TFCI CSR Initiative Supports Indian Athletes at Special Olympics 2025

New Delhi 20th March 2025: Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI) extended support to Indian athletes associated with Special Olympics Bharat (a National Sports Federation recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India), for their training and participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. The global event, held in Turin, Italy, from 8th March 15th March 2025, witnessed an impressive performance by these Indian speed skaters, who secured three silver medals and one bronze medal.

Ziara Porter secured silver medals in the 111-meter and 222-meter races, while Tanshu won a silver medal in the 500-meter race and a bronze in the 777-meter race. Their success has brought pride to the nation.

TFCI, founded in 1989, offers term loans and investments in debentures to the tourism and hospitality industry, manufacturing, real estate, and social infrastructure, including green energy, healthcare, education, and logistics. It also supports NBFCs that serve MSE, MFIs, HFCs, ARCs, and other organisations. TFCI also provides advisory services in tourism space.

Under its CSR Projects, TFCI drives impact in sports training, education, healthcare, sanitation, malnutrition, as well as animal welfare. The partnership with Special Olympics Bharat (SO Bharat) focused on support and development of sports for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Bharat National President Dr. Mallika Nadda congratulated the athletes for their achievements and felicitated Mr. Anoop Bali, Managing Director of Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI), in recognition of the organization’s support for Indian athletes through its CSR initiative.

Mr. Anoop Bali, Managing Director of Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI) said, “Witnessing these athletes excel on an international platform is truly inspiring. Their dedication and hard work have resulted in well-earned victories. TFCI is proud to have contributed to their journey and remains committed to initiatives that support sporting talent. The success of these athletes representing India at the event highlight the growing strength of the country on the global stage. “

The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 featured over 1,500 athletes from 100 delegations competing in eight sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Dance Sport, Figure Skating, Floorball, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, and Short Track Speed Skating.

Strategic Appointment: Sumit Dhingra Takes Charge as BESTSELLER India’s Country Director

Mumbai, 20th March 2025; Starting 1 June 2025, Sumit Dhingra will assume the role of Country Director for BESTSELLER India. With over two decades of experience in the fashion and lifestyle industry, Sumit brings a wealth of expertise in general management, brand building, retail expansion, and strategic growth. His appointment represents a key milestone in BESTSELLER’s growth and expansion in India.

Mr-Sumit-Dhingra

Sumit has held leadership roles across leading global and Indian fashion brands. He started his career with Aditya Birla Fashion and Lifestyle and United Colors of Benetton before spending a decade at Arvind Fashions, where he played a pivotal role in scaling multiple international brands. Since joining Crocs in 2019, he successfully led business operations across India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa during his tenure at Crocs. With expertise in brand management, retail operations, and growth strategy, Sumit is poised to drive BESTSELLER India’s continued success.

Anders Holch Povlsen, CEO of BESTSELLER, expressed confidence in Sumit’s leadership:
“Sumit has strong experience in the fashion industry and a leadership approach that aligns well with BESTSELLER and our goals in India. We remain focused on growing our business in this market, and I’m confident that, together with the team, Sumit will help drive that growth. India is an incredibly important market for BESTSELLER, and we deeply appreciate the trust and support of our customers here. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our presence and delivering great fashion experiences to our customers across the country.”

Sharing his excitement for the new role, Sumit said, “BESTSELLER has firmly established itself as a prominent player in the Indian fashion landscape, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to its next phase of growth. All BESTSELLER brands are currently at an interesting juncture, having achieved significant progress while presenting substantial opportunities for further expansion and growth. I look forward to collaborating with the team to deliver excellence in the Indian market.”

Sumit Dhingra will succeed Vineet Gautam, who stepped down as Country Director last year.

Preserve wealth and manage inflation with ICICI Pru GIFT Select

Chandigarh, March 20, 2025: In today’s uncertain economic environment, financial planning to ensure an additional income stream has become important which can aid individuals to manage rising inflation, navigate market fluctuations, and achieve financial goals. To meet this need individuals are looking for investment options which provide both safety of capital invested and growth. To fulfil this need, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched a unique long-term savings product – ICICI Pru GIFT Select, a product designed to provide guaranteed income while preserving wealth.

“Our goal is to help customers achieve their long-term financial aspirations with certainty,” says Mr. Amit Palta, Chief Product and Distribution Officer, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. The product offers flexibility, allowing customers to choose the duration of their guaranteed income while also receiving a lump sum on maturity in a tax-efficient manner. The increasing income feature, compounding at 5% annually, helps them manage inflation effectively.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance is also transforming life insurance distribution with digital innovations, empowering agents through the IPRU Edge mobile app. “Agents play a crucial role in helping customers make informed financial decisions. With IPRU Edge, we are equipping them with a digital office at their fingertips,” Mr. Palta explains. The mobile app provides business leads, social media marketing content, and a paperless buying journey, allowing agents to focus on growth.

Between April and December 2024, the productivity of agents using IPRU Edge surged by 25%. Notably, 98% of eligible agents using the app were paid commissions on the same day. AI-powered solutions have enabled the Company to issue approx. 50% of the savings policies on the same day.

ICICI Prudential Life’s commitment to customers is evident in its 99.3% claim settlement ratio for the period April 2024 to December 2024, with an average claim settlement time of just 1.2 days for non-investigated claims. With its customer-centric approach and digital-first innovations, the Company continues to set new industry benchmarks, ensuring financial security for policyholders and seamless career growth for agents.

Aakash Launches Aakash Digital for Medical & JEE Test Prep

National, March 20, 2025 – Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), the national leader in test preparatory services, is Breaking Barriers in the Test Preparation sector by making high-quality coaching more accessible, affordable, flexible and result-oriented than ever. As part of the Aakash 2.0 strategic plan, AESL is scaling up its digital intervention by bringing out a new and unique digital offering.

All Aakash products have been merged in the digital space under one roof – Aakash Digital 2.0 – a transforming online learning, AI-powered, interactive platform that delivers high-quality, affordable, and results-driven coaching for NEET, JEE, and Olympiads. Leveraging AI-powered insights, interactive learning tools and expert mentorship to ensure students across India receive top-tier coaching from the comfort of their homes.

A beta version of Aakash Digital 2.0 was launched a year ago and has delivered impressive results. Students in remote corners of the country have taken advantage of Aakash Digital’s new offerings and performed well in the high stakes exams of NEET and JEE. An opportunity they would not have otherwise got the benefit of.

Some notable examples are Gandhi Varda Jaimin from the tribal district of Banaskantha in Gujarat secured AIR 350 in NEET 2024; Rashmi Prakash Palai from Sundergarh in Odisha got AIR 649 in NEET 2024; Ishant Patel and Siddha Nema from Satna in Madhya Pradesh secured AIR 1482 and 2558 respectively in JEE Advanced 2024; Harish Kumar Uma Senthilkumar from Karur in Tamil Nadu obtained AIR 4357 in JEE Advanced 2024 among many more such success stories from remote corners of the country.

Key features of Aakash Digital:

  • Learn from Home, Save Time & Effort – No more commuting to coaching centers. Study in a comfortable home environment, maximizing time for revision and practice.
  • Affordable, High-Quality Education – Access top-tier coaching at a fraction of traditional costs, ensuring financial constraints never hinder success.
  • Flexible Learning Anytime, Anywhere – Attend live or recorded classes at your convenience—ideal for students balancing school and test prep.
  • Focused & Distraction-Free Learning – Create a personalized, stress-free study space at home for better concentration and retention.
  • More Time for Practice & Mastery – With less travel time, students can allocate more hours to solving problems and mastering concepts.
  • AI-Driven Performance Insights – Advanced SWOT analysis highlights strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, helping students refine their preparation.
  • Real-Time Parent Engagement – Parents receive regular progress updates, fostering transparency and accountability.
  • Personalized Learning & Progress Tracking – Digital tools provide in-depth performance analysis, allowing students to track their growth.
  • Unmatched Interactive Learning – Two-way interactive classes ensure real-time doubt resolution with India’s top educators.
  • Expert-Led Nurturing Programs – Designed by leading academicians, these programs provide instant academic support and mentorship
  • Live Doubt Resolution – Students can access up to 10 hours of Live Doubt-Solving sessions daily with expert faculty.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Deepak Mehrotra, Managing Director & CEO, Aakash Educational Services Limited, said, “At AESL, we believe in empowering students with the right guidance, knowledge, and resources to achieve academic excellence. Aakash Digital is paving the way for a new era in test prep by making high-quality education accessible, engaging, and outcome-driven. Students across the country can now experience India’s most trusted coaching from anywhere in the world with best-in-class faculty, advanced learning tools, and personalized mentorship.”

A Bite of Tradition! Chef Anahita Dhondy Reinvents the Classic Chicken Farcha as a Burger

March 20, 2025: Chef Anahita Dhondy comments on this recipe: “It’s time to feast and enjoy the beginning of spring! and chicken farce is always part of celebrations. So, I thought why not make it into a yummy burger, quick and easy and everyone loved it.”

Recipe

Ingredients for the burger:

  • Godrej Yummiez frozen chicken burger patties
  • Oil for frying
  • 2 eggs
  • 1tsp Parsi sambhar masala
  • Salt and pepper

For the chutney:

  • 1 cup fresh coriander
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh coconut grated
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1/2tsp whole jeera
  • Salt, sugar to taste
  • 2/3 ice cubes a little water to blend

Other ingredients for assembly:

  • Burger buns
  • Butter
  • Orange marmalade
  • Salad leaves
  • Onion slices
  • Tomato slices
  • Chips on the side (why not)

Method

  1. Whisk eggs in a bowl with masala salt and pepper.
  2. In a pan, add oil, once hot, dunk the burger patty into the egg and fry on each side for 4 mins each
  3. Blend all the ingredients for the chutney and keep aside
  4. Toast burger buns with a little butter
  5. Assemble your burger as shown in the video and enjoy!

Somaiya Vidyavihar University Welcomes Thought Leaders for Media Manthan 2025

Mumbai, 20th March 2025 – Somaiya Vidyavihar University, a multidisciplinary institution with over 80 years of legacy under Somaiya Vidyavihar, successfully concludes Media Manthan 2025. The event delved into the intricate relationship between media, democracy, and the public sphere, sparking insightful discussions on the role of media in shaping public discourse. Hosted by the Department of Mass Communication, Somaiya School of Humanities and Social Sciences, in association with the Press Club of India and the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia, Media Manthan 2025 brought together leading journalists, media professionals, and scholars for an engaging International Conference and Conclave.

The conference began with an inspiring inaugural session featuring Chief Guest Prof B K Ravi, Vice Chancellor of Koppal University; renowned film director Mr. Anil Sharma; Ambassador TP Sreenivasan, Faculty of Eminence and Prof V N Rajasekhran Pillai, Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Prof B K Ravi’s keynote session on Journalistic Metamorphosis set the stage for thought-provoking discussions.

Throughout the event, distinguished speakers addressed critical issues such as digital media’s impact on democracy, responsible journalism, corporate communication in the digital age, and the role of gender in the public sphere. Notable discussions included an expert talk by Dr Tamilselvi Natarajan on media literacy and fact-checking and an insightful lecture by Mr. Yogendra Puranik, Japan’s first elected non-Japanese MLA, on ‘Bridging Cultures: The Impact of International Communication on Public Opinion Formation.

Day 1 also featured research paper presentations on media, digital communication, and social influence, covering topics like social media’s impact on politics, activism, gender representation, and news coverage.

The second day of the conference saw engaging conversations on the intersection of art and retail marketing by Ms Anushka Guha, an engaging session on gender and the public sphere by Prof Manjula Bharathy, and an impactful panel discussion featuring Dr Milind Kokje (Chief Editor, BioSpectrum Asia), Sahil Joshi (Managing Editor, India Today), and Ms Vaishna Roy (Editor-in-Chief, Frontline), moderated by Ms Chetna Israni( Founder of Morning Star BrandCom) on the theme The Journalist, The Politician, and The Public: Who Shapes Whom?

During the valedictory session, Mr Gautam Lahiri, President of the Press Club of India, along with Prof. Nandakumar Gilke, Registrar of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and Prof. G N Devy, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences reflected on the conference’s role in fostering media accountability and democratic values. Mr Lahiri also shared insights on the history, importance, and role of the Press Club of India, congratulated SVU for successfully organizing the event, and expressed his enthusiasm for greater collaboration with the university in the future.

Prof. G N Devy, emphasized the historical role of Indian media, “From the middle of the 19th century till the middle of the 20th century, Indian media played an active role in gaining independence for this country. That part of the sociological engagement of the media needs to be studied fully.”

Mega Medical Camp in Bind A Historic Public Health Initiative

Bind, Bihar, 20th March 2025 – A historic Mega Medical Camp was successfully conducted at the High School in March second week at Bind campus under the banner of the Dr. Dheeraj Welfare Foundation. The camp, designed to offer quality healthcare services to the needy, received an overwhelming response from the local population.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Girivar Dayal Singh (IAS), Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Bihar, and Deepak Kumar Mishra, Municipal Commissioner, Bihar Sharif, who together lit the ceremonial lamp to signal the starting of the event.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Dheeraj Kumar, Founder of the Dr. Dheeraj Welfare Foundation, underscored the importance of affordable healthcare. “Our mission is to make medical facilities available to all sections of society. A healthy society is the cornerstone of a safe future,” he added. He again went on record saying that he will make sure more such medical camps are organized in order to bring necessary healthcare services to the people and raise awareness among people”.

The camp was able to provide free medical care and consultations to around 4,000 patients. A group of 17 specialist doctors from PMCH Patna, IGIMS Patna, and IMS Patna were actively involved in the process, devoting their skills to treating the people of Bind and nearby regions.

This effort reiterated Dr. Dheeraj’s strong conviction that helping humanity is a moral responsibility. He promised that such initiatives would keep coming in the future, making sure that more people get the medical care they deserve.

The Dr. Dheeraj Welfare Foundation expresses its sincere thanks to all the doctors, volunteers, and well-wishers who helped make this Mega Medical Camp a grand success.

ICRA Business Activity Monitor report for March 2025

This report highlights a significant moderation in year-on-year (YoY) economic activity, with the index registering a 35-month low of 5.6% in February 2025, down from 9.4% in January 2025. This slowdown is attributed to weaker YoY growth across a majority of the constituent indicators, partially influenced by the base effect related to the leap year in 2024.

Key findings of the report include:

The year-on-year (YoY) growth in economic activity, as measured by the ICRA Business Activity Monitor – an Index of high frequency indicators, moderated sharply to a 35-month low of 5.6% in February 2025 from 9.4% in January 2025, amid weaker YoY growth performance across 10 of the 15 constituent indicators, partly reflecting the base effect related to the leap year in 2024. The average YoY growth in January-February FY2025 stands at 7.5%, lower than the 8.8% growth seen during Q3 FY2025. The early trends for March 2025 are mixed, amid an uptick in the growth in electricity generation and a deterioration in the growth performance of average daily vehicle registrations.

  • YoY growth of ICRA Business Activity Monitor moderated to 5.6% in February 2025: After witnessing a robust performance in January 2025, the YoY growth in economic activity slowed in February 2025. The ICRA Business Activity Monitor rose by 5.6% in the month, the slowest pace in 35 months, although this was partly led by the unfavourable base effect owing to the leap year in 2024. There was a deterioration in the YoY growth for as many as 10 of the 15 constituent indicators in February 2025 vis-à-vis January 2025, including most automobile and mobility/transport-related indicators and non-oil exports. With this, the average growth in January-February FY2025 stands at 7.5%, trailing the growth of 8.8% seen during Q3 FY2025.
  • MoM contraction in the index widened in February 2025 vs. February 2024: The index declined by 5.0% on a sequential basis in February 2025 as against the 1.7% fall seen in February 2024, partly on account of higher number of days in the latter month, with 2024 being a leap year. As many as eight of the 13 non-financial indicators witnessed a deterioration in their MoM performance in February 2025 vis-à-vis February 2024, with a particularly weaker performance in vehicle registrations, motorcycle production, non-oil exports, and GST e-way bills.
  • Data for early-March 2025 is mixed: The average daily vehicle registrations stood at 49.9k units during March 1-18, 2025, ~20% lower on a MoM basis and ~27% lower on a YoY basis. In contrast, the YoY growth in electricity demand surged to an eight-month high of 6.7% during March 1-17, 2025 from 2.9% in February 2025, aided by above-normal temperatures and a greater number of heatwave days in the month

ICRA Business Activity Monitor is a composite indicator that comprises:

  • Auto production (2Ws and PVs)
  • Vehicle registrations ▪ Output of Coal India Limited (CIL)
  • Power generation
  • Non-oil merchandise exports
  • Cargo handled at major ports
  • Consumption of petrol and diesel

Finished steel consumption

  • Generation of GST e-way bills
  • Domestic airline passenger traffic
  • Aggregate deposits and non-food credit of SCB

Wealth Creation Week is Back! Zee Business to Guide Investors on Winning Strategies from March 18-28

March 20, 2025:Zee Business, India’s leading Business News Channel, is thrilled to announce the return of Wealth Creation Week—a highly anticipated programming initiative dedicated to equipping investors with expert insights, strategic market intelligence, and wealth-building opportunities. Airing from 18th March to 28th March, this special series goes beyond conventional financial discourse—it’s a movement that has shaped the investment journeys of millions over the years.

First launched in 2020 amid the challenges of the COVID-19 era, Wealth Creation Week proved to be a trusted source of financial guidance, helping investors navigate turbulent markets with confidence. Over the years, it has become a vital knowledge hub for individuals committed to making informed investment decisions. This year, the legacy continues, delivering actionable insights and expert strategies to empower investors in securing long-term financial stability and success.

The 2025 edition of Wealth Creation Week features a dynamic line-up of expert-led programs tailored for both beginners and experienced investors. Starting from March 18th, Wealth Creation Pick will air daily at 9:00 AM & 9:25 AM, offering top stock recommendations to maximize returns. At 9:40 AM, Wealth Creator Research will provide in-depth market analysis and high-impact investment strategies. Additionally, special episodes of Wealth Creator से मिलिए will highlight inspiring success stories of industry leaders, offering valuable insights and motivation for investors at every stage of their journey.

Mr. Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor of Zee Business, emphasized the significance of this show series, stating, “At Zee Business, our mission is to arm investors with the right knowledge and tools to achieve financial independence. Wealth Creation Week is not just about picking stocks—it’s about shaping financial destinies. When investors make informed decisions, their wealth grows, and so does the economy.”

Adding to this, Mr. Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL), highlighted the broader impact of the initiative: “Financial literacy is the cornerstone of wealth creation, and Zee Business has always been committed to empowering citizens with credible financial insights. Wealth Creation Week is designed to inspire, educate, and guide individuals toward financial prosperity, ensuring they achieve their goals with clarity and confidence.”

Beyond its role as an informative series, Wealth Creation Week is a catalyst for financial empowerment—breaking down complex market trends into actionable insights. Whether one is a first-time investor or a seasoned trader, this initiative ensures that every viewer gains the knowledge and confidence to navigate the financial landscape successfully.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 21 News channels, reaching more than 555+ million viewers in current year through its linear properties.

Classic Meets Contemporary: The Great Eastern Home Unveils Its French Collection

March 20, 2025:Transport yourself to an era of grace and grandeur with The Great Eastern Home’s French Collection. Crafted to echo the essence of historic French design, this collection infuses interiors with a regal charm, seamlessly blending classic artistry with enduring elegance.

The Great Eastern Home offers a breathtaking selection of French-inspired furniture and décor, each piece a testament to the legacy of master artisans. From intricately carved chairs and dining sets to ornate cabinets that exude charm, the collection celebrates the beauty of traditional craftsmanship. Elegant vases and lamps add a touch of luminous sophistication, while stately beds and mirrors transport you to the grand salons of France’s aristocratic past. Every item in this collection, from its delicate embellishments to its rich textures, is designed to create an atmosphere of opulence and timeless allure.

Designed to transform rooms into luxurious palatial settings, The Great Eastern Home’s French Collection brings opulent sitting areas adorned with gold leafing and rough texture. From a single statement piece to a full collection for your living room, these pieces allow you to create an atmosphere of unparalleled beauty.

Immerse yourself in the elegance of The Great Eastern Home’s French Collection and enjoy furniture that stands the test of time.