SUD Life Launches Guarantee Royale Plan for Financial Security
SUD Life launches SUD Life Guarantee Royale, a Non-Linked, Non-Participating individual savings plan that is created to provide guaranteed financial security for both you and your loved ones while helping you achieve life’s important milestones. Imagine a life where your financial goals align seamlessly with security and certainty, where you can confidently provide for your loved ones, achieve your dreams, and navigate through life’s unexpected turns with complete assurance. SUD Life Guarantee Royale helps you transform this dream into reality, allowing you to live worry-free with financial stability.
SUD Life Guarantee Royale is more than just a policy, it is a thoughtfully created plan that combines the benefits of a guaranteed lump-sum payout and savings to help you achieve your financial goals. It offers a guaranteed maturity benefit, which includes the sum assured on maturity, along with guaranteed additions and maturity loyalty additions at the end of the policy term. The plan also provides a special benefit of a 5% discount on the first-year annualised premium for women. Furthermore, the convenience of purchasing the plan online makes it easier to access, and it also comes with added advantages such as an enhanced sum assured at maturity and tax benefits.
Speaking about the launch, Shri Abhay Tewari, MD & CEO of SUD Life, said, “SUD Life Guarantee Royale is designed to offer guaranteed benefits, irrespective of market interest rate movements, providing peace of mind and making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking reliable savings solutions.”
Experience the power of guaranteed financial security and the confidence that comes with it with SUD Life Guarantee Royale, where your dreams, loved ones, and future are secured. Invest today and take the first step towards a stable tomorrow.
Ecole Ducasse Honors the Olive Tree with Special Easter 2025 Celebrations
India, 5 February 2025 – École Ducasse is preparing to celebrate Easter with a one-of-a-kind collection. Highlighting the olive tree—an emblem of peace, hope, and resilience—this initiative is both a gourmet delight and a bearer of profound symbolism. This sensory and cultural journey invites chocolate lovers and connoisseurs of exceptional craftsmanship to discover creations that transcend borders.
A Collection that Travels the World
For Easter 2025, École Ducasse pays tribute to the olive tree, a universal symbol carrying a positive message across the globe. This year, its Easter creations invite people of all ages on an extraordinary journey where local traditions and universal symbols converge. From Paris to Bangkok, Abu Dhabi to Yssingeaux, each school within the group embraces this powerful theme, delivering a message of unity across continents—through chocolate recipes, artistic creations, and both sweet and savory delicacies.
To mark this occasion, the experts at École Ducasse have designed a collection that blends exceptional craftsmanship with timeless values. The olive tree serves as the central theme of these creations—a powerful and inspiring symbol that bridges cultures in celebration of life and renewal.
A Unique Artistic Piece and Gourmet Creations Inspired by the Olive Tree
At the heart of this exclusive collection is a singular artistic masterpiece, which will be unveiled at the ENSP campus in Yssingeaux. This exceptional chocolate egg, a true work of art, poetically represents the olive tree. The experts at École Ducasse have meticulously sculpted a majestic olive tree sheltering a refined egg, adorned with delicate leaves from the same tree. Crafted with precision by the institution’s chefs, this creation combines elegance, technical mastery, and a tribute to the virtues of this iconic tree.
PWNSAT Awards INR 2.2 Crore in Cash Rewards to Empower Scholars
Noida, February 5, 2025: PhysicsWallah, (PW), an education platform, honored 1,581 students who emerged as top performers in the National Scholarship Admission Test (PWNSAT) 2024 from all over the country. The top 3 students each from classes 7 to 12, including both JEE and NEET students, were invited to Noida for a grand felicitation ceremony to honor their exceptional achievements. They received cash prizes, with the highest award being ₹2 lakhs. Along with the monetary rewards, they were also presented with medals and trophies as a token of recognition for their dedication and hard work. As part of its pursuit to make education accessible, PW awarded these students a total of ₹2.2 crore in cash prizes at the felicitation ceremony, recognizing their academic achievements. The event marked the culmination of PWNSAT 2024, with over 15.5 lakh students appearing for the exam, making it a significant scholarship initiative in the country.
The PWNSAT 2024 scholarship fund, amounting to ₹250 crore, represents a vision by PW to assist students gain access to coaching without the burden of tuition fees. Through PWNSAT 2024 the aim is to provide JEE and NEET aspirants the access to the faculties, resources, and learning environment. The scholarship program is extended beyond financial assistance, offering accommodation support, and mentorship, allowing meritorious students to pursue their academic goals. This year, over 5 lakh students received at least a 50% scholarship.
Alakh Pandey, Founder & CEO of PW, said, “When we started, the aim was simple, to make education accessible and affordable. PWNSAT 2024 is one of the ways we try so that financial constraints are not a hurdle for talented students. This ₹250 crore scholarship amount isn’t just a number, it represents our commitment to help a students’ future. The 1,581 students we are felicitating today have worked hard, and this is our way of recognizing their efforts. The real success will be when they achieve their dreams and help others do the same.”
The felicitation ceremony was an event celebrating the perseverance, dedication, and achievements of these students. It brought together students, parents, educators, and academic leaders to recognize and reward exceptional talent. With this initiative, PW continues to redefine access to education in India, and reinforce its aim to make learning equitable, affordable, and empowering.
GRT Hotels & Resorts Rolls Out Tailored Summer Meeting Offers at GRT Radisson Properties in South India
Chennai, February 2025: GRT Hotels & Resorts is delighted to unveil its exclusive summer meeting offers across four of its distinguished Radisson properties—Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram, Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay, and Radisson Bengaluru City Centre. These offers are designed to provide meeting planners with seamless event experiences at some of the most sought-after destinations in South India.
With a mix of urban city-center hotels and scenic beach resorts, these properties offer versatile meeting spaces, state-of-the-art facilities, and curated dining experiences that cater to corporate events, conferences, and incentive groups. Each venue provides a unique blend of business-friendly amenities and leisure opportunities, ensuring an inspiring environment for productive gatherings.
Exciting Benefits for Meeting Planners:
- All-inclusive meeting packagestailored for corporate gatherings
- World-class cuisinewith customizable menus and themed dining options
- Unique venues, from boardrooms and banquet halls to beachfront lawns and poolside settings
- Radisson Rewards benefitsfor meeting planners and corporate bookers
- Seamless planning supportfrom our dedicated events team
Jit Bose, Vice President – Commercial, GRT Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the significance of these offers: “We are thrilled to launch these exclusive meeting offers, strategically designed to provide corporate planners with diverse venue options, outstanding hospitality, and exceptional value. By introducing these packages well in advance, we aim to give businesses and event organizers ample time to plan and customize their events with us.”
With its signature blend of luxury, hospitality, and world-class service, GRT Hotels continues to be a trusted choice for corporate events and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) in South India.
Cyber for HER Hackathon Draws Women from Across India
New Delhi, 5th February, 2024: The Cyber for HER hackathon, bringing together 70 teams from across nine states in India, comprising of more than 150 women aged 18-23 to compete and test their cybersecurity skills was successfully held at the Scope Convention Centre in Delhi.
Supported by the British High Commission, New Delhi, sponsored by Rubrik and delivered in collaboration between EY and DSCI, the initiative aimed to enable aspiring young women in cyber and support the development of a more diverse cyber security workforce in India and beyond.
The Cyber for HER Hackathon was formally inaugurated by distinguished guests, notably, Ms. Christina Scott, Deputy British High Commissioner to India; Mr. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ms. Sundari Nanda, Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.
The winning teams are ‘Team Fallen Order’ who clinched the winner title, ‘Team Tech Titans’ as 1st runner up and ‘Team Arthasutra’ as 2nd runner up who received a winning prize of INR 2,00,000, INR 1,50,000 and INR 70,000 respectively. The challenge saw pan India participation where young female students travelled from states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Participants competed in a jeopardy-style Capture the Flag (CTF), tackling technical challenges in cybersecurity domains such as Reverse Engineering, Mobile Security, Digital Forensics, Web Application Security, Exploitation, and Hardware Security.
The hackathon was executed in two phases. In the first phase, participants showcased their creativity and understanding by designing non-technical cyber awareness materials on themes such as Cyber Awareness, Digital Hygiene, and Privacy Awareness. The phase saw over 1,300 registrations, reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication of participants with 550+ submissions. From these submissions, 200 participants were shortlisted for the second live hackathon phase.
Dominic Gillan, First Secretary – Cyber, British High Commission, New Delhi, said, “Improving diversity in cyber security is a goal for both the UK and India. Diverse teams provide more creativity, innovation, and solutions to cyber security problems. The British High Commission is proud to support the Cyber for HER Hackathon, as part of our India-UK cyber collaboration. To see over 150 young women from across India join us in Delhi to compete in the final phase was inspiring. Well done to all those who took part in both phases and many congratulations to the winners.”
Vinayak Godse, CEO, DSCI, said, “It was indeed heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm and participation of women candidates from all corners of the country. We would like to congratulate all the participants and not just the winners for making their way from tier II, tier III and small cities to compete. Cyber for HER was conceptualised to encourage more young women into the industry and provide an opportunity to explore cyber security careers. We would like to thank the British High Commission for supporting this campaign and partnering with us through the India-UK Cyber Programme.”
Revolutionizing Accessibility: SensATe Digital Lab Launches in Ahmedabad for Assistive Tech
Ahmedabad, February 04, 2025: The SensATe Digital Lab, a collaborative initiative by Tech Mahindra Foundation, in partnership with AssisTech Foundation (ATF) and the Deaf Enabled Foundation, officially opened its doors to the public. This innovative experience zone is dedicated to providing Assistive Technology (AT) solutions for individuals with speech and hearing impairments. This experience centre is designed to be a dynamic hub for exploration, learning, and training in AT.
The digital lab is open to anyone who wishes to understand, explore, and adopt AT solutions – be it individuals, caregivers, educators, employers, or organisations working towards inclusion. Some of the showcased products were BleeTech Innovations’ flagship project, Akshar Setu, which provides deaf learners with accessible learning content in Indian Sign Language at their schools. By integrating technology with on-ground interventions, Akshar Setu combats the lack of early language acquisition in deaf children.
WeHear presented an array of hearing aids and devices tailored for varying levels of hearing loss, focused on delivering optimal sound quality, comfort, and user-friendly features to enhance auditory experiences. Another highlight was Avaz AAC, a transformative communication therapy app designed to support children and adults with autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, and other communication disorders. Avaz enables users to express their needs, thoughts and ideas by utilising both picture and text-based modes, facilitating access to education and fostering social inclusion.
SIGNey by Sonant Technologies also made waves as an innovative assistive communication device designed to bridge the communication gap for individuals with speech and learning impairments. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), SIGNey converts text, voice and visual content into Indian Sign Language in real time, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for the speech and hearing-impaired community.
The event held at the SensATe Digital Lab, Ahmedabad welcomed visitors setting the stage for a new chapter in the realm of Assistive Technology (AT).
Revolutionizing Senior Care: boAt and Antara Senior Care Partner for Tech-Driven Solutions
Mumbai & Gurgaon, India, February 5th, 2025: boAt, India’s leading audio and wearable tech brand, is proud to announce its partnership with Antara Senior Care, a holistic senior care eco-system and part of the $5Bn Max Group, to redefine senior care through innovative, customized technology solutions.
The partnership aims to leverage boAt’s cutting-edge wearable and audio technology expertise along with Antara’s deep understanding of senior care needs. Together, the two brands are set to transform senior care by co-creating innovative, customized devices designed to enhance the health, safety, and overall quality of life for senior citizens.
The partnership was formally signed off by Sameer Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO of boAt, and Ishaan Khanna, CEO of Antara Assisted Care Services.
Transforming Senior Care with Customized Solutions
Antara’s AGEasy platform is committed to enriching the quality of life for seniors by addressing common health challenges such as joint pain, respiratory rehabilitation, and fall-risk management. The platform combines product innovation, expert assistance, and easy-to-use technology to help seniors manage chronic conditions effectively.
As part of this collaboration, boAt will design and manufacture a series of advanced tech solutions specifically tailored for seniors. The devices will address key challenges faced by the elderly, incorporating cutting-edge technology to improve their well-being. These include built-in fall detection and alerts, emergency response, SOS alerts, location tracking thus enabling quick assistance during emergencies. There will also be real-time health tracking for vital signs such as heart rate, SpO2, and sleep patterns, alongside remote monitoring capabilities that allow family members and caretakers to stay connected and informed. Additionally, the devices will feature advanced solutions that cater to seniors with hearing challenges, offering superior comfort and accessibility.
Driving Innovation in Senior Care
This partnership marks a groundbreaking collaboration between two leading Indian brands, combining Antara’s extensive expertise in senior care with boAt’s technological innovation. Together, they will deliver smart solutions that empower seniors to lead safer, healthier, and more active lives, contributing to a new era of senior care in India.
On the partnership, Sameer Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of boAt, said, “This collaboration highlights our commitment to using technology to create meaningful impact. We’re thrilled to develop products that not only enhance the health and safety of seniors but also provide their families with peace of mind.”
Ishaan Khanna, CEO of Antara Assisted Care Services shared, “Our mission has always been to empower seniors with solutions that ensure safety, security, and well-being. By collaborating with boAt, we are taking a crucial step forward in integrating advanced technology with senior care. Our goal is to create smart solutions that are intuitive, reliable, and tailored to the unique needs of older adults. We believe that technology should not be a barrier but a bridge to a more secure and independent lifestyle for seniors. Through this partnership, we aim to provide tools that not only offer health monitoring and emergency support but also encourage connectivity, engagement, and an improved quality of life.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
As India’s aging population continues to grow, the demand for senior-centric technology is at an all-time high. With this strategic alliance, boAt and Antara are set to redefine how technology supports and enriches the lives of seniors, ensuring they stay connected, independent, and well-cared for.
Both boAt and Antara Senior Care share a common mission: to promote a fitter, safer, and more active lifestyle for senior citizens. By leveraging their respective strengths, the partnership aims to deliver impactful solutions that address the unique needs of India’s aging population.
FIIB Honored for Excellence in Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion at the AMBA & BGA Awards 2025
4th February 2025: Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), is elated to announce its win of the Best Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, at the world-renowned Association of MBA’s (AMBA) and Business Graduates Association (BGA) Excellence Awards 2025 for Women in Leadership – Balancingforbetter. The ceremony was attended by more than 200 business school leaders, as well as category finalists, judges and members of the media.
The AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards 2025 were held on January 24, 2025 at the exceptional Royal Garden Hotel. The Best Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative was introduced to recognise business schools and their work to create, incorporate and promote culture, diversity and inclusion practices. The Awards brought together leading professionals from the global business education community to celebrate excellence and commend achievements among business schools, MBA students and graduates, suppliers, and employers.
At FIIB, the school champions female leadership and empowerment by fostering an inclusive environment. Women make up 40% of their board, 62% of their faculty, and 50% of their senior staff, reflecting their commitment to gender equality. Creating role models, providing ample opportunities for development, and maintaining full pay and flexi-time parity for all staff, are some ways in which FIIB is Balancing For Better at their workplace. The school has realised that creating SOPs solely for female staff can create imbalance. To address this, they ensure that both male and female employees can utilise work-from-home and flexi-time options, promoting mutual appreciation of every employee.
Radhika Shrivastava, Executive Director, FIIB expressed her gratitude stating, “Thank you to AMBA and BGA for creating a platform that inspires and empowers more women to step forward. At FIIB, we are proudly women-led. This award is the collective effort of many, and we are grateful to be part of a community that values progress and impact. Standing alongside the remarkable nominees makes this recognition even more meaningful. With this encouragement today, we reaffirm our motivation to be a catalyst in continuing to shape the future of leadership and emerge as a model for our peer institutions.”
Fortune Institute of International Business has been a pioneer in providing quality business education and overall sustainable development of its students for more than two and a half decades. The institution aims to provide holistic education bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world experiences. FIIB has introduced groundbreaking programs that help students in their comprehensive development. One of the core visions of FIIB is providing an inclusive and diverse environment for the overall development of students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Axis Bank Strengthens Support for Cancer Research and Care in India
National, 5th February 2025: On this World Cancer Day, Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, reaffirms its commitment towards supporting cancer research, and patient care initiatives in India. As part of its CSR commitments, Axis Bank has partnered with three reputed cancer institutions in India – National Cancer Grid (NCG) under Tata Memorial Centre, The Indian Cancer Society (ICS), and the St. Jude India Childcare Centres, for building India’s digital capabilities in oncology, enhancing access to cancer care, raising awareness on early cancer diagnosis and treatment, and advancing cancer research and innovation.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), cancer cases in India are projected to rise significantly, reaching 2.08 million by 2040, marking a sharp increase of 57.5 percent from 2020, highlighting the urgent need to scale up India’s efforts in cancer research and innovation, available medical infrastructure, and mitigating the heavy patient burden in accessing treatment[1]. In this light, the Bank welcomes the announcement by Hon’ble Union Finance Minister in her budget speech on 1st February to establish cancer daycare centres across all districts in India, with 200 such centres to be established in the next three years.
Speaking about these initiatives, Vijay Mulbagal, Group Executive for Strategic Programs & Sustainability, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we are dedicated to supporting India’s collective fight against cancer. Our partnership with key institutions who are playing an important role in the country’s cancer research, treatment and patient care ecosystem is aligned to our vision towards building longer-term capabilities in India’s healthcare sector overall. Together with our partners, we shall continue to work towards building a future where advanced cancer care is within reach for all those in need.”
As part of its long-term vision to improve cancer care facilities, Axis Bank’s partnerships are focusing on three key themes:
1. Advancing cancer research, innovation, and training: Through a landmark multi-year partnership with the National Cancer Grid (NCG), a constituent unit of the Tata Memorial Centre, the Bank is supporting strategic initiatives such as a establishing a national tele-consultation platform for follow-up care, a National Tumour Biobank, digitalization of oncology-specific electronic medical records (EMRs), and setting up of a Virtual Skills Lab for training healthcare professionals. The initiatives are aimed at benefitting not only the 300+ hospitals across India affiliated to the NCG but also the overall healthcare ecosystem in India. The digital initiatives are also aligned to India’s efforts to scale up digital health adoption including the use of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
2. Strengthening preventive care: In collaboration with the Indian Cancer Society (ICS), one of India’s oldest non-profit, national organisations focused on awareness, detection, cure, and care for those affected with cancer, the Bank is supporting screening and awareness camps for oral, cervical and breast cancer targeted to reach over 8 Lakh beneficiaries including citizens and community health workers. The program shall also support the Dr. Arun Kurkure Initiation and Treatment Fund as well as the Cancer Cure Treatment Fund towards providing aid to low-income patients seeking support for diagnostics and treatment.
3. Providing Patient Support: Axis Bank has supported the St. Jude India Childcare Centres, a not-for-profit organization focused on providing ‘home away from home’ facilities for needy children being treated with cancer in major cities, to set up a new childcare facility in Hyderabad, which will provide clean and safe accommodation for families whose children are undergoing cancer treatment. The Hyderabad Centre, with a capacity of 26 family units, was inaugurated on 26th January 2025.
Indulge in Turkish Culinary Wonders at JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Bengaluru
Experience the essence of Turkey at JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, as we bring the flavours of the Turkish pop-up from 19th to 23rd February 2025. Curated by the acclaimed Chef Eyüp Kemal Sevinç, a master of both traditional and contemporary Turkish gastronomy, this exclusive culinary journey offers an authentic taste of Turkey like never before.
Known for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approach, Chef Kemal is set to transform your dining experience with every bite, blending the rich flavours of Turkey with world-class finesse.
This culinary journey features an exquisite array of Turkish delicacies, beginning with an assortment of traditional mezzes such as creamy Hummus, smoky Baba Ganoush, and flavourful Dolmas, each crafted to perfection. The live grill stations will captivate your senses with succulent kebabs, tender lamb chops, and juicy chicken skewers, all marinated with authentic Turkish spices and grilled to perfection.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in a variety of classic Turkish desserts, including the flaky and rich Baklava and the delightful Turkish Delight. Adding to the experience, specialty live stations will showcase the artistry of preparing Kunafe, a beloved dessert made with crispy shredded pastry and melted cheese, served with sweet syrup, alongside the aromatic and robust flavours of traditional Turkish coffee brewed fresh on-site.
Whether it’s the intimate dinner or the vibrant brunch, this event is set to be a standout experience for food lovers seeking something extraordinary in Bengaluru.
Where: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
When: 19th to 23rd February 2025
Dinner: Date: 19th to 22nd February 2025
Time: 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM