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Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation to Host the Inaugural HSBC Taj o Taj Festival, Agra

The Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, is thrilled to announce the inaugural edition of the HSBC Taj o Taj Festival. This festival promises a magical, mystical, and rich confluence of Indian culture and heritage against the stunning backdrop of the Taj Mahal in Agra. It marks a historic moment, as such an event is being held after more than two decades! The festival will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2025, at Gyarah Siddhi Park, Near Mahtab Bagh, Nagla Devjit, Agra, from 3:30 PM onwards till sunset.

HSBC Taj O Taj Event

This is a 2 day festival, on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2025 with the support of and in association with Govt. of UP, Ministry of Tourism – UP, and Agra Development Authority (ADA), and Taj Mahotsav. We are also grateful to Indian Oil (IOCL) & Voltas Beko for their support to this unique festival in it’s first edition.

The pious land of Uttar Pradesh has always enriched the culture of our great country. Most of our country’s performing arts repertoire, is inspired from Lord Krishnas Leela. The preservation and promotion of Bharats rich tradition of performing arts and culture is a critical intervention. And what better way than to present it to the global audiences against the backdrop of one of the worlds most loved monuments, the Taj Mahal.

This is a unique moment indeed, and will be etched in the minds of people across the world, as after more than 2 decades a Festival will held at Gyarah Siddhi, which has Taj Mahal as the back drop.

Durga Jasraj speaking about this exciting initiative said, “We are committed to make our Bharats Sanskriti richer and feel extremely responsible since Hon. Prime Minister of India, Respected Narendra Modi ji launched the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation. The exquisite monument Taj Mahal, makes it imperative that we present a festival, which we hope in time will attract even more tourists from across the world to experience the mystique of Bharats confluence of Culture and Heritage which HSBC Taj o Taj – Cultural Ode to Taj Mahal aspires to present thereby bringing pride to our nation’s glory.

Mr. Sandeep Batra from HSBC speaking about this exciting initiative said, “Commenting on the occasion, Sandeep Batra, Head, International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India, said, “We are honoured to be part of the Taj o Taj Festival, a celebration that showcases the spirit of Indias rich cultural tapestry against the enchanting backdrop of the iconic Taj Mahal. This is more than a tribute to our heritage, its a testament to the timeless legacy of Indian arts. At HSBC, we believe in the power of connecting people to opportunities, and through our association with this festival, we are bringing the world closer to India’s majestic cultural history. This historic event is a bridge between the past and the future, and HSBC is privileged to be a part of this special occasion.”

The schedule of Performances

Day 1 – 22nd February 2025:

1.Haveli Sangeet

This ancient form of Traditional Indian Music is an important part of our rich Cultural Heritage. Originally known as ‘Pushtimargi Sangeet’ and is typically performed in temples of Lord Krishna (havelis). It is a description of Lord Krishna’s daily life activities, that has been written by ‘Ashtachap Kavis’ (8 Saints). This genre has significantly enriched the repertoire of our vast Indian Music. The legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj is singularly instrumental in taking this unique and beautiful divine genre to the masses, with his compositions, which became hugely popular globally.

Performing Artistes – Pt. Ratan Mohan Sharma and Ankita Joshi

Sunil Avchhat (Flute), Ramakrishna Karambelkar (Tabla), Abhinay Ravande (Harmonium), Omkar Dalvi (Pakhawaj), Uddav Khumbar (Indi-Percs), Devendra Chitnis, Vivek Naik, Purti Joshi, Divya Tawde (Chorus)

2.Ghazals

A carefully curated Ghazal performance, paying a Tribute to the incredible legacy of the Titans – great masters like Jagjit Singh, Mehdi Hassan, Begum Akhtar and others…

Performing Artistes – Pratibha Singh Baghel and Maestro Deepak Pandit

Prashant Sonagra (Tabla), Atul Raninga (Keyboards), Akhlak Hussain Varsi (Harmonium), Arshad Khan (Irshad)

Day 2 – 23rd February 2025:

1.DHAA, a tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain

Percussion, the heartbeat of Music, never fails to move each of us… Day 2 begins with a heartfelt musical tribute to one of the greatly respected and admired musicians globally – Ustad Zakir Hussain. This very personal musical tribute will showcase the virtuosity, collaborative influence & power that his music continues to resonate amongst music lovers.

Performing Artistes – Maestro Taufiq Qureshi and Shikhar Naad Qureshi, percussion duet on Djembe & Drums

Abhinay Ravande (Harmonium)

2.Legendary Wadalis

Powerful voices blending with deep spiritual notes, will come alive with the grand finale Sufi-Qawwali performance of this 2-day special festival. Soulful renditions of Sufi poetry will enthrall the audience, with the prowess of the legacy of the Wadalis.

Performing Artistes – Padma Shri Ustad Puran Chand Wadali ji and Akademi Yuva Puraskar Awardee Lakhwinder Wadali

Aslam (Tabla), Rakesh Kumar (Dholak), Ashwani (Dhol), Munish Kumar & Ajay Pal (Keyboards), Rajinder Kumar (Octapad), Ajay Singh (Lead Guitar), Keshav Chandra (Bass Guitar), Vikrant (Drums), Subhash Singh, Ajay Kumar, Jai Karan Singh & Gagandeep Kumar (Chorus)

Tourism Malaysia Resumes to Attract the Indian Market at SATTE 2025

Tourism Malaysia returns to the South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE), one of India’s largest tourism fair for its 21st participation in New Delhi. The three-day event occurring from 19th to 21st February is a continuous effort to keep Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination in the minds of Indian travellers.

Tourism Malaysia booth inaugurated by H.E. Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India along with Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia Delhi

Tourism Malaysia intends to focus on niche products such as shopping, golfing, luxury tourism, soft tourism, theme parks and honeymoon packages to inspire the global campaign of Visit Malaysia 2026 at this year’s SATTE. Consequently, Tourism Malaysia is also leveraging the niche product segments such as wedding with Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

Malaysian dignitaries with H.E. Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India along with Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia Delhi

Being recognized as the Best MICE Destination 2024 in the Indian market, Malaysia continues to maintain its reputation and a destination of choice for Indian corporations. With approximately more than 40,000 trade visitors, the event anticipates a significant increase in Indian tourists to Malaysia through the rigorous promotion and stronger cooperation between tour operators and members of the tourism fraternity.

Tourism Malaysia booth at SATTE 2025 with 60 Malaysian suppliers participating

The Malaysian delegation is headed by Mr. Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director of Tourism Malaysia New Delhi Office, together with 60 organisations representing tour agents, hotel and resort operators, tourism product owners, airline operators, Sabah Tourism Board and Tourism Melaka.

Mr Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director of Tourism Malaysia New Delhi Office stated, “Tourism Malaysia remains committed in attracting a growing number of Indian visitors, catering to their diverse preferences. The Indian market has been a significant source of visitors to Malaysia for over two decades. With the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign, we are focused on significantly increasing arrivals from the Indian market.

India has been a priority market for Malaysia, given the strong economic ties with cultural connections between the two countries. Hence, India is currently Malaysia’s sixth-largest source of visitors.

In 2024, Malaysia recorded a total of 38 million visitor arrivals, with 1.4 million coming from India. In terms of air connectivity, 237 flights with over 43,000 seats are offered weekly between India and Malaysia, operated by Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia, Air India, and IndiGo.

Furthermore, Tourism Malaysia will leverage on the announcement of the visa-free policy for Indian travellers to Malaysia until 31st December 2026 as this is an opportunity to promote increased travel from India to Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia is currently conducting various promotional activities in the Indian market such as, the Malaysia Food and Cultural Festival from the 17th to 23rd February at Pullman Hotel New Delhi Aerocity alongside its participation in the recent Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2025 from 30th January to 1st February in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia has also concluded a roadshow campaign across three main cities in India, namely Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kochi from the 2nd to the 11th February.

About Tourism Malaysia

Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nations tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.

About South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange 2025

The South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2025 will host over 2,000 exhibitors and attract more than 40,000 visitors from across the globe. It offers a comprehensive platform to domestic and international buyers and professionals from across the travel, tourism and hospitality industry along with National and State Tourism Boards (NTOs and STOs). SATTE is recognized as Asia’s Leading travel and tourism exhibition to conduct business, share knowledge, exchange ideas in order to arrive at solution-driven innovations to accelerate the pace of the growth of the industry.

Marking 75 Years: Gullas College of Medicine Host Indo-Philippines Cultural Education Exchange Summit Celebrating Friendship and Collaboration

India | Philippines

Gullas College of Medicine hosted the Indo-Philippines Cultural Education Exchange Summit to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The event took place at the GCMI Auditorium, Gov. M Cuenco Ave., Banilad, Mandaue City, Philippines, under the theme: “A Union Fostering Global Connections: Integrating Education, Healthcare, Culture, and Tourism for a Sustainable Future.”

From Left Honourable Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, Chevalier Dr. VG Santhosham, Joselito Francisco Gullas, Vice Governor Hilario Davide III

A highlight of the summit was the unveiling of the Thiruvalluvar Statue, honoring the revered Tamil poet and philosopher known for his literary masterpiece, the Tirukkural. This statue symbolizes Tamil heritage and philosophy, marking a significant cultural milestone in the Philippines. It reflects the deep historical ties between India and Southeast Asia and resonates with the growing Indian student community in the region.

4th from left Honourable Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, 3rd from right Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director, Transworld Educare and Kings international Medical Academy, 2nd from right Dr. David Pillai, President, Transworld Educare and Chairman of Kings international Medical Academy

The Summit holds deep significance for both Filipino and Indian communities, celebrating a shared history of cooperation since the Treaty of Friendship signed on July 11, 1952. The event was graced by Honourable Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, as the Chief Guest.

Among the distinguished attendees were:

  • Honourable Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines

  • Honourable Excellency Former President of Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

  • Honourable Excellency Abdullah Daya Saidu, First secretary of the Nigerian Embassy

  • Honourable Excellency Rangsant Srimangkorn, Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines

  • Honourable Former Chairperson Eleanor B. Almoro, Chairperson, Board of Medicine, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

The Indo-Philippines Cultural Education Exchange Summit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties through education, healthcare, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

Event Highlights:

  • Opening Remarks by Atty. Joseph Baduel, Vice President for Operations, Gullas College of Medicine Inc.

  • Cultural Performances – Featuring Sakhyam Dance Academy and Lanhing Batangan Dance Troupe.

Key Remarks from Leaders: –

Honourable Excellency Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, remarked “The Indo-Philippines relationship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for progress. As we mark 75 years of diplomatic ties, initiatives like the Indo-Philippines Cultural Education Exchange Summit deepen our collaboration in education, healthcare, and culture. The unveiling of the Thiruvalluvar statue at Gullas Medical College reflects our shared reverence for knowledge and wisdom.”

Dr. David K Pillai, Chief Executive Consultant, Gullas College of Medicine, has also mentioned. “It is such a privilege to celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations between the Philippines and India. Over the years, this relationship has grown stronger through a rich exchange of culture, literature, and education. The Philippines has established itself as a premier destination for students seeking world-class medical education, and with the recent reforms tabled in the Senate allowing students from any country to practice in the Philippines, this marks a significant milestone-especially for Indian medical aspirants. I am confident that this will open new avenues for bright Indian students, further strengthening academic ties and paving the way for a future of excellence in medical education.”

Mr. Kadwin Pillai, CEO, Transworld Educare Pvt Ltd and Kings International Ltd., added, “We at Transworld Educare and Kings International extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of the Philippines and its Ministry of Education for commemorating Indo-Philippines 75 years of friendship at such a grand scale. The unveiling of the Thiruvalluvar statue is not just a tribute to a literary icon but a significant gesture of respect towards Tamil heritage and the people of India.

Furthermore, we appreciate the Philippines for providing world-class medical education to aspiring Indian students. In recent years, there has been a surge of 25% in Indian students choosing the Philippines over other countries for medical education, a testament to the nation’s high academic standards and student-friendly policies.

The event was concluded by closing speech by Kathreena Pillai, Member of Executive Committee.

About Gullas College of Medicine Inc.

The Gullas College of Medicine (GCM) was established in 1977 by the Gullas family in Banilad, Mandaue City, in response to the growing demand for more physicians to address the medical and healthcare needs of the country. The founding of GCM aimed to provide students from the Visayas and Mindanao with access to excellent medical education closer to their localities, thereby expanding opportunities for those regions.

The University of the Visayas, founded in 1919 by Don Vicente Gullas and his wife, Lady Josefina R. Gullas, has a long-standing legacy of producing distinguished alumni in various fields, including government service, law, engineering, architecture, medicine, nursing, business, and the arts. The Gullas College of Medicine is an integral part of the University of the Visayas educational system, proudly upholding the Gullas family’s legacy of academic excellence and service.

For more information, please visit gcm.edu.ph

About Transworld Educare Pvt Ltd.

Transworld Educare Group of companies, established in 1999, is a leading provider of medical education abroad and a premier institution for NEET and FMGE aspirants. Transworld Educare in association with Davao Medical School Foundation & Gullas College of Medicine has successfully placed over 6000+ Indian students as doctors around the world with #1 rank in passing percentage at FMGE since the last 14 years.

Transworld Educare has a strong association with the Philippines, primarily as a facilitator of medical education for Indian students. It is recognized as a pioneer in introducing the Philippines as an ideal destination for pursuing MBBS degrees. The consultancy promotes high-quality, cost-effective medical education in Philippine institutions, which follow globally recognized curricula and use English as the medium of instruction. Transworld Educare collaborates with leading medical colleges, such as Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), Gullas College of Medicine and Brokenshire Medical College, providing Indian students access to world-class education and clinical training.

For more information, please visit transworldeducare.com

SRM University-AP Expands Its Management Forte with the Launch of B.Com. (CA Integrated) & B.Com. (Fintech and Banking)

Marking a significant stride towards expanding academic offerings and equipping students with the skills required for the evolving business landscape, The Paari School of Business at SRM University-AP has launched two new specialisations for its B.Com. programme – B.Com. (CA Integrated) and B.Com. (Fintech and Banking).

Dignitaries lighting the lamp at the B.Com. launch event

The event witnessed the presence of stalwarts from Banking, Data Analytics and Chartered Accountancy along with the Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP, Prof. Manoj K Arora, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Dean-Paari School of Business, Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Head-Department of Commerce Dr A Lakshmana Rao, faculty, staff and students from the school. Mr Ruhbir Singh, CEO of Tatvic, a Global Analytics Firm, was the Chief Guest; Mr Bala Iyer, MD of Barclays Bank, was the Guest of Honour, and CA Ravi Kishore, President of ICAI Vijayawada Branch, was the Keynote Speaker.

Chief Guest and other dignitaries at the launch of the new B.Com. specialisations

Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora appreciated the school for its launch of specialisations that will generously benefit the management education offered at the university. Dean Prof. Bharadhwaj briefly spoke on the objective of launching the two new specialisations and the expected outcome of the B.Com. programme. “At Paari School of Business, we offer modern, contemporary, and cutting-edge programmes that meaningfully align with current market demands. The curriculum of the two new specialisations is tightly integrated with the Fintech and CA fields and will be taught by industry experts and seasoned professionals,” stated Prof. Bharadhwaj in his welcome address.

This initiative by the Paari School of Business invokes innovation, inspiration, and excellence. In his address, Mr Ruhbir Singh, a pioneer in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics, elucidated the strategies for making it big in the business frontier. He remarked, “Critical thinking, keeping abreast with technology, and learning to present yourself are the pivotal skills graduates must equip themselves with to sprint to high-impact placements.”

Guest of Honour Mr Bala Iyer emphasised the importance of networking and building connections among different strata of the business and economic fields as the real wealth that one must accumulate. In his keynote address, CA Ravi Kishore also underscored the significance of practical and soft skills accompanied by a mindset for continuous learning triumph over academic qualification in the real world. Both dignitaries launched the specialisations B.Com. (Fintech and Banking) and B.Com. (CA Integrated) respectively.

The event also witnessed the launch of the much-awaited two-day Business fest AMEYA’25 by the Chief Guest Mr Ruhbir Singh. AMEYA’25, the Management Mavericks’ Meet will hold numerous formal and informal events, ranging from Business Development to PR and Entrepreneurship, with a prize pool of Rs 1.75 Lakh. The Fest will welcome students and participants from management colleges and universities from Vijayawada and Guntur. The event concluded with the felicitation of the esteemed and dignitaries and a vote of thanks from Dr A Lakshmana Rao, Head of the Commerce Department.

OneScore: Ultimate Solution To Free Credit Checks and Instant Loans

With a quick loan app, borrowers can easily secure a collateral-free loan via their mobile phone anytime, anywhere. One such platform is the OneScore app, which gives its users complete transparency all through the borrowing process, starting from credit checks to applying for a loan. Here is a guide on each step of the borrowing process on OneScore.

Step to Get a Personal Loan

The process of borrowing on the OneScore App starts with a credit check. Here are the steps one needs to follow:

Checking Credit Score

Before reaching the application stage, borrowers can easily ensure they qualify for the loan by checking their credit score. This step is crucial because any time their loan application is rejected, it directly impacts their credit score and their chances of getting a loan from other lenders.

OneScore takes the guesswork out of this process by allowing users to check their credit scores from both CIBIL and Experian for free on its app. This way, they do not need to go elsewhere to check their creditworthiness and can complete the process on the OneScore App from start to finish.

Improving Credit Score

After knowing their credit score, borrowers can directly proceed to the application stage unless their score is insufficient. In this case, they will need to improve it before applying. OneScore makes this easy by offering a custom strategy to boost their score, thanks to its personalised insights.

Using the Score Planner tool, users can also choose the score they want to attain in a specific timeframe. By following the tips and exercising patience, users can improve their scores easily.

The OneScore App tells them about the factors that are causing the drop in their score. In case fraudsters have taken a loan or credit card in their name, that can also damage their score. With OneScore, borrowers can check all their active loan accounts and directly report such fake loan accounts to CIBIL and Experian.

Getting the Loan Offer

After checking and improving their credit score, borrowers become eligible for a loan offer tailored to them. Through OneScore, they can check their best offer for a loan of up to Rs. 5 lakhs right on the dashboard. This simplifies decision-making as borrowers can also check other loan terms and complete the application process with just a few taps.

Completing the Application

The main purpose of using an easy loan app is to enjoy a speedy and easy process. OneScore ensures this with minimum steps, which are:

  • Tap on ‘Get Started’ on the OnePL banner

  • Select the required loan amount

  • Select employment type

  • Select loan amount range

  • Wait for the loan offer

About OnePL – the Personal Loan Facility

OneScore offers users inclusive access to financing by simplifying all aspects of the journey. Here are the eligibility terms and other details offered by this quick loan app:

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a personal loan on the app, borrowers need to meet the following terms:

  • They must have a minimum credit score of 730

  • They must have a monthly income of Rs. 20,000 or more

  • They must have a valid Aadhaar and PAN card

Loan Amount

Anyone applying for a loan on OneScore can get up to Rs. 5 lakhs or more. The maximum qualified loan amount depends on their credit score.

Interest Rate

Depending on the partner lender, borrowers can get an affordable interest rate as per their eligibility. Here are the interest rates offered by the lenders.

  • Federal Bank: Starting from 12.5% p.a.

  • South Indian Bank: Starting from 15.9% p.a.

  • Kisetsu Saison Finance (India) Private Limited: Starting from 13.5% p.a.

Processing Fee

Here are the processing charges applicable for each lending partner for complete transparency:

  • Federal Bank: 1.5% to 2.5% or minimum Rs. 999

  • South Indian Bank: 1% + Rs. 750 Digital document charges

  • Kisetsu Saison Finance (India) Private Limited: 1% to 4%

Tenure Options

For comfortable repayment, one can choose up to 48 months to repay their loan on OneScore. Since some borrowers prefer to be debt-free as soon as possible, they prefer shorter tenures. For such borrowers, a minimum of 6 months of tenure is available.

Considering these features, the OnePL facility on OneScore is the smart choice for urgent or planned financial needs. To embark on the journey for better credit health and easy borrowing, users can download the app and get started.

Milton Homewares Paid Tribute to Art, Culture and Sustainability at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025

Milton, a pioneer in homeware solutions, proudly served as the Associate Sponsor of the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) 2025, held from January 25th to February 2nd. With an immersive lineup of events, installations, and interactive sessions, Milton infused sustainability into the heart of Mumbai’s premier cultural festival.

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Gate Arch: A gate arch with horses crafted from Milton Steel bottles

As a brand committed to responsible living, Milton’s collaboration with Kala Ghoda Arts Festival was driven by a shared vision of sustainability. By seamlessly integrating art, travel, and culture, Milton encouraged festivalgoers to embrace eco-conscious choices while celebrating creativity.

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Bottle Painting: Happy Festivalgoers from the bottle painting workshop

Gate Arch: An Ode to Sustainability
The entrance to the fest was an artistic rendition of two brilliant silver horses, made entirely of Milton steel caps and bottles, a marvelous showstopper that paid tribute to the spirit of sustainability while showcasing the beauty of upcycled art, at one of the nation’s biggest celebrations of art and culture.

Mirror of Change: A Call for Sustainable Action
Inside the festival, Milton unveiled ‘Mirror of Change‘, an awe-inspiring installation. The life-sized horse sculpture, crafted from plastic waste, stood in stark contrast to its counterpart, a mirror reflection-a 3D steel horse made from Milton’s reusable bottles-symbolizing a shift towards sustainability. A strategically placed mirror invited visitors to reflect on the impact of plastic waste and the role of sustainable alternatives.

Bottle Painting Workshop: Travel Sustainably with Milton x The Yellow Brush Studio
Blending art and sustainability, Milton teamed up with The Yellow Brush Studio for a Bottle Painting Workshop, inspiring mindful travel habits. Participants personalized their Milton steel bottles with vibrant, hand-painted designs, choosing travel-themed motifs-backpacking, beach, mountains, or camping-based on their travel style. The message was clear: ditch single-use plastics and embrace artistic, reusable travel companions. Across two workshops, nearly 120 participants of all ages-school kids with parents, college students, working professionals, couples, and art and travel enthusiasts-came together to create, connect, and celebrate sustainable travel.

A Feast for the Senses: Fables & Flavours with Milton Procook
Food and culture intertwined at Fables & Flavours, an engaging session, with cookware partner Milton Procook, saw Dr. Tabinda Jalal Burney, author of Fabulous Feasts, Fables and Family, joined by historian and Master Chef Osama Jalali to take audiences on a nostalgic journey through Awadhi cuisine. Live recreations of traditional dishes brought the rich flavors of history to life, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation for culinary heritage.

ProCook Contest: Celebrating Culinary Passion with a Fun Twist
Milton’s ProCook Contest added an element of excitement to the festival. Attendees participated by clicking a picture in the cutout standee, impersonating a chef tossing vegetables in the air effortlessly. The top three tagged entries won exclusive discounted merchandise and VIP passes to a special comedy show. This initiative showcased how Milton seamlessly became a part of the festival’s joyous spirit.

Manisha Vaghani, the Head of CSR at Hamilton Group said of the association, “At Milton, we believe that art and sustainability are powerful catalysts for change. Art has the ability to evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and spark meaningful conversations-making it a vital tool in driving awareness and action for a better world. Our partnership with the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival reflects our commitment to fostering environmental consciousness through creative expression. By engaging the community in initiatives that highlight the importance of sustainable living, we aim to inspire a collective movement towards a greener future-where art not only beautifies spaces but also becomes a voice for the planet.”

Brinda Miller, Hon. Festival Director, KGAF & Hon. Chair, KGA added, “We have been collaborating with Milton since two editions of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Together we have forged a great synergy between arts, culture and sustainability, and Milton has been a great partner on ground. In this 25th edition, the Milton products have been attracting the festival audiences through their well-designed, eco-conscious range of household products and we were thrilled to have them on board to reinforce the message of climate consciousness amongst the youth.”

From creative workshops to heritage walks, Milton bottles were by the festivalgoers’ sides, keeping them refreshed while reinforcing the importance of sustainable hydration. Their innovative pop-up store inside the festival, sold special collection bottles, with customised artistic prints and hand painted designs, giving consumers a chance to own a stylish, bespoke bottle as a partner in their everyday adventures.

By integrating innovative experiences with an eco-conscious message, Milton made an indelible impact at KGAF 2025, proving that sustainability and art can go hand in hand. The company is currently also in the middle of an expansive Green Drive, with trees planted for every sale worth a certain amount happening through their D2C website. The initiative has resulted in 13,000 trees already planted, truly embodying Milton’s larger commitment to sustainability.

About Milton Homewares
Founded in 1972, Milton has been a trusted name in Indian households for over five decades. With a robust network of retailers and strategically located manufacturing units nationwide, Milton is committed to delivering innovative and efficient houseware products that simplify daily living and enhance your everyday moments. Their diverse product range, including cookware, appliances, glassware, serveware, reflects their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. The brand aims to be in each household, across categories. As a part of the Hamilton Group, Milton continues to evolve along with the ever changing consumer and their lifestyle, bringing positive change to households across India and in over 60 countries worldwide.

HDFC Life Wins ICAI Award for Best Financial Reporting for 2023-24

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Silver Shield in Category-III – Life Insurance at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting 2023-24.

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HDFC Life Wins ICAI Award for Best Financial Reporting for 2023-24

This prestigious award was presented to HDFC Life by Honourable Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, at the ICAI Awards ceremony held in New Delhi.

Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) since 1958, these awards recognise companies that demonstrate outstanding financial reporting standards. The esteemed jury selects winners after a thorough review of the accounting practices adopted in financial statements, disclosure policies, and presentation of financial statements. The top two winners are chosen on their adherence to Indian Accounting Standards, statutory guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

What makes this recognition even more special is that HDFC Life is the only life insurance company to feature among the awardees this year.

HDFC Life has been on a continuous journey to financially secure Indian citizens by offering a wide range of life insurance solutions. Since its inception, the company has provided financial protection to millions of customers and their families, serving as a safety net in times of need while enabling them to achieve their long-term financial goals. The company’s commitment to its policyholders is reflected in its 99.5% claim settlement ratio for FY24.

Speaking on the award, Niraj Shah – Executive Director & CFO, HDFC Life, said, “This is a proud moment for all of us at HDFC Life. This award reinforces our values of transparency and good governance. At HDFC Life, we are committed not only to financial security of our customers but also to sustainable and responsible business practices. We continue to strengthen our governance framework while driving long-term value for our stakeholders and contributing towards a more resilient future.”

HuntVastuHomes Launches ‘Check Vastu of Your House’ Feature, Making Vastu Compliance Check Global and Accessible

HuntVastuHomes.com, the pioneering real estate platform for Vastu compliant properties, announces the launch of its new feature, Check Vastu of Your House, enabling users worldwide to evaluate the Vastu compliance of their property. With this innovative feature, users can upload their floor plan with any one direction marked and receive a comprehensive Vastu rating, including pros and cons, in a timely and efficient manner.

HuntVastuHomes.com Launches World’s First Real Estate Portal on Vastu, Led by Vastu Expert Dr. Smita Narang

This groundbreaking feature makes HuntVastuHomes.com a truly global platform, allowing users to check the Vastu rating of any property, whether or not it is listed on the website. Whether buying, renting, or owning a property anywhere in the world, users can make informed decisions without relying on subjective opinions from Vastu consultants.

A System-Driven Approach Backed by Expertise

The Vastu ratings are system-generated, utilizing an advanced algorithm designed by renowned Vastu expert “Dr. Smita Narang“, combined with human validation for accuracy. This approach offers users a reliable and scientific analysis of their property’s Vastu compliance.

Statements from the Co-founders

Raj Kumar Narang, Co-founder & CEO of HuntVastuHomes.com, said, “With the launch of Check Vastu of Your House, we are making Vastu insights accessible to everyone, everywhere. Users can now evaluate their propertys Vastu compatibility without confusion, empowering them to make confident decisions.”

Dr. Smita Narang, Co-founder and Vastu Expert, added, “Our proprietary system, built on years of Vastu consultancy experience, delivers Vastu ratings with precision. The higher the rating, the better the Vastu. This feature offers clarity and confidence, making Vastu assessment simple, transparent, and globally accessible.”

A Global Offering with Local Relevance

The new feature breaks geographical barriers, making Vastu assessment available to users worldwide. Whether a user is in India, the United States, Dubai, or elsewhere, they can now check the Vastu of their current or prospective home without the need for expert visits.

About HuntVastuHomes.com

HuntVastuHomes.com is a unique real estate portal combining technology with the ancient science of Vastu Shastra. The platform offers Vastu compliance ratings for properties based on an algorithm developed by Dr. Smita Narang. Users can explore properties, view Vastu ratings, and now, check the Vastu of their own properties simply by uploading a floor plan.

For more information, please visit the website huntvastuhomes.com.

RKG Ghee in Association with SICA Launches ‘Steppingstone’, A Mega Career guidance Event for the Final Year Students of Culinary Colleges in Tamil Nadu

In a pioneering collaboration, RKG Agmark Ghee and the South India Chef’s Association (SICA) joined hands to launch ‘Steppingstone‘ – a transformative initiative designed to bridge culinary education and industry requirements, by empowering the next generation of culinary professionals with essential skills, industry insights, and professional development opportunities.

RKG Ghee in association with SICA launches ‘Steppingstone’, for the final year students of culinary colleges in TN

1500 final year students from 50 plus colleges from Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy participated in the one-day event and gained in-depth knowledge on varied topics including, building a successful culinary business, exploring the future, growth opportunities in the culinary industry, mastering personal and professional finances and mastering the art of communication to name a few. The Chennai chapter hosted the career program at the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, where 210+ students from 17 colleges attended from across surrounding districts. Coimbatore chapter conducted the event at Hindustan College of Arts and Science, with 265+ students from 17 colleges across surrounding districts. In Trichy the event was held at SRM Institute of Hotel Management, engaging 715+ students from 30 colleges across surrounding districts. Hosted at Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy College of Science, the Madurai chapter had 290+ participants from 24 colleges from the surrounding districts.

Speaking about the first-of-its-kind partnership event between an FMCG brand and a culinary association, G. Aravind – Managing Partner RKG said, “Steppingstone’ will be an enriching learning experience for many next-gen culinary professionals, also a gateway to effective networking with the culinary experts and veterans in the industry. This platform will provide students the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience through a combination of interactive workshops and engaging speaker sessions that will help them make informed decisions related to their careers.”

I take this opportunity to sincerely thank and appreciate SICA for coming on board to launch this redefining career guidance initiative and also for bringing in eminent speakers, hospitality thought leaders and culinary industry experts to inspire the young future talents,” he added.

In his inaugural address, the President of South India Chef’s Association (SICA) Padmashri Dr. Damodharan Kothandaraman, (Dr. Chef Damu) appreciated and applauded all the student participants for taking the first step towards registering for ‘Steppingstone’ to enhance their career prospects in the culinary industry. He also expressed his extreme delight regarding SICAs remarkable contribution towards turning RKGs dream of launching a career guidance program for aspiring master chefs and other culinary professionals, into a reality.

Awards & Recognitions
The event recognised the best institutes, hotels and restaurants in the industry for their excellence in service under three categories. The Best Hotel Management Institute, The Best Hotel and The Best Restaurant.

Madurai
Best Hotel Management Institute: Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy College of Science

Best Hotel: Grand Madurai by GRT Hotels
Best Restaurant: Cine Suvai

Coimbatore
Best Hotel Management Institute: Hindustan College of Arts & Science

Best Hotel: The Residency Hotels
Best Restaurant: Haribhavanam Hotels

Trichy
Best Hotel Management Institute: SRM Institute of Hotel Management

Best Hotel: Sangam Hotels Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirapalli

Chennai
Best Hotel Management Institute: Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Tharamani

Egis Strengthens Multidisciplinary Offerings with the Launch of Cost Consultancy Services Across the Region

Egis, a global leader in architecture, consulting, construction engineering and mobility services, has announced the launch of its Cost Management services across the Middle East and South Asia – an expansion that responds directly to the evolving complexities of today’s built environment. With unprecedented levels of investment in infrastructure, real estate, and sustainable urban developments, the demand for strategic cost consultancy has never been greater. Shifting regulatory landscapes, and the increasing prioritisation of sustainability necessitate expert financial stewardship to optimise project viability from inception to completion and operation.

This strategic introduction ensures that Egis is uniquely positioned to deliver unparalleled value to clients by integrating commercial insight with its well-established multidisciplinary expertise. Clients benefit from a seamless, end-to-end consultancy offering, where cost consultancy forms a cornerstone in realizing ambitious masterplans, giga-projects, and critical national infrastructure.

To lead this initiative, Egis has appointed Simon Trafford as Regional Director for Cost Consultancy. With over 35 years of experience in cost consultancy services, Simon has played a pivotal role in shaping the financial frameworks of some of the worlds most ambitious and transformative developments. His distinguished portfolio and deep understanding of regional dynamics, financial governance and cost optimization will be instrumental in ensuring returns on investment, while upholding the highest standards of sustainability and efficiency.

Simon Trafford

Commenting on his appointment, Simon Trafford said,I am delighted to be joining this dynamic and rapidly expanding business. This is an exciting time to be part of Egis and contribute to their transformational journey. The acceleration of development across the market means placing greater emphasis on cost predictability, value engineering and commercial efficiency. Through our integrated delivery model, and building on the legacy and expertise from the recent Thomas & Adamson acquisition, Egis is now uniquely positioned to tackle these challenges, delivering sustainable, future-ready cities and developments. Furthermore, by adding Cost Consultancy to our portfolio of services we will enhance our clients’ experience by providing a knowledge-based commercial proposition to the success of all our projects.

Simon’s appointment follows Egis’ acquisition of Thomas & Adamson, a UK-based cost management firm with a legacy of excellence dating back to 1935. This move significantly strengthened Egis’ advisory capabilities, enabling a robust cost management function that aligns seamlessly with client needs in the Middle East and South Asia. By embedding cost consultancy within its multidisciplinary approach, Egis offers a distinct advantage-bringing together technical excellence, economic prudence, and sustainable foresight to deliver projects that are future-proofed against emerging industry challenges.

About Egis

Egis is an international player active in architecture, consulting, construction engineering and mobility services. We create and operate intelligent infrastructures and buildings that respond to the climate emergency and contribute to more balanced, sustainable and resilient territorial development. Operating in 100 countries, Egis puts the expertise of its 19,500 employees at the service of its clients and develops cutting-edge innovations accessible to all projects. Through its wide range of activities, Egis is a key player in the collective organisation of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world.

With 3,500 employees across 8 countries in the Middle East, Egis has delivered over 700 complex development projects, stimulating economic growth and enhancing quality of life. Ranked among the top five firms in the Middle East by Engineering News Record (ENR), Egis is committed to sustainable development. The Group’s operations in the Middle East are built on strategic acquisitions and a deep understanding of local market conditions. Egis’ long history of providing comprehensive engineering, consulting, and project management services makes it a trusted partner for regional governments, investors, and developers.

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