MIW FOUNDATION and Malabar Gold and Diamonds provides Free Ration to daily wage laborers in Delhi for Past Many Days

 

Amidst the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a leading NGO of India MIW FOUNDATION ( Mission India Welfare) and Malabar Gold and Diamond, Karol Bagh, Delhi  providing free Ration as well as distributing masks and sanitizers for contractual workers from metro cities and daily wagers struggling due to the financial constraints.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of all, especially the marginalized section of the society. As a responsible organization, we are committed to aiding them at this unprecedented time. This is a small step in our efforts to make lives brighter for the underprivileged,” said Mr. Bhaskar Verma, President, National Grievance Cell, MIW FOUNDATION.

“Malabar Gold & Diamonds is in a constant strive to help as many heads as possible during this hard time faced by the country. The firm is strengthening its CSR activities in Delhi and the North region. Over 1000 kits is been distributed during the first phase of distribution and is coming up with more.” Mr. M.P Ahmed,Chairman, Malabar Group added.

The ration comprises essential items such as two kinds of pulses, flour, rice, tea, salt, red chilies, soap, sugar, detergent, and toothpaste. Social distancing was duly followed in distribution with white circles being earmarked at an adequate distance for each individual.

Masks and sanitizers were also distributed to the needy and the organization is sensitizing them to wear masks and use sanitizers to reduce the transmission risk of the disease.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire world is going through challenging times indeed. It has resulted in global chaos and loss of thousands of lives. Governments across the world have been deploying measures and solutions to tackle the pandemic. In such an unprecedented and crucial situation, it is pertinent that we stand strong and show the best of humanity to combat this battle. Said Mr. Sanjay Sharma , Trustee MIW FOUNDATION and Promoters of MALABAR GROUP.

Ram Lagan, one of the beneficiaries, said: “We are unable to get work due to the lockdown. In such a situation, we are struggling to make ends meet. I would like to thank  MIW FOUNDATION for their support at this critical juncture.”

Watch “Since Lockdown MIW FOUNDATION Team Member in India working Day & Night 24×7 to Serve Humanity” on YouTube

UK Immigration Statistics shows Indian students visa up by 93%

 UK Immigration Statistics published on 27 February show that over 37,500 Indian students received a Tier 4 (study) visa in 2019 – a 93% increase from the previous year. This represents the largest number of visas issued to Indian students over the last eight years and continues the strong upward trend in student visa numbers since 2016. Indians are currently the fastest growing nationality for student visas.

Indian nationals also received over 57,000 Tier 2 skilled work visas last year. This accounts for over 50% of all skilled work visas granted globally – meaning more were granted to Indians than the rest of the world combined.

The UK continues to be a popular destination for Indian holidaymakers. More than 515,000 Indian nationals received visit visas last year – an 8% increase compared to the previous year.

In 2019, 95% of Indian nationals who applied for a UK visa were successful, an increase of 5% on the previous year.

Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said: “This phenomenal increase in student visa numbers is testament both to the UK’s world leading education system and to the exceptional talents of Indian students. We couldn’t be prouder that the best and brightest continue to pick the UK, making the living bridge between our countries stronger each day.”

Barbara Wickham, Director India, British Council, said: “It is exciting to see so many Indian students trusting the UK as the destination for their education and furthering their careers. This bodes very well for both countries’ continued focus on realising their knowledge ambitions in a fast changing world.”

ŠKODA AUTO India will commence the reservation window for OCTAVIA RS 245 on 01 March 2020

The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 comes equipped with the turbocharged 2.0 TSI petrol engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, delivering an impressive power output of 245 PS (180 kW), a 15 PS (11 kW) increase over its predecessor, and a peak torque output of 370 Nm achieved in the 1,600 – 4,300 rpm range. The assertive and dynamic character of the RS 245 is further accentuated by the innovative chassis technology with electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential. The high-performance beast of a machine accelerates a standstill to a 100 km/h in mere 6.6 seconds and has its top speed ‘electronically limited’ to 250 km/h – instating it as the fastest ŠKODA AUTO offering, in India. The vRS Mode button, on the center console, adjusts the characteristics of the engine, electronic assistants, and stability control systems, for a penultimate driving experience.

 

Mr. Zac Hollis, Brand Director, ŠKODA AUTO India said, “With the OCTAVIA RS 245, we translate our century-long motorsports legacy into the fastest ŠKODA offering in India. It offers a compelling combination of the high-performance engine, sporty appearance and dynamic driving capabilities along with class-leading safety and intelligent connectivity features. These 200 units of the RS 245 are being introduced in the market after an overwhelming response from brand loyalists and auto enthusiasts, across the nation.”

 

EXTERIOR DESIGN

 

The RS 245 inherits the signature contoured body of the iconic ŠKODA OCTAVIA, and arms it with distinctive design elements. The fascia is dominated by a massive front butterfly grille, with gloss black surrounds and broad honeycomb air inlets, as well as characteristic Quadra headlamps with CystalGlo LED daytime running lights.

 

The side profile of the OCTAVIA RS 245, with glossy black 45.72 cm R (18) dual tone Vega alloy wheels and wing mirror housings, lengthens the vehicle visually and emphasize the coupé-like silhouette. The sports chassis lowers the body of the new RS 245 by 15 mm when compared to the OCTAVIA model range, on offer, in India.

 

The C shaped illumination, typical of the ŠKODA model range, is tastefully complemented by the glossy black spoiler and trapezoidal tailpipes that make the vehicle confidently stand out. The radiator grille as well as the tailgate sport the RS badge that features a ‘V’ (for victory) and accentuates the dynamic appearance of the new ŠKODA offering. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 can be acoustically recognized by the ‘husky’ sound of its exhaust system.

 

INTERIOR DESIGN

 

Step inside the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 and experience how racy and refined can go hand-in-hand. The Carbon décor with LED ambient lighting, with as many as ten colour options, adds to the active theme that continues inside the OCTAVIA RS 245.

 

The three-spoke SuperSport flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel with paddle-shift and black perforated leather with red stitching lend the vehicle an emotive and authentic appearance. The RS 245 opens up new vistas with the Virtual Cockpit – a customizable high definition digital instrument panel that offers a fresh perspective of all important driving data and navigation – with Classic, Basic, Extended, Modern, and Sports display options.

 

The black Alcantara® Sports Seats with integrated headrests don the RS logo and enhance the sporty appeal of the interiors. The twelve-way electrically-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, with lumbar support and three programmable memory functions for the driver seat, are further proof that ŠKODA always offers a bit ‘more car’ for your money.

 

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

 

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 hosts a plethora of the most technically advanced and intelligent connectivity features. The state-of-the-art 20.32 cm touchscreen central infotainment system, is equipped with SmartLink™ technology (ŠKODA Connectivity bundles supporting MirrorLink®, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto) that mirrors the smartphone for seamless connectivity and an undistracted drive. The dual-zone Climatronic air conditioning system, with clean air function, features electronic regulation. It is also fitted with a humidity sensor that reduces the windscreen misting.

 

With a capacity of 590 litres, stretched to 1,580 litres with the rear seat backrests (capable of a 60:40 split and through-loading) folded down, the new OCTAVIA RS 245 sets segment benchmark in luggage space. It transcends to maximized storage and practicality for all your business, pleasure, and practical essentials.

 

SAFETY AND SMART ASSISTANCE

 

The standard safety equipment in the OCTAVIA RS 245 includes nine airbags: dual front, side airbags at front and rear, curtain airbags at front and rear, and driver knee airbag – that reiterate ŠKODA AUTO’s strong emphasis on the safety of its customers.

 

In addition, a host of security equipment and safety support functions include AFS (Adaptive Front light System), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), MBA (Mechanical Brake Assist), MKB (Multi Collision Brake), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), and EDS (Electronic Differential Lock).

Universal Music Group announced a strategic expansion of its leadership team within India and South Asia

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music entertainment, today announced a strategic expansion of its leadership team within India and South Asia, to reinforce its position as the leading music company for non-film music within the region and to accelerate its growth across the original artist, non-film music and hip-hop genres in India and South Asia.

 

Over the past three years, UMI has led the evolution of the domestic Indian music market with a series of strategic label launches, combined with increased A&R focus in original Indian non-film music and talent. This focus has enabled UMI artists to reach new audiences both locally and globally, whilst expanding the opportunities for non-film talent outside of Bollywood film music, which has traditionally dominated India’s commercial music and airplay charts.

 

In January 2018, UMI launched VYRL Originals, India’s first dedicated non-film label, which has released more than 40 singles, from a roster of 25 artists including; Mithoon, Asees Kaur, Arjun Kanungo, Lisa Mishra, Tanishk Bagchi, Sukriti & Prakriti Kakkar, Akull Tandon & -Vishal Mishra, establishing the label as India’s premier destination for non-film talent. In November 2019, VYRL Originals single ‘Intezaar’ from Mithoon featuring Arijit Singh & Asees Kaur made history as the first non-film release to top India’s national AirCheck T20 radio airplay charts for three consecutive weeks.

 

Since the launch of VYRL Originals, UMI has further extended and established the VYRL brand, partnering with broadcast partners Red FM to launch Ricky Singh Ka VYRL Countdown – India’s first character based non-film countdown show across 40 cities in India. This is the first and only weekly primetime show dedicated to non-film music. In addition, UMI launched the VYRL Top 20 Playlist across all digital partner platforms, curated and based on listening patterns and audience preferences from across India.

 

This was followed last year by the launch of Mass Appeal India, in conjunction with legendary U.S. rapper Nas. Mass Appeal India is the new authentic home for Indian hip-hop, as the genre continues to rapidly grow in popularity throughout the sub-continent. The label’s first signing DIVINE, the godfather of Mumbai’s hip-hop scene, released his debut album Kohinoor to critical and commercial acclaim in October 2019, with several major Indian hip-hop artists, set to debut music in 2020.

 

Devraj Sanyal, MD & CEO Universal Music India and South Asia, said, “We are truly in a sea change moment for music in India, with an audience that is consuming more music, video and content than ever before. Because of this we have worked hard alongside our partners over the past two years, to build and launch new sub-labels that put artistic creativity and collaboration at the heart of every release, and where artist’s voices and talent can be seen and heard, starting with VYRL Originals and Mass Appeal India and with further exciting initiatives to follow in the coming months.”

 

Adam Granite, Executive Vice President, Market Development at UMG said, “Devraj and the senior management team in India have done an incredible job opening the door for non-film music to break into the mainstream and reach a new mass audience of fans in India, within the vast Indian diaspora around the world and hopefully beyond. The potential for artist talent and creativity in India is huge and we are excited to support their efforts to bring original Indian music to the world and further establish UMG as the home for non-film music talent and success in the region.”

 

In order to support these developing labels and further future initiatives, UMI has announced a series of strategic appointments to strengthen its commitment to expanding the horizons for original Indian artist music and content long into the future.

 

Vinit Thakkar has been promoted from SVP to the newly created position of COO, India and South Asia, effective immediately. In his new role, he will work closely with Devraj Sanyal, MD & CEO Universal Music India and South Asia, to continue to strengthen UMI’s position as a true home for artists in the region. Thakkar will be responsible for driving India’s overall content strategy, strategic initiatives and operational efficiency, to ensure that UMI continues to lead and innovate in this rapidly evolving market. Having joined UMI in 2012, Thakkar has held several senior positions within UMI and was instrumental in the launch of VYRL Originals, alongside acclaimed Bollywood Director Mohit Suri. Prior to joining UMG, Thakkar held positions at Sony Music, Citibank and Titan. Based in Mumbai, he will continue to report to Sanyal.

 

In addition, Gaurav Chaturvedi has been appointed as VP, Domestic Labels, Universal Music Group India, responsible for leading label activity, strategy and releases for all domestic UMI labels effective immediately. The role will focus on the expansion and development of VYRL Originals alongside several other key label initiatives to be announced in the coming months. Chaturvedi will be based in Mumbai and will report to Thakkar. He joins UMI from Indian Media conglomerate Star India Pvt Ltd where he held the position of Assistant Vice-president Marketing and was responsible for leading marketing strategy and activation for their Star Sports network across all major sports verticals; Cricket, Kabaddi & Football to the channel’s global audience. Prior to joining Star India in 2013, he held senior marketing positions at Sony Music Entertainment India and Zee Entertainment.

 

To further enhance UMI’s capabilities across brand partnerships and artist campaigns, Pranav Thakker has been appointed as General Manager, New Business Development at Universal Music Group Brands (UMGB) for India and South Asia. An experienced branding executive within the region, Pranav previously worked at TVF (The Viral Fever), Big FM and DNA (Zee Media Ltd) and will report to Preeti Nayyar, Vice President, New Business Development, India & South Asia. In recent years, UMI has achieved great success in this field, successfully launching The Sterling Reserve Music Project in partnership with Allied Blenders & Distillers to incubate unique local Indian talent, that has helped unearth and release several breakthrough artists through its channels, as well as award winning campaigns with Aloft Hotels, OK Cupid, HDFC Life Insurance & Levis.

 

Sanyal and the UMI management team will continue to work closely alongside Adam Granite to identify further opportunities for UMI artists to reach new audiences and fans around the world, utilizing UMG’s unrivalled global network of industry leading businesses spanning more than 60 countries worldwide.

 

Vinit Thakkar said, “This is an exciting time for Indian artists and music, and we are looking forward to further expanding the horizons of what is possible to achieve with VYRL Originals and our other domestic labels. I am very proud that our efforts have resulted in creating a culture and category of non-film music in India. I am very excited about my new role whereby alongside Devraj, I will be responsible for driving UMG’s strategic expansion in the region.”

 

Announcing the changes, Sanyal said, “I am thrilled to announce these strategic appointments, as we look to marry our ambition to increase the scale and reach of original music in India and our continued focus and commitment to domestic A&R, with real action to help revolutionize the listening experience for Indian music fans. Under Vinit’s guidance, VYRL Originals has become the blueprint for non-film music success in India, and I look forward to working closely together with him in his new role to achieve further innovation and success. The addition of Gaurav and Pranav to our senior management team will help expand the boundaries of commercial success for our recording artists, label teams and amplify the opportunities for local and international artists to reach new fans, both here in India, and also around the world.”

Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship awarded to an Indian female

PhD research student Gopika Kottantharayil Bhasi, from  Kerala, was chosen from more than 800 Indian women and received the four-year scholarship to LaTrobe University at a ceremony in Mumbai attended by La Trobe Chancellor, The Honourable John Brumby AO.

Gopika will be joining La Trobe’s research team who are discovering new techniques to protect the world’s honey bee population from viruses, pollutants and declining diversity in flora. Gopika will research a field-deployable diagnostic test for honey bee viruses and with the aim of developing therapies to aid honey bee health.

“I admire Gopika’s dedication and determination. This scholarship will enable her to travel to La Trobe in Melbourne, Australia, where she will pursue her dreams of helping to improve India’s agriculture sector. I wish her well,” Mr Khan said.

A graduate from the University of Calicut, Gopika has a passion for animal health, having grown up in a farming family and researched the management of Asian elephants in Kerala. For the past year she has been managing her family’s poultry farm, while her father recovered from heart by-pass surgery. During this time Gopika researched the impacts of feed, water, diseases and climate on livestock for food production.

“It is highly appropriate that a scholarship created to recognise Mr Khan’s humanitarian and social justice work to inspire positive change in the world is now about to change Gopika’s life forever,” La Trobe Chancellor The Honourable John Brumbysaid.

“We are proud to be part of her story, and to contribute to advancing knowledge in her field,” he said.

In receiving the scholarship, Gopika said “she was honoured. I can’t wait to travel to La Trobe and start my studies,” .

“Through my research, I know I will be contributing to improving agricultural science in India. Protecting our honey bees is vital to food production and I’m so excited for the opportunity to be working with leading scientists conducting cutting-edge research,” Gopika said.

The AUD $200,000 (about 9.5 million Indian rupees) scholarship, announced in August 2019 when Mr Khan was conferred an Honorary Degree by La Trobe University to recognise his wide-ranging humanitarian work, including his establishment of the Meer Foundation to support and empower women who have survived acid attacks in India.

 

Donear Lauches all new wrinkle-free fabric collection

Donear launches its all new wrinkle-free fabric collection, for those always on the move!

Available in a plethora of colors such as classics like navy and black to new-age colours like oranges and purples, this fabric range is comfortable, and easy to wear and care.

This range presents wrinkle-resistant, also colloquially known as ‘permanent press’ fabrics consisting of textiles that have been treated to resist external stress and hold their shape. These fabrics don’t need to be ironed and are wash-and-wear and meant for easy care.

A research was conducted with the current working population and a valuable insight was that their appearance was linked to their performance. The need to ‘look good to do good’ was apparent. This insight triggered a range of wrinkle-resistant finishes – developed keeping in mind the multi-tasking routine of consumers these days and how they need to look and feel presentable right through the day.

The Donear range emphasises cotton wrinkle-free fabrics, with cotton fibres being spun into yarn, then woven into fabric, followed by dyeing, and finally the fabric is treated with a ‘cross-linking’ resin. Cross-linking is a chemical process that to produce textiles with wrinkle resistance by crosslinking of cellulose chains to stop the molecules from moving when in contact with water or other environmental stress. This means that they fabrics will be resistant to wrinkles.

Donear has always striven for quality in its fabric range – along with a strong design sense, there has been investment in technology to develop finishes for wrinkle resistance.

Donear is proud to have a very large variety of fabrics with this finish across myriad colours – perfect for any occasion. There are a range of blacks/ blues/ greys/ browns for formal wear, pastels and pop colours like yellows/ oranges/ greens/ purples for fancy wear (parties/ festivities etc) and some prints for casual wear. The range truly has something for everyone.

Commenting on the fabric range, Ajay Agarwal (Director, Donear) said, “Our exceptional wrinkle-free fabric is a perfect amalgamation of comfort and style. The characteristics of easy wear and care, makes the range even more popular. With our manufacturing unit at Surat, producing the finest quality wrinkle free fabrics, we endeavour to constantly innovate and present the high quality fabrics to our consumers.”

 

MTR Karnataka Food Festival – Karunadu Swada 2020

Karunadu Swada- MTR Karnataka Food Festival

Go on a culinary trip across Karnataka and rediscover one of the oldest surviving cuisines of India with the 3rd edition of MTR Foods’ iconic food festival – Karunadu Swada.

With over 100 authentic dishes, the MTR Karnataka Food Festival showcases 6 regional cuisine trails from across the state and is prepared by expert home cooks.

Date: 21st – 22nd March, 2020

Venue: Jayamahal Palace Convention Hall, near Cantonment Railway Station Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560046

Time: Lunch: 11:30 pm  – 2:30 pm |  Dinner: 7 pm – 10:00 PM

Urbanization touching more and more lives of people in Tier II cities

With urbanization touching more and more lives of people in Tier II cities, there’s a drastic change in the routinely habits and diet of the individuals there, further leading to a surge in lifestyle diseases especially, heart ailments.

Cardiac Ailments is one of the leading causes of death in India and worldwide killing about 1 in 5 men and 1 in 8 women, According to WHO reports. Heart attacks that were once reckoned to be an elderly problem has now been reflected in the middle aged population as well. The increasing stress of modern life has exposed even younger people to the risk of heart diseases.

 While a person’s genetic disposition and family history remain the most common and uncontrollable risk factors, majority of heart diseases in the younger generation is due to excessive stress and long working hours coupled with erratic sleep patterns, which cause inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease. Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle further accelerate the risk symptoms in people in the age group of 20 to 30 years and ultimately heart failure.

“While development in Tier II cities has been a boon to the people in many ways, it has also brought a set of health challenges with it. Health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes have become increasingly common which contribute to a deteriorating heart health. It has been also observed that there’s a spurt in cardiac issues among the younger generation. A heart disease is no more an ‘old-age problem’ as it also impacts people in their thirties. Therefore, it is imperative to raise awareness among the Tier II city population about prevention, early detection and timely treatment of cardiac issues.” Said Dr. Adil Rizvi, Principal Consultant, CTVS Surgeon, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj

Risk factors such as smoking and diabetes, in particular, provoke inflammatory changes and promote the formation of blood clots, thus obstructing the blood flow. The one factor that strongly predicts both heart and brain health is high blood pressure. Infact, many people are not even aware that they have high blood pressure because it has no visible symptoms, which is why it is called as ‘the silent killer’.

“Due to increase in sedentary lifestyle and the culture of ‘eating out’, I have observed that there is a rise in the incidence of heart diseases in younger people which is very worrisome. It is painful to see the people not having easy access to timely diagnosis and treatment for heart diseases, which have become a growing epidemic in many regions. Reaching the masses about the latest advancements will help citizens have latest cardiac care at their doorsteps and prove to be highly beneficial to patients who have undergone heart surgeries or stenting.” He added

Hassle-free this Tax filing season with these 5 must-have apps

Technology has cushioned every field and helped us in simplifying our lives to a great extent. Smartphones have played smart by building a tax empire in our pockets, apps these days help us not only grow our income but save them too. Balance your income, investments, tax filings, payments and everything else that you need to get an insight into money matters.  

 

1. Groww – Tax saving investments is a crucial element to focus while planning your returns. Investment on the go is a rising concept which can be availed through apps like Groww. It is an online investment platform which is also available on android and iOS smartphones. It has become a game-changer for a new generation of investors. Due to its focus on simplicity and transparency as its key USPs. The app has been designed to be like a buddy who understands millennial, powered by intelligent UI and UX. Today, 60 percent of Groww’s user base is spread across the country, predominantly in tier 2 and 3 cities, and that percentage is only growing.

2. ClearTax – Tax filing apps have revolutionized the way one files their returns. It has eliminated the dependency on a third party. Critical events like The Union Budget 2020 which has brought in a revised tax regime by the Government of India, leaves a lot of us bewildered. ClearTax app has solutions to Income Tax filing, GST and Investments. They also have an active blog on their website which addresses queries from basic to complex questions. 

3. Aaykar Setu – A very versatile app by the Government of India to aid its citizens with all the benefits of the Income-tax department. Varying from asking queries to filing your income tax returns, all in one space. The term ‘aaykar’ means taxpayer and ‘setu’ means bridge, acting as a bridge between the government and the taxpayer. 

4. Expensify- An app to help you manage your expenses and keep a track of them without worrying about storing a box of receipts and scripts. It allows businesses to maintain summaries of their accounts along with calendars to maintain transparency and obtain balance between different ratios such as debt-to-income at the right time, preventing any crisis or undesirable situation.

5. PocketGuard – If you have a hard time staying on budget and it never goes as you planned, this app is for you. Whether you want to track your spending, make a budget or lower your bills, with PocketGuard you can spend more time living, while staying on top of your finance.