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Durex The Birds and Bees Talk Celebrate Growing Up Life Skills at The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

Durex The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT), an impactful program by Reckitt, global leaders in consumer health and hygiene, once again made a significant mark at the highly anticipated Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024. The event was inaugurated by Shri. Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, alongside Shri. Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Meghalaya, Shri. Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya and Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of Development of North-Eastern Region, Government of India, among other dignitaries.

Winners of the vibrant and inspiring graffiti competition based on Durex TBBT’s five pillars-Inclusion, Consent, Protection, Awareness, and Equity-at the Cherry Blossoms Festival 2024

With over 50,000 visitors each day, the two-day festival showcased stellar performances by global icons including R&B artist Akon, legendary disco band Boney M, British band Clean Bandit and Dutch Moroccan DJ R3HAB; Bollywood stars like Kanika Kapoor and Jasleen Royal as well as local favourites like Khasi Bloodz, SK Korn, Lucas, The Great Society, Rito Riba, and Queen Sensation.

In collaboration with Department of Health, Durex The Birds and Bees Talk sparked conversations about growing up life skills at the festival’s only and biggest Health pavilion. The Durex TBBT Arena featured a diverse range of activities, including a graffiti competition, 360-degree rotation camera booth, photo opportunities with TBBT mascots Joy and Bubble and exciting give-aways like postcards, fridge magnets featuring expressive art and bags. The pavilion attracted over 30,000 visitors daily from across states, including Gen Alpha, Gen Z and millennials. It served as a hub for engaging conversations on life skills, safe practices, and fostering healthy attitudes.

Durex TBBT emphasized its five key pillars – Inclusion, Consent, Protection, Awareness and Equity – through a dynamic graffiti competition curated by Pulak Rabha, a renowned Guwahati-based artist specializing in sculpture, painting, graphics and applied arts. Hosted in collaboration with National Health Mission Meghalaya, the competition offered young artists a platform to express their perspectives on the program’s core values. The jury included Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt; and Ms. Flourish Lyngdoh, State Consultant, Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram & Comprehensive Primary Health Care, National Health Mission Meghalaya.

The competition saw participation from thousands of candidates who travelled from hundreds of miles from far off districts of Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal representing different tribes and showcased their exceptional talent on canvas. 11 standout participants were shortlisted to present their artistic interpretations of TBBT’s pillars live at the festival grounds, creating vibrant, thought-provoking graffiti. The winning artist, Shembhalang Thawbroi from East Khasi Hills, focused on the pillar of Protection, highlighting the importance of stopping harmful habits and empowering positive change. He was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 50,000. Other winners included Selwyn Anderson Suchiang (East Khasi Hills) and Noibid Borah (Nagaon, Assam), while special mentions were given to Albert Kurbah (East Khasi Hills) and Mrinmoy Boro (Kamrup, Assam), who also received cash prizes for their outstanding art.

On this occasion, Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia, shared, “At Reckitt, we aim to bridge education and experience by giving young people a voice and a platform to express, understand, and advocate for the values that shape their futures. Through Durex Birds and Bees Talk, we’re proud to be part of the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, a unique confluence of art and culture that fosters meaningful conversations. By integrating life skills education into such vibrant cultural setting, we underscore the importance of dialogue in shaping a safer, more inclusive world, while celebrating the power of creativity to inspire positive change.”

Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt, added, “Mediums like Graffiti, Music and Art transcend language and dialect, creating a universal platform for connection and expression. At the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, we leveraged these powerful art forms to spark meaningful conversations on sensitive yet vital topics. By establishing the festival’s only and largest Health Pavilion and initiatives like the graffiti competition, Durex TBBT fostered an inclusive environment where young minds could engage, reflect and advocate for values that shape their future in impactful and memorable ways.”

Shri Abhilash Baranwal. IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya, said, “I was deeply impressed by the graffiti created by the participants, which beautifully captured the core messages of The Birds and Bees Talk program. I also reviewed the thoughtfully designed curriculum by TBBT, and I believe initiatives like these are crucial, especially in today’s social media-driven era, to raise awareness on consent, sex education, and health. I hope this impactful work expands to regions like Ri-Bhoi district and wish the team continued success.”

Ms. Flourish Lyngdoh, State consultant Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram & Comprehensive Primary Health Care, National Health Mission, Meghalaya, said, “We are thankful to Durex The Birds And Bees Talk for partnering with National Health Mission on it’s journey to make the state of Meghalaya healthier. By empowering our youth to make informed decisions, TBBT aligns seamlessly with our mission to create a unified impact on their lives.”

Implemented by Plan India, Durex TBBT program reaches youth across ten states in India, focusing on cultivating growing up life skills for adolescents. Through structured interventions, the programme promotes essential conversations among adolescents, teachers, and communities. Durex TBBT addresses challenges faced by adolescents by delivering age-appropriate, accurate information, fostering healthy behaviours, and equipping youth with life skills, values, and attitudes essential for becoming responsible, empowered adults.

John Cockerill to Showcase Cutting-Edge Technologies at METEC India 2024

John Cockerill, a global pioneer in industrial engineering, is excited to announce its participation at METEC India 2024, the premier event for the metallurgy, steel casting, and metal forming industries, taking place from November 27-29 in Mumbai. As India strengthens its commitment to green steel production to achieve its ambitious decarbonization goals, METEC India 2024 will serve as a platform for John Cockerill to showcase its latest advancements in sustainable steelmaking technologies and high efficiency manufacturing solutions, empowering the nation’s drive towards a greener, more resilient industrial future.

John Cockerill to Showcase Cutting-Edge Technologies at METEC India 2024

With a strong commitment to transforming the Indian steel industry, John Cockerill’s participation will highlight innovative technologies that meet both the evolving needs of Indian steelmakers and global regulatory standards. From Jet Vapor Deposition (JVD) technology, which enables sustainable coatings, to E-Si technologies for electrical steel production, John Cockerill is focused on supporting India’s Vision 2047 goals for a sustainable and energy-efficient steel sector.

Commenting on the company’s participation in METEC, Franois-David Martino, CEO of John Cockerill Industry and Chairman of John Cockerill India Limited, said, “METEC India 2024 is a tremendous opportunity for us to engage with key players in the Indian steel sector and share our advancements in sustainable steel technologies. Our mission is to partner India’s steel industry with practical, proven solutions in manufacturing green and advanced steel that help meet critical decarbonization targets.”

Placing an emphasis on India’s role as a global steel manufacturer, Michael Kotas, Managing Director of John Cockerill India Limited, said, “The Indian steel sector is scaling newer heights, showcasing its potential to achieve more along the way. METEC India is an ideal platform to demonstrate how our technologies can support the nations drive to a greener future for the steel industry.“

At METEC India 2024, John Cockerill will showcase advanced technologies that support India’s steel industry in its decarbonization efforts and address the rising demands of the electric mobility sector. Experts will present E-Si, a comprehensive solution designed to enable steelmakers to sustainably produce high-quality electrical steel. The E-Si line is designed specifically for producing high-performance electrical steels, essential in the manufacture of efficient electric motors and transformers, paving the way for energy-efficient applications across the industry.

Key highlights include Jet Vapor Deposition (JVD) technology, a low-emission alternative to traditional galvanizing, which enhances both environmental performance and operational efficiency. This state-of-the-art solution for the coating of metal strip optimizes the quantities of zinc used and thus production costs.

Additionally, John Cockerill will offer a preview of Volteron™ technology for net-zero steel production, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. Volteron™ is a carbon free, cold direct electrolysis process that extracts iron from iron ore using electricity. It is the world’s first industrial-scale low temperature, iron electrolysis plant targeted to start production in a first phase in 2027 of between 40,000 and 80,000 tonnes a year of iron plates.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the John Cockerill team and explore how these innovations advance both production capacity and environmental goals.

Join John Cockerill at METEC India 2024 to explore the future of sustainable steel production and discover how advanced technology can unlock India’s potential as a global leader in green steel.

Bridging Organic Farming to Markets: Join BIOFEST 2024 in Bangalore on December 27-28, 2024 for Networking, Market Linkages, and Recognition

The International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) is set to host ‘BIOFEST 2024,‘ a two-day event on December 27-28, 2024, in Bangalore, featuring a Buyer Seller Meet and a Conclave focused on strengthening market linkages in the organic sector. The event will culminate with the Jaivik India Awards, honouring individuals and organizations making remarkable contributions to organic agriculture and its allied sector. This year is the 5th edition of the awards programme and the 20th year of its Inception. As India’s leading knowledge and learning centre for organic agriculture, ICCOA has played a pivotal role in promoting all facets of organic farming across the country.

The organic market size in India is currently valued at Rs. 10,000 crores, despite organic production worth Rs. 95,000 crores. In comparison, the global market stands at Rs. 12,00,000 crores, highlighting a huge gap that needs to be addressed by enhancing connections between farmers/farmer groups and buyers. In this context, The Buyer-Seller Meet will play a key role in connecting farmers/FPOs with buyers, fostering business collaborations, and expanding market opportunities. ICCOAs past BSM programs have generated business for over INR 146 crores. The Conclave will bring together CEOs and policymakers, with an emphasis on updating knowledge on emerging technologies, changing regulations, and market dynamics. This will help address the current challenges in accessing markets. The focus will be on the knowledge economy, helping stakeholders stay updated with the latest information and strategies to adapt to the changing organic agriculture landscape. To register for the event kindly visit www.iccoa.org and youtube.com/watchv=X5-6dX8m3x4&feature=shared

You can see the brochure here

Call for Nominations for Jaivik India Awards
The Jaivik India Awards will recognize exceptional achievements in the organic sector, with a jury composed of esteemed members from the government, progressive organic farmers, researchers, exporters, and representatives from the organic and natural farming industries. The selection process will ensure transparency and fairness in awarding the most deserving candidates in the industry.

Additionally, awarded FPOs will be trained for export and will stand a chance to participate in Biofach Germany, one of the world’s largest organic trade fairs, providing them with a global platform for growth.

ICCOA invites nominations from interested individuals and institutions until November 30, 2024. For more information, contact: +91- 9902745413

Award Categories
Farmers in Organic & Natural Farming (12 Farmers in 4 zones). (Farmer will also be awarded with cash prize). Government / State Govts / Agencies (6 Awards for their Pro-Organic Policies), North-East Region and Himalayan State (3 Awards), Other State (3 Awards), Exporters of Organic Products (6 Awards), North-East Region (3 Awards), Other States (3 Awards), Organic Brands in Domestic Markets (3 Awards), Companies with Direct Farmer Projects (6 Awards), Direct Farmer Projects-North-East Region (3 Awards), Direct Farmer Projects-Other Region (3 Awards), Certification Agencies (3 Awards), Regional Councils (3 Awards), Companies Marketing Organic Millets (3 Awards), FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisation) in Organic Business (6 Awards), FPOs from North-East Region (3 Awards), FPOs from Other Region (3 Awards), Best Research Institute (3 Awards), Organics / Natural Testing Labs (3 Awards) and Organic / Bio Inputs (3 Award).

About ICCOA

International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture is India’s leading knowledge and learning centre promoting organic agriculture and agribusiness. It also provides a platform for interaction to all stakeholders in the organic sector. Started in 2004 it has 20 years of experience and expertise working with organic sector – from farmers, traders, research and academic institutions to governments and policy makers. Having presence across 28 states of India, has supported nearly 3.7 lakh farmers to convert 1.46 lakh hectares into organic farming and facilitated formation of 268 FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisation) with nearly 1.49 lakh farmers.

autoX ‘Best of 2024’ Awards Winners Revealed: These are the Top-10 Machines of the Year

50 contenders competed in a gruelling Mega Test at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) for the honour of being crowned the autoX ‘Best of 2024’ Award Winners, reserved for only the ten best machines of the year.

What is the autoX Best of 2024

The annual autoX Mega Test is conducted in order to select the top-ten machines launched in the past year. They do this by gathering all the machines launched in the past twelve months in India and testing them to near destruction in order to choose the most outstanding machines of the year.

Winners of the autoX Awards, these 10 machines are the Best of 2024′

The top-ten consists of five four wheelers, three two wheelers, and two special awards for performance car and bike of year – these go to the fastest car and bike around the short loop of the BIC. The Awards were handed out at prestigious award ceremony, held at the Andaz hotel at Aero City in New Delhi.

How does autoX choose the ‘Best of 2024’

They evaluate machines on quality, comfort, ride, handling, refinement, design, drivetrain, practicality and value-for-money. Plus, they rate a vehicle’s X-Factor – that special something, je ne sais quoi if you will, that a car or bike brings to the table which just pulls at your heart strings that little bit more than the competition. In addition, a Lap Time provides a uniform method to determine all the dynamic factors of a vehicle, such as power, high-speed stability, handling, braking, etc.

Their aim is to be as transparent, objective and scientific about this as possible.

Who chooses the Best of 2024

The full team of autoX experienced road testers – with over 100 years of cumulative experience in testing cars and bikes – score every vehicle on the different parameters listed above before the final scores are averaged to ensure that no biases come into play. They also publish these points in order to be totally transparent.

Why is this test conducted at the BIC

Because it’s the only place where each new vehicle can be tested in a controlled environment. The BIC allows the team to push every vehicle to its limit, revealing the inherent engineering under the skin – or lack thereof. This is true for everything from a Ferrari to an Ather.

Dhruv Behl, Editor-in-Chief, autoX, said, “Our aim is to identify the most outstanding machines launched in the past year across segments. The machines that make up the autoX Award winners, our ‘Best of 2024,’ are the definitive 10 best machines launched in the past year.”

Here are the ten autoX award winners:

Best of 2024: 4W

MG Windsor EV

Hyundai Creta

BYD Seal

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Best of 2024: 2W

Aprilia RS 457

BMW R 1300 GS

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Best of 2024: Performance Car of the Year

Ferrari Roma Spider

Best of 2024: Performance Bike of the Year

Kawasaki ZX-6R

The autoX Awards 2024 were conducted in collaboration with Indian Oil as Exclusive Fuel Partner, ICICI Lombard as Exclusive Insurance Partner, Tamil Nadu Tourism as Tourism Partner and BMC as Technical Partner. To get all the details on the autoX Awards, visit the awards microsite by clicking here www.autox.com/awards.

You can follow autoX through its monthly magazine, which has recently celebrated its 18th anniversary, on it social media platforms, YouTube channel, as well as its fully revamped, cutting-edge website by clicking here www.autox.com.

FICCI FLO Trade Connect: A Platform for Women Entrepreneurs to Display Their Cutting-Edge Products and Services

FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), an organization that promotes entrepreneurship and professional excellence for women in India, organised a day long Trade Connect event ay Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. Women entrepreneur members from its 20 chapters across India showcased their products and services for domestic and international markets.

FICCI FLO Trade Connect

FICCI FLO is committed to empowering women and its national initiatives span across a diverse range of aspects of personal and professional growth. These efforts not only strengthen our national economy but also create a supportive ecosystem where women can excel and lead. With its vision going beyond the national stage, FICCI FLO is committed to provide its members a global presence through partnerships, trade delegations, and cross-border collaborations.

Around 50 women entrepreneurs displayed their products and services from key sectors such as textiles and apparel, handicrafts, food processing, IT and digital services, health and wellness products, sustainable and eco-friendly products, tourism and hospitality industry. There was an interactive session of women entrepreneurs with representatives from 19 nations- USA, Peru, Finland, UK, Chile, Japan, Germany, Armenia, Belgium, Egypt, Latvia, Israel, Austria, Angola, Bhutan, Vietnam, Lithuania and Mexico.

“FICCI FLO has created an enduring impact on the lives of countless women across India, from seasoned entrepreneurs to those taking their first steps into business. Our objective is to work towards shaping a future where women are empowered to lead across all sectors and borders, and where FLO’s legacy of impact will continue to inspire, uplift, and connect women worldwide,” said Ms Joyshree Das Verma, National President, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO).

The Business Interaction segment had pre-scheduled meetings tailored to the members specific interests, where every participating nation offered unique perspectives and opportunities. The Deputy Heads of Mission, Trade and Commercial Ministers, First Secretaries, Trade Counsellors, Trade Advisors, and many embassy representatives were present at the event. The trade connect presented a strategic opportunity for FICCI FLO to expand reach, empower its businesses, and envision new partnerships that foster bilateral relationships between India and other countries.

Ekya Nava Inaugurated as India’s First K-12 School of Innovation, Creativity, and Design at Second Edition of FIND Festival

Amid the vibrant activities of the FIND Festival – a celebration of learning, learners and educators – Ekya Schools proudly inaugurated India’s first K-12 School of Innovation, Creativity, and Design: Ekya Nava. This is a first-of-its-kind, purpose-based school designed to nurture a problem-solving mindset throughout a student’s learning journey, igniting purpose through experiential methods and community involvement. Ekya Nava aims to cultivate the future generation of thinkers, innovators, technology-forward entrepreneurs and shapers of the world.

Dignitaries during ‘Ekya Nava Inaugurated as India’s First K-12 School of Innovation, Creativity, and Design at Second Edition of FIND Festival’

The event was attended by the Honourable Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Government of Karnataka, Shri Madhu Bangarappa who emphasized the need for transformative education. Shri. Madhu Bangarappa shared, “Quality education matters the most. To truly improve it, we must give educators and institutions the freedom to innovate.” The occasion was further honored by Dr. K. P. Gopalkrishna, Founder & Chairman, TISB and National Public Schools who highlighted the changing education landscape. He stated, “The focus in education has shifted towards holistic learning, which emphasizes understanding the practical aspects of student life. There is tremendous scope for experimentation and research in this field, helping students develop critical thinking and creativity.”

The inauguration featured a series of engaging activities as part of the FIND Festival, including a Design Thinking Challenge, a learning showcase, interactive workshops, engaging panel discussions, museum installations, a human library, and a student life gallery. Additionally, the event witnessed the launch of the book “Prompting the Future- AI for Transformative Teaching” by the Ekya Professional Development Institute, which provides hands-on tools for teachers to navigate complexities of AI, making instruction more efficient and impactful.

FIND festival serves as Ekya School’s flagship celebration event that offers a platform for collaboration and exploration of innovative approaches to learning. The focal point of the event was the Design Thinking Challenge, where students collaborated in teams to brainstorm this year’s theme: “How might we use technology to promote kindness in our community“. The challenge provided a glimpse into Ekya Nava’s dynamic, hands-on approach, reflecting its commitment to fostering critical thinking and real-world skills through experiential learning.

In addition to the chief guests, the ceremony was further enriched by the presence of Dr. K. C. Ramamurthy, IPS (Retd.), Chairman of CMR Group and Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy, President of CMR Jnanadhara Trust and Chancellor of CMR University; Shri. K. R. Jayadeep, Director of Ekya Schools and CEO of CMR Group of Institutions; and Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools. Their presence highlighted Ekya Nava’s dedication to pioneering a new era in education.

Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools shared her vision for the future of education, “Each year, the FIND Festival brings together a community of learners and educators to explore innovative approaches to education. This year’s theme, Children and the Future, we are focusing on the skills and mindset needed to shape tomorrow’s world. The launch of Ekya Nava embodies our deep commitment to reimagining education-nurturing generations of thinkers, innovators and changemakers.”

Ekya Nava differentiates itself with four core pathways: Design, Making, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Information Technology & Society. These pathways are tailored to encourage a cross-disciplinary approach, empowering students with transferable skills like problem-solving, creative ideation, collaboration, and confidence – going beyond the core curriculum.

To discover more about Ekya Nava, please visit us here.

Empowering Every Student to Find Their Voice: National Championships 2024 by LEAD Group

What if every Indian child could turn their dreams into achievementsLEAD Group, India’s largest School Edtech company, proudly announces the launch of National Championships 2024, the sixth edition of its prestigious national-level platform where students showcase their creativity, talent and growth! With participation open to 1.5 million students from over 3,000 LEAD Group partner schools, the championship is much more than a competition-it’s a platform for leaders, thinkers and innovators of tomorrow to discover their true potential.

National Championships 2024

This year, the National Championships introduces an expanded vision for student development, focusing on 21st-century skills such as Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Confidence, and Coding proficiency. The National Championships 2024 is open to students from pre-primary to Class 9 and aligns with the well-rounded development recommended by the National Curriculum Framework 2023.

The championship spans five categories that build essential life skills and encourage participants to step confidently into the future. The categories are designed to inspire students to think outside the box, address real-world challenges, and explore themes such as Innovation, Space Exploration, Technology, and Environmental Sustainability.

  • L’il Champs (Nursery – Class 2) – Individual: Building confidence, creativity, and speaking skills.

  • Speech Champs (Junior: Classes 3-5; Senior: Classes 6-9) – Individual: Focused on content, pronunciation, and eloquence.

  • Coding Champs (Junior: Classes 3-5) – Team of two: Fostering technical skills, creativity, and collaboration.

  • Spelling Champs (Junior: Classes 3-5; Senior: Classes 6-9) – Individual: Enhancing knowledge of the English language.

  • English Quiz Champs (Junior: Classes 3-5; Senior: Classes 6-9) – Individual: Promoting communication, critical thinking, and knowledge.

Sumeet Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of LEAD Group, shared, “Imagine a nursery student presenting an idea with the confidence of a keynote speaker, or a Class 5 student developing a tech solution that sparks change. These opportunities are not available to students in small towns! The National Championships 2024 brings this exposure to 1.5 million students!”

The grand finale in January 2025 promises exciting prizes worth up to Rs. 10 lakhs, including laptops, tablets, kindles, trophies, and merchandise. In addition, Zonal Winners will be declared, ensuring recognition at every stage. This initiative is aligned with LEAD Group’s larger mission to revolutionize education through innovations like the TECHBOOK, an intelligent book that makes personalized, immersive, and adaptive learning a reality in India’s schools.

About LEAD Group

LEAD Group is Indias only School Edtech company dedicated to transforming school education through its pioneering Integrated School Edtech System. With a presence in over 8,000 schools across 400+ towns and cities, LEAD Group reaches more than 35 lakh students and empowers over 50,000 teachers. Since its founding in 2012, LEAD Group has been committed to delivering an international standard of education to schools across India. Through its comprehensive approach, LEAD Group combines research-backed curriculum and pedagogy with cutting-edge technology to enhance student learning outcomes and teacher effectiveness. Its integrated system helps partner schools provide holistic education, equipping students with the skills and confidence to succeed in life.

LEAD Group was founded by Sumeet Mehta and Smita Deorah with the mission to transform school education in India. The Group continues to set new benchmarks in school education, inspiring the next generation of learners and educators.

Shivangi Desai Crowned Miss Charm India 2024, Set to Represent India on the Global Stage

Shivangi Desai, a 22-year-old law student in her final year at the prestigious Indian Law School (ILS) Pune, has achieved the remarkable milestone of winning the national title of Miss Charm India 2024. This esteemed title, organized under the aegis of the Glamanand Group, led by visionary founder Mr. Nikhil Anand, positions Shivangi to represent India on the global stage at Miss Charm 2024, to be held in Vietnam this December.

Shivangi Desai being crowned Ms Charm India 2024

The proud daughter of an Indian Naval Officer and a doctor, Shivangi embodies a harmonious blend of beauty, intellect, and determination. Her triumph not only brings immense pride to her parents but also shines as a beacon of inspiration for her hometown of Pune and beyond.

Shivangis journey into the pageant world began at the tender age of 16 when she claimed the May Queen title in 2018 at the RSI Army Institute in Pune. This early victory paved the way for her stellar career, including prestigious accolades such as Miss Teen India North at Miss Teen Diva, Miss NDA, and 1st Runner-Up at Miss Universe Gujarat, among others. A well-rounded individual, Shivangi’s upbringing in ten different schools across the country due to her fathers transferable job has instilled in her a resilient spirit of adaptability and discipline, hallmarks of her Armed Forces lineage.

In her commitment to promoting India’s rich heritage, Shivangi has authored a book titled “Beyond the Usual”, a compelling exploration of India’s hidden tourism gems. As an ambassador of tourism and culture, her work aligns seamlessly with her role on the international stage.

Shivangi’s preparation for Miss Charm India 2024 was guided by Ms. Ritika Ramtri, esteemed Pageant Coach at The Tiara, and supported by the expert mentorship of the Glamanand Supermodel India team. This preparation refined her talents and poised her for victory. Her extraordinary journey has also earned her recognition in Bar & Bench, a leading law journal, where she shared insights into balancing her dual passions for law and pageantry. Notably, she aspires to become a leading Fashion, Sports, and Entertainment lawyer, reflecting her ambition and drive to excel in multiple domains.

An academic achiever, Shivangi has won numerous state and national-level moot court competitions, authored several research papers, and completed prestigious internships with top firms such as Trilegal and Khaitan & Co. Her multifaceted accomplishments underscore her dedication to excellence, both in academics and the world of glamour.

With her remarkable achievements and indomitable spirit, Shivangi Desai is destined to leave a lasting impression on the global stage at Miss Charm 2024, representing India with grace, intelligence, and charm. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose, and she is poised to make an indelible mark wherever she goes.

ITW Catalyst Refreshes itself to Catalyst 2.0

ITW Catalyst, one of India’s fastest growing sports consulting firms set up in 2019 and driven by the vision to act as a catalyst for brands to achieve strategic marketing objectives using a unique Return on Objectives (ROO) approach, announced a brand refresh this week, rechristening itself ITW Catalyst 2.0. The refreshed version builds on the company’s pioneering foray into sports, entertainment, and media consulting that has brought global standards and innovative practices to the space over the last 5 years – a term which began with them stitching the partnership between Mumbai Indians and Marriott Bonvoy, and has since grown into over 100 deals (with brands including giants such as Coca Cola, Mahindra and ITC among others) worth almost a quarter of a billion dollars across 20+ teams in the IPL, the WPL, PKL and the ISL as well as global sports properties such as the ICC Cricket World Cup and marquee entertainment events including concert tours of Ed Sheeran and Diljit Dosanjh.

Chintan Jhaveri, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Catalyst 2.0

Chintan Jhaveri, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Catalyst 2.0 will be leading the team. Chintan, a veteran of the sports and entertainment consulting space in India having had stints with Star Sports, GroupM ESP, and RISE has had a ringside view of the evolution of this space over the last 15 years, says the key focus and mission will be to carry on Catalyst’s legacy of a commitment to creation of meaningful partnerships.

As the team, which includes Mayur Telangi, the AVP – Brand Solutions and Karan Singh, AVP – Integrated Solutions – both with extensive experience with stitching deals for multiple IPL and PKL franchises – gears up for 2025, Chintan points out that the USP of Catalyst 2.0 remains, “Our ability to stimulate path breaking ideas and make them work to solve brand challenges, makes us strategic partners for our brands,”Karan Singh, AVP, Mayur Telangi.

Catalyst 2.0 is a part of the ITW Universe, India’s largest full-stack sports, media, and entertainment agency. Bhairav Shanth, Co-founder of ITW said, “ITW has been at the forefront of some iconic partnerships, be it in sports or entertainment and many of them have been driven by the team at Catalyst. With Catalyst 2.0 we are looking at continuing to grow creating even more impactful associations focusing on the digital landscape and new media options which are changing how fans consume sports and entertainment.”

“Be it sports or a live event partnership, today’s brands are chasing purpose led narrative with their consumers to drive brand love and create measurable impact. Catalyst 2.0 will empower brands to break new ground in consumer engagement with new age, innovative and cutting-edge partnerships that will enable deeper engagement with audiences for the brands,” adds Chintan.

About ITW Universe

ITW Universe- The Swiss Knife of Sports, Entertainment & Media Consulting. ITW Universe is one of the world’s leading sports, entertainment, media and lifestyle consulting firms, with its global footprint spread across four continents with a dozen offices including Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Dubai, London, USA. We are a single window solution for everything related to sports business including, Sports, Entertainment, Media Consulting, Digital Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Content Creation, Placement Amplification, as well as Out Of Home advertising, branding solutions, specialized media buying and planning Sports tourism experiences unit, live events, entertainment, and activations.

RHI Magnesita India Inaugurates its New Regional Corporate Office in Gurugram, Boosting its Presence and Driving Growth Across India, West Asia & Africa

RHI Magnesita India Limited, the leading manufacturer and supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems, and solutions, today announced the inauguration of its new Regional Corporate Office in Gurugram, latest in the series of significant investments in India to drive business growth in the region, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey.

Inauguration by Stefan Borgas, CEO, and Parmod Sagar, President – India, West Asia & Africa, RHI Magnesita

Strategically located, the newly unveiled facility is on the 19th & 20th Floor of DLF Square, M Block, Phase II, Jacaranda Marg, DLF City, Gurugram – 122002, the office space has been designed with the latest accessibility, safety, and sustainability features, reflecting the company’s dedication to promote sustainable business practices and a ‘safety first’ culture.

The new facility was inaugurated by Stefan Borgas, CEO, RHI Magnesita and Parmod Sagar, President – India, West Asia & Africa, RHI Magnesita.

Speaking at the inauguration, Parmod Sagar, stated, “India has been a key growth market, and setting up our new regional office underlines our commitment to serve our customers more efficiently and drive sustainable, resilient and profitable growth. India stands out in the region for its IT capabilities, and vibrant young population of professionals helping us to attract the best of talent and allow them to provide an excellent service to our valued customers. We are excited to build on these strengths to drive our business forward and contribute to Indias economic progress.”

By continually investing in both its employees and infrastructure, the company is well-positioned to further strengthen its leadership in the industry and drive further success in India and globally.

About RHI Magnesita India Limited

RHI Magnesita India Ltd. is the leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions, which are critical for high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200C in a wide range of industries, including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals and glass. This includes Magnesia and Alumina based bricks and mixes for large industrial customers as well as specialty refractory products like Isostatic products and Slide Gates. With 2,000+ strong skilled workforce in 8 state-of-the-art manufacturing plants, 3 main offices, 30 site offices across the country and a world-class R&D centre at Bhiwadi, RHI Magnesita India serves customers in India and more than 75 countries.

The Company is listed with BSE: 534076 and NSE: RHIM; Website: www.rhimagnesitaindia.com.