Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Max Fashion’s 9th Disney Collaboration Launches With A Lilo & Stitch-Themed Kids Festival


* It features Neha Dhupia In A Playful Style Celebration

Building on its legacy as a pioneer in the Indian fashion landscape, Max Fashion launched the latest edition of Max Kids Festival in Bengaluru on 25th May 2025. Max’s long-running partnership with Disney gets a playful update this year with the addition of Stitch, creating a whimsical and imaginative space where fashion meets fun.

The event was kickstarted with much enthusiasm at Phoenix Mall Of Asia, Bengaluru, with celebrated doting mother and actress Neha Dhupia joining in to launch the Max x Disney Lilo & Stitch collection. The launch featured an adorable kids’ fashion show, where kid models strutted down the runway in vibrant pieces inspired by Stitch’s mischievous charm — setting the tone for a summer filled with colour and creativity.

Part of the celebration was the ‘Paint and Win’ competition which invited kids to unleash their imagination through art. Participants expressed their creativity by painting themed illustrations — with the most creative entries winning exclusive gratifications. This interactive activity will travel across 160+ stores, 14 cities, bringing smiles to families nationwide and cementing Max’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

Sumit Chandna, President & Deputy CEO of Max Fashion India, shared,

“At Max, our endeavour has always been to build meaningful experiences for families and kids. This year, our collaboration with Disney and the much-loved character Lilo & Stitch brings a whole new level of joy to the Max Kids Festival. Through initiatives like ‘Paint and Win’, we aim to provide a vibrant platform for children to express themselves, while continuing to lead in the kidswear category.”

With this being their 9th collaboration with Disney, Max Fashion further solidifies its reputation as a storytelling-driven brand that resonates across generations. Past successful collections have drawn from Disney favorites such as The Jungle Book, Disney Princesses, Star Wars, Avengers End Game and Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Max x Stitch collection is now available in 520+ Max stores across India and online at maxfashion.com. The range captures the bright spirit of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch through breezy prints, joyful colors, and playful details — bringing the energy of island adventures and childhood wonder to every wardrobe.

Stay tuned as the Max Kids Festival continues its journey across India, celebrating childhood, creativity, and connection — one city at a time.

EDII To Launch "48th National Summer Camp" To Foster Entrepreneurial Skills In Youth Entrepreneurship


Development Institute of India (EDII) Ahmedabad, announces the launch of its “48th National Summer Camp” on Entrepreneurial Adventures for Youth and Children. Scheduled from 01 June 2025 to 10 June 2025, it is organised at the campus of EDII in Ahmedabad.

Tailored for youth aged between 16 and 22 years, it is a 10-day residential summer camp designed to shape and develop entrepreneurial skills and competencies, of the children and youth. The 48th National Summer Camp will help foster participants with creativity, problem solving, leadership, goal setting skills, etc. through activities and interaction with successful entrepreneurs. The curriculum of the summer camp will allow students to improve their entrepreneurial skills ranging from finance to communication to design thinking.

Pankaj Bharti, Camp Leader, EDII, said, “Our summer camp is designed to unlock potential of ambitious youth by nurturing entrepreneurial traits and life skills in a vibrant, interactive setting. The 48th camp will continue our tradition of empowering youth to take charge of their future with confidence and clarity.”

To apply, candidates must submit a brief resume including:

Name, qualification, extra-curricular activities, educational background, hobbies

Parents' names and occupations

Contact and email addresses, and phone/fax numbers

One passport-sized photograph attached to the application

The application must be addressed to Dr. Pankaj Bharti at pbharati@ediindia.org. Applicants must also enclose:

Two passport-sized photographs along with a payment of ?31,860 (including 18% GST) via DD/NEFT/RTGS/Online, payable to EDII, Ahmedabad

The 47th National Summer Camp by EDII was successfully concluded recently, with participation from 58 students across 12 states the country. Participants from the batch had the opportunity to interact, learn and get guidance from the noted achievers - Mr. Meet Jatakia, Founder of Gujupreneur and Reflect Branding; Ms. Reena Chaudhary, Co-founder, AgriOwn Farmtech and CA. Janeesh Patel, Director, Samarpan Sugar, & Alumni of the 4th summer camp.

Cambridge Announces Results Of Its Largest Ever March Series Held In India


·       More than 17,000 students from 420 schools across the country

took exams in March series

·       Cambridge IGCSE witnessed a 12% jump in entries while Cambridge International AS & A Level saw an increase of 10%

·       Entries for Cambridge IGCSE Biology have risen by 16% from the previous year

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) today announced the results of its March 2025 exam series in India to over 17,000 students at 420 schools nationwide. More students than ever are opting to take exams in the March series which aligns with the Indian academic calendar and supports progression pathways in India and beyond. Cambridge had earlier announced the introduction of Checkpoint series in March, starting in 2026, to better align with academic schedules and internationally benchmarked assessments. 

The exam series saw nearly 85,000 entries, the largest ever March series held in India, marking an 11% increase on the previous year. Cambridge IGCSE witnessed a 12% jump from last year with over 62,000 entries, while Cambridge International AS & A Level saw an increase of 10% with over 20,000 entries. This growth reflects the greater flexibility and choice the March series offers learners in India — enabling them to meet admission deadlines for national universities and gain increased time to explore international opportunities. The growth also reflects the growing global demand for international education.

Congratulating the students on their meritorious results, Vinay Sharma, Senior Vice President, International Education at Cambridge, said “We extend our sincere congratulations to all learners in India receiving their March exam results. These results are a testament to their diligence and the commitment of their educators, parents and schools. The continued rise in entries exemplifies how Cambridge remains distinctly positioned to offer students a premium, globally recognised curriculum—equipping them with the skills to thrive in a fast-changing world and opening doors to top universities in India and internationally.”

The Cambridge curriculum gives learners flexibility to choose from a wide range of subjects that aligns with their academic interests and career aspirations. The most popular subjects for both Cambridge IGCSE and International AS & A Level remained Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, underscoring a sustained affinity toward STEM subjects for Indian students. Cambridge IGCSE Biology is experiencing a surge in popularity, with entries up 16% compared to last year. This suggests a broadening interest within the STEM field and a growing recognition of the importance of biological sciences among students in India.

Exam entries also show an increased focus on developing future-ready skills, with Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives experiencing a remarkable 24% rise in entries. By engaging students with some of the most pressing issues facing the world today, Cambridge Global Perspectives develops critical thinking, research, and collaborative problem-solving skills that are vital for success in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Economics and Business also continue to hold strong positions in Cambridge International AS & A Level, ranking 4th and 5th respectively, reflecting a keen interest in understanding the dynamics of the global economy.

More than 800 schools across India offer the Cambridge international curriculum, which is taught in over 10,000 schools in 160 countries. Cambridge introduced the March series in India to align with local admission deadlines, allowing students to receive their results in a timely manner. Students in India also have the option to take Cambridge exams in the June and November series.

About Cambridge

Cambridge International Education is the awarding body of the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge. Our International Education group works with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and future-ready skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world.

We offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19 (the Cambridge Pathway), informed by research, experience, and listening to educators, preparing our learners for top-ranked universities, both national and international.   

With recognised qualifications (such as Cambridge IGCSE and International AS & A Level), high-quality resources, comprehensive support and valuable insights, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.

Learn more! Visit www.cambridgeinternational.org

Blue Dart Express Limited Clocks Rs 5,720 Cr Revenue for FY25, Maintains Steady Q4 Momentum


Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia's premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2025, following the conclusion of its Board Meeting which was held in Mumbai. In a fiscal year which was shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, macroeconomic volatility, and sectoral challenges, the company delivered a stable performance, underscoring its operational resilience and ability to maintain service continuity across markets.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, Blue Dart reported revenue from operations of Rs 5,720 crore and profit after tax of Rs 245 crore. For the quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Q4 FY25), revenue from operations stood at Rs 1,417 crore. Profit after tax for the quarter stood at Rs 53 crore.

Commenting on the announcement, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express, said, “Our focus in FY25 was on delivering consistency, maintaining service quality, and enhancing our offering strength with significant investments towards our aviation capabilities and infrastructure, an approach that will continue as we gear up for the future. With a long-term perspective on these investments, we remain committed to reinforcing our core, adopting technology for efficiency, and delivering reliable service. Several of these investments are front-loaded, and we anticipate upcoming business growth to drive cost optimization.

As we look ahead to FY26, we remain cautiously optimistic amid ongoing external uncertainties. Nonetheless, Blue Dart will continue to invest in expanding our network, advancing digital capabilities, and embedding sustainable practices to drive long-term operational strength to enhance service capabilities, deepen customer trust, and build operational resilience.”

In the fiscal year gone by, Blue Dart was recognized for excellence across key areas including customer service, sustainability, compliance, and brand loyalty. The company continued to be recognized as a Great Place to Work and one of the best organizations for women. Additionally, Blue Dart was awarded for its customer-centric culture, operational excellence in logistics, and trusted brand reputation. It was also acknowledged for its strong legal compliance practices and sustainable business approach.

Celebrating World Nutrition Day: MTR Powers 10 million+ Meals With Akshaya Patra


MTR Foods proudly announces its contribution of 10 million+ nutritious meals to children, in collaboration with The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Building on the legacy of its 100-year journey, this milestone reflects MTR’s sustained commitment to addressing hunger, supporting education, and nurturing young futures. It also marks over a decade of impactful collaboration between MTR and The Akshaya Patra Foundation, working together to create lasting change in communities across India.

Since the inception of this collaboration in August 2014, MTR has been instrumental in supporting the PM POSHAN (mid-day meal) programme across Karnataka, directly impacting the lives of close to 60,000 children. The initiative spans across 1,000+ schools in four key cities, including Mysore, Hubli, Bangalore, and Bellary, serving more than 10 million meals to date.

The partnership between MTR and Akshaya Patra Foundation exemplifies how collaborative efforts can create lasting social impact, addressing immediate needs while building foundations for long-term community development. MTR’s support for the PM POSHAN programme through the Akshaya Patra Foundation continues to be a vital part of its CSR journey - one that feeds futures, supports dreams, and reaffirms the company’s purpose of creating healthier lives through the power of food.

Speaking on achieving this milestone, Mr. Sunay Bhasin, CEO, MTR said, “At MTR, we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive — and that journey begins with a nutritious meal. Our partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation is deeply meaningful to us, as it allows us to play a small part in shaping brighter futures for children in need. Reaching the 10 million+ meal mark is not just a milestone; it’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to care, compassion, and community. We are inspired to continue this journey and extend our impact in the years to come.”

Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, added, "As we mark a decade of meaningful partnership with Orkla India Pvt Ltd (MTR Foods) on World Nutrition Day, we reflect with gratitude on a shared journey rooted in purpose and progress. Over the past 10 years, MTR’s steadfast support has helped us serve over 10 million nutritious meals to nearly 60,000 children across Karnataka. This collaboration stands as a shining example of how corporate purpose and social responsibility can converge to nourish not just children, but a brighter future for our nation. We deeply value MTR’s commitment to enabling nutrition and education and look forward to continuing this impactful association in the years ahead."

Tap Smart, Stay Safe With Visa: 5 Tips For Safe Contactless Payments


Contactless payments have the potential to transform the way India pays, from local kirana stores to quick metro rides, it is fast, easy, and secure. To help you tap with confidence, Visa shares practical tips enabling you to use contactless payments safely and efficiently.

Switch on and pay smart: Log into your mobile banking app and switch on contactless transactions. You can also set limits on what limit you want to tap and pay.

Double-check before you tap: Verify the amount on the POS terminal before tapping your card, so you don’t pay the wrong amount in haste at busy, crowded stores.

Keep your PIN ready to pay over ?5,000: Per RBI guidelines, contactless payments up to ?5,000 do not need a PIN. But for amounts above this limit, you can still tap and pay by entering your PIN for hassle-free and quick checkouts.'

Enable tap to pay on your smartphone: Add your Visa contactless card details on popular, trusted digital payment apps and use your NFC enabled phone to tap and pay with confidence.

Enable transaction alerts: Turn on SMS and app notifications so you get instant alerts for every transaction, no matter how small. This helps you spot suspicious charges immediately and alert your bank to stop them.

With Visa’s smart tips, enjoy the speed, convenience and top-class safety of contactless payments.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

The Coca-Cola India Foundation Brings Drinking Water Access To Ayodhya Through New Water ATMs


~Directly connected to the Nagar Nigam municipal water supply, the new installations aim to deliver convenient hydration to residents, pilgrims, and visitors~

~ Advancing community well-being through strengthened water infrastructure and local partnerships ~

In a continued effort to strengthen public access to drinking water infrastructure, Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, in partnership with SM Sehgal Foundation, a rural development organization, and Ayodhya Nagar Nigam, has supported the installation of community Water ATMs across key locations in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. These Water ATMs have been strategically placed in high-footfall areas identified that need reliable water access.  

Each Water ATM is directly connected to the Nagar Nigam municipal supply and supported by overhead storage tanks to ensure continuity. The water passes through Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration and is stored in stainless steel chilled tanks and dispensed through hygienic public taps mounted on the kiosk exteriors—offering easy access to clean drinking water throughout the day for residents and visitors alike.

Rajiv Gupta, Director, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, said, "Access to drinking water is a fundamental pillar of public health and community well-being. Our partnership with Ayodhya Nagar Nigam and the SM Sehgal Foundation is a strategic initiative that demonstrates our commitment to help improving water accessibility in the region through better infrastructure and local collaboration."

Anjali Makhija, Trustee and CEO, S M Sehgal Foundation said, "Water is vital, and through our collaboration with Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, we help create solutions for communities. The installation of water ATMs in Ayodhya marks a significant step towards ensuring access to hydration, especially in a city that welcomes millions of pilgrims and visitors each year."

Santosh Sharma, Municipal Commissioner, Ayodhya Nagar Nigam said, "This initiative underscores the positive role of public-private partnerships in enhancing urban infrastructure. Together with Coca-Cola India Foundation, we’re addressing the need for reliable drinking water across key areas in Ayodhya, benefiting both residents and visitors. By strengthening the city’s water access, this effort is a crucial part of our broader commitment to improving civic amenities and ensuring a sustainable, community-centered development."

This latest initiative builds on the foundation’s legacy of water stewardship. Through initiatives like Project Jaldhara, Anandana and the SM Sehgal Foundation have implemented water conservation and access projects across several water-stressed regions including Kolar in Karnataka, Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, and Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These efforts have included check dam construction, desilting of traditional tanks, and decentralized drinking water systems that have directly benefitted over a million people across India.

In Ayodhya, this effort continues that journey—supporting local governance, easing pressure on existing infrastructure, and enabling safe water access for all, regardless of background or status.

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