Photography Exhibition by Neelesh Kale Scheduled from April 28 to May 3

PUNE: Art enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to view photographs that shed light on various facets of the Kailasa Temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a globally renowned marvel of architecture—as well as the Jain and Buddhist caves located at Ellora (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). This occasion marks the hosting of a photography exhibition featuring panoramic images captured by the Lalit Kala Akademi Award winner Neelesh Kale. Titled ‘Ellorama,’ this exhibition is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, April 28, to  Sunday, May 3, at the Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery on Ghole Road. Connoisseurs will be able to experience this exhibition daily between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Please note that this exhibition is free and open to all.

The inauguration of the ‘Ellorama’ photography exhibition will be held on Tuesday, April 28, at 5:00 PM, at the hands of Dr. G.B. Deglurkar, a world-renowned iconologist and a leading expert on the Kailasa Temple, Prof. Medha Kulkarni, Member of Parliament, and Jayant B. Joshi, renowned artist. During the event, Dr. G.B. Deglurkar will interact with the audience. Additionally, as part of the exhibition’s accompanying programs, Indologist Dr. Rahul Deshpande will engage with the audience on Thursday, April 30, at 5:00 PM, delivering a talk titled ‘Exploring Ellora.’ Please note that both of these events are open and free on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.

Providing further details regarding the photography exhibition, Neelesh Kale stated, “The Kailash Temple, carved by the Rashtrakutas, dates back to the period between 756 AD and 773 AD. These 34 caves are carved within an area spanning approximately two kilometers. Among them, Cave No. 16—the Kailasa Temple—is renowned globally as the largest monolithic temple (a temple carved from a single rock) in existence. The ‘Ellorama’ exhibition features photographs that shed light on the Ellora Caves—and specifically the Kailasa Temple—from a multitude of perspectives. This exhibition comprises a curated selection of photographs chosen from a vast collection captured using the techniques of ‘photogrammetry’. Furthermore, another highlight of this exhibition will be the inclusion of a precise 3D (three-dimensional) model created from these photographs using this advanced technology.”

Kale also expressed with confidence that, with the aid of 3D Vista and Cloud Compare technologies, visitors to the exhibition would gain comprehensive information—including where to begin their exploration of the caves, exactly what to observe at each stage, the specific features and unique attributes of the structures they view, and their precise dimensions (length, width, and height). Moreover, attendees will be treated to a ‘guided journey’—or a ‘virtual tour’—of this UNESCO World Heritage site during the event.

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With this addition, Ujaas now operates two Ujaas Green Manufacturing Units in Maharashtra, collectively employing 45 SHG women and creating livelihood opportunities for nearly 1,500 additional women across the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. The earlier unit in Jalna has demonstrated strong outcomes, producing 111,125 reusable cloth pads over two years and establishing community-run manufacturing as a sustainable driver of local economic participation.

The Jalna unit has successfully distributed cloth pads locally and across neighbouring districts, including Sambhajinagar, Nanded, Parbhani, Beed, and Buldhana, while also expanding its reach across Maharashtra and pan-India through the Ujaas Menstrual Health Express Campaign. The campaign facilitated free pad distribution across 25 states and 121 cities, significantly strengthening awareness, accessibility, and outreach.

Poonam Patkar, Head – Ujaas, said, “The Ujaas Green Manufacturing Unit is designed as a fully women-managed production ecosystem — from cutting and stitching to quality control, packaging, marketing, and sales coordination. Based on the performance of our Jalna unit, each participating woman can earn a stable annual income of around ₹75,000, depending on skill and product demand, ensuring predictable financial support for her family while each SHG collectively benefits from sustained enterprise income. Beyond production, women are trained in financial literacy, hygiene standards, and business processes so they can independently manage and grow the unit. This is not just employment — it is structured livelihood ownership that builds confidence, skills, and long-term economic security.”

The new facility is projected to manufacture more than 55,000 reusable cloth pads annually, further strengthening Ujaas’ growing network of women-led production hubs. The initiative demonstrates how regions with active SHG ecosystems can build locally managed enterprises that generate income while addressing essential health needs.

In addition to enterprise creation, participating women lead awareness sessions in their communities to promote informed menstrual health practices and reduce stigma. Ujaas Green Cloth Pads are reusable and chemical-free, offering an affordable alternative to disposable products while reducing menstrual waste and supporting environmentally responsible consumption.

This expansion marks another step in Ujaas’ mission to scale women-driven grassroots enterprises across Maharashtra, creating sustainable pathways for livelihood generation, entrepreneurship, and community-led development.

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Sharing what inspired her to participate, Ridma said that pageantry had always been a long-held dream. “I have always believed in constantly evolving and challenging myself. Pageantry was not just about the crown for me, but about confidence, self-expression, and stepping out of my comfort zone. The desire to become a stronger, more confident version of myself is what inspired me to take this leap.”

Speaking about her support system, Ridma expressed heartfelt gratitude to her family, friends, and mentors. She credited her husband, parents, brother, bhabhi, and in-laws for being her strongest pillars of support throughout the journey. She also acknowledged the guidance and encouragement of the DIVA Pageants team, with special thanks to Anjana & Karl Mascarenhas, Founders, and Cicilia Ma’am. “Without their belief in me and constant motivation, this journey would not have been possible. They helped me stay grounded and confident, especially during moments of self-doubt.”

Describing her stage experience, Ridma shared that it was a blend of excitement and nervousness. “I was definitely nervous, but the moment I stepped on stage, that nervous energy transformed into confidence. It was an empowering experience that pushed me beyond my limits.”

A Software Engineer by profession, Ridma works in the IT industry and successfully balances a demanding tech career alongside her pageantry pursuits. “Managing both worlds has been challenging yet incredibly fulfilling. This journey has taught me discipline, resilience, and self-belief,” Ridma added.

Looking ahead, Ridma aims to continue growing both professionally and personally. She hopes to use her platform to inspire women to believe in themselves, embrace confidence at every stage of life, and pursue their dreams fearlessly. “If my journey encourages even one woman to step out of her comfort zone, it will be worth it.”

With her elegance, determination, and purpose-driven mindset, Ridma Kakani’s achievement stands as a powerful reminder that confidence and ambition know no limits. “I now look forward to making history at the India level!”, she signs off.

The post The Inspiring Story of Ridma Kakani: Tech Professional and 1st Runner Up at Mrs Maharashtra Season 9 appeared first on NRI News.

The night witnessed the crowning of three major international titleholders: Geetanjali Lenka as Mrs India Millennium World 2026, Rekha Paladee as Mrs India Millennium Universe 2026, and Meenu Singh as Woman of the Universe India 2026, who will represent India on global stages.

Behind the scenes, Mrinalini Bhardwaj, Saee Khalate, Mrunali Tayade, Madhavi Ghosh, and Paulyn Kasote worked tirelessly to ensure precision, elegance, and seamless execution of the grand finale.

Organisers stated that Mrs Maharashtra has evolved into a prestigious platform that nurtures confidence, leadership, and purpose, enabling women to step into global arenas with strength and authenticity.

Elite Category
3rd Runner Up: Smita Gulhane
2nd Runner Up: Rakhi Jain
1st Runner Up: Dr. Sunita Tondge
Winner: Shilpa Sudhakaran

Gold Category
3rd Runner Up: Megha Kendrekar
2nd Runner Up: Virja Shah
1st Runner Up: Dr. Shivani Naik
Winner: Pranjali Bhonde

Silver Category
3rd Runner Up: Bhupali Rane
2nd Runner Up: Lata Pandey
1st Runner Up: Ridma Kakani
Winner: Aarti Borole

Winner Curvy: Pooja Falor

The post Mrs Maharashtra 2025: Celebrating a Legacy of Empowerment, Elegance, and Excellence appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: PNB Housing Finance Limited, one of India’s leading housing finance companies, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting homeownership in Maharashtra, with a continued emphasis on enabling customers to benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). As part of its strategic focus on PMAY-U 2.0, PNB Housing Finance is helping families – especially first-time buyers – navigate their home-purchasing journey seamlessly, while supporting the government’s broader ‘Housing for All’ vision. 

PNB Housing’s affordable housing solution, Roshni Home Loans, caters to low- and middle-income households aspiring to begin their homeownership journey, particularly in semi-urban and emerging regions of the country. Maharashtra remains a key growth region, supported by a strong network of 47 branches, including 25 dedicated Roshni branches. The company also offers tailored solutions for the informal and self-employed segments through its affordable housing and emerging markets lending solutions, thus widening the reach of housing finance beyond traditional income documentation.

Commenting on the Company’s direction, Jatul Anand, Executive Director, PNB Housing Finance, said: “We deeply appreciate the Government’s visionary initiatives like PMAY-U 2.0, which have transformed the housing landscape and brought people closer to their dream of home ownership. Maharashtra has emerged as one of our most promising growth centres, and we are proud to support the mission of simplifying access to home loans for consumers here. We remain committed to driving financial inclusion by creating awareness among citizens about the PMAY-U 2.0 scheme and enabling interest subsidy benefits, thus contributing to the larger goal of nation-building and Viksit Bharat.”

To amplify awareness and encourage adoption of PMAY-U 2.0, PNB Housing Finance will intensify mass-outreach campaigns across Maharashtra, including interactive sessions in semi-urban districts and targeted programmes for listed beneficiaries. These initiatives aim to help aspiring homeowners understand their eligibility, interest-subsidy benefits, and the end-to-end process for availing PMAY-linked loans through trusted lending partners such as PNB Housing Finance.

The Company continues to advance its digital transformation journey, offering a seamless customer experience through a cutting-edge tech stack and omnichannel presence. It recently secured a credit rating upgrade from ‘IND AA+’ to ‘IND AAA’ from India Ratings, demonstrating sustained financial strength and asset-quality improvement. With a roadmap to achieving a ₹1 lakh crore loan book by FY27 and a pan-India network of over 500 branches, PNB Housing Finance remains focused on driving housing-led development.

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MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), today announced CSR initiatives worth ₹56 crore in Maharashtra, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. Launched by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, these programmes focus on environment, healthcare, road safety, and community welfare, marking a key milestone in Hyundai’s partnership with the state.

Commenting on the initiatives, Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said, “The initiatives launched today by HMIF reflect a strong commitment to the people of Maharashtra. It re-emphasizes Hyundai’s role not just as a manufacturer, but as a responsible corporate citizen dedicated to social progress.”

Speaking on the occasion, Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, HMIL, said, “Guided by our global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in society by driving positive change and enabling communities to grow stronger and more sustainable. Maharashtra holds a very special significance for us, as we have always believed in creating shared value by going beyond business and investing in initiatives that directly touch people’s lives.”

The flagship project, IONIQ Forest, will be implemented at Dange Chowk in Pune and will transform the area into one of the state’s largest afforestation zones. With an investment of ₹32 crore, the initiative will plant one million native trees across 90.5 acres using the Miyawaki technique, reinforcing Hyundai’s nationwide greening efforts. To enhance road safety, under the Easy Roads Initiative, HMIF launched a ₹4 crore initiative to establish a Traffic Engineering Centre and an Organization Development Centre in Nagpur and Pune, supporting the Nagpur Traffic Police’s ‘My Road, My Friend’ campaign.

The Adhikaar Connect programme, announced in Nashik and Talegaon, will bridge the gaps in public welfare access through assistance in documentation and application processes while promoting digital and financial literacy in rural communities. Additionally, HMIF’s ongoing pan India programs will also deepen the community development efforts in Maharashtra like advancing healthcare access through Sparsh Sanjeevani Telemedicine Clinics and Mobile Medical Units, Cancer awareness and treatment support under Hope for Cancer, Center of Excellence to promote grassroots sport talents under Sports Lab, Financial grants for promotion of art and culture under Art for hope and Driver training and automotive trainings under Drive4Progress.

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PUNE: Tata AIA Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (Tata AIA), one of India’s leading life insurance companies, is proud to announce that it has registered 235 Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) qualified Advisors in Maharashtra, underscoring its commitment to excellence in financial advisory services. According to the 2025 Global MDRT Ranking, the Company registered 31 Advisors from Nashik & 97 Advisors from Pune for the coveted MDRT title.

According to the recently released Global MDRT Ranking for 2025*, Tata AIA has once again secured the highest number of MDRT-qualified advisors in India for the third consecutive year, while achieving an impressive #4 global ranking. With a record 2,871 MDRT qualifiers, this milestone reflects an 11% growth from the previous year, showcasing the rising calibre and unwavering dedication of Tata AIA’s advisors.

What truly sets Tata AIA apart is its deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. With an all-time high of 1,343 female MDRT members, Tata AIA has secured the #7 position globally among the Top 25 Companies by Female Membership. The 8.5% growth in female MDRT qualifiers underscores Tata AIA’s ongoing commitment to empowering women within the financial sector, ensuring that consumers benefit from expert, world-class financial advice provided by a diverse team of advisors.

This remarkable achievement underscores Tata AIA’s commitment to delivering best-in-class financial advice, powered by the expertise of its MDRT-qualified advisors, ensuring that consumers receive exceptional service and guidance. The Company registered 191 MDRT qualifiers, 17 Court of the Table (COT), and 5 Top of the Table (TOT) qualifiers in Maharashtra. A COT qualifier must generate three times the sales of an MDRT qualifier, while a TOT qualifier must generate six times the sales of an MDRT qualifier.

Amit Dave, Chief Distribution Officer – Proprietary Business, Allied Channels and Agency Sales, Tata AIA, said,

“It is truly an honour to be ranked #4 globally in the MDRT rankings and to continue leading the industry in India. This milestone is a testament to the success of our Premier Agency model and the relentless commitment of our advisors. The MDRT qualification is not just a personal achievement for our advisors; it represents the trust and confidence our consumers place in Tata AIA, knowing they are receiving world-class financial advice.”

What Does This Mean for You?

MDRT – The Gold Standard in Financial Advice

Being an MDRT member is considered the ultimate benchmark for life insurance and financial services professionals worldwide. These advisors demonstrate the highest level of professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct, and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellent service. When you choose a Tata AIA advisor, you are assured of receiving the best financial advice tailored to your unique needs, helping you protect your present and secure your future.

MDRT Advisors: Helping You Achieve Your Financial Goals

Tata AIA’s MDRT-qualified advisors go beyond selling life insurance. They leverage their expertise to guide you in making informed decisions that align with your long-term financial objectives. Whether it’s planning for retirement, securing your family’s future, or making the most of your investments, you will receive comprehensive, trusted advice that’s rooted in experience and dedication.

Providing Career Opportunities: The Best Place to Be an MDRT Advisor

Tata AIA is committed to creating rewarding career opportunities for individuals passionate about making a difference. By promoting the MDRT qualification, Tata AIA offers a clear career path for aspiring financial advisors. Through its Premier Agency model, Tata AIA selects and nurtures top talent, providing them with comprehensive training, career progression, and extensive digital support.

This investment in people not only strengthens the company’s network of advisors but also ensures that individuals seeking a meaningful, impactful career in financial services can find success. Tata AIA’s robust support system gives advisors the tools to achieve MDRT status, which means higher earning potential and a rewarding career helping people secure their financial futures.

How MDRTs Drive Business Results at Tata AIA

MDRT-qualified advisors provide a distinct advantage to life insurers, offering expert guidance that leads to more satisfied consumers and higher retention for the brand. At Tata AIA, our MDRT advisors have been pivotal in delivering exceptional service, fostering a loyal customer base.

For FY 2024-25, Tata AIA ranked top in four out of five Persistency cohorts, including the crucial 13th-month persistency, a key measure of consumer loyalty and long-term financial health. Persistency tracks the percentage of consumer who renew their policies, reflecting trust in our services.

MDRT-qualified advisors drive this high persistency by offering personalized advice, understanding client needs, and providing continuous support, ensuring consumers remain confident in their decision to stay with Tata AIA.

* https://members.mdrt.org/about-MDRT/company-rankings/

Note: The ranking is based on the registered count of Insurance Agents

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Automatically enabled for all Airtel mobile and broadband customers, the advanced system scans and filters links across SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, email, and other browsers. It leverages real-time threat intelligence to examine over 1 billion URLs daily and blocks access to harmful sites in under 100 milliseconds.

For instance, if a resident in Pune receives a suspicious message that reads: “Your package is delayed. Track it here: http://www.tracky0urparcell.com”. And if the unsuspecting resident then clicks on the link, Airtel’s system also clicks into gear. It instantly scans the link and if flagged as suspicious, it blocks access. The user is redirected to a warning message that reads: “Blocked! Airtel found this site dangerous!” All this instantaneously. This real-time interception prevents users from falling victim to all kinds of fraud.

Commenting on the initiative, George Mathen, CEO – Maharashtra and Goa, Bharti Airtel, said, “At Airtel, our commitment lies in protecting customers from all varieties of fraud. By merging our network with an AI-based fraud detection solution, we are making certain that our customers are defended against all emerging threats without requiring any effort on their part. We believe it is imperative to take steps today to secure the digital future, and we are proud to be pioneers in this field by providing a comprehensive and safer network for our customers in Maharashtra and Goa.”

With Maharashtra and Goa ranked as one of India’s most digitally advanced states, the threat of online fraud has grown in both its urban and rural regions. Fraudsters increasingly target users through phishing links, fake deliveries, and spurious banking alerts. Cities like Satara, Nashik, Amravati, Ahilyanagar, Chandrapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Akola — as well as remote towns like Jamgaon, Ghoti, Sultanpur, Tippeshwar, among others— have seen a sharp rise in such fraudulent attempts. Airtel’s solution acts as a statewide digital shield, protecting families, senior citizens, homemakers, students, and first-time smartphone users alike.

The AI-driven platform delivers fraud warnings in the user’s preferred language, including Marathi, making it highly effective for the state’s diverse population. This multilingual support is especially impactful in districts with low digital literacy or where English is not widely used.

The solution operates silently in the background, requires no installation, and is offered free of cost. Maharashtra and Goa at the forefront of digital adoption — from online banking to government e-services — and Airtel’s initiative plays a critical role in creating a safer digital ecosystem across the state. Whether it’s a working professional in Satara, a homemaker in Nashik, a tourist in Goa, or a student in Ahilyanagar, Airtel helps make every digital interaction safer.

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MUMBAI: The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) signed an MOU with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to facilitate investments from France into Maharashtra. An initial MoU was signed in September 2021 and this renewal was signed during a high-level roundtable discussion organized on, ‘The Ease of Doing Business in Maharashtra’ held in the presence of over 25 CEOs from top French companies operating in sectors such as automotive, renewable energy, chemicals, IT, transport, consumer goods, construction etc. The MoU was signed by Mr. P. Velrasu, CEO, MIDC, and Mr. Benoit Renard, Vice President, IFCCI and Managing Director, Air Liquide India.

The MoU aims to:

• Enhance bilateral trade and investment flows between France and Maharashtra
• Facilitate the entry of new French companies into the State
• Support the expansion of existing French businesses in Maharashtra
• Foster a conducive industrial environment aligned with Maharashtra’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives

On this occasion, Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, IFCCI stated that, “France has deep economic interests in the State of Maharashtra and is committed to enhance its positioning towards investments and job creation into the state; the renewal of the MOU with MIDC is a testimony of the growing interest and expansion of French companies in the state of Maharashtra and we look forward to building a strong partnership.”

Shri P. Velrasu, CEO, MIDC, welcomed the initiative and noted that such forums are very important for MIDC to help industries and ensure an inclusive environment. Shri P Velrasu welcomed the MoU between the two organizations and also noted that the forums should regularly convene to bring more momentum and allow MIDC to help solve industry issues. He also assured the industry representatives that MIDC is dedicated to addressing the issues of industries and is actively taking steps to bring ease of doing business in the state.

The roundtable discussion served as a platform for French industry leaders to engage in a constructive deliberation and dialogue with MIDC, sharing on-ground experiences and recommendations to further streamline business operations and investment processes in the State.

The renewal of the IFCCI-MIDC partnership is a pivotal step in strengthening the Indo-French industrial corridor, fostering innovation, sustainable growth, and mutual prosperity.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Deputy Consul, Mr. Sami Bouakaze, Consulate General of France in India and Mr. Benoit Gauthier, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Financial Affairs & Head, Regional Economic Department, Embassy of France in India along with top key French investors and business leaders who were present for the event.

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The new fleet of advanced ambulances will be fitted with cutting-edge technologies such as Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), tablet PCs, RFID, GPS, caller location tracking, CCTV, and TRIAGE systems. These vehicles will also integrate inbuilt systems for Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Vehicle Tracking and Management (VTMS), and patient arrival notifications.

The fleet will include Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, neonatal care units, first responder bikes, as well as sea and river boat ambulances. From a long-term perspective, the MEMS 108 program aims to feature medical application drones and helicopter-based emergency medical services.

This initiative will set a new benchmark for emergency medical services in India. It will offer cutting-edge technology and enhanced operational efficiency as well as establish a sustainable model for future public-private partnerships in high-quality service delivery.

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