Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Rush By Hike Unveils Its Maiden Campaign #ChaloJeetKiChaal With Krushna Abhishek To Champion Skill-Based Gaming In India


India’s real-money gaming scene just got a turbocharge of fun and desi flair. Rush, the leading skill-based casual gaming platform from Hike, has unveiled its first-ever brand campaign, #ChaloJeetKiChaal, starring none other than actor-comedian Krushna Abhishek. Brimming with humour, hustle, and classic everyday jugaad, the campaign celebrates the sharp-minded, quick-footed players of Bharat who turn life’s curveballs into game-winning moments.

Marking Rush’s most ambitious communications push yet, the five-week campaign goes live across TV, radio, and digital starting June 10, aiming to reach over 20 million users in India’s fast-growing Hindi-speaking markets.

At its core, #ChaloJeetKiChaal celebrates everyday champions, those who navigate life’s plot twists with skill, hustle, and heart, turning daily challenges into moments of victory. With Rush’s flagship game, Ludo, as the hero, Krushna Abhishek brings his signature high-energy charm and street-smart comedy to the forefront, proving that in both life and gaming, bold moves and smart thinking are the ultimate power combo.

“#ChaloJeetKiChaal is our way of turning the spotlight on India’s sharpest gamers - people who play smart, hustle hard, and know that strategy & skill always wins over chance. We wanted the campaign to be as fun and fast-paced as the platform itself and bring gaming into the mainstream conversation with a smile,” said Manish Kumar, CFO, Hike.

By blending aspirational storytelling with colloquial flair, the campaign hits the sweet spot for young, ambition-driven India especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where value, status, and entertainment converge in one super app.

“India’s real-money gaming industry is rapidly evolving into something far more aspirational, rooted in skill, culture, and mass accessibility,” said Manish Kumar, CFO, Hike. “Krushna was a natural choice for this campaign. He embodies the spirit of Bharat — quick-witted, endlessly relatable, and driven by hustle. His energy captures the heart of our vision: a gaming experience that’s skill-first, deeply inclusive, and unmistakably fun. This is what the future of gaming in India looks like.”

Backing the Buzz with Big Moves, Rush is pulling out all the stops to take this campaign to the next level:

*        360° media rollout spanning television, radio, and digital to build omnichannel visibility.

*        High-impact performance marketing across Meta and Google aimed at quality user acquisition via celebrity integrations with Manisha Rani, Sunny Singh, and Nitish Rana.

*        Driving deeper market penetration through targeted vernacular campaigns and culturally-rooted storytelling, led by regional influencers who bring local flavor and authentic relevance to the Rush narrative.

*        In-app and social media contests to fire up community participation and competitive spirit.

At the heart of the campaign is the Leedo Champions League, Rush Ludo’s flagship tournament offering high-value rewards such as cash prizes, gadgets, and vehicles, reinforcing the platform’s promise of skill-based play and real-world gains.

As India’s online gaming market evolves, Rush is taking a stand with the message gaming success should be earned, not lucked into. The campaign reinforces that Rush Ludo is 100% skill-based, with gameplay that rewards smart decisions and strategic thinking. Reinforcing this stand, the platform continues to invest in user education around game mechanics and transparent matchmaking systems, ensuring that every win is a true reflection of the player’s skill.

So, get ready to play smart and win big. As Krushna Abhishek brings the heat with #ChaloJeetKiChaal.

Ageas Federal Life Insurance Announces Record Bonus Of INR176.32 Crore For FY 2024-25, Marking 31% Year-On-Year Growth


Ageas Federal Life Insurance, one of India's leading private life insurers, has announced its highest-ever total bonus of INR 176.32 crore during the annual valuations for the fiscal year 2024-25. This significant milestone marks the 11th consecutive year of bonus declarations by the company, reflecting a notable 31% increase compared to the previous fiscal year’s total bonus of INR 134.44 crore. Out of this total bonus 176.32 crore, INR 53.43 crore will be distributed to eligible policyholders in the form of cash bonuses and maturity bonuses, with the remaining amount to be paid out upon policy maturity, surrender, or early death in FY 2025-26.

The bonuses consist of Reversionary, Cash, and Terminal Bonuses, offered across a broad range of both traditional and modern participating plans.

The Cash Bonus under the popular super cash plan has been enhanced by 0.10% across all Premium Payment Terms for the financial year 2024–25. This enhancement is designed to provide customers with improved liquidity during the policy term. Additionally, attractive terminal bonuses continue to be declared for select plans, further enhancing long-term value delivered to policyholders.

Mr. Gaurav Seth, Chief Financial Officer, Ageas Federal Life Insurance, stated, “Our record bonus declaration for FY 2024-25 reflects the trust and loyalty of our policyholders. Through prudent fund management and a disciplined investment approach, we aim to consistently deliver strong returns and help our customers achieve lasting financial security. These bonuses are our way of thanking our customers for staying invested with us.”

Ageas Federal Life Insurance has enhanced both the Reversionary Bonus (RB) and Cash Bonus (CB) across its entire range of participating products for the financial year 2024–25. These revised bonus rates reflect their continued commitment to delivering long-term value to their policyholders. Reversionary Bonuses declared range up to 10% of Sum Assured, while Cash Bonuses go up to 1.90% of Sum Assured, depending on the product and policy term. These bonuses are applicable to all active participating policies as of March 31, 2025. Policies that are currently in a lapsed or paid-up status may also qualify for the declared bonuses, subject to reinstatement in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions.

Through consistent bonus declarations, the company reinforces its commitment to supporting customers’ long-term financial growth and security.

IGI Appoints Industry Stalwart Anoop Mehta As “Chairman And Independent Director”


The International Gemological Institute (IGI), a global authority in diamond and gemstone certification announced the appointment of Mr. Anoop Vrajlal Mehta as Chairman and Independent Director of the IGI Board, effective June 6, 2025, subject to the approval of Shareholders.

A visionary leader and stalwart of the global diamond industry, Mr. Mehta brings over five decades of experience in shaping the Indian and international gem and jewellery landscape. He is currently the Chairman and Managing Director of Mohit Diamonds Pvt Ltd., President of the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB). He also serves on key industry bodies, including the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council.

His appointment marks a significant milestone in IGI’s journey, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to excellence, transparency, and responsible growth within the gems and jewellery industry.

Commenting on this development, Mr Tehmasp Printer, Global CEO of IGI, said, “We are honoured to welcome Mr. Anoop Mehta to IGI’s Board. A true veteran of the diamond industry, Mr. Mehta brings a wealth of knowledge, deep-rooted insight, and strategic vision. His extensive experience within the global diamond ecosystem will be invaluable in shaping IGI’s direction and advancing our mission to lead with expertise and integrity in gemological science.”

Mr. Printer further said, “The appointment underlines IGI’s focus on strengthening governance, enhancing stakeholder value, and playing a vital role in shaping the future of the diamond and jewellery sector in India and beyond.”

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Mehta stated, “IGI has long been a pillar of trust and expertise in gem certification. I look forward to contributing to its legacy of excellence and supporting its growth ambitions, especially in an era where consumer confidence and authenticity are paramount.”

Mr. Mehta played a pivotal role in the conception and realization of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, inaugurated in 2010 under his stewardship, which has since positioned India prominently on the global diamond map. Recognized with multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards, including from the GJEPC, his leadership continues to inspire transformation in the trade.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Vodafone Idea (Vi) Launches 5G Across Bengaluru Telecom Circle


Vi (Vodafone Idea) today announced the launch of its 5G services in Bengaluru starting tomorrow. With this launch, residents and businesses in India’s tech hub can now enjoy faster data speeds, lower latency, and enhanced connectivity on the Vi 5G network.

This rollout follows Vi’s recent 5G launches in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Patna and Chandigarh, and is part of the company’s strategic roll out in all 17 priority circles, where it has acquired 5G spectrum, by August this year

Vi users in Bengaluru with 5G-enabled devices can now access Vi 5G services, designed to power the city’s digitally savvy population with superior online experiences. As an introductory offer, Vi is providing unlimited 5G data to users on plans starting from ?299. Customers can enjoy seamless streaming, gaming, video conferencing, faster downloads, and real-time cloud access.

Commenting on the launch, Anand Dani, Business Head – Karnataka, Vodafone Idea, said: “We’re excited to bring Vi 5G to Bengaluru, a city that stands at the forefront of tech and digital innovation. With our next-gen 5G and enhanced 4G network, we aim to deliver enhanced experience to our users.  Encouraged by the strong response and robust performance in our launched markets, we are committed to expanding our 5G footprint in line with growing demand and 5G handset adoption.”

To ensure a superior 5G experience in Bengaluru, Vi has partnered with Samsung to deploy advanced, energy-efficient infrastructure and implemented AI-powered Self-Organizing Networks (SON) to automatically optimize network performance. With successful integration of high transmit power, multi-technology supported, energy-efficient, small form-factor radios, Vi has enabled green solutions for a seamless 5G experience by Bengaluru's subscribers

Alongside its 5G expansion, Vi has significantly upgraded its 4G network in Karnataka to deliver enhanced coverage, faster data speeds, and overall superior user experience. It has deployed 900 MHz spectrum on nearly 3,000 sites to strengthen indoor coverage, doubled 2100 MHz spectrum capacity across 1800 sites, and added 2100 MHz spectrum to another 1,000 locations. Additionally, Vi has bolstered its 1800 MHz capacity across more than 4,100 sites, enhancing both reach and data traffic handling capabilities. These upgrades implemented over 10 months have led to a 46% capacity increase from Mar’24 and underscore Vi’s commitment to delivering consistent and high-quality connectivity across urban and rural areas.

Vi remains committed to building a future-ready network that meets the evolving digital needs of consumers and businesses. For more details on availability, pricing, and supported devices, visit: https://www.myvi.in/5g-network

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service providers. The company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G and 4G technology. The company holds a large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave spectrum in 16 circles and is in the process of launching 5G in 17 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

HDFC Life Declares Rs. 4102 Crore Bonus for Policyholders


HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has announced a bonus of Rs. 4102 cr. in the Company’s Board Meeting held on 17th April 2025. This is the highest ever bonus declared by HDFC Life on its participating* policies, benefitting over 21.90 lakh policyholders. What makes this milestone even more special is that it coincides with the 25th year of HDFC Life’s journey!

From the total bonus declared, an amount of Rs. 3232 cr. will be payable to policies in the current Financial Year as part of survival or maturity payouts and the remaining will accrue as policy benefits and will be paid when these benefit payments are made in subsequent financial years.

The annual bonus declared by HDFC Life has approximately doubled every four years, thus reflecting consistent growth in with-profits fund performance and policyholder value. The Company has declared a total cumulative bonus amount that exceeds Rs. 22,500 cr. across all eligible participating policies since inception.

Eshwari Murugan – Appointed Actuary, HDFC Life, commented, "I am delighted to announce that HDFC Life has declared its highest ever bonus this year. Policy bonuses are a loyalty reward for policyholders who continue for the long term. As we complete 25 years of our journey, we remain committed to our promise of providing value to all stakeholders.

It is our endeavour to secure our policyholders and their families financially with life insurance, thus enabling them to face challenges with confidence and prepare for the future. With a customer-focused approach, we will continue securing lives and contribute towards achieving the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.”

*Participating or par plans provide profit-sharing benefits in the form of bonus, to policyholders.

About HDFC Life

Established in 2000, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (‘HDFC Life’ or the ‘Company’) is a leading provider of long-term life insurance solutions in India. It offers a broad range of individual and group plans across the Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity, and Health categories, with a portfolio of products and optional riders designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

HDFC Life is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private banks. The Company has a nationwide presence, operating through its own branches and a network of over 300 distribution partners, including banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, and emerging ecosystem partners. HDFC Life also maintains a strong base of financial consultants.

Recognised as a great place to work, HDFC Life is deeply committed to governance and sustainability, ensuring responsible business practices that align with its long-term objectives.

For more information, visit www.hdfclife.com or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Rediscovering Culinary Roots With The Luxury Group By Marriott International


* Luxury Dining Series returns in 2025 with a new lineup of exceptional experiences by global culinary talents centered on ‘Forgotten Flavors’

Following the success of last year’s inaugural campaign, the Luxury Group by Marriott International announces the return of the Luxury Dining Series, a multi-city regional gastronomic journey taking place from July to September across Asia Pacific. This year’s line-up of luxury hotels includes The St. Regis Osaka, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, The St. Regis Singapore, The St. Regis Jakarta, and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. Each property will offer carefully curated culinary experiences prepared by Marriott International’s talented culinary and mixology professionals from across the world. Marriott Bonvoy members will also have the opportunity to bid on these exceptional dining events using their Marriott Bonvoy Moments loyalty points.

“We are thrilled to unveil the latest edition of the Luxury Dining Series, featuring an expansion of stops with a broader lineup of culinary talents across our global portfolio of luxury hotels,” says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “This year’s exclusive collaborations and experiences will celebrate ancient ingredients reimagined for the modern palate, reflecting a key theme identified in The Future of Food 2025 report – “Forgotten Flavors”. Through immersive collaborations and multi-sensory storytelling, we are offering crafted, unforgettable culinary experiences that seamlessly blend craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and innovation.”

Japan - July 11-13 - The St. Regis Osaka

The highly anticipated launch of the 2025 series promises an extraordinary culinary celebration starting with The St. Regis Osaka and an impressive ensemble of gastronomic masters. To begin, Chef Takato Kitano, Head Chef of Wajo will join forces with Master Teppan Chef Yuki Oe of The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, to pay tribute to the purity and depth of Japanese produce, highlighting pristine seafood, heirloom vegetables, and heritage culinary techniques. An exquisite collaboration awaits as Chef Agustin Balbi of Hong Kong’s highly-acclaimed And? – awarded by Michelin and Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, amongst others, and Chef Michiaki Yoshida, Head Chef at La Veduta, will deliver an elegantly curated tasting menu that will seamlessly weave together timeless Italian flavors with the innovative precision of Japanese cuisine. The beverage segment introduces a dynamic 50 Best Bar Takeover at The St. Regis Bar, Osaka by Hideyuki Saito, the creative force behind Gold Bar at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, ranked on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. The bespoke cocktail menu will reflect his blend of precision, creativity, and global hospitality. Reinterpreting the traditional tea ritual, Executive Pastry Chef Alex Chong of The Singapore EDITION, renowned for his mastery of French pâtisserie and his thoughtful integration of Southeast Asian flavors, will offer creations blending delicate technique with bold creativity. The first leg of the series concludes in grandeur with an elaborate dinner at Brasserie RÉGINE, prepared by Chef Takatoki Minagawa, and Chef Ryuta Iizuka, who trained under the legendary Joël Robuchon, and acclaimed for his two Michelin-starred restaurant Ryuzu.

Korea - July 17-20 - JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Jeju’s culinary journey comprises an inspired celebration of its vibrant flavors and rich traditions. Setting the stage with culinary virtuosos, Paul Smart of Citrique at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Ryan Byrne of Atria at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, and Jayden Kim of The Flying Hog, the three talents will join forces in a Six-Hands dinner to create an impeccable contemporary tasting menu from the region’s renowned land-and-sea bounty while presenting time?honored techniques through a modern lens. Marking culinary excellence, both Atria and Citrique hold 14 Hats from the prestigious Australian Good Food Guide, whilst The Flying Hog has been recognized in the 2025 La Liste 1000. In The Lounge, Head Pastry Chef Sienna Wang  and Chef Shigeru Nojima of the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, scheduled to open in Q3 2025, will bring their respective patisserie artistry and deep understanding of Jeju’s local ingredients in an elevated Midsummer High Tea. Diners can expect delicate pastries paired with tea-inspired cocktails from award-winning Head Bartender Yosuke Asano of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. A singularly curated brunch at Yeoumul will pay tribute to the Haenyeo, Jeju’s legendary female divers, with a selection of dishes in homage to the ocean’s treasures. Chef Jin Lee of Yeoumul and Chef Hirotaka Nakashima of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, will prepare a menu inspired by Jeju’s fresh seafood and local produce, elevated by the elegance and precision of kaiseki techniques. Uncover the legacy behind Jeju’s traditional liquor-making where renowned fermentation artisan, Master Kim, joins Yosuke Asano for an exclusive masterclass seamlessly blending Korean heritage with the finesse of Japanese mixology.

India - July 31- August 3 - JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa

Experience the grandeur of Daawat-e-Aaleeshan where Chef Riyaz Ahmed will craft a feast of authentic Indian flavors, setting the tone for a night of indulgence steeped in cultural richness. Another highlight inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, Director of Culinary Neeraj Rawoot brings his vision to life with an enchanting farm-to-table meal at the picturesque JW Garden, featuring fresh seasonal produce grown on-site. For an immersive and sensory dining experience highlighting different flavor components and held in unforgettable spaces across the property, the Five Elements Dinner will be prepared by renowned chefs Neeraj Rawoot, Riyaz Ahmed, Saiful Agam, Vu Van Thien, and Santosh Rawat. A Lazy Lakeside Brunch at EAST prepared by resident chef Saiful Agam who will join hands with Chef Vu Van Thien of Summer Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, to reimagine the restaurant’s signature cuisine blend drawing on Korean BBQ traditions, elevated Omakase techniques, and the soulful simplicity of Cantonese flavors. For a poolside leisurely experience, The Great Getaway Brunch will comprise a curated selection of cocktails, a global spread of grilled foods and decadent desserts, and live music, all set against the backdrop of the Nandi Hills. For cocktail enthusiasts or those seeking a lively evening, the Shaken & Stirred Collaboration with Kuldeep Rawat and Simone Ciambrone from the acclaimed The Bvlgari Bar in Ginza, ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars, is a rare chance to see the two talents fuse their unique mixology styles.

Australia - August 15-17 - The Ritz-Carlton, Perth

Masterfully curated by Chef Brian Cole of Hearth and Chef Katsuhito Inoue from Chef’s Table at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, the East Meets West dinner will offer a seamless fusion of Australian open-fire cooking and Western Australian produce with refined Japanese kaiseki in a traditional multi-course dining format honoring seasonality, balance, and artistry. Closely collaborating with local producers, these two culinary maestros will also pair up for a second farm-to-table menu, dubbed as Farmers’ Bounty. Exclusively available for one night only, this thoughtfully composed menu pays homage to the land, the season, and the hands behind the harvest. Presented by Chef Brian Cole and Pastry Chef Jiu Jiang, Hearth’s reimagined afternoon tea experience will celebrate Western Australia’s diverse landscapes, stories, and flavors, where each artisanal confection showcases the treasures of the region, from the creamy delights of Margaret River Dairy to the aromatic nuances of native bush spices. For cocktail enthusiasts, an exceptional tasting will be prepared by Marco Barsotti, Beverage & Bars Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, and award-winning Head Bartender Kentaro Wada from The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, where their curated menu of handcrafted tipples, paired with distinctive bites by Executive Sous Chef Stephen Cocks, will reflect their mastery and innovation.

Singapore - August 29-31 - The St. Regis Singapore

Staying true to the “Forgotten Flavors” theme, The St. Regis Singapore will feature an authentic Four-Hands Cantonese menu at Yan Ting by Executive Chinese Chef Chan Chung Shing, and Daniel Wong, Michelin-starred Chinese Executive Chef of Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, with dishes that reintroduce indigenous ingredients in inventive ways to bridge tradition and innovation.  Redefining fine dining, guests can also look forward to an exceptional six-hands menu at The Astor Grill, curated by Chef Vladmir Veiga, Head Chef of one Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola of The Ritz-Carlton, Penha Longa Resort, Executive Chef Fabio Granata of The St. Regis Singapore, and Chef de Cuisine Angelo Sergio of The Astor Grill. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence, Chef Angela Lai, former pastry chef of two-Michelin starred Tairroir Taipei, and winner of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef in 2021 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, joins forces with Executive Pastry Chef Ng Chee Leong to reimagine the island’s beloved sweet and savory flavors through a refined lens. A spotlight on three of Asia’s most compelling cocktail destinations - Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok, Marco Dongi, Bar Manager of Bar Sathorn at W Bangkok from last year’s Luxury Dining Series returns to collaborate with Paulo Naranjo, Bar and Beverage Manager of The St. Regis Jakarta to shake things up at The St. Regis Bar.

Indonesia - September 11-14 - The St. Regis Jakarta

The gastronomic adventures for the Jakarta stop will kick off with a decadent tasting of fine confections by celebrated Pastry Chef Janice Wong, featuring the rich flavor profiles of Indonesian cacao beans. Experience the Michelin-starred touch of IGNIV Bangkok, as Chef Arne Riehn brings his distinctive interpretation of modern Swiss cuisine to Jakarta. Journey through the Indonesian Archipelago with a family-style dinner led by Chef Almatino “Tino” Gabriel Ibrata, where the evening begins with a pre-dinner reception featuring a traditional Wayang performance, offering a cultural prelude to an immersive dining experience. The St. Regis Afternoon Tea experience will be designed by two celebrated pastry visionaries, Chef Janice Wong and Chef Kevin Lee. In sweet symphony, the menu marks an elevated take on afternoon tea, showcasing their avant-garde and bold flavor-driven approaches to desserts with a curated selection of sweet and savory bites. Exceptional evening experiences include a noteworthy bar takeover that will honor the origins of punch in Batavia; during this event, Yasuhiro Kawakubo of Punch Room at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, and Giovanni Graziadei of Punch Room at The Singapore EDITION will present signature creations from their respective bars that reflect the rich legacy of mixology.

Thailand - September 25-28 - The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok

This year’s series concludes in Bangkok at the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok.  At Duet by David Toutain, Toutain himself and Chef Valentin Fouache will join hands with Chef Adam Catterall of Hong Kong’s Michelin-starred Roganic, the acclaimed outpost of three-Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan. The trio will present a six-hands European tasting menu rooted in honoring local terroir. The Bangkok and Hong Kong collaborations continue with another six-hands meal focused on French tradition and Asian finesse between Duet by David Toutain and Hong Kong’s Louise with Executive Chef Loïc Portalier. For a special Friends of Lily’s brunch helmed by Chef Pop, guests can further expect an explosion of Middle Eastern, French and Thai flavors prepared by Chef Tala Bashmi, crowned MENA’s Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best, Chef Loïc Portalier, and Chef Jai of Charmgang. Adding to the excitement is an intimate private dining experience at Lily’s exclusive to 10 guests. Crafted by Chef Tala, diners can expect a delectable blend of Bahraini cuisine in each soulful bite. Headed by Bar and Beverage Manager Ewen Ledan, Cal?o Bar will feature a guest bar takeover by Simone Rossi, celebrated cocktail master from Hong Kong and creator of Ratafia Rossi, a distinctive Italian ratafia cherry liquor, and Angelo Sparvoli, Head Bartender of the legendary American Bar at The Savoy, London. Featuring beans from some of the most distinctive cacao regions around the world, guests can dive into a multi-sensory chocolate afternoon tea experience at Cal?o, where they can enjoy guided tastings, and live demonstrations into the craftsmanship of Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans? behind each bite. 

Marriott Bonvoy members can use points to bid on unique experiences through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments program. This includes exclusive dining collaborations, cocktail masterclasses and more, at each of the seven destinations in this year’s Luxury Dining Series. For the latest information and programming, please visit: luxurydiningseries.com

To explore Marriott Bonvoy Moments, please visit https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com.

Join the conversation @MarriottBonvoy and #MarriottBonvoyMoments.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on its investor relations website at www.marriott.com/investor or Marriott's news center website at www.marriottnewscenter.com, which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

About Luxury Group by Marriott International

With an unrivaled portfolio of eight dynamic luxury brands, Marriott International is creating authentic, rare, and enriching experiences sought by today’s global luxurian. Spanning all corners of the world, Marriott International’s Luxury Group offers a boundless network of more than 530 landmark hotels and resorts in over 70 countries and territories through The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. From the world’s most iconic destinations to the ultimate undiscovered gems, the international hospitality leader’s collection of luxury brands is focused on elevating travel with highly contextualized, nuanced brand experiences that signal the future of luxury by allowing guests to indulge their passions while sparking personal growth. For more information, please visit Luxury.Marriott.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Netafim India Hosts “Pragati” – A Progressive Farmer Training And Felicitation Program Under SLIS 3 Project


* The conference was attended by officials from KNNL and WALMI

* Recognizing Progressive Farmers, Driving Sustainable Growth

Netafim India, a leading smart-irrigation solution provider, organized “Pragati” – a Progressive Farmer Training cum Felicitation Program at Gadag, Karnataka. The initiative focused on empowering farmers from the Singataluru Lift Irrigation Scheme (SLIS-3) through structured training, knowledge sharing, and recognition of best practices. Covering over 11,330 hectares, the SLIS-3 project has seen significant adoption of modern irrigation methods such as drip system. The farmers are growing crops like Maize, sunflower, Green gram, onion, chilly, flowers etc.  The farmers are successfully adopting fertigation (nutrient supply through drip) to each crop as per crop need.

At the event, 30 progressive farmers who demonstrated successful implementation of these techniques were felicitated with a Pragati Farmer Badge and gift hampers. These farmers will now participate in Netafim’s advanced training modules and act as ambassadors for sustainable agriculture within their communities.

The event was graced by dignitaries including Dr. Girish Maraddi (Director, WALMI, Dharwad), Mr. Laxman Jogdandakar (AE, KNNL), Mr. Mailsamy M (General Manager, MEIL), Mr. Girish Deshpande (AGM, Netafim India), and Mr. Umesha M.C. (AGM, Netafim India), who addressed the gathering on innovation-led agricultural growth.

Speaking at the occasion Dr. Girish Maraddi, Director WALMI, said “The Pragati initiative by Netafim India is a strong step toward empowering farmers under the SLIS-3 project. By providing hands-on training in drip irrigation, fertigation, and digital farming, the program equips farmers with practical knowledge to improve yields, manage resources efficiently, and adopt sustainable practices. He emphasized on the importance of soil testing and providing the right nutrients to crops to increase productivity.  Such initiatives are crucial for building a future-ready farming community in Karnataka and beyond.”

Mr. Girish Deshpande, Assistant General Manager, Netafim said, “With Pragati, our aim is to create a strong community of progressive farmers who lead by example. By adopting drip irrigation and modern farming techniques, these farmers are not only improving their own productivity but also inspiring others in the region to embrace sustainable agriculture. This is how real transformation begins—farmer to farmer.”

As part of the day-long training, farmers received guidance on topics such as project benefits, yield improvement using drip systems, fertigation, maintenance practices, future cropping strategies, and digital farming tools. Live demonstrations and real-life success stories added practical insights into the knowledge-sharing sessions.

The event highlighted how farmers have doubled their yields while reducing input costs—saving on water, labor, and fertilizers. Initiatives like Pragati reaffirm Netafim India’s commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture, rural prosperity, and community-led transformation.

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