EDII Launches National Movement For Entrepreneurship With “Udyamita Pakhwada”

To conduct region-focused programmes across 19 states, with inaugural event in Ladakh

 

Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, a 'Centre of Excellence' recognised by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India announces the launch of its initiative - Udyamita Pakhwada 2025 (Entrepreneurship Fortnight 2025), a nationwide celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation with an aim to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and strengthen local innovation ecosystems. The initiative, being implemented in collaboration with state government education departments and higher education institutes, is focussed on nurturing innovation, employment generation, and self-reliance among diverse demographics in the world’s third largest entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The entrepreneurship fortnight, Udyamita Pakhwada, was inaugurated by Shri Kavinder Gupta, The Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on 09 November 2025 in Leh, Ladakh. The inaugural event, which coincided with the National Entrepreneurship Day, witnessed the release of the Enterprising Ladakh Report and a Catalogue of Enterprises, along with the inauguration of a Product Wall and exhibition showcasing over 80 local enterprises established under the programme. Under the theme Enterprising Ladakh, over 1,500 Ladakhi students have already been oriented on enterprise development, MSME setup, banking, and marketing.

Following its successful launch in Ladakh, simultaneously, similar regional programmes are being executed across multiple states in India between 09 November 2025 and 21 November 2025 to ensure students and aspiring entrepreneurs gain practical exposure to business creation and innovation. The programme will continue in several regions, including Gujarat, New Delhi,Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Odisha, Meghalaya, Chhatisgarh, and Manipur, among others, each focusing on a distinct theme that reflects the local entrepreneurial strengths and opportunities. The initiative will see workshops, exhibitions, dialogues, competitions, and mentorship sessions being conducted across participating regions, each tailored to local aspirations yet united under a shared vision.

Speaking on the launch of Udyamita Pakhwada, Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, said, “Entrepreneurship today lies at the heart of India’s progress. Across the country, there is an abundance of untapped talent, ideas, and determination waiting to be channelled. Through Udyamita Pakhwada, we aim to ignite this spirit, enabling people from all social classes to transform their aspirations into enterprises that drive inclusive and sustainable growth.”

Union Bank Of India Celebrates Its "107th Foundation Day"

Union Bank of India celebrated its "107th Foundation Day". On this occasion, a grand function was organized at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai, marking over a century of trust, innovation, and excellence in banking services. The celebration was graced by Shri M. Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, as the Chief Guest in the august presence of  Shri Asheesh Pandey, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Executive Directors, Shri Nitesh Ranjan, Shri Ramasubramanian S. & Shri Sanjay Rudra, Chief Vigilance Officer, Shri Ajay Kumar Singh and  Directors on Board of the Bank along with senior officials, employees and esteemed customers of the bank.

 

In his address, Shri M. Nagaraju said, “Founded in 1919, over the decades Union Bank has grown into one of India’s most respected financial institutions touching millions of lives and supporting the nation’s economic growth. Since the amalgamation, Union Bank has demonstrated remarkable progress and operational synergy. The Bank is now entering a new phase of growth anchoring its vision of becoming a digitally empowered, customer-centric and future-ready institution. As the bank moves forward, its focus on customer-first innovation, digital excellence and sustainable banking will continue to strengthen its role as a trusted partner in nation building.”

 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Asheesh Pandey, Managing Director & CEO welcomed all to the historic occasion of 107th Foundation Day.  He said, “Foundation Day of our Bank is not just a celebration of longevity but a celebration of legacy, trust, resilience and continuous dedicated service to the nation, as a Public Sector Bank. He further elucidated that, at this foundation day celebrations function 9000 people are physically present at Mumbai and approximately 50,000 plus staff members along with customers and other dignitaries have joined virtually across the country from the Bank’s 140 Regional Offices and 22 Zonal Offices. As on 30th September, the Bank has a global business of Rs. 22.10 lac crore, 16 crores of customers are in banks fold that is the biggest strength of the bank.”

 

As part of the celebrations, Union Bank of India launched ‘Union ebiz’ Business Mobile Banking App that will simplify business transactions with modern technology for MSMEs and others businesses. The App has 20 plus Journeys and 300 plus features for sole proprietors and individuals. The app brings in features like comprehensive access rights management, collection journeys, bulk payments, pending collections & settlements etc.  For retail customers ‘Union ease’ App Logo was also launched which will be available to use very soon.

 

Chief Guest for the occasion Shri M. Nagaraju also virtually announced the opening of 51 News Branches and Offices across key regions to strengthen its reach and accessibility. On the occasion of the Foundation Day, as a spirit of service and duty towards the nation to support the brave men and women of our country who guard our borders, the Employees of Union Bank of India have contributed Rs. 21.68 crores towards National Defence Fund. 

 

Shri Nitesh Ranjan, Executive Director of the Bank proposed a vote of thanks.

The evening was concluded with a cultural programme.

Samsung Expands Extended Warranty Plans For Home Appliances With Samsung Care+

• Samsung Care+ offers consumers greater peace of mind through enhanced protection and convenience

• Samsung Care+ introduces industry-first coverage for software updates and screen malfunctions

• Consumers get comprehensive protection and convenience starting INR 2 per day 

Samsung, India’s leading consumer electronics brand, today announced the expansion of its Samsung Care+ service to include extended warranty plans for home appliances including Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Microwave ovens, and Smart TVs.  Customers can now choose from plans that range from 1-4 years, offering comprehensive protection and convenience, with prices starting as low as INR 2 per day.

 

The upgraded Samsung Care+ service also introduce industry-first coverage for software updates and screen malfunctions (with no physical damage). This ensures that customers have complete peace of mind, not only for hardware issues but also for software performance and display concerns, making Samsung Care+ the most comprehensive appliance protection programme in the industry.

 

“We are committed to enhancing the customer experience, elevating home appliances ownership with unique benefits such as software updates and screen malfunction coverage, while expanding availability of Samsung Care+ extended warranty plans across all channels,” said Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances, Samsung India.

 

Built on the pillars of Expertise, Reach, Reliability, Speed, Smart Service, Protection, and Sustainability, Samsung Care+ provides consumers access to over 13,000 Samsung-certified engineers, 2,500+ service centres, and 100% genuine Samsung parts, guaranteeing timely, high-quality service. Customers will get multi-lingual support in nine languages, while the Samsung app allows customers to track services and receive timely reminders for scheduled maintenance.

  

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN

Malaysia Aviation Group Announces Appointment Of New President And Group Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of Malaysia Aviation Group (“MAG”) today announced that Datuk Captain Izham Ismail will be retiring from his position as Group Managing Director effective 31 January 2026, following an accomplished career spanning more than four decades with the company. In line with the Group’s strategic succession plan, the Board has appointed Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar (“Captain Nasa”) as President and Group Chief Executive Officer, a new designation succeeding the former Group Managing Director.

 

Datuk Captain Izham began his career with Malaysia Airlines as a pilot in 1979 and rose through the ranks to hold various key leadership roles before being appointed as the Group Managing Director on 1 December 2017, making him the company’s longest-serving chief executive to date. During his tenure, Captain Izham oversaw key financial restructuring and operational improvement efforts that helped return MAG to profitability in recent years. The Group’s stronger financial position now puts it in a better standing to embark on its next phase of growth towards improved performance and more sustainable operations under new leadership.

 

Captain Nasa, a home-grown leader with more than three decades of experience across flight operations, management and strategic roles within MAG, has held several leadership positions within the Group, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Malaysia Airlines. He brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of MAG’s business, culture and strategic ambitions, having led multiple transformation initiatives, including the successful turnaround of MASwings in 2022 and the implementation of profit-driven structures under the Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 (LTBP2.0).

 

As President and Group CEO, Captain Nasa will oversee the execution of MAG’s strategic priorities, driving operational excellence, customer experience and sustainable growth across both its airlines and non-airlines portfolio, as the Group advances its LTBP3.0 and strengthens its position as a leading aviation group.

 

Captain Nasa's appointment marks an important milestone in MAG’s ongoing evolution, ensuring continuity in leadership and execution across the Group’s portfolio of businesses.

 

Captain Nasa will be supported by a strong and capable management team across the Group and three profit centres - namely Airline Business, Loyalty and Travel Services and Aviation Services.

 

Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Board Member of MAG and Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, said, “On behalf of the Board and the entire MAG family, we extend our sincere gratitude to Datuk Captain Izham for his outstanding service and leadership. He has exemplified relentless commitment, integrity and passion in guiding MAG through pivotal periods of transformation and growth. His tenure has strengthened the Group, defined its strategic direction and fostered a high- performance culture that positions MAG for continued success. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

 

We are pleased to welcome Captain Nasa as President and Group CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group. He brings extensive experience within the Group and a deep understanding of the business and industry. The Board has full confidence in his leadership to advance MAG’s strategic priorities and strengthen the Group’s position in a competitive global aviation landscape.” 

 

About Malaysia Aviation Group

 

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is a global aviation organisation comprising three focused business portfolios from Airlines, Loyalty and Travel Services (LTS) and Aviation Services.

 

Its current Airlines business portfolio that serves the global, domestic and segmented market comprises Malaysia Airlines – the national carrier of Malaysia, Firefly and MASwings – the regional airlines focused on serving communities across Malaysia, and AMAL by Malaysia Airlines – leading one-stop pilgrimage travel solutions centre.

 

MAG also focuses on Aviation Services business such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), cargo, ground handling and training that houses MAB Engineering, MASkargo – one-stop cargo logistic and terminal operations service provider, AeroDarat – one-stop ground handling solution provider and Malaysia Airlines Academy – one- stop Aviation and Hospitality Centre of Excellence.

 

The Loyalty and Travel Services (LTS) business portfolio focuses on providing end-to-end travel solutions and loyalty programs, complementing its established strength and expertise in the airline and aviation service businesses. It comprises Journify - the integrated one-stop travel and lifestyle digital platform, Enrich – the award-winning Travel & Lifestyle Loyalty Programme of Malaysia Airlines; and MHholidays and Firefly Holidays – the tour operating arm for the Group.

 

With the clear business portfolios, MAG is set to achieve its vision anchored on becoming Asia’s Leading Travel and Aviation Services Group, focused on delivering highly customised, end-to-end travel solutions by 2025.

 

Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation Group.

Grand Celebration of Madhya Pradesh Day at Statue of Unity, Kevadia

An Extraordinary Showcase of Madhya Pradesh’s Culture, Tourism, and Cuisine at Bharat Parv 2025

 

Gujarat: On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of India’s Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Bharat Parv” is being celebrated with great enthusiasm from November 1 to November 15 at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. On the 11th day of the celebration, November 11, the Madhya Pradesh Day was inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel. The event was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Jagdish Deora, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla, and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture, Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments, Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, said that the purpose of this celebration is to uphold the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, showcasing unity in diversity across the nation. Under Bharat Parv, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has set up an impressive theme pavilion spanning approximately 25 square meters, beautifully presenting the state’s tourism, culture, and handicraft heritage.

 

The pavilion features glimpses of Madhya Pradesh’s iconic destinations such as Sanchi, Khajuraho, Bhimbetka, Mandu, Orchha, Ujjain, and Omkareshwar, along with its renowned national parks like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench. Additionally, traditional handicrafts and handlooms such as Chanderi and Maheshwari fabrics, Bagh prints, Dhokra art, terracotta pottery, and Gond paintings are being displayed, reflecting the state’s artistic and cultural richness.

 

Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Home, and Religious Trusts & Endowments, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said, “Bharat Parv is a beautiful celebration of India’s cultural unity and diversity. Madhya Pradesh is truly the ‘Heart of Incredible India,’ where every tradition, flavor, and art form reflects the soul of our nation. Through this event, we aim to connect visitors from across the country with the essence of Madhya Pradesh — its tourism, crafts, cuisine, and cultural vibrancy. Our effort is that visitors not only enjoy the taste and music of Madhya Pradesh but also experience its spiritual energy and vitality.”

 

Studio Kitchen Showcases the Flavours of Madhya Pradesh

On November 11, the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) organized a special Studio Kitchen presentation featuring live demonstrations and tastings of traditional and regional dishes from the state, under the theme “Flavours from the Heart of India.”

 

Visitors relished a variety of regional delicacies such as Sannata, a tangy buttermilk-based drink from the Bundelkhand region; Kangni Dal Shorba, a traditional soup from Dindori; Thopa Bhutte Ki Kis, a gram flour-based delicacy from Chambal; Bedai Dumna Aloo, a popular breakfast from Sidhi; Matar Nimona with Plain Puri from Baghelkhand; and the renowned Kutki Kheer dessert from Shahdol. These dishes beautifully showcased the diverse geographical and cultural flavours of the state and were highly appreciated by visitors.

 

Magnificent Cultural Presentation – “Amrutasya Madhya Pradesh”

A grand dance performance titled “Amrutasya Madhya Pradesh” was presented by noted choreographer Maitryee Pahari and her troupe under the aegis of the Department of Culture. The performance captivated the audience by depicting the ancient civilization, devotion, love, and harmony with nature that define Madhya Pradesh.

 

The presentation began with the prehistoric cave art of Bhimbetka, moving through the artistic splendour of Khajuraho temples, the serenity of Sanchi Stupas, and the spiritual essence of Chitrakoot. The grandeur of Ujjain and Omkareshwar Jyotirlingas, the history of Gwalior Fort, the romance of Mandu, and the divine architecture of Orchha temples came alive on stage. The natural beauty of Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, and the marble rocks of Jabalpur were also artistically represented, portraying mankind’s connection with nature.

 

Performers adorned in traditional Maheshwari, Chanderi, and Bagh print attires highlighted the state’s textile and craft legacy. The performance concluded with the spiritually uplifting Narmada Aarti, taking the audience on a transcendental journey that left them mesmerized.

Nexus Select CITYWALK Announces, ‘The Gloss Box’, A Curated Beauty And Wellness Offering For Patrons

Nexus Select CITYWALK, Delhi’s most loved shopping and lifestyle destination, is all set to sparkle brighter this wedding season with the much awaited third edition of its signature beauty festival, The Gloss Box. From November 10 to November 30, 2025, the mall will transform into a haven for beauty enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience with some of the biggest names in beauty, grooming, and wellness under one roof.

 

From makeup and skincare to haircare and fragrances, shoppers will find the latest trends and must-have products for the wedding and holiday season. The mall has set-up an aesthetic paradise offering an immersive and interactive experience for all. From stunning beauty zones to trend-led showcases, guests can dive into what’s new and next in makeup, skincare, haircare, and wellness. The Gloss Box will host live demos, beauty tips by experts, and fun makeover zones that help everyone feel celebration-ready.

 

Shoppers can enjoy exclusive discounts, special gifts on shopping, 2X reward points and exciting “Shop & Win” prizes throughout the month. It’s the perfect time to discover new looks, prepare for functions, or pick the ideal gift for family and friends.

The Gloss Box’s differentiator is its unique blend of phygital experiences designed to engage visitors at every touchpoint with leading brands across skincare, makeup, haircare, spa, and wellness, offering guests the chance to explore, experiment, and interact. Attendees can take part in live demos, connect with fellow beauty enthusiasts, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The festival’s highlight will be a series of expert-led masterclasses that delve into the evolving landscape of beauty and wellness, sharing insights on emerging trends, transformative techniques, and holistic self-care.

 

Leading brands at the festival include Gucci Beauty, NARS, Clinique, Looks, Geetanjali, SS beauty, Nail Rituals, MYOP,  and many more.

Over the years, Nexus Select CITYWALK has emerged as a front-runner in beauty and wellness retail in India. Housing some of the most sought-after international and homegrown brands, the mall has become the go-to destination for shoppers seeking premium experiences in skincare, makeup, grooming, and holistic well-being. 

Why shoppers will love it

• Perfect timing for wedding shopping and party prep

• New products, styling ideas and expert recommendations

• Great offers and rewards across favourite brands

• Fun, interactive zones to click and share memories

Step in, explore, and shine your brightest this wedding and festive season!

Bengaluru Student's AI-Powered Innovation: Smart Glasses To Empower The Visually Impaired

Nineteen-year-old Tushar Shaw from Bengaluru, pursuing second-year engineering student from Scaler School of Technology, has crafted not just a gadget but a gesture of social imagination. His creation, Perceivia — intuitive glasses for the visually impaired — earned him a place among the national winners of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025.

 

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is the company’s flagship education programme that challenges young minds to identify real-world problems and develop solutions using technology. This year the four winning teams from the themes AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat; Future of Health, Hygiene, and Well-being in India; Environmental Sustainability via Technology; and Social Change through Sport and Tech, received a grant of ₹1 crore incubation support at IIT Delhi.

 

Perceivia is designed to help visually impaired users perceive their surroundings through sound. Using an integrated suite of audio sensors, object-recognition cameras, and AI-based spatial analysis, the glasses detect and describe what lies ahead — from identifying objects and estimating distances to recognising human voices and faces. The device alerts users through subtle vibrations or real-time voice feedback, creating a kind of “sensory map” of their environment.

 

“I grew up next door to a visually impaired neighbour,” Tushar recalls. “I saw firsthand how daily tasks like crossing a road, identifying people, or locating objects could become monumental challenges. I knew I had to create something that gave them a sense of independence.”

 

At the time, he admits, his ambition far outpaced his technical competence. “I had no background in computer vision or hardware design,” he says. “But Samsung Solve for Tomorrow gave me not just the resources, but also the confidence and mentorship to bridge that gap.”

 

“I used Gemini 2.0 Flash for screen description and built facial and object recognition features using datasets contributed by visually impaired volunteers,” he explains. “Their feedback helped me identify gaps in the prototype — what worked in theory often needed to be rethought in practice.”

 

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow programme, which invited thousands of young innovators across India to develop solutions for the nation’s most pressing challenges, gave Tushar both the stage and the support system to bring his idea to life.

 

“We were taught how to understand markets, conduct research, and engage with potential partners. It was a crash course in how to turn an idea into an enterprise,” says Tushar.

 

Tushar’s project was selected by a distinguished jury comprising senior Samsung leadership and experts from academia, government, and industry. His innovation emerged as a winner under the theme ‘AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat’, one of four focus areas in this year’s competition — alongside Future of Health and Hygiene, Environmental Sustainability through Technology, and Social Change through Sport and Tech.

 

For Tushar, the triumph marks both an end and a beginning. “Winning Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has opened doors I hadn’t even dared to knock on,” he smiles. “I want to collaborate with brands specialising in accessibility tech, refine the product’s design, and make it affordable for people across India. I’m also continuing my studies — there’s still so much to learn before I can build something truly transformative.”

 

In the coming year, he plans to test Perceivia with a wider group of users, gather feedback from mobility trainers, and integrate features for indoor navigation. His ultimate goal? To make the device as ubiquitous and indispensable as spectacles — not a luxury for the few, but a right for all.