India, April 7, 2025: The Choice of India edition of the Goncourt Prize, one of the most prestigious French literary prizes, has been awarded to ‘Jacaranda’, a French-language novel by Franco-Rwandan writer Gaël Faye, published in 2025 by the French publishing house Grasset.

Jacaranda is a poignant work that explores the profound link between history, the quest for identity and belonging to one’s land. Set in Rwanda, a country scarred by the 1994 genocide, the novel not only revisits the tragic past, but also highlights the changes underway, including judicial reforms and social transformations. Through a fluid and emotional narrative, Faye invites us to experience moments of hope, pain and resilience. The story is deeply moving, immersing us in the soul of a people undergoing reconstruction, while echoing the immense potential of the country’s future.

Writer Gaël Faye said: “I’m happy to know that this story resonated with the jury of the Indian chapter of the Goncourt prize. My novel ‘Petit Pays’ had already received an exceptional welcome during my trip to India in July 2020, especially during the Jaipur Literature Festival. I carry that cherished memory in my heart. I’m glad that this relationship is continuing with ‘Jacaranda,’ which is like another piece in the same puzzle: a vast human story of exile, belonging, silences, shadows, and of the light.”

Singer-songwriter Gaël Faye is also the author of the phenomenal first novel Petit pays (Small Country) (Grasset 2016, Prix Goncourt des lycéens) and several other albums.  Jacaranda has been awarded the famous Renaudot Book Prize 2024 and The Goncourt Prize of Germany.

Following the announcement, the French Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, said: “I am proud to witness the continued success of the “Choix Goncourt de l’Inde” programme, which offers students across India the unique opportunity to engage with contemporary French literature. This initiative is instrumental in making French literary works accessible, addressing the complexities of distributing French books in such a vast and diverse country. To support this endeavour, the French Institute in India procures around 270 books, which are made available to the students and their professors, thereby ensuring widespread access to contemporary French literature.”

The Prix Goncourt is awarded each year to the author of “the best and most imaginative prose work of the year”. The Goncourt Choice of India was created for Indian francophone students who love literature. It is affiliated with the Académie Goncourt. For its fourth (current) edition, the Indian jury was composed of students from nine Indian universities – The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Pondicherry University, University of Mumbai, Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Rajasthan, Madurai Kamaraj University, Banaras Hindu University as well as students from the Alliances Françaises network.

Over six months, the jury read the four books shortlisted for the Goncourt Prize in their original language, and discussed them with their teachers and classmates.

The four books shortlisted for the Goncourt Prize in their original French language, were:

• Madelaine avant l’aube, Sandrine Colette (JC Lattès)

• Jacaranda, Gaël Faye (Grasset)

• Archipels, Hélène Gaudy (L’Olivier)

• Houris, Kamel Daoud (Gallimard)

A series of online sessions were offered to them to get to know France’s most prestigious literary prize with the President of Goncourt Academy – the French writer Philippe Claudel – and to understand the publication journey behind the four titles.

National, 7^th April 2025: Raffles Udaipur proudly celebrates the Chairman and Managing Director of Triton Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Ratan Kant Sharma, on being awarded the prestigious ET Entrepreneurship Award. Recognised for his vision and leadership in shaping India’s luxury hospitality landscape, Mr. Sharma has been instrumental in bringing world-renowned brands like Fairmont and Raffles to the country.

In 2012, Mr. Sharma introduced Fairmont Jaipur, a 245-room ultra-luxury hotel that seamlessly blends Rajput heritage with world-class hospitality. Today, it stands as one of India’s most sought-after wedding destinations, renowned for its grandeur and timeless elegance.

Under his leadership, Raffles Udaipur, India’s first Raffles hotel, has redefined ultra-luxury hospitality. Nestled on a 21-acre private island, this sanctuary has become a coveted retreat for discerning travelers worldwide since its opening in 2021.

Further elevating India’s luxury landscape, Mr. Sharma introduced Raffles Jaipur, an exquisite new address adjacent to Fairmont Jaipur. A testament to the Raffles legacy, the hotel offers an unparalleled blend of heritage, sophistication, and world-class service. Notably, India is the only country to host two Raffles properties in the same state within five years, marking a significant milestone in global luxury hospitality.

Reflecting on this honor, Mr. Ratan Kant Sharma, Chairman & Managing Director of Triton Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd., said: “Receiving the ET Entrepreneurship Award is a profound honor, reflecting the passion and dedication that drive us at Triton Hotels and Resorts. With Raffles and Fairmont, our vision has always been to bring an unparalleled level of luxury and heritage to India’s hospitality landscape. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to excellence, and I share it with my team, whose relentless efforts have shaped Raffles and Fairmont into destinations of distinction.”

Mr. Namby, General Manager of Raffles Udaipur, added: “Mr. Sharma’s unwavering passion for luxury hospitality is rooted in his pioneering role in bringing both Fairmont and Raffles to India. As the driving force behind Raffles Udaipur’s success, his vision of blending timeless elegance with India’s rich heritage has shaped a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This award stands as a well-deserved tribute to his remarkable contributions to the industry..”

 With a legacy of excellence, Mr. Ratan Kant Sharma continues to shape the future of luxury hospitality in India, ensuring that Raffles and Fairmont remain icons of opulence, culture, and world-class service.

Himanshu Bajaj, Managing Director & Head – A&M India and GCC, said, “The financial services sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digitization, regulatory shifts, and changing customer expectations. Shweta’s cross-functional experience and deep understanding of the financial services landscape will enhance our ability to support clients in navigating this complex environment. Her appointment reflects our broader commitment to growing our transformation offerings and helping clients achieve measurable impact.”

Shweta Jha, Managing Director, A&M India, said, “India’s financial services industry is at an inflection point, with firms increasingly embracing data, AI, and digital technologies to drive performance. A&M’s hands-on, results-oriented approach and strong operational heritage provide an ideal platform to help clients drive this change. I am excited to join the firm and look forward to partnering with clients to navigate the complexities and capitalize on opportunities in the financial services space.”

Mumbai, 7 April 2025: Bajel Projects Limited (Bajel), a leading company in the business of power infrastructure, with a strong presence in the Power Transmission and Power Distribution sectors, today announced the appointment of Nitesh Bhandari as its new CFO & Joint President, effective 1^st May 2025. Nitesh is a chartered accountant with over 26 years of strong finance experience. Prior to joining Bajel Projects, he was CFO & Executive Director of Gujarat Gas Limited, a large BSE-listed infrastructure services company, where he led the finance, accounts and investor relations departments.

Nitesh Bhandari, CFO of Bajel Projects

Mr. Rajesh Ganesh, Managing Director and CEO, said, “We are confident that Nitesh’s vast and strong expertise in finance & investor relations will be invaluable as Bajel continues to strategically grow the business sustainably going forward”. Nitesh succeeds Binda Misra, who has decided to pursue interests outside of Bajel Projects Limited after 28 years of dedicated service. Bajel Projects Limited thanks Binda Misra for his dedication and commitment to the company and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

“I am thrilled to join the dynamic team at Bajel Projects as CFO & Joint President. I look forward to working with the team to contribute to the company’s continued growth, financial stability, and strategic objectives,” said Nitesh. Building and implementing Bajel’s overall financial strategy in alignment with its business goals would be one of the key undertakings for Nitesh as he takes the reins at Bajel Projects Limited.

New Delhi, 7^th April 2025 – As the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 comes to a successful close, Consistent also known as Consistent Infosystems, a leading name in IT hardware, Print Consumable, Storage Security Surveillance and Gaming Segments, extends heartfelt gratitude to its valued partners, distributors, and stakeholders. The unwavering support and collaboration of these partners have been instrumental in driving innovation, growth, and success for Consistent throughout the year.

Reflecting on the past year, Yogesh Agrawal, Co-Founder and CMD of Consistent Infosystems, expressed appreciation, stating, “Our journey of growth and success is a testament to the strong relationships we have built with our partners. Their trust and commitment have fueled our ambition to deliver cutting-edge technology and best-in-class solutions. As we move into the new fiscal year, we look forward to strengthening these partnerships and achieving greater milestones together.”

The past year has been marked by significant achievements for Consistent Infosystems, including the launch of advanced IT and surveillance products, strategic expansion into new markets, and industry recognitions. These accomplishments have been possible due to the relentless efforts of its channel partners and stakeholders, who play a crucial role in the company’s sustained success.

Looking Ahead to 2025-2026

As Consistent embarks on the new fiscal year, the company remains committed to delivering innovative technology, expanding its product portfolio, and enhancing customer satisfaction. With an ambitious roadmap ahead, the brand is geared up to introduce next-gen solutions while continuing to foster strong collaborations with its partners.

Consistent Infosystems sincerely thanks all its partners for their continuous support and dedication. Together, the company aims to set new benchmarks in the industry and drive unparalleled growth in the coming year.

New Delhi, April 07, 2025 – LG Electronics India Limited, a consumer durables brand, today announced the launch of its latest LG Smart Monitors – the 27SR75U and 32SR75U. Designed to cater both professionals and entertainment enthusiasts, these next-generation monitors combine stunning 4K UHD resolution, seamless connectivity, and a clutter-free experience powered by webOS23.

 Key Highlights of the LG Smart Monitors:

• Stunning 4K UHD Display: Experience crystal-clear visuals with 4K resolution, bringing content to life with clarity. The monitors support 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, ensuring accurate color reproduction as intended by content creators.
• webOS23 Integration: Enjoy easy access to popular streaming services along with 100+ free channels via LG Channels.
• Seamless Connectivity: Equipped with USB Type-C Port and ScreenShare, the monitors enable wireless connectivity and effortless content sharing from laptops and mobile devices.
• Voice Control with Magic Remote Support: The monitors support LG’s Magic Remote, allowing users to manage tasks and operations with ease using voice commands via the ThinQ Voice Assistant.

• All-in-One Entertainment Hub: Explore built-in apps for sports, music, fitness, and cloud gaming, making it a versatile hub for both work and leisure.

Mr. Young Hwan Jung, MS Sales Division Leader, LG Electronics said, “At LG, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance the way people work and play. The new Smart Monitors – 27SR75U and 32SR75U – are a testament to this vision. With stunning 4K UHD displays, seamless connectivity, and the power of webOS23, these monitors are designed to redefine productivity and entertainment. Whether you’re a professional seeking a clutter-free workspace or an entertainment enthusiast looking for an immersive experience, the Smart Monitors offer the perfect blend of performance, design, and convenience. We are excited to bring this next-generation technology to our customers in India.”

 The LG Smart Monitors – 27SR75U and 32SR75U – share a range of features designed to enhance productivity and entertainment. Both models feature a 3-side virtually borderless design and 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution, delivering visuals with clarity. They support a DCI-P3 90% (Typ.) color gamut and HDR 10, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors. Connectivity options include HDMI x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, and USB Type-C™ x 1 with 65W charging, alongside built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless wireless connectivity. Powered by webOS23, both monitors provide access to popular streaming services, sports, music, fitness apps, and cloud gaming. Additional features include voice control via the Magic Remote and ThinQ Voice Assistant, ScreenShare, AirPlay2, and internal speakers (5W x 2). The tilt and height-adjustable stand ensures ergonomic comfort, making these monitors versatile for both work and play.

While both monitors share many similarities, they differ in display size and panel technology. The 27SR75U features a 27-inch IPS display with 350 nits brightness, offering wider viewing angles and sharper color accuracy, ideal for creative professionals. On the other hand, the 32SR75U boasts a larger 32-inch VA display with 250 nits brightness, providing deeper contrast ratios and a more immersive viewing experience, perfect for entertainment enthusiasts. These differences cater to varying user preferences, ensuring there’s a Smart Monitor for every need.

Mumbai, April 7, 2025 – Acclaimed writer and filmmaker Sonu Tyagi has set hearts racing with a tantalizing glimpse into his latest creative endeavor—a novel centered on the bittersweet theme of one-sided love, inspired by his own experiences in the worlds of advertising, journalism, and films.

The announcement came subtly through a haunting couplet posted on his website, sonutyagi.com, titled Vo Khanjar Leke Baithe The: “They sat with a dagger, and we with our heart / The illusion was beautiful, and the beauty a killer”). Accompanied by a minimalist yet evocative design, the verse has ignited a firestorm of excitement about the forthcoming novel, slated for release soon. Whispers among literary circles suggest that Sonu Tyagi may unveil exclusive snippets at an intimate Mumbai event, while rumors swirl of a limited-edition release featuring his own handwritten notes, adding a personal touch to this already intriguing project.

Known for his evocative storytelling across films and media, Sonu Tyagi is now channeling his creative prowess into the literary world with this novel, which promises to explore the raw, unreciprocated emotions of love drawn from his colorful career. The poem’s imagery—daggers, hearts, and deceptive beauty—hints at a narrative steeped in passion, pain, and poetic depth, themes that resonate deeply with Tyagi’s signature style and his life’s journey through the cutthroat realms of advertising, the relentless pace of journalism, and the glamorous yet unpredictable film industry. Fans and literary enthusiasts alike are already hailing it as a potential masterpiece, with one social media user commenting, “If this couplet is a taste of the novel, we’re in for an emotional rollercoaster.”

The buzz around the novel is palpable, with social media abuzz over the couplet’s lyrical finesse. “Sonu Tyagi has a way of turning emotions into art—this novel is going to break hearts,” wrote one follower. Another praised the poetic teaser, calling it “a shayari that stabs you with its beauty.” The teaser, shared via https://sonutyagi.com/vo-khanjar-leke-baithe-the/, offers little beyond the cryptic lines, a move that has only heightened anticipation. Industry insiders hint that Approach Communications, Tyagi’s PR venture, might soon drop an immersive campaign featuring audio renditions of his poetry narrated by a Bollywood icon, while speculation mounts about a cinematic adaptation that could bring this tale of unrequited love to the silver screen.

Sonu Tyagi, a seasoned creative force, brings a rich and multifaceted background to this project. With years of experience as a writer, director, and producer, he has carved a niche in the entertainment industry through his ability to blend artistry with emotional resonance. Hailing from a modest upbringing, Tyagi’s journey reflects a relentless passion for storytelling, shaped by his time crafting persuasive narratives in advertising, chasing deadlines and truth in journalism, and navigating the highs and lows of the film world.

These experiences, fraught with unfulfilled dreams and unspoken emotions, form the backbone of his upcoming novel. Beyond his creative pursuits, Sonu Tyagi is deeply inclined toward spirituality, a dimension that often subtly informs his work. His spiritual outlook, rooted in introspection and a quest for deeper meaning, adds a unique layer to his storytelling, making it both soulful and thought-provoking. This inclination also led him to establish Go Spiritual, a platform dedicated to promoting spiritual awareness and holistic well-being, reflecting his commitment to balancing material creativity with inner growth.

Behind this literary endeavor stands the Approach Entertainment Group, a dynamic conglomerate Sonu Tyagi founded to push creative boundaries. Approach Entertainment, the group’s flagship, is renowned for producing innovative content, including films, web series, and music projects that resonate with modern audiences. Complementing this is Approach Communications, a PR and media strategy arm that has successfully amplified brands and talents across industries. The group also includes Approach Bollywood, a platform dedicated to celebrating and promoting Indian cinema.

Together, these entities reflect Sonu Tyagi’s vision of a holistic entertainment ecosystem, one that seamlessly merges creativity, production, and outreach, while his Go Spiritual initiative underscores his belief in nurturing the human spirit alongside artistic expression. As of April 7, 2025, no official release date for the novel has been confirmed, but the promise of “coming soon” has fans eagerly awaiting further details, confident that Tyagi’s blend of lived experience, emotional depth, and spiritual insight will deliver yet another unforgettable experience.

“Traditional LED and LCD screens rely on pulse-width modulation (PWM) for brightness control, causing flickering that strains the eyes during prolonged use. Additionally, these screens emit direct light, which can be harsh and tiring. In this context, advanced devices like laser-powered Ultra-Short-Throw (UST) projectors provide a healthier viewing alternative. With low blue light emission and flicker-free visuals, they offer a more comfortable experience for extended use. Laser projection also reflects light off the screen, creating a natural viewing experience that reduces glare and strain.  Watching content on a projection device is extremely safe for the eyes since, instead of looking directly at a light source, you are viewing the reflected light,” says Sushil Motwani, Founder of Aytexcel Pvt. Ltd, the official representative of Formovie projectors in India.

Laser projection diffuses light off the screen, creating a more comfortable viewing experience with reduced glare. “This helps preserve eye health over time, making laser projectors a smart choice for vision-friendly home entertainment,” he concludes

In partnership with the Heartfulness Institute, FOSTIIMA Business School in New Delhi has organized a three-day wellness program for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of North Western Railways from the Rewari Branch, offering a commendable initiative to promote employee well-being and personal growth. RPF staff actively participated in the event, which was held from March 21 to 23.

The theme is about understanding life’s purpose and general well-being, which is in line with the SDG. The program held sessions that prompted staff members to consider the significance of stress management, preserving a positive work-life balance, and finding balance between material and spiritual interests.

Every session received overwhelming positive feedback, with 30 to 35 people showing up each day. Many participants conveyed their sincere gratitude for the programs to foster personal growth and enriching experience. The selfless contributions of the Heartfulness Institute and FOSTIIMA Business School were formally recognized by the Railway Protection Force, Rewari Branch, in appreciation of the hard work put forth by both organizations. This honor emphasizes the importance of these cooperative efforts to promote the overall well-being of law enforcement officers.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC, stated, “This collaboration between DMRC and Rapido marks a pivotal step in addressing the critical challenge of first and last-mile connectivity for metro users. Integrating Rapido’s services with the metro network will make public transport more accessible and convenient for commuters. Beyond improving mobility, this exclusive partnership has the potential to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and contribute to reducing pollution levels in Delhi, aligning with our broader vision for sustainable urban development.”

Pavan Guntupalli, Co-Founder of Rapido, shared his perspective, saying, “We are proud to be the exclusive partners for DMRC to make first and last-mile travel more seamless, ensuring smoother urban mobility. At Rapido, our core mission is to deliver affordable, reliable, and efficient transportation solutions, and this collaboration enables us to bring that vision to life for metro users. By integrating our services with Delhi’s metro network, we aim to simplify and enhance the commuting experience, ensuring greater convenience and comfort for passengers while contributing to a more connected and sustainable city.