<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/47861709.cms" />After Iodex, Yonex, Bajaj Nomarks, India’s ace badminton player <keyword id="30618" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Saina-Nehwal">Saina Nehwal</keyword> will now be seen endorsing products for Kellogg. 
 
World Number 2 in women’s singles, Nehwal, signed the two-year deal pegged at around Rs 1.5 crore, outpacing tennis star Sania Mirza and boxer Mary Kom. 
 A spokesperson of <keyword id="98896" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kellogg-India">Kellogg India</keyword> confirmed the deal with Nehwal but did not divulge any further details. 
 
"Kellogg is looking for a repositioning exercise with Saina... the advertising is likely to break next month," one of the persons familiar with the development told Economic Times. 
 
Nehwal has also endorsed Indian Overseas Bank and the Sahara group. 
 
National director of sports and live events at GroupM ESP, Vinit Karnik, told ET Saina is the highest paid woman sportsperson in India. 
“Sania Mirza's endorsement fee used to be the highest till about five years back. But Saina has been far more visible on the circuit, which is what brands look for,” he told the financial daily. 
 
However, few managers believe that gap between earnings of male and female sportstars still remains wide. 
 
Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni charges over Rs 10 crore for brand endorsement and Virat Kohli's fee is Rs 5-6 crore. 
But, talent management firm Kwan's promoter Anirban Das told ET, "It's a reflection of the popularity of the sport rather than a function of gender. The reach of cricket still hugely overshadows any other sport in India." 
 
(Image: Reuters)

Look out Sachin and Dhoni! Saina Nehwal becomes top female sports endorser

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/42370246.cms" /> With big names dropping out and participating sports contingent pruned, will India have an impressive medal haul at the 2014 <keyword id="84384" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Asian-Games">Asian Games</keyword>? The question is on the minds of many Indians who are looking forward to carve a niche for their country at the Asian Games, also known as Asiad, to be held at Incheon, South Korea between September 19 and October 4. 
 
The current contingent of Indian team will have 679 members, who have been selected out of a list of 942 members. Among the members who will be in South Korea for the games include 516 athletes, and 163 coaches and support staff. 
 Will the medal tally improve this time around? The question gains significance for India since it is a member of the South Asian Zone of the <keyword id="98294" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Olympic-Council-of-Asia">Olympic Council of Asia</keyword> (OCA) and has been participating in games since its inception (in 1951). India is among the first five founding members of Asian Games Federation, and has successfully hosted the event on two occasions in the history of Asiad Games – the inaugural round in 1951 and then later in 1982. 
 
The country is also among the only seven countries that have competed in all Asian Games editions, apart from countries such as Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand. 
 
It must be some relief that India has ‘at least’ one gold medal at every Asian game, and has been ranked within top 10 nations of the medal tally except in the year 1990. In all, India has bagged 545 medals across sporting segments over the years in Asiad games. 
 
Though India is confident of bettering record from Guangzhou event held last in 2010, financial concerns and off field controversies are bound to impact the overall performance of the participating sportspersons. 
 
The cricket-worshipping nation has always held other sports in somewhat less important level when compared to the passion with which Indians follow them. India has made significant stride in improving its medal position from eighth in 2002 and 2006 Asian games, to sixth in the last Asiad in Guangzhou. This in some way has rekindled hopes of Indian sports enthusiasts. 
 
Clearly encouraged by the success of medal haul in the last common wealth games, the Indian Olympic Association had proposed a huge contingent of sportspersons to participate in the upcoming Asiad. 
 <keyword id="63032" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sports-Authority-of-India">Sports Authority of India</keyword> (SAI) resisted this and sought Prime Minister office’s intervention to create a more affordable and achievable team that could participate in the games and improve medal tally. In other words, SAI only wanted names of those who were highly capable of winning medals than those who would use it as a platform to hone their skills. Intervention done, the team size was brought down. Officials accompanying the sportspersons were also scaled down thus making the team leaner and efficiency oriented one compared to previous years. 
Now, what’s lacking is the presence of ‘star players’ and those big Indian names that have become brands in their chosen areas. 
 
India’s shooters are in super shape and SAI is hoping they would largely contribute to country’s medal-tally at the Asiad. Seasons tennis stars such as Somdev Devvarman, Sania Mirza, Leander Paes, and Rohan Bopanna have decided to give the game a miss, leaving a huge question mark on the medal part. Sqaush ace Dipika Pallikal, who earlier exuded confidence of bringing home a couple of medals, also expressed her displeasure at some not-so-healthy selection criteria of the games with her game partner Joshna Chinnappa. 
 
Top wrestler Sushil Kumar who became a legend of sorts after his astounding victory at last the Olympics will also be giving the Asiad a miss owing to his rigorous preparation for the Olympics games to be held in 2016. 
 Apart from shooters, India will now have to focus on shuttlers to bring home some glory; all our hopes are now on top seed players <keyword id="30618" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Saina-Nehwal">Saina Nehwal</keyword> and <keyword id="501707" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="PV-Sindhu">PV Sindhu</keyword>. 
 
While the chief complaint against India’s poor performance in sports is dues to less exposure to international sporting circuits and events, along with poor training facilities, it still remains to be seen whether a leaner contingent with less burden of ‘officials’ will overtake Guangzhou in medal tally. If that happens, India would have learnt a smarter lesson and can have a better sports future.

Pruned Indian Contingent At Asian Games: Will The Medal Haul Happen?

AAP leader <keyword id="6394261" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="raghav-chadha" source="Orion">Raghav Chadha</keyword> and actor <keyword id="562349" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="parineeti-chopra" source="Orion">Parineeti Chopra</keyword> got married in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur on Sunday. The wedding ceremony was held at the Leela Palace. If sources are to be believed, bride Parineeti Chopra wore a wedding outfit designed by ace designer Manish Malhotra. In a video captured by ANI, bidai song 'Kabira' from 'Yeh JawaHai Deewani' can be heard playing at the wedding venue while marriage rituals are being performed. Earlier in the afternoon, the baraatis arrived on a boat adorned with decorations that showcased glimpses of Mewar tradition. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann were spotted making their way to the wedding ceremony. Tennis star Sania Mirza, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, <keyword id="6354944" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aam-aadmi-party" source="Orion">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> MP Sanjay Singh, Shiva Sena leader Aditya Thackeray, and Manish Malhotra also marked their presence at the starry wedding. Parineeti's cousin and global star <keyword id="1655" type="General" weightage="30" keywordseo="priyanka-chopra" source="Orion">Priyanka Chopra</keyword> gave Parineeti and Raghav's wedding a miss. However, Priyanka's mom Madhu Chopra attended the wedding. She recently gave a hint that she might not be able to attend Parineeti's wedding to Raghav. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, she posted a happy picture of Parineeti. "I hope your happiness on your special day matches the joy in this picture, my dear cousin, Always sending you loads of love. #newbeginnings @parineetichopra @raghavchadha88." Prior to D-day, Parineeti and Raghav held a sangeet in Udaipur with a 90s theme. Punjabi singer Navraj Hans performed at the function. Reportedly, guests received cassettes with customized messages for them. The couple showcased their distinctive personal style on the auspicious occasion. Raghav opted for a black indo-western ethnic outfit, while Parineeti sported a shimmering embroidered outfit with a beaded cape layered over it. Before arriving in Udaipur for the main wedding festivities, Parineeti and Raghav hosted a sufi night for close friends and family members in Delhi. The couple got engaged on May 13 in Delhi. The star-studded ceremony was attended by several politicians including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, former finance minister P Chidambaram, and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray. Parineeti and Raghav reportedly knew each other for several years before they began dating. The love story of Raghav-Parineeti might have blossomed in London as reportedly the duo studied together in a college there. Meanwhile, on the work front, Parineeti will share screen space with Diljit Dosanjh in Chamkila. Helmed by Imtiaz Ali, the film revolves around two famous Punjabi singers Amarjot Kaur and Amar Singh Chamkila. She also has Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue along with Akshay Kumar in her kitty. (ANI)

Parineeti Chopra, Raghav Chadha get married in Udaipur

Two IndiGo planes averted mid-air collision over the <keyword id="6354321" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="bengaluru" source="Orion">Bengaluru</keyword> airport just after their take-off on the morning of January 9, senior officials of aviation regulator <keyword id="6354787" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dgca" source="Orion">DGCA</keyword> said on Wednesday. The incident was not logged in any logbook and it was not reported by the <keyword id="54875" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="airports-authority-of-india" source="Orion">Airports Authority of India</keyword> (AAI) either, they said. Meanwhile, DGCA chief <keyword id="26593" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="arun-kumar" source="Orion">Arun Kumar</keyword> told PTI that the regulator is investigating the incident "and shall take strictest action against those found delinquent". IndiGo and the AAI did not respond to PTI's request for a statement on this matter. Officials of Directorate General of <keyword id="6368649" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="civil-aviation" source="Orion">Civil Aviation</keyword> (DGCA) said that the two IndiGo planes -- 6E455 (Bengaluru to Kolkata) and 6E246 (Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar) -- were involved in 'breach of separation' at Bengaluru airport. Breach of separation happens when two aircraft cross the minimum mandatory vertical or horizontal distance in an airspace. Both these aircraft departed from the Bengaluru airport within a span of approximately 5 minutes on the morning of January 9, the officials mentioned. "Both aircraft after departure were on converging heading i.e. moving towards each other. Approach radar controller gave diverging heading and avoided mid-air collision," one of the officials noted. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/indias-tennis-star-sania-mirza-announces-retirement-from-the-sport-by-the-end-of-2022-season/articleshow/88997432.cms">India's tennis star Sania Mirza announces retirement from the sport by the end of 2022 season</a>

Two IndiGo planes avert mid-air collision over Bengaluru airport, DGCA to take strict action

<ul><li>Indian sportspersons like Bajrang Punia, PV Sindhu, Sania Mirza have donated to help fight against the <keyword id="8829783" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus-pandemic">Coronavirus pandemic</keyword>.</li><li>Mary Kom donated ₹1 crore from her MPLAD funds and one-month’s salary.</li></ul>Indian sportspersons are stepping up to help the government fight the battle against the <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword> pandemic. Several sports associations and federations too chipped in with donations. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) through its associations and National Sports Federation has donated over ₹1 crore. Mary Kom – ₹1 crore + 1 month’s salary Mary Kom announced that she is donating one month’s salary and releasing ₹1 crore from her Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) to help fight the Coronavirus pandemic. PV Sindhu – ₹10 lakh Shuttler PV Sindhu donated ₹10 lakh to help fight the Coronavirus pandemic. She has donated ₹5 lakh to the Telangana Chief Minister’s Fund and ₹5 lakh to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Fund. <div type="twitter" handle="Pvsindhu1" handlename="Pvsindhu" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/939917888256868352/WN6fursR_normal.jpg" favoritecount="36386" retweetcount="4785" status="I hereby donate an amount of Rs 5,00,000/- each (Rs five lakhs ) towards the &quot;Chief Ministers Relief Fund&quot; for t… https://t.co/ewlZfmc2UL" createdat="1585206259000" id="1243071265356673026"></div> Anirban Lahiri – ₹7 lakh Golfer Anirban Lahiri has donated ₹7 lakh to the PM Cares Fund and also pledged to support 100 families on the Zomato Feeding India Initiative. <div type="twitter" handle="anirbangolf" handlename="Anirban Lahiri" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/966300673448038400/z4utOwNM_normal.jpg" favoritecount="63" retweetcount="8" status="#IndiaFightsCorona #PMCaresFund @FeedingIndia #TogetherWeStand #FeedTheNeedy https://t.co/jzPMyajbGR" createdat="1585983144000" id="1246329756015947781"></div> Apurvi Chandela – ₹5 lakh Shooter Apurvi Chandela donated ₹5 lakh to help control the spread of Coronavirus. She has donated ₹3 lakh to the PM Cares Fund and ₹2 lakh to the Rajasthan Chief Minister’s Fund. <div type="twitter" handle="apurvichandela" handlename="Apurvi Chandela" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1241033726303154176/9IdN0KlX_normal.jpg" favoritecount="6024" retweetcount="519" status="I pledge to contribute 3 Lakhs to PM CARE Fund and 2 Lakhs to Rajasthan Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. India can, an… https://t.co/Ts4t1GztN5" createdat="1585755960000" id="1245376880619880449"></div> Sania Mirza Tennis star Sania Mirza along with her Safa Organization has been raising money to provide food and other basic necessities for daily wage workers. In a post, she said, “Together with Safa and a few other people we hope to help as many families as possible in this difficult time and make a little bit of a difference.” Bajrang Punia – ₹4 lakh Freestyle Wrestler Bajrang Punia has donated his 6 months salary, which is ₹4 lakh to the Haryana Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He also urged users to contribute to help fund the fight against Coronavirus. <div type="twitter" handle="BajrangPunia" handlename="Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1027233780237520896/7uyNGrzI_normal.jpg" favoritecount="3280" retweetcount="580" status="माननीय मुख्यमंत्री @mlkhattar जी की पहल पर हरियाणा में कोरोना पीड़ितों की मदद के लिए बनाए गए&quot;हरियाणा कोरोना रिलीफ… https://t.co/nufDZAA9T1" createdat="1584985205000" id="1242144097755746305"></div> Neeraj Chopra – ₹3 lakh Track and field athlete Neeraj Chopra has donated ₹3 lakh to help fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. He has donated ₹2 lakh to the PM Cares Fund and ₹1 to the Haryana Coronavirus relief fund. <div type="twitter" handle="Neeraj_chopra1" handlename="Neeraj Chopra" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1087014728180875264/2du8Hm4A_normal.jpg" favoritecount="8097" retweetcount="653" status="I have donated a sum of Rs.2 Lakh to #PMCARES fund and Rs.1 Lakh to the Haryana Covid Relief Fund. I hope we all ca… https://t.co/fFLGu3haly" createdat="1585640276000" id="1244891664063164416"></div> Sathiyan Gnanasekaran – ₹1.25 lakh Paddler Sathiyan Gnanasekaran has donated ₹1.25 lakh to help fight Coronavirus. He has donated ₹1 lakh to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund and ₹25,000 to the PM Cares Fund. <div type="INSTAGRAMURL" thumbUrl="https://instagram.fhyd10-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/91290525_2567126433546591_4221201663661606104_n.jpg?_nc_ht=instagram.fhyd10-1.fna.fbcdn.net&amp;_nc_cat=103&amp;_nc_ohc=KJoDFzXPMtYAX9beWrY&amp;oh=92f87a85db18afb06767b748345e606a&amp;oe=5E8D4683" caption="These are testing times for all of us especially for the daily wage workers &amp; migrant labourers.I hereby pledge to donate a total of Rs 1,25,000 ( Rs 1 lakh for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s public relief fund &amp; Rs 25000 for PM Cares fund ) !! I have done my bit and I hope all of you will help the poor &amp; needy in whatever way possible.#sathiyantt #tabletennis #paybacktime #donate #helptheneedy #sports #letsdoittogether #covid_19 @kiren.rijiju @media.iccsai @narendramodi @gosportsvoices @baselineventures @ongcofficial @ramantthighperformance @raman_subramanian @ulttabletennis @thebridge_in @fastandup_india @fastandup_fitsquad @butterflyttofficial @asv_gruenwettersbach_tt @cmo.tamilnadu@ittfworld" user="sathiyantt" cmsId="1586145029280"><url><![CDATA[https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WbRFEH6oX/]]></url><permalink><![CDATA[https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WbRFEH6oX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading]]></permalink><payload><![CDATA[]]></payload></div> Hima Das – 1 month’s salary Indian sprinter Hima Das has donated one- month’s salary to the Assam government to help fight Coronavirus. <div type="twitter" handle="HimaDas8" handlename="Hima MON JAI" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1112385942256386049/KGjlrTp8_normal.jpg" favoritecount="4197" retweetcount="489" status="Friends it’s high time to stand together &amp; support people who need us. I am contributing 1 month of my salary to As… https://t.co/u1GAM1ouT8" createdat="1585229598000" id="1243169155563446272"></div> Manu Bhaker – ₹1 lakh Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has donated ₹1 lakh to the Haryana Coronavirus Relief Fund. She also urged everyone to donate and help the country fight the Coronavirus pandemic. <div type="twitter" handle="realmanubhaker" handlename="Manu Bhaker" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1071781412070658048/-BTu3K0Z_normal.jpg" favoritecount="2264" retweetcount="150" status="यह वह समय है जब सिर्फ़ देश के लोगों का जीवन मायने रखता है और उनको बचाने के लिए हम सबको जो कर सकें करना होगा।मैं अप… https://t.co/fkWhPMt9xK" createdat="1585534944000" id="1244449868283695104"></div> Gauri Sheoran – ₹1 lakh Indian pistol shooter Gauri Sheoran has donated ₹1 lakh to the Haryana Coronavirus Relief Fund. She also urged everyone to donate to help fight the Coronavirus pandemic. <div type="twitter" handle="GauriSheoran" handlename="Gauri Sheoran" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1234417496779739136/vibPhTj-_normal.jpg" favoritecount="79" retweetcount="12" status="I'm with my nation during these trying times &amp; forever more. A small contribution of Rs. 1,00,000 (One Lakh) from m… https://t.co/Hz2x6s4SQQ" createdat="1585388047000" id="1243833738468790273"></div> Esha Singh – ₹30,000 15-year-old shooter Esha Singh has pledged to donate ₹30,000 to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. She has become the youngest sportsperson to contribute in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. <div type="twitter" handle="singhesha10" handlename="Esha Singh" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1080828665527599104/eQVrb580_normal.jpg" favoritecount="694" retweetcount="90" status="I pledge to contribute 30 thousand Rupees from my savings to P.M CARE FUND to Fight Covid 19 Desh hai to hum hai… https://t.co/IyNkYGAEPc" createdat="1585477427000" id="1244208626157277184"></div> See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/list-of-indian-cricketers-coronavirus-donation/articleshow/74893037.cms">Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli join the list of cricketers who have donated to fight Coronavirus</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/ratan-tata-donates-500-crore-for-covid-19-for-testing-kits-and-protective-gear-for-health-workers/articleshow/74862906.cms">Ratan Tata donates ₹500 crore for Covid-19 for testing kits and protective gear for health workers</a>

PV Sindhu, Mary Kom, Bajrang Punia and other sportspersons donate to help fight Coronavirus pandemic

New Delhi, May 3 () India skipper Virat Kohli, limited overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma and tennis star Sania Mirza were among sports personalities, who took part in an online concert to raise funds to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed over 2 lakh people globally. As part of the initiative by 'iFor India', actors, musicians, singers, sportspersons and business leaders came together to entertain people from their homes in a bid to help the COVID-19 pandemic cause.The proceeds from the concert will go to the India COVID Response Fund set up by GiveIndia, a donation platform."Two weeks ago, we started work on India''s biggest concert. To entertain people who are locked-down at home. To pay tribute to those who work on the frontlines while we work from home. And to raise funds for those who have no work and no home," a message from #IForIndia, the concert for our times, said.Among others to attend the concert include, Kohli's actress wife Anushka, Shah Rukh Khan, AR Rahman, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Aamir Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Ayushmann Khurrana, Bryan Adams, Gulzar, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ranveer Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Sonu Nigam, Sophie Turner, Zoya Akhtar and Vidya Balan. ATK KHSKHS

Kohli, Rohit, Sania take part in online concert to raise funds for COVID-19 pandemic

<ul><li>Ace Indian sprinter <keyword id="6239354" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="hima-das">Hima Das</keyword> has pledged to donate her one month's salary to Assam's relief fund to combat the <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> pandemic. </li><li>Indian shuttler P.V. Sindhu has also donated a sum of Rs 10 lakh.</li><li>Wrestler Bajrang Punia, who works as an OSD in Railways, has already donated his six months' salary to Haryana coronavirus relief fund.</li></ul>Ace Indian sprinter Hima Das has pledged to donate her one month's salary to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Das will be donating her salary to Assam's COVID-19 relief fund. "Friends it's high time to stand together and support people who need us. I am contributing 1 month of my salary to Assam government in Assam Arogya Nidhi Account made to safeguard the health of people in the wake of COVID-19," she tweeted on Thursday tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Rijiju was all in praise for Hima Das's announcement as he lauded the sprinter's efforts to make a difference. "Great gesture, Hima Das. Your hard-earned one month's salary means a lot and it will be very purposeful! India fights corona", he tweeted. Ace Indian shuttler P.V. Sindhu has also donated a sum of Rs 10 lakh to combat the spread of coronavirus. Sindhu has donated Rs 5 lakh each to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chief Minister Relief Funds in fight against COVID-19 pandemic. "I hereby donate an amount of Rs 5,00,000/- each (Rs five lakhs) towards the "Chief Ministers Relief Fund" for the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to fight against COVID-19," she tweeted. Star wrestler Bajrang Punia, who works as an OSD in Railways, has already donated his six months' salary to Haryana coronavirus relief fund. Former India opener and BJP lawmaker Gautam Gambhir will be donating Rs 50 lakh to make sure citizens are given adequate equipment to fight the coronavirus pandemic in the national capital. BCCI President and former India captain Sourav Ganguly has said he will provide free rice worth Rs 50 lakh to the needy people who have been put in government schools for safety and security amid the coronavirus pandemic. Tennis star Sania Mirza has also stepped forward to raise money to provide food and other basic necessities for the daily wage workers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has so far claimed more than 20,000 lives across the world. Around 700 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported so far in India while 16 people have lost their lives.

Indian sprinter Hima Das to donate one month's salary to combat Coronavirus

<ul><li><keyword id="6361491" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Procter-Gamble">Procter &amp; Gamble</keyword> also announced new declarations aimed to accelerate gender equality across India, at its #WeSeeEqual summit, held virtually.</li><li>Built on the theme ‘#Unsaid and #Undone’, the summit brought together leading voices on Gender Equality to challenge the current discourse and commit to the actions needed for progress.</li></ul>Procter &amp; Gamble today announced its commitment to achieve equal <keyword id="10779840" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="representation-of-female-directors">representation of female directors</keyword> behind the camera for its advertisements across brands in India over the next three years. P&amp;G will lead this through a comprehensive set of actions to do its part to build, fuel and connect a pipeline of diverse female talent in advertising, media and content opportunities as a systemic solution. Sharat Verma, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President – Fabric Care, <keyword id="113078" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="PG-India">P&amp;G India</keyword> said, “At P&amp;G, we want to leverage our voice in advertising and media to be a force for good and a force for growth. We are proud of the progress we have made in sparking conversations on gender equality through campaigns like Ariel #ShareTheLoad, Whisper #KeepGirlsInSchool, Gillette #ShavingStereotypes, among others. As we continue to drive accurate portrayal of women in front of the camera, we understand the importance of driving <keyword id="10779838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="equal-representation">equal representation</keyword> behind the camera. With that in mind, over the next three years we are committing to achieve equal representation of women directors for advertisements we make across our brands in India. We believe that having more women behind the camera will help the industry achieve a more accurate and unbiased portrayal of women in advertising.” P&amp;G will also continue to build on its aspiration to achieve responsible advertising by breaking stereotypes and busting myths via its advertising including characteristics, roles and context. Procter &amp; Gamble also announced new declarations aimed to accelerate gender equality across India, at its #WeSeeEqual summit, held virtually. Built on the theme ‘#Unsaid and #Undone’, the summit brought together leading voices on Gender Equality to challenge the current discourse and commit to the actions needed for progress. Hosted virtually for the first time, the event saw distinguished advocates and personalities like Sania Mirza, Faye D’souza, Ritesh Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh and many more, come together to address the challenges of gender and women’s equality. Madhusudan Gopalan, CEO, P&amp;G Indian Subcontinent said, “At P&amp;G, we are committed to be a force for good and a force for growth. In line with that, we want to drive equal opportunities for women and girls in education, at home, and in the workplace. In India, we have made strong progress through our initiatives like Whisper Menstrual Health and Hygiene Program, P&amp;G Shiksha, working with women-owned businesses and campaigns like Ariel #ShareTheLoad and Gillette #ShavingStereotypes. Our new declarations will further accelerate our progress through a series of new actions, commitments and partnerships. Promoting equality is critical, now more than ever as we recover from the current health crisis in India.” P&amp;G announced the following new declarations to take action and inspire change on Gender Equality in India: <ul><li>P&amp;G will continue on its commitment to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene, through its brand Whisper®. P&amp;G has educated more than 4 crore girls in India on menstrual hygiene till date and will educate more than 2.5 crore adolescent girls, on puberty and hygiene over the next three years</li><li>In line with P&amp;G India’s announcement to invest in women-owned businesses in 2018, the company has already spent more than ₹200 Cr ($30 million) with women-owned businesses in India. Furthering this commitment, P&amp;G will spend ₹300 Cr by deliberately working with women-owned businesses in India over the next three years</li><li>P&amp;G India will drive equality behind the camera by creating equal opportunities, capability and resource sharing. Over the next three years, P&amp;G commits to have equal representation of female directors for its advertisements across brands in India. </li><li>In order to provide equal opportunity for women in STEM roles, P&amp;G will:</li><li>Build digital and technological capability of 10,000+ women across P&amp;G’s external network (including customers, retailers, agency partners, among others) over the next year. This will help unlock their potential and enable them to meet their career aspirations </li><li>Leverage Government’s NEEM Mission across all plant locations in India to upskill and create opportunities exclusively for girls in the neighbouring communities around its plant. P&amp;G has already kickstarted this with its first of its kind initiative called ‘Venus Betiyaan’ at its Bhiwadi Plant, where they are bringing in girls for apprenticeship opportunities and experience on working on the shopfloor</li><li>Annually engage with 150+ colleges that offer STEM curriculum via a dedicated program focused on breaking gender barriers in STEM and Supply Chain. The company will also work with NITIE towards tackling on-ground, perception-based and opportunity-linked barriers with an aim to double the gender ratio on NITIE campus over the next 5 years</li><li>P&amp;G is introducing ‘Share the Care’, a new inclusive parental leave policy in India. This will entitle all new parents including biological parents, domestic partners, adoptive parents, parents in same-sex couples to 8 weeks fully paid parental leave. This builds on the company’s existing maternity leave policy of 26 weeks for birthing mothers and adoption leave of 26 weeks for primary caregivers.</li></ul>

P&G commits to achieve equal representation of female directors behind the camera for its ads in India over the next three years

This month has been a very exciting month for Paytm’s <keyword id="198636" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vijay-Shekhar-Sharma">Vijay Shekhar Sharma</keyword>. As the only Indian except Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> to be featured in TIME Magazine’s top 100 most influential people list, it is truly a feat for the Aligarh-born Sharma whose life has been a rollercoaster of a ride. The list features pioneers, artists, titans, leaders and icons from around the world honoured for "the power of their inventions, the scale of their ambitions, the genius of their solutions to problems that no one before them could solve." 

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 For 43-year-old Sharma, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani wrote that when India's government unexpectedly scrapped 86 per cent of the country's currency notes in November, Sharma "seized the moment" and saw phenomenal growth with Paytm. The final list of the 100 most influential people is chosen by Time editors. 

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 Mr. Sharma spoke to Business Insider about his experience at the TIME 100 Gala. ”It was a surreal experience where I saw everyone who is in news, who is on my music playlist and who is in the movies,” Sharma said, still excited. As the only Indian around with PM Modi not attending, he felt honoured,”My biggest takeaway was that the editor of the TIME Magazine speech where he said you have two ways of influencing the world either with a finger or a fist symbolizing that your influence should be powerful and groundbreaking,” says Sharma. Last year, Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan, tennis star Sania Mirza, actress Priyanka Chopra, Google's India-born CEO Sundar Pichai and founders of Indian e-commerce major <keyword id="3246008" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Flipkart-Binny-Bansal">Flipkart Binny Bansal</keyword> and Sachin Bansal were among Time's 100 most influential people. Vijay, who attended the event with his wife also said that it was truly humbling to see people recognizing Paytm and also seeing PM Modi’s mural at the event. 
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Exclusive: Vijay Shekhar Sharma, CEO, Paytm talks about representing India at the TIME 100 Gala

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/50267286.cms" />The year 2015 is on a fag end and it is time to look back and see who made news and why. From politics to Bollywood to even holy cow, Indian celebrities were centre of attraction for some or the reason in 2015. 
 
Yahoo released its 2015 Year in Review and came out with interesting top trends of 2015. 
 
As per Yahoo, Sunny Leone remained the most searched female celebrity for fourth year in a row and Salman Khan was the most searched male celebrity of 2015. 
 
Interestingly, Sania Mirza was among the most searched sportspersons, breaking the cricket-dominated list. Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni took the top spot and Saina Nehwal was at 10th. 
 
Even our holy cow emerged as personality of the year, due to a string of controversies including the beef ban and Dadri lynching incident. 
 
Among other news, ISIS, 2015 World Cup, APJ Abdul Kalam’s demise, the Sheena Bora Murder investigation and the Vyapam Scandal also made headlines in 2015 and featured on the list of most searched news in 2015. 
 
Not surprising enough, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the most searched politician of the year and his selfie moment with China’s Li Keqiang was the epic selfie of 2015. 
 
Arvind ‘common man’ Kejriwal was second and Radhe Maa was also among the most searched personalities! 
 
Talking about movies, the epic Baahubali, which broke box-office records while also being the most expensive movie to be ever made in India, went on to claim the top spot as ‘Most Searched Movie of the Year’. 
 
Apple dominated technology news and searches this year, with the iPhone 6 taking the top spot in the list of Most-Searched Gadgets. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

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