Curious Eyes Cinema Delivers an Exclusive Movie Preview at FDCI Lakme Fashion Week

 

Delhi, 13th October 2024: Curious Eyes Cinema captivated audiences yesterday with an exclusive preview of its latest film ‘Mannu Kya Karega?’ (MKK) at the prestigious FDCI Lakme Fashion Week. Held at The Grand, Vasant Kunj, Delhi, the event displayed the production house's commitment to storytelling excellence and innovative cinematic experiences.

Led by CEO Sharad Mehra, Curious Eyes Cinema brought its innovative approach to life, with lead actors Saachi Bindra and Vyom Yadav gracing the stage to share insights into their roles and the film’s narrative. The movie, which also stars Kumud Mishra, Charu Shankar, and Vinay Pathak, is a powerful story about discovering one’s purpose and passion, promising to resonate with a broad audience.

Says Sanjay Tripathi, the director of MKK, “The movie is about a young couple as they navigate the pivotal moments of their coming of age. The story is impactful, relevant and will strike a chord, particularly with young adults searching for their own path in life.” The movie will have a theatrical release, both in India and overseas.

With music by Lalit Pandit and lyrics by Javed Akhtar, the film promises an emotional journey. Scripted by Saurabh Gupta, the movie weaves together heartwarming moments and thought-provoking themes, offering an exciting glimpse into what is sure to be a captivating release.

The event drew a select audience of industry insiders, media representatives, and special guests, all eager to see Curious Eyes Cinema’s latest project. The exclusive preview highlighted the production house’s vision for bold and emotionally resonant films that leave a lasting impact on viewers.

The success of the event further cemented Curious Eyes Cinema as a rising force in the film industry, known for delivering exceptional cinematic experiences with both heart and artistry.

 

Celebrate Tradition with Modern Flair: Premium Cookware Gifts for Diwali

 

The festive season is synonymous with the joy of spending family time and giving presents to near and dear ones. Amidst the vibrant celebrations, the act of gifting holds profound significance as it represents love and appreciation. However, finding the perfect gift can often feel impossible, especially with the multitude of options available. Selecting a thoughtful present that resonates culturally and socially is essential, particularly during these significant times when the right gift can foster deeper connections and convey heartfelt sentiments.

 

In India, gifting cookware to near and dear ones has long been a tradition. This tradition symbolises the deep rooted value system of nurturing relationships and memories around shared meals. As home kitchens undergo a transformation and are emerging to be the heart of modern homes, premium cookware is back in vogue as a thoughtful gift choice that combines appealing aesthetics with everyday function.

Thoughtful Gifting Options for Diwali

In your quest for the ideal gift this festive season, we present a carefully curated selection of remarkable options from Stahl that are sure to delight your loved ones:

1. Talon Collection: 3pcs set and 6pcs set

The Talon Collection, launched by Stahl, one of India’s fastest growing Premium Cookware brands, is a series of six knives designed for those who appreciate precision and quality. Featuring blades crafted from high grade German steel, these knives excel in sharpness, durability, and comfort. Limited Edition Gift Packs are now available on their website. These include a combination of the following knives.

1. Chef’s Knife – Serves as a multi-purpose tool in the kitchen as it seamlessly handles versatile cutting and precision slicing.

2. Bread Knife – It helps to effortlessly slice through bread without crushing or tearing.

3. Santoku Knife – A versatile kitchen tool, its precision engineered air pocket design and ample blade area facilitates easy food separation.

4. Tomato Knife – With its serrated edge, it is suitable for effortlessly slicing through tomato skin, delicate flesh as well as fruits and vegetables.

5. Utility Knife – An everyday go-to kitchen partner. It seamlessly manoeuvres small and medium sized ingredients with accuracy.

6. Paring Knife – The mini marvel of the kitchen, excelling in delicate tasks such as peeling, coring, and performing detailed cuts with precision and finesse.

Every set includes a knife sharpener, ensuring your knives maintain their cutting edge for years to come. With stylish walnut handles and high-quality craftsmanship, this collection enhances any kitchen and home.

2. Stahl Xpress Cooker

The Stahl Xpress Cooker is a must-have in every modern Indian kitchen. It is designed to elevate your cooking experience while addressing common issues found in traditional pressure cookers. It stands out as India’s first ISI-marked triply cooker, available in sizes ranging from 1L for baby food, 3L - 5L for the family of four and 6L - 8L for a larger group. It caters to various cooking preferences and is available in tall and broad designs.

This innovative pressure cooker employs advanced triply technology, combining stainless steel, aluminium, and food-grade surgical stainless steel for optimal performance. Noteworthy features include a resettable safety valve and a clever lid-locking system that allows for easy one-handed operation. Ergonomically designed handles provide a secure grip, prioritising safety and ease of use.

3. New Beginnings Cookware Combo:
The New Beginnings Cookware Combo is the perfect gift for weddings and housewarmings, thoughtfully curated for those starting a new journey. This versatile set includes a frypan, kadhai, tawa, and pressure cooker and additional steel lids. It has everything needed to create meals from quick breakfasts to elaborate dinners. Perfectly suited for preparing meals for four people, this combo ensures you’re fully equipped from day one. The frypan is ideal for searing and sautéing, while the kadhaiexcels in stir-fries and curries. The tawa is a must-have for flatbreads and pancakes, and the pressure cooker guarantees efficient cooking for a variety of dishes. With its blend of functionality and style, this set is sure to impress and inspire new beginnings. 

Conclusion

With these fantastic gift options from Stahl, you’re well-equipped to impress your loved ones this festive season. To add a special touch to your gifts, consider exploring personalised engraving options that can make your presents even more meaningful. Choose from these exceptional items to showcase your gifting prowess, ensuring the festivities are truly memorable!

Crossword Bookstores Unveils the 2024 Long List for the Prestigious Crossword Book Awards

 

Mumbai, India — 8th October 2024 — The Crossword Book Award, one of the most prestigious literary awards in the country is back after a hiatus of five years. Launched in 1998, it is one of the longest running awards in India, and aims to recognise and celebrate Indian writing in English across several categories and segments.

This year, the entries for the five categories—Fiction, Non-fiction, Children’s, Translations, and Business and Management—opened on 18th March and saw hundreds of submissions from publishers around the country for books published in the English language in India from 1st March 2023 to 1st March 2024.

The winners of the Jury Awards and the Popular Choice Awards in each category will receive a cash prize of Rs 50,000. The translators (in the Translations category) and illustrators (in the Children’s category) will be awarded Rs 25,000 wherever applicable.

After reading and deliberating on all the eligible books, the three-member Jury in each category, comprising some of the most distinguished and acclaimed names from the literary world, submitted the longlists of ten books for the 2024 edition of the Awards.

Fiction (Longlist)

History’s Angel, by Anjum Hasan

Never, Never Land, by Namita Gokhale

The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao, by Lindsay Pereira

The East Indian, by Brinda Charry

The Gallery, by Manju Kapur

Quarterlife, by Devika Rege

Can’t, by Shinie Antony

Chronicle of an Hour and a Half, by Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari

Tall Tales By a Small Dog, by Omair Ahmad

Shakchunni, by Arnab Ray

Non-fiction (Longlist)

From Phansi Yard, by Sudha Bhardwaj

The Day I Became a Runner, by Sohini Chattopadhyay

City on Fire, by Zeyad Masroor Khan

Swadeshi Steam, by  A. R. Venkatachalapathy

A Part Apart, by Ashok Gopal

Mother Cow Mother India, by  Yamini Narayanan

Anger Management, by Ajay Bisaria

Being Hindu Being Indian, by Vanya Vaidehi Bhargav

Marginlands, by Arati Kumar-Rao

Fire on the Ganges, by Radhika Iyengar

Translations (Longlist)

Beneath the Simolu Tree, by Sarmishtha Pritam, tr from Assamese by Ranjita Biswas 

Boy, Unloved, by Damodar Mauzo, tr from Konkani by Jerry Pinto 

I Named My Sister Silence, by Manoj Rupda, tr from Hindi by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar 

Dudiya - In Your Burning Land, by Vishwas Patil, tr from Marathi by Nadeem Khan

Mithun Number Two, by Jayant Kaikini, tr from Kannada by Tejaswini Niranjana 

Fire Bird, by Perumal Murugan, tr from Tamil by Janani Kannan

Sakina's Kiss, by Vivek Shanbhag, tr from Kannada by Srinath Perur 

A Woman Burnt, by Imayam, tr from Tamil by GJV Prasad 

Maria Just Maria, by Sandhya Mary, tr from Malayalam by Jayasree Kalathil 

Fruits of the Barren Tree, by Lekhnath Chhetri, tr from Nepali by Anurag Basnet

Children’s (Longlist) 

Zen, by Shabnam Minwalla

The Henna Start-Up, by Andaleeb Wajid 

Bipathu and a Very Big Dream, by Anita Nair 

The Case of the Vanishing Gods, by Mallika Ravikumar

A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects, by Devika Cariapa

Mommies, by Richa Jha and Priya Sebastian

From Makaras to Manticores, by C. G. Salamander and Sheena Deviah 

Are There Bun Shops in the Jungles of India? and Other Secret Stories from History, by Nandini Nayar

The Dog with Two Names: Stories that Celebrate Diversity, by Nandita Da Cunha

The Misadventures of a Diamond Thief, by Lubaina Bandukwala 

Business and Management (Longlist)

Accelerating India's Development: A State-led Roadmap For Effective Governance, by Karthik Muralidharan

Al Rising: India's Artificial Intelligence Growth Story, by Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N. Kolla

Exprovement: Exponential Improvements Through Converging Parallels, by Hersh Haladker and Raghunath Anant Mashelkar

Farmer Sutra, by Kalpana Manivannan

Inside the Boardroom: How Behaviour Trumps Rationality, by R. Gopalakrishnan and Tulsi Jayakumar

Lilliput Land: How Small Is Driving India’s Mega Consumption Story, by Rama Bijapurkar

Mastering the Data Paradox, by Nitin Seth

The Eight Per Cent Solution: A Strategy for India’s Growth, by Nikhil Gupta

Unfiltered: The CEO and the Coach, by  Ana Lueneburger and Saurabh Mukherjea

When the Chips Are Down, by Pranay Kotasthane and Abhiram Manchi

Instituted in 1998, the Crossword Book Award brings together the entire literary community—readers, authors, booksellers and publishers—like none other. It is the only Indian award that recognizes and rewards the finest of Indian writing in English, as selected by the Jury, and actively promotes Indian authors and their books. In addition to the Jury Awards, the eligible books are also open to be voted on by readers, the results of which will constitute the Popular Choice Awards. 

The Jury for this year’s Award constitutes respected literary figures from a range of experiences and expertise. In the Fiction category, the three-member panel is composed of Prayaag Akbar, award-winning author, journalist and mentor, Manjula Narayan, Books Editor and Podcast host at Hindustan Times, and Somak Ghoshal, writer and critic. In the Non-fiction category, the Jury consists of TCA Raghavan, former diplomat and author, Kaveree Bamzai, senior journalist, writer and editor, and Anuradha Sengupta, journalist and editor. The panel for the Children’s category comprises Paro Anand, Sahitya Akademi awardee, writer and children’s literature activist, Bulbul Sharma, the acclaimed painter and writer, and Parvati Sharma, the renowned writer and author of children’s books. In the Translations category the judges include Arshia Sattar, award-winning translator and writer, Nandini Nair, Arts and Literary journalist and editor, and Malashri Lal, academic and writer. The Business and Management category has a judging panel composed of Khozem Merchant, former journalist and head of Brunswick India, R. Sriram, the noted entrepreneur and business advisor, and Shaili Chopra, author and founder of SheThePeople and Gytree.

Speaking about the Crossword Book Award and its return, Aakash Gupta, CEO of Crossword Bookstores, said, “As we bring back the Crossword Book Awards, we aim to celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian literature and honor the voices that shape our literary landscape. This event is not just about recognizing excellence; it’s also about inspiring future generations to explore the power of storytelling and the joy of reading.”

The shortlist for the Crossword Book Award 2024 will be announced on 11th November. The voting lines for the Popular Choice Awards will be opening soon. The final Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 12th December with some of the most acclaimed writers, artistes and industry leaders in attendance.

About: 

Crossword Bookstores, founded in 1992 with a simple yet passionate mission – to positively impact the world through the power of reading and learning. With a legacy spanning 32 years, with 115 stores across 39 cities today, Crossword has made a place for itself in the heart of the literary community.

Press Release_DroneTech Company, PDRL Announces the 2nd Edition of AeroGCS Global Competition: Elevating Drone Innovation to New Heights

 

PDRL Announces the 2nd Edition of AeroGCSGlobal Competition: Elevating Drone Innovation to New Heights

- This year’s prize pool features a cash award of Rs 2.5 Lakh for the AeroGCS Champion, Rs 1 Lakh for the AeroGCSExpert, and Rs 50 Thousand for the AeroGCS Professional.

Mumbai, 4th October 2024: – PDRL announces its 2nd AeroGCS Global Competition inviting participants to register now. Building on the success of last year, this year the competition is set to further encourage drone technology enthusiasts, innovators, and professionals to contribute to the evolving drone ecosystem while placing a special emphasis on creativity and positive social impact.

Global Platform for Drone Pioneers

The AeroGCS Global Competition 2.O invites individuals aged 18 and above whether Drone enthusiasts, Professionals, or Students—to join a journey of innovation. Beyond technical skills, the competition emphasizes the development of drone solutions that can bring about meaningful social change. The competition seeks to challenge participants to apply their technical skills toward addressing pressing global issues, such as agricultural efficiency, environmental sustainability, and disaster relief, among others.

Competition Overview: Phases and Structure

Registration is open until 7th December 2024, and the competition will progress through a series of rounds designed to assess participants' technical knowledge and practical drone flight skills:

● Round 1 on Saturday, 14th Dec. 2024 – An online multiple-choice quiz focusing on drone technology fundamentals and its potential for social impact.

● Round 2 on Saturday, 4th Jan. 2025 – A virtual simulation challenge using AeroGCS GREEN and an advanced drone simulator.

● Round 3 on Saturday, 25th Jan. 2025 – The final on-field challenge held in Hyderabad where participants will go through a written test followed by configuration and execution of a live drone flight mission using AeroGCSGreen & AeroGCS Enterprise.

This multi-stage format will ensure that only the best drone experts advance to the final on-ground event, where they will compete for top honours.

Awards and Recognition

The AeroGCS Global Competition 2.O offers more than just prestige; it provides participants with substantial rewards and career opportunities. This year’s prize pool includes a cash prize of Rs 2.5 Lakh for the AeroGCS Champion, Rs. One Lakh for AeroGCS Expert, Rs. 50 Thousand for AeroGCS Professional along with a PDRL Certificate, Social Media Spotlights, and potential job offers from PDRL and partners in the drone industry. Beyond the prizes, participants will also have the chance to network with industry leaders and potential employers, positioning this competition as a valuable stepping stone for their future careers.

Opportunity for participants

This year’s AeroGCS Global Competition 2.O is more than just a contest; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of drone technology while contributing to the broader good. Participants will have the chance to connect with thought leaders and innovators from around the world, gaining insights and mentorship that extend beyond the competition itself. 

PDRL is committed to supporting the development of drone technology that not only pushes technical boundaries but also addresses the challenges facing communities worldwide.

Registration Details

Participants can register online at https://aerogcs.com/aerogcs-global-competition-2-0/, pay a nominal participation fee, and gain access to learning resources through PDRL’s AeroMeghplatform. For those who qualify for the final round, PDRL will provide support in terms of travel and accommodation, ensuring the competition remains accessible to all.

Speaking about the competition, Anil Chandaliya, Founder of PDRL said, “India is undergoing a technological revolution as we strive for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and drones, along with other emerging technologies, are leading this transformation across industries like construction, agriculture, mining, and healthcare.” He further added, “At PDRL, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of drone technology through continuous innovation. The AeroGCS Global Competition is the ideal platform to showcase this vision. We are eager to see how participants not only advance drone technology but also apply it to solve real-world social challenges.”

Vishal Joshi, Head - Training and Certification of PDRLsaid, “AeroGCS Global Competition is not just about identifying the next wave of drone innovators; it’s about giving them the tools and platform to create technology that makes a difference.” He further added, “We believe that drones have the potential to solve real-world problems, and through this competition, we want to spark a global conversation about how technology can be used to drive positive social impact.”

About PDRL: 

Established in 2018, PDRL has swiftly risen as a dominant force in the DroneTech industry, commanding a market share exceeding 50% in GCS software. With three patents filed and three more in the pipeline, PDRL is committed to pioneering advancements that Create More Time to Live.

Central to PDRL’s mission is the development of cutting-edge drone technologies that streamline operations, boost efficiencies, and reclaim valuable time for people. At the heart of PDRL’s innovation is AeroMegh, a revolutionary drone SaaS solution integrating flight management, data capture, processing, and analytics. AeroMegh consists of: AeroGCS: Ensures seamless flight operations, DroneNaksha: Delivers precise photogrammetry solutions, PicStork: Provides advanced data analytics with AI. Together, these products empower users with actionable insights, simplifying drone operations and enhancing overall efficiency.

Kicky & Perky Celebrates Strength, Grace and Heritage through Collaboration with SEWA for Navratri Collection – Aadhira

 

New Delhi, 4th Oct, 2024: This Navratri, Kicky & Perky proudly announces its meaningful collaboration with SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association), launching a unique jewellery collection—Aadhira, celebrating the spirit of strength, resilience, and tradition. As part of this collaboration, Kicky & Perky visited SEWA in Ashok Nagar, engaging with the remarkable women and learning about their inspiring lives.

 

In this collaboration, the women of SEWA beautifully modelled for Kicky & Perky, embodying the essence of Navratri and showcasing the brand’s latest Navratri collection: Aadhira. The visit served as a platform for heartfelt discussions about the challenges of these women, while the brand also distributed jewellery pieces from their collection as a token of appreciation for their contribution and time.

 

The Aadhira collection is a striking blend of handicraft silver, wood, and vibrant Navratna stones. Each piece in this collection reflects the indomitable spirit of women, just like the women of SEWA, who balance life with grace and strength. More than just jewellery, Aadhira is a tribute to unity, empowerment and the beauty of community. The collection celebrates the brilliance that shines even in challenging times with the stories of these women.

 

As Navratri marks the celebration of Devi Ma, Aadhira by Kicky & Perky x SEWA stands as a symbol of sisterhood, strength and heritage. 

The collection not only aims to add elegance to the festival celebrations but also highlights the importance of empowering women and celebrating their invaluable contributions.

 

Website Link - https://kickyandperky.com/collections/aadhira-collection

YouTube Link - https://youtu.be/ztvaWrjIHI0

 

 

About Kicky & Perky

 

Established in 2022 by the visionary sisters Aditi and Sanya Khandelwal, Kicky & Perky embodies a vision for contemporary innovation in artisanal jewellery. With roots in the rich cultural heritage of Jaipur, the brand reimagines traditional and modern jewellery with a creative flair, offering a diverse and vibrant collection that exudes joy and fashion-forward elegance. Crafted from premium 925 sterling silver and adorned with moissanite, semi-precious, and precious stones, Kicky & Perky’screations are a celebration of craftsmanship and style. Embracing a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, their jewellery is designed for both women and men who wish to express themselves through unique and beautiful pieces.

Press Release_AkzoNobel celebrates the enduring power of paint and human spirit at the World's Highest Motorable Village

 

Kaza (Himachal Pradesh), October 3, 2024

 

AkzoNobel celebrates the enduring power of paint and human spirit at the World's Highest Motorable Village

 

AkzoNobel India announced the completion of a Let’s Colour initiative in three remote villages in Himachal Pradesh that literally takes the transformative power of its paint to the top of the world!

 

Mr. Rahul Jain, ADC of Kaza and Chief Guest of the event, inaugurated the program by lighting a lamp in front of the statue of Lord Buddha. The event was further attended by lamas from Komic and Langza monasteries, along with over 100 residents of Komic, Hikkim, and Langza villages.

 

The unique “Let’s Colour” project was staged in Komic (the world’s highest village reachable by a motorable road); Hikkim (home to the world’s highest post office); and Langza (where marine fossils older than the Himalayas have been found). 

Situated more than 15,000 feet above sea level (around the same height as the base of Mount Everest), the villagers – who are mostly Tibetan Buddhists – endure winter temperatures that regularly dip below -25°C, necessitating the hassle of annual repainting. This now stands changed as 20 painters used more than 10,500 liters of the company’s Dulux Weathershield range of exterior emulsions and enamels to ensure longer lasting all-weather protection for the tribal communities.

“This is more than a ‘Let’s Colour’ project, it symbolizesAkzoNobel’s commitment to paint the future for communities anywhere in the world. Paint really has more power than we think. While creating inspired living space for the residents today, it’s going beyond to provideenduring protection against extreme Himalayan winters and preserve the region’s centuries old Buddhist spiritual and cultural tapestry,” said Rajiv Rajgopal, Chairman and Managing Director of Akzo Nobel India Limited.

 

The transformation of the three villages located in the SpitiValley - a high-altitude cold desert region of the Himalayasin Himachal Pradesh – happened over the course of four months. The revitalization that covered a significant 300,000 sq. feet area included more than 100 homes, three schools, three monasteries, 8 cafés and 12 homestays. 

 

The transformation also revived a number of buildings integral to the cultural identity of the region, such as the 14th-century Tangyud monastery (one of the oldest in the world) and the Komic museum. 

Collaborating with the villagers to, AkzoNobel team chose a palette of soulful hues steeped in Buddhist traditions - blues for universal compassion, whites symbolizing purity and reds for blessings.  

 

The project's impact extends well beyond aesthetics. A local artist also painted a series of purposeful muralsdesigned to help boost tourism by creating a more vibrant and inviting environment. The young Buddhist monk with aprayer wheel in residence and a meditating Buddha paint apicture of tranquillity at the monastery. Art interventions on the region’s vulnerable snow-leopards, Himalayan ibexes, and yaks spread awareness of native species. The stargazing mural encourages tourists to marvel at the rare sight of Milky Way galaxy.  

 

“We’re extremely proud to harness the transformative power of paint to uplift communities and inspire positive change,” adds Rajgopal. “Whether it involves rejuvenating the timeless Blue City appeal of Jodhpur and keeping homes cooler in the blistering heat, or safeguarding villages on top of the world from extreme sub-zero winters.”

 

AkzoNobel's global “Let's Colour” initiative was launched in 2009. To date, over 100 million people  across 46 countries have benefitted from 3,000 projects, using in excess of two million liters of paint. 

 

About AkzoNobel 

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

 

About Akzo Nobel India Limited​
Akzo Nobel India is present in India for 70 years. In 2008, the company became a member of the AkzoNobel Group. With an employee strength of around 1,500, AkzoNobel India has five manufacturing sites, two RD&I centers, regional offices and a distribution network spread across the country. All manufacturing facilities have a state-of-the-art environmental management system. It’s commitment to Health, Safety, Environment and Security (HSE&S) has been among the best-in-class globally, with due care being taken to protect people and the environment. For more information, please visit www.akzonobel.co.in