Dallas, TX,15th January 2025- Sons of the Flag (SOTF), as leading non-profit organizations supporting burn survivors and advancing burn treatment, announced the appointment of Johnnie Yellock II as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective, January 6, 2025. Yellock will work alongside outgoing CEO Sherry Whidby throughout January ensuring a smooth transition.

“We are thrilled to welcome Johnnie Yellock II as the new CEO of Sons of the Flag,” said Michael Pettis, Chair of the SOTF Board of Directors. “His profound understanding of our mission, combined with his leadersship experience and personal commitment to serving others, makes him the ideal leader to guide our organization into its next phase of growth.”

Having served our Nation as a Special Operator, wounded in combat, Yellock brings a unique perspective and powerful dedication to the role. His appointment signals SOTF’s commitment to advancing its mission while expanding its impact of revolutionizing burn care and supporting burn survivors and their families.

“I’m both honored and humbled to lead Sons of the Flag and build upon the strong foundation established under Sherry Whidby’s leadership and sustained by phenomenal donors,” said Yellock. “Our mission is vital to those currently living with the effects of burns and will positively impact the lives of those 500,000/year who will require treatment. The demand is immense, and we’re committed to serving those in need.”

15th January 2025  Shimoga, Karnataka, India  In a significant move towards promoting sustainability, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. extended its flagship initiative, ‘Bottles for Change,’ to Kuvempu University in Shimoga, Karnataka. The launch was marked by the signing of a Letter of Association (LOA) with the university, followed by awareness session on plastic waste management and installation of recycled plastic benches, bins at the campus.

This event was followed by a technical panel discussion on the theme, “Waste to Wealth” to understand the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and circularity in achieving the desired outcome. The discussion was chaired by Prof J. Narayana, Chairman, Dept of Environment Science. Government, Academicians and Industry leaders including Shri Mahesh K Patil, Chairman, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Dr Hina Kousar, Professor, Dept of Environment Science and Shri K. Ganesh, Director, Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. participated as the guest speakers in the panel. The discussion was moderated by Shri Sujeet Kumar Dongre, Chairman, Union Territory Level Expert Appraisal Committee for Dadar & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director, Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt Ltd, said, “Our partnership with Kuvempu University reflects the potential of young minds in driving sustainable change. At Bisleri, we are committed to being a plastic-neutral and water-positive company. Through this initiative, we aim to create a mass movement towards responsible plastic waste disposal and management.”

Adding to this Dr Yogendra K, Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Kuvempu University said, “Our collaboration with Bisleri is directed towards instilling sustainable values in our youth. These young minds are the future leaders who will shape our world for the generations to come. We are thankful to Bisleri for making us a part of their Greener Promise.”

Bisleri International as part of the ‘Bisleri Greener Promise’ campaign, aims to install 1,000 benches made from recycled plastic at prominent locations across India. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to embedding sustainability in all its operations, driving growth through responsible business practices.

15th January 2025  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Parimatch is excited to announce the expansion of its new markets as the highly anticipated SA20 and ILT20 seasons kick off. This year, users can place bets on cricket sensation Nicholas Pooran, who plays for the MI Emirates; mystery bowler Sunil Narine, who represents the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders; and the standout Sunrisers Eastern Cape team in the SA20 Season 3.

The SA20 league will run from January 9 to February 8, 2025, across various venues in South Africa. This third season will feature 6 teams competing in 34 matches over 31 days.

The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates from January 11 to February 9, 2025. The tournament will feature 6 teams competing in a total of 34 matches over 31 days, showcasing top international and local talent in a format that includes a group stage and playoffs. Matches will be held across premier venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

Parimatch invites cricket fans to explore new markets and support their favorite players and teams for a chance to win big during the SA20 and ILT20 seasons.

Nicholas Pooran Specials
Nicholas Pooran, a Parimatch brand ambassador, brings his exceptional talent to the spotlight. The Nicholas Pooran tournament specials include six distinct markets in the ILT20:

• Tournament Total Ducks
• Tournament Fifties
• Tournament Centuries
• Tournament Total Fours
• Tournament Total Sixes
• Tournament Total Runs

These markets let fans delve into Pooran’s batting performance, offering the chance to predict milestones such as half-centuries, centuries, his total boundaries (fours and sixes), overall runs, and even the rare chance of ducks, adding a new layer of excitement to every match he plays.

Sunil Narine Specials
Sunil Narine, another Parimatch ambassador celebrated for his mysterious bowling and impactful batting, is also featured in the new lineup of markets. Fans can bet on various aspects of his ILT20 performance, including:

• Tournament Total Wickets
• Tournament Fifties
• Tournament Centuries
• Tournament Total Fours
• Tournament Total Sixes
• Tournament Total Runs
• Tournament Total Caught
• Tournament Total Caught and Bowled
• Tournament Total Bowled
• Tournament Total LBW
• Tournament Total Hits Wicket
• Tournament Bowling Average
• Tournament Bowling Strike Rate

These markets give fans a comprehensive way to follow Narine’s game, from his quick scoring and batting milestones to his wicket-taking prowess, bowling averages, and game-changing performances.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape Specials
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape, champions of the inaugural SA20 in 2023 and 2024, have quickly established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in South Africa’s T20 cricket landscape. As the team’s Title Sponsor, Parimatch offers fans a variety of exciting options for SA20 Season 3, including:

• Tournament Total Wickets
• Tournament Fifties
• Tournament Centuries
• Tournament Total Fours
• Tournament Total Sixes
• Tournament Total Runs

All new markets will remain active throughout the tournaments, offering an immersive experience that keeps fans closely connected to the on-field performances of Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, and the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

15th January 2025  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India The highly anticipated 7th edition of Manipal Marathon was kicked off by Indian cricketer Shreyanka Patil today at 6.30 AM today at MAHE Bengaluru campus. The great Manipal Marathon 2025, which is scheduled for February 9, 2025, in Manipal Udupi district, is preceded by this event.

Manipal Marathon has solidified its position as the biggest student organized marathon in India with over 20,000 participants from across the Nation and Globe. Manipal Marathon embraces the theme “Innovation in Motion” with the tagline “Embracing Technology for Health and Fitness”. This theme reflects the event’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in promoting health and fitness.

The marathon routes certified internationally by the IAAF AIMS, will take participants through the breathtaking landscapes of Manipal and along the stunning Udupi coastline. It will not only offer an exhilarating race experience but will also host a grand carnival celebration post-run. Beyond the festivities, the event provides substantial prize money, drawing elite athletes and passionate runners alike.

“The Manipal Marathon is a testament to the power of health, fitness, and community spirit,” said Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P, Deputy Registrar – MAHE Bengaluru Campus. The Manipal Marathon has developed into a legendary event in India’s marathon circuit. This marathon demonstrates how technology can improve our health and make running more enjoyable for everyone. The marathon is a way to inspire people towards good health and fitness that must be part of everyone’s life.

Indian cricket player Ms. Shreyanka Patil expressed her excitement at the unveiling, “I am quite thrilled to be part of such a phenomenal and inspiring Manipal Marathon 2025 that provides a platform for people from all walks of life to participate in this run with great spirits. Every athlete, need to run to stay healthy and this event skilfully combines wellness and technology.”

The highly anticipated 7th edition of Manipal Marathon was kicked off by Indian cricketer Shreyanka Patil on 12th January at MAHE Bengaluru campus

“The theme “Innovation in Motion” perfectly aligns with the evolving landscape of fitness,” said Mr. Ravindra Rai M. Managing Director & CEO of BOBCARD Limited, underscoring the significance of innovation in sports. Training, performance monitoring and injury prevention are all being greatly enhanced by technology. This marathon is a fantastic way to encourage the next generation to continue being active. My heartiest congratulations to MAHE for their commitment towards hosting this marathon year on year consistently which brings together thousands of people for a common cause.

Shika Shetty, Manager of the Visually Challenged Indian Cricket Team; Kiran Kumar, Senior Vice President of Marketing at UNext Learning Private Limited; Dr. Vinod C. Nayak, Secretary of the Sports Council at MAHE, Manipal; Ms. Anjana Chandran, Associate Director at Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.; along with other officials from the MAHE Bengaluru campus, were present at the event. More than fifty visually challenged participants took part in the Promo Run in a special category alongside 1,500 students and other marathon enthusiasts.

Registration for the event closes soon. The deadline for registration is January 31, 2025. Runners still have the chance to participate in this amazing race, with the last event set for February 9, 2025, in Manipal.

15th January 2025 Delhi, India NCR-based DigiComm Marketing Services LLP, a renowned digital marketing agency known for its ORM strategies, Meta & Google marketing has made a bold foray into content creation with the launch of its new YouTube platform. The initiative, City News Channel-24 (CNC-24), will be a dedicated platform delivering timely news, updates, and insights, accessible on YouTube and all major social media platforms.

CNC-24 aims to deliver a wide range of content covering diverse topics, ensuring that audiences from all walks of life can find relevant, engaging, and reliable news. The platform will cater to a broad audience across digital channels, bringing both localized and global perspectives on various issues.

Dushyant Sinha, Founder, DigiComm Marketing Services LLP, said, ‘’At DigiComm, we’ve always been at the forefront of digital marketing innovation. With the launch of CNC-24 as a dedicated YouTube, we are taking our commitment to content creation to the next level, delivering fresh, insightful news that caters to the growing demand for immediate information in today’s digital world. This initiative underscores our commitment to providing value to our viewers across platforms.”

This initiative shows DigiComm’s dedication to innovation in digital media, further solidifying its presence as a leader in online content creation. With this launch, it continues to push the boundaries of digital media, delivering a valuable resource that keeps audiences connected and informed in today’s digital landscape.

15th January 2025  Kharagpur, West Bengal, India  The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) hosted the 21st Annual Alumni Meet from January 3rd to 5th, 2025, a landmark event organized by the Students’ Alumni Cell. The event brought together alumni from across generations to celebrate their enduring connection with their alma mater, relive cherished memories, and engage with the current campus community.

Celebrating Reunions and Legacy

This year’s meet celebrated the milestone reunions of the batches of 1975,1985 and 2000. Alumni from these batches were warmly welcomed and honored in specially curated programs, which included nostalgic visits to their old halls of residence, interactive campus tours, and photo sessions to commemorate their bond with the institute.

Dynamic Events and Activities

The event kicked off with an inauguration ceremony on January 3rd, attended by the Interim Director, Prof. Amit Patra, distinguished faculty members, and the alumni. Over the course of three days, the meet featured:

Panel Discussions and Keynote Sessions: Alumni from diverse industries shared their insights on topics such as emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and societal challenges.

Networking Opportunities: Alumni had the chance to reconnect with peers and interact with students during informal networking sessions, fostering mentorship and collaboration opportunities.

Cultural Extravaganza: A grand cultural evening showcased mesmerizing performances by students and alumni, including music, dance, and drama that captured the spirit of KGP.

Distinguished Alumni Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony, held on January 3th, was the highlight of the event. Alumni who have made remarkable contributions in various fields were recognized and celebrated. Their inspiring journeys served as a testament to the institute’s legacy of excellence.

Innovation Showcase

Alumni were deeply impressed by the advancements in technology and innovation taking place at IIT Kharagpur, reaffirming the institute’s position as a leader in education and research.

Emotional Connections and Reflections

One of the most cherished moments was the “Down the Memory Lane” session, where alumni shared interesting stories from their student days, bringing smiles and laughter to everyone present.

A Shared Vision for the Future

During the concluding session, the Interim Director emphasized the importance of alumni in shaping the institute’s future. He invited alumni to contribute through mentorship, funding, and collaborations, ensuring IIT Kharagpur remains at the forefront of global education and research.

A Successful Conclusion

The 21st Annual Alumni Meet ended on a high note, leaving everyone with a renewed sense of belonging and pride in being a part of the KGPian community. The event not only celebrated the past but also strengthened the bond between alumni and the institute, paving the way for a brighter future.

15th January 2025  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Safex Chemicals Group, a leader in the chemical industry, marks its 34th Foundation Day with the launch of an inspiring employee engagement campaign that bridges its storied past with its ambitious future. The idea of Safex was conceived by Late Mr. S.K. Jindal and Mr. S.K. Chaudhary at a time when the Indian agrochemical industry was dominated by multinational companies. The company celebrated this milestone across the country, with more than 1,500 staff members gathering to remember and pay homage to Late Mr. S.K. Jindal.

The celebration underscores the company’s evolution from a single facility in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, in 1992, to an international enterprise with seven manufacturing units across India and the UK. The month-long celebration features a series of thoughtfully crafted initiatives reflecting the company’s remarkable journey and core values. The “Walk to Your Dreams” Challenge, inspired by Founder & Chairman Mr. S.K. Chaudhary’s extraordinary life story, encouraged employees to walk 10,000 steps daily throughout December 2024. This initiative symbolizes the grit and determination that have defined both Mr. Chaudhary’s personal journey and Safex’s impressive growth—achieving a 40-fold increase since 2010 and maintaining a 35% CAGR over the past five years.

Complementing this physical initiative is the “Dream Big” program, dedicated to the late Mr. S.K. Jindal, Co-founder of Safex Chemicals. This forward-looking initiative invited employees to set ambitious personal and professional goals, mirroring the company’s transition from serving local farmers to building a network of over 15,000 distributors across 21 states and employing more than 1,500 people globally. The company’s strategic milestones, such as the acquisition of UK-based Briar Chemicals in 2022, exemplify how bold aspirations can be turned into reality.

Reflecting on this journey, Mr. S.K. Chaudhary, Chairman of Safex Chemicals, said, “The situation was very tough but with sheer grit, determination and a strong will to succeed, we continued to progress slowly and steadily. Many challenges came along the way, but the spirit could not be defeated. Mr. S.K. Jindal left us along the way but new generation joined in to carry the legacy forward. It speeded up the pace of growth setting new benchmarks along the way. Today, present in almost all verticals of agrochemicals viz crop protection, home care, grain storage and contract development, Safex is the 2nd Indian agrochemical company after UPL to acquire a 115-acre facility in the United Kingdom at a cost of 73 million pounds.”

Adding a unique cultural dimension to the celebration was the “Jukebox” initiative, which took employees on a melodious 34-day journey through the company’s history. Each day featured five carefully selected songs representing every year since Safex’s founding in 1991. This musical timeline resonated with employees across generations and celebrated the company’s continued progress and legacy.

From modest beginnings to becoming a key player in the global chemical market, Safex Chemicals has grown to meet the demands of the ever-evolving agriculture industry. According to Agriculture Today Magazine, Safex has emerged as the 18th largest agrochemical company based on FY23-24 data, achieving one of the highest growth rates in the industry at 21% for the said year. As the company celebrates this significant milestone, these programs strengthen the bond between employees and the organization’s mission while laying the groundwork for future growth and innovation.

15th January 2025  Pune, Maharashtra, India  Following the traditions of ushering the New Year with happiness and prosperity, CREDAI-Pune Metro’s marks its 23rd edition of its Flagship event and Annual Property Exhibition, “Pune Property Expo 2025”, scheduled to be held from 17th to 19th January 2025 at the Agriculture College Ground, Pune. The event will bring together over 55 trusted developers, showcasing more than 400 RERA-registered projects from Pune, PCMC, and PMRDA regions. The exhibition aims to provide a platform for first-time home-buyers, Upgraders & Investors promising something for everyone. One can explore a wide range of real estate options, including affordable Studio &1 BHK to 5 BHK luxury housing, NA plots to premium villas, commercial properties to pre-leased assets tailored to Suit Every Lifestyle & Budget.

Some notable highlights are as under:-

• On-the-Spot Deals & Best-In-Class Offers Available Only at the Exhibition
• Integral Home loan advice and Instant Home loan sanction by eminent bankers
• Entertainment, Lucky Draw, Attractive Free Gifts
• Customer Centric Seminars and Interaction with Developers
• Free entry, Free parking / Valet parking service available
• Food Court at your service

On 19th January, the expo will feature customer-focused seminars:

• The Essentials of Redevelopment for Homeowners: A panel discussion featuring Mr. Gautam Chaterjee (Ex-Chairman, MahaRERA & Chairman, GRSC), Mr. Suhas Patwardhan (Chairman, Maharashtra Co-Operative Housing Federation), and Mr. Vikram Karandikar (M.D., Chaphalkar Karandikar), moderated by Mr. Sanjay Deshpande (CMD, Sanjeevani Developers).
• The Hidden Checklist Every Homebuyer Needs by Mr. Rahul Ajmera, Partner, Vasupujya Corporation.
• Role of Homebuyers in Eco-Friendly Practices by Mr. Sandeep Sonigra, M.D., Orange County Group.

The Expo will be inaugurated on 17th January 2025 at 10:00 AM by Honourable Shri Murlidhar ji Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation.

15th January 2025  Sheo | Barmer, Rajasthan, India  STAGE OTT hosted the Rohidi Music Festival, a grand celebration of Rajasthan’s cultural and musical heritage, in the picturesque desert town of Sheo, Barmer. This landmark event brought together over 400 Manganiyar artists who showcased the timeless rhythms, soulful vocals, and traditional instruments that define the region’s rich folk traditions. The festival began with a powerful rendition of the National Anthem, followed by the stirring performance of Dharti Dhora Ri, setting the tone for an evening filled with artistry and cultural pride.

Among the highlights were spellbinding performances by Virasat Lok Sansthan, the Joga Dhol Party from Bisala, and Akala Dariya, who mesmerized the audience with the iconic track “Ghani Re Ghani Khamba” from the movie Padmavat. The event also featured an extraordinary lineup of celebrated artists, including Padma Shri awardees Ustad Sakar Khan’s family and Ustad Lakha Khan, alongside other luminaries such as Shakur Khan, Jasu Khan Bissu, Jasu Khana Meer, Hakam Khan Nimbla, Moti Khan, and R Khan. Their stellar performances not only captivated the audience but also honored the Manganiyar community’s centuries-old legacy.

The Manganiyars have long been the storytellers of Rajasthan, weaving music into every aspect of life, from births and weddings to festivals and harvest celebrations. Their music, which is passed down through generations, reflects a deep connection to the cultural and spiritual fabric of the region. The Rohidi Music Festival beautifully celebrated this rich tradition, emphasizing how music in the Manganiyar community transcends mere entertainment to become an integral part of their daily lives and rituals.

Mr. Vinay Singhal, CEO & Co-Founder, STAGE OTT and Mr. Parveen Singhal, CCO & Co-Founder, STAGE OTT, reflected on the success of the festival, stating, “The Rohidi Music Festival was an opportunity to showcase the vibrant soul of western Rajasthan. By bringing together esteemed artists, we aimed to present the heart of Rajasthan’s folklore to a larger audience. This festival was not only a celebration of music but also a step toward empowering local communities and preserving their cultural treasures.” The event served as a platform to uplift Manganiyar artists, creating economic opportunities while fostering pride among performers and attendees alike.

The Rohidi Music Festival was a historic cultural gathering, blending tradition with a vision for progress. STAGE OTT demonstrated its unwavering commitment to preserving Rajasthan’s cultural legacy while supporting its local artists. The event set a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at celebrating and promoting the rich artistic heritage of the region.

15th January 2025  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Renowned architect and designer Ninad Pardeshi, the visionary force behind ELM Designs, is proud to announce the launch of ELM Art Gallery, an exclusive art gallery dedicated to luxury and heritage. Under its brand Moksha Sutra, the gallery will feature an exclusive collection of art masterpieces dedicated to timeless elegance and cultural sophistication. Located in the heart of Mumbai, ELM Art Gallery promises to be a sanctuary for art connoisseurs and collectors.

As the Principal Architect and CEO of ELM Designs, Ninad Pardeshi has built a legacy of creating transformative spaces that marry tradition with contemporary luxury. With over two decades of experience and a philosophy rooted in the belief that “Life is Luxury,” Ninad’s latest endeavor pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, showcasing a curated collection of high-end masterpieces crafted by India’s finest artisans and emerging talents from institutions like JJ School of Art.

ELM Art Gallery aims to preserve and celebrate India’s rich artistic heritage while offering a platform for innovation. The gallery will feature an exquisite range of paintings, sculptures, and installations that reflect maximalist aesthetics and intricate craftsmanship-hallmarks of the ELM Designs brand.

“Our mission with ELM Art Gallery is to create a space where art meets soul,” said Ninad Pardeshi. He further added, “This gallery is not just about displaying art; it’s about connecting people to the stories, emotions, and traditions that define our culture. We want our patrons to experience luxury not just as opulence but as a deeper connection to beauty and heritage.”

This ELM Art Gallery designed to cater to high-net-worth individuals and art lovers reflects ELM Designs’ core values of excellence, creativity, and sustainability. Its debut collection under Moksha Sutra will highlight works that integrate vastu principles and eco-conscious materials, offering visitors a sensory journey through India’s artistic legacy.

In addition to its Mumbai location, Ninad Pardeshi has ambitious plans to expand ELM Art Gallery internationally, with future galleries envisioned in Milan and Dubai, further positioning ELM Designs as a global leader in luxury design and artistry.