Mumbai, January 31, 2025: Cricket legend M.S. Dhoni and Emcure Pharma’s Whole-Time Director Namita Thapar have come together in a powerful conversation to highlight the urgent need to prioritize women’s health.

A video shared by Namita on her podcast on women’s health, Uncondition Yourself with Namita, highlights how women, despite being the core of the family, often have their health neglected and mocked. The video emphasizes the need to destigmatize and have an open dialogue about women’s health, advocating for a shift away from dismissive attitudes and encouraging women to be vocal about their health concerns.

The discussion was part of Emcure’s Arth campaign, dedicated to shedding light on social attitudes and empowering women to take charge of their health.

In a candid conversation, Namita throws a googly at Dhoni by asking if he knows the hemoglobin levels of himself and Sakshi (his wife). Caught off guard, Dhoni admits he has no idea. Namita and Dhoni both agree that despite being the nucleus of the family and taking care of everyone, women often tend to ignore their own health.

When women talk about their own health, family members may be dismissive. Dhoni points out, “Mocking remarks like ‘ye normal hai’ need to be replaced with empathy and action. Women must be heard and supported, not dismissed.” He insists that men and women must play an equal role in bringing about this shift, advocating for a culture, free from mocking remarks or indifferent attitudes towards women issues. We should encourage women not only to talk openly about their health but also to take timely action, such as opting for regular health check-ups and timely treatment.

Namita Thapar, a passionate advocate for women’s health, echoes Dhoni’s sentiment. She says, “A condescending attitude, with remarks like ‘maybe she’s going through PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or hormonal mood swings,’ often discourages women from speaking up. Addressing these health-related challenges by creating a supportive and empathetic environment is essential, ensuring that health is never a barrier to women’s personal and professional growth.”

Dhoni aptly concludes the video with a simple yet powerful message: “Health is wealth. Sacrifice some comfort, give some time to yourself and invest it in your health; it will pay good dividends.”

Gurgaon, 31st January 2025 – Channelplay, a leading retail distribution and sales management solutions provider, has been entrusted with the responsibility of launching and scaling the offline distribution of Bombay Banta in the Indian market. The initiative will commence in the Delhi NCR region, leveraging a combination of direct and indirect distribution models to service small and mid-sized retail outlets effectively.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in Bombay Banta’s journey to expand its footprint in India, bringing its innovative and refreshing offerings to a broader audience. With Channelplay’s extensive expertise and cutting-edge technology platform, 1Channel, the distribution strategy is poised for efficiency, transparency, and scalability.

Channel, Channelplay’s flagship technology platform, will serve as the backbone of this initiative, ensuring seamless operations across the supply chain. Known for its robust capabilities in retail distribution management, the platform enables real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders, making it the ideal tool to support Bombay Banta’s growth aspirations.

Mr. Lakshya Das, Senior Vice President at Channelplay, says, “I am very excited about the opportunities in the mocktail market in India. This sales and offline distribution partnership between Bombay Banta and Channelplay is a significant step forward for both organizations. It combines Bombay Banta’s innovative product offering with Channelplay’s proven expertise in retail distribution. Together, we aim to deliver refreshing value not only to consumers but also to our channel partners, creating a win-win for all stakeholders,”

Akkshita Malhotra, Co-Founder & Director, Bombay Banta added, “This partnership with Channelplay is a pivotal moment for Bombay Banta as we take our brand to the next level in the Indian market. With Channelplay’s extensive expertise in offline distribution and their innovative technology platform, we are confident in our ability to reach small and mid-sized retail outlets effectively. Together, we aim to offer a refreshing and exciting product to our consumers while creating strong value for our channel partners,”

The collaboration between Channelplay and Bombay Banta represents a strategic alliance aimed at transforming the offline distribution landscape for innovative beverage products in India. With Channelplay’s years of industry expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to operational excellence, coupled with Bombay Banta’s refreshing and unique offerings, this partnership is poised to create significant value for consumers and channel partners alike.

Manipal, 31st January 2025: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) collaborated with Deakin University, Australia to organize a prominent International Symposium on Technology for healthcare. The two-day symposium concluded with the purpose of improving medical technology and healthcare outcomes by bringing a diverse group of academic and clinical experts together to discuss revolutionary themes and establish meaningful partnerships.

Professor K. Baskaran, Associate Dean (International), Faculty of SEBE, Deakin University, and Dr. Satish Rao, MAHE, in their respective speeches, reflected and highlighted their institution’s shared vision of revolutionizing global healthcare through technology.

Professor K. Baskaran, Associate Dean (International), Faculty of SEBE, Deakin University, in collaboration with MAHE, said, “Deakin University is proud to partner with MAHE in this pivotal initiative, where technology and research converge to address the critical healthcare challenges of our time. As the global demand for innovative and accessible healthcare solutions intensifies, this collaboration exemplifies our shared vision to harness cutting-edge research and technological advancements to create tangible, life-changing impacts for communities worldwide.”

Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, shared his thoughts, “The partnership between Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Deakin University will possibly bring out an advanced transformation of technology not only within the realm of the healthcare sector but also help establish the power of technology by setting an example.”

The symposium highlighted engaging discussions on crucial themes in digital health technologies and identified at least three joint research projects poised to push the boundaries of medical technology. Participants gained insights into MAHE’s robust research infrastructure and Deakin’s expertise in technology-driven healthcare solutions by getting involved in clinical and lab tours at Kasturba Medical College (KMC).

Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Technology & Sciences, MAHE, expressed his views, “The Deakin-MAHE partnership demonstrates how the convergence of interdisciplinary research and expertise sharing between Australia and India can address global healthcare challenges. This symposium underscores the transformative power of partnerships in fostering innovation and creating meaningful solutions.”

Priyanka Singh, Executive Director (South Asia), Deakin University, said, “By leveraging our collective strengths, we are not just advancing research but also paving the way for impactful outcomes that benefit both nations and beyond The International Symposium not only highlighted the importance of global partnerships in cultivating meaningful progress in healthcare technology but also symbolized another milestone in the longstanding collaboration between MAHE and Deakin University.

Kolkata, 31 January 2025 –The British Council, UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, hosted a seminar on Online, Distance and Digitally delivered Learning to shed light on the current, rapidly changing landscape of opportunities and challenges in online learning segment. The seminar explored the best practices of universities for online courses.

Taking a step further and to deep dive into the quality and effectiveness of Online, Distance, and Digitally Delivered Learning (ODDL), the organisation announced a Going Global Partnerships grants. The Going Global Partnerships programme promotes collaboration and innovation in teaching and learning and transnational education in higher education institutions between India and the UK.

The grant will support collaborative efforts to enhance mutual understanding of UK-India educational systems, identify areas for further collaboration, and harness technology to improve the learning experience. Special attention will be given to improving student engagement, developing innovative teaching practices, and addressing the challenges of assessment quality and course completion rates.

Lord Jo Johnson, Former Universities Minister of the UK, offered a look into the future trends of online and digitally delivered education. Meanwhile, Prof. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Former Member of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training, provided an overview of the regulatory landscape for education in India.

A thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director of Education- India, British Council, was organised during the seminar which delved into the ideal framework for distance education. Esteemed panellists, including Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, and Joshua Fleming, Director Strategy Office for Students UK, shared their perspectives on creating scalable, accessible, and high-quality online learning systems.

Throughout the seminar, experts examined the evolving landscape of online, open, and digitally delivered education. The event featured a series of innovative demonstrations by leading online education providers and addressed key issues such as student engagement, regulatory frameworks, and the scalability of digital learning models. With global demand for higher education expected to rise, the seminar underscored how digital education can effectively meet these challenges while ensuring equity, access, and quality.

At the event, Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director of Education- India, British Council, said, “Understanding and improving the quality and effectiveness of Online, Distance, and Digitally Delivered Learning (ODDL) is crucial as we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of education. The Going Global Partnerships grant represents a significant step towards fostering collaboration between India and the UK, aiming to enhance the learning experience through innovative teaching practices and technology. We hope this will complement the brilliant efforts of the Indian authorities in this space through mutually beneficial collaboration.”

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, FRSE, President UUK and Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of St Andrews said, “We are delighted to strengthen the collaboration between the UK and India through initiatives like the Going Global Partnerships programme. This grant will help us to explore innovative approaches to online, distance, and digitally delivered learning, fostering a deeper understanding of our educational systems. By sharing best practices, enhancing student engagement, and addressing challenges in assessment and course completion, we aim to build a more accessible, scalable, and high-quality digital education landscape for both our nations.”

The Going Global Partnerships grant call for online, distance, and digitally delivered learning, in conjunction with the seminar, is expected to build meaningful partnerships that will contribute to the development of a robust digital learning environment, break barriers around access, and ultimately enhance the employability and skill acquisition of students globally.

India-UK collaboration on internationalising higher education focus on research partnerships, future skills for students, improved teaching quality, and capacity building. The UK and India are key partners in mobility and the UK wants more Indian students to work and study in UK. The UK is open and welcomes international students to pursue high quality courses at globally ranked universities that offer excellent graduate outcomes.

Bengaluru, 31st January 2025: India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd., in line with its customer-centric approach and to cater to the growing demand for premium motorcycles, has announced a price reduction of up to INR 1.10 lakh on its flagship models – the Yamaha R3 and MT-03 effective from 1st February 2025. These models, known for their superior performance and Yamaha’s signature racing DNA, are now available at unbeatable prices. As Yamaha celebrates a decade of the R3 legacy globally, this price revision reinforces the brand’s commitment to its customers and the premium motorcycle segment.

The Yamaha R3 is now priced at INR 3,59,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is available in Icon Blue and Yamaha Black colour options. Meanwhile, the MT-03, with its bold design and street performance, is priced at INR 3,49,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and comes in Midnight Cyan and Midnight Black colour options.

Over the last 10 years, the Yamaha R3 has built a cult following among riding enthusiasts globally for its track-oriented precision, exhilarating performance, and timeless design. With its lightweight diamond frame, aerodynamic design inspired by Yamaha’s iconic YZR-M1, and a powerful 321cc engine the R3 offers a thrilling riding experience. The 50/50 weight distribution, sporty riding posture, and advanced braking system make it the perfect companion for both track and road enthusiasts.

The Yamaha MT-03, a hyper-naked streetfighter, stands out with its aggressive styling and torque-focused performance. Designed for agility and everyday usability, it features an upright riding position, twin-eye LED headlights, and mass-forward bodywork that highlights its bold character. The MT-03 is powered by the same 321cc engine as the R3, ensuring thrilling acceleration and smooth performance, while its compact design and mono-cross rear suspension offer unmatched manoeuvrability in city traffic.

With this change in pricing, Yamaha reaffirms its commitment to offering accessible premium motorcycles that deliver on performance, design, and innovation. This strategic move is expected to further strengthen Yamaha’s foothold in the premium motorcycle segment in India and attract a wider audience of riding enthusiasts.

Have you ever wondered what your favourite actors would be doing if they weren’t in the entertainment industry? It turns out these talented individuals have unique skills and passions that could have led them to completely different career paths! From teaching and singing to dancing, &TV actors share how their alternate professions would still reflect their creativity, dedication, and desire to inspire. Here’s a look at the professions they might have pursued if not acting, featuring Neeta Mohindra (Kailasha Bua from Bheema), Sonal Panwar (Malaika from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabhi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Neeta Mohindra, known for her role as Kailasha Bua in Bheema, says, “If I weren’t an actor, I would have fully committed myself to teaching acting and the art forms that I hold dear. Alongside my acting career, I’ve been fortunate to teach students, especially in acting and Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art that blends discipline, strength, and grace. With a master’s degree in fine arts and a Ph.D. in Tribal Art Forms, I am passionate about preserving and passing on our cultural heritage. Teaching allows me to guide aspiring artists, helping them discover their potential and refine their craft. Had acting not been my main focus, I would have devoted my time entirely to nurturing the next generation of performers, combining my love for art, storytelling, and education into a fulfilling teaching career.”

Sonal Panwar, who plays Malaika in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “If I weren’t an actor, I would have pursued a career as a singer. Music has been a constant part of my life since childhood, and I’ve been learning to sing for as long as I can remember. The power of music to express emotions and connect with people deeply resonates with me. Singing brings me immense joy and allows me to convey feelings that words often can’t. I find myself humming tunes or singing my favourite songs during my free time—it’s like therapy for me. If I hadn’t been performing on screen, I would have loved to perform on stage or even teach music, sharing the magic of melodies with others. Singing will always be an integral part of who I am.” Shubhangi Atre, known for her portrayal of Angoori Bhabhi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, reveals, “If I hadn’t become an actor, I would have definitely pursued a career as a Kathak dancer and teacher. Dancing has been a part of my life since childhood, and Kathak holds a special place in my heart. The rhythm, expressions, and grace of this classical dance form have always fascinated me. I’ve spent countless hours practicing, and it has brought me immense joy and peace. Teaching Kathak would have been a dream come true, as it would allow me to share my passion for this beautiful art form with others and inspire them to embrace our rich cultural heritage. Even now, whenever I get the chance, I love performing Kathak, and it reminds me of the timeless beauty of Indian classical arts.”

Bengaluru, India – January 31st, 2025: Zepto, India’s fastest-growing quick commerce platform, is expanding its electronics category with a broad selection of mobile phones starting January 25th. This initiative is part of Zepto’s ongoing strategy to enhance its product offerings and provide users with an even wider selection of mobile technology. As part of this expansion, Zepto will feature the latest models from vivo India, offering a new range of options for smartphone enthusiasts.

“At Zepto, our Sellers are committed to providing our users with quick, reliable, and affordable solutions for their everyday needs. I thank our sellers for enabling a larger selection of smartphones to our platform which further support this goal,” said Abhimanyu Singh, Business Head, Electronics, Zepto. “We are excited to collaborate with vivo India and our Sellers to bring the latest mobile technology directly to our users in a fast, convenient, and seamless way.”

Mr Pankaj Gandhi, Head, Online Business, vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd “vivo India has always been dedicated to delivering cutting-edge smartphones that enhance the lives of our customers. Our collaboration with Zepto reflects our shared commitment to making the latest mobile technology easily accessible and available at the fingertips of users. This partnership will ensure that vivo customers across India can enjoy the convenience of purchasing our products through Zepto’s fast and efficient platform.”

Zepto will feature a range of devices starting at just ₹5,999 inclusive of taxes. To celebrate the launch, an exclusive ICICI Bank promotion is offering a flat 5% off (up to ₹5,000) on mobile purchases over ₹5,000. This limited-time offer is live till January 31st, ensuring users can enjoy both affordability and convenience while shopping for the latest smartphones.

Get ready for an exhilarating, heart-pounding journey that takes survival to extremes with Born to be Wild, a three-part adventure series premiering on Friday, 31st January 2025, 7:05 PM on History TV18. Hosted by the daring and dynamic adventurer Andrew Ucles, who has reached over 2 million people through his YouTube page, this show redefines wildlife exploration, bringing audiences face-to-face with some of the planet’s most untamed creatures in remote landscapes.

In this adrenaline-fueled series, Andrew Ucles, an Australian survivalist, animal expert, and filmmaker, pushes the limits of human endurance to bring viewers closer to nature’s wonders. Join him as explores the dense jungles of South America, the plains and wetlands of Africa, and the rugged outback of Australia. With just a handy cam and sheer grit, he gives viewers an up-close-and-personal look at wildlife and survival like never before.

Watch Andrew navigate the perilous Amazon rainforest in Peru as he braves this unforgiving “green hell” for a month. From dancing with an anteater, to discovering a venomous snake known locally as “The Landmine” and being bitten by a caiman in the river, he pushes the boundaries of his stamina, safety and sanity!

In Africa, Andrew sets out on a mission to find 12 animals in 7 days, including Africa’s Big Five, elephants, hippos and more! Journey headfirst into the Zambian wilderness with him, as he finds himself getting stalked by lions, in a close standoff with a spitting cobra, and being chased by elephants. How many times can he push his luck to come away unharmed in a battle with some of the most dangerous creatures?

And finally, join Andrew on an awe-inspiring journey across Australia’s harsh northern terrain, Arnhem Land, where survival means battling crocodiles and tracking feral buffalo. Will this remote, semi-arid landscape break him, or will he conquer Australia’s last frontier?

For Indian audiences fascinated by diverse ecosystems and wildlife, Born to Be Wild offers a riveting look at how similar human and animal survival instincts are. The series offers a blend of education and entertainment served with warmth, action and humour. At its heart, the show is about connecting with nature, understanding its fragility, and appreciating its raw beauty. Marvel at our wild planet, and realise the power of human determination, starting 31st January, on History TV18.