Students In Delhi NCR And Haryana Sign Up For Samsung’s Nationwide Innovation Initiative ‘Solve For Tomorrow 2025’

* The 2025 edition provides an incubation programme for the Top 4 winning teams that will receive a grant of INR 1 crore

* Additionally, the Top 20 teams will be awarded INR 20 lakh, while the Top 40 teams will receive INR 8 lakh

* With roadshows already underway in cities like New Delhi, Gurugram, and Sonipat, the initiative has successfully engaged thousands of students

* Application window open until June 30, 2025, for school and college students aged 14-22 across India

India’s largest consumer electronics brand Samsung’s flagship CSR initiative, ‘Solve for Tomorrow,’ is emerging as a powerful catalyst, transforming young students into tomorrow’s tech entrepreneurs and social changemakers. The initiative is witnessing a surge in registrations from Gen Z entrepreneurs in schools and colleges across Delhi NCR and Haryana.

Through interactive Design Thinking workshops and Open House sessions held in schools and colleges across India, Samsung is effectively connecting classroom education with practical problem-solving approaches. Students are moving beyond conceptualizing solutions to creating prototypes, presenting their ideas to experts, and equipping themselves for the challenges of entrepreneurship. 

With roadshows already underway in cities like New Delhi, Gurugram, and Sonipat, the initiative has successfully engaged thousands of students from educational institutions, with plans to expand to more states, including those in the North East.

Students are generating innovative, community-focused ideas that address pressing real-world issues in areas such as healthcare, education, sustainability, and social equity. For several participants, these sessions provide their initial structured experience with problem-solving methodologies, mentorship, and entrepreneurial mindset development. 

“These workshops are pushing students to think critically, collaborate, and take ownership of their ideas — qualities that will serve them for life,” said Dr. Ashish Dwivedi, faculty at O.P. Jindal Global University, which hosted a recent college Open House. 

From AI-driven sustainable housing applications to eco-conscious digital textbooks and telemedicine platforms for rural healthcare, students’ innovative concepts demonstrate a profound dedication to enhancing societal well-being.

“Our students are eager to connect with mentors and experts to bring their ideas to life,” said Poonam Verma, Principal, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, New Delhi.

Surbhi, Teacher, ITL Public School, New Delhi said, “The workshop conducted by Samsung and FITT-IIT Delhi was truly insightful. Many students have already approached me for help with their application — it’s unlocked real motivation.”

This year, participants are encouraged to create solutions across four key themes: AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat; Future of Health, Hygiene, and Well-being in India; Social change through Sports and Tech for Education and Better Futures; and Environmental Sustainability via Technology. After the application phase, 100 teams — 25 per theme — will be selected for online mentoring by subject experts. These teams will then enter a video pitch round, from which the top 40 teams will be chosen.

With the growing participation of thousands of students and its rapid expansion into smaller cities, Solve for Tomorrow is evolving into a national platform that fosters grassroots innovation and youth-driven change. The application window is open until June 30, 2025, for school and college students across India.

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.

PNB Launches "Monthly MSME Outreach Programme": Empowering Small Businesses Nationwide

Punjab National Bank (PNB), the nation's leading public sector bank, introduces its comprehensive Monthly MSME Outreach Programme—a nationwide strategic initiative being organised on 20.05.2025 to reach out to MSME customers across India for offering tailored financial solutions.

PNB Monthly MSME Outreach Programme brings a wide range of specialised lending solutions under one platform, providing accessibility to essential financial products with attractive interest rates and streamlined documentation requirements.

MSMEs can benefit from a variety of exclusive offerings: -

PNB GST Express: Instant eligibility checks with in-principle sanctions for cash flow- based schemes.

PNB Trade Growth: Customised financial solutions to support traders, with simplified assessment based on GST return/Credit summation in Account with no requirement of financial papers and Stock Statement.

Digi MSME Loans: Instant offer letters available through dedicated Digital Zones at all outreach locations.

PNB Export Express: Financial support for MSMEs expanding their exports, with loan amounts ranging from ?10 lakhs to ?50 crores.

The programme offers on-the-spot consultations, instant eligibility checks and in-principal sanction to eligible customers. All MSME Customers and particularly Micro entrepreneurs can also avail PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi, Mudra loan and other business loans (GST Express, GST Sahay, PABL) through our digital channels without visiting Bank.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO, PNB, stated: "Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises play a crucial role in our country's economic development, contributing significantly to employment generation, industrial output, and exports. Our Monthly MSME Outreach Programme aims to bridge the gap between MSMEs and formal banking systems, making financial services more accessible at the grassroots level."

Customers can also explore these exclusive offerings by visiting their nearest PNB branch, accessing the PNB ONE App, or contacting the bank's dedicated helplines.

Apollo Hospitals Emerges As Global Research Powerhouse With 5,000+ Publications In The Last Decade

The research contribution of the Apollo Hospitals Group was highlighted in a recent publication in the esteemed National Board of Examination Journal of Medical Sciences (NBEJMS). The study, "Evaluating a Decade of Research Excellence: A Bibliometric Analysis of Apollo Hospitals Group (2015–2024)," (https://natboard.edu.in/ejournal/downloadarticle.php?y=OC9CZENsVml3ckx6YnFqd0xsS05Idz09) underscores Apollo's emergence as a leading force in global healthcare research, marked by significant academic output, impactful international collaborations, and a growing influence on medical practices worldwide.

The bibliometric analysis reveals an impressive surge in research publications from Apollo Hospitals, escalating from 255 in 2015 to 794 in 2024—a remarkable growth of over 200%. Cumulatively, Apollo's research output reached 5,005 publications over the decade, demonstrating a consistent and robust dedication to advancing medical knowledge. These publications boast an average of 11.9 citations each, signifying the high academic value and considerable impact of Apollo's research contributions within the medical community. Furthermore, the study highlights that 26.4% of Apollo's research involved international collaborations, illustrating the Group's extensive global research network. The field-weighted citation impact also saw a significant rise from 0.73 in 2015 to 1.88 in 2024, emphasizing the increasing quality and relevance of the research produced by Apollo's dedicated teams.

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “at Apollo Hospitals, we have always believed that research is the cornerstone of progress in healthcare. This recognition not only validates our efforts but also inspires us to further elevate our research endeavors to benefit patients in India and across the globe.

We are committed to promoting higher medical education and training. Through its DNB and FNB programs, conducted across 24 locations, Apollo currently trains over 1,100 postgraduate students across 57 specialties as the largest training institution for DNB trainees in India”.

According to Dr. Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “the findings of this bibliometric analysis clearly demonstrate the increasing quality and global relevance of the research emanating from Apollo Hospitals. Our commitment to fostering a research-oriented environment is reflected in the significant increase in publications and the high citation impact. This recognition will further motivate our teams to continue pushing the boundaries of medical science and translating research into tangible improvements in patient care."

Dr. Raju Vaishya, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics, Apollo Hospitals, and a key contributor to research within the Group, added: "It is incredibly rewarding to see Apollo Hospitals recognized for its research excellence. This achievement underscores the power of collaborative research and the dedication of our clinical teams to contribute meaningfully to the global medical knowledge base”.

This publication highlights the importance of investing in structured and collaborative research to drive medical advancements and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

About Apollo Hospitals:

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. (Apollo) revolutionized healthcare when Dr. Prathap Reddy opened the first hospital in Chennai in 1983. Today, Apollo is the world’s largest integrated healthcare platform with over 10,000 beds across 73 hospitals, over 6,000 pharmacies, and over 2500 clinics and diagnostic centers, as well as 500+ telemedicine centers. It is the world’s leading cardiac center with over 200,000 surgeries and the world’s largest private cancer care provider. Apollo continues to invest in research to bring the most cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and treatment protocols to ensure patients have the best available care in the world. Apollo’s 100,000 family members are dedicated to bringing you the best care and leaving the world better than we found it.

On Guru Dutt’s 100th Birth Anniversary, Ultra Media In Cannes Film Festival 2025 Unveils Restored Version Of His Timeless Classics

* These include:  Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam & others to attract global movie enthusiasts

As a special tribute to the legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt’s 100th birth anniversary this year, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group unveils the fully restored versions of Guru Dutt’s timeless classics for the Global audience at the Cannes

Restored gems of Guru Dutt like *Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam & others are present at the Cannes . This is a celebration of Indian creativity, its past, present & future & a step towards inspiring global audiences".

Guru Dutt was born on 9th July 1925. As part of his 100th Birth anniversary Celebrations,Ultra is paying a month-long tribute to him. across India in July 2025. His fully restored films will be re-released in theatres all over India.  Besides the re-released films, there will be curated exhibitions & engaging panel discussions on Guru Dutt’s timeless legacy by other prominent filmmakers. This initiative is not just a celebration of his unparalleled artistry, but a way to reconnect new generations with the rich emotional and cultural heritage he created

The future of storytelling lies in embracing both heritage and innovation. This is a celebration of Indian creativity, its past, present & future & a step towards inspiring global audiences. Through a meticulous frame-by-frame 4K/2K manual restoration process, using industry-leading software’s like Diamant, PF Clean, Revival etc. Ultra has revitalized these old classics for future generations. This initiative is a part of the Company’s broader commitment to preserve India's cinematic heritage and share it with the world.

The Company also has Colourised Indian classics like Chori Chori, Paigham(Dilip Kumar), Insaniyat (Only film starring Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar together) using their own proprietary technologies. Film restoration and preservation are not just about technology; they are about respect for storytellers, audiences & cultural legacy. By combining state-of-the-art tools with deep passion, they are making India’s rich creative history accessible to every corner of the world.

Please visit us at our Exhibition Booth No Stall on P-1 (23.09) at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Mr. Rajat Agrawal, COO & Director of Ultra Media & Entertainment Group will be happy to share with you various details around it.

Freo Launches A First-Of-Its-Kind Initiative To Help Indians Understand Health Insurance Before They Buy

After simplifying credit for over 35 million users, Freo is now taking on a new challenge: making health insurance easy to understand for every Indian. Freo recently acquired its corporate agency license from IRDAI, and now has launched a full-fledged initiative to make health insurance simple, clear, and stress-free—so people can make smarter choices with confidence.

Millions of Indians still hesitate to buy insurance, not due to affordability, but due to a lack of clarity. Complex language, fear of sales traps, and uncertainty about coverage often push people away.

India’s insurance penetration stands at just 3.7% — far below the global average of 7%. Freo’s research across cities revealed that 8 out of 10 people avoid insurance because they find it too complex or irrelevant.

Freo has become a trusted name in digital finance by helping over 35 million users across 1,200+ cities and 19,000 pin codes to borrow smartly, spend wisely, and grow their money. With products like instant credit, UPI payments, fixed deposits, and digital gold—all in one app—Freo has been helping people take control of their personal finance. Now, it’s bringing that same clarity to insurance.

Freo’s new platform, learn.freo.money, is designed to break down how insurance works—in a way that’s clear, simple, and easy to understand. It’s available in English, Hindi, and will soon expand to several regional languages.

Here’s what makes it different:

Clear Content: Insurance explained in plain language in Hindi and English; regional versions coming soon

Interactive Learning: Real-life scenarios, FAQs, and tools to build understanding

Personal Guidance: Tailored insights via the Freo app and learn.freo.money

Coming soon:

Local insurance awareness drives in 50+ cities

Partnerships with communities, NGOs, and schools to build grassroots understanding

Kunal Varma, CEO & Co-Founder, said: "Most insurance platforms and brands in India are simply trying to push insurance sales. And while there is a need to expand coverage, there is a much bigger need to first help people understand the complexities behind health insurance. Insurance needs to be simplified, and it should empower people, not confuse them. Our goal, with this initiative, is to help every Indian make informed choices easily and confidently — and to provide a trustworthy platform."

The pandemic reminded Indians of the need for financial protection. Since then, insurance demand has grown, along with costs. This year saw ?1 lakh crore in premiums, 10% more than last year.

Yet, it’s not just about affordability. Lack of clarity is a bigger hurdle.

As India moves toward the national goal of 'Insurance for All by 2047,' Freo is doing its part - through accessible, no-jargon insurance content - delivered in your language. Freo believes simplification is the key to mass adoption and aims to empower families to make informed, confident decisions about their health and money.

About Freo

Freo enables Indians to pay, save, borrow and insure, all through 1 platform. Freo serves customers across 1200+ cities and 19000 pincodes and is a well-regulated entity with licenses for lending, UPI and insurance sales. By focusing on regulated partnerships and customer-first design, Freo is building a trusted financial brand for the masses.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Launches All-New “Rebel 500”

* ‘Bookings Open’

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) launched the highly anticipated “Rebel 500” in the Indian market, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s premium motorcycle portfolio. Bookings for this new cruiser motorcycle are now open at select BigWing Topline dealerships. The All-New 2025 Honda Rebel 500 has been priced at Rs. 5.12 lakh, ex-showroom Gurugram (Haryana). It will be available exclusively in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with deliveries commencing from June 2025 onwards. The Rebel 500 blends timeless design with modern engineering, offering a unique ride experience for Indian motorcycling enthusiasts.

Announcing the launch, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to introduce the globally acclaimed Rebel 500 in India. This much-anticipated cruiser motorcycle has received tremendous response across international markets, and we are confident it will appeal to Indian riders as well. The Rebel 500 is more than just a motorcycle — it’s a statement of style, performance, and freedom. With its distinctive design, punchy performance, and Honda’s trusted engineering, we believe it will resonate strongly with both seasoned and emerging riders across the country.”

Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are very excited to bring the Rebel 500 to Indian shores. It has been a motorcycle that riding enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for years, and it’s now finally here. Designed to let you express your individuality, the Rebel 500 blends timeless cruiser styling with modern touches to stand apart from the crowd. With its unmistakable street presence, torquey engine, and laid-back ergonomics, the Rebel 500 is perfect for riders looking for a machine that’s both engaging and a unique extension of their soul.”

All-New Rebel 500: Express Your Individuality

The All-New Rebel 500 makes its debut in India with an authentic straight custom style that beautifully blends timeless design with advanced engineering. It features a retro cruiser aesthetic infused with contemporary design elements. The Rebel has been designed to be a slim motorcycle with a low seat height of just 690mm making it easy to ride, and unintimidating to manage at low speeds.

The Rebel’s tubular steel frame draws fresh, contemporary lines into stripped-back, fat-tyred ‘bobber’ style. Blacked out to the maximum, with the minimum of paint, it will be offered in India only in Standard variant in a single Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic colour with seats for both rider & pillion. Crowned by the signature steeply raked fuel tank and fat handlebars, it expresses an off-beat individuality from every angle. The Rebel 500 also gets an all-LED lighting system with signature round headlight.

Powering the Rebel 500 is a 471cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-valve, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine that produces 34kW of maximum power at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm of peak torque at 6000 RPM. This refined powertrain is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, delivering a smooth ride across city roads and highways alike. Matching its cruiser aesthetics, the Rebel’s powertrain’s character has been focused on a torque-heavy bottom-end output, with smooth and linear delivery throughout the rev-range. Moreover, its stubby exhaust provides a suitable cruiser soundtrack.

The Rebel 500 is underpinned by telescopic front forks and Showa dual shock absorbers at the rear, ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride. Braking duties are handled by a 296mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, complemented by dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety. Dunlop tyres are fitted as standard with 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear wheels. In terms of features, the Rebel 500 comes equipped with an inverted LCD display, offering clear readouts of essential information while adding a touch of modernity to the cruiser’s classic styling.

All-New Rebel 500: Price and Availability

The All-New 2025 Honda Rebel 500 has been priced at Rs. 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom Gurugram, Haryana). It will be available exclusively through BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Bookings are now open for enthusiasts looking to embrace the cruiser lifestyle with deliveries commencing from June 2025 onwards. One can also book them online via Honda BigWing India’s official website (www.HondaBigWing.in).

Miss Universe Karnataka Makes A Grand Debut In Namma Bengaluru

The prestigious Miss Universe Karnataka pageant made its debut in magnificent style at the King’s Court, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru. The event was curated and organized by Nandini Nagaraj, the State Director of Karnataka and renowned Queen Maker.

The grand occasion was proudly sponsored by Shakti Group MD Venkatesh Tatuskar with Tara Decors by Deevan Paul as the associate partner.

The competition brought together 27 talented contestants from across the state, who showcased their beauty, confidence, and charisma through three spectacular rounds:

First Round – Ethnic Wear: Featuring exquisite designs by Rohan Pariyar and jewelry curated by Sudha Fashions

Second Round – Resort Wear: A celebration of contemporary style and poise

Third Round – Evening Gown: Styled by acclaimed designer Chandan Gowda

After a fierce and graceful display of talent, Vaamshi Udhay was crowned Miss Universe Karnataka 2025. Asmita Chowdhury earned the title of 1st Runner-up, and Lekana Hegde was named 2nd Runner-up.

The distinguished jury panel included:

Nikhil Anand, National Director, Miss Universe India

Rhea Singha, Miss Universe India 2024

Amjad Khan, Director – Franchise Operations, Miss Universe India

Avani Kakekochhi, Miss Universe Karnataka 2024

The inaugural edition of Miss Universe Karnataka was a resounding success, setting new standards in elegance, culture, and empowerment. Vaamshi Udhay will go on to represent Karnataka at the Miss Universe India National Pageant, carrying the pride and aspirations of the state to the national stage.