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Anshul Bhatt & Team Secure 3rd Place in Kevin Stansbury Bracketed Round Robin Teams

Anshul Bhatt, a 16-year-old from Mumbai, secured 3rd position in the Kevin Stansbury Bracketed Round Robin Teams event at the North American Bridge Championships (NABC) on 6 December 2024 at Las Vegas. Partnering with Sam Ehrlichman and teaming up with Zain Mahmood and Camilla Schiaffino, their foursome finished just 3 points behind the tied first-place teams. The team played in the highest bracket (Bracket 1) in an event with 18 brackets representing descending competitive levels. A total of 149 teams participated in the event. Bracket 1 included 13 teams from across the world with best performance in North American events. All other brackets had eight teams while Bracket 1 had 13 teams with many top global players.

Anshul Bhatt with Bill Gates at Las Vegas, December 2024, North American Bridge Championship

The Kevin Stansbury Open Bracketed Round Robin Teams is a team-based event held at the NABC, organized by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). Teams are divided into brackets based on their combined masterpoint totals to ensure balanced competition. The round-robin format features matches against multiple opponents within a bracket, with top-performing teams advancing.

Scheduled for 6 December 2024, at the Fall NABC in Las Vegas, the event honors Kevin Stansbury, a distinguished bridge player recognized for achievements in bracketed team events.

L to R: Sam Ehrlichman, Zain Mahmood, Camilla Schiaffino and Anshul Bhatt

In bridge tournaments, top-bracket events cater to elite players, with no upper masterpoint limit. For example, the top-bracket Swiss Teams event includes stratifications at unlimited, 6000, and 4500 masterpoints, providing a competitive platform for the most skilled players.

About The North American Bridge Championships (NABC)

The North American Bridge Championships (NABC), organized three times annually by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), is a premier bridge tournament attracting players of all levels, including the top players in the world. Elite professionals like Zia Mahmood, Meckstroth-Rodwell, and Bob Hamman regularly compete, alongside rising talents, in high-stakes events such as the Vanderbilt Knockout Teams and Blue Ribbon Pairs.

With top-bracket events featuring no upper masterpoint limits, the NABC offers world-class competition while also hosting inclusive events for all skill levels. The Fall 2024 NABC in Las Vegas will again bring together the best in global bridge, fostering competitive excellence and camaraderie.

Exceptional “Women” Shaping the Future of Agriculture Honoured at RevolutioNari Awards 2024 by PepsiCo India

  • RevolutioNari Awards, a first-of-its-kind platform championing women’s empowerment in the agriculture sector, launched by PepsiCo India

  • Aligned to PepsiCo India’s Partnership of Progress philosophy, the inaugural awards embody the company’s belief in sustainable collaboration with farmers and local communities to advance agricultural innovation, gender equality, and economic empowerment

  • Women in agriculture from across the country recognized at the platform, in the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India; Chief Guest Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Minister of Women and Child Development; Keynote Speaker Mr. Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab

PepsiCo India reinforced its commitment to advancing women empowerment in the agricultural sector, by launching a first of its kind platform, the RevolutioNari Conference and Awards 2024 here in New Delhi. Based on PepsiCo India’s philosophy of Partnership in Progress, that reflects its commitment to foster inclusive growth through collaboration with government, partner organizations and communities, the event recognized and celebrated the exceptional contributions of women in agriculture. The event marked the launch of PepsiCo India’s RevolutioNari Anthem, underlining its commitment towards its ongoing flagship program RevolutioNari empowering women.

Honorable dignitaries and PepsiCo India leaders with the RevolutioNari Awards Winners

Ten women farmers from across India, were recognized for setting inspirational examples of women who are leading and inspiring many others towards more meaningful contribution to the sector. They were selected after a thorough evaluation of nominations submitted from across the country. An external jury comprising of sector experts headed by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, reviewed the submissions under five categories:

  • Breaking Gender Stereotypes & Implementing Best Farming Practices: Tapasi Pal from West Bengal awarded Gold and Sanju Yogi from Rajasthan awarded Silver

  • Economic Empowerment through SHGs: Ganapathi SHG from Telangana awarded Gold and Sarayan Farmer Producer Company Ltd. from Uttar Pradesh awarded Silver

  • Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture: Shivani Kisku from Jharkhand awarded Gold and Manguben Jaga from Gujarat awarded Silver

  • Protection and Promotion of Native Indigenous Food Systems: Monika Mohite from Maharashtra awarded Gold and Sujata Paramanik from West Bengal awarded Silver

  • Youth Innovators in Agriculture: Surbhi Kumari from Bihar awarded Gold and Anima Aind from Jharkhand awarded Silver

Present for the awards ceremony and presenting awards to the winners were: Chief Guest Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India; Chief Guest Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Minister of Women and Child Development; Keynote Speaker Mr. Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab. The Hon’ble dignitaries shared inspiring addresses underscoring the imperative to recognize and elevate women’s growing contributions and leadership in agriculture.

Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, shared in his address, “With changing times, our farmers have embraced sustainable agricultural practices, and women have emerged as strong pillars of this system, playing an indispensable role in driving progress. Hence, agricultural development is unimaginable without their invaluable contribution. I congratulate PepsiCo India for empowering and recognizing them as key leaders in the industry.”

Speaking at the event, Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab, shared, “I am incredibly proud to see women’s representation in this room surpassing that of men. Organizations like PepsiCo India are instrumental in helping farmers explore opportunities in agriculture, food processing, and beyond. Women’s participation in this sector is essential for driving sustainable growth and innovation.”

Jagrut Kotecha, CEO, PepsiCo India and South Asia, shared, “At PepsiCo India, we are committed to an inclusive future where women are empowered to lead change. Through our RevolutioNari initiative, which aims to empower 1 million women across India by 2026, we are driving tangible, positive societal impact. As an agri company working closely with farmers for over three decades now;we are committed to enhancing women representation in the sector through this initiative and take immense pride in bringing these remarkable stories to life through the RevolutioNari Awards; our heartiest congratulations to all the winners.”

The Social Lab as the knowledge partner brought together a stellar jury of industry experts for the awards and evaluation. Avian WE, the official outreach partner for the conference and awards, played a pivotal role in driving strategic engagement and elevating awareness for the initiative.

The event was marked by engaging panel discussions, workshops, and knowledge exchanges. Engaging workshops were designed to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape. The panel discussions focused on advancing gender equality and resilience in agriculture. “Policy Perspectives: Advancing Gender Equality in Agriculture” emphasized targeted policies and training to empower women as agents of change. “Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion, Innovation, and Technology” highlighted the role of innovation in enhancing women’s access to resources. “Seed to Smile: Cultivating Resilience for a Better Tomorrow” explored climate-smart practices and farmer empowerment to build a sustainable and resilient future. Over 150 agri sector experts including policymakers, agronomists, opinion leaders, corporates, academicians, etc., attended the RevolutioNari Conference and Awards 2024.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

Ujaas Celebrates Three Years of Girl Empowerment: Parivarthan Yodhas Leading the Change in Menstrual Health in Maharashtra

Ujaas, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, marks its third anniversary with the launch of the campaign Parivarthan Yodha. Through this initiative, Ujaas celebrates and empowers warriors of change-individuals who transform menstrual health practices and awareness within their communities. These Yodhas have the strength to influence a broader network, driving sustainable change and inspiring others to stand up for their rights. By identifying and recognizing these change-makers, Ujaas aims to create a ripple effect, building a chain of empowered adolescent girls who champion menstrual health as a fundamental human right.

Story on Menstrual Practices Kurma Ghar followed in Bhamragad, Maharashtra

Menstrual health management is fundamental, yet millions of girls in India face barriers that impede their education and independence. Ujaas’s work in Tier II markets across Maharashtra has uncovered critical insights: 72% of girls perceive themselves as impure during menstruation, 48% consider periods a curse, and 42% were unaware of menstruation before their first cycle. These findings highlight the urgent need for awareness and systemic change to empower adolescent girls.

In response to these challenges, Ujaas has been dedicated to ensuring maximum outreach. Over the past three years, it has reached 5,92,879 adolescent girls and women, distributed over 4.92 Million free sanitary pads to tackle period poverty, and conducted 18000 awareness sessions to dispel myths and taboos surrounding menstruation. These initiatives have empowered communities with knowledge and resources, challenging entrenched taboos and driving meaningful change in menstrual health management.

Advaitesha Birla, Founder of Ujaas, stated, “Driving change in the menstrual health landscape requires bold, collective action. Ensuring access to free sanitary pads in schools, providing hygienic facilities, and integrating menstrual health education at the right age are essential steps to tackle stigma and boost school attendance. Ujaas is committed to empowering communities through accurate information, free pad distribution to combat period poverty, and training girls to create and manage sustainable cloth pads. Our Parivarthan Yodhas are breaking barriers, but scaling this impact demands stronger collaboration between governments, corporates, and communities to secure dignity and equality for every girl. Periods should not limit aspirations-they should inspire a movement for change.”

The initiative’s impact resonates deeply through stories of transformation led by Ujaas. In Chandrapur, a 14-year-old boy, Rahul Nigam, inspired by a Ujaas session, began educating his tribal community to break menstrual restrictions. At Durgapur’s Swatantraveer Sawarkar Adiwashi Ashram Shala, Ujaas sessions empowered tribal girls to question isolating traditions like Kurma Ghar. In Latur, a 14-year-old student, Seema, learned the health risks of delaying periods with pills and became an advocate for informed health choices among her peers.

The awareness created by Ujaas has not only empowered individuals but has also inspired communities to rethink menstrual health practices. The campaign’s rallying cry encourages girls to drive change in their lives, managing their periods independently, with dignity and without shame. As Ujaas enters its fourth year, it is expanding its reach into more states, aiming to create a nationwide movement that transforms the menstrual health landscape. The call to action is clear: every young girl is invited to become a Parivarthan Yodha-breaking barriers, leading change, and ensuring that periods never stand in the way of their dreams.

About Ujaas

Ujaas, a transformative initiative under the stewardship of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, is committed to fostering positive change and empowerment in the space of menstrual health and hygiene management. With an unwavering focus on driving awareness, breaking stereotypes and myths and contributing to social development in the space of menstrual health and hygiene, Ujaas epitomizes the Aditya Birla Education Trust ethos of contributing meaningfully to society.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Ujaas leverages the values, resources, and expertise of the Aditya Birla Education Trust to create lasting impact. By implementing awareness workshops distribution of free pads, Ujaas serves as a beacon of progress and inclusivity.

Guided by the visionary principles of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, Ujaas embodies the belief that sustainable change begins at the grassroots level. Through collaborative efforts, strategic partnerships, and a deep-rooted commitment to uplift communities, Ujaas aspires to make a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged girls and society at large.

Arena Animation Launches ‘Yuva Scholarships’ to Make Students Employable and Future-ready

Arena Animation, one of the leading animation institutes in the country and training brand of Aptech Limited, has launched its latest initiative “Yuva Scholarship” which offers online entrance exams, special limited scholarships across India to its students and interested aspirants in the field of animation, multimedia, VFX, game design and more.

Yuva Scholarship by Arena Animation offers online entrance exams, and special limited scholarships across India in animation, multimedia, VFX, game design and more

Arena Animation, established in 1996, has been a household name for creative professionals with its centres present all over India. It offers a variety of relevant and comprehensive programs to make AVGC-XR students ready for their professional futures, namely through Animation Prime, VFX Prime, Broadcast Prime, Graphics Web Design & Development, Digital Advertising Design & Marketing, and UI/UX Design, and many more.

Offering up to 35% scholarship, this opportunity is ideal for students who are passionate about Animation, VFX, Game Design, Multimedia and more. This will not only help one to get an edge over the rest but also equip them with industry-ready skills that can open doors to exciting career opportunities across various fields of Media & Entertainment. A limited-time initiative till end of this year, Yuva Scholarships apply to career and professional courses only, for new students as well as an offers an opportunity for existing students to upskill themselves.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer (Global Business Retail), Aptech Limited and Brand Custodian, Arena Animation said, “At Arena Animation, we believe in empowering the next generation of creative professionals by providing them with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in an ever-evolving industry. The launch of our Yuva Scholarships initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and underscoring our vision of creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that supports the aspirations of every student. The government recently also has highlighted its vision for upskilling and focus on the Media & Entertainment sector, thus by offering these scholarships and tailored programs, Arena Animation is committed to training, skilling & education of this crucial sector for India. Our aim is to equip students with industry-ready skills, giving them a competitive edge and opening doors to a world of exciting career opportunities.

According to the FICCI EY M&E 2024, the Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector in India is experiencing substantial growth, with a predicted increase from INR 2.55 trillion to INR3.08 trillion by 2026, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. The animation segment grew by 6% in 2023, reaching INR 114 billion, while VFX expanded by 10% in India. Notably, the Indian M&E sector is projected to expand at a CAGR of 10%, contributing an additional INR 763 billion over the next three years. New media is expected to account for 61% of this growth, with animation and VFX contributing 9%, and television also adding 9%.

Start this journey today and secure the Yuva Scholarship with Arena Animation! First come first serve basis. Register now:www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/arena-yuva-scholarship-print, Scan the QR Code below or give us a call 1800-266-0555 to know more.

About Arena Animation

Arena Animation is a Pioneer, Trendsetter and Global Leader in Media & Entertainment education. Arena has an extensive network of centers and has trained over 4,50,000 students globally since its inception in 1996.

Arena offers industry relevant courses on Animation, VFX, Gaming, Digital, Augment Reality, Virtual Reality and Multimedia to students aspiring for global careers in this New Age industry. It trains students as well as professionals in the latest industry relevant courses backed by alliances with world leaders, a world-class faculty and the latest technical educational tools.

Arena’s students are placed as Graphic Designers, Web Designers, 2D/3D Animators, 2D/3D Designers, AV Editors, Technical Trainers, 3D Modellers, game designers, Multimedia Programmers, Compositors, Visualizers, Content Developers and Pre and Post Production executives in blue chip animation studios and entertainment companies like Technicolor, MPC, Dneg, Prime Focus, Crest Animation Studios, EFX, UTV Toons, Toonz Animation, Prasad Studio, Color Chips, Ramoji Film City, Green Gold Animation, DQ Entertainment, Paprikaas Animation Studios, UshaKiron TV, Sony TV, Google India, TOI, DD Sports, Discovery Channel, Divya Bhaskar, Asianet Satellite Communications, ETV, NDTV, Zee Sports and Zee TV to name a few.

For further information please visit www.arena-multimedia.com/in/en

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Get Ready to Celebrate Christmas and New Year at Bangkok’s EM District with Extended Hours

This holiday season, EM District is poised to be a global festive destination, welcoming tourists from around the world to experience the magic of Christmas and New Year in Bangkok. Home to the iconic Emporium, EmQuartier, and Emsphere, these venues will extend their department store operating hours from December 20, 2024, to January 31, 2024 until 11 PM, and until midnight at Gourmet Market and Gourmet Eats. As a top destination for luxury shopping, world-class dining, and exceptional entertainment, EM District invites guests from across the globe to revel in a vibrant holiday atmosphere in the heart of Thailands capital.

EM WONDER at EMSPHERE: The Heartbeat of Bangkok’s Nightlife!

Watch EM WONDER at EMSPHERE: The Heartbeat of Bangkok’s Nightlife! – www.youtube.com/watchv=bclgLrNcSWc.

In 2024, Bangkok became the worlds most-visited city according to Euromonitor International, attracting 32.4 million visitors, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand projecting a 60% year-over-year surge in visitors during the holiday season from December 22 to January 1, 2025.

Get Ready to Celebrate Christmas and New Year at Bangkoks EM District

Bangkoks festive season is aglow with vibrant lights and bustling activity, centered around the vibrant EM District, comprise of 3 shopping mall: Emporium, Emquartier and Emsphere, a must-visit for holiday shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Making waves this season, Emsphere is the citys newest hotspot for nightlife and entertainment. Its crown jewel is EM WONDER, a world-class entertainment hub boasting premier bars and nightlife experiences on the 5th and 5M floors. Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group, describes it as “Bangkoks sleepless metropolis,” rivaling iconic nightlife districts like Lan Kwai Fong and Clarke Quay.

Dont miss the Tribes Sky Beach Club, a rooftop marvel offering panoramic views, festive cocktails, and live music that embodies the holiday spirit. Another must-see is ButterBear, the adorable mascot whose dance performances and bakery souvenirs have become an instant hit among locals and tourists alike.

Across from Emporium, EmQuartier dazzles with its Iconic Christmas Tree, a shimmering centerpiece surrounded by high-street fashion boutiques like Gentle Monster, Off-White, Zara, and more. Its gourmet restaurants deliver everything from hearty holiday feasts to creative fusion dishes. And with year-end sales in full swing, its a shopaholics paradise.

Get Ready to Celebrate Christmas and New Year at Bangkoks EM District

For those seeking exclusive gifts, Emporium enchants with sophisticated holiday displays and a curated selection of luxury items. From high-end jewelry to artisanal beauty products, its the perfect place to find that unforgettable holiday treasure.

Nestled in the bustling Phrom Phong area, the EM District is easily accessible via the BTS Phrom Phong Skytrain station, with a skywalk connecting all malls for seamless exploration. Nearby, Benchasiri Park provides a serene escape with its lush greenery-a tranquil spot to catch ones breath amid the festive buzz.

Visitors looking to shop, dine, or soak in the sparkling holiday atmosphere, Bangkoks EM District offers an unparalleled experience. This festive season, let the citys dazzling lights, vibrant culture, and endless celebrations are set to make Christmas and New Year unforgettable for all who journey to this dynamic destination.

Ascendion Earns Great Place to Work Certification

  • Great Place to Work has once again recognized Ascendion as a leading employer, solidifying Ascendion’s leadership in AI-first software engineering and talent orchestration.

  • Empowering innovation with “Engineering to the Power of AI,” boosting developer velocity and slashing time-to-market.

  • Recognized for a culture of trust, inclusion, and bold innovation-building the future of work where people and AI thrive together.

Ascendion, a trailblazer in AI-powered software engineering, is proud to announce once again its certification as a great workplace. This global accolade reinforces our commitment to a workplace culture that drives innovation, fosters inclusion, and empowers individuals to thrive.

Prakash Balasubramanian, Executive Vice President, Engineering Services, Ascendion

At Ascendion, we redefine what it means to be a technology leader by delivering “Engineering to the Power of AI”. Our mission is to revolutionize software engineering with AI-driven talent orchestration and innovation, solving critical client challenges in trust, velocity, and capital efficiency. This certification isn’t just a milestone-it’s a reflection of our values: bold optimism, relentless curiosity, deep empathy, and unwavering allyship.

Being recognized as a great workplace for two years in a row highlights the transformative culture we’ve built-one that empowers our people to achieve extraordinary outcomes for themselves and our clients,” said Prakash Balasubramanian, Executive Vice President, Engineering Services. “This recognition validates our relentless focus on leveraging AI to elevate human potential, enabling our teams to create software that impacts lives.”

Our people are the heart of Ascendion,” added Sangeeta Shetty, Associate Vice President, Human Resources. “This certification reflects the trust, respect, and innovation that fuel our culture. It belongs to every Ascender who embodies our mission to deliver AI-enhanced solutions that drive meaningful change.”

As a Great Place To Work CertifiedTM company, Ascendion continues to lead in AI-first engineering, leveraging proprietary platforms like AVA+ to boost developer velocity by 60%, achieve 100% engineering transparency, and cut time to market by nearly half. Our innovative approaches empower enterprises to scale faster, innovate smarter, and deliver real-world impact.

This recognition builds on our recent accolade as one of India’s Best Workplaces™ in Health & Wellness 2023 and further solidifies Ascendion’s reputation as the partner of choice for engineering a future shaped by generative AI and human ingenuity.

About Ascendion

Ascendion is a leading provider of AI-powered software engineering services. With a focus on applied AI, software engineering, cloud, data, experience design, and talent transformation, Ascendion accelerates innovation for Global 2000 clients. Ascendion is headquartered in New Jersey with a remote/hybrid workforce and 30 offices across the U.S., India, and Mexico. Ascendion is a leader in digital engineering services, dedicated to providing innovative solutions that empower businesses.

For more information, please go to www.ascendion.com.

About Great Place To Work

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Their mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their recognition is the most coveted and respected in the world for elevating employer brands to attract the right people. Their proprietary methodology and platform enable organizations to truly capture, analyze, and understand the experience of all employees. Our groundbreaking research empowers organizations to build cultures that retain talent and unlock the potential of every employee. Since 1992, their Certification, Best Workplaces™ Lists, and global benchmarks have become the industry standard, built on data from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries around the world.

Learn more at www.greatplacetowork.in.

‘Jio Presents Hamleys Wonderland in Association with Ajmera Realty’ – India’s Largest Family Festival is Back at Jio World Garden, Mumbai, from 19th to 30th Dec

Jio presents Hamleys Wonderland in association with Ajmera Realty, India’s largest family festival, will be held at Jio World Garden in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex from 19th to 30th December 2024.

A stunning aerial view of Jio Presents Hamleys Wonderland in association with Ajmera Realty

With over 100 experiences, including rides and entertainment zones to engage families and create holiday memories, the event promises to be a captivating experience for the whole family. The event is designed with Jio’s philosophy of making life beautiful for every Indian at the core.

Guests can soak up the city’s festive magic with the Flying Santa, who will zip across the venue on his merry sleigh and spread the festive cheer. The Hamleys Grand Parade will be the highlight of the event, and children will get to meet-and-greet their favourite toon characters, Hamley & Hattie Bear, and the Wonder friends.

Jio is the presenting partner of Hamleys Wonderland, which is in association with Ajmera Realty – a leading real estate developer with a strong legacy of over 55 years based in Mumbai with a presence in multiple cities across India.

Hamleys will launch two special attractions this season – Martian Adventure and House of Illusions. All-time favourite rides such as the Ferris Wheel, Scrambler, Wipeout, and Carousel will return, along with exclusive experiences such as the Haunted Circus and Glow in the Dark.

The event also features a Carnival Game Zone, Hamleys Play Area, and World Food Festival, among other amazing entertainment avenues. A massive and fun Lego Playground and Barbie Zone will undoubtedly thrill all.

Taking place over the expansive 1.40 lakh sq.ft. of open space at the Jio World Garden in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Jio presents Hamleys Wonderland in association with Ajmera Realty was launched as an annual calendar event in 2019 that would further strengthen BKC’s position as the emerging cultural hub within Mumbai. Established in 2015, Jio World Garden has been instrumental in positioning BKC as the epicentre of cultural events within Mumbai by hosting some of the best, biggest, and premium events in the city.

Among the other partners that have activated, the event features IDFC First Bank Credit Cards, which will provide discounts to their customers. New brands such as Little Joys, Raskik, and Arun Ice Creams will be present at the event, in addition to our long-standing partners such as RElan, Recron, Topps, Edamama, Mothercare, Pottery Barn Kids, Barbie, and Lego.

Tickets can be purchased on BookMyShow and range between Rs 999 to Rs 1499 for entry.

The Art of Living Propels a Powerful Shift Toward Sustainable Agriculture

In a transformative effort to reshape Indias agricultural landscape, a strong collaboration between The Art of Living Social Projects, Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), key Indian ministries, and NABARD is propelling a nationwide shift toward sustainable farming practices. This project focuses on advancing agroecological techniques in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, with a particular emphasis on elevating women in agriculture – a cause deeply aligned with The Art of Living Social Projects’ commitment to agricultural sustainability and women’s leadership in rural development.

A traditional start paves the way for an immersive journey

Encouraging Women Leaders in Agriculture

A key element of the Agroecological Transformation Processes in India (SuATI) project is the training of women leaders in agriculture. Over 4,000 Krishi Sakhis (women farmers) have already been enabled with knowledge in natural farming, transforming not just their farming practices, but their roles as change agents in their communities. These women are fostering eco-friendly practices, inspiring local progress, and becoming pillars of positive change in rural India.

Intensive training in natural farming to revitalise rural economies

Expanding Reach: Training Cluster Coordinators

To further amplify this impact, 140 Cluster Coordinators will receive specialised training to expand the adoption of agroecological practices through Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The Art of Living Social Projects’ holistic approach enhances this initiative by incorporating Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique known for its benefits in stress management and emotional resilience. This unique combination of practical farming knowledge and emotional well-being ensures that the Krishi Sakhis are not only skilled in sustainable agriculture but also geared to lead, mentor, and inspire others in their communities.

Intensive Training for Cluster Coordinators

The first batch of 40 Cluster Coordinators recently completed an intensive training session at The Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru. The organisation, renowned for its sustainability and climate action initiatives, provided these coordinators with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to promote natural farming in rural areas. Equipped with essential skills and inspired to lead change, these supervisors are now ready to promote climate-resilient farming practices across the region. Collaborating closely with an empowering network of Krishi Sakhis, they are set to ignite a self-sustaining agricultural revolution contributing to rural resurgence.

Reshaping Rural Development through Women

The SuATI project demonstrates the transformative power of women-led, localised initiatives in driving meaningful change in rural India. By uplifting women farmers, the project not only advances agroecology but also strengthens rural resilience and enhances food security. Through the collaboration of The Art of Living Social Projects, GIZ, and Karnataka-SRLM, a future is being paved where women will play a pivotal role in transforming India’s agricultural landscape, reshaping the very fabric of rural development. Armed with knowledge and leadership skills, Krishi Sakhis will transform agriculture from the ground up – creating a ripple effect that will resonate throughout their communities for generations to come.

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, inspired by the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing peace, well-being, and humanitarian service.

By promoting eco-friendly farming practices and providing essential training to rural communities, The Art of Living is addressing challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. The organisation places a special emphasis on women’s leadership, offering them the skills and resources to drive change, creating a ripple effect that contributes to the social and economic upliftment of entire communities.

In addition,The Art of Living is actively involved in other critical areas, including water conservation, afforestation, renewable energy, waste management, and rural development. Through these combined efforts, The Art of Living is creating a more sustainable, resilient, and harmonious future for all.

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Chennai Legends Crowned Winners of the 3rd Edition of Ability Sports League, Supported by Cycle Pure Agarbathi

Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer and title sponsors for Ability Sports League T20, concluded the final match, held on 16th December at Alur KSCA Ground, Yelahanka. In a thrilling final match of the 3rd edition of the league, Chennai Legends emerged victorious, defeating Bengaluru Eagles by 53 runs. The match showcased the exceptional skills and abilities of wheelchair athletes from across the region. The event was graced by the presence of Spandan Kaniyar, Sports Head & Deputy News Editor, Kannada Prabha, Mukund Shetty, Sports Head, Samyuktha Karnataka, and Krishnappa Gowtham, Indian all-rounder who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket, and marquee player of Mysore Warriors.

The 3rd edition of the Ability Sports League witnessed Chennai Legends triumph over the Bengaluru Eagles

Chennai Legends showcased a sensational performance, led by Suresh Selvams explosive innings of 111 runs off just 43 balls. Despite a resilient effort from Saliesh Yadav of Bengaluru Eagles, who scored 42 runs off 28 balls, the match belonged to the Legends. Jenish Antos outstanding bowling spell, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs in 4 overs, played a pivotal role in securing a memorable victory for the Chennai Legends.

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director,Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “We congratulate the Chennai Legends for their brilliant performance, and all the participants for their dedication and spirit. The Ability Sports League T20 celebrates the abilities of athletes beyond physical challenges, and fosters a spirit of inclusivity, courage, and perseverance in everyone, which we hope to continue to bring to other sporting leagues.”

Cycle Pure Agarbathi has made significant strides in fostering a vibrant sports culture. By supporting events including the Tiger Cup and the victorious Mysore Warriors in the 2024 Maharaja Trophy, the organization has positively impacted the local community and inspired aspiring athletes.

About NRRS

The Mysuru-based NRRS was founded by Shri N. Ranga Rao in 1948. A true visionary and philanthropist, Shri Ranga Rao created the ubiquitous Cycle Pure Agarbathi which has, today, become the largest-selling incense stick brand in the world. From a home-grown enterprise, NR Group has evolved into a successfully run business conglomerate with an established presence in India and abroad. The Group has diversified into various business categories like functional air care products (Lia brand of room fresheners and car fresheners), wellness home fragrance products (IRIS) under Ripple Fragrances, floral extracts (NESSO), and Rangsons Technologies. Today, it is truly an Agarbathi to Aerospace conglomerate as it is also involved in making parts for defense helicopters. The organization has largely committed to social responsibilities and fulfills them, through its charity arm ‘NR Foundation’.

NR Group today is managed by the third generation of the Ranga family. For more information on NR Group, please visit www.nrgroup.co.in.

Razorpay POS Launches Industry First AI-Powered ‘Razorpay Recon’ to Automate Reconciliation for Businesses; Boosting Financial Operations Efficiency by 80%

With an intent to reform financial data management for businesses, Razorpay POS, the offline payments arm of the fintech major, today announced the launch of ‘Razorpay Recon’, an industry-first AI-powered reconciliation solution to streamline and automate financial operations for businesses. The solution aims to empower businesses to manage large volumes of transactions with greater accuracy, boosting the efficiency of financial operations by 80%.

What is Reconciliation and why is it important

Simply put, reconciliation of transactions refers to the process of verifying and matching the records of financial transactions such as bank statements, payment gateways, invoices, and internal transaction logs between two or more systems to ensure accuracy and consistency. Reconciliation is crucial because it helps businesses identify discrepancies, such as missing transactions, duplicate entries, or errors in amounts, which can lead to financial loss or fraud if left unaddressed.

In todays fast-paced business environment, managing reconciliation has become increasingly complex due to the sheer volume and variety of transactions. Digital payments in India continue to surge, with a year-on-year (YoY) transactional volume growth of 42% in FY 2023-24, which is poised to grow by three times in FY 2028-29. Many businesses deal with multiple payment methods-online, offline, and custom – which makes manual reconciliation not only time-consuming but also error-prone. Additionally, the use of different systems for payment collections, disbursals, and financial reporting adds to the chaos, creating separate data sources that are difficult to align. This fragmented approach often results in undetected discrepancies, delayed action on financial issues, and increased risk of fraud, ultimately threatening the financial stability and compliance of businesses.

Razorpay Recon addresses these challenges by streamlining financial reconciliation processes and providing businesses with better control over their financial operations. Leveraging the power of AI, Razorpay Recon aims to enable businesses to reconcile transactions, as many as 200 million per month, more accurately, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors, thereby improving financial operations productivity by 80%. The solution is designed to tackle critical issues faced by finance teams-particularly in offline retail-including discrepancies, fraud risks, money loss incidents, and inefficiencies in manual reconciliations. Razorpay Recon supports multiple types of reconciliation, including online (such as payment gateway transactions, settlements, and bank statements), offline (POS transactions, bank files, and cash statements), and custom use cases tailored to industry-specific needs.

Commenting on the launch, Kunal Gothivarekar, Head of Razorpay POS said, “As businesses scale and transaction volumes increase, managing financial reconciliation has become more complex and time-consuming. At Razorpay, we recognize that this challenge can lead to costly errors and inefficiencies, especially for enterprises with diverse payment methods. Razorpay Recon isn’t just a tool-it’s a transformative solution designed to automate and simplify the reconciliation process, saving businesses valuable time and resources. By leveraging AI and advanced analytics, we’re helping businesses not only stay on top of their financial data but also proactively identify discrepancies and mitigate risks. With Razorpay Recon, businesses can now focus on growth and innovation, leaving behind the burdens of manual reconciliation.”

Razorpay Recon offers a user-friendly, self-serve dashboard that simplifies the reconciliation process. Unlike traditional systems, Razorpay Recon not only automates the reconciliation of financial records but also provides advanced analytics to help businesses identify mismatches, uncover discrepancies, and track trends in their financial data over time.

About Razorpay POS

Razorpay POS, the offline payments arm of Razorpay, is a comprehensive payment solution that empowers businesses to streamline their offline payment processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and enable businesses to give their customers a superior in-store checkout experience. With state-of-the-art devices like mPOS, Dynamic Soundbox, Android Smart POS, POS Mini, and Pin-on-Mobile, Razorpay POS helps businesses stay ahead of the curve. Through the acquisition of Ezetap (now Razorpay POS) in August 2022, Razorpay forayed into the world of offline payments. With this vertical, Razorpay has evolved into an omnichannel payment and banking platform for businesses that helps Indian businesses with comprehensive and innovative solutions built over robust technology to address the entire length and breadth of the payment and banking journey for any business.