PCEB Welcomes New Direct Chennai-Penang Flight, Strengthening Ties Between India and Penang

View in browser PCEB Welcomes New Direct Chennai-Penang Flight, Strengthening Ties Between India and Penang Penang, Malaysia: Penang proudly celebrates the launch of the inaugural direct flight connecting Chennai, India, to Penang, Malaysia, operated by IndiGo Airlines. This marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity between the two cities, opening doors to new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange... FULL PRESS RELEASE PHOTOS

Surya Hospitals to Support Neurodiversity as Healthcare Partner in Yash Charitable Trust Event

                                                                                                                                                                                          

                       

Mumbai, 21st December 2024, Surya Hospitals, is supporting Yash Charitable Trust as a healthcare partner, hosting an inspiring evening celebrating neurodiversity at St. Andrews, Bandra, on Friday, December 20th. The event was a resounding success, bringing together neurodiverse individuals, corporate leaders, and healthcare professionals to spotlight the importance of inclusivity and early intervention in developmental pediatrics.

The highlight of the evening was a series of performances by neurodiverse individuals, showcasing their exceptional talents through singing, dancing, drama, and skits. Attendees were captivated by the passion and creativity displayed on stage, underscoring the message that neurodiverse individuals possess immense professional potential.

As the healthcare partner, Surya Hospitals played a pivotal role in the event. The hospital provided medical support, including an ambulance on standby, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants and attendees.  Dr Rajeshwari Ganesh - Development Behavioral Pediatrics, Surya Hospitals, Mumbai, a leading expert from Surya Hospital’s pediatrics team was present at the event. Surya Hospitals highlighted how timely medical and therapeutic support can significantly improve outcomes and foster greater social inclusion.

Renowned artists, including Naveen Prabhakar, Dharsi Barediya, Angela Rebello, and Parijat Sarkar, graced the event with their presence, adding a vibrant touch to the evening. Naveen Prabhakar, the celebrated comedian, entertained the audience with his humor and lively energy, making the event even more memorable.

“We are happy to be a healthcare partner for Neurodiversity celebration. Surya Hospitals is proud to support initiatives that align with its vision of holistic healthcare and societal development. The event created a benchmark on professional opportunities inclined to neurodiverse individuals and early interventions through addressing can improve its outcomes” said Dr. Bhuvan Dommeti, Zonal Director of Surya Hospitals.

“Through Sarang Sandhya we are celebrating international day of persons with disabilities as they are valued members of society and more community members need to know and appreciate that", said Dr Sushama Nagarkar, Managing Trustee, Yash Charitable Trust.

The event also saw active participation from corporate CHROs, who discussed the benefits of incorporating similar activities into their CSR mandates and the workplace.

The collaboration between Surya Hospitals and Yash Charitable Trust exemplifies the potential of partnerships between healthcare providers, NGOs, and corporates. Together, they aim to create a more inclusive society where neurodiverse individuals can thrive both personally and professionally.

The evening concluded on a high note, with attendees expressing their appreciation for the initiative and the meaningful connections it fostered. Surya Hospitals reaffirmed its commitment to supporting similar events in the future, further strengthening its role as a healthcare advocate for neurodiverse individuals.

Airtel and Zee5 partner to bring exciting Zee5 content to Airtel WiFi customers

• Zee5 content with over 1800 TV shows, a catalogue of over 4000 movies and a vast variety of popular web series across multiple languages will now be available to all Airtel Wifi customers on plans starting Rs. 699 at no additional cost

 

• Airtel Wifi now has one of the largest digital content portfolios in India, offering access to over 350 Linear TV channels and 27 OTT platforms offering thousands of movies and shows

 

Gurugram (India), December 20, 2024:  Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”) one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today announced that it has entered into a partnership with Zee5, India’s leading OTT platform to offer exciting digital content to its WiFi customers. All customers on plans starting at Rs. 699 or higher will have Zee5 included as part of their Airtel WiFi plan at no additional cost.  

 

Following this partnership, Zee5’s exclusive content, that includes original shows, chartbuster titles, OTT movies and series across multiple languages will now be available on Airtel WiFi for viewers, giving them access to an exhaustive catalogue of digital content. From popular titles like Sam Bahadur, RRR, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, Manorathangal, Vikkatakavi, The Chronicles of Amaragiri, Aindham Vedham, Gyaarah Gyaarah amongst many others, Airtel WiFi customers can now enjoy a vast repository of 1.5 lakh+ hours of content.  

 

Amit Tripathi, Chief Marketing Officer & EVP Customer Experience - Bharti Airtel said, “Partnerships are at the core of Airtel’s DNA and we are delighted to partner with Zee5 in our endeavor to build a world-class digital content ecosystem. Zee5’s rich library adds a lot of depth to our content portfolio, enhancing the overall experience for our users. We remain committed to building our content portfolio with a single agenda of delighting our customers with the very best”.

 

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 stated, “At ZEE5, it has been our endeavor to democratize access to high-quality entertainment by making our diverse content library available to a larger audience. The collaboration with Airtel strengthens our commitment to offering viewers a seamless entertainment experience across genres, languages, and formats. With integration of ZEE5 for Airtel Broadband users, we aim to cater to a wide audience base, ensuring engaging, personalized storytelling for every user.” 

 

Airtel Wi-Fi Plans

 

Plans	Speed	Linear TV Benefits	OTT Benefits
₹699	Up to 40 Mbps	350+ TV channels (HD included)	Zee5, Disney+ Hotstar, 22+ OTTs & much more
₹899	Up to 100 Mbps	350+ TV channels (HD included)	Zee5, Disney+ Hotstar, 22+ OTTs & much more
₹1099	Up to 200 Mbps	350+ TV channels (HD included)	Zee5, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, 22+ OTTs & much more
₹1599	Up to 300 Mbps	350+ TV channels (HD included)	Zee5, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, 22+ OTTs & much more
₹3999	Up to 1 Gbps	350+ TV channels (HD included)	Zee5, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, 22+ OTTs & much more

 

Airtel WiFi customers can claim the free offer via the Airtel Thanks app.

 

This partnership further enhances Airtel's impressive WiFi + TV offering, which boasts of over 350 HD channels and grants customers access to Airtel Xstream Play - a comprehensive platform that aggregates content from 23 popular OTT services including SonyLiv, ErosNow, SunNxt, AHA, and many more.

 

With the addition of ZEE5 to the existing offerings like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hotstar, Airtel WiFi customers now have an unrivaled wealth of entertainment options on their fingertips, cementing Airtel's position as a frontrunner in providing a holistic and enriching digital lifestyle experience to its subscribers.

 

2024, the year of Joy & Success for Deepika Padukone: From BAFTA Presenter to India’s only Deadline Disruptor, Motherhood and Box Office successes*

From Embracing Motherhood to Big Screen Successes: How 2024 Has Been a Stellar Year for Deepika Padukone*

We all know the aura and stature of Deepika Padukone and how everything around her turns magical. Deepika Padukone has undoubtedly made 2024 her year, shining both professionally and personally. Renowned for her exceptional talent and grounded persona, she continued to win hearts with her achievements. This year began with, Deepika creating history by presenting an award at the prestigious BAFTA ceremony as the global force. On the personal front, she embraced motherhood, a milestone that brought immense joy to her and her fans alike. In the world of cinema, Deepika delivered a streak of hit films, reaffirming her status as the queen of Indian Cinema once again!  Whether being the only Indian Star in Deadline’s Disruptors recognised for her contribution to global cinema with India at the fore or excelling in Bollywood, Deepika’s journey in 2024 reflects her undisputed success. Here are some of the biggest moments for Deepika Padukone in 2024!

*Presenting Bafta Award*

Deepika Padukone graced the 77th BAFTA Film Awards 2024, where she presented the award for Best Film Not in the English Language to actor Jonathan Glazer. Staying true to her roots, Deepika donned a stunning golden and silver-hued shimmery saree, beautifully representing Indian tradition on the international stage, earning admiration for her grace and global influence - an Indian star who is recognised as a global force and icon. 

*Only Indian recognised as global disruptor by Deadline Hollywood*

Deepika Padukone was recognized as a disruptor for 2024 by the international publication Deadline. This recognition places her among a select group of influential figures who are reshaping the entertainment industry. Notably, Deepika was the only Indian star on the list, solidifying her status as a trailblazer on the world stage. She stood alongside Eva Longoria and Uma Thurman among others!

*The Academy Honors ‘Deewani Mastani’*

Deepika Padukone’s Bajirao Mastani remains a masterpiece in Indian cinema, celebrated for its grandeur, heartfelt storytelling, and iconic songs. This year, the prestigious Academy Awards shared a clip from the mesmerizing Deewani Mastani song on their official Instagram page, recognizing its artistic brilliance. The chartbuster, featuring Deepika’s ethereal charm and timeless elegance, gained global recognition, proving once again the actress’s unparalleled impact on cinema.

*Embracing Motherhood*

Deepika Padukone left everyone mesmerized as she flaunted her baby bump in a stunning sunshine gown. The actress radiated elegance and her beautiful pregnancy glow, captivating hearts effortlessly. Throughout her journey through motherhood, each moment of Deepika became the highlight of the year with India’s Queen reigning, personally and professionally. 

*Deepika’s Iconic fire scene in Kalki 2898 AD*

This became the most talked about scenes of 2024! Deepika Padukone delivered a standout performance in Kalki 2898 AD, one of the year’s biggest hits. Her portrayal garnered immense praise, with fans lauding her acting prowess. Among her many memorable scenes, the iconic "fire scene" became a sensation. Showcasing her character’s resilience and strength, Deepika walking through fire captivated audiences, leaving an indelible mark and cementing her status as a powerhouse performer and many said, “mother is mothering” as even Nag Ashwin said, “There is no Kalki without Deepika”. Now, one can only gear for Kalki Part 2 and we can’t wait. 

*Deepika’s widely loved pregnancy shoot that broke the internet!*

Deepika Padukone truly set the internet ablaze with her maternity photoshoot, shared before her baby's arrival. Posing alongside her husband, Ranveer Singh, the glowing actress flaunted her baby bump in elegant black-and-white photos that quickly went viral. The images radiated happiness and joy, captivating fans worldwide.

*Female Cop ‘Lady Singham’ Swag and her standalone film!*

Deepika Padukone made a thrilling entry into Rohit Shetty's cop universe with Singham Again as Shakti Shetty, aka Lady Singham. Her commanding presence and intense introduction left audiences excited, with fans hailing her as the female representation as Shakti Shetty in the cop universe. Her character Lady Singham is set to have a standalone film and we are extremely excited as Rohit Shetty said, the story is already in works. 

*First Appearance after the birth of Dua that broke the Internet* 

The crowd at singer Diljit Dosanjh’s Bengaluru concert was in for a treat on Friday evening when Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone made a surprise appearance on stage. The internet was abuzz as clips of the new mom flooded social media. In one video, Diljit was seen welcoming Deepika by referring to her as “Aapki sheher ki shaan.” He added, “Can you believe guys, we’ve seen her on the big screen, so beautiful.” Deepika was seen waving at the cheering crowd, leaving fans ecstatic over this unexpected moment.

The year 2024 has been a year of joy and success for Deepika Padukone. And now, with many things to look forward to - 2025 is going to be more exciting only.

MUMBAI CRICKET ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES GRAND CELEBRATIONS AS WANKHEDE STADIUM COMPLETES 50 YEARS

- Celebrations begin on January 12 and conclude with a grand spectacle on January 19, 2025

- Special commemorative stamp and a coffee table book to honour Wankhede Stadium’s rich legacy to be unveiled on January 19, 2025 

*Mumbai, December 19, 2024:* The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is set to host grand celebrations as the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the pride of Mumbai, commemorates its 50th anniversary next month. MCA President Shri Ajinkya Naik announced today that the festivities will get underway on January 12, 2025, culminating in a grand spectacle on January 19, 2025 at the historic stadium. The grand show on January 19 will witness an unparalleled gathering of Mumbai’s domestic and international cricket legends—past and present. The event will also feature mesmerizing performances by renowned artists Avadhoot Gupte and Ajay-Atul, capped by a breath-taking laser show.

At the press conference attended by MCA office-bearers and Apex Council Members, a special 50th-anniversary logo was unveiled to mark the occasion. MCA President Ajinkya Naik further revealed plans to release a commemorative postal stamp and coffee table book on January 19 honouring Wankhede Stadium’s rich legacy, which has been graced by cricketing legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, among other such decorated stalwarts. MCA will also felicitate the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and, Shri Ashish Shelar the former MCA President & newly appointed cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government, on January 19.

 

_*Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ajinkya Naik said:* "The Wankhede Stadium is a national pride, and its 50th anniversary is a historic milestone for us. This stadium has been the backdrop to countless unforgettable moments for players and fans alike. Through a week-long celebration and a mega evening event, we aim to honour its rich cricketing history and glorious journey. At MCA, we take immense pride in celebrating cricket’s legacy and look forward to bringing the entire cricketing community together for this landmark event.”_

Built in 1974, Wankhede Stadium stands as one of the world’s most iconic cricketing venues, having witnessed monumental moments in cricket history. From Sachin Tendulkar’s final international match in 2013 to India’s historic 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, the stadium has been home to countless memories.

_*Speaking at the press conference, Shri. Abhay Hadap, Secretary, MCA, added:* “Wankhede Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans. The 50th-anniversary celebrations are a momentous occasion for MCA as well as the entire cricketing fraternity, and I warmly invite all Mumbaikars to join in the celebrations.”_

As part of the celebration week, MCA will conduct a cricket match between MCA officials and Consul Generals, bureaucrats on January 12. They will also organise a special lunch for the groundsmen of MCA’s clubs and grounds on January 15, celebrating the contributions and commitment of Mumbai cricket’s unsung heroes.

Tickets for the grand show on January 19, 2025 will be available on District by Zomato and Insider.in, going live from 4 PM (IST) today. Starting at ₹300, tickets will offer fans an opportunity to be part of the historic celebration and witness an exciting evening. 

Arpan NGO

As 2024 draws to a close, we look back on a quarter filled with impactful actions and collaborations. #ProtectedByPOCSO Campaign: A Bold Stand Against Child Sexual Offenders During Child Safety Week (14th-20th November), Arpan launched India’s first large-scale campaign targeting child sexual offenders. With the message: Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a punishable offence. All children are #ProtectedByPOCSO. Stop Right Now or Get Caught, the campaign reached over 5 million. Our bold campaign messages were seen across the city. We leveraged a wide range of platforms, including billboards, public transport systems such as Mumbai local trains, autorickshaws, Mumbai Maha Metro, BEST and Thane buses, as well as movie theatres and OTT platforms like Sony Liv, Zee5, Disney Hotstar, and social media to maximise reach and impact. Click here to see how we painted the city red with this campaign Watch our campaign film here Celebrity Voices Creating a Literal Splash   Vidya Balan, our goodwill ambassador, spearheaded this bold campaign, expressing her support and unwavering commitment to child safety by addressing the offenders directly. Influencers and celebrities like Kalki Koechlin, Tisca Chopra, and Tara Sharma also supported the campaign through their voices. The campaign gained extensive media coverage and made a literal splash online. It was heartening to see the people's support and appreciation for the campaign. School Uniforms as a Symbol of Safety   The campaign engaged 160+ schools across Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh to install their school uniforms outside the school premises carrying the campaign messages. A Unified Message of Action and Accountability These efforts have ignited nationwide conversations, reinforcing that CSA is punishable under the POCSO Act. Schools and communities have united to hold offenders accountable and protect children. ­ Milestones of the Last Quarter We hit the 1 million (10 lakh) mark in total cumulative Direct Outreach this quarter! Our total organizational outreach since inception through various outreach models has now reached 18.7 million (1.87 crore). Other key milestones: Read our articles The Indian Express, Deccan Herald, Mid-Day, The Free Press Journal to learn more. ­ Thank you for being part of our journey. As we step into 2025, we wish you a joyful holiday season and send our warmest greetings. Your support has been invaluable, and we truly appreciate it.    We’d love to hear your thoughts on the #ProtectedbyPOCSO campaign – your feedback means a lot!   Here’s to continuing collaboration in 2025, working together towards #ChildSafetyEveryday.   Warm wishes, Team Arpan If this message lands up in your spam folder, could you move it to the inbox please, so we can be in touch! Unsubscribe