ETBrandEquity and CleverTap’s special series ‘The Big Leap: Growth Stories’ is set to air on 17 November, featuring leaders from India’s largest and fastest growing B2C digital brands. Today, millions of people are relying on digital brands to seek entertainment, study, access banking facilities, order groceries and medicines, make travel plans and fulfill other needs. However, these brands are facing a massive challenge of retaining users, constantly engaging them and delivering magnetic experiences. In this digital age, these brands have realised that the mantra to growth and success is not just new customer acquisition but also user retention to maximise the lifetime value. Research has suggested that user retention is cheaper than new customer acquisition and it plays a key role in scaling the growth of the brand. Now, brands are working towards taking a holistic view of the customer journey and incorporating effective user retention strategies to stay contextual, relevant and propel growth. ETBrandEquity and CleverTap are excited to announce a special series, ‘The Big Leap: Growth Stories’ featuring India’s leading B2C digital brands that will explore the territory of user retention and how it has unlocked new opportunities for brands in the modern digital economy. The series will feature growth leaders – founders, CXOs, and investors – from 12 digital brands  who will share their ‘Big Leap’ stories. These brands include – Reliance Jio, Zepto, MPL, Ajio, Gameskraft, Axis Bank, MX Player, Meesho and ixigo, among others. Spanning over the next 6 weeks, the show will feature brands that are taking customer experience to the next level. Watch 36 industry leaders talk about winning the market with a strong user retention strategy. The digital pioneers from these brands will share their learnings and best practices around driving user retention, creating communities, and delivering contextual experiences at the right time and on the right channel thereby increasing customer lifetime value (CLV) and enabling overall growth for the brand. Vikrant Chowdhary, Chief Growth Officer, CleverTap, said, “As part of our ongoing association with ETBrandEquity, we’re thrilled to be launching this new series to showcase inspiring examples of brands creating delightful moments for their users and delivering meaningful customer experiences. Tune in to learn from India’s leading brands on taking ‘The Big Leap’. Like the old adage goes — don’t wait for opportunity. Create it.” Amit Kumar Gupta, Business Head, The Economic Times Business Verticals, said, “It’s amazing how improving the various aspects of the customer’s experience can lead to growth and loyalty for brands. This special series, in partnership with CleverTap, aims to highlight the industry best practices for customer retention and coalesce the learnings on one platform making it easily accessible to brands and marketers. We hope that this endeavor will reinforce the perspective that brands must engage with customers throughout their journey and not just prior to purchase.” The show will premiere exclusively on ETNow starting Thursday, 17 November at 4:30 pm and also premiere digitally on ETBrandEquity. A new episode will be released every Thursday. Viewers can watch the repeat telecast of the show on Sunday at 4:30 PM. The show will be hosted by senior journalist, Gautam Srinivasan. To know more, visit: https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/the-big-leap-chat-show

JIFF starts ‘JIFF INDIAN PANORAMA’s biggest Film Promotion from Guwahati  Jaipur International Film Festival declares the establishment of the INDIAN CINEMA FUND in Guwahati  Riniki Bhuyan Sarma becomes the first board director of the JIFF INDIAN CINEMA FUND  Trailer and poster of the Assamese film Bokul Phulor Dore was launched Ashok Singhal, Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Irrigation, Government of Assam was the special guest.   JAIPUR – GUWAHATI – 15/11/2022 From 6th to 10th January, the 15th edition of Jaipur International Film Festival ‘JIFF’ will launch 12 full-length films in various Indian languages of JIFF INDIAN PANORAMA, festival founder – director Hanu Roj informs. This is going to happen for the first time in the history of Indian Cinema when 12 films of various Indian languages are being launched on this grand scale. Not merely this, these films will be promoted in 7 big cities of the country, which is named as the ‘TORCH CAMPAIGN’. The uniquely designed campaign for the celebration of Cinema is launched on Tuesday, in Guwahati, and the Launching Ceremony is organized at Vivanta Taj Hotel, in a magnificent mode. Chief Guests of the Launching Ceremony were Assam’s Chief Minister’s wife, noted filmmaker and entrepreneur Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, and Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Guwahati’s Joint Commissioner of police. Mahanta is a documentary filmmaker himself. Establishment of the INDIAN CINEMA FUND is declared. At the Launching event, festival founder–director Hanu Roj informed that with the motto of promoting Indian Cinema and Global Dialogue, JIFF will establish the Indian Cinema Fund, where renowned personalities from the film industry will be involved in the board of directors. Agreeing to this, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma would be on the board of directors as well. This fund would be a stable fund. More than one thousand filmmakers, directors, actors, actresses, and film professionals will participate in this campaign, festival founder–director Hanu Roj tells. On this occasion, the trailer and poster of the Assamese film Bokul Phulor Dore, directed by Sanjeev Hazarika and Produced by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, was launched.   Trailers of various Indian languages films are shown During the Launching Ceremony, film trailers were shown and that’s how the film enthusiasts were made aware of these absolutely special films. These films would be screened in Jaipur, in the month of January, during the 15th edition of Jaipur International Film Festival and awards would be declared simultaneously. At the special event, dialogue “Indian Cinema: Today and Tomorrow” is organized as well, where filmmakers expressed their opinions on the subject of significance.   Campaign to continue in these cities After launching in Guwahati on 15th November, this TORCH CAMPAIGN will be organized in Kolkata [18th November], Chennai [26th November], Mumbai [1st December], Chandigarh [16th December], Rohtak [17th December], and Jodhpur [26th December]. Next to the event in Jodhpur, the torch will be handed over to the filmmakers of Delhi, who will bring it to Jaipur on 5th January. In KOLKATA, the Second event of the TORCH CAMPAIGN will be organized at the Hindusthan International hotel, where famous actress Rituparna Sengupta and renowned filmmaker Goutam Ghose will be chief guests. In CHENNAI, the third event of the TORCH CAMPAIGN will take place at Prasad Preview Theatre of Prasad Labs, where well-known music composer, singer, and director Gangai Amaran would be the Chief Guest. In MUMBAI, the fourth event of the TORCH CAMPAIGN will be organized at The Club, Mumbai, where many film stars will be present.   Awarded films to be screened in 4 cities of 4 states “After 12 films’ screening during the film festival in Jaipur, awarded films would be shown in four cities Srinagar, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, and the dates for the screening would be declared in February 2023”, festival founder–director Hanu Roj informs.   These 12 Indian full-length films are to be screened for all The selected films include the Assamese film Bokul Phulor Dore directed by Sanjeev Hazarika and Produced by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the Tamil film Maamanithan [The Great Man] by Seenu Ramasamy, the Malayalam film The One and The Many within by Chidambara Palaniappan L, the Bengali film #Homecoming by Soumyajit Majumdar, the Tamil film Visithiran by M Padmakumar, the Tamil film Gargi by Gautham Ramachandran, the Marathi film Taath Kana by Girish Mohite, the Tamil, the Telugu film Shadow of the Night by Radhakrishnan Parthiban, the Malayalam film Nest of Sorrows by Joshy Mathew, the Tamil film Mugizh by Kartick Swaminathan, the Malayalam film Avanovilona By Sherry and Deepesh T and the Bengali film Jhilli by Ishaan Ghose. All these films would be screened during the festival, from 6th to 10th January 2023. All the producers and directors associated with these films will also be present on this occasion.   12 Awards for 12 Films  “One film may receive more than one award and one film may not get any award, as each film needs to fulfill the parameters decided by Jury”, informs festival spokesperson Rajendra Boda.   Noted five filmmakers to choose awards for 12 films The prestigious jury includes Jim Rygiel, who has won 3 Academy Awards [Oscars] and 3 BAFTAs for Best Visual Effects for the very popular film THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY. Stephen Castor from Hollywood is on the Jury, who has partnered in business with Jim Rygiel, three-time Oscar winner for Best Visual Effects for THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY. Marc Baschet is a big producer and cinematographer, known for No Man’s Land [2001, Oscar-winning film], Before the Rain [1994] and The Adopted Son [1998] is also a Jury member, who has participated in JIFF twice. The jury has two big names from the Indian Film Industry as well including veteran screenplay writer and teacher Anjum Rajabali. He has written films like Drohkaal [1994], Ghulam [1998], The Legend of Bhagat Singh [2002], Toofan (2021), Satyagraha (2013), Chakravyuh (2012), Aarakshan (2011), Raajneeti (2010), Apaharan (2005). He’s known for advocating for the rights of Indian scriptwriters. Shaji N Karun is an Indian film director and cinematographer, who would be the Chairperson of this jury. His debut film Piravi [1988] won the Caméra d’Or – Mention d’honneur at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival. To participate in the Festival ~ Delegates registration is open on JIFF website http://jiffindia.org/

200 + participants from more than 25 schools took part After the massive success of Aryaman 2022, Ekya Schools, in association with CMR National Pre-University College, launched its first-ever offline Model United Nations conference (MUN). Ekya Schools have been participating in various MUN conferences organised across cities, and the idea of hosting their own MUN conference was initiated by the internal MUN team of Ekya Schools. The program was open to students of grades 9-12, with one committee available for middle schoolers (grades 6-8). It was their first offline MUN, and they received an overwhelming response from over 200 participants from over 25 schools. Ms Malathi Balasubramanian, Principle of CMRNPUC and Ms Jyothi Menon, Head of School, Ekya ITPL, inaugurated the two-day conference at the EKYA School ITPL Premises. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tristha, Founder and Managing Director of EKYA Schools and Provost, CMR University, said, “I am happy that students of our school took the initiative of hosting the MUN conference, and I am so proud that it was completely student-driven. The initiative not only brought confidence among children to organise events of such magnitude but also helped them develop their diplomatic skills, thinking, negotiation and public speaking skills. It’s a great platform for them to meet children from various schools and exchange ideas.” Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an educational simulation in which students can learn about Diplomacy, International Relations and the United Nations. At a MUN Conference, students work as representatives of a country, organisation or person and work towards solving problems with other delegates from around the world. Speaking on occasion, Ms Jyothi Menon, Head of Ekya Schools, ITPL, said, “It’s a great opportunity for students as it enhances research, public speaking, debating, writing, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership skills. We are glad students of Ekya Schools executed it flawlessly and made it a huge success. Model UN is meant to engage students and allow them to develop a deeper understanding of current world issues”, she concluded. Some of the committees that were formed at the event were as follows:  SOCHUM – Social, Humanitarian & Cultural Committee – Child rights and Child Labour policies in South East Asia. CCC (Crisis Committee): The War Of The Third Coalition HAIPPM (Historic All India Political Parties meet) – Discussing Operation Blue Star DISEC (Disarmament & International Security): Discussing Light Arms with Special Emphasis on Latin America – UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council): Discussing Ethnic              cleansing with Special Emphasis on Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Winners were shortlisted from each of the committees mentioned above and rewarded.

For many blood cancer patients, a stem cell transplant is the only chance of survival. However, up to 30-50% of transplant recipients develop the often life-threatening complication called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Dr. Yiouli Ktena, scientist at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore (USA), has developed a new, epigenetic approach: She hopes to use it to effectively combat GVHD while preserving the immunological power of donor cells. For the realization of her promising project, she received the DKMS John Hansen Research Grant, which is worth €240,000. Extreme abdominal pain and cramps, the dissolution of mucous membranes, severe skin rash, nausea, diarrhea, liver damage – these are just some of the many symptoms that can occur in GVHD. Often, this complication can even be fatal. Dr. Yiouli Ktena has set herself the goal of helping affected patients. She is a specialist in pediatric hematology and oncology and conducts research at the renowned Johns Hopkins University. “For some of my patients, stem cell transplantation, which involves replacing the patient’s immune system with a donor’s immune system, is the only chance for a cure. This includes children and young adults with cancer, such as certain types of aggressive leukemia and lymphoma, or non-malignant diseases such as bone marrow failure”, she explains. But even if the tissue characteristics of donors and patients match completely, GVHD can occur after stem cell transplantation. “And you still can’t predict in whom, why, and when that will happen”, she says. GVHD is a severe immunological reaction in which the graft turns against the recipient. Each graft contains immune cells from the donor in addition to the actual stem cells. While the donor stem cells settle in the patient’s bone marrow and create a new, healthy blood and immune system, the foreign immune cells migrate through the recipient’s body after transplantation. Ideally, they destroy cancer cells and prevent the cancer from returning, a process known as the graft-versus-tumor effect. However, if the donor’s immune cells attack the patient’s healthy cells because they recognize them as foreign, GVHD will occur. Epigenetic manipulation of donor cells “The current treatments available for GVHD put patients at increased risk of infection and cancer recurrence,” says Dr. Ktena. “This is a big problem: If you curb the immune response of the transplanted donor cells, GVHD decreases, but the patient also becomes more susceptible to infection and cancer recurrence.” Her research approach therefore goes in a different direction: she wants to epigenetically manipulate the donor cells responsible for GVHD in favor of the patient. “Our goal is to contain GVHD while maintaining the potency of the new immune system, or the graft-versus-tumor effect.” To accomplish this, she is studying the role of epigenetics in the development of GVHD. Epigenetics is a scientific area of interest that encompasses the changes that determine the expression of certain genetic traits independently of the DNA sequence – on the smallest level, this would be the decision whether a gene is “switched on” in the cell or not. In the field of epigenetics, the enzyme DNMT3A (DNA (cytosin-5)-methyltransferase 3A) plays an important role. The enzyme is able to mark the DNA by a chemical bond. This labeling makes the DNA practically invisible to the cell and it is no longer actively used by the cell. DNMT3A thus regulates important cellular processes. It has been observed that patients who have received a stem cell transplant from a donor carrying a mutation in DNMT3A are more likely to suffer from GVHD – at the same time they are less likely to experience a relapse. Interestingly, DNMT3A mutations are not rare. According to one study from 2020, 6.2% of the total population carried a DNMT3A mutation, with an age-related increase in prevalence. Using genetically modified T cells, Dr. Ktena was able to successfully recreate the DNMT3A phenomenon in the laboratory. She was thus able to examine these cells for their epigenetic characteristics. In particular, she looked at which DNA segments were chemically modified and how they differed from normal T cells. Interestingly, these cells were overall very similar to normal cells, with the exception of very localized differences that were surprisingly specific. The altered DNA regions are located within genes that are directly related to the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of T cells. CCR9 – a new target in GVHD? “These data are significant in three ways. They demonstrate the importance of epigenetic regulation in modulating T cell activation after stem cell transplantation and provide us with a basis for studying epigenetic signatures of donors to predict the risk of GVHD in recipients. Second, they also allow us to consider epigenetic modifications as a therapeutic tool. Finally, the data can be used as a platform to discover new gene pathways that could potentially also be used as therapeutic targets,” says Dr. Ktena. “Now going through all this data and sorting through all the pathways that we have identified is truly a labor of love – but we are getting there!” One interesting target has already emerged from the data: CCR9, a chemokine receptor that directs T cells to the gut – one of the main areas where GVHD starts and manifests. CCR9 has been targeted in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and could now potentially be targeted in the context GVHD as well. “We have already started some of these experiments targeting CCR9, and our lab is looking forward to the promising results,” says Dr. Ktena. DKMS John Hansen Research Grant 2023 – €240,000 for blood cancer research! Application deadline is December 2 A generous research grant offers Dr. Yiouli Ktena the financial security to implement her promising project: In 2020, she was awarded the DKMS John Hansen Research Grant by the DKMS Stiftung Leben Spenden (Foundation for Giving Life). In this way, DKMS Stiftung Leben Spenden, the umbrella organization of the non-profit stem cell donor center DKMS, annually supports up to four outstanding young scientists who, like DKMS itself, have set themselves the goal of improving the survival and healing chances of

Combined with even more AirCover for Hosts, now is the perfect time to put your place on Airbnb In May, we introduced Airbnb Categories so that millions of people could discover homes they never knew existed. Today, we’re introducing Airbnb Setup to make it easy for millions of people to Airbnb their home. We’re also providing even more AirCover for Hosts and adding six new Airbnb Categories. Introducing Airbnb Setup – The all-new, super easy way to Airbnb your home, with free one-to-one guidance from a Superhost. Even more AirCover for Hosts – Now featuring even more top-to-bottom protection, with guest identity verification, reservation screening, and $3M damage protection, including coverage for cars, boats, art and valuables. New Airbnb Categories – We’re adding six new categories of homes, as well as improving the way Airbnb Categories are displayed. “Airbnb was born during a recession. Joe and I couldn’t afford to pay our rent, so we inflated three air mattresses and created an AirBed & Breakfast. Soon, people all around the world joined us,” said Brian Chesky, CEO and Co-Founder of Airbnb. “Today, just like during the Great Recession in 2008, people are especially interested in earning extra income through hosting. That’s why we’re introducing an easy way for millions of people to Airbnb their homes. With Airbnb Setup, every new Host can get free, one-to-one guidance from a Superhost from their first question through their first reservation. And with even more AirCover for Hosts, now is the perfect time to put your place on Airbnb.” New homes on Airbnb are getting booked almost immediately. Half of listings that were activated and booked in Q3 2022 received their first reservation within three days. We’ve also seen strong growth rates of new Hosts, especially in certain countries with high inflation rates. Introducing Airbnb Setup Over the past year, more than 30 million people have visited Airbnb to learn about hosting. Today, we’re making it easier for millions of people to get started. Introducing Airbnb Setup, the all-new, super easy way to Airbnb your home. Airbnb Setup includes: One-to-one guidance from a Superhost – When you begin Airbnb Setup, we’ll match you with a Superhost for free one-to-one guidance from your first question through your first guest. You can chat with your Superhost over audio, video, or messaging. We’re launching with 1,500 Superhosts in over 80 countries who are dedicated to helping new Hosts get started. An experienced guest for your first booking – For your first booking, you can choose to welcome an experienced guest who has at least three stays and a good track record on Airbnb. Specialized support from Airbnb – As a new Host, you get one-tap access to a specially-trained team of Community Support agents. They can help with everything from account issues to getting paid and are available via phone, messaging, or email in over 42 languages. Even more AirCover for Hosts Last November, we introduced AirCover to provide unmatched, top-to-bottom protection for every Host on Airbnb. Today, we’re making major upgrades to AirCover for Hosts: Guest identity verification – We are expanding identity verification to all booking guests traveling to the top 35 countries and regions on Airbnb—representing 90% of all reservations. We will expand guest identity verification worldwide in Spring 2023. Reservation screening technology – We are launching our proprietary reservation screening technology in the US and Canada, which helps reduce the chance of disruptive parties. We will expand our reservation screening technology worldwide in Spring 2023. $3M damage protection – We are tripling damage protection from $1 million to $3 million – covering both your home and its contents. Auto & boat protection – We now provide damage protection for cars, boats, and other watercraft that you park or store at your property. Art & valuables protection – A wider range of fine art, jewelry, and collectibles will now be repaired or replaced at appraised value. Easier to file a claim – You can now file a claim for damage protection in a few simple steps and easily track its progress from submission through payout.  New Airbnb Categories In May, we introduced a new way to search designed around Airbnb Categories. Today, we’re introducing six new categories: New – Homes added to Airbnb within the past 10 weeks. Top of the world – Homes around 10,000 feet above sea level, often with stunning views. Trending – Highly-rated homes that received more listing views compared to the previous week. Adapted – Homes adapted for wheelchair access, with verified step-free paths into the home, bedroom and bathroom. Play – Homes with basketball courts, game rooms, miniature golf, water slides and more. Hanoks – Traditional Korean homes constructed of natural materials. We’re also improving what categories we show you. For example, when you launch the app, you’ll find the Vineyards category if you recently searched for homes in Napa. In addition, more details will be presented in search results when viewing categories. For example, homes with amazing views will list the type of view, and homes near national parks will show the distance to the park entrance. Worldwide rollout starting today Airbnb Setup, upgrades to AirCover for Hosts, and new Airbnb Categories will begin rolling out worldwide this week.

Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA) announces admissions for their various Programs. This unique program offers a glimpse into the life of an IBCA student and provides the opportunity to get an insider’s guide into the exciting world of hospitality and culinary arts. IBCA is a leading institute in teaching and learning for comprehensive Bakery and Culinary programs with national and international certificates. Accredited with City & Guilds (London), Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, India (THSC), and National Skills Development Corporation, India (NSDC). Programs Offered: The following courses are available in the IBCA institute with their respective duration: 18 months Advance Diploma Course in Culinary (Level 3), 18 Months Advance Diploma Course In Pastry (Level 3), 12 Months Diploma Course In Culinary Arts (Level 2), 12 Months Diploma Course In Pastry Arts (Level 2), 6 Months Certificate Course In Pastry (Level 1), 6 Months Certificate Course In Culinary (Level 1),3 Months Certificate Course In Culinary, 3 Months Certificate Course In Pastry, Culinary Hobby Chef and Pastry Hobby Chef. How to apply: Applicants seeking admission are required to fill out the online application form available at https://www.chefibpa.com/. The admission prerequisites will be in accordance with the various regulatory bodies as amended from time to time. Admission Process: Applications for Academic Year 2022-23 are open to applicants who have passed or will appear for the qualifying examinations under the higher secondary (10+2) from any recognized Board of Education such as AISSCE/IB/ICSE/CBSE, or equivalents. Last Date to Apply: December 15th  2022 Website: https://www.chefibpa.com/

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Life Science, School of Biotechnology, Dean Dr. Bipin Nair has been appointed as the vice chair of one of the five Special interest Groups (SIG) of the India AMR Innovation Hub (IAIH), a national-level body engaged in research related to antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Bipin Nair will be the AMR Environment Committee’s vice chair, one of the five SIGs of IAIH. Additionally, four SIGs focusing on key areas are Human AMR, AMR in Human-animal- Agri Interface, AMR stewardship, and Surveillance & Public Health Preparedness. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been identified by WHO as one of the top ten global healthcare threat that is presently claiming 700,000 lives per year. It is projected that AMR-related mortality will reach 10 million per year by 2050, of which 2 million will be in India alone. Globally, there has been an increased impetus to address AMR through trans-disciplinary, multi-sectoral and inclusive approaches. Conceptualized and driven by The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, or C-CAMP, the India AMR Innovation Hub (IAIH) is a unique Convergent Think Tank on AMR Interventions, with Indian and global stakeholders – Government, Academia, Industry, Philanthropic, and not-for-profit organizations, coming together to boost consolidation and fast-tracking national efforts against AMR for a larger global health impact. The principal Scientific Advisor to Prime Minister is the chair of India AMR Innovation Hub. The vision of the IAIH is to be a converging and collaborative platform of key national and international stakeholders towards reducing the AMR burden in India, through deeper participation in the national efforts to tackle this global health challenge, thereby contributing to the global fight against AMR.   About Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham http://www.amrita.edu Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a multi-campus, multidisciplinary Institution of Eminence accredited by NAAC. It is also ranked the 5th Best Overall University in India in the 2020 National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF). Amrita continues to be the No. 1 Private University in India as per THE 2020 world rankings as well. The university has been awarded two UNESCO Chairs namely the UNESCO Chair for Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation & Development and the UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality & Women Empowerment. The university headquartered at Coimbatore is spread across six campuses in three states — Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Amrita partners with academic, industry and governmental institutions across the world to accomplish human-centred, translational, and groundbreaking research. To date, Amrita has more than 500 collaborations from more than 200 signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Some of Amrita’s partners include Harvard University, Columbia University, King’s College London, KTH – Royal Institute of Technology, VU Amsterdam, the British Geological Society, University of Oxford, Italian National Research Council, Deakin University, and the University of Tokyo. Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), a world-renowned humanitarian leader is the founder, Chancellor, and guiding light of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. Amma’s words, thoughts, and vision for education and research have shaped the university’s mission and vision.

Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. (“Max Life” / “Company”), has launched its marquee Smart Wealth Advantage Guarantee Plan – a Non-Linked, Non Participating Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan, that offers guaranteed returns, life insurance cover and financial protection all combined in one product. With its comprehensive benefits, the Smart Wealth Advantage Guarantee Plan is a holistic product that endeavors to ensure customers meet their life goals and remain protected in the long-run from financial uncertainties. In a unique proposition, the product offers the customer to receive the annual income on a preferred date decided by the policyholder, and not necessarily at the anniversary of the policy issuance. Prashant Tripathy, MD & CEO, Max Life Insurance said, “Life is ever-changing and as you grow, your and your family’s needs and aspirations also grow. Whether it is achieving milestones like buying your dream house, securing your child’s education or enabling a peaceful retirement, you need to safeguard them in today’s uncertain environment. Our Smart Wealth Advantage Guarantee Plan offers life insurance with wealth creation benefits, meant for a financially strengthened future. A marquee product from Max Life, it’s made on a very innovative design to provide a range of flexible options to the policyholder to choose from, without discounting the returns.”   Key features of the product include:   Enhanced flexibility Choose premium payment term, deferment period and income duration With ‘Save the Date’, receive annual income on your special date of the year e.g. birthday, marriage anniversary etc. Withdraw or accrue income at your needs Guaranteed income[2] Easy liquidity with income payout as early as first month Income returns up to 30-40 years with lump sum at maturity Full-proof financial protection Offer of Policy Continuance Benefit – incase of death of life insured, a guaranteed death benefit is paid to the family, while the survival and maturity benefit continue without paying any future premiums. Option to protect your long term savings plan against the risk of death, disease or disability. Inbuilt ‘Additional Accidental Death Benefit’– amount equal to 50% of the sum assured is added to the policy as additional ‘Accidental Death Benefit’ as soon as premium payment term is over Secured retirement Tax free income for life[3] Return of 50% of Total Premiums Payable at age 85 years (applicable under select variants only) Additional 100% return of premium on maturity (applicable under select variants only)    About Max Life Insurance (www.maxlifeinsurance.com) Max Life Insurance Company Limited is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited and Axis Bank Limited. Max Financial Services Ltd. is a part of the Max Group. Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions, through its multi-channel distribution including agency and third-party distribution partners. Max Life has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per public disclosures and annual audited financials for FY2021-22, Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 22,414 crore. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.maxlifeinsurance.com [1] Guaranteed income – The guaranteed benefits are applicable only if all premiums are paid [2] Guaranteed income – The guaranteed benefits are applicable only if all premiums are paid [3] Tax free income – One may be eligible for tax benefits as per prevailing tax laws. GST applicable on premium as per prevailing tax laws

Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), India’s leading telecommunications services provider today announced the launch of its cutting edge 5G services in Gurugram. Airtel 5G Plus services will be available to customers in a phased manner as the company continues to construct its network and complete the roll out. Customers with 5G enabled devices will enjoy high speed Airtel 5G Plus network at no extra cost until the roll out is more widespread. Currently operational at DLF Cyber Hub, DLF Phase 2, MG Road, Rajiv Chowk, Iffco Chowk, Atlas Chowk, Udyog Vihar, Nirvana Country, Gurugram railway station, Civil lines, Ardee city, Huda city center, Gurugram National Highway and few other select locations, Airtel will augment its network making its services available across the city in due course of time. Commenting on the launch, Nidhi Lauria, CEO, Bharti Airtel, Delhi – NCR said, “I am thrilled to announce the launch of Airtel 5G Plus in Gurugram. Airtel customers can now experience ultrafast network and enjoy speeds upto 20-30 times faster than the current 4G speeds. We are in the process of lightning the entire city which will allow customers to enjoy superfast access to High-definition video streaming, gaming, multiple chatting, instant uploading of photos and more.” Airtel 5G Plus will bolster the entire portfolio of services that Airtel offers. In addition, it will allow superfast access to High Definition video streaming, gaming, multiple chatting, instant uploading of photos and more. With this launch, India will get a fillip to economic growth as Airtel 5G Plus revolutionizes education, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, mobility and logistics. In the last one year, Airtel has demonstrated the power of 5G with a host of powerful use cases that will change the way we lead our lives and do business. From India’s first live 5G network in Hyderabad to India’s first 5G powered hologram to India’s first recreation of a game changing world cup match played at a time when there was no TV coverage to India’s first 5G connected ambulance to India’s first private 5G network with Bosch for boosting manufacturing productivity, Airtel has been at the forefront of 5G innovation.

With Children’s Day around the corner, Kalyan Jewellers has announced the launch of its limited edition jewellery line for kids. The unique lightweight jewellery designs take inspirations from animated cartoon characters to nature-inspired creatures. Keeping in mind the design sensibilities of young kids, the all-new children’s range by Kalyan Jewellers is a vibrant take by the company at making kidswear jewellery trendy for special occasions. Gold has emerged as one of the most profitable and convenient investment option, with its value consistently appreciating amid global economic instability. With more and more consumers in India preferring to make consistent investment in gold jewellery, the new lightweight jewellery designs are a lucrative option. With designs that little one would adore, the elegant jewellery pieces are expected to be a sure hit! Celebrating the occasion, the jewellery brand has announced up to 25% off on making for all jewellery purchases from Kalyan Jewellers as well as flat 25% off on stone value, which is applicable only on a minimum purchase of stone value worth Rs. 1 lakh. Customers can avail the exciting range of offers from across Kalyan Jewellers’ showrooms in India. The one-of-its-kind offers are valid until 15th November 2022. Listicle:   Add to the whimsy of childhood with this colourful woodland creature! These cute butterfly studs made up of 18k gold is a perfect gift for your little girl. The intricately designed earring has golden butterflies adorning the beautiful wings of the turquoise butterfly, complementing the whole look. Giving a modern twist to the age old Nazar Battu bracelet, this delicate piece from Kalyan Jewellers is here to protect your child from the evil-eye. The traditional black beads associated with the protection from negativity for the wearer is set in an elegant line with an evil eye amulet adorning the centre. Every princess deserves a tiara! Surprise your little highness with this adorable royal tiara and add in to their cuteness. With a heart of platinum encrusted with a diamond in the middle and three little diamonds placed strategically around it, this little pendant is a perfect addition to your little one’s everyday looks. Jewellery is a great way to introduce children to our culture and traditions. This elegant bracelet with two tear-drops halo adorning the centre is the perfect addition to any outfit. The whole design is encrusted with diamonds and adds to the sparkle of your child. Paired with a simple dainty ring, the whole look comes together beautifully.   This intricately crafted piece of jewellery serves as a perfect personification of a child’s innocence. The unique necklace is entirely made up of dainty golden beads with a trinity of intricate flowers put together exuding grace. The floral inspired design is complimented by traditional Indian bracelets pulling together the whole look.

Refyne, Asia’s largest financial wellness and Salary On-Demand platform, has announced the appointment of three senior executives as part of its leadership team. The fintech start-up has onboarded Harsh Sharma as Executive Vice President – Enterprise Partnership, Parag Murudkar as Vice President – Consumer Marketing and Padmakumar Nayar as Vice President – Operations. This is the second round of senior management hires for Refyne this year.   Commenting on key appointments, Chitresh Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder of Refyne said, “This has been an exciting year for Refyne, with some great accomplishments under our belt. We have recently expanded our product portfolio with Financial Coaching and Salary Top Up, and have several leading corporates partner with us in their employee financial wellness journey. We are growing at a rate of 125% quarter-on-quarter making us the largest financial wellness platform in all of Asia today. As we continue to focus on our product portfolio and enhance customer offerings, I am delighted to welcome Harsh, Parag and Padmanakumar to this next phase of Refyne and look forward to growing Refyne together.”    “These are exciting times for Refyne. Despite the overall market slowing down, we are well positioned to grow and introduce more innovative products. There could not have been a better time to have our new leadership team join us. Their rich experience in their respective domains will certainly help push our vision of enabling financial wellness for the Indian workforce.” added Apoorv Kumar, Co-Founder & CTO of Refyne.     Background and responsibilities of the three new members   Harsh Sharma comes with over two and a half decades of institutional sales experience in the field of corporate finance, financial services, and insurance sector. At Refyne he will be leading the sales strategy and driving the enterprise business in India. Prior to joining Refyne, he has worked with HDFC Life for 16 years, heading the Retirement and Pension business for the company. A science graduate, who holds an MBA in Marketing & Finance from the University of Pune. Harsh has previously also worked with organisations such as Pantaloon Finance Ltd., BSS Enterprises, and Annamalai Finance Ltd.   Parag Murudkar will lead the marketing initiatives for the company’s consumer business, focussing on developing a holistic B2C marketing strategy. Prior to this Parag was working with YES Bank Ltd. where he was involved in marketing and driving business through fintech alliances. In his 18-year long career, he has worked with organisations such as ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Group M and Viacom18, dealing with the different facets of marketing and business.   Padmakumar Nayar will be leading the Operations, Customer Experience, and Systems Implementation (CRM). With over two decades of experience in the IT industry of India, Europe, and the US, his overall expertise is in product management, operations, and customer experience management. Padmakumar was previously with Intuit where he led Customer Experience delivery for emerging markets and tier-3 operations for the US, Canada, UK, and South Africa. He has also worked with Oracle, BEA Systems, Facetime Communications, and CyberCash.   Founded in 2021, Refyne is currently partnered with over 200 corporates, enabling the financial wellness journey for over 3 million employees in India.   Employers who have partnered with Refyne over the past year have experienced a significant uptick in their retention and have tripled their hiring rate. Refyne supports 11 Indian languages on its app and has launched its solution on WhatsApp as well, being the first financial wellness company to do so. It recently expanded its product line with two new solutions, Financial Coaching and Salary Top Up for employees. With this, it will be able to provide a comprehensive financial wellness suite of solutions for workforces under one platform.   About Refyne:   Refyne is on a mission to provide financial wellness for all. Founded in 2021 by Chitresh Sharma and Apoorv Kumar, Refyne has built India’s first and largest financial wellness platform.  The core solution, Salary On-Demand enables employees to access their earned but unpaid salary, anytime, before traditional payday. The company currently works with over 200 employers and has over 3 million employees. Its clientele includes Teleperformance, First Meridian, First Source, Car Dekho, Tenon Group, Cloudnine hospitals, Rebel Foods, Acko, Practo, CCD, WNS Global, House of Hiranandani, Cars24, Epigamia. Refyne is backed by leading global investors like Tiger Global, QED Investors, ICICI Bank, Jigsaw VC, DST Global, RTP Global, and XYZ Capital. For more information, log on to refyne.co.in

After the massive success of Aryaman 2022, Ekya Schools, in association with CMR National Pre-University College, launched its first-ever offline Model United Nations conference (MUN). Ekya Schools have been participating in various MUN conferences organised across cities, and the idea of hosting their own MUN conference was initiated by the internal MUN team of Ekya Schools. The program was open to students of grades 9-12, with one committee available for middle schoolers (grades 6-8). It was their first offline MUN, and they received an overwhelming response from over 200 participants from over 25 schools. Ms Malathi Balasubramanian, Principle of CMRNPUC and Ms Jyothi Menon, Head of School, Ekya ITPL, inaugurated the two-day conference at the EKYA School ITPL Premises.   Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tristha, Founder and Managing Director of EKYA Schools and Provost, CMR University, said, “I am happy that students of our school took the initiative of hosting the MUN conference, and I am so proud that it was completely student-driven. The initiative not only brought confidence among children to organise events of such magnitude but also helped them develop their diplomatic skills, thinking, negotiation and public speaking skills. It’s a great platform for them to meet children from various schools and exchange ideas.”   Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an educational simulation in which students can learn about Diplomacy, International Relations and the United Nations. At a MUN Conference, students work as representatives of a country, organisation or person and work towards solving problems with other delegates from around the world.   Speaking on occasion, Ms Jyothi Menon, Head of Ekya Schools, ITPL, said, “It’s a great opportunity for students as it enhances research, public speaking, debating, writing, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership skills. We are glad students of Ekya Schools executed it flawlessly and made it a huge success. Model UN is meant to engage students and allow them to develop a deeper understanding of current world issues”, she concluded.   Some of the committees that were formed at the event were as follows: SOCHUM – Social, Humanitarian & Cultural Committee – Child rights and Child Labour policies in South East Asia.  CCC (Crisis Committee): The War Of The Third Coalition HAIPPM (Historic All India Political Parties meet) – Discussing Operation Blue Star DISEC (Disarmament & International Security): Discussing Light Arms with Special Emphasis on Latin America – UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council): Discussing Ethnic              cleansing with Special Emphasis on Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict   Winners were shortlisted from each of the committees mentioned above and rewarded.

Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, a renowned eyecare chain spread across India and abroad, today unveiled its upgraded eye care center at Padmanabhanagar in Bengaluru. Shri. R. Ashok, Revenue Minister, Government of Karnataka and MLA – Padmanabhanagar inaugurated the Padmanabhanagar facility in the presence of Shri Anjanappa and Smt. Shobha Anjanappa, Ex BBMP Corporator – Padmanabhanagar Ward, Dr Ravi, Regional Medical Director, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, and Dr Neelima, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital.   The objective of the new upgraded center is to offer one-stop-solution for all kinds of eye ailments to the people of southern part of Bengaluru. The new center will offer free consultations for patients till November end.   Congratulating stakeholders on the launch of its a new facility, Shri. R. Ashok, Revenue Minister Govt of Karnataka, MLA – Padmanabhanagar said, “I am delighted and honoured to be part of this new center launch which I am sure will offer the best eye care service to people in south Bengaluru and beyond. This center will make eye health accessible for residents under a team of experienced and trusted doctors.”   Dr. Ravi, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital said, “At Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, we are driven by our commitment to bring the latest technology and treatment to our patients. This new center will provide the world-renowned clinical excellence of one of the best eye-care institutions in the world, and is aimed at providing residents access to global ophthalmology experts and other world class amenities under a single roof. This hospital adheres to our commitment of offering outcome based high quality clinical care for our patients.”   Speaking at the event, Dr Neelima, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital said, “We understand the huge demand from the people of South for quality eyecare. However, the incidence of diabetes-induced eye problems and with the rise in screen time, pollution, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits, eye related ailments are on the rise. Therefore, having a dedicated and trusted facility for treating eye ailments is the need of the hour. We are happy to launch this Upgraded center in Bengaluru, which is committed in offering outcome based high quality clinical care for our patients.”   With the inauguration of this center, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospitals now has a total network presence of 130+ hospitals spread across India and Africa. The Group’s presence spans across 11 countries and over 16 states in India. Its facilities are staffed by a team of over 400 ophthalmologists and 4,000 employees.   About Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospitals Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital a comprehensive eye hospital offering a one-stop solution for eye ailments; was started in the year 1957. Now the hospital is in its 61st year of offering quality services in eye care. It has 100+ hospitals across India. With a visible footprint in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andaman, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. A tertiary eye care centre at Mauritius marks its first step towards establishing an international presence extended up to 13 branches covering the Indian Ocean region, African countries and East Asia.   For more information, pls visit: http://www.dragarwal.com/