ITV

Tag: Assam

  • Yes and Centum win big for powering youth dreams

    Yes and Centum win big for powering youth dreams

    MUMBAI: Talk about making a skill-ful impact! Yes Foundation and Centum Foundation have bagged the prestigious Mahatma Award for Partnership & Impact 2025 for their joint initiative, the Youth Empowerment for Security (YES) Programme, which is changing the lives of young Indians one skill at a time.

    The initiative, focused on skilling and employability, has trained over 1,800 underserved youth across Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, and Assam, with more than 30 per cent women participants. Over 1,250 of them have already found jobs in fast-growing sectors such as retail, BFSI, healthcare, and logistics.

    The programme’s success comes at a time when women’s workforce participation in India is on the rise. Government data shows the female worker population ratio jumped from 30.2 per cent in June to 32 per cent in August 2025, signalling a strong push towards inclusion.

    “This partnership is helping young people gain skills, confidence, and opportunities,” said Yes Bank president, CSR and CEO of Yes Foundation  Garima Dutt. “It’s not just transforming lives but building a future of economic self-reliance and inclusive growth.”

    Upgrad Enterprise CEO Srikanth Iyengar, which supports Centum Foundation through scalable skilling models, added, “Social impact doesn’t happen overnight. Together, we’re bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity, especially for women and rural youth.”

    Instituted by philanthropist Amit Sachdeva and supported by the Aditya Birla Group, the Mahatma Award celebrates organisations that embody Gandhian values of truth, inclusion, and social justice. Previous winners include icons such as Ratan Tata, Sudha Murthy, and Microsoft Philanthropy.

    The recognition adds to Centum Foundation’s growing list of honours, including a recent Brandon Hall Gold Award for the same initiative, proving that when partnerships work with purpose, the impact speaks louder than words.

  • Let’s Move +1 puts a fresh spin on Olympic Day with a call to move together

    Let’s Move +1 puts a fresh spin on Olympic Day with a call to move together

    MUMBAI: Pair up, power up Olympic Day is going two-for-one this year. This 23 June, the International Olympic Committee’s global movement campaign Let’s Move returns with a twist, Let’s Move +1, a call for Indians to embrace the power of paired play. In partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and the Reliance Foundation, the campaign encourages citizens to take a step, then bring a sibling, friend or colleague along for the next one.

    The idea? Moving together means staying motivated and the impact could be national. Over 50 sports venues across India will offer free paired sessions in cricket, padel, badminton, pickleball and more. No strings, just your +1.

    Backed by data from the World Health Organization that shows 50 per cent of Indian adults and a staggering 81 per cent of youth globally fail to meet activity recommendations, Let’s Move +1 taps into sport’s lesser-known benefit social wellbeing. Whether it’s a post-work pickleball match or skipping at school, shared movement builds community and fights loneliness, a growing global concern.

    Schools, too, are stepping in. Through the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) run in Chandigarh, Odisha and Assam more than 12 million children will take part in yoga, kho-kho, dance, arts, and Olympic-themed activities. The programme has already reached 10 million students, driving inclusivity and activity hand in hand.

    Olympic gold medallist and IOC Athletes’ Commission member Abhinav Bindra captured the spirit, “Let’s Move +1 reminds us that sport is not just about strength, it’s about support, connection, and joy.”

    The Reliance Foundation will host a special Olympic Day celebration for 1,450 schoolchildren, joined by archery Olympians Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das. “Sport has shown me the value of having someone in your corner,” said Kumari, a four-time Olympian. “Now, I want to be that person for someone else.”

    Launched in 2023, Let’s Move has already engaged 20 million people in India. With this year’s edition, the campaign doubles down on inclusivity and doubles the fun. Because sometimes, all it takes to get moving is someone to move with.

  • Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    MUMBAI: Once on track to become an engineer, Shubhankar Mishra is now about to engineer something else entirely, a possible tectonic shift in Hindi TV journalism. The social media powerhouse with over 30 million followers across platforms is stepping into prime time on NDTV India this July, marking a move that blurs the lines between digital virality and newsroom credibility.

    It’s a transition that has been years in the making. Inspired by a single film (3 Idiots) and armed with little more than conviction and curiosity, Shubhankar abandoned the engineering blueprint to follow the story instead of the script. From remote COVID-hit villages in Assam to the heartland’s neglected narratives, his reportage often arrived before traditional headlines did.

    But what makes his journey remarkable isn’t just the reach, it’s the resonance. Whether it’s on Instagram Reels or in long-form Youtube documentaries, he’s told stories that institutions ignored until the scroll stopped. And now, as he walks into NDTV’s studio, he brings with him not just an audience, but a mission.

    “I’m not here to be comfortable. I’m here to ask what needs to be asked,” says Mishra, explaining why NDTV India is his new home. “There aren’t many spaces left where you’re encouraged to challenge power and speak truth. NDTV is one of them.”

    The new show promises to be viewer-centric, field-forward, and unapologetically direct, a mirror held up to Bharat, by someone who hasn’t just reported on it but lived it. Expect sharp questions, grounded voices, and a refusal to settle for status quo headlines.

    “Shubhankar represents the kind of journalism this moment demands fearless, field-first, and deeply connected to the idea of India,” said NDTV CEO and editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal. “His following isn’t just numerical, it’s emotional. It’s trust.”

    This move is also part of NDTV’s broader editorial revamp, a pivot toward immersive storytelling, digital convergence, and fresh editorial leadership. With voices like Shubhankar leading the way, NDTV is positioning itself as a platform for a “New India” one where journalism doesn’t just inform but inspires.

    From algorithms to anchor chairs, Shubhankar Mishra’s next chapter might just redefine what news in Hindi prime time looks and sounds like. And if his 30 million-strong digital tribe is any indication, a lot of India is already tuned in.

  • News18 Assam launches campaign “Fight the Flood – Stand with Assam” to support victims

    News18 Assam launches campaign “Fight the Flood – Stand with Assam” to support victims

    Mumbai: News18 Assam-Northeast has recently launched a unique campaign ‘Fight the Flood – Stand with Assam,” urging viewers to donate to the chief minister’s relief fund and accelerate rehabilitation.

    Encouraging this initiative, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised appreciation for creating a platform that raises this national concern for Assam.  

    Presently, Assam is struggling with the worst-ever flood of decades. Nearly 53.94 lakhs of people across its 32 districts have been severely impacted by the extreme water surge. Streets have turned into rivers, houses into relief camps, as villagers barely survive with zero availability of basic necessities such as food, water, and electricity for weeks.

    To combat this misery, it is high time when we all should come together and join hands for the brothers & sisters of Assam. This special campaign focuses on in-depth reporting with hardcore facts and a total combat against fake news in the flood-stricken areas. It will highlight the unsung heroes, who work tirelessly to rehabilitate people trapped in the flood zone.  

    Let us stand together to help Assam tide over this difficult hour.

  • Senco Gold ropes in Madhumita Sarcar, Sunita Kaushik as brand ambassadors

    Senco Gold ropes in Madhumita Sarcar, Sunita Kaushik as brand ambassadors

    Mumbai: Senco Gold & Diamonds has announced the appointment of celebrities Madhumita Sarcar and Sunita Kaushik as its regional brand ambassadors. With this move, Senco aims to strengthen its presence in West Bengal and the North-Eastern states of Assam and Tripura.

    Sarcar is a popular Bengali actress and Kaushik is a renowned Assamese actress and dancer. To promote the brand in West Bengal, Senco is coming up with a campaign with Sarcar which will go live on the occasion of Poila Boisakh, the Bengali New Year. Kaushik will represent the legacy brand and its unique jewelry collections in the North-Eastern states of Assam and Tripura on the occasion of Bohag Bihu.

    On signing the two leading ladies as brand ambassadors, the company said, “As part of its ‘hyperlocal’ approach, Senco Gold and Diamonds has chosen Bengali actress Madhumita Sarcar and Assamese actress and dancer, Sunita Kaushik as its regional brand ambassadors, to establish a deeper customer connect and enhance the visibility of the brand in east and north-eastern regions. Kiara Advani has been Senco’s brand ambassador since October 2021.”

    Speaking on becoming the face of Senco in West Bengal, Madhumita Sarcar said, “It is an honor to be associated with a brand like Senco Gold & Diamonds, which has a legacy of over five decades in the jewelry business. The campaign is beautifully planned and executed which brings out the essence of Bengal beautifully.” While Sunita Kaushik said “This is my first brand endorsement in the jewelry category and it is my absolute honor to be on board with such an esteemed brand name, the collection of the brand is something that I personally like and I am more than happy to represent this brand in the North East for the brand.”

    “With a legacy of more than five decades and roots in the east, it was a natural choice for us to onboard regional brand ambassadors for West Bengal and Assam as part of the first phase of our ‘Hyperlocal’ strategy. I am sure our customers in the region will like and connect with our campaigns planned across platforms like print, outdoor, digital and TV featuring the two celebrities,” commented Senco Gold Diamonds director and head of design and marketing Joita Sen.

  • News18 Assam-North East launches ‘Rising Sports: Shining Northeast’ campaign

    News18 Assam-North East launches ‘Rising Sports: Shining Northeast’ campaign

    Mumbai: News18 Assam-North East has announced the launch of its special campaign titled ‘Rising Sports: Shining Northeast’ to raise awareness about the immense contribution of people of the northeast in the sports arena. 

    PM Narendra Modi had once mentioned that Manipur was the powerhouse of sporting talents. It is an undeniable fact that the people of the northeast have a long heritage of sports enthusiasm.

    Beginning with the legendary Indian footballer Talimeren Ao, who captained the Indian football team against France at the 1948 London Olympics to the present successes of Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, and many more form the long list.

    The month-long campaign, which started on 19 September, will showcase the sports champions, discuss their potential, narrate their inspirational stories, their zeal to excel against all odds, and highlight government and private initiatives and landmark decisions that shaped the sporting talents of the region. 

    The state’s future plans will also be discussed to ensure the northeast leads the way in terms of sporting talent.

  • CupShup joins hands with Oxfam India to support rights of tea plantation workers

    CupShup joins hands with Oxfam India to support rights of tea plantation workers

    India: CupShup – an independent advertising start-up, has joined hands with Oxfam India, to campaign for fair wages and better living conditions of tea plantation workers of Assam. Oxfam India is a non-profit organization fighting discrimination and working to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in the country including tea plantation workers in the north eastern state of Assam.

    Through CupShup’s network, Oxfam India aims to reach out to corporates to create awareness regarding the living & working conditions of tea plantation workers in Assam. The campaign also encourages corporate employees to donate and support the cause.

    The team distributed cups to more than 200 corporates across Mumbai, Pune & Bengaluru, through this campaign. CupShup distributed cups with unique taglines and quotes printed on it, highlighting the issues faced by tea farmers in their day-to-day life, along with the details of the campaign which an individual can support.

    Commenting on the campaign, Sidharth Singh, Co-Founder, CupShup, said, “We are delighted to be associated with such a noble cause with Oxfam India. The cups distributed to our network is primarily used for consumption of tea, hence, associating ourselves with a cause which would benefit the ones who help produce tea on ground made a lot of us sense for me & my team. Through this campaign, CupShup is not only going to help them raise donations, but also enlighten the corporates about the severe conditions which a tea plantation worker faces in his/her day to day life.”

    “Our research points to the fact that the tea plantation workers and their families have a very vulnerable existence. It is important that Indian consumers continue enjoying their cup of tea and at the same time demand fair living wages for workers. Our partnership with CupShup is extremely valuable and we hope to receive support from corporates for the campaign. It will help us fight for the rights of tea workers and improve their lives,” said Amitabh Behar, CEO, Oxfam India.

  • Assam revises entertainment tax on DTH & Cable TV

    Assam revises entertainment tax on DTH & Cable TV

    MUMBAI: Watching television is set to become very expensive in homes in Assam. Reason: the state government earlier this month revised entertainment tax that’s levied on DTH and cable TV services such as Airtel, Tata Sky, Videcond2h, Dish TV, Sun TV, Reliance Big DTH, Manthan, Sitcable among others.

    The Assam governor earlier this month issued a notification under which the rate of entertainment tax has been revised from Rs 25 per home to Rs 30 per subscriber for DTH services. That’s a 20 per cent jump in the tax rates.

    Another executive order was issued under which tax on cable TV services was revised from Rs 10 per subscriber to Rs 20 per residential subscriber. That’s a massive 100 per cent jump in tax tariffs.

    The Assam government has not touched the rate that hotels fork out per subscriber for both cable TV and DTH services. It has stayed constant at Rs 50 per subscriber.

    Will this extra burden turn viewers away from both cable & satellite TV and DTH? The jury is out, but most media watchers say that they don’t think it will have much of an impact.

  • Assam revises entertainment tax on DTH & Cable TV

    Assam revises entertainment tax on DTH & Cable TV

    MUMBAI: Watching television is set to become very expensive in homes in Assam. Reason: the state government earlier this month revised entertainment tax that’s levied on DTH and cable TV services such as Airtel, Tata Sky, Videcond2h, Dish TV, Sun TV, Reliance Big DTH, Manthan, Sitcable among others.

    The Assam governor earlier this month issued a notification under which the rate of entertainment tax has been revised from Rs 25 per home to Rs 30 per subscriber for DTH services. That’s a 20 per cent jump in the tax rates.

    Another executive order was issued under which tax on cable TV services was revised from Rs 10 per subscriber to Rs 20 per residential subscriber. That’s a massive 100 per cent jump in tax tariffs.

    The Assam government has not touched the rate that hotels fork out per subscriber for both cable TV and DTH services. It has stayed constant at Rs 50 per subscriber.

    Will this extra burden turn viewers away from both cable & satellite TV and DTH? The jury is out, but most media watchers say that they don’t think it will have much of an impact.

  • CNN tracks the tea industry in depth, to air ‘The Price of tea’ series

    CNN tracks the tea industry in depth, to air ‘The Price of tea’ series

    MUMBAI: CNN International is set to enlighten viewers by taking a closer look at India’s tea industry. The channel will air a three part series titled The Price of Tea under its CNN Freedom Project starting from 14 March 2016. The show will be aired during CNN’s news streaming from 5:30 pm.

    The series will see tea-workers living in squalor in crumbling mud huts, many with no access to education. ‘The Price of Tea’ sheds light on the workers struggling to survive, while others are being trafficked into the sex trade.

    Trafficked for tea will take the viewers on a trek to Assam, India, a region that produces more tea than anywhere in the world to meet 18-year old Manju Gaur. She was just 14 when the traffickers came promising her a better life in the big city. With no education and making just pennies a day, she thought it would be a way to support her family. Instead, she saw young girls sexually assaulted by a ruthless trafficker, their money confiscated, and unable to leave. Manju managed to escape but now, she has another concern. Her 14-year old sister was still being held by traffickers.

    The second part titled The Raid is a daring raid on an apartment complex, wherein the show embeds with local police on a mission to rescue Manju’s 14-year old sister being held for more than a year by an alleged trafficker. CNN confronts the alleged trafficker, a man with a history. As police apprehend him, they demand to know where Manju’s 14-year old sister has been working. Will there be a final, emotional reunion?

    In the last segment Meet the Traffickers, the show ends by revealing the convicted trafficker who confesses to selling girls for as little as $200 (approx. Rs 13,000). He takes CNN to the railway station to show where he loaded girls on to the train and shipped them off to a life of domestic servitude and sometimes, worse.