Vi Customers Can Experience Live Darshan Of The Maha Kumbh Mela

·         Vi users can watch live coverage including Shahi Snans, Akhara processions, and the Ganga Aarti, directly from Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj via the Vi Movies & TV App or Vi App, powered by Shemaroo

The Maha Kumbh Mela, a once-in-12-years spiritual phenomenon spanning 156 km*, with 22 pontoon bridges, is being held from 13th January to 26th February, 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This massive event is expected to have a footfall of 40 crore pilgrims this year, making it one of the largest human gatherings.

To make The Maha Kumbh Mela accessible to all, leading telecom operator Vi has partnered with Shemaroo to live-stream it on Vi Movies & TV.

Vi customers can experience the Shahi Snans on Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), and Maha Shivratri (February 26), as saints and devotees take holy dips in the sacred waters. Users can also access exclusive recorded content, anchored tours of Akharas, cultural performances of folk music and devotional songs, as well as stories of the colossal infrastructure supporting millions of pilgrims. Special features include interviews with saints and spiritual leaders; special features on Kalpvasis, and touching stories from first-time visitors.

This initiative underscores Vi’s commitment to leverage technology for connecting people. With Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities driving 60% of new OTT viewership growth, fueled by the rising demand for local and spiritual content, Vi is ensuring that the Maha Kumbh Mela remains accessible to all. Devotees can embark on this spiritual journey on the Vi Movies & TV App OR Vi App under the Vi Movies & TV Tab, and live stream the content anytime, anywhere– powered by Shemaroo.

To provide an unparalleled experience to its users, Vi has significantly enhanced its 4G network all over India, by adding 46,000 new sites and enhancing capacity of 58000+ sites resulting in superior connectivity across the country. As highlighted in Opensignal’s November 2024 report, Vi’s 4G network has emerged top in key categories such as 4G live video experience, 4G download and upload speeds, and gaming performance across the country.

GUESS JEANS Launches In India In Partnership With Tata CLiQ

~This long-term partnership aims to expand Guess Jeans retail presence in India through physical stores and digital storefronts, thus supporting omnichannel growth for the brand~

Guess Inc., which operates the GUESS brand in India under its subsidiary, Guess India Pvt Ltd, will launch GUESS JEANS, a California-based denim lifestyle brand, in the country through a strategic long-term franchise partnership with Tata Group’s multi-category e-commerce platform, Tata CLiQ (Tata UniStore Limited).

As part of this partnership, Tata CLiQ will be the official retailer for GUESS JEANS in India, expanding their retail presence through brick-and-mortar stores along with digital storefronts, thus building an omnichannel presence for the brand.

Nicolai Marciano, Chief New Business Development Officer at Guess Inc., conceived and launched the brand GUESS JEANS. Known for its quality, style, and commitment to sustainability, GUESS JEANS is poised to captivate the discerning Indian consumer. The brand's partnership with Tata CLiQ ensures a seamless shopping experience, enabling fashion-forward individuals to effortlessly access the latest collections.

The partnership between GUESS JEANS and Tata CLiQ will play a crucial role in expanding distribution channels, supporting GUESS JEANS’ strategy to roll out its network of stores nationwide. This expansion marks a significant milestone, not just for GUESS JEANS but also for the GUESS? Inc business.

Nicolai Marciano, Chief New Business Development Officer, Guess Inc., said, “As the next step in our global growth initiative for GUESS JEANS, we expect a rapidly expanding and prosperous partnership with Tata CLiQ, which is part of the Tata Group in India. Our brand's legacy, heritage, and innovative outlook on denim, paired with the local knowledge and expertise of Tata Group, ensure a strong and enduring partnership. GUESS JEANS will complement and create significant incremental growth in India for the GUESS? Inc portfolio by targeting a new customer with accessible pricing, a casual aesthetic, and a modern communication strategy. We are confident that the reimagined GUESS JEANS brand, accompanied by our innovative GUESS AIRWASHTM technology, has long-term potential within the Indian market.”

Commenting about this partnership, Gopal Asthana, CEO, Tata CLiQ, said, “At Tata CLiQ, our mission is to partner with renowned global brands that align with the aspirations and needs of consumers in the country. We are thrilled to be the preferred partner of GUESS JEANS for their India launch. With our shared vision of bringing trendy merchandise and innovative shopping experiences to consumers, at Tata CLiQ, we are committed to offering an elevated brand experience across different channels. We look forward to building and growing the brand by strategically bolstering its omnichannel presence across the country.”

Founded in the casual ease at the heart of the Californian lifestyle, GUESS JEANS refines wardrobe classics central to the brands heritage, focusing on seasonless core styles from outerwear and knitwear to denim. The brand offers a diverse range of denim styles for both men and women. From classic straight-leg jeans to contemporary skinny fits, each piece embodies the brand's signature blend of timeless appeal and modern edge.

GUESS JEANS reconnects with the essence of the brand that changed the culture of denim. The timeless proposal reimagines and refines the authentic West Coast wardrobe epitomised by GUESS through contemporary values and vision. When the Marciano brothers founded GUESS in 1981, they brought to fashion the stone washing process that would transform the face of denim forever. Its modern-day counterpart, GUESS AIRWASHTM is the future of denim: a cutting-edge technology that recreates the stone washed look through a sustainable lens.

In 2024, Nicolai Marciano and GUESS JEANS worked with Jeanologia to reinvent the mechanics of the brand’s own making, creating the innovative and sustainable GUESS AIRWASHTM technology. GUESS AIRWASHTM largely replaces the water used in stone washing with air and bubbles. The practice – which also eliminates the use of pumice stones – significantly decreases the water and energy consumption of stone washing.

GUESS JEANS encompasses a complete wardrobe with GUESS AIRWASHTM denim as its focal point.

About Guess? Inc.

Guess?, Inc. designs, markets, distributes and licenses a lifestyle collection of contemporary apparel, denim,

handbags, watches, eyewear, footwear and other related consumer products. Guess? products are distributed through branded Guess? stores as well as better department and specialty stores around the world. As of October 28, 2023, the Company directly operated 1,015 retail stores in Europe, the Americas and Asia. The Company’s partners and distributors operated 544 additional retail stores worldwide. As of October 28, 2023, the Company and its partners and distributors operated in approximately 100 countries worldwide. For more information about the Company, please visit www.guess.com.

About GUESS JEANS

GUESS JEANS is an American west coast lifestyle brand rooted in a 40-year denim legacy. Conceived by Nicolai Marciano, GUESS JEANS embodies the next era of denim fashion, with a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge innovation. GUESS JEANS offers a full line of core basics focusing on denim that encapsulates the timeless essence of GUESS, seamlessly blending the brand’s rich heritage with a contemporary perspective. As of 3rd June 2024, GUESS JEANS is available on GUESSJEANS.com, in an all new fleet of GUESS JEANS stores worldwide and through select wholesale partners.

Join the GUESS JEANS community: @GUESSJEANS #GUESSJEANS

About Jeanologia

Since 1994, Jeanologia’s mission has been to create an ethical, sustainable, and eco-efficient textile industry. The company collaborates closely with brands, retailers, and their suppliers on their transformative journey. Jeanologia offers disruptive technologies, innovative software, and a new operational model. Their groundbreaking solutions, including laser technology, G2 ozone, Dancing Box, e-flow, and H2Zero, have revolutionized the textile industry,

providing limitless design and garment finishing possibilities. These advancements not only reduce costs but also conserve water, energy, and chemicals, ensuring zero pollution. Today, Jeanologia encourages all textile industry stakeholders to get behind their Mission Zero: dehydrate and detoxify the jean industry. jeanologia.com

About Tata UniStore Limited (TUL):

Tata UniStore Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Digital Pvt Limited and part of the Tata Group, spearheads the group’s flagship multi-category e-commerce initiative, Tata CLiQ. Operating under Tata UniStore Limited, Tata CLiQ encompasses two distinct verticals: Tata CLiQ Fashion, an omnichannel marketplace, specialising in fashion, lifestyle, and beauty via Tata CLiQ Palette, and Tata CLiQ Luxury, dedicated to the luxury segment. Each platform features a curated selection of products spanning fashion, luxury, and beauty from renowned global and Indian brands. With pan-India access, technology-driven innovations, and consumer-centric policies, these platforms deliver a seamless and delightful shopping experience.

PAN India’s 30th CME Seminar Highlights Importance Of Nutrition Based Intervention Into Healthcare Systems

·         Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) accounts for 66% of all mortality in the country

·         Two-thirds of Indians with NCDs fall within the 26-59 age group

·         A sustainable healthcare system that prioritizes nutrition and lifestyle modification is the need of the hour

The Physicians Association for Nutrition India (PAN India) in collaboration with Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengaluru with accreditation of KMC  (Karnataka Medical Council) points, today conducted its 30th Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminar for doctors in Bengaluru to emphasize the importance of Evidence Based Nutrition (EBN) Intervention in clinical practices to prevent and treat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country. Renowned doctors from the city and experts from PAN India engaged with the healthcare community gathered at the event, through a series of keynote sessions, panel discussions and workshops, to empower the community with skill sets to practice nutritional intervention effectively.

PAN India’s CMEs aim to bridge the gap between medicine and nutrition by empowering doctors with the tools to address root cause of diseases, fostering healthier communities nationwide.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Hemalatha R, ex-Director of ICMR-NIN, delivered an impactful keynote address on "Integrating Nutrition Science into Lifestyle Disease Management: Evidence-Based Approaches for Practicing Doctors,". She highlighted that "India faces a unique and alarming nutrition crisis, with abdominal obesity being more prevalent than overall obesity. More than 50% of the population suffers from diet-related disorders, including obesity, diabetes type 2, fatty liver etc. Unhealthy diets account for over 56% of the country’s disease burden, and the impact begins as early as fetal development, with pregnant women consuming processed foods and sugars risking their children’s cognitive health. This underscores the urgent need to shift towards balanced diets rich in pulses, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, aligning with global recommendations to combat this alarming unhealthy diet”.

Dr. Rajeena Shahin, Medical Director of PAN India, envisions transforming healthcare into a whole-person care model with nutrition at its core. She advocates leveraging scientific advancement in nutrition to combat NCDs, enhance health span, and optimize human potential. Firmly rooted in evidence-based approaches, Dr. Rajeena calls for liberating healthcare from tricks, tips, fads and vested interests by empowering doctors with nutrition science. She emphasizes the profound connection between individual lifestyle choices, planetary health, and sustainability, championing a healthcare system that prioritizes nutrition and lifestyle modifications as the foundation for health equity and a healthier, more productive India.

Dr. G. Rajendiran, MBBS, MD, DM (Cardiology), Prof & Head of Preventive Cardiology, PSGIMSR, Coimbatore Director-VR Heart health initiative, emphasized the importance of whole food plant-based diet in prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.  This gains importance given the increasing prevalence and mortality despite the recent medical advances.

Panel I emphasized the integration of nutrition into NCD management, focusing on diet's role in obesity, metabolic diseases, and infertility. Doctors (Dr. Sandhya Ravi, Dr. T.V. Seshagiri, Dr. Priya Chinnappa, Dr. Blessan Varghese, Dr. Vithal D. Bagi, Dr. Narasimhaiah, Dr. Chandrika Anand, Dr. Krishnamurthy Jayanna, Dr. Stephen Anthony, Dr. H V Shivaram, Dr. Monika Pansari, Ms. Edwina Raj and Dr. Gayathri) from top medical hospitals across cities shared insights on addressing these issues through a holistic approach.

Panel II presented eminent lifestyle physicians & experts to debunk the myths surrounding nutrition. Lifestyle physicians, who are trained to manage NCDs through dietary interventions, played a key role in clarifying misconceptions. Experts on the panel included Dr. Prathima Kini, Dr. Veena Acharya, Dr. G. Rajendiran, Dr. Suvetha Kannappan, Dr. Naveen Kini, Rashi Tiwari, Dr. Shalini P, Dr. Palaniyamma Durairaj, Dr. Mahesh K. Mahadevappa, and Dr. Silja Sudhir.

Vi Launches India’s First Truly Unlimited Data Plan, ‘Nonstop Hero’

·         Empowering a hyper connected India with seamless, worry-free telecom experiences

In today’s hyper-connected world, uninterrupted access to data is a necessity. As mobile data powering everything from work to education to health to leisure to lifestyle, the demand for a reliable, worry-free data experience has never been greater. Addressing this need, India’s leading telecom operator Vi, today announced the launch of Nonstop Hero, India’s first truly unlimited data plan.

Designed to address the issue of data quota exhaustion for prepaid customers, the Nonstop Hero Plan aims to offer a worry-free data experience throughout the entire validity period. 

India is witnessing a data revolution. According to a recent report by the Centre for Digital Economy & Policy Research*, data consumption in India has grown by 288 times over the past decade. As per the TRAI annual report*, backed by increased penetration of affordable smartphones, the number of internet subscribers in the country surged from 88.1 crore in March 2023 to 95.4 crore by March 2024 and average monthly data usage per user, reached 20.27GB as of March 2024.

The Vi Nonstop Hero plan caters to this booming demand for high-speed connectivity, offering truly unlimited data, unlimited voice calls, and 100 SMS/day clubbed with OTT benefits, across a variety of recharge packs.

Vi, recently recognized by Opensignal as India’s Best 4G Network provider as reflected in Opensignal’s 4G Network Experience Report November 2024#, leads in offering the best customer experience across data speed, voice, gaming, and video streaming. This new offering underscores Vi’s commitment to putting customers first, empowering them to embrace the digital revolution without limits.

Commenting on their customer-first approach, Avneesh Khosla, CMO, Vodafone Idea said “At Vi, we are committed to offering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. With the launch of Nonstop Hero, we are setting a new benchmark in data access and empowering our users to make the most of their digital experiences without any interruptions.

Starting at just Rs 365, the Nonstop Hero plan will be currently available in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, with benefits varying across recharge packs to suit different customer needs.

Vi Nonstop Hero is intended for personal use only and is not available for commercial usage by any entity. 

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service provider. The company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G and 4G platforms. Company holds large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave 5G spectrum in 16 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The company’s equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India. The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the TM Brand name “Vi”.  For more information,  visit: www.MyVi.in

7th Edition Of Manipal Marathon To Focus On Technology In Fitness Unveils Promo Run To Encourage Marathon Enthusiasts

* Indian Cricketer Shreyanka Patil flagged off the run at 7.00 AM

* For its 7th Edition Manipal Marathon embraces the theme "Innovation in Motion" with the tagline "Embracing Technology for Health and Fitness"

The highly anticipated 7th edition of Manipal Marathon was kicked off by Indian cricketer Shreyanka Patil today at 6.30 AM today at MAHE Bengaluru campus. The great Manipal Marathon 2025, which is scheduled for February 9, 2025, in Manipal Udupi district, is preceded by this event.

Manipal Marathon has solidified its position as the biggest student organized marathon in India with over 20,000 participants from across the Nation and Globe. Manipal Marathon embraces the theme "Innovation in Motion" with the tagline "Embracing Technology for Health and Fitness". This theme reflects the event's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in promoting health and fitness.

The marathon routes certified internationally by the IAAF AIMS, will take participants through the breathtaking landscapes of Manipal and along the stunning Udupi coastline. It will not only offer an exhilarating race experience but will also host a grand carnival celebration post-run. Beyond the festivities, the event provides substantial prize money, drawing elite athletes and passionate runners alike.

“The Manipal Marathon is a testament to the power of health, fitness, and community spirit”, said Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P, Deputy Registrar - MAHE Bengaluru Campus. The Manipal Marathon has developed into a legendary event in India’s marathon circuit. This marathon demonstrates how technology can improve our health and make running more enjoyable for everyone. The marathon is a way to inspire people towards good health and fitness that must be part of everyone’s life. 

Indian cricket player Ms. Shreyanka Patil expressed her excitement at the unveiling, “I am quite thrilled to be part of such a phenomenal and inspiring Manipal Marathon 2025 that provides a platform for people from all walks of life to participate in this run with great spirits. Every athlete, need to run to stay healthy and this event skilfully combines wellness and technology.

The theme “Innovation in Motion” perfectly aligns with the evolving landscape of fitness”, said Mr. Ravindra Rai M. Managing Director & CEO of BOBCARD Limited, underscoring the significance of innovation in sports. Training, performance monitoring and injury prevention are all being greatly enhanced by technology. This marathon is a fantastic way to encourage the next generation to continue being active. My heartiest congratulations to MAHE for their commitment towards hosting this marathon year on year consistently which brings together thousands of people for a common cause.”

Shika Shetty, Manager of the Visually Challenged Indian Cricket Team; Kiran Kumar, Senior Vice President of Marketing at UNext Learning Private Limited; Dr. Vinod C. Nayak, Secretary of the Sports Council at MAHE, Manipal; Ms. Anjana Chandran, Associate Director at Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.; along with other officials from the MAHE Bengaluru campus, were present at the event. More than fifty visually challenged participants took part in the Promo Run in a special category alongside 1,500 students and other marathon enthusiasts.

Registration for the event closes soon. The deadline for registration is January 31, 2025. Runners still have the chance to participate in this amazing race, with the last event set for February 9, 2025, in Manipal.

For registration & other information visit : https://manipalmarathon.in/

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams; through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Unwrap Exciting Discounts With Mia By Tanishq's ‘Joy Of Gifting Festival’

~Enjoy up to 20% off* on stunning diamond jewellery, perfect for every gifting occasion~

Mia by Tanishq, one of India’s leading fine jewellery brands, is thrilled to announce the launch of its ‘Joy of Gifting Festival’ an extraordinary celebration of meaningful gifting, alongside the unveiling of their new collection, Cupid Edit 3.0, officially marking the season of love! This much-anticipated festival offers exciting discounts on a wide range of stunning jewellery pieces, making it the perfect time to gift joy and love to your cherished ones.

Running from 9th January 2025 to 16th February 2025, the Joy of Gifting Festival presents an irresistible discount of up to 20% off* across Mia’s diamond jewellery purchases based on the total bill value. Additionally, indulge in Mia’s Silver collection with a flat 15% off* on select merchandise because there’s always room for some silver. *T&C apply.

The Joy of Gifting Festival offers customers the opportunity to explore a stunning range of jewellery at delightful price points, making it incredibly affordable and ideal for gifting. From dazzling Mia Studded pieces to a chic assortment of Mia’s Silver jewellery, this festival is a perfect time to #KahoKuchSpecial to your loved ones. With the wedding season in full swing, Mia makes gifting the bride, friends and family of the couple, the bride squad so easy, with the perfect gift for their special day. Whether it’s a thoughtful present for a loved one, a token of appreciation for a dear friend, or a celebration of your milestones, Mia by Tanishq provides the perfect piece to mark every moment. 

Whether it’s a wedding gift for the glowing bride, an anniversary surprise that speaks of love, a cheerful celebration of family during Pongal, a heartfelt Valentine’s gesture, or a milestone moment that deserves to shine, Mia’s Joy of Gifting Festival adds extra sparkle to every special occasion.

As the season of love unfolds, Mia’s latest, Cupid Edit 3.0 celebrates the many stages and types of love through over 40 unique designs. This delightful collection features pearls that symbolize the purity of first love, colour stones that reflect passion, eternity bands signifying everlasting commitment and Toi-et-Moi-inspired pieces that capture the union of souls, while modular rings and adjustable necklaces embody love’s evolving nature. This collection is a timeless tribute to modern romance, perfect for expressing your heart this Valentine’s season.

Ms. Shyamala Ramanan, Business Head, Mia by Tanishq, Titan Company Limited, shares, “At Mia, we believe that gifting is about more than just the act. It’s about creating memories, sparking joy, and celebrating the bonds that make life special. The Joy of Gifting Festival turns these moments into treasures with our beautifully crafted collections and exclusive offers. We hope that this season of love, weddings and festivities, every gift from Mia tells a story, reflects a sentiment, and celebrates the love you deeply cherish.”

Mia by Tanishq strengthens its connection with gifting, offering a wide range of jewellery that celebrates heartfelt moments and the spirit of giving. This season, #KahoKuchSpecial with Mia by Tanishq’s exquisite collections. Don’t miss the exclusive ‘Joy of Gifting’ offers—available until 16th February 2025. Visit your nearest Mia store or shop online today!

Culmination And Felicitation Ceremony For Project S.O.R.T. (Segregation Of Waste For Recycling And Treatment) Phase-1 In Blr

Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) announced the successful culmination of Phase-1 of the S.O.R.T. project in Bengaluru. Since the launch of the phase in February 2024, the initiative has transformed 80 metric tons of organic waste into 15 metric tons of compost.

Noteworthy, this initiative is a part of the CSR program by the Motherson group, being implemented by IPCA which focuses on community mobilization for behaviour change and the comprehensive treatment of solid waste.

The ceremony was graced by eminent presence of Dr. Shanti Tummala (Founder of HSR Citizen Forum) and Dr. Sowmya Raghavan (SWM Practitioner) highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling urban waste challenges.

The project, implemented across 20 societies and institutional areas with 95 Aerobin composters, focused on sustainable solid waste management. It achieved significant outcomes, including promoting source segregation, producing high-quality compost, and cultivating behavioral change among residents and stakeholders.

Urban India generates 62 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, much of which goes untreated. By emphasizing source segregation and on-site treatment, S.O.R.T. project reduced landfill waste, mitigated pollution, and encouraged compost use in agriculture, benefiting over 5,000+ residents in Bengaluru.

The initiative’s core technology, Aerobin composters, operate without energy and ensures efficient, odour-free composting. Managed by trained operators, these composters yield compost within 40-45 days, promoting sustainable waste management practices.

Dr. Radha Goyal, Deputy Director of IPCA, stated, “The success of the S.O.R.T. project in Bengaluru demonstrates the power of innovation and community-driven initiatives. Transforming organic waste into valuable compost reduces landfill dependency and creates resources for a healthier environment. We are thankful to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike and residential societies for their continuous support throughout the project.We look forward to expanding this model to more cities.”

With the success of Phase-1, the S.O.R.T. project plans to expand its reach in Bengaluru, targeting more residential societies and educational institutions to scale up waste treatment capacities and further reduce the city’s ecological footprint.