Adani Foundation at ACC Tikaria fosters self-reliance through skill development


EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

·         ACC the Adani Foundation empower rural youth in Tikaria through transformative skill development initiatives, benefiting individuals including Malti Devi from Amethi.

·         Malti completed a 3-month Domestic Data Entry Operator course at the ASDC, enabling her to secure a job at Indivillage Tech Solutions with a monthly salary of Rs. 11,800.

·         Her story exemplifies the impact of skill training, as she now supports her family financially and funds her sisters’ education.

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation, is empowering rural youth through skill development initiatives in Tikaria. Through training at the Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC), Malti Devi from Kakwa village in Amethi has transformed her life, overcoming financial hardships to support her family and achieve self-reliance.

Malti Devi overcame significant challenges after her father’s passing by shouldering her family’s responsibilities. She enrolled in a three-month Domestic Data Entry Operator course at ASDC Tikaria that equipped her with essential skills. Her hard work and dedication have paid off with a job at Indivillage Tech Solutions, with a monthly income of Rs. 11,800.

Malti Devi’s achievement has not only brought her financial stability but also enabled her to support her family and fund her sisters’ education, fulfilling her dream of a brighter future for them.

ACC and the Adani Foundation's initiatives have a transformative impact on rural communities, bringing hope and opportunity to all.


DHL Express Launches Exclusive Festive SeasonDiscounts


·         DHL Express India will offer a discount of up to 50%on all international shipments and up to 40% on all domestic shipments

·         The discounts are available at over 250 DHL retail outlets to customers visiting in person or sending their shipments online

·         The offer is valid till 15th January 2025

DHL Express is celebrating the festive holiday season by providing retail customers with special offers and discounts.Valid until 15thJanuary,2025, customers can use exclusivediscounts and sendgift shipments ranging from 3kg to 25kgglobally.These offers are available at DHL’s extensive network of over 250 retail service points nationwide and on its official website. Customers choosing to usethe offer in-store simply need to use the ‘FESTIVAL50’ promo code while booking their shipment.

Customers have the option to choose an eco-friendly shipping alternative through the DHL GoGreen Plus service. This service employs the book-and-claim method, allowing customers to 'book' a specified amount of sustainable aviation fuel at the time of purchase and later 'claim' the resulting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions towards their sustainability goals. By using sustainable aviation fuel, DHL's customers can lower their Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative supports DHL's broader objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout its global logistics network.

The holiday season is a time of where loved ones exchange gifts andenjoy the merry seasonsurrounded by family and friends. However, work or travel commitmentsor unforeseen circumstances can make it difficult to reunite with loved ones during the festive season. Recognizing the importance of sharing the festive spirit, DHL Express aims to bringfamilies closer by offering discounts on festive season shipments, enabling them to send heartfelt gifts and thoughtful surprises to those who matter most, no matter the distance.

Sandeep Juneja, Vice President – Commercial, DHL Express India, commented on the offer, saying, “We, at DHL,are excited to make this festive season even more special with exclusive shipping discounts.We understand the importance of delivering gifts and heartfelt messages on time, ensuring our customers can connect with loved ones near and far. In addition, our commitment to sustainability, through initiatives like GoGreen Plus, reflects our dedication to providing eco-friendly solutions that align with our promise of reliable and efficient service during the holiday season.

Utilizing DHL's extensive global network, which spans 220 countries and territories, customers can easily send their festive gifts. The offer provides full shipment tracking, with timely SMS and email updates to ensure seamless and worry-free deliveries across the globe.

To inquire about this offer, customers can contact DHL Express via the toll-free number 1800 30 345 or visit us at https://express-resources.dhl.com/XMasPromo.html to have an international shipping expert guide you with your shipment booking. 

Bajaj Allianz Life Hosts Financial Awareness Sessions for Indian Navy Civilians in Mumbai

Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, one of India’s leading private life insurers, conducted financial awareness sessions for civilian personnel of the Indian Navy in Mumbai. These sessions are part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to empower Naval civilians with the knowledge about financial planning and the importance of adequate life insurance coverage. They will also help in furthering IRDAI’s vision of Insurance for All by 2047.

 

Designed to address the unique needs of Naval civilians, the sessions focused on educating participants about the critical aspects of financial security. The session saw a strong turnout, it covered the fundamentals of term insurance, assessing adequate coverage, aligning life insurance with personal life goals, ensuring long-term financial stability and much more.

 

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Amit Jaiswal, Chief Distribution Officer – Proprietary Sales Force, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, said, “We are proud to have partnered with the Indian Navy to bring simple, innovative insurance solutions and seamless service to Naval civilians. But we believe our role goes beyond just providing products – financial literacy is the foundation for making smart decisions. These sessions are another step towards empowering Naval civilians to secure their financial future while driving greater awareness about the value of insurance.”

 

These sessions are an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier between Bajaj Allianz Life and the Indian Navy, under which the company pledged to provide customized life insurance solutions tailored to the unique requirements of Naval civilians.

BN Group Unveils “RakhoIraade Fresh” Campaign with Simply Fresh TVC, Celebrates Real-Life Heroes


Simply Fresh, the flagship brand ofBN Group, has launched its latest campaign, “RakhoIraade Fresh,” with an advertisement that touches heartstrings and that champions real-life heroes who embody fresh perspectives and impactful actions.

The campaign’s inspiring TVC pays tribute to individuals like Neeraja Kudrimoti, an IT professional who left her lucrative career to champion sustainable farming in rural India, and Narayanan Krishnan, a five-star chef turned social worker who dedicates his life to feeding the underprivileged. Their extraordinary journeys of transformation and selflessness resonate deeply with Simply Fresh’s mission to promote fresh ideas and bold choices for a better Bharat.

Adding a unique dimension to the campaign, Bollywood’s Sonu Sood and actor Anup Soni have come on board to amplify its message. Through their Instagram handles, they’re spreading the word, encouraging viewers to adopt fresh perspectives and make a difference in their communities.

Speaking about the campaign, Kiran Giradkar, CMO of BN Group, said, “The ‘RakhoIraade Fresh’ campaign celebrates the power of fresh ideas and actions that drive real progress. Neeraja and Narayanan’s stories inspire us all to challenge the status quo and make a meaningful impact. Simply Fresh is proud to honor these heroes and their unwavering commitment to a brighter future.”

The “RakhoIraade Fresh” TVC is live across Simply Fresh’s social media platforms, YouTube channel, and other digital mediums. The campaign also features exclusive content and interactive challenges to engage viewers and spread the spirit of fresh intentions.

To bring this inspiring campaign to life, BN Group collaborated with leading creative partners. GOZOOP served as the digital ideation partner, infusing the campaign with fresh and innovative concepts. Hungry took the lead as the production partner, delivering a heartwarming and visually engaging TVC. One Source played a pivotal role as the integrated communications partner, ensuring seamless messaging and outreach. Together, these partnerships have elevated the “RakhoIraadeFresh” campaign into a powerful movement celebrating real-life heroes and fresh perspectives.

For more information, visit https://www.simplyfresh.in/ or follow Simply Fresh on https://www.instagram.com/simplyfresh_in?igsh=MXdnYnFhNjk2eW04.

Niyo’s #NiyoTravelBreak Campaign Sends Travel Enthusiasts on Dream Vacations



~Founder-led campaign highlights Niyo’s commitment to customer-centricity~

With the on-going holiday and year-end season, Vinay Bagri, CEO of Niyo, India’s leading travel banking fintech platform initiated #NiyoTravelBreak campaign over LinkedIn, emphasizing the importance of taking a break for travel.

The campaign invited participants to share why they deserved a travel break by liking the campaign LinkedIn post, commenting with #NiyoTravelBreak, and fill out a Google form. In return, Niyo offered to cover flight and visa expenses for selected winners and provide a free Niyo card—a trusted companion for international travellers to save on expenses. Niyo offered destinations like Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Laos, Burma, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Nepal, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrghztan, Maldives, Mauritius.

#NiyoTravelBreak saw an overwhelming response from travel enthusiasts across India. The initiative, aimed at inspiring people to embrace their travel aspirations for 2025, garnered over 1,000 creative and heartfelt entries. Niyo announced five winners: NirupamaVaylay, Jatin Deewan, HardikKumawat, Divjyot Kaur, and Tanishka. These individuals will embark on a dream travel experience to kick off their 2025 with Niyo’s support.

“Customer-centricity drives everything we do at Niyo, from our products to our marketing initiatives. With #NiyoTravelBreak, we aimed to add meaningful value to our customers' lives instead of investing in traditional ad campaigns,” said Sushanth Ravikumar, SVP and Head of Marketing and Growth at Niyo.

“At Niyo, we believe in going beyond transactions to build genuine connections with our customers. The #NiyoTravelBreak campaign allowed us to celebrate their passion for travel while showcasing our commitment to making global adventures more accessible and rewarding,” said Smriti Advani, VP, Brand Marketing, Niyo.

With a customer base of 1.5 million, Niyo began offering zero-forex markup credit and debit cards in partnership with banks in 2019. Since then, it has expanded to provide insurance, flight and visa bookings, travel services, and outward remittance solutions.

Ambedkar: A Proponent of Backward Classes: Dr. J. Poornachandra Rao, BSP AP Coordinator

A Champion for SCs, Women, and Muslims
Stood Firmly for the Rights of the Oppressed
Remarks Against Ambedkar Are Unacceptable
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Must Resign
Protests Held at Ambedkar Statue in Kurnool

Ambedkar was not just a leader for SCs but a staunch supporter of backward classes (BCs) as well, stated Dr. J. Poornachandra Rao, BSP Andhra Pradesh Coordinator and former DGP. Speaking at a protest organized by BSP near the Ambedkar statue at Kurnool bus stand on Tuesday, Dr. Rao condemned the recent remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament about Ambedkar.

He expressed disappointment, stating, “Expecting a regime like the BJP's to respect visionaries like Ambedkar is our mistake. The BJP government, which thrives on division and hatred, has once again shown its true colors.” A large number of party workers, leaders, and supporters participated in the event.

He continued, “The comments made by Amit Shah about Ambedkar in Parliament are shameful. Despite public outrage, neither Amit Shah nor the BJP has apologized or expressed regret. Instead, they continue to display arrogance. Following the directive of our leader Behen Mayawati, protests and demonstrations were held in all district headquarters across the state today. BJP's disdain for Ambedkar highlights their deep-seated prejudice and hostility, similar to what Congress exhibited in the past.

“Ambedkar's name is not just a word; it represents a passion for this nation. Contrary to misconceptions, Ambedkar stood for all oppressed classes, not just SCs. He was a strong advocate for BCs, SCs, women, and Muslims. He fought for reservations in legislatures for BCs and women. Despite the oppression by dominant castes, it is Ambedkar's teachings that empower SCs, BCs, and Muslims to stand tall today. His vision prevents this country from descending into civil unrest despite the divisive tactics of caste-driven politics.

“The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, must resign immediately and tender an unconditional apology for his derogatory comments about Ambedkar. The BJP, which fosters fascism and sells the country to a few wealthy corporates, has no respect for the Constitution. Their dismissive attitude towards Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution and a deity to marginalized communities, is disgraceful.”

He further criticized regional parties, saying, “In Andhra Pradesh, both ruling and opposition parties—YCP and TDP—remain silent, bowing to BJP’s pressure. Do we need such spineless and self-serving parties? When Dalit lands are being looted in Yadavalley, the steel plant in Vizag is being sold off, and Deep Tech propaganda is being pushed, these governments fail to address the actual issues.”

Dr. Rao also highlighted systemic disparities, pointing out that, “In Rayalaseema, which includes Nellore, there are 63 assembly constituencies. Out of these, 27 MLAs belong to the Reddy community. Under Jagan’s governance, this number went up to 40, and during the TDP regime, it was 25. This isn’t Rayalaseema; this is Reddy-seema. Despite widespread poverty and unemployment in the region, what are these MLAs doing?”

He concluded by emphasizing, “Ambedkar was not merely a political leader or a representative of SCs. He was a visionary who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the entire nation. If such a towering personality is insulted, we will not remain silent. Our fight will continue until Amit Shah apologizes and resigns.”

The protest, organized by the BSP district committee, witnessed massive participation from party workers and supporters from all constituencies. BSP District President Jayaraj, along with leaders Arunkumar and Sadiq Basha, participated.

Bata India partners with Zepto for 10-minute footwear delivery


 Bata India teams up with Zepto to offer stylish footwear delivered to your doorstep in minutes, transforming the shopping experience for today’s fast-paced consumers.


In a groundbreaking move to meet the evolving demands of modern shoppers for convenience, Bata India has strategically partnered with quick commerce platform Zepto to provide swift delivery of their fashion and festive footwear collections. The growing Quick Commerce market, with a CAGR of over 4.5%, has driven a rapid surge in demand for fashion products. With a successful launch in Delhi-NCR, Bata now plans to swiftly expand to major metropolitan cities across India, offering a broader assortment of products. With an estimated 48 lakh weddings expected in the next few months, this partnership guarantees convenience and accessibility, catering perfectly to last-minute style needs.

Whether you're gearing up for a last-minute meeting, need to complete a look for a wedding party, or simply want to indulge in a new pair of shoes, you are covered. By enabling seamless, rapid delivery, Bata ensures that customers no longer have to wait to get their hands on stylish and comfortable shoes with a wide range of products to choose from.

Gunjan Shah, CEO of Bata India, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “At Bata, we’re constantly transforming & innovating to meet the needs of our customers, and our partnership with Zepto marks a significant step in that journey. We wanted to strengthen our omni-channel presence to ensure that customers can shop for our stylish and high-quality footwear in the way that best suits them—whether online, in-store, or now, with rapid doorstep delivery. Today's consumers seek the convenience of having everything delivered to them, and this collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to enhance accessibility.”

Aadit Palicha, CEO of Zepto, said, “We are excited to partner with India’s leading footwear brand, Bata and bring their stylish & comfortable range of footwear to our customers at lightning speed. This collaboration is all about convenience, speed and making a wide variety of styles available to our consumers to choose from. We are united in our goal to enhance the shopping experience, redefining how quickly people can access stylish and quality shoes, making it easier for them to express their personal style on the go.”

As Bata continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving retail landscape, the partnership with Zepto represents a significant step toward enhancing customer accessibility to quality footwear.




Ambuja Cements strengthens community healthcare access with new clinic at Kashyalu



EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

·          Ambuja Cements inaugurates new Community Clinic Centre in Kashyalu, enhancing healthcare access for Darlaghat residents.

·          Community Clinic offers essential health services, including BP and sugar screenings for local adults.

·          Sustainable rural healthcare initiative underscores Ambuja’s commitment to collaborative community involvement.

Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, has inaugurated a new Community Clinic Centre in Kashyalu village. Through CSR efforts, the Company aims to enhance healthcare access for residents around its Darlaghat plant.

Following consultations with the local Panchayat members and stakeholders, the centre was developed with extensive community input, emphasizing a collaborative approach to public health.

The clinic, which saw robust community involvement in its planning and management, has been set up to address healthcare gaps in the area. Ambuja’s CSR team coordinated the logistics, from clinic renovations to essential supplies and medical equipment, ensuring a fully functional facility.

During the inauguration, an initial health screening camp was held, providing free BP and sugar tests to 49 residents aged 18 and above, marking a significant step in community wellness.

Ambuja Cements remains committed to building resilient communities by facilitating accessible healthcare solutions through initiatives including this clinic. This centre is more than just a facility; it represents the collective efforts of local leadership, government health departments, and Ambuja’s CSR efforts towards prioritising and sustaining rural healthcare for years to come.

WSFx Global Pay Launches Student Pay – Visa Forex Card Tailored for Indian Students Abroad


WSFx Global Pay, formerly known as Wall Street Finance Ltd and established in 1986, is a trusted, BSE-listed leader in the foreign exchange and cross-border payments industry with an AD2 License from Reserve Bank of India. As a pioneering forex fintech company, WSFx leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver seamless payment solutions. WSFx has introduced many Industry defining Digital Products.

 

Building on its legacy of innovation, the company proudly announces the launch of its very own Visa Forex Card “WSFx Student Pay”, specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of Indian students studying abroad, ensuring convenience, security, and unmatched value.

This launch marks WSFx’s transition to independently offering its cards, providing users with enhanced customization, control, and value. It represents a significant step in the company’s mission to redefine secure, seamless, and convenient financial solutions.

The international education market in India is currently valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion and is expected to grow in the coming years at an impressive rate, fuelled by the aspirations of countless Indian students pursuing higher education overseas. WSFx Global Pay’s Visa Forex Card is strategically developed to address the financial challenges faced by these students, offering a secure and efficient way to manage international expenses.

The WSFx Student Pay Card is thoughtfully designed to cater to the financial needs of Indian students studying abroad, offering unmatched convenience and value. With zero forex conversion charges, students can save significantly on every international transaction, while the Tap & Pay technology ensures quick and secure contactless payments for added ease and safety. To address unforeseen cash needs, the card provides one free ATM withdrawal per month, waiving additional charges. The card also offers a range of exclusive benefits upon loading a minimum of USD 3,000, ensuring convenience and value for users. Customers can enjoy International Lounge Access in India, providing a comfortable and stress-free start to their journeys. Students can benefit from the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which unlocks exclusive discounts on essential services across the globe. Additionally, users receive a complimentary International eSIM by Zetexa, enabling seamless connectivity while traveling abroad.

In addition to these benefits, the WSFx Global Pay App complements the card’s functionality, making financial management seamless and efficient. The app allows students to transact in just a few steps, complete digital KYC for quick onboarding, and manage their forex cards in real-time. Students can access live forex rates, generate or change PINs instantly, monitor their transaction history, and transfer funds between currency wallets with ease. It also includes options to check wallet balances and temporarily block the card if needed, offering enhanced security.

To top it off, the card features a robust rewards program, enabling users to earn points on every spend, which can be redeemed for exciting benefits. With its comprehensive range of features, the WSFx Student Pay Card ensures students abroad have a reliable, secure, and rewarding financial partner for their educational journey.

The WSFx Visa Forex Card is equipped with Green PIN technology, enabling instant PIN generation and robust transaction security while simultaneously eliminating the need for paper-based communication. Accepted across the globe through Visa’s extensive network, the card allows students to load currencies multiple times, manage funds digitally, and enjoy competitive forex rates—all backed by round-the-clock customer support.

Commenting on the launch, Srikrishna Narasimhan, Whole-Time Director and Chief Executive Officer, WSFx Global Pay, said, “Sending a child abroad for higher education is a significant emotional and financial decision for parents. At WSFx Global Pay, we understand these concerns and have designed our WSFx Student Pay Card to ensure transparency, security, and peace of mind, eliminating risks like hidden charges or fraud.

The card also helps students develop healthy financial habits with features like zero forex conversion charges, currency loading multiple times, and Tap & Pay technology, enabling them to manage expenses responsibly while focusing on their studies. More than a payment tool, it serves as a trusted financial and payment companion, giving parents confidence and students the support they need to succeed in their academic journey.”

Dilip Modi, Chairman, Spice Connect, added, “Throughout my career, I have been driven by the goal of empowering people and transforming lives—whether it’s creating opportunities for underserved communities in rural India or now addressing the evolving needs of Indian students heading abroad. The WSFx Student Pay Card is a reflection to this commitment, providing young global citizens with financial tools that are secure, transparent, and tailored for their journey. By helping students manage their finances responsibly, we aim to give families the confidence and peace of mind they deserve as they take this significant step towards building a brighter future.”

Airtel and Zee5 partner to bring exciting Zee5 content to Airtel WiFi customers

·         Zee5 content with over 1800 TV shows, a catalogue of over 4000 movies and a vast variety of popular web series across multiple languages will now be available to all Airtel Wifi customers on plans starting Rs. 699 at no additional cost

 

·         Airtel Wifi now has one of the largest digital content portfolios in India, offering access to over 350 Linear TV channels and 27 OTT platforms offering thousands of movies and shows

 

Gurugram (India), December 20, 2024:  Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today announced that it has entered into a partnership with Zee5, India’s leading OTT platform to offer exciting digital content to its WiFi customers. All customers on plans starting at Rs. 699 or higher will have Zee5 included as part of their Airtel WiFi plan at no additional cost.

 

Following this partnership, Zee5’s exclusive content, that includes original shows, chartbuster titles, OTT movies and series across multiple languages will now be available on Airtel WiFi for viewers, giving them access to an exhaustive catalogue of digital content. From popular titles like Sam Bahadur, RRR, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, Manorathangal, Vikkatakavi, The Chronicles of Amaragiri, AindhamVedham, Gyaarah Gyaarah amongst many others, Airtel WiFi customers can now enjoy a vast repository of 1.5 lakh+ hours of content.  

 

Amit Tripathi, Chief Marketing Officer & EVP Customer Experience – Bharti Airtel said, “Partnerships are at the core of Airtel’s DNA and we are delighted to partner with Zee5 in our endeavor to build a world-class digital content ecosystem. Zee5’s rich library adds a lot of depth to our content portfolio, enhancing the overall experience for our users. We remain committed to building our content portfolio with a single agenda of delighting our customers with the very best”.

 

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 stated, At ZEE5, it has been our endeavor to democratize access to high-quality entertainment by making our diverse content library available to a larger audience. The collaboration with Airtel strengthens our commitment to offering viewers a seamless entertainment experience across genres, languages, and formats. With integration of ZEE5 for Airtel Broadband users, we aim to cater to a wide audience base, ensuring engaging, personalized storytelling for every user.” 

 

Airtel Wi-Fi Plans

Plans

Speed

Linear TV Benefits

OTT Benefits

₹699

Up to 40 Mbps

350+ TV channels (HD included)

Zee5, Disney+ Hotstar, 22+ OTTs & much more

₹899

Up to 100 Mbps

350+ TV channels (HD included)

Zee5, Disney+ Hotstar, 22+ OTTs & much more

₹1099

Up to 200 Mbps

350+ TV channels (HD included)

Zee5, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, 22+ OTTs & much more

₹1599

Up to 300 Mbps

350+ TV channels (HD included)

Zee5, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, 22+ OTTs & much more

₹3999

Up to 1 Gbps

350+ TV channels (HD included)

Zee5, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, 22+ OTTs & much more

 

Airtel WiFi customers can claim the free offer via the Airtel Thanks app.

 

This partnership further enhances Airtel's impressive WiFi + TV offering, which boasts of over 350 HD channels and grants customers access to Airtel Xstream Play – a comprehensive platform that aggregates content from 23 popular OTT services including SonyLiv, ErosNow, SunNxt, AHA, and many more.

 

With the addition of ZEE5 to the existing offerings like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hotstar, Airtel WiFi customers now have an unrivaled wealth of entertainment options on their fingertips, cementing Airtel's position as a frontrunner in providing a holistic and enriching digital lifestyle experience to its subscribers.