Author: Closed Account

Social

Workshop on Handling Rejection and Failure Held for Kids Under ‘Chirag Datta Naik’ Initiative

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The Chirag Datta Naik Initiative saw yet another successful workshop on “Handling Rejection and Failure” conducted by Anisha’s Nurture Nest this past Sunday at Samarth Krupa Hall, opposite ESI Hospital, Margao. The session, intended for children aged 7 to 15, was led by Anisha Kapdi and marks the third in this series.

Congress leader Chirag Naik, present at the workshop, applauded the parents who made the effort to bring their children. He said, “There are three types of parents: those who have experienced such things in childhood and now encourage their kids; those who never got the opportunity and want their children to go ahead and do it – I appreciate such parents; and those who had the experience but are unable to bring their kids due to reasons like work, lifestyle, social media, gadgets, etc.” His words underscored the importance of parental involvement in building emotional resilience.

During the workshop, Anisha Kapdi taught key coping skills: accepting rejection, expressing one’s feelings openly, analysing the reasons behind a rejection to improve upon them, and maintaining self‑confidence. She emphasized that rejection is a normal part of life. Parents were encouraged not to treat failures—such as low examination scores—as shameful events. If children feel embarrassed or punished for failure, they may stop seeking support or sharing their struggles.

Anisha also urged parents to normalize their own stories of rejection, helping children feel safe and understood. She cautioned against comparing children with others, highlighting that each child is unique. Instead of pushing them into a rat race, parents should recognize their children’s individual capacities (their potential) and capabilities (their interests and passions). Whether a child is drawn to science, arts, culinary fields, or anything else, supportive recognition matters. Above all, she stressed that children must feel loved so they are always willing to come back to their parents when things go wrong.

Travel

Goa Honoured with ‘The Week’s Special Editorial Award’ for Promoting Tourism through Festivals

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Goa was conferred with the Special Editorial Award for ‘Promoting Tourism through Festivals’ by The Week. The recognition underscores the state’s commitment to promoting its vibrant cultural heritage and rich festival traditions as a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. Goa has long been celebrated for its beautiful beaches, but this award shines a light on the state’s efforts to go beyond its coastal appeal and establish itself as a dynamic cultural destination.

The award recognizes the role of festivals—spanning traditional, religious, and community-based events—in enriching the visitor experience and adding a unique dimension to Goa’s tourism offerings. From carnival parades to spiritual celebrations, Goa’s diverse cultural calendar has become an essential part of the state’s identity.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “This award highlights the collective efforts of the Department of Tourism and the people of Goa in promoting Goa’s unique identity through its festivals.” His remarks emphasize the collaborative spirit between the government and the community in positioning Goa as a culturally rich and welcoming destination.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, also acknowledged the honour, saying, “We were deeply honoured that Goa was recognised by The Week for its commitment to promoting tourism through festivals. Our festivals reflected the diversity, unity, and cultural richness of the state. This recognition reinforced our vision of taking Goa beyond beaches. Such acknowledgements inspired us to continue creating avenues where culture and tourism work together for the benefit of our people and visitors alike.”

This recognition from The Week not only validates the innovative approach taken by Goa Tourism but also sets a precedent for other regions looking to integrate cultural preservation with sustainable tourism development. As Goa continues to evolve as a cultural hub, its festivals remain a powerful expression of its heritage and a meaningful way to connect with both residents and travellers from across the globe.

Music

Ed Sheeran’s ‘Play’ Takes on a Bold and Playful New Era

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Ed Sheeran returns to the global stage with Play (2025), his eighth studio album and the first in a planned five-album series. This marks a bold step forward for the British singer-songwriter, whose recent work has leaned heavily on introspective and acoustic tones. With Play, Sheeran shifts gears—embracing a more vibrant, experimental, and culturally diverse soundscape that reflects his global travels and evolving artistic outlook.

The album opens with a track aptly titled “Opening,” serving as both a literal and metaphorical introduction to this new musical chapter. The song begins with familiar acoustic folk undertones, echoing the emotional depth of his past releases. But midway through, it morphs into an upbeat, electronic composition—signaling a departure from the past and the arrival of something fresh, fun, and unexpected.

What sets Play apart is its seamless integration of global influences. From Asian instrumentation to genre-fluid arrangements, Sheeran draws on a wide palette to paint his latest musical vision. This is not a collection of singles designed solely for radio play; it’s a cohesive body of work that explores rhythm, culture, and emotion through a diverse lens.

This ambitious project showcases Sheeran’s refusal to be confined by genre or expectation. It’s bold, playful, and deeply intentional. As the first of five planned albums in this new series, Play sets the tone for what could become Sheeran’s most creatively adventurous era yet.

From blockbuster stadium anthems to subtle sonic experimentation, Play shows that Sheeran isn’t just evolving—he’s playing by his own rules.

Business

Warner Bros Discovery Shares Surge Amid Paramount Skydance Buyout Rumors

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Shares in Warner Bros Discovery surged by 29% on Thursday, and Paramount Skydance jumped 16%, following reports that Paramount Skydance is preparing a full takeover offer for the rival studio. The potential deal, which could dramatically reshape the U.S. media landscape, would include Warner Bros Discovery’s key assets — news network CNN, premium cable channel HBO, and the film studio behind global franchises such as Barbie and Harry Potter.

The Wall Street Journal reported that although a formal bid has not yet been submitted, discussions are underway and could fall apart. The move would be one of the largest consolidation plays in the media industry’s recent history, which has already been reshaped by the streaming revolution and a flurry of mergers and acquisitions. The industry is also facing increased political scrutiny, particularly from President Donald Trump’s administration.

Warner Bros Discovery declined to comment on the potential bid, and Paramount Skydance did not respond to requests for comment.

David Ellison, head of Skydance and son of tech billionaire Larry Ellison, is at the center of the reported deal. A Hollywood producer with credits including Top Gun: Maverick and World War Z, Ellison is also said to be closing in on a deal to buy The Free Press, a digital outlet co-founded by journalist Bari Weiss.

His father, Larry Ellison, a known Trump ally, briefly overtook Elon Musk this week to become the world’s richest person with a net worth of over $380 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Earlier this year, Trump had publicly floated Ellison as a possible buyer of TikTok.

The deal adds a complex political layer, as Paramount has recently faced backlash over a $16 million settlement related to a legal battle with Trump over an interview with Kamala Harris. The settlement included no admission of wrongdoing but has drawn criticism from Democrats, who have labeled it a “bribe” and requested documentation from the company.

Paramount earlier this year announced it would be splitting its business to separate its streaming services from traditional cable offerings, potentially laying the groundwork for a major structural shift — and a possible acquisition. If the reported bid materializes, it would catapult Ellison’s role in Hollywood and U.S. politics to the next level, signaling a bold new era in the ongoing battle for media dominance.

Finance

HDFC Bank Unveils Festive Treats 2025 with Over 10,000 Exclusive Offers Nationwide

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has launched its highly anticipated Festive Treats 2025 campaign, setting the tone for the country’s bustling festive shopping season. With over 10,000 offers rolled out across a spectrum of banking and financial services including credit cards, personal loans, PayZapp, and EASYEMI, the campaign is designed to deliver value, convenience, and smart spending options to customers across India.

Announcing the campaign, Mr. Parag Rao, Country Head – Payments, Liability Products, Consumer Finance and Marketing, HDFC Bank, said, “As the country begins to wrap itself in festive delights, we bring to our consumers myriad offers that provide tangible value. Festive Treats is our annual property that drives demand and supports consumption patterns of the country by giving our customers opportunities to optimise their savings on festive spends.”

Mr. Ravi Santhanam, Group Head and CMO, Head – Direct to Consumer Products, HDFC Bank, added, “A multi-year franchise, Festive Treats is like a clarion call for the festive season. We bring these curated offers to our customers through our strong physical and digital footprint. By rolling out Festive Treats in phases from Onam through to Diwali with hyperlocal activations, we will ensure that the offers are not only compelling but also deeply relevant to local communities.”

The scale of the campaign is unmatched, with HDFC Bank planning over 37,000 on-ground activations at retail hubs, residential societies, and corporate offices to ensure the offers reach customers where they are. The bank will leverage its vast network of 9,499 branches, 21,251 ATMs, and more than 600,000 merchant and dealer touchpoints across India. The campaign reflects HDFC Bank’s commitment to driving financial accessibility and retail growth during India’s biggest shopping season.

As customers prepare for celebrations, gifts, and home improvements, Festive Treats 2025 arrives as the perfect partner in making those dreams affordable and rewarding.