Category: news

A Journey Through Souvenirs: High Commission of Sri Lanka Presents ‘Around the World in Magnets’

Hyderabad/ New Delhi, Dec 5: “Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka,” a unique and visually compelling travelogue authored by Dr Anthony Vipin Das and Ms Vidushi Duggal, was launched at a special ceremony hosted at the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi.

The book, the first in its national series, invites readers to rediscover Sri Lanka through an unusual yet deeply nostalgic medium—souvenir magnets. Each magnet carries a story, a moment, an image, and a memory, offering a creative narrative journey across the island nation.

The book was formally launched by H.E. Ms Mahishini Colonne, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, in the presence of diplomats, authors, media, literary enthusiasts and friends of Sri Lanka.

The magnets featured and discussed in the book were displayed at the venue.

Anthony Vipin Das and Vidushi Duggal of Hyderabad explored Travel Souvenir Magnets from around the world and, as a unique attempt, penned a book “Around the World in Magnets”

The book gives insights into Travel Magnets and why they are so important. Souvenir Magnets are common collectable items, and many travellers bring back these little pieces from their explorative journeys. The Sri Lanka book is a collection of some of the most unique magnets collected across the island nation.

To celebrate the launch, a panel discussion was moderated by Mr Sanjoy Roy, Founder of the Jaipur Literature Festival, adding a rich literary and cultural dimension to the evening along with Prof. Mahalakshmi Ramakrishnan, Professor at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Ambassador (Retd) Gitesh Sharma.

In an emotionally charged address, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, H.E Ms.Mahishini Colonne, spoke about the unprecedented destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which severely impacted Sri Lankan communities and infrastructure. She expressed deep gratitude for India’s swift humanitarian assistance and called for continued solidarity. “I warmly encourage you to continue travelling to Sri Lanka,” she said.

“Tourism sustains families and communities, and your presence will directly support our recovery. At a time when we rebuild, your support means more than ever.”

All proceeds from the book sales at the event were donated to the Cyclone Relief Fund established by the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi.

To contribute to the Cyclone Relief, please visit: www.donate.gov.lk

The High Commissioner also highlighted that Indian travellers remain one of the largest and most vibrant groups visiting Sri Lanka, drawn by its pristine beaches, ancient heritage, shared spiritual roots and warm hospitality.

“Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka” beautifully captures these experiences through curated visuals and stories, offering readers a fresh, intimate lens to explore the island.

Diesel Consumption Hits Six-Month High; Agricultural & EV-3W Segments Show Strength: Shriram Mobility Bulletin

Hyderabad, Dec 04: The November 2025 edition of the Shriram Mobility Bulletin reflects steady freight movement and rising industrial activity even as retail vehicle sales moderated from October’s festive peak. Diesel demand surged to a six-month high, agricultural vehicle categories remained resilient, and EV three-wheelers continued to expand despite the seasonal dip.

Truck rentals remained broadly stable across key trunk routes in November. The sharpest month-on-month increases were seen on the Guwahati–Mumbai–Guwahati and Kolkata–Guwahati–Kolkata corridors, both up 0.7% MoM. Rentals on Delhi–Mumbai–Delhi, Delhi–Kolkata–Delhi and Mumbai Chennai–Mumbai rose 0.6% MoM, while Delhi–Hyderabad–Delhi, Delhi–Chennai–Delhi, Delhi–Bengaluru–Delhi and Bengaluru–Kolkata–Bengaluru increased 0.5% MoM. The Mumbai–Kolkata–Mumbai route dipped 0.5% MoM, and Bengaluru–Mumbai–Bengaluru declined 1.4% MoM.

On a year-on-year basis, rentals climbed 11% on Mumbai–Chennai–Mumbai, 10% each on Delhi–Mumbai–Delhi and Kolkata–Guwahati–Kolkata, 9% on Bengaluru–Mumbai–Bengaluru, 8% on Delhi–Hyderabad–Delhi, and 6–7% across Delhi–Bengaluru–Delhi, Guwahati–Mumbai–Guwahati and Delhi–Kolkata–Delhi, reflecting resilient freight demand.

Diesel consumption rose 12% MoM and 4.7% YoY, reaching its highest level since May 2025. The increase was driven by GST rate cuts, higher industrial offtake, and steady goods movement. Petrol consumption decreased 4% MoM.

November witnessed the expected post-festive correction across most vehicle categories after October’s record-high demand. Goods carrier sales declined by 16% month-on-month, though they remained 22% higher year-on-year, indicating strong underlying freight sentiment. Three-wheelers (goods) fell 12% MoM, while e-rickshaws with cart recorded a 17% MoM increase, supported by sustained last-mile delivery demand in urban centres.

Agriculture-linked segments remained resilient. Commercial tractor sales rose 8% MoM, and agricultural tractor sales also increased 80% MoM, aided by robust farm credit availability, stable MSPs, and favourable post-harvest activity. Agricultural trailer sales showed a strong 24% MoM rise. Passenger car sales contracted 32% MoM, and two-wheelers moderated by 19% MoM.

The EV segment displayed mixed trends in November but continued to show strong structural growth. E-two-wheelers declined 19% MoM after the festive high, yet remained 29% higher YoY, underscoring expanding adoption. Electric three-wheelers defied the usual post-festive slowdown, growing 18% MoM and achieving an impressive 414% YoY increase, driven by strong demand in passenger and cargo applications. Electric cars contracted 23% MoM but more than doubled on a yearly basis with 112% growth, reflecting rising consumer acceptance and model availability.

Mr. Sudarshan Holla Balnad, Joint Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Commercial Vehicle Vertical, Shriram Finance Ltd., said, 

“November 2025 saw truck rentals climb further on the back of increased domestic consumption. With lower GST rates and peak economic activity, rentals are expected to remain firm heading into winter. However, early signs of stress are emerging in export-oriented manufacturing sectors, largely due to U.S. tariffs—a situation that could improve once a trade deal is finalized.”

FASTag toll volumes declined 1.9% MoM and 5% YoY, while value collections rose 1.4% MoM and 8% YoY (as of November 28th 2025). The divergence points to higher-value freight trips even with fewer vehicle passes.

E-way bill activity softened in November following extensive pre-festive dispatches in October. Intra-state e-way bill generations declined 2% MoM but rose 14% YoY, while transaction values fell 5% MoM but remained 7% higher YoY. Inter-state e-way bill generations fell 8% MoM but were 2% higher YoY, with values declining 8% MoM yet registering a 2% YoY increase.

Skechers Elite Runners Dominate Adani Marathon In Skechers Aero Footwear

Ahmedabad, Dec 04th: Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company® and a global performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel brand, celebrates the award-winning achievements of its elite runners at the Adani Marathon 2025 in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Delivering outstanding performances while racing in Skechers AERO technical running shoes, Dharmender Kumar secured 1st place in the Half Marathon – Open Men with a New Course Record of 1:03:48, Lovepreet Singh claimed 1st place in the Half Marathon – Defence Men with a timing of 1:05:11, and Bharti Singhania achieved 2nd place in the Marathon – Open Female category, finishing at 3:03:56.

Competing against a field of world-class athletes, the Skechers roster showcased remarkable endurance, strength, and determination, further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation with the Skechers AERO Series that launched earlier this year. Skechers is the brand of choice for runners aiming for peak performance in cutting-edge, lightweight footwear designed to enhance speed, stability, and comfort.

“Winning the Adani half marathon is a dream come true,” said Dharmender Kumar. “It’s been an incredible journey filled with dedication, discipline, and training. Wearing Skechers gave me the confidence and support I needed to push through the toughest moments and finish strong. I’m proud to represent a brand that shares my passion for running and performance.” 

“Running the half marathon at Adani was an incredible experience,” said Lovepreet Singh. “The course tested our endurance at every stage, but wearing Skechers kept me comfortable through each kilometer of the race. I love wearing a brand that empowers athletes to push their limits and perform at their best.”

Designed for runners at all levels, the Skechers AERO Series of technical running shoes deliver cushioning and responsive energy return to keep you moving efficiently through every stride. A supportive midsole enhances stability, while a carbon-infused plate in the forefoot powers a snappy toe-off for maximum propulsion. Additionally, the breathable engineered mesh upper ensures a secure, lightweight fit, helping runners stay fast, comfortable, and race-ready from start to finish.

Celebrating a Quarter Century of Care: IFFCO-TOKIO’s Journey of Trust Continues

Gurugram,  Dec 4: One of India’s leading general insurance companies IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance Company Limited (IFFCO-TOKIO GIC) is celebrating its 25th year (Silver Jubilee) of its foundation. Over this momentous journey, the company has been working with an objective of ‘Spreading Happiness’ (‘Muskurate Raho’) in the lives of its customers with customized policies and one of the best claim settlement rates in India. 

Established as a joint venture between IFFCO and Japan’s Tokio Marine Group and receiving license from IRDAI in 2000, IFFCO-TOKIO’s journey has been epitome of unwavering trust and dedication to making insurance accessible to every individual, household, and business.With a modest beginning 25 years ago, the company now caters to about 86+ Lakh policies through 1000+ offices and 35,000 agents, strengthened by decades of trust.

Taking inspiration from various initiatives of IRDAI, IFFCO-TOKIO has brought out affordable insurance solutions for under-covered communities. To serve this purpose, the company has tied up with a number of cooperatives to distribute micro insurance for package policies, health, and motor policies.

Reminiscing on IFFCO-TOKIO GIC’s memorable journey and future ahead, Mr. Subrata Mondal, Managing Director & CEO said, “While at the beginning we were guided by the principal of affordable insurance, the vision has got enlarged to align with people’s aspirations and robust economy, while committed towards IRDAI’s “Insurance for All by 2047”. Having laid out a strong technological foundation with trust, innovation and resilience at core, IFFCO-TOKIO is now entering into the transformational next leg of growth with an aim of building one of the best customer-focussed, innovative and socially responsible insurance companies in India.”

Mr. Mondal further stated that the company’s expansion both in terms of customers and employees exemplifies its inclusive growth. While encouraging female participation, company provides ample opportunities to rise the ladder, highlighting commitment to gender diversity and equality. Additionally, the insurer has provided training to over 5,000 women agents fostering financial inclusion and community trust.

The Company has been at the forefront of social welfare through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. IFFCO-TOKIO’s CSR initiatives are designed to empower rural youth, especially females, through education and skill development, improving healthcare in underserved areas, and promoting sustainable practices for a greener future.

Over its 25-year journey, IFFCO-TOKIO has been honoured with numerous awards and recognitions across business excellence, innovation, and customer service. These include the ‘Tokio Marine Group Award 2025’ for exceptional achievement in transforming the Motor Own Damage (OD) Claims operations in Tokyo, and the ‘India’s Top General Insurance Company Award 2025’ by Entrepreneur Outlook Magazine. The company also received the ‘Best DevOps Culture (General Insurance)’ and ‘Best Incident Response Strategy for Application Security – General Insurance’ awards from Quantic India at the 8th Edition India DevOps Show 2025.

Further, IFFCO-TOKIO earned the prestigious title of ‘Asia’s Best General Insurance Company 2025’ at the Asia Excellence Awards 2025 by Insights Success Media, as well as the ‘Top Healthcare Insurance Company’ award at the 16th Elets Healthcare Innovation Summit. It was also recognised with the ‘Best Customer Service Insurance Company Award’ at the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2025 by Synnax Group, and the ‘Non-Life Insurance Award’ for Excellence in Operational Efficiencies using Emerging Technology at the IBEX India BFSI Technology Awards held at the Jio World Convention Centre, among several others.

Inflection Point Ventures Backs TIDA Sports with INR 3 Crore Seed Investment to Enhance Multi-Sport Training Experience

Chandigarh, Dec 04: TIDA Sports, a Chandigarh-based multi-sports training & coaching platform has raised ₹3 crore in seed funding led by Inflection Point Ventures. The funding will be used towards widening its footprint across five states and 30 cities, working closely with 200 schools as it aims to bring quality sports training to over one lakh students. The funding will also be used to upgrade its technology, strengthen its B2B operations, bring more coaches on board, and scale up its on-ground marketing efforts.

TIDA Sports works through partnerships with schools and collaborations with local sports body academies, making sports venues, world-class coaching, and exhilarating tournaments accessible to all. It has collaborated with schools such as GD Goenka, DPS, DAV and Aravali to run and enhance their sports programs. As of now it has organised more than 100 tournaments and has helped develop players who have represented their states and the country in elite level championships. The company has been recognised by My FM and Times Power Icon for its work in sports tech.

Ankur Mittal, Co-founder of IPV, says, “The sports ecosystem in India remains fragmented, with limited access to quality coaching, infrastructure, and even basic equipment. As a result, many talented students drop out early, especially with academics being prioritised at home.

But sports isn’t just about creating future champions who can fuel India’s ambition of becoming a marquee sporting nation, it’s equally about raising healthier kids and reducing their screen time. It builds discipline, confidence and overall well-being.

TIDA Sports is helping bridge this gap by making quality training, venues and tournaments accessible at the grassroots level, ensuring that sports work for students rather than against their potential.”

At present, TIDA Sports operates across Uttarakhand, Punjab and Haryana with training centers in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, Chandigarh tricity, Patiala, Jalandhar, Ambala, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Ferozepur. With more than 150 academies and a rapidly growing student base, the company is now gearing up to enter major cities across India with the larger goal of building a strong and accessible sports development network across the country.

The founding team includes Adit Goel (CEO), Sumeet Malik (CTO), Priyansh Matta (COO) and Sanchit Budhiraja (CBO). The team brings together a great mix of educational and professional exposure to engineering, technology, operations, and business development. With roots at Thapar University and IIM Calcutta, among other organizations like Dotpe, Zomato, Aviva India, and Standard Chartered, this team brings forth balanced perspectives needed to construct and scale TIDA. Thus, their collective experiences lay a strong foundation in co-founding and scaling the platform to shape grassroots sports in India.

Adit Goel, CEO of TIDA Sports, adds“The grassroots sports sector needed a reset, and TIDA Sports is leading that change. Our mission is simple: to bring professional coaching, structured programs and vibrant sports environments to every school in India. With this funding, we are on track to impact 10 million young athletes over the next five years and help create a generation that grows up active, confident and future-ready.”

India’s sports industry is expected to grow from its current USD 52 billion industry to USD 130 billion by 2030. While the sports tech market is projected to triple by 2030 reaching about USD 61.7 globally. For a country like India with majority youth population which is expected to continue growing, this data not only represents the market research but also the aspirations of the countless children waiting to make their mark in the sports sector and TIDA is a step in the right direction offering multi-sport training and development platforms across tier 1, 2 and 3 cities.

Bengal Super League Set To Commence From 14th December, Marking A New Era In Regional Football

Kolkata, Dec 04th: The Bengal Super League (BSL) is poised to usher in a new chapter in Bengal’s footballing landscape as it officially kicks off on 14th December, 2025 bringing with it a renewed spirit of competition and community engagement. Spearheaded by Shrachi Sports, the league aims to elevate grassroots and semi-professional football by offering a high-calibre platform for emerging athletes across the state. With a vision to strengthen Bengal’s sporting ecosystem, the Bengal Super League promises high-intensity matches, rising talent and an electrifying atmosphere that celebrates Bengal’s deep-rooted passion for the beautiful game.

“The Bengal Super League is not just a tournament; it is a movement. Our aim is to spotlight Bengal’s extraordinary footballing talent and create a world-class platform where local heroes can rise, inspire and redefine the future of the sport in our state. BSL is all about passion, competitiveness and the unifying force of football and we are proud to bring this vision to life”, said Mr Rahul Todi, Managing Director, Shrachi Sports.

The inaugural season will officially begin on 14th December, 2025 at the District Sports Association Stadium, Malda from 4 pm, featuring a fresh and promising lineup of newly formed teams built for the league’s first edition. Among the participating sides are Sundarban Bengal Auto FC, North 24 Parganas FC, Howrah-Hooghly Warriors, ⁠FC Medinipur, Burdwan Blasters, Kopa Tigers Birbhum,⁠ JHR Royal City FC Malda | Murshidabad and Northbengal United FC. Though these teams are making their competitive debut, they bring together a compelling mix of experienced players from platforms such as the Indian Super League, I-League, Calcutta Football League and Subroto Cup, alongside talented youngsters scouted from across Bengal. This exciting blend of seasoned footballers and rising prospects adds a unique edge to the tournament and sets the stage for a memorable beginning.

Shrachi Sports has partnered with Zee Bangla Sonar and ZEE5 as the league’s Official Broadcast and Streaming Partners, ensuring that football fans can experience the excitement of the BSL LIVE, both on television and digital platforms.

5Tattva Recognized Among ‘Leading 100 Channel Accelerators Cybersecurity’ at the ‘Channel Accelerator Awards’ 2025

New Delhi, Dec 04: 5Tattva, a leading CERT-In empanelled cybersecurity solutions provider, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Top 100 Channel Accelerators Cybersecurity’ title at the Channel Accelerator Awards 2025. Further strengthening this milestone, Zeroday Ops recently acquired by 5Tattva also secured a place among the Top 100 Channel Accelerators, highlighting the unified strength and strategic alignment of the two organizations.

The Channel Accelerator Awards recognize companies that enable partner growth, accelerate technology adoption, and contribute significantly to India’s digital landscape. Against this backdrop, the dual win for 5Tattva and Zeroday Ops reflects their shared vision of advancing a secure, innovation-led, and future-ready technology ecosystem.

Bringing together more than 150 vendors, SIs, VARs, distributors, key Government stakeholders, and major industry associations, this year’s event served as a powerful convergence of leaders shaping India’s IT channel ecosystem. Held under the theme “Empowering the Future of the IT Channel: Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence,” the forum celebrated organizations that consistently demonstrate exceptional partner enablement and meaningful contributions to the country’s digital transformation.

Commenting on the achievement, Manpreet Singh, Co-Founder & Principal Consultant at 5TATTVA and CRO of Zeroday Ops said: 

“We are truly honored to be recognized among India’s Top Channel Accelerators. This recognition validates our commitment to delivering intelligence-led, value-driven cybersecurity solutions. It reinforces the trust the industry places in our capabilities and motivates us to keep advancing innovative, future-ready security solutions that create meaningful value for our partners and customers.”

The recognition positions 5Tattva as a trusted cybersecurity ally for enterprises, government bodies, and channel partners across India. Together with Zeroday Ops, the company continues to build a robust, intelligence-driven cyber defense network strengthening capabilities, accelerating partner outcomes, and delivering unified value to the ecosystem.

Anchored in the principles of innovation, intelligence, and integrity, 5Tattva offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services, including risk assessment, vulnerability management, compliance, incident response, digital forensics, and continuous monitoring. This integrated approach enables organizations to remain resilient in an increasingly complex and interconnected digital world.

Lights, Camera, Action: MP Welcomes Major Film Festival as State Unveils New Film Tourism Initiative

Dec 04: Additional Chief Secretary Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla and Vani Tripathi Tikoo, Senior Advisor Madhya Pradesh Film Cell, hosted a Roundtable to discuss the newly amended Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy 2020 (Amended 2025).

The roundtable brought together some of the most influential names in Indian cinema, including Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani of Emmay Entertainment; C. Sajan Raj Kurup, Chairman, Creativeland Asia; and Shobha Sant, CEO, Creativeland Studios. Filmmakers Abhishek Chaubey, Leena Yadav, Sudhir Mishra, Sejal Shah and Bharat Bala also participated, alongside industry leaders Tanuj Garg, Vijay Koshy, Shibashish Sarkar, Somen Mishra and Afsar Zaidi.

The revised policy drew strong appreciation from attendees, particularly its recognition of short films, commitment to nurturing local talent, and support for cinema infrastructure through incentives for building or upgrading theatres. The industry also noted the state’s significant push toward attracting global productions, with incentives for international projects rising to ₹10 crore, positioning Madhya Pradesh as an emerging international filming destination.

Highlighting the state’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage, officials encouraged filmmakers to explore new storytelling possibilities across Madhya Pradesh. Shukla reiterated the government’s long-term commitment to the film fraternity, describing the updated policy as a “future-facing framework to empower storytellers.”

He added, “Beyond film shootings, we are also looking at hosting a film festival in Madhya Pradesh and promoting films and tourism through the entertainment sector.”

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, who shot Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi in the state, praised MP’s professionalism and safety, noting, “I am from MP myself and can vouch for the hospitality and the secure environment the state provides for filmmakers.”

Vani Tripathi Tikoo emphasised the state’s focus on skilling local talent and improving access to filmmaking equipment to streamline production processes within MP.

Already recognised as one of the country’s most film-friendly destinations, Madhya Pradesh has hosted acclaimed projects such as Maharani, Panchayat, Stree, Lapataa Ladies, and Kathal. The upcoming film festival is expected to further bolster the state’s growing stature as a creative powerhouse.

Friends of Figma Mumbai x f1Studioz Wireframed Designathon Sets the Tone for India’s Next Design Year

Mumbai, India,  Dec 4: The Friends of Figma Mumbai x f1Studioz Wireframed Designathon drew an impressive footfall of 250 young creators, early-career designers, and industry leaders, transforming the 24-hour offline event at Atlas SkillTech University ISDI into a vibrant hub of collaboration and rapid prototyping. The event also awarded INR 1,00,000 in cash prizes to the top three winners along with exclusive subscription perks.

Bringing together mentors, practitioners, and top design minds on one platform, the Designathon showcased breakthrough thinking and set the stage for the next year of product and experience design in India. The event featured real-world challenges across domains such as elderly care, financial literacy, nutrition accessibility, and civic participation for the professional track.

A dedicated student track ran in parallel, with 50 ISDI students participating in a focused design sprint evaluated by an independent jury. Their challenges spanned public policy documents, women safety, government service experience, and financial awareness for students.

Across the 24-hour event, the work of participating designers revealed a clear shift in how India’s design ecosystem is evolving. Designers are moving toward systems-first thinking, creating connected and scalable experiences rather than isolated features. This was matched by a growing build and ship mindset, where design extends into rapid prototyping, testing and iteration. The approach reflects a new generation that blends creativity with execution and is increasingly focused on designing products that are inclusive, adaptable and intuitive for India’s diverse user base across languages, abilities and contexts.

The event also highlighted the rise of a community-driven learning culture. India’s design talent is choosing collaborative, mentor-led environments such as designathons, meetups and rapid sprints over siloed learning. This shift is strengthening a vibrant, practice-led ecosystem where knowledge flows through shared problem-solving and hands-on creation, reinforcing the country’s position as a fast-growing hub for user-first design.

Speaking on the momentum created at Wireframed 2025, Dhayan Kumar, Founder and CEO of f1Studioz, said;

 “The event not only produced strong prototypes but also surfaced clear directional insights on where India’s design industry is headed. What we witnessed at Wireframed went far beyond talent, encapsulating intent, ambition and the willingness to solve real problems with real impact. With this collaboration, we aim to nurture a culture of speed, experimentation, and community creating a space where ideas move boldly, prototypes evolve intelligently, and meaningful, accessible products take shape for the world.”

Sooraj Nair, Community Lead at Friends of Figma Mumbai said;

“Wireframed wasn’t just an event – it was a milestone in Mumbai’s design history. Seeing teams travel from across India to build together under one roof felt like the start of a new era. This is just the beginning; 2026 is going to be even bigger for designers in this country.”

The Wireframed Designathon marks the beginning of a year-long partnership between Friends of Figma Mumbai and f1Studioz, focused on cultivating India’s next generation of product thinkers and experience designers through events, masterclasses, mentorship programs, and industry-led challenges.