ORRA Celebrates Ugadi with Timeless Diamond Grandeur
Bengaluru, Date: 31 March 2025: Ugadi is more than just the dawn of a new year, it is a celebration of new beginnings, renewed aspirations, and the promise of prosperity. This auspicious occasion calls for indulgence in timeless treasures that embody grace and fortune, making it the perfect time to adorn yourself in the brilliance of diamonds.
As India’s ultimate Diamond Destination brand, ORRA continues to be the epitome of refined craftsmanship and contemporary luxury. In honour of Ugadi, the brand presented a new, and special curation of exquisite designs, inspired by the opulent heritage and cultural grandeur of South India.
The highlight of this collection is a traditional haram, meticulously crafted with scintillating diamonds and vibrant gemstones, paired with intricately designed earrings that exude regal charm. Consumers can also further elevate their festive look with a multi-layered diamond set, delicately infused with coloured gemstones that effortlessly complement the timeless allure of a Kanjivaram saree.
ORRA Fine Jewellery’s Managing Director Mr. Dipu Mehta shares, “At ORRA, we believe that every celebration deserves the brilliance of diamonds, and Ugadi is no exception. Our specially curated jewellery designs for Ugadi are a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of South India, blending timeless artistry with contemporary elegance. We invite customers to embrace the festive spirit with ORRA’s exquisite creations and make every moment truly unforgettable”
Beyond our festival offering, ORRA is also offering ‘Aekta’ – The Wedding Collection alongside their celebrated Astra and the patented Crown Star Solitaire Collection to consumers in line with their demand and choices. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, ORRA is bringing a dazzling array of statement pieces, from opulent diamond necklaces adorned with coloured stones to meticulously curated jewellery box setseach designed to make every moment truly unforgettable during this festive season.
Celebrate the spirit of Ugadi with the brilliance of ORRA and revel in the timeless luxury of diamonds. Explore our collections in-store and indulge in our Anniversary Sale, where unparalleled craftsmanship meets irresistible elegance, that too with some special offers such as:
- Up to 25% off on diamond Value
- 0% interest on EMI facilities*
- 100% exchange value on old gold jewellery*
Hindustan Zinc Commemorates Rajasthan Foundation Day in Style
31st March 2025: Ahead of Rajasthan’s 76th Foundation Day, Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, organized the first-of-its-kind Sakhi Fest celebrating the rural women of Rajasthan. The company’s flagship social impact initiative, Sakhi, aimed at mobilizing and empowering rural women has benefitted the lives of more than 25,000 women from the state through various employment and credit-linkage opportunities. The Sakhi Fest brought together Sakhi women from various districts of Rajasthan showcasing the spirit the womanhood coupled with the blend of art, culture and tradition of the sunshine state.
Organized in Zinc City, Udaipur the Sakhi Fest witnessed a day-long extravaganza celebrating the essence of Rajasthan culture. With over 30 interactive stalls, entertainment zones, and live performances, the festival provided a vibrant and immersive experience for attendees of all age groups. The event showcased a dynamic mix of art, craft and cultural performances, through live demonstrations of block printing, pottery, puppetry, weaving, terracotta art, and clay sculpture making, celebrating the diverse artisanal traditions of Rajasthan.
The fest also hosted a food corner consisting of various culinary delights from all corners of Rajasthan and India. Beyond crafts and cuisine, Sakhi Fest presented a spectacular cultural lineup. The festival’s highlight was the Grand Qawwali Night by the renowned Nizami Brothers and featured soulful Sufi melodies by Honey Sharma, mesmerizing folk performances by Shubhra Pareek, an exhilarating Khartal & Tabla Jugalbandi by Firoz Khan & Muzaffar Rehman, and dynamic folk dance performances.
Speaking on the occasion, Arun Misra, CEO Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “Rajasthan is a land of opportunities that is very special to us. We are committed to propelling the growth of the sunshine state with a focus three-pronged approach: People, Production and Prosperity. As one of the oldest and long-term partners of Rajasthan’s progress, our initiatives are aimed at empowering local communities, creating employment opportunities and positioning the state as the zinc capital of not just India but the world. Today Rajasthan is synonymous with zinc & silver as the state hosts the world’s largest underground zinc mining operations at Bhilwara and world’s second largest silver producing mine at Rajsamand.”
Over the years, Hindustan Zinc has contributed more than INR 40,000 crores to the state exchequer and created employment opportunities for more than thousands of people. The company has also invested more than INR 1,500 crores in the past 15 years for various social impact initiatives spanning education, sustainable livelihoods, women empowerment, health, water, sanitation and promoting grassroots sports, art & culture. At the recently concluded Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, Hindustan Zinc also announced the plans to launch the world’s first Zinc Park, an industrial ecosystem for upstream and downstream industries in Rajasthan.
Through a network of over 2,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Sakhi uplifts women to break stereotypes, driving social and economic progress in their communities. Sakhi has also been instrumental in fostering economic empowerment. Beyond financial empowerment, Sakhi is a movement fostering a new narrative of self-reliance and social change. Women, driven by their strength and determination, are becoming architects of progress, breaking barriers, and uplifting entire communities.
Beyond women empowerment, Hindustan Zinc has been a strong force in promoting quality education for all, sustainable livelihood opportunities, healthcare access, arts & culture, water conservation & sanitation, supporting grassroots football talent, art & culture impacting over 20 lakh lives across nearly 4,000 villages. Ranked among India’s top 10 CSR companies, Hindustan Zinc’s initiatives reflect its commitment to building a resilient, self-sufficient Rajasthan that champions inclusivity, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, reflecting its operational excellence, innovation, and leading ESG practices. The company also launched EcoZen Asia’s first low carbon ‘green’ zinc brand. Produced using renewable energy, EcoZen has a carbon footprint of less than 1 tonne of carbon equivalent per tonne of zinc produced, about 75% lower than the global average. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 2.41 times Water-Positive company and is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Transforming the lives of over 2 million people through its focused social welfare initiatives, Hindustan Zinc is among the Top 10 CSR companies in India. As a world leader in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for the global energy transition for a sustainable future.
Traditional Ugadi Celebrations Light Up Brihaspati Technologies
29 March 2025: Brihaspati Technologies Limited, a leading IT and e-security company based in Hyderabad, celebrated the Telugu New Year festival, Ugadi, with great enthusiasm at its corporate office. Over 200 employees participated in the festivities, embracing Telugu culture by adorning traditional attire and engaging in vibrant celebrations.
The office was beautifully decorated with mango leaves and floral arrangements, creating an authentic festive atmosphere. Employees relished the essence of Ugadi by enjoying the traditional Ugadi Pachadi and an array of special festive dishes, symbolizing the diverse flavors of life.
As a gesture of appreciation, the management distributed Ugadi hampers to employees and stakeholders, fostering a sense of community and gratitude.
Mr. Rajasekhar Papolu, Managing Director of Brihaspati Technologies Limited, expressed his delight on the occasion, stating, “Ugadi marks a new beginning filled with hope, prosperity, and positivity. At Brihaspati Technologies, we believe in embracing our cultural heritage while fostering a strong corporate ethos. Celebrating festivals like Ugadi strengthens our team spirit and reinforces our values of inclusivity and togetherness.”
ENTOD’s World Glaucoma Week 2025 Impacts 15,000 plus Lives
New Delhi, 31 March 2025: ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with the Matanand Welfare Foundation, successfully concluded its World Glaucoma Week 2025 campaign, held from March 9th to March 15th, 2025. The campaign focused on raising awareness about glaucoma and the importance of early detection, reaching over 2,000 doctors and 15,000 patients across India through free screenings, awareness programs, and educational initiatives.
In India, more than 10 million people have glaucoma, but over 90% don’t even know it because they don’t get regular eye check-ups. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can slowly damage vision without warning. It happens when pressure builds up in the eye and corrodes the optic nerve. If not treated in time, it can lead to permanent blindness. Unfortunately, most people don’t notice any symptoms until it’s too late. Some may experience blurry vision, eye pain, headaches, or difficulty with peripheral vision but many don’t realize they have it until significant vision loss has already occurred. Early detection can help catch the signs at an earlier stage before the condition worsens. Glaucoma can be managed with medications, laser treatment, or surgery to control eye pressure and protect vision.
Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, on the campaign’s impact, said “Our goal with this campaign was to spread awareness about Glaucoma, which is a major cause of blindness, and make screenings easier to access. The response shows how much this was needed. At ENTOD, we believe that the right information and timely care can save vision. That’s why we are working closely with doctors, hospitals, and communities to ensure more people get tested and treated in time.”
Mrs. Anjula Masurkar, Clinical Director of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, added, “We are extremely proud of the impact we made during the World Glaucoma Week 2025 but at the same time we do recognize that we must continue these patient-centric awareness activities regularly throughout the year. Serving and making a positive difference in our community forms an integral part of our duty and responsibility as human beings”
With campaigns like World Glaucoma Week 2025, ENTOD aims to expand its efforts to reach out more people, strengthen collaborations with medical professionals, and develop better ways to improve glaucoma detection and treatment. The company is committed to making glaucoma awareness an ongoing, year-round effort rather than a one-time initiative.
World Glaucoma Week 2025 marks another milestone in ENTOD Pharmaceuticals’ ongoing efforts to promote better vision care. With this momentum, the company is already looking forward to World Glaucoma Week 2026 and plans to further expand its reach and impact.
Hybrid Work Boosts Health, Productivity, and Reduces Sick Days
31 March 2025: Hybrid workers take fewer sick days, are less stressed and enjoy improved levels of health and wellbeing according to new research.
A study of more than 4,000 hybrid workers by International Workplace Group, the world’s largest operator of flexible workspaces, found that more than a third (36%) are taking fewer sick days now they have some flexibility over how and where they work. The benefits do not end there with 74% of hybrid workers making time for preventative healthcare such as regular screenings, check-ups and lifestyle changes.
Hybrid working, where workers split their time between a local workspace, their head office and home, offers greater flexibility, improved work-life balance and significant financial savings for workers and businesses, as well as important health benefits according to the latest research.
70% experience fewer stress-related healthcare conditions in the hybrid model, while 72% can better manage any existing health conditions.
The findings come as recent research showed that rising sick days are costing businesses and the economy billions annually and long-term sickness is taking a near $42 billion toll on productivity, a number that could double by the end of the decade**.
Beyond physical health benefits, hybrid employees also benefit from a significant reduction in stress and an improvement in their overall mental wellbeing.
The reduced time spent on long daily commutes is cited as a key factor in helping to reduce overall stress levels for 80% of hybrid workers, which is also providing employees with a better work-life balance and reduced feelings of anxiety (80%). This has had a direct effect on health conditions related to stress, with 70% of employees experiencing fewer symptoms such as severe headaches, digestive issues, and tension-related pain.
Dr Sara Kayat, TV doctor, said: “It’s clear from this research that hybrid working models are offering employees not only greater flexibility but also tangible health benefits. By reducing the physical and mental strain of long daily commutes, workers are able to better manage their existing health conditions, access preventative care, and reduce stress. This is not only improving their overall wellbeing but also helping businesses by reducing the costs associated with absenteeism and burnout.”
Dr Sara Kayat goes on to share her top tips for hybrid employees looking to optimize their health for the long-term:
- Schedule “me time” for preventative health: Take advantage of your flexible schedule to book those important health check-ups and screenings. Whether it’s a physical or a dental appointment, having the flexibility to fit these into your day means you’re not waiting for a sick day to prioritize your health. Small steps now can prevent big health issues later.
- Join a local workout group for fun and fitness: People are increasingly turning to exercise to for a sense of community and to build social connections. This can be seen through the rise in local running groups or community exercises. It’s about more than just moving, rather, about community and connection.
- Prepare foods that fuel your brain: One of the greatest benefits to hybrid working is that we now have more time to prepare balanced and nutritious meals that leave us feeling energized. Whole foods like leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains can improve focus and energy. Try a spinach and quinoa salad or a berry and almond butter smoothie for a brain-boosting meal. These don’t take long to make and can be enjoyed wherever you work or on the go.
A healthier and happier workforce is also translating into positive business outcomes. 75% of CEOs have acknowledged that hybrid work has led to improved productivity, while 77% say employees have become more engaged in their work as a result of the flexible work arrangements***.
Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, said: “Hybrid and more flexible ways of working are incredibly beneficial for both employees and their employers. Not only is it universally popular with workers with higher levels of satisfaction and an improved work-life balance reported, but as this research shows, employees are taking fewer sick days, managing stress better, and adopting healthier lifestyles. Meanwhile, companies are enjoying higher levels of productivity and lower costs.”
International Workplace Group, the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace with brands including Spaces and Regus, added 899 new locations globally last year to meet growing demand for its workspace and business solutions.”
Ayodhya Prepares for a Grand Run: Join Run for Ram 2025
31st March 2025: In a special press conference held today in Delhi, the organizers of the third edition of Run for Ram unveiled key details and large-scale plans for the upcoming edition of India’s most spiritually inspired marathon, scheduled to take place on 13th April 2025 in Ayodhya.
Organized by Kreeda Bharati Uttar Pradesh, the marathon is aimed at uniting faith, fitness, and Indian values in a grand spiritual run through the sacred city of Shri Ram. This year, the initiative expects over 10 lakh runners from India and around the globe, utilizing a series of pre-events, international outreach efforts, and regional engagements.
The marathon has 40,000 plus runners from Ayodhya, thus creating a wide congregation, physically spanned, of athletics in devotion and cultural celebration.
The 2025 edition will also feature attractive prize money worth ₹1,00,000, details of which will be soon announced in category-wise section. There are three categories in the race including, 21 KM Half Marathon; 10 KM Run; 3 KM Family & Fun Run.
With this thoughtfully designed route through the iconic spiritual landscape of Ayodhya, every step will speak a louder message, full of meaning and reverence. To further enhance global participation, several foreign embassies , cultural delegations, and global communities have been invited to make Run for Ram a never-before experience. The goal is to establish Run for Ram not just as India’s pride but as a global celebration of heritage and health.
A special initiative this year is the #FirseFit Challenge, designed to encourage people across the country to prepare for the marathon and make fitness a part of their lifestyle.
At the press conference, Shri Awanish Kumar Singh, President Kreeda Bharati (Uttar Pradesh), declared, “Run for Ram is not just an event-it is a spiritual movement connecting our heritage to the need today for health, for unity, purpose. It will not just be a race in Ayodhya but also a swelling wave of devotion and determination. Every individual, family, and organization is welcome to join this historic journey.”
Preparations for this event are full swing and registration is open at www.runforram.com. to Run for Ram 2025. This milestone is poised to become part of India’s journey through culture and sport.
The press conference was attended by Rajat Dixit, Regional Coordinator, Kreeda Bharati Eastern Uttar Pradesh; Vikas Agarwal, Minister, Kreeda Bharati Uttar Pradesh; Geeta Singh, Founder Director, TYC Communication; Bhanu Sachdeva, President, Kreeda Bharati Delhi Province; and Rakesh Goswami, All India Para Head, Kreeda Bharati.
Sony Music India and Tiger Baby Launch Tiger Baby Records Joint Venture
Sony Music Entertainment India and Tiger Baby announced today the launch of Tiger Baby Records, a new joint-venture music label dedicated to nurturing emerging talent, fostering creative storytelling, and building connections between artists, audiences, and brands. This collaboration merges the creative vision of acclaimed filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, and singer-songwriter, music supervisor, Ankur Tewari, with Sony Music Entertainment India’s global reach and industry expertise.
As one of its earliest projects, Tiger Baby Records has partnered with the renowned jewelry brand Tanishq featuring a wedding song composed by Abhishek-Ananya and performed by Poorvi Koutish. Directed by Reema Kagti, the music video offers a distinctive blend of music and storytelling. Tiger Baby Records has also recently released the soundtrack for Superboys of Malegaon, a film based on the life of Nasir Shaikh, a filmmaker from the town of Malegaon. The soundtrack is composed by the talented duo Sachin-Jigar and penned by the legendary Javed Akhtar.
The label will also feature original music curated by Ankur Tewari, showcasing a variety of styles and spotlighting the distinct perspectives of emerging artists. In its ongoing mission to support emerging talent, Tiger Baby Records is also set to launch the “City Sessions” Initiative in partnership with Mumbai’s iconic Island City Studios. This program will provide a space for artists to experiment and collaborate in a dynamic, unfiltered environment. City Sessions will offer singer-songwriters the opportunity to refine their craft, collaborate with established artists in the studio, and connect with wider audiences
The Indian music industry has seen exponential growth in recent years, driven by factors like increasing internet penetration, rising disposable incomes, and a diverse population with varying musical tastes. The joint venture leverages Sony Music Entertainment India’s global resources and Tiger Baby Records’ distinctive creative approach to cultivate a new generation of artists and amplify diverse voices in the Indian music landscape.
Vinit Thakkar, Managing Director, Sony Music Entertainment India, said, “Tiger Baby Records represents a new era of music in India, where compelling storytelling and groundbreaking collaborations take center stage. We are thrilled to be part of this journey, pushing boundaries and bringing fresh, authentic voices to the forefront of the industry and are excited to partner with Zoya, Reema, and Ankur, who have an exceptional track record in music and creative storytelling.”
Zoya Akhtar, Co-Founder of Tiger Baby, also shared her thoughts, commenting, “Music has always been a vital part of our storytelling, and with Tiger Baby Records, we want the music to be the main story. Partnering with Sony Music India allows us to bring our vision to life and provide a platform for indie, homegrown talent to shine.”
Reema Kagti, Co-Founder of Tiger Baby, added, “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for us at Tiger Baby. With Tiger Baby Records, we aim to delve into the diverse soundscapes of the subcontinent and represent them globally. By collaborating with brands and upcoming artists, we hope to have this music reach a large audience.”
Ankur Tewari, Singer-Songwriter and Music Supervisor at Tiger Baby, said, “Tiger Baby Records is all about fostering an environment where creativity thrives. I’m thrilled to be a part of this journey where we get to build a legacy with artists who are using the power of their voice to express freely.”
RS 60,000 Cr Initiative: Centre & UP Advance Skill Training
March 31, 2025 | In a major push to accelerate skill development initiatives, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (I/C) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, met today with Shri Kapil Dev Agrawal, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education and Skill Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. The high-level meeting, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Uttar Pradesh government, focused on enhancing Centre-State collaboration for seamless execution of key skilling programs, including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), PM Vishwakarma, and the Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme.
The Principal Secretary, Skill Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, presented an overview of the state’s achievements in skilling and highlighted areas where additional support from the Centre could drive greater impact. Uttar Pradesh has trained over 24.73 lakh candidates under PMKVY to date. Under the latest PMKVY 4.0 initiative, more than 93,000 individuals have enrolled in futuristic job roles, including Drone Service Technician, AI – Machine Learning Engineer, Electric Vehicle Service Technician, and Solar PV Installer (Electrical), among others.
Furthering the government’s commitment to empowering traditional artisans, 405 training centres under PM Vishwakarma have successfully trained nearly 1.08 lakh craftspeople across Uttar Pradesh. To boost entrepreneurship, the state has also conducted 450+ Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs and 145 Entrepreneurship Development Programs, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with essential business skills and financial literacy.
A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion on the National ITI Upgradation Scheme, a transformative initiative that aims to modernize 1,000 ITIs across India under a hub-and-spoke model. The scheme, with a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore over five years, will be financed through ₹30,000 crore from the Central Government, ₹20,000 crore from State Governments, and ₹10,000 crore from industry partnerships. This initiative will elevate ITIs into world-class skill development centers, ensuring high employability for youth and a steady pipeline of skilled talent for industries. With 3,258 ITIs spread across 75 districts, Uttar Pradesh is set to play a pivotal role in this ambitious transformation.
Emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration, Shri Jayant Chaudhary stressed the need for industry-driven curriculum development, hands-on training methodologies, and real-time skilling aligned with market demands. He further highlighted the integration of vocational education with mainstream education as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and called for greater AI-driven course offerings to prepare youth for the evolving digital economy.
Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Centre-State synergy in skill development, with a shared vision of making Uttar Pradesh a leading hub for skilled workforce development. The discussions concluded on a positive note, with a roadmap for enhanced coordination between the Central and State Governments to drive India’s skilling agenda forward in alignment with national priorities and global industry demands.
OnMobile Global Board Grows Stronger with CFO Radhika Venugopal’s Appointment
March 31, 2025, OnMobile Global Limited, a leader in cutting-edge mobile gaming & entertainment, announced the appointment of Radhika Venugopal as an Additional Director (Non-Executive & Non-Independent), effective March 27, 2025. She currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of OnMobile, bringing nearly two decades of extensive experience in financial planning, analysis, reporting, mergers, acquisitions, and investor relations, among other areas.
Radhika is a qualified Chartered Accountant. Her previous roles include key positions at Vodafone and IFB Industries Ltd. Her appointment will be for two years, subject to shareholder approval, and she will be liable to retire by rotation.
Aster Volunteers, Vijaya College NSS Host Medical Camp at Chudanahalli
Bengaluru, March 31, 2025: Aster Volunteers from Aster RV Hospital jointly, in collaboration with the Vijaya College NSS unit, recently conducted a medical check-up camp at Chudanahalli Village at Sarjapur Road. The camp was conducted using the Aster Volunteers Mobile Medical Service, a mobile clinic equipped with the latest equipment, aimed at helping marginalized communities across the country.
Commenting on the initiative, J Parashuram, Assistant Manager, CSR, Aster RV Hospital said, ” We are proud to have hosted this free medical camp, reflecting our commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community. By offering accessible healthcare services to those in need, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need for a healthier life. This initiative is a testament to our hospital’s dedication to making healthcare more inclusive and ensuring that quality medical care is available to everyone, regardless of their background. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger future for all.”
The medical camp provided services and checkups of height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, sugar testing, eye testing, dental checkups, audiometry test. The camp also organized a blood donation drive. Over 140 villagers benefitted from the medical camp, not only showcasing the reach of the Mobile Medical Service, but also the reach of primary healthcare to rural communities in Karnataka.
Aster RV Hospital and Aster Volunteers, through this initiative, reiterate their commitment towards better access to quality healthcare, especially to those in need. By promoting a culture of good health and well-being, the medical camp aims to create a lasting positive impact on the overall welfare of such communities.