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Veteran Doordarshan News Anchor Sarla Maheshwari Passes Away at 71

allycaralgoa

Veteran Doordarshan news anchor Sarla Maheshwari, a familiar and trusted face for generations of Indian television viewers, has passed away at the age of 71. Her demise marks the end of an era that defined the golden years of public broadcasting in India.

Maheshwari joined Doordarshan in 1976 and rose to prominence as a full-time newsreader by 1982. Over the years, she became synonymous with credibility and composure, delivering news with clarity and dignity during some of the country’s most significant moments. She played a key role during the historic 1982 Asian Games, when India witnessed the transition from monochrome to colour television broadcasts — a turning point in the nation’s media history.

Throughout her career, Maheshwari covered major national events, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and the turbulent years marked by Punjab militancy. Her steady on-screen presence offered reassurance to viewers during challenging times, earning her immense respect across audiences.

Known for her impeccable Hindi diction, understated style, and simple saris, she represented the grace and professionalism of classic Doordarshan journalism. She continued her distinguished career until her resignation in 2005, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring broadcasters.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues, including fellow newsreader Shammi Narang, who remembered her as a symbol of elegance and dedication to truthful journalism. Fans across social media have also shared nostalgic memories, recalling how her voice became a part of their childhood evenings.

Sarla Maheshwari is survived by her husband, a gastroenterologist, and their two sons. Her contribution to Indian broadcasting remains a timeless chapter in the evolution of television news.

TechPulse

Vodafone Idea Launches “Non Stop Hero” Plan with Truly Unlimited Data & OTT Benefits

allycaralgoa

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has unveiled its latest Non Stop Hero Plan, a new offering aimed at users who demand uninterrupted internet access and entertainment benefits. The telecom operator says the plan focuses on delivering truly unlimited data without daily usage limits, alongside unlimited voice calling and SMS benefits.

The Non Stop Hero Plan has been introduced as part of Vi’s strategy to cater to India’s growing appetite for high-speed connectivity, video streaming, and gaming. Unlike traditional prepaid plans that restrict data through daily caps, this new offering allows users to stay connected throughout the day without worrying about exhausting their quota.

Select recharge packs under the Non Stop Hero portfolio also bundle OTT subscriptions, enabling customers to access digital entertainment platforms as part of their telecom plan. The move reflects the broader industry trend of combining connectivity with content to enhance value for subscribers.

According to company announcements, the Non Stop Hero range is designed primarily for personal use and aims to provide a seamless digital experience for students, professionals, and heavy data consumers. The plans include unlimited voice calls, daily SMS allowances, and multiple validity options, depending on the recharge value.

Industry observers note that telecom operators are increasingly shifting toward unlimited or high-capacity data plans as user behaviour evolves toward video-first consumption and always-on connectivity. With OTT integration becoming a major selling point, Vi’s new plan positions itself as a lifestyle-driven telecom solution rather than just a data pack.

Special Occasion

National Pizza Day: A Slice of History, A Day of Pure Happiness

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Pizza didn’t start in fancy restaurants or trendy cafés. Its story goes back to Naples, Italy, where people once topped simple flatbread with tomato sauce and cheese to create a quick, filling meal. It was humble, affordable, and meant for everyday people. Imagine someone spreading sauce on warm bread for the first time, adding a handful of cheese, and sliding it into a hot oven. They probably had no idea they were creating a dish that would travel across continents and generations.

By 1905, pizza had crossed the ocean and reached New York City, where Lombardi’s became the first licensed pizzeria in the United States. That moment helped transform pizza from a local Italian staple into a global phenomenon. Today, you’ll find pizza in almost every corner of the world, adapted to local tastes and traditions. From roadside stalls to gourmet kitchens, the love for pizza remains the same.

National Pizza Day, celebrated on February 9, is a tribute to this universally loved dish. It’s a day when people don’t overthink calories or toppings. Instead, they simply enjoy the comfort of a hot, cheesy slice. Some people swear by thin, crispy crusts, while others prefer thick, fluffy bases. Some stay loyal to the classic margherita, while others pile on toppings like mushrooms, olives, paneer, chicken, or even chocolate.

Pizza has evolved into many styles across the globe. There’s the soft and authentic Neapolitan, the deep and hearty Chicago style, the crispy Detroit square, the foldable New York slice, and the rich Sicilian version. Each style has its own fans, and each bite carries a different story.

The toppings debate is just as lively. Some people insist pizza should be simple, with just cheese and tomato. Others love experimenting with bold flavors. And of course, the world continues to argue over one famous question: does pineapple belong on pizza?

Fun facts only make the celebration better. In the United States alone, hundreds of pizza slices are eaten every second. Yet, surprisingly, Norway leads the world in pizza consumption per person. At the luxury end, there’s even a pizza in Italy that costs thousands of dollars, topped with lobster and caviar—though most people are perfectly happy with their favorite neighborhood slice.

National Pizza Day is also about creativity. Some people order their usual favorite. Others try new toppings or styles. Many gather friends and family for pizza parties, turning a simple meal into a shared experience. Some even head into the kitchen to make pizza from scratch, kneading dough and experimenting with sauces and toppings.

Restaurants often join the celebration with special deals, limited-time flavors, and tasting events. But at its heart, pizza is less about promotions and more about people. It’s movie nights, birthday parties, office lunches, late-night cravings, and road-trip stops. It’s comfort in a box and joy in every slice.

In the end, pizza is more than just food. It’s a shared experience, a universal language, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest things bring the greatest happiness. So this National Pizza Day, the only real question is: what’s on your pizza? 🍕

Social

JCI Vasco Distributes Books to Students in Memory of Adv. TT Shreedharan

Tanisha Cardozo

JCI Vasco marked the birth anniversary of its Past President, Adv. TT Shreedharan, with a meaningful book distribution drive at Manohar Parrikar Municipal High School in Vasco. The initiative was organised as a tribute to his legacy and his commitment to community service and youth development.

As part of the programme, 50 students from Classes 9 and 10 received copies of the widely acclaimed self-development book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. The selection of the book reflected the organisation’s aim to encourage personal growth, confidence, and effective communication among young learners.

The event was attended by Mrs. Loretta Shreedharan, who addressed the students and spoke about the importance of cultivating a strong reading habit. She encouraged them to use books as tools for self-improvement and to continuously strive to become better versions of themselves.

Her interaction with the students highlighted the role of reading in shaping character, improving communication skills, and building confidence—qualities that are essential for success in both academic and personal life.

The initiative served as a fitting tribute to Adv. TT Shreedharan’s legacy, reflecting his dedication to education, social responsibility, and the empowerment of youth. Through such efforts, JCI Vasco continues to uphold the values he stood for, ensuring that his memory inspires future generations.

Business

Kotak Flexicap Fund Completes 15 Years of Long-Term Wealth Creation

Tanisha Cardozo

Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd. has announced the 15-year milestone of the Kotak Flexicap Fund, marking a significant journey in long-term wealth creation. Since its inception, the scheme has delivered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.59 per cent, building a strong performance record across multiple market environments.

Commenting on the milestone, Nilesh Shah, Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd., said the completion of 15 years is a moment of pride for both the organisation and the investors who have remained committed to the fund. He noted that the flexicap category continues to be important because it allows investors to participate in India’s growth across market segments while leaving allocation decisions to experienced investment teams.

As of 31 December 2025, the fund’s Direct Plan – Growth Option has generated a CAGR of 15.70 per cent over 10 years and 16.87 per cent over five years. The fund is managed by Harsha Upadhyaya, Chief Investment Officer at Kotak Mahindra AMC, whose investment philosophy focuses on sustainable earnings, strong governance and capital efficiency.

Upadhyaya said the fund has navigated varied market cycles over the past 15 years by staying anchored to businesses with durable earnings potential and strong capital efficiency. He emphasised that the focus has always been on research-backed stock selection rather than chasing short-term trends, enabling the fund to participate meaningfully in India’s growth while aiming to deliver consistent long-term outcomes.

Flexicap funds are designed to offer agility across market environments by investing across large, mid and small-cap segments. As of December 2025, the Kotak Flexicap Fund held approximately 73 per cent in large caps, 19 per cent in midcaps and 5 per cent in small caps.

The portfolio blends top-down sector views with bottom-up stock selection. Key exposures include financial services, automobiles and auto components, capital goods, chemicals, construction materials and consumer services. The fund’s research-driven approach is aimed at identifying long-term opportunities supported by sound valuations and clear earnings visibility.