MAM
TOI’s flagship property Times Fresh Face joins hands with Livon to launch its 11th season
MUMBAI: The Times of India brings on board Livon to partner for the 11th season of its flagship talent-hunt platform – Livon Times Fresh Face powered by Set Wet. Since a decade, the hunt has been the national platform that brings together young and talented collegians from all over the country. What sets the competition apart is the focus on recognizing real talent. Last year, the contest introduced the concept of ‘What’s your Fresh Factor?’, wherein the participants go beyond exhibiting their charming personalities and demonstrate their talents in unconventional ways. In continuation, this season will focus on both talent and personality while the search will be more rigorous and advanced. Entering the next decade of the property, there is a twist in the launch of this edition, Bollywood personalities, Nushrat Bharucha and Amit Sadh will be flagging off the contest via a Facebook Premiere with anchor Sanket Bhosale. Apart from discussing their own fresh factor, they will also be opening up about their life and creative journeys and engage in some interesting games and activities.
Over the years, it has snowballed into a multimedia platform. Garnering over 1 million social media followers and over 1 lakh participants till date, the past editions have wowed the audience and created a stronger connect with the participants creating the largest talent-hunt platform in India. With celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Siddharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, Ayushmann Khurrana, Neha Kakkar and Yami Gautam sharing their stories about their Fresh Factors in the previous editions, it has always been a star-studded event.
This year the hunt will stretch over 180 college auditions and open mall auditions across 11 cities; Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Indore. The talent-hunt is targeted at college students in the age group 16-22. Interested participants can apply via the Livon Times Fresh Face Season 11 website. This year, girls get salon finish hair with Livon Serum and boys styled by Set Wet. The competition will be spread across several rounds of audition, starting with the college auditions followed by open mall auditions, leading participants will then compete at the semi-finale from where the winners will move to the city finales; city winners will then go on to compete at the Grand Finale, which will be held in Mumbai. The most talented male and female participants with the Fresh Factor will be crowned Livon Times Fresh Face 2018.
Commenting on the contest, Sanjeev Bhargava, Director of Brand TOI said, “The Times of India is not only a chronicler of change but an enabler of positive change. We attempt to impact positive change in many different ways through initiatives that empower the citizens of this country to impact the environment, the health issues facing the country, improving the economic and political awareness in the country. One of the key areas we have identified is to empower the upcoming generations of Indians with self-confidence and recognition, opening the doors to new opportunities for them. Livon Times Fresh Face is one such initiative. We believe that by reaching out to ambitious and talented youth in colleges around the country, and encouraging them to recognize and showcase the power of their talent and personalities, we are not only giving these bright future stars a big platform but also inspiring thousands of other fellow students through our events and amplification in media. The change their talent can bring about is what will contribute to defining the future of this country.’’
Expressing her views, Bollywood actress Nushrat Bharucha said, “Having seen the talent garnered in the previous years, I have to say I am amazed at how gifted the youth of the country is. I am so honoured to be a part of the Livon Times Fresh Face and I am confident we will be seeing a lot of extraordinary talent this year. If you think you have the personality and talent that will wow the world, this is definitely where you should head to.”
Speaking about the contest, famed actor Amit Sadh said, “I have always held that talent and determination will help you scale the heights you want to reach. I know for a fact that our country is full of young and talented individuals and it is very heartening to see them get the platform and recognition they deserve with Livon Times Fresh Face. I’m very glad to be a part of this initiative and I cannot wait to see what this edition has in store.”
Last year, the participants contributed towards a power packed competition, showcasing their talents in various arenas from martial arts to belly dancing. With this edition the property hopes to expand engagement and discover some fresh and innovative talents.
MAM
Karnataka clears Rs 4,824 crore investment projects across 13 districts
37 new industries approved, projects expected to create 14,525 jobs.
MUMBAI: If investment is the fuel of economic growth, Karnataka has just stepped on the accelerator. The Government of Karnataka has approved industrial projects worth Rs 4,824.31 crore, a move expected to generate 14,525 new employment opportunities across the state, according to a report by Press Trust of India. The approvals were granted during the 158th meeting of the Karnataka State Level Single Window Approval Committee, chaired by state industries authorities.
Karnataka industries minister M B Patil said the committee cleared 37 new industrial proposals and two additional investment projects spread across 13 districts, including Vijayapura, Bagalkote, Chitradurga, Kolar and Ramanagara.
The projects span a wide range of sectors such as information technology infrastructure, sugar manufacturing, technical textiles, compressed biogas, aerospace, jewellery manufacturing, electronics, software services and hospitality, including five star hotel development.
Patil said the diverse mix of industries reflects Karnataka’s strategy of attracting investments across both traditional manufacturing sectors and emerging technology driven industries.
Of the total proposals cleared, 22 projects fall under the large and medium industry category, each involving investments of more than Rs 50 crore.
Together, these projects account for Rs 3,908.68 crore in investment and are expected to create approximately 12,475 jobs.
Another 15 projects are classified as new industrial ventures with investments ranging between Rs 15 crore and Rs 50 crore. These projects collectively represent Rs 350.60 crore in investment and are expected to generate around 1,750 jobs.
In addition, the committee approved two further projects worth Rs 565.03 crore, which are expected to create about 300 employment opportunities.
Among the notable proposals cleared by the committee is a major information technology infrastructure development project by Bagmane Constructions Private Limited with an investment of Rs 494.65 crore.
Another significant project involves Karnataka Bangaru Sugars Pvt Ltd, which received approval to establish a sugar manufacturing facility worth Rs 443.50 crore.
In the textiles sector, Kleine Pax Ltd secured approval to set up a technical textiles manufacturing unit involving an investment of Rs 376 crore.
The hospitality sector also saw a major proposal, with Trishul Buildtech and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd receiving approval to develop a five star hotel project worth Rs 300 crore.
Meanwhile, the state also cleared a compressed biogas production facility by Troult Grass Pvt Ltd involving an investment of Rs 257.77 crore in Mudhol.
In the electric mobility segment, Tsuyo Manufacturing Pvt Ltd has been approved to set up a motor and controller manufacturing facility for electric vehicles, with an investment of Rs 250 crore.
Officials said the distribution of projects across multiple districts is expected to strengthen regional industrial development and expand employment opportunities beyond the state’s established technology hubs.
With the approvals spanning sectors from traditional manufacturing to next generation technologies, Karnataka aims to reinforce its position as one of India’s leading investment destinations while supporting job creation across diverse industries.
