing national footprint. “Credai operates in over 200 cities across 21 states, with 20,000+ members, and plays a critical role in policy formulation and industry advocacy,” he noted.

Swadesh Kumar Routray, President,CREDAI Odisha highlighted Odisha’s rapid urban development. “Cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Rourkela are witnessing remarkable real estate growth. With state support and a single-window clearance system, Odisha can become a benchmark for other states in real estate reforms and ease of doing business,” he said.

Ekamra MLA Babu Singh hailed developers as modern-day ‘Vishwakarmas’ of nation-building and acknowledged the government’s proactive engagement with developers in recent years to address sectoral challenges.

Swadesh Kumar Routray was unanimously elected as the Vice President East Zone- CREDAI.

Among the other dignitaries present were CREDAI Senior leadership including Shantilal Kataria, Past President Sekhar Reddy, Ramani Shastri & Manoj Gaur, immediate Past Chairman CREDAI

The EGM 2025 provided an important platform for the real estate community to align with the government’s vision for sustainable, inclusive, and regionally balanced urban development, reaffirming Odisha’s position as a key growth frontier in India’s real estate map.

Mumbai, India, July 30, 2025 – Poddar Plumbing System Private Limited, a manufacturer of CPVC and PVC pipes aims to create 12,000 new jobs by scaling up its investment in Karnataka to ₹758 crore from ₹492 crore. The company plans to set up a major facility in the Vemgal Industrial Area (Phase 2), Kolar, that is spread over 33 acres, with production at the plant expected to begin by August 2026. The company has also proposed a second unit in Vijayapura.

The announcement was made after Poddar Plumbing’s Managing Director Deepak Poddar and Director Varun Poddar met M.B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries at the Khanija Bhavan.

According to the minister, Poddar Plumbing System, which has been allotted 33 acres of land in the Vemagal Industrial Area (Phase-2), is working towards operationalising its plant by August 2026. After the meeting, the minister stated that the project is expected to create 3,000 direct and 9,000 indirect jobs.

Commenting on this development, Deepak Poddar, Founder, Poddar Plumbing System Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Poddar Plumbing, we are committed to driving industrial growth while creating meaningful employment opportunities in Karnataka. Our latest investment reaffirms our long-term vision of making India self-reliant in advanced piping solutions. With the new facility in Vemgal and our proposed unit in Vijayapura, we aim to manufacture world-class products, foster local talent, and contribute significantly to the region’s economic development.”

Founded by the promoters of Ashirvad Pipes, the company expects to achieve an annual turnover of ₹1,500 crore in 10 years. The project is also projected to generate tax revenues of approximately ₹3,000 crore for the government over the same period. Construction and installation of machinery have already commenced at the Vemagal site. The facility would manufacture a diverse range of high-quality PVC pipes and fittings, including CPVC and UPVC pipes for plumbing, water distribution, agricultural pipes for irrigation, and industrial pipes for transporting chemicals and gases.

International Self-Care Day: 4 Ways You Can Indulge in Some Much-Needed Self-Love

When was the last time you took care of yourself? If you find yourself unable to answer that upfront, know that you’re not alone. 24 July is observed as the International Self-Care Day – a timely reminder that caring for yourself is not selfish. Burnout, digital fatigue and relentless news cycles can make it feel impossible to pause. However, this observance invites you to unwind a little, breathe deeply and reconnect with the rituals that restore the balance between body and mind. We bring you a list of 4 activities you can take up to indulge in some much-needed self-love this International Self-Care Day.

Destress with Online Skill-Based Gaming on Zupee
Think online games are just a way to kill time? Think again. At Zupee, we believe skill-based gaming can actually boost your mood and sharpen your mind. Take Ludo, for example – we’ve reimagined the classic board game with a competitive, fast-paced format that rewards skill over chance. Every move you make is a test of strategy and the more you play, the better you get – not just at the game but at thinking on your feet. And yes, the rewards get better too.

Prioritise Sleep
A good sleep is undoubtedly the best stress-buster in the world. It not only allows your body to rest but also halts your mind’s horses that may otherwise be running wild. But despite sleep being such an important part of our daily routine, it’s often one of the very first things sacrificed when schedules overflow. Reclaiming your sleep is one of the finest and most effective ways of taking care of yourself. If you’re well-rested, you can take on the world with a renewed vigor. A win-win situation for you!

Start Journaling
Ever felt like your brain is on the verge of shutting down because of all the thoughts and feelings consuming your headspace? If yes, you need to unscramble that clutter. Journaling happens to be the perfect way to do that. Writing about feelings for as little as 15 minutes, three times a week, sharpens emotional control, reduces anxiety symptoms and decreases depressive rumination in as short as one month. Whether you prefer bullet entries, stream-of-consciousness prose or gratitude lists, the key is consistency and honesty.

Stay Hydrated
Yes, water lacks the wellness glamor of superfoods and supplements. However, its effect on the brain is as immediate as caffeine, minus the crash. There’s nearly nothing that a glass of cool water can’t fix. It uplifts your mood, keeps your body functioning properly, and gives you energy to sail through even the most difficult days. What’s even more interesting is that you don’t even have to chug down large volumes of water at once to stay hydrated – eat water-rich produce like cucumbers and oranges can help in a delicious way.

To Sum Up
Given the busy and stressful lives we lead, self-care is a non-negotiable today. Prioritise yours with these tried and tested activities, so that you can face every challenge life throws at you with replenished mental, emotional and physical strength. Happy International Self-Care Day!

By – Astrologer Praatikshit Sharrma

Life is a series of choices, some small and insignificant, and others so momentous they feel like they could alter the course of one’s destiny. We have all been there: standing at a crossroads, paralysed by indecision, the weight of a major choice pressing down on our shoulders. Whether it’s a career change, a significant relocation, or a pivotal relationship decision, the fear of making the “wrong” move can be overwhelming. While conventional wisdom often suggests endless pro/con lists and seeking advice from friends and family, there’s a different, more intuitive path to clarity that many are turning to: the ancient art of Tarot.

Tarot: More Than Just Fortune-Telling

For those unfamiliar with it, Tarot is often misconstrued as a tool for telling the future, a parlour trick to predict what will happen next. However, this is a narrow and often misleading view. At its core, Tarot is a powerful tool for self-reflection and psychological insight. A Tarot reading doesn’t tell you what to do; rather, it shines a light on the subconscious thoughts, fears, and motivations that are influencing your decision-making process. The cards act as a mirror, reflecting back to you the energies at play, both internal and external, allowing for a deeper understanding of the situation at hand.

When a person is struggling with a major decision, their mind is often a jumble of conflicting thoughts and emotions. There’s the logical brain trying to weigh the pros and cons, the emotional heart yearning for one outcome, and the deeper, often unacknowledged fears and anxieties holding them back. Tarot helps to untangle this mess. The symbolic imagery of the cards—the Major Arcana depicting life’s major archetypes and the Minor Arcana illustrating everyday situations—provides a framework for a structured conversation with oneself.

How a Tarot Reading Provides Clarity

A skilled Tarot reader doesn’t simply tell you what the cards mean in a literal sense. Instead, they interpret the story that the cards are telling in the context of your specific question. Here’s a breakdown of how this process can bring clarity to a tough decision:

1. Revealing the Hidden Influences: One of the most common reasons for indecision is that we are not fully aware of all the factors at play. A Tarot spread can reveal hidden influences—perhaps a past experience that is colouring your perception, an unacknowledged fear that is holding you back, or an external energy from someone close to you that is subtly affecting your choice. For example, a spread might reveal the presence of a “Five of Cups,” indicating a focus on what has been lost rather than what could be gained, prompting the individual to re-evaluate their perspective.

2. Understanding the Potential Outcomes: While Tarot doesn’t predict a fixed future, it can show the potential paths and outcomes associated with different choices. A spread can be structured to look at the “if I do A” versus “if I do B” scenarios. This isn’t about seeing a definitive future, but rather about understanding the energy and challenges associated with each path. One path might show cards like the “Eight of Wands,” suggesting rapid progress and movement, while the other might reveal the “Four of Swords,” indicating a need for rest and contemplation before moving forward. This insight helps a person feel more prepared and less fearful of the unknown.

3. Tapping into Your Inner Wisdom: Ultimately, the best decisions come from a place of inner knowing. However, in times of stress and anxiety, our intuition can be drowned out by noise. Tarot acts as a facilitator, helping you quiet the external chatter and listen to your own inner voice. The reader can ask questions based on the cards drawn: “What does the ‘Justice’ card in this position mean to you?” or “How does the energy of the ‘The Hermit’ resonate with your current feelings about this situation?” This line of questioning encourages a person to connect with their own truth, leading to a decision that feels authentic and right for them.

Making a Conscious Choice

It is crucial to remember that Tarot does not make the decision for you. It empowers you to make a more informed and conscious choice. The cards provide the information, the insights, and the reflection, but the final decision remains in your hands. This process removes the burden of blindly choosing and replaces it with the confidence that comes from a deeper understanding of oneself and the situation.

So, the next time you find yourself standing at a critical life juncture, struggling with a choice that feels too big to handle, consider turning to the wisdom of the Tarot. It’s not about surrendering your power to a deck of cards; it’s about reclaiming your power by gaining clarity and insight into the path that is truly meant for you.
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