9th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Bina Refinery (BR), has partnered with Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft focused organization, to support life-changing surgeries and build awareness campaigns about cleft lip and palate to underserved communities in the Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh.

The collaboration aims to support around 70 free surgeries by March 2025, alongside awareness activities to educate and engage local populations about clefts, demystify myths and accelerate identification and treatment across 12 tehsils of Sagar district.

The project also includes organizing screening camps to identify cleft patients and organizing workshops with Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) to empower local health workers to identify cases and assist in treatment ensuring long term sustainability of the initiative.

Shirish Chandekar, General Manager (HR) Bina Refinery, shared, “BPCL has always been committed to driving social change and supporting initiatives that uplift the communities we serve. This partnership with Smile Train is an extension of our dedication to improving healthcare in rural and underserved areas. By addressing both medical and awareness gaps, we aim to ensure that children in Sagar district receive the care they need, not only transforming their lives but also raising awareness around cleft conditions across the region.”

Anjali Katoch, Head of Communications and Business Development at Smile Train India expressed gratitude towards BCPL. She said, “Facilitating free, safe and quality cleft treatment is Smile Train India’s priority. This prestigious partnership empowers us to support more cleft surgeries, giving underprivileged children born with clefts the opportunity to lead healthy and full lives. By supporting surgeries and raising awareness among communities and health workers, I am confident that this collaboration will yield transformative results for the region.”

In India, an estimated 35,000 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate every year, and hundreds of thousands of children with untreated clefts live in isolation and face difficulties with eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. This initiative marks a significant step towards improving healthcare access in rural India, where cleft conditions often go untreated due to lack of awareness, medical infrastructure, and financial resources. BPCL’s commitment to this cause reflects its long-standing efforts in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to support sustainable community development.

9th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Probuds, the audio sub-brand of Lava International Ltd., India’s leading homegrown smartphone brand introduced Probuds T24, offering a “doped” audio experience at a price of Rs. 1,299. Designed for those struggling with the challenges of multi-device connectivity, the Probuds T24 is a game-changer for seamless multitasking. In the mid-level segment, it delivers superior quality and an enhanced everyday experience, whether you’re making calls, consuming content on the go, or enjoying podcasts, videos, and music. Probuds T24 is launched with a retail first strategy for an exclusive on-ground experience across retail outlets and e-store for convenience. Available in five color variants, the product will be introduced in phases starting December 06th, 2024.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Satya Sati Business Head – Accessories, Lava International Ltd., said, “Our endeavor with the Accessories business has been to address industry gaps through consumer insight and push the boundaries of innovation to create quality products and offer an enhanced experience across product catalogue. The mid-segment in the audio industry is under catered, where we believe T24 will fill in the gap. We have grown steadfast this year and remain committed to expand our product line up with quality and value.”

Product Features:

Dopamine-Induced Audio Experience

Probuds T24 is powered by 10mm drivers, delivering a “doped” sound experience with high bass polyurethane diaphragm speaker that elevates music listening to new heights. Equipped with quad-mic ENC, it ensures crystal-clear conversations.

Advanced Bluetooth Chipset

The Probuds T24 is equipped with the advanced Jieli JL7006F8 Bluetooth chipset IC, ensuring robust performance and reliable connectivity. Bluetooth V5.4 provides seamless and stable pairing with your devices, while an ultra-low latency of just 35ms offers a rush-filled gaming experience

Exceptional Play Time and Dual Device Pairing
The Probuds T24 offers up to 45 hours of playtime with its powerful 500mAh battery and fast charging capabilities. A quick 10-minute charge delivers an impressive 150 minutes of playtime, ensuring minimal downtime. For multitaskers, the dual device pairing feature provides seamless connectivity between your laptop and mobile, allowing you to stay connected and entertained without interruption.

Price and Availability

Probuds T24, priced at Rs. 1,299, will be available in five color variants namely Herb Green, Venom Black, Dope Blue, Trippy Macaw, Snake White. It will hit key retail markets starting December 06th, 2024, with an online launch on Lava’s e-store.

Spec Sheet:

Specifications	Details
Customer Price	Rs. 1,299
Battery – mAh	500mAh
Play Time – Hrs	Up to 45 hours
BT Version	Bluetooth V5.4
Charge Time – Hrs	1 hour
Driver Size (mm)	10mm
Fast Charge	Yes
Latency – ms	35ms
ENC	Yes (Quad-mic ENC)
Dual Device Connectivity	Yes

9th December 2024 Andhra Pradesh, India  SRM University-AP is organising “Bharat Anveshan” a national-level short video competition aimed at inspiring school students (classes VIII to XII) to explore, showcase, and appreciate India’s lesser documented heritages through videos. The competition, hosted under the aegis of the Department of History, encourages creative storytelling and research on India’s diverse cultural, natural, and artistic traditions. Amaravati, the emerging capital of Andhra Pradesh with its rich cultural past and traditions, offers an apt space for young cultural enthusiasts to showcase their local diverse cultures at SRM University-AP.

“Bharat Anveshan invites budding creative artists and young history enthusiasts who appreciate and are curious about the rich tapestry of culture and heritage encompassing India’s complex history. This is a chance for them to express their creativity through visual storytelling,” remarked Dr Maanvendhar Singh, Assistant Professor in the Department of History. The short videos may document India’s tangible, non-tangible, and natural heritage. The competition aims to promote awareness of India’s cultural heritage, foster creativity, storytelling, and historical awareness in students, encourage exploration of India’s multiple cultures, and provide a platform for students to showcase their talent.

Students from classes 8 to 12 across India can participate in the competition. The short videos must be under five minutes and focus on lesser-known aspects of Indian heritage. The original content must be in English or any Indian language (with English subtitles or a Word document with the video). The video should adhere to ethical standards and cultural sensitivity. Click for the Complete Guidelines for Video Submission.

The submitted videos will be evaluated in several categories, such as creativity and originality, content quality, cinematic presentation, and impact and engagement. An expert panel of judges experienced in the fields of history and heritage, filmmaking, and cultural studies will determine the winners of the national-level competition. The top three winners will receive lucrative cash prizes. All participants will receive certificates of participation or certificates of excellence. Selected videos may also be featured on the competition’s website and social media. Click here to Register for Bharat Anveshan. The last date for registration and submission is February 10, 2025.

“Bharat Anveshan,” organised by SRM University-AP, offers an exciting platform for students to explore India’s lesser-documented heritage and express creativity through visual storytelling. Participate now in celebrating the diversity and beauty of India’s untold stories.

9th December 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India  JetX by Smartsoft has teamed up with Parimatch News, a community of sports fans in India, to launch an eye-catching 3D billboard at Garuda Mall, a popular shopping destination in Bangalore.

Until December 10, passersby at Garuda Mall will be mesmerized by a breathtaking 3D display, inviting them to step off the street and dive into the popular game. The captivating video tears through reality as an airplane takes off, breaking free from the screen, accelerating, and soaring high through the clouds.

The campaign slogan—“ ಅದೃಷ್ಟದ _ ಕಡೆಗೆ _ ಹಾರಿ!”—embodies the winning spirit shared by both the sports community of Parimatch News and fans of the JetX online game: those who dare to take risks, strive for more, and boldly pursue their ambitions.

“Together with Parimatch News, we pulled out all the stops to convey the exciting essence of the game-one that tests intuition, strategic skills, luck, and, of course, breaks the limits of what’s possible in entertainment,” commented the creators of JetX at Smartsoft.

“As a brand, we share the core value of our community: seizing every opportunity that comes your way-to stand out, fulfill your potential, and be the best. We’re excited to partner with JetX to bring this idea to life using advanced technology, which only a few brands in the world have implemented,” said the Parimatch News Press Team.

By uniting the virtual world with the real world in their new ad, Parimatch News and JetX deliver the inspiration and thrill of gaming, igniting curiosity and engagement among gamers and sports fans.

9th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Seoul Tourism Organization announced the successful conclusion of the “2024 Seoul My Soul in India” event held in New Delhi, India, on December 5. Drawing a crowd of 3,000 attendees, the event offered a rich blend of Korean culture and seoulites’ unique lifestyles. Highlights included a live performance by the K-pop boy group ONEUS, fan meet-and-greets, Seoul Brand Show, and an interactive pop-up booth showcasing Seoul’s trendy appeal.

The main event opened with an energetic K-pop performance by local dance crews, including EZ, ZXD, and ETERNALS who have gained recognition for their K-pop cover dances. The Seoul Brand Show featured a live painting performance and lucky draw with impressive prizes such as round-trip flights to Seoul and hotel accommodations. The evening’s centerpiece was a live concert by ONEUS, complete with fan engagement activities, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Four themed pop-up booths offered visitors an immersive taste of seoulites’ glamorous lifestyles. At the Beauty Zone, fans received K-beauty makeovers, recreating the vibrant energy of Seoul’s festivals. At the K-pop Zone, visitors took photos like K-pop stars in music video-inspired settings. Attendees were also able to take memorable photos in front of SEOULDAL, the giant tethered balloon that is one of Seoul’s newest landmarks.

The Brand Zone featured the latest official Seoul My Soul goods, including beautiful caps and hoodies, recently launched in Seoul.

9th December 2024   New Delhi, Delhi, India   The 16th GRIHA Summit, organized by the GRIHA Council, concluded with a strong emphasis on ‘Accelerating climate action and fostering resilience in the built environment’. Over two days, the Summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and community representatives to explore strategies for sustainable infrastructure development.

Dr Vibha Dhawan, President of the GRIHA Council and Director General of TERI, highlighted the event’s overarching vision in her address. “Challenges will always arise, but what truly matters is how we face them and create a lasting change. Perfection may never be reached, but the chance to go green is here, and it’s up to us to seize it,” she said.

Delivering the valedictory address, Smt Meenakashi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, and Member of Parliament, called for unified efforts to achieve climate resilience. “Let’s not let others dictate our agenda. It’s time to run our own green agenda, rooted in our heritage and guided by GRIHA standards. GRIHA symbolizes India’s commitment to sustainability and green living. With the concepts of reusing and recycling, we have to get our existing buildings compatible with the standards provided by GRIHA,” she said.

The valedictory session opened with remarks by Mr Sanjay Seth, Vice President and CEO, GRIHA Council, who underscored the critical need for innovation and collaboration. “The conversations we’ve had, the ideas we’ve shared, and the solutions we’ve proposed over these past two days will play a crucial role in transforming our built environment. It is our collective responsibility to leverage our expertise and passion to drive positive change. As we reflect on our journey, we also celebrate the exceptional achievements that are setting new standards for sustainable excellence,” he stated.

A significant highlight of the session was the launch of two new sustainability frameworks: the GRIHA Rating for Ports and the GRIHA Infrastructure Rating for Highways, designed to promote environmentally responsible practices in these critical sectors. Both ratings aim to advance sustainability by providing standardized frameworks for assessing and enhancing infrastructure performance.

Mr Aditya Bhutani, Director and COO of AIS GlassXperts, emphasised the role of partnerships in advancing sustainability. “Net zero isn’t just an opportunity; it’s the reality we must achieve. Change doesn’t require grand gestures; small acts, multiplied by millions, can transform the world,” he remarked.

During the valedictory session, GRIHA award ceremony was also held wherein the GRIHA 3-star and 2-star Rated Projects were felicitated by the eminent dignitaries. Winners of GRIHA Exemplary Awards and GRIHA Exhibition Design Competition were also awarded.

As part of the Summit, a side event titled “Scaling Up Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Technologies in Buildings in India” was organised in collaboration with GIZ India, Ornate Solar, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The session focused on addressing critical challenges such as balancing aesthetics with efficiency, assessing the lifecycle impacts of BIPV materials, and evaluating the economic feasibility of large-scale applications.

With four plenary sessions and six thematic tracks, the Summit addressed pressing issues towards accelerating climate action at various levels including policy advocacy, united stakeholder action, energy transition and promoting smart & resilient infrastructure development. This year’s key deliberations revolved around managing urban heat, exploring biophilic designs & innovative construction materials, incentivising for propelling a low-carbon development, the role of communities and transformation of existing infrastructure.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Ms Shabnam Bassi, Deputy CEO and Secretary, GRIHA Council, reaffirming the commitment to advancing sustainability through collaboration and innovation.

The 16th GRIHA Summit witnessed participation from government and industry leaders, policymakers, architects, urban planners, product manufacturers, researchers, financial institutes, and civil society. GRIHA Council expresses gratitude to its partners, esteemed partners, including the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, State Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, and Rajasthan, as well as industry leaders such as Knauf, Asahi Glass, ARS Steel and Alloy International Pvt. Ltd, Union Bank of India and many more.

9th December 2024   Pune, Maharashtra, India    Phoenix Marketcity Pune is all set to sprinkle the magic of Christmas within its premises. From December 14th to January 1st, 2025, the shopping mall will turn into a ‘Christmas Wonderland’ capturing the festive spirit with joy, cheer, and unforgettable experiences. With a dazzling 40-foot Christmas tree, enchanting carol performances, live shows, exciting games, and a charming Christmas market, there’s something for everyone to revel in.

Prepare to be enchanted from the moment you step in, with festive decor transforming every corner into a magical Christmas retreat. The centrepiece of a magnificent 40-foot-tall Christmas tree will provide the perfect backdrop for all your pictures. Enjoy live music concerts from talented artists while you try your hand at exhilarating games. Watch little ones jump in joy as carnival artists perform with their acts, mesmerizing jugglers perform, and parades of toons and cosplayers light up the atmosphere. And what’s a celebration without meeting Santa Claus? Get ready to meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus as they spread Christmas cheer in person.

Speaking about the initiative, Phoenix Marketcity Pune’s Central Director, Anshuman S. Bharadwaj, shares, “This is the season of joy and togetherness, and we love to create moments where families and friends come together to celebrate. It makes us happy to see the smiles and laughter as everyone basks in the Christmas magic, making all our efforts worthwhile. We hope to bring a little extra sparkle to everyone’s holidays this year with our vibrant events and magical atmosphere.”

For the shopping enthusiasts, there will be a charming Christmas market with handicraft items, artisanal products, festive treats and decorations. While a dedicated gaming zone can keep the kids occupied, parents can indulge in interactive workshops to explore new skills. Christmas choirs and movie nights will also add to the festivities on select evenings. It is truly a treat for all ages to relive the magic of Christmas, up close and personal.

If you love relishing the magic of the season, you must visit Phoenix Marketcity Pune from December 14th onwards. Don’t forget your Santa hats and headbands—let’s make it a December to remember!

9th December 2024 Bangalore, Karnataka, India  eBay, one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, hosted its annual Exporter of the Year 2024 event in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 3 to 4. The event brought together 100 top sellers from Global Emerging Market regions, including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, to celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit and global exporting excellence.

As part of the two-day event celebrating eBay sellers, the Exporter of the Year 2024 award ceremony was held on December 4 at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Among the participants, 24 eBay sellers were recognized for their outstanding growth performance and exceptional buyer experience. These accolades highlight their remarkable service excellence compared to millions of sellers across the Global Emerging Market regions.

At the event, top sellers from eBay’s global emerging markets connected with a vibrant global community made up of individuals and businesses, spanning diverse geographies, cultures, and languages. Their experiences reinforced how eBay’s tools and support have enabled cross-border trade sellers to reach new customers and successfully expand their operations to international markets.

The gathering also facilitated knowledge sharing, cross-border partnerships, and networking opportunities amongst top sellers, helping them better understand different market needs.

Growing strength of Indian eBay sellers

Many Indian sellers ranked among eBay’s top 100 best-performing sellers, highlighting the strong global demand for inventory from the region. Out of the 24 awardees, six Indian sellers stood out, winning top honors in highly competitive categories such as Jewelry & Gemstones, Business & Industrial, Customer Service, and the main award, Exporter of the Year.

Indian eBay sellers continue to excel in global commerce, with the top five best-selling categories in 2024 being Rings, Necklaces & Pendants, Loose Gemstones, Medical, Lab & Dental Supplies, and Books. These categories have attracted buyers globally, with the United States leading as the top buyer market, followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany. This strong performance underscores India’s pivotal role in connecting sellers to eBay’s global customer base and fostering international trade.

It’s remarkable to see that the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the Best Growth – Jewelry and Gemstone category all hail from India. Vikash Pareek from Gemsworld2014, the 1st place winner, credited his success to streamlining operational systems, implementing quality checks at every stage from production to delivery, and leveraging eBay’s Promoted Listings tool extensively.

Hiral Parikh, the 2nd place winner from Affyjewelry and Himanshu Shinh from Foreverdiamonds_us highlighted eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee program and tools like eBay Live as key factors in building trust in the global market. Hiral Parikh shared that these programs have made selling high-end diamonds valued at $13K seamless for her.

Mohmedraza Arifhusen Merchant from Marine_shop7, the 3rd place winner for Best Growth in Business & Industrial, Lokash Teli from 925silverpalace2012, the 1st place winner for Best Customer Service Excellence, and Amol Nagpal, the 3rd place winner for the main award Exporter of the Year, all agree that inventory and listing expansion are essential for thriving in global business. These strategies have been pivotal in attracting new customers, particularly from Australia and Germany.

Vidmay Naini, General Manager, Global Emerging Markets at eBay commented, “At eBay, we are committed to connecting people and building communities as partners with our sellers –supporting and working together with them to showcase the potential of global ecommerce. The eBay Exporter of the Year 2024 event is a celebration of our sellers’ success and an excellent opportunity for us to express our gratitude for their passion, innovation and dedication to entrepreneurship on eBay. We believe that success for us happens together. As we continue to see the power of cross-border trade through these sellers’ journeys, especially as a tool to scale exporting businesses and create economic opportunity for all, we are excited to keep empowering individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes to thrive on our platform, together with us.”

9th December 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer, is extending their support as the title sponsors of the Ability Sports League T20 (previously known as Karnataka Wheelchair Premier League). The tournament will be held from 10th December 2024 to 17th December 2024 at Alur KSCA Ground. The 3rd edition of the league will provide wheelchair athletes with the opportunities to showcase their unique talents and abilities, while competing in an inclusive arena.

The T20 tournament is the first South Asian wheelchair cricket league, offering athletes a unique platform to represent the future of India’s wheelchair cricket team. Launched in 2018, the league offers over 600 players in wheelchairs with the chance to showcase their talents and play for an international league. Cycle Pure Agarbathi has further extended their support by supplying the 90 players from six teams with helmets, gloves, pads, bats and kits.

The brand’s support aims to level the playing field by providing each player with their own individual kit. This includes helmets, gloves, pads, and bats, ensuring that every athlete has the necessary equipment to perform at their best.

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi said, “At Cycle Pure Agarbathi, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and unite communities. Supporting the Karnataka Wheelchair Premier League is our way of supporting the incredible athletes who demonstrate strength, resilience, and determination. We are proud to contribute to this platform that celebrates inclusivity and empowers individuals to achieve greatness, regardless of the challenges they face.”

Cycle Pure Agarbathi has showcased their support on numerous occasions to athletes by providing a platform to display their skills. The organisation is renowned for their contributions towards the Tiger Cup and Mysore Warriors, where the team was awarded the winners of the 2024 Maharaja Trophy.

9th December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Tusk Groups, under the visionary leadership of Founder and CEO Rajesh S, is pioneering a transformative movement for Indian businesses. By enabling companies to showcase their presence on the world’s most prestigious stage-Times Square, New York-Tusk Groups is redefining global branding. For the first time, Indian brands are competing on par with international giants such as Google, Dell, and Samsung, establishing their global footprint in a truly iconic way.

Why Times Square?
Known as the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is a global symbol of culture, commerce, and innovation. With over 50 million tourists annually and generating 1.5 million daily billboard impressions, advertising in Times Square offers:

• Unmatched Visibility: Your brand seen by millions every day.
• Prestige & Recognition: Establishing credibility alongside global leaders.
• Employee Inspiration: Boosting team morale and fostering pride.
• Sales Growth: Enhancing customer trust and driving business expansion.
• Premium Perception: Positioning companies as industry pioneers.

Tusk Groups specializes in securing premium billboard spaces, including the coveted Middle Board Display, ensuring maximum visibility and impact for its clients.

Empowering Businesses Across Borders
Tusk Groups works with businesses in India, UAE, USA, and Singapore, with a strong presence in Indian cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. By bridging local expertise with global platforms, Tusk Groups empowers companies to achieve international success.

End-to-End Branding Solutions
Tusk Groups delivers a seamless experience for businesses by managing the entire process, from securing advertising slots at Times Square to producing high-quality visuals and promotional videos. These campaigns are then shared across digital platforms, allowing companies to amplify their visibility further.

A Revolutionary Impact
Launching at Times Square is more than an advertisement-it’s a milestone that boosts brand equity, inspires employees, motivates sales teams, and enhances trust among clients. This premium branding initiative allows businesses to stand out globally and establish themselves as credible, innovative market leaders.

R. Sasikumar, the official spokesperson for Tusk Groups, shared his thoughts:
*”Tusk Groups is more than a service provider; we are a bridge to global recognition. For companies, launching in Times Square is not just a marketing strategy-it’s a legacy that resonates across borders. We are proud to be the first and only Indian company facilitating such transformative opportunities.”*

Why Choose Tusk Groups?
With expertise in advertising and a deep understanding of global branding, Tusk Groups ensures every campaign delivers exceptional results. The company’s strengths include:

• Innovative Campaigns: Tailored solutions for maximum impact.
• Global Reach: Serving clients across India, UAE, USA, and Singapore.
• Comprehensive Services: From concept to execution.
• Premium Partnerships: Aligning with industry leaders like Google and Samsung.

A Vision for the Future
Founder and CEO Rajesh S has built Tusk Groups on a foundation of innovation and excellence. His vision is to elevate businesses from local markets to global platforms, creating opportunities for companies to achieve unparalleled success.

India to New York: Making Dreams a Reality
This initiative is a bold testament to the ambition and innovation of Indian businesses. By collaborating with Tusk Groups, companies are realizing their dreams of global recognition, showcasing their brands at Times Square, and inspiring their teams to reach new heights.