Since childhood, Mohammad Javed harbored a desire to work in Bollywood

<p dir="ltr"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBOk_kL4zGLjiWSQzUFyzOID1Ft9d133RGAvE3igEJJdvadnZlswxZQaQGMFZFQU1_WwWlPKXYjH12LeUODYEziQoeMBUzODcFt-L-PiSGPokLb43WXx-w-y0gZwXwVV1M695Y8JuHdnMrs_2ql09QtSViUlVklmJSo2NCWSQaKXeMpA2A0eOcIq2Y" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBOk_kL4zGLjiWSQzUFyzOID1Ft9d133RGAvE3igEJJdvadnZlswxZQaQGMFZFQU1_WwWlPKXYjH12LeUODYEziQoeMBUzODcFt-L-PiSGPokLb43WXx-w-y0gZwXwVV1M695Y8JuHdnMrs_2ql09QtSViUlVklmJSo2NCWSQaKXeMpA2A0eOcIq2Y" width="400"> </a> </div></p><p dir="ltr">Pratapgarh/Kunda: A young man from the Kunda region of Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, has carved a niche for himself in the world of Bollywood. Originally from Mouli, Kunda (Pratapgarh), Mohammad Javed has achieved consistent success in the film industry through his passion and hard work. Mohammad Javed's film journey began in Prayagraj (Allahabad), where he laid the foundation for his career. Since childhood, he harbored a desire to work in Bollywood, a dream he has turned into reality. To date, Javed has produced over 40 music videos. He has worked with major companies like T-Series, Zee Music, White Hill, Venus, and B4U. He has also successfully produced a web series.</p><p dir="ltr"> As a producer and director, he has established a strong foothold in the industry and is constantly working on new projects. His hard work and dedication have gradually led him to greater heights of success.<br> Mohammad Javed says this is just the beginning, and he's preparing to make a big screen debut with a bang in the near future. His journey has brought glory not only to his family but to the entire Pratapgarh district.</p>

Since childhood, Mohammad Javed harbored a desire to work in Bollywood

Pratapgarh/Kunda: A young man from the Kunda region of Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, has carved a niche for himself in the...

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Lyricist Sameer Anjaan launches music label ‘Aumora Music’

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT2SCWtYDOFoR4TpNmmjLpguuPCu7YdoqljsyiJDCaPRfL44FdHE41juCDTzmIB8wTiyKoLRlKBnP6BxFkKmB6pXXnKsEfQwgJ1W37yXPDb7tlv7pwA2oRnWV3uCsM1kaXxp0Lb_iWFFJGgo7U6fMvUJiYG6eWDEjbD2CKAFKkrqn9Rm1JBWT4xMGz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT2SCWtYDOFoR4TpNmmjLpguuPCu7YdoqljsyiJDCaPRfL44FdHE41juCDTzmIB8wTiyKoLRlKBnP6BxFkKmB6pXXnKsEfQwgJ1W37yXPDb7tlv7pwA2oRnWV3uCsM1kaXxp0Lb_iWFFJGgo7U6fMvUJiYG6eWDEjbD2CKAFKkrqn9Rm1JBWT4xMGz" width="400"> </a> </div><br></div><div>Legendary Lyricist Sameer Anjaan launches music label ‘Aumora Music’, calls it a ‘home for artists who have something real to say’</div><div><br></div><div>Mumbai: Samarya Creation officially launched its music label Aumora Music at a grand event in Mumbai, but the event was not just about the music label, it was also about an inspiring journey. A young man, who once worked as a Zomato delivery rider, is now ready to make his mark in the music world, and that too with the opportunity to work with Guinness World Record-holding lyricist Sameer Anjaan. The launch event saw the presence of many young artists, creators, and industry insiders from the music world.</div><div><br></div><div>The label was launched as an artist-centric initiative, not just a music platform. Sameer Anjaan said that Aumora Music will be a home for artists who want to express themselves through music. Sameer Anjaan, who has written over 4,000 songs for over 640 Hindi films in a career spanning four decades, is not only the founding partner but also the architect of this initiative. Currently, Aumora Music is live on over 150 platforms with 19 tracks, while over 150 original compositions are ready for release. The content will be offered in a variety of genres including Bollywood, devotional, folk music, children’s music, rap, and contemporary pop.</div><div><br></div><div>Sameer Anjaan, Founder, Aumora Music, said, “I have written over 4,000 songs. I have seen what lasts and what is forgotten the morning after release. Aumora Music is not about adding to that number. It is about building a home for artists who have something real to say, a place where music is made to last, not just to trend. Indian music has enough volume. What it needs is depth. This is the label I have been waiting to build.”</div><div><br></div><div>But the most striking thing about the event was the story of a young rapper, who once worked as a delivery rider, and has now become a voice of social truth through his songs. He will now receive guidance from an experienced lyricist like Sameer Anjaan.</div><div><br></div><div>Musicians Neil Gandhi and Niraj Vishwakarma are the creative engines of the label. Neil Gandhi is a former MBBS doctor, while Niraj Vishwakarma has made his way into the music industry from computer science. During the event, Neil Gandhi and Niraj Vishwakarma spoke in detail about the vision and future plans of the label. They said that this platform will not only provide opportunities but also guidance and support to emerging artists. Sameer Anjaan added that this initiative will bring new talent to the forefront and, over time, well-known artists will also be associated with it.</div><div><br></div><div>Manoj Agarwal, Managing Director of Samarya Creation, said, “We are not just making music, but bringing a new way of thinking, where the artist comes first.”</div><div><br></div><div>The relationship between AI and music was also discussed. Neil Gandhi and Niraj Vishwakarma spoke about the growing influence of technology, while Sameer Anjaan said, “AI can create music, but it cannot create emotion. It is the experiences of a person’s life that shape emotion, and that same emotion is reflected in art.”</div><div><br></div><div>The event also featured a live music presentation by the team from Aumora Music, showcasing a variety of genres, from peppy, contemporary tracks to devotional music and rap. The presentation highlighted the label’s diversity and the talent of new artists.</div><div><br></div><div>The label’s roadmap from 2026 to 2032 is centered around three key areas: music publishing and licensing, live performances, and artist development. By 2028, it plans to release over 500 original tracks, tour eight metro cities, and host diaspora concerts in the UAE, the UK, and North America.</div><div><br></div><div>The label’s digital distribution will be handled by Phonographic Digital Limited (PDL), which works with over 1,300 labels and 46,000 rights owners, ensuring that every stream delivers value and every artist gets what they deserve.</div><div><br></div><div>This extraordinary journey of an ordinary young man will now inspire many people, because dreams are not just meant to be seen, but to be lived.</div>

Lyricist Sameer Anjaan launches music label ‘Aumora Music’

Legendary Lyricist Sameer Anjaan launches music label ‘Aumora Music’, calls it a ‘home for artists who have something real to sa...

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Jaslok Hospital Launch Clinical Study to Enable AI-Based Prediction of Parkinson’s Freezing Episodes

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheixKaKDe8Y_KegmnQ85YHc5yFUlcZTa5ueiZwOofnfvImuNE45XzNCjUbVP58YjF11nuidOEYD6unAkIBfySwNmT5z0pcp1br2WEPlqnTZSV3grmC8h6z0XY0QX_OVoIGGATtbWsz4_K8vhPy_7VHmgk51KgPUrf0puGb_n6fYcUd9unE0BnhZedx" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheixKaKDe8Y_KegmnQ85YHc5yFUlcZTa5ueiZwOofnfvImuNE45XzNCjUbVP58YjF11nuidOEYD6unAkIBfySwNmT5z0pcp1br2WEPlqnTZSV3grmC8h6z0XY0QX_OVoIGGATtbWsz4_K8vhPy_7VHmgk51KgPUrf0puGb_n6fYcUd9unE0BnhZedx" width="400"> </a> </div></div><div>Mumbai: Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, has launched a pioneering artificial intelligence project aimed at predicting Freezing of Gait (FOG) in Parkinson’s disease. The initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Paresh Doshi, Director of Neurosurgery at Jaslok Hospital and will be joined by globally recognised expert in functional neurosurgery, from the Brain Research Initiative, Paris, France, Dr. Carine Karachi. The project will be formally introduced on World Parkinson’s Day.</div><div><br></div><div>Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, and its prevalence is rising in India, highlighting the growing need for earlier and more precise intervention tools. In this context, the project sits at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence and focuses on developing a scalable and cost-efficient digital tool for early identification of risk in Freezing of Gait, one of its most disabling complications.</div><div><br></div><div>Patients often experience a sudden inability to initiate or continue walking, describing the sensation as if their feet are “glued to the floor.” This leads to frequent falls, injuries, progressive loss of independence and a significant caregiver burden, affecting up to 80% of patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Despite this high prevalence and impact, no definitive treatment is currently available.</div><div><br></div><div>Although emerging research suggests that structured motor and cognitive training may delay onset, clinical practice still lacks reliable tools to identify individuals at risk or to determine when the condition may emerge. Most existing predictive approaches rely on clinical scoring systems, imaging biomarkers or biochemical tests, which are often expensive, resource-intensive and largely confined to specialised research settings. Besides none of the tool can definitely predict at individual level if one would develop freezing of gait in the course of disease. </div><div><br></div><div>The proposed AI-based system under this collaboration addresses this gap by introducing a dual approach that estimates both the likelihood of FOG and its probable time to FOG, enabling earlier clinical intervention and more targeted preventive planning. The unique aspect of time to FOG is being explored for the first time. This has been possible due availability of longitudinal clinical and video data over 25 years of more than 750 patients who have undergone DBS surgery at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre. The system is designed around a simple yet highly scalable framework that analyses routine video recordings of a patient’s walking pattern. It will use computer vision and machine learning techniques to identify subtle changes in gait and body coordination that may signal early vulnerability to freezing episodes. Since the approach does not rely on specialised wearable devices or high-cost diagnostic infrastructure, it is intended for deployment across hospitals, outpatient clinics and telemedicine platforms, including resource-limited settings.</div><div><br></div><div>To ensure clinical robustness, the research has been structured in two distinct phases. The first phase focuses on model development using retrospective clinical data and video recordings from more than 150 Parkinson’s patients who developed Freezing of Gait during long-term follow-up. The second phase will validate the model prospectively in a cohort of 337 patients followed over a period of up to three years.</div><div><br></div><div>The long-term objective of this initiative is to develop an open-access and user-friendly AI application that enables clinicians to identify at-risk patients early, estimate likely onset timelines, introduce preventive interventions at the right stage, and ultimately reduce falls, disability and overall disease burden while improving quality of life for patients and caregivers.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr. Paresh Doshi, Director Neurosurgery and Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, said, “Parkinson’s disease is steadily increasing in India, placing greater pressure on already stretched neurological care systems where early motor changes are often under-recognised in routine practice. This collaboration is significant because it reflects a step toward strengthening how such changes are identified and interpreted in real-world settings. It can help clinicians act earlier in a disease course that can otherwise progress silently until disability becomes more difficult to manage.”</div><div><br></div><div>Collaboration:</div><div>Dr. Carine Karachi and her team, who are the world leaders in research on FOG, have shown significant interest in collaborating with Dr. Paresh Doshi and Jaslok Hospital. As of today, their grant application to CEFIPRA, a joint funding agency between India and France, is under review. </div><div><br></div><div>Dr Carine Karachi, Brain Research Initiative, said, “The data which Prof. Doshi has assimilated over 30 years is unique in the world. The significance of a longitudinal data analysis is unparallel and we are very excited to join hands and share our expertise in the field to bring this very essential research to reality. This initiative reflects the importance of structured international collaboration in neurosurgical research, where shared clinical responsibility and scientific discipline help shape more rigorous and forward-looking research pathways. Working across institutions allows complex neurological questions to be approached with greater depth, ensuring that research efforts remain both methodologically strong and clinically relevant.”</div><div><br></div><div>Dr. Doshi added, “FOG has been a major challenge for PD patients world over. Similar to Alzheimer’s research, FOG research is at the core of challenging issues of PD research. At our institute, we recently published a paper to address FOG by novel programming technique. This research will be helpful in solving one of the most challenging problem of Parkinson’s disease”</div><div><br></div><div>Jitendra Haryan, CEO, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, said: "Jaslok Hospital is committed to making AI a practical tool for clinical use. This initiative isn't just about adopting new technology; it’s about ensuring it creates real-world impact. By using scalable AI to simplify complex neurological patterns, we're making early detection more achievable for everyone. </div><div><br></div><div>This project reflects our vision of combining clinical excellence with responsible innovation to directly improve patient outcomes and the quality of care."By combining clinical neuroscience, artificial intelligence and accessible video-based analysis, the initiative represents a significant step toward transforming how Parkinson’s disease complications are anticipated and managed in India and globally.</div>

Jaslok Hospital Launch Clinical Study to Enable AI-Based Prediction of Parkinson’s Freezing Episodes

Mumbai: Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, has launched a pioneering artificial intelligence project aimed at predic...

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Tiger Shroff Joins SLOVIC as Brand Ambassador with Campaign ‘Gym Ghar Lao’

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0JRaaO-OYnYE93MBMHrozGOlL8iwC7ZP5A2u2yXSP_7MFvswUnRcQ0FwLfIG6OGfZ8qgIXPJOwxkt2fuFf2h0QIfEgNO657lhZ06FLfn83RrG5WAYjf5A475Su6GpcNOryOoaOxpSic2LIBq3mdQGbRG3dE3-Tc3GO_MGRfHZOX-op6PYaG1FduQO" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0JRaaO-OYnYE93MBMHrozGOlL8iwC7ZP5A2u2yXSP_7MFvswUnRcQ0FwLfIG6OGfZ8qgIXPJOwxkt2fuFf2h0QIfEgNO657lhZ06FLfn83RrG5WAYjf5A475Su6GpcNOryOoaOxpSic2LIBq3mdQGbRG3dE3-Tc3GO_MGRfHZOX-op6PYaG1FduQO" width="400"> </a> </div><br></div><div>With Tiger Shroff coming on board as brand ambassador, SLOVIC is strengthening its push to make fitness more accessible, affordable and flexible through a range of innovative, high-quality and value-for-money fitness gear.</div><div><br></div><div>Mumbai: SLOVIC, one of  India’s leading fitness gear and sporting goods brands, has announced actor and fitness icon Tiger Shroff as its brand ambassador. Marking the association, the brand has also unveiled its new campaign, ‘SLOVIC: Gym Ghar Lao’, built around the idea that if life makes it hard to go to the gym, bring the gym home with SLOVIC.</div><div><br></div><div>The campaign reflects the brand’s core belief that fitness should not be limited by time, location, or access. It should be simple, flexible, and within everyone’s reach. With a wide range of functional workout gear including pull-up bars, resistance bands and tubes, dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells, yoga mats and other practical fitness essentials, SLOVIC is working to simplify people’s lives and democratize fitness for the rest of India.</div><div><br></div><div>The timing is significant. According to the World Health Organization, 49.4% of adults in India were insufficiently physically active in 2022. Meanwhile, Deloitte India and HFA report that fitness facility membership penetration in India stood at just 0.8% in 2024, with the top 10 cities accounting for 56% of market revenue, highlighting the significant headroom beyond metro-centric fitness models.</div><div><br></div><div>Built as an age-inclusive and gender-inclusive brand, SLOVIC is designed for a broad spectrum of consumers, from children starting early movement routines and young adults building strength, to busy professionals navigating erratic schedules and 50-plus consumers prioritising mobility and strength training. The brand’s value-for-money proposition sits at the heart of the campaign, making it possible for consumers to begin their fitness journey with simple, price-effective products rather than an elaborate setup.</div><div><br></div><div>Actor Tiger Shroff said, “Fitness has always been a way of life for me, which is why joining SLOVIC as brand ambassador felt like a natural fit. I connect with the brand’s vision of making fitness simpler, more accessible and part of everyday life.”</div><div><br></div><div>Aqib Mohammed, Co- Founder, SLOVIC, said, “Tiger Shroff coming on board as SLOVIC’s brand ambassador is a strong cultural marker for where the brand is headed. For us, the larger opportunity is not just selling equipment, but rethinking how fitness fits into Indian lives. If someone can start their journey at home with something as basic as dumbbells, resistance bands or a skipping rope, at an entry point of around Rs 500, then fitness becomes far more democratic, practical and consistent. That is the thinking behind ‘Gym Ghar Lao’.”</div><div><br></div><div>The campaign will roll out across digital platforms, supported by films and content that spotlight access, convenience and the freedom to train anytime, anywhere. </div><div><br></div><div>Shashwat Diesh, Co- Founder, SLOVIC “The idea behind SLOVIC has always been to remove friction from fitness. Whether that friction is cost, convenience or access, we want to solve it through products that are practical, high-quality and built for everyday use. With Tiger Shroff coming on board as brand ambassador, we are able to amplify that thought in a way that is both aspirational and deeply relatable.”</div><div><br></div><div>Available across leading e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Zepto and Instamart, SLOVIC is making it easier for consumers to get started with fitness as simply as placing an order.</div>

Tiger Shroff Joins SLOVIC as Brand Ambassador with Campaign ‘Gym Ghar Lao’

With Tiger Shroff coming on board as brand ambassador, SLOVIC is strengthening its push to make fitness more accessible, afforda...

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Kia India Surpasses 1 Lakh Kia Connect Renewals, Reinforcing Customer Trust in Connected Mobility

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhKEV9VyriwYFD4LwEpHFG2v_q4Lui-r7P6iJktHI_ecx_QUvwmq3jlpU0xlDPFDvY2aKr2TZP7VTjG71TNVHxbIJf4eylMC8ziFX4bJVeP9EV0JdthDVAZ18IUGzx5bmO9H7EZfCSSI4iF-6KwgXZtMdFkYnGurAVjMAVZ-E2HkF03FqWJcPNV7Ex" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhKEV9VyriwYFD4LwEpHFG2v_q4Lui-r7P6iJktHI_ecx_QUvwmq3jlpU0xlDPFDvY2aKr2TZP7VTjG71TNVHxbIJf4eylMC8ziFX4bJVeP9EV0JdthDVAZ18IUGzx5bmO9H7EZfCSSI4iF-6KwgXZtMdFkYnGurAVjMAVZ-E2HkF03FqWJcPNV7Ex" width="400"> </a> </div><br></div><div>·   Over 1 Lakh paid subscription renewals mark a key milestone in Kia India’s connected mobility journey</div><div><br></div><div>·   Over 30% of subscription retention highlights strong renewal momentum reflecting customer trust and long-term value</div><div><br></div><div>·   Advanced ecosystem with 100+ features enhancing convenience, safety, and overall driving experience</div><div><br></div><div>Mumbai: Kia India, a leading mass-premium automaker, announced that it has surpassed 1,00,000 paid subscription renewals for Kia Connect in the country, achieving a strong retention over 30% on connected car subscriptions. This milestone reflects strong customer adoption and sustained engagement with Kia’s intelligent mobility ecosystem, even after the expiry of the complimentary three-year subscription period. Globally Kia continues to witness an industry-leading ~97%+ enrolment rate, underlining the growing relevance of connected technologies among customers.</div><div><br></div><div>The achievement highlights the long-term value and strong customer retention of Kia’s connected ecosystem. This strong renewal momentum signals a clear shift—customers are moving beyond initial adoption to make connected technology an integral part of their everyday driving experience.</div><div><br></div><div>Commenting on the milestone, Atul Sood, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, said, “Crossing the milestone of one lakh Kia Connect subscription renewals reflects the growing trust customers place in our connected mobility ecosystem. The continued adoption beyond the complimentary period highlights the everyday value we deliver through enhanced convenience, safety, and control. We remain committed to advancing our digital platforms for a smarter, more connected driving experience.”</div><div><br></div><div>Since its introduction in 2019 as UVO, now known as Kia Connect, Kia India has been at the forefront of the connected car revolution in the country. Over the years, the platform has evolved through multiple innovations including smartwatch connectivity, voice assistant integration (Alexa), Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, Surround View Monitor (SVM), Kia Connect subscriptions, and the latest Kia Connect 2.0, offering a comprehensive and future-ready digital ecosystem.</div><div><br></div><div>Today, Kia Connect has transformed from a feature add-on into a core ownership enabler, offering 100+ features across five key pillars—Navigation, Remote Control, Convenience, Vehicle Management, and Safety & Security. Advanced technologies such as the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC), Digital Key, OTA software updates with Kia Remote Diagnostics, surround view monitoring, and multilingual voice recognition deliver a seamless, secure, and intuitive driving experience.</div><div><br></div><div>The strong renewal trend is driven by the tangible benefits that customers experience daily, including remote vehicle access, real-time diagnostics, enhanced safety, predictive alerts, and overall convenience. These capabilities not only improve peace of mind, but also make Kia Connect an indispensable solution for modern mobility needs.</div><div><br></div><div>Kia India also strengthening customer engagement through initiatives such as Drive Green, promoting sustainable driving practices, and the Kia Inspiring Drive (K.I.D.) Program, which enhances customer interaction and brand affinity through curated experiences.</div><div><br></div><div>The Kia Connect subscription is available through flexible data plans, designed to cater to varying customer needs, offering continued access to advanced connected features beyond the complimentary period at competitive pricing:</div>

Kia India Surpasses 1 Lakh Kia Connect Renewals, Reinforcing Customer Trust in Connected Mobility

·   Over 1 Lakh paid subscription renewals mark a key milestone in Kia India’s connected mobility journey ·   Over 30% of subscr...

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Deutsche Bank and Akshaya Patra Launch Pune Kitchen to Tackle Classroom Hunger

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjknv9cvKSCXvC-PvAe1gwroOP3ecdiZXtlpGTVYX7nC2Jcb3fdydIQna2BgP1LcQNgsiTxPmh7sSoBU6G7vJcyDGgJlxDRF8cEwTYuyxfvxTsdICo7dm-cx1tLpmNRdzZkC-ropQutgplWIQ4DC7vNDUOa8K-aIEmqQ0FJ55FqZoiDxf_QMm8T4A8Z" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjknv9cvKSCXvC-PvAe1gwroOP3ecdiZXtlpGTVYX7nC2Jcb3fdydIQna2BgP1LcQNgsiTxPmh7sSoBU6G7vJcyDGgJlxDRF8cEwTYuyxfvxTsdICo7dm-cx1tLpmNRdzZkC-ropQutgplWIQ4DC7vNDUOa8K-aIEmqQ0FJ55FqZoiDxf_QMm8T4A8Z" width="400"> </a> </div>In photo Left to Right: Dhananjay Ganjoo (CMO, The Akshay Patra Foundation, Balaji MN, CFO, The Akshay Patra Foundation), Ruchi Khemka (Head of CSR, Deutsche India), Benjamin Alka (Head of Corporate Affairs & Strategy, Deutsche Bank AG), Kaushik Shaparia (CEO of Deutsche Bank AG, India Branches), Shridhar Venkat (CEO, The Akshay Patra Foundation), Sampati Dasa (Regional President, Pune, The Akshay Patra Foundation)</div><div><br></div><div>- The newly inaugurated kitchen, part of the PM POSHAN initiative, will serve nutritious mid-day meals to 25,000 children across 29 schools in Pune.</div><div><br></div><div>Pune: Reinforcing a shared commitment to child nutrition and education, Deutsche Bank, as part of its CSR programme in India, in partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation—an implementing partner of the Government of India’s PM POSHAN scheme— inaugurated a state of the art centralised kitchen facility in Shivajinagar, Pune.</div><div><br></div><div>The kitchen was inaugurated by Kaushik Shaparia, CEO, Deutsche Bank Group, India & Emerging Asia along with Benjamin Alka, Global Head of Corporate Affairs & Strategy, Deutsche Bank. Representing The Akshaya Patra Foundation were Shridhar Venkat, CEO; Bharatarshabha Dasa, National President; and Sampati Dasa, Regional President – Pune.</div><div><br></div><div>Designed to serve hot, nutritious, and wholesome meals to 25,000 children across 29 government and government aided schools in Pune, the kitchen will play a vital role in strengthening classroom attendance, improving nutrition outcomes, and expanding access to education for children in the region.</div><div><br></div><div>This facility marks a significant step in strengthening Pune’s school meal ecosystem. Spread across a built up area of 20,000 sq. ft., the kitchen has been designed to the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and operational efficiency. Meals will be distributed within a 20 kilometre radius using a fleet of electric meal delivery vehicles, underscoring a strong commitment to environmental sustainability alongside social impact.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking on the occasion, Kaushik Shaparia [CEO, Deutsche Bank Group, India & Emerging Asia] said: “At Deutsche Bank, we have always believed that the most enduring investments are those made in people. The inauguration of this kitchen in Pune reflects the depth of our partnership with Akshaya Patra and our shared conviction that no child’s education should be compromised by hunger. As India’s future is shaped in its classrooms today, this kitchen represents our commitment to ensuring that more children in Pune have access to the nutrition and education they deserve. It is also deeply gratifying that our partnership with Akshaya Patra has now crossed the landmark of 100 million meals served.”</div><div><br></div><div>Sampati Dasa (President, Pune Cluster, The Akshaya Patra Foundation) said, “Each kitchen we build is a commitment—to the child, to the classroom, and to the nation. This Pune facility stands as a testament to what strong public-private partnerships can achieve under the PM POSHAN framework. We are deeply grateful to Deutsche Bank for their continued support and to the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra for their trust and collaboration.”</div><div><br></div><div>The launch of the Pune kitchen marks a significant milestone in The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s efforts to scale high impact nutrition interventions across India. It reinforces a shared vision of building a nourished and educated nation, advancing the broader goal of a developed India through sustained investments in child nutrition and education.</div><div><br></div><div>Deutsche Bank’s partnership with Akshaya Patra dates to 2014, anchored in the belief that no child should be denied an education because of hunger. Over the past decade, the bank has supported the provision of mid day meals to nearly 5,00,000 children across Gandhinagar, Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Pune, while also extending relief support during times of disaster. In a landmark moment for the partnership, Deutsche Bank crossed the milestone of 100 million meals served in January 2026, commemorated at a special event in Jaipur.</div>

Deutsche Bank and Akshaya Patra Launch Pune Kitchen to Tackle Classroom Hunger

In photo Left to Right: Dhananjay Ganjoo (CMO, The Akshay Patra Foundation, Balaji MN, CFO, The Akshay Patra Foundation), Ruchi ...

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ICMAI to Host National Seminar on Cost Audit, Spotlighting Its Role in Building a Viksit Bharat

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUWE9iyFc7zK54ZfLst-H2aCyK58ZhM1gmWICxCImr9kaRnw_VPuFlTEeZdClRsONJw5rUHzVEyZt-NhO1ql7AZNNY-nIUgsnQ2y96foSiEpYWzgcgSplbgEJIvXT-N46ayN23i4KQBmVsOQjO7MCHDVcmpJFxsTHQU3RS-Qa7GZR3FRsCKAhWNeBF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUWE9iyFc7zK54ZfLst-H2aCyK58ZhM1gmWICxCImr9kaRnw_VPuFlTEeZdClRsONJw5rUHzVEyZt-NhO1ql7AZNNY-nIUgsnQ2y96foSiEpYWzgcgSplbgEJIvXT-N46ayN23i4KQBmVsOQjO7MCHDVcmpJFxsTHQU3RS-Qa7GZR3FRsCKAhWNeBF" width="400"> </a> </div><br></div><div>Theme “Value, Vishwas and Vision” to Drive Dialogue on Transparency, Growth and Governance</div><div><br></div><div>Mumbai: The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) is set to host a National Seminar on Cost Audit on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Nariman Point, Mumbai. Centered around the theme “Cost Audit for Viksit Bharat: Value, Vishwas and Vision,” the seminar aims to bring together eminent policymakers, industry leaders, and professionals to deliberate on the evolving significance of cost audit in strengthening India’s economic framework and advancing its aspiration of becoming a developed nation.</div><div><br></div><div>The seminar will be graced by Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra, as the Chief Guest. The event will also witness the presence of distinguished Guests of Honour, including Dr. Ramakanta Panda, Managing Director of Asian Heart Institute & Research Centre; Dr. Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman & Managing Director of Aries Agro Limited; and Dr. Vijay Satbir Singh, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra. </div><div><br></div><div>Their participation highlights the growing importance of cost audit as a critical pillar of governance, financial prudence, and national development.</div><div><br></div><div>An impressive lineup of thought leaders and domain experts will enrich the seminar through insightful deliberations. The speakers include CMA Praveen Nigam, Executive Director (F&A) at SAIL – Bhilai Steel Plant; CMA Ashu Mathur, Former Chief Advisor (Cost), Ministry of Finance, Government of India; Dr. Nitin Kareer, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra; Shri Dinesh Kumar Khara, Former Chairman of State Bank of India; CMA Asim Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Managing Director & Founder of NAVTOM Consulting Pvt. Ltd.; and CMA Parvathy Venkatesh, Practicing Cost Accountant. </div><div><br></div><div>These experts will share perspectives on emerging challenges, regulatory developments, and best practices shaping the future of cost audit and cost accounting.</div><div><br></div><div>The seminar will underscore the strategic role of cost audit in enhancing transparency, driving operational efficiency, and fostering Vishwas (trust) among stakeholders. It will further emphasize its contribution to value creation and its alignment with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat. The platform will also facilitate meaningful discussions on emerging trends and the evolving trajectory of the CMA profession in a dynamic economic landscape.</div><div><br></div><div>The event is expected to witness participation from over 500 delegates representing the corporate sector, industry associations, government bodies, regulatory authorities, financial institutions, and professional organizations, including practicing CMAs.</div><div><br></div><div>This national seminar is poised to serve as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation, reinforcing the pivotal role of cost audit in India’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth.</div>

ICMAI to Host National Seminar on Cost Audit, Spotlighting Its Role in Building a Viksit Bharat

Theme “Value, Vishwas and Vision” to Drive Dialogue on Transparency, Growth and Governance Mumbai: The Institute of Cost Account...

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Equinix Launches Purpose-Built IBX Data Center in Mumbai to Accelerate India’s AI and Cloud Growth

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjse4bRnl--hWqBcCQ7JanZvyWs148TP8rNuY1dgXsii5TqYgSi5rVrOe1hCJvtymkeHwlylx-vqBUwyH1bzzqhStkXv-lkxT6YzcwBvkPFoaQKfCD_oIb1h_XY2oJ3DbQXia1fEG9qPa-pJpzF4hYEk3KqIuiwt1e1yx6CEjFZ4nyXJ6f5C46t05q2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjse4bRnl--hWqBcCQ7JanZvyWs148TP8rNuY1dgXsii5TqYgSi5rVrOe1hCJvtymkeHwlylx-vqBUwyH1bzzqhStkXv-lkxT6YzcwBvkPFoaQKfCD_oIb1h_XY2oJ3DbQXia1fEG9qPa-pJpzF4hYEk3KqIuiwt1e1yx6CEjFZ4nyXJ6f5C46t05q2" width="400"> </a> </div><br></div><div>MUMBAI: Equinix, the digital infrastructure company®, announced the opening of its fourth International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data center in Chandivali Andheri, Mumbai, MB3. As one of the largest retail data centers in Mumbai, MB3 is designed to support high-performance workloads and hybrid multicloud deployments with liquid cooling capability for enterprises across India. The launch comes at a time when AI adoption, cloud migration, data localization requirements, and the rapid expansion of digital services are significantly increasing demand for secure, high-density, and globally interconnected infrastructure in India.</div><div> </div><div>With an initial investment of over USD 95 million, MB3 provides more than 1,370 cabinets of capacity, with the facility designed to scale to more than 5,475 cabinets when fully built out. The data center is engineered to deliver high-performance, resilient digital infrastructure, enabling enterprises to interconnect with leading cloud service providers, networks, and partners while scaling digital services securely and efficiently. Its scalable, high-density, and energy-efficient design supports AI and machine learning workloads, data-intensive applications, and next-generation digital services.</div><div> </div><div>The launch of MB3 aligns with a pivotal moment for India's digital economy, which is on track to reach USD 1 trillion by 2027–2028, propelled by the rapid expansion of digital services and DPI platforms such as Aadhaar, UPI, and ONDC. As AI shifts from pilots to real-world inferencing at scale, enterprises face intensifying challenges around data gravity, latency, power density, and the imperative to keep sensitive data within secure, compliant local environments. Addressing these demands requires infrastructure that is not only high-density and AI-ready, but deeply interconnected and provides sovereignty safeguards. With private interconnection through Equinix Fabric®, direct cloud on-ramps and a network-dense campus at the heart of Mumbai, MB3 enables enterprises to deploy AI closer to data, clouds, and users, while maintaining performance, data residency compliance, and the global reach needed to innovate and compete internationally.</div><div> </div><div>Devendra Fadnavis (Chief Minister of Maharashtra) said, “We are pleased to welcome Equinix, a global leader, on the launch of its first self-built data center in Mumbai. With Maharashtra hosting nearly 60% of India’s data center capacity, the addition of the AI ready MB3 data center, along with Equinix’s solar plant in Yavatmal, further strengthens Mumbai’s position as the country’s premier digital hub. These investments reflect strong confidence in Maharashtra’s pro‑investment policies and focus on sustainable, next‑generation infrastructure. We look forward to expanding our partnership with Equinix.”</div><div> </div><div>With a cumulative investment of over USD 365 million across India, Equinix has made one of its largest sustained commitments to digital infrastructure in India, reflecting long-term confidence in the country's digital growth trajectory. Across its Mumbai and Chennai campuses, connected via dedicated dark fiber, Equinix currently provides a combined capacity of more than 4,725 cabinets, enabling national-level redundancy and regional traffic optimization.</div><div> </div><div>Equinix is home to more than 300 companies in India, including network service providers, five internet exchanges and enterprises across industries. Its Mumbai campus — MB1, MB2 and MB4 — hosts a robust cloud ecosystem for customers in India, including native on-ramps to leading cloud service providers such as Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, SFDC, and more. MB3 is interconnected with Equinix’s existing Mumbai campus and its newly launched data center in Chennai, CN1, giving customers seamless access to a broader digital ecosystem across India. Through Equinix Fabric, a secure software defined interconnection service, customers can dynamically connect to multiple clouds, partners and providers on demand, enabling agile hybrid multicloud deployments. Together, these capabilities allow enterprises to scale digital infrastructure seamlessly across India while accelerating digital transformation with secure and low latency connectivity.</div><div> </div><div>Anil Kumar Nair (Head of IT Infrastructure & Cyber Security, Kotak Securities) said, "India's financial markets are moving faster than ever, and our infrastructure needs to keep pace. Low-latency connectivity, data sovereignty, and operational resilience are non-negotiable for us. Equinix's MB3 strengthens a campus we already trust, and gives us the density, interconnection and cloud adjacency to support our next phase of AI-driven innovation, whether that's real-time analytics, algorithmic trading infrastructure or next-generation client experiences."</div><div><br></div><div>Cyrus Adaggra (President, Asia-Pacific, Equinix) said, “India continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Asia‑Pacific’s digital future, and the opening of MB3 strengthens our ability to support customers as they navigate new growth driven by cloud adoption, AI innovation and increasing interconnection needs. With this expansion, organizations can now tap into greater capacity and a globally consistent platform, helping them accelerate transformation and unlock the full potential of India’s fast‑growing digital ecosystem. Equinix remains firmly committed to investing in India and building the infrastructure that empowers our customers to thrive.”</div><div> </div><div>Manoj Paul (Managing Director, India, Equinix) said, "India is at a pivotal stage in its digital transformation, with growing AI and cloud adoption and stricter data localization requirement that are shaping the next phase of economic growth. The Union Budget 2026 proposals, including a tax holiday for global cloud providers leveraging India-based data center infrastructure and the introduction of safe harbor provisions, are viewed as strong policy enablers that reinforce the country's position as a trusted global digital hub. As enterprises embrace hybrid multicloud and prepare for AI inferencing at scale, seamless interconnection between businesses, network service providers and hyperscalers becomes essential. The launch of MB3 comes at exactly the right time, providing the ecosystems, interconnection density and scalable capacity needed to power India’s next wave of digital expansion."</div><div> </div><div>MB3 achieves 100% renewables coverage and aligns with the company’s goal of achieving 100% renewables coverage across its global operations by 2030. Equinix has further reinforced its commitment to sustainability with its recent commissioning of a 26.4 MWp group captive solar project in India under a long-term renewable energy agreement with CleanMax. The project is expected to generate approximately 41.4 million kWh of clean energy annually, reducing over 30,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.</div><div> </div><div>Globally, Equinix operates 280 data centers across 77 markets in 36 countries, serving over 10,500 leading businesses and enabling their digital transformation. In the Asia-Pacific region, Equinix’s portfolio includes 64 data centers across key metros in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, providing interconnection and digital infrastructure solutions to support the region’s dynamic economies.</div>

Equinix Launches Purpose-Built IBX Data Center in Mumbai to Accelerate India’s AI and Cloud Growth

MUMBAI: Equinix, the digital infrastructure company®, announced the opening of its fourth International Business Exchange™ (IBX®...

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Masai and SPJIMR blend social impact legacy with accessible learning to redefine executive education for working professionals

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBL7-KzJKFYuqOwjlph692zeGb9SHimbaAmTIreOuOnId_zW8paS3OCho9QXspwM5GxboHxQ724rRTzVhXD_ZJ276wahDFxXbi35WnlBz30ww4HHOqVpITgWX0Q-KD9CX1AavetUwN4CHQwjbEtAjDJFvJKu23P9rN3kweR9aBxv1emy0uAq3ztMLu" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBL7-KzJKFYuqOwjlph692zeGb9SHimbaAmTIreOuOnId_zW8paS3OCho9QXspwM5GxboHxQ724rRTzVhXD_ZJ276wahDFxXbi35WnlBz30ww4HHOqVpITgWX0Q-KD9CX1AavetUwN4CHQwjbEtAjDJFvJKu23P9rN3kweR9aBxv1emy0uAq3ztMLu" width="400"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVvABOuccp_zllQz3ddirwBSz02qg_QDfQZYdM4MW7KTfs9vixkeXi81fKQHTEOEdGd3zjPBs027B6kzKU4SpiYudWTqt320QT1XFsufWV1EdXwo3P4Mcet_vdkEzd_JO87NZdHo1ce0k1DSUxNZ8azO1Zj8KcP2Bz0fCSEZnHsUwlrwLC1AmSZzqu" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVvABOuccp_zllQz3ddirwBSz02qg_QDfQZYdM4MW7KTfs9vixkeXi81fKQHTEOEdGd3zjPBs027B6kzKU4SpiYudWTqt320QT1XFsufWV1EdXwo3P4Mcet_vdkEzd_JO87NZdHo1ce0k1DSUxNZ8azO1Zj8KcP2Bz0fCSEZnHsUwlrwLC1AmSZzqu" width="400"> </a> </div></div><div>Mumbai: Masai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) to launch pathway certification programmes for working professionals. The partnership brings together institutional legacy and grassroots accessibility to reimagine executive education.</div><div><br></div><div>Built on a shared belief that quality education should be widely accessible, the partnership combines SPJIMR’s legacy in social impact and responsible leadership with Masai’s focus on making learning affordable and career outcomes. Together, they aim to remove long-standing barriers that have kept executive education out of reach for many.</div><div><br></div><div>Moving beyond a conventional academic partnership, the collaboration places equal importance to credibility, accessibility, and outcomes, ensuring professionals need not choose between quality education and affordability, or learning and career continuity.</div><div><br></div><div>Unlike standalone certifications, the programmes will follow structured pathways, enabling learners to build skills progressively across high-demand management and technology domains. The curriculum integrates academic rigour, industry inputs, case discussions, and hands-on application, allowing participants to translate learning directly into workplace impact.</div><div><br></div><div>Commenting on the collaboration, Prateek Shukla, Co-Founder & CEO Masai said, “There is a large group of professionals who want to grow but do not always have access to the kind of education that can help them move ahead. With SPJIMR, which brings immense credibility built around social purpose, we are trying to change that by creating programmes that are both credible and within reach, with a clear link to career progress.”</div><div><br></div><div>Dr. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, said, “SPJIMR’s focus is on expanding access to meaningful education. This partnership with Masai allows us to engage a new segment of learners through programmes that combine academic depth with practical relevance, in formats suited to working professionals. We look forward to building a long-term relationship anchored in our shared vision.”</div><div><br></div><div>The pathway certification programmes will be delivered in flexible formats, enabling professionals to continue working while they learn, and making growth more accessible without career disruption.</div><div><br></div><div>The partnership signals a shift in executive education, from traditional formats to models that prioritise access, affordability, and real outcomes, aligned with the evolving needs of today’s workforce.</div>

Masai and SPJIMR blend social impact legacy with accessible learning to redefine executive education for working professionals

Mumbai: Masai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR...

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