Malvi malhotra thanks Urmila Matondkar for her encouragement and Mumbai police for their support

 Malvi Malhotra thanks Urmila Matondkar for her encouragement and Mumbai police for their support

Malvi Malhotra thanked and wished Urmila Matondkar for giving her words of encouragement. Malvi has undergone a lot. She is truly a woman of courage and she is a huge inspiration for us all. She has resumed work and she is someone that we have to celebrate. She is a true example of grit and determination. 

We wished a very happy woman's day to Malvi and here is what she has got to say, "Thank you so much for all the lovely words and wishes. I want to thank Urmila mam from the bottom of my heart. She has been a huge idol and her words have given a lot of strength and courage. I wish to thank Mumbai Police as well. They have stood by me and in such great support and power. I had gone through an unfortunate incident and that has only made me stronger. For every setback, there is an opportunity to make a comeback. So women out there, don't give up. God is with us and we all are with one another. Wish you all a very happy women's day."

VIDNYAN PARISHAD, GOA IN ASSOCIATION WITH ENTERTAINMENT SOCIETY OF GOA (ESG) TO HOST THE SIXTH EDITION OF SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA

 

VIDNYAN PARISHAD, GOA IN ASSOCIATION WITH ENTERTAINMENT SOCIETY OF GOA (ESG) TO HOST THE SIXTH EDITION OF SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA

~SCI-FFI 2021- CREATING CURIOSITY AMONG THE BUDDING SCIENTISTS~

·         Pre-fest activities have been conducted as a part of the School Outreach Programme from 1^st to 15^th March 2021

·         The Science Film Festival of India will be held on 17^th and 18^th March 2021

Panaji, 11^th March 2021: Science is the foundation of this entire world. We require Science on daily basis in various aspects of our lives and, with the ongoing pandemic, the field of Science has witnessed some of the greatest inventions, innovations, and research as well. With the aim of inculcating an interest and gaining more knowledge about the world of Science among the youngsters, the 6^th edition of the Science Film Festival of India has been organized on 17^th and 18^th March 2021 by Vidnyan Parishad, Goa to be held at the prestigious Entertainment Society of Goa: ESG Complex and Maquinez Palace.

Every year, the festival goes on for four days but, this year due to the ongoing pandemic, it has been restricted to two days. This year, the festival is focusing on creating interest among rural students in science and technology and, to reach their goal, the festival has started organizing the pre-fest activities in various schools across the rural regions of Goa as an outreach program. These activities have started from 1^st March and will continue till 15^th March.

As always, the festival will be held at ESG Complex and Maquinez Palace with various events which include a screening of the Science feature films, a workshop for teachers, an exclusive workshop for Press Reporters & Editors, and also a workshop on film-making as well as a master class. One of the fascinating facets that can be experienced at the festival will be an Innovation Exhibition that will showcase and demonstrate out-of-box thinking used in the world of Science and Technology.

While the festival is around the corner and with the ongoing pandemic, the festival committee has ensured all the necessary precautions that are required to make a memorable yet safe experience for all its participants. 

About Entertainment Society of Goa:

Founded by the Government of Goa in 2004, the Entertainment Society of Goa, known as ESG was the 1st Event and Entertainment Agency across the State. Entertainment Society of Goa was started with one focused, single idea in mind to bring the best of the events, film festivals, and creative minds of the vibrant entertainment industry from all over the globe at one place, on one platform and to make The state of Goa the hub of this industry.

ESG became the nodal agency to organize and execute the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on behalf of the Government of Goa. The festival is a joint collaboration between the Government of Goa and the Government of India. ESG has been successfully executing this festival from 2004 since the year of its establishment

Kate Sharma stars in the upcoming web film Roohdaar alongside Ashmit Patel

 Kate Sharma stars in the upcoming web film Roohdaar alongside Ashmit Patel.

Kate Sharma will be starring with Ashmit Patel in the upcoming movie Roohdaar. It will be out on the OTT. Kate will be seen essaying the character of Shayara in this film. The film talks about the stigma attached to the women who have issues with fertility and how the partners fall out of love with them. Kate then meets a person with who she finds a real connection and the journey moves on.

We got in touch with Kate Sharma and here is what she says, "I absolutely loved the script as soon as I read it. It's a hard-hitting movie and it has its lovely moments as well. We have a fantastic team and we had a great time shooting this film. I essay the character of Shayara who has issues with fertility and the husband doesn't love her anymore. She then finds a real connection elsewhere. So it’s a story of a girl “Shayari”. Her husband doesn't love her anymore due to this. And she fells in love with her neighbour handsome man, and that is Ashmit Patel. They connect and start loving each other. Shayara is a beautiful young girl who just wants to be loved.But she never knew some connections are not real. They are soul connections. For more, you can watch the upcoming web film “ Roohdaar” releasing this March

Fauji Calling is releasing on the 11th March and it has garnered huge support from the government

 Fauji Calling is releasing on the 11th March and it has garnered huge support from the government

Fauji Calling is ready to be released. It's releasing on the 11th of March. The government has come out in big support of the war movie. The film has led in Sharman Joshi, Ranjha Vikram Singh, Bidita Bag, Zareena Wahab, and Mahi Soni. The film has been produced by Ovez Productions and Running Horses films. The film is presented by Jimmy Satish Asija and the film is written and directed by Aaryan Saxena. The entire team has really worked very hard for the movie. The pandemic has come in between the movie but that did not deter the team.

They thank the chief minister of Delhi Shri Arvind Kejriwal Ji, the Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Manohar Lal Khattar Ji, Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren Ji who has promised to make the film tax free in Jharkhand, and the defense minister of India Shri Rajnath Singh Ji who launched the trailer of the film. The film has been sent tax-free in Delhi, and Haryana, and very soon it might be declared tax-free in Jharkhand as well. This is big news as everyone is standing with the movie. The officials have gone out of their way and supported the film. It's a landmark movie and as Indians, we should all watch it in theatres. It will also get the people to watch it in theatres

Chahatt Khanna is fitter, stronger and better even after years of work

 Chahatt Khanna is fitter, stronger and better even after years of work

Chahatt Khanna started when she was barely a teen. She started with The Film and Hero - Bhakti Hi Shakti Hai. She was extremely new to the Industry with a spirit to conquer which she did. She did numerous shows, had a failed marriage and now she is back in the reckoning again. She looks fitter than ever and deadlier than ever. She has learned it the hard way and the one who knows to survive knows to thrive. It seems just like yesterday that we used to see her in Kumkum and kaajjal. She has matured as an actor and immensely as a human. She is a single mother inspiring millions and she is an entrepreneur as well.

We got in touch with Chahatt and here is how she reflects on the journey so far, "It's been such a fulfilling journey. I have absolutely zero regrets. I am sure there were decisions that I should have been wiser with but it's part of my journey and it's been one hell of a ride. Now it feels that I am really getting started with the energy that I have. I am learning every day and I am enjoying every moment. And I have had feedback that it's reflecting in my health and the smiles have only got wider. It's been an auspicious and fulfilling journey and I can't wait to entertain my audience as much as I can."

Those are words of an enthusiastic girl. She is at the pinnacle of her health as she looks totally gorgeous. She is here to stay and I think her true talent is yet to be discovered and we are in for some amazing entertainment.

Shama Sikander thanks women frontline workers as they have played on their lives literally to support the community

 

Shama Sikander thanks women frontline workers as they have played on their lives literally to support the community

Shama Sikander is a woman with a heart of gold and she wants to thank the frontline women workers such as doctors, nurses, police, healthcare workers, and other jobs. Women have shown society, the way to lead equally time and again and so it was during this pandemic. Shama has been a champion of women's rights and she has come and supported them time and again.

Shama spoke to us and here is what she says, "The frontline women workers have gone way out of their ways and have supported the society equally. They also have to look after the family and not saying that the men don't have to but for women, the responsibility has always been quite literal in terms of handling the household. My heart goes out to the frontline saviors who lost their lives or their families. Condolences to them. We should not forget their spirit and contribution ever. Cheers to all the women who are fighting it out. I would especially like to thank the women this women's day who have gone out and done their bit and even more.  They have been a huge inspiration truly. So let's celebrate all the women we know as well as the frontline saviors who have done proud beyond words. It's been such a lesson for humanity and for the ages."

Women's rights and their equality have been a huge part of Shama Sikander. Like she says, let's celebrate all the women this women's day and a special mention for the women frontline workers.

AadhaarPay and Cash are the most preferred modes of payment for women customers

 AadhaarPay and Cash are the most preferred modes of payment for women customers

PayNearby releases ‘Women’s Digital Independence Index’ - a detailed analysis on ‘financial consumption by women at retail outlets’

 

§  More than 65% of women still preferred dealing in cash, followed by AadhaarPay, UPI QR, and cards in that order

§  Most digitally adept women customers engaged in financial transactions at retail stores fell in the age group of 31-40

§  Cash withdrawal, bill payment, and mobile recharges -- top three services availed by women customers at PayNearby agent outlets

§  Micro savings in the range of Rs. 500-750 each month is the trend

§  Rs. 1000-2500 was the most common range of withdrawal

§  For saving goals -- child education is the top priority followed by gold investment

 

Mumbai, March 08, 2021: PayNearby, the country’s largest branchless banking network, today said that cash continues to dominate the payments space among women as more than 65% of female customers considered it as their most preferred mode of payment, followed by AadhaarPay. The insight was shared as part of a detailed analysis titled -- ‘Women’s digital independence index’ – a Pan-India report showcasing financial consumption by women at retail outlets’ released by PayNearby today.

 

The report has been prepared basis a Pan-India survey conducted by the company among 3,500+ retail stores in the country, recording financial transactions of women consumers as observed in the retail outlet.

 

According to the report, more than 75% of the retailers surveyed mentioned that women within the age group of 31-40 years were the most digitally adept, with more than 58% of financial consumption by women at their stores happening from that cohort. This was immediately followed by the age group 20-30 years. Especially, in urban and metro centers, which were remittance driven, 20-30-year-olds contributed to nearly 25% of women consumers for financial services.

 

While cash still remained the most preferred mode, Aadhaar Pay, UPI, and Debit Cards also saw adoption among women consumers, with preferences ranging from 5-15% among different age groups. Cash withdrawal, mobile recharges and bill payments were the top three services availed by women customers at retail touchpoints. At urban and metro centers, money remittance also saw good adoption. The transactions were primarily conducted by young working women belonging to the age bracket of 31-40 years (45%) and 20-30 years (25%).

 

In the withdrawal market largely driven by Tier III and rural regions, the majority of the transactions conducted by women were in the age bracket of 31-40 years (65%). Approximately 78% of women in Tier III and rural markets availed cash withdrawals. Overall, Rs. 1000-2500 was the most preferred range of withdrawal for women across the country.

 

The report further stated that while more than 76% of women-operated their bank accounts themselves, they were primarily for the purpose of cash withdrawal and cash deposits. However, the penetration of more evolved services such as insurance (less than 5%) and Bachat Khata (less than 12%) was comparatively meager. Interestingly more than 20% of the women admitted to their husbands operating their bank accounts instead of themselves.

 

Commenting on the report findings, Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby, said, “Our country is going through a digital revolution. It is heartening to see young women in the age-group of 20-40 years engaged in the micro digital transactions of financial services across retail stores in the country. From assisted to self-service mode, the journey requires persistence in the eco-system. It is great to see our women driving the digital momentum, starting with AadhaarPay and UPI QR, and help bring this change. As the youth start digital financial transactions, it will simplify their lives and help build a solid foundation for the evolution.”

 

“The study showed that post-COVID, the awareness among women customers to save for the rainy day have substantially gone up, with more than 32% of women customers indicating this as a priority for them. However, informal savings at home still seems to be the trend, with less than 12% of women customers showing awareness for a formal savings product. To bring change and inculcate the habit of formal savings in every household, we require coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, and at PayNearby our commitment towards that continues unabated.”

 

He further added, “Acquainting women to digital modes of payment will help drive up overall account ownership. Digital assistance for use-cases such as paying expenses or accessing digital commerce and infotainment can save women time and resources and help improve quality of life. It is our mission to enable form factor agnostic simple to use digital payment alternatives at all Kirana stores in the country, so that our masses, especially our women can soon bridge the digital divide that exists in the country.”

 

“Financial inclusion is what will facilitate women, give greater control over their earnings and savings.  At PayNearby, we have always been focused on driving financial inclusion for women, whether through our Digital Nari program or creating easy-to-operate goal-based saving solutions for them. We believe economic empowerment will also help drive gender equality.”

 

The report indicated that almost 32% of women visiting kiranas and retail outlets for financial transactions used smartphones and also availed WhatsApp actively. Adoption in cities was as high as 50-60%. Rural Bharat also saw a good adoption, with double-digit adoption almost everywhere in the country. This signifies a growing adoption of digital services among women consumers visiting Kirana stores for financial transactions.

 

When asked about their top three saving goals with regard to future investments, child education topped the list for women, which was followed by investment in property, ‘purchase of gold’, and purchase of electronic goods. The report also observed that post the covid-19 pandemic, savings for emergencies was being viewed as a priority by women. 51% of women indicated
Rs. 500-750 as their preferred range for monthly savings.

 

With just 5% of women customers aware of insurance as a service, the report highlighted the impending need to create more awareness for the same, especially across rural and semi-urban markets. However, among the cognizant respondents, life insurance followed by health were the preferred choices.

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About PayNearby:

Incepted in April 2016, PayNearby is a fintech company offering financial/non-financial services to the underbanked and unbanked segment. PayNearby empowers retailers at the first mile to offer digital services to local communities, thereby boosting financial inclusion in India. Retailer services are focused on Aadhaar based banking services, Domestic Remittances, Bill Payments, Card Payments, and insurance services among others.

It was founded by Anand Kumar Bajaj, Subhash Kumar, Yashwant Lodha & Rajesh Jha who bring with them rich experience in the field of banking, payments, and other financial sectors. PayNearby is a DIPP-certified FinTech startup, partnering with various financial institutions including YES Bank, RBL Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Axis Bank, CC Avenue, Bill Desk, NPCI, FASTag, NBFC, and FMCG companies. It is the sole technology provider using Aadhaar Enabled Payment Services (AEPS) and IMPS to YES Bank, making them one of the only two fintech companies hosted by the National Payments Corporation of India (NCPI).