Latest from The Wire
The Wire
26 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- The Wire
Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide Season 14 Wraps Up in UAE with a Grand Celebration of Transformation
Gurgaon, Haryana, India (NewsVoir) The much-celebrated Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide, known for honoring the spirit, style, and strength of married women across the globe, concluded its spectacular Season 14 with a grand finale at the opulent Bahi Ajman Palace & Shoots happened at Voco Monaco, The Heart of Europe, according to a media release by the organisers. Season 14 upheld the legacy of transformation and empowerment, bringing together contestants from over 50 countries to share their journeys, ambitions and cultural pride on an international platform. The event was a powerful blend of elegance, purpose, and global sisterhood. The evening was judged by a distinguished panel led by Mr. Bharat Bhramar, the visionary founder of Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide. He was joined by celebrated Egyptian singer Hossam Hegazy, official designer Anjali Sahni, renowned skin expert Dr. Blossom Kochhar (Founder of Aroma Magic), pageant coach Valentina Mishra and former Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide winners Ruchika Chauhan (Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide 2023), Rakhi Saha (Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide 2023 Fire Element), Amisha Sethi (Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide 2021) and Ruchika Malhotra (Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide 2022) each bringing their unique perspectives and grace to the panel. The grand finale was not just a pageant but a celebration of individuality and resilience, with each participant embodying a powerful story. After days of intense grooming, cultural exchange and self-discovery, five exceptional winners were crowned, each representing a symbolic element of nature: • Sakshi Mittal - Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide Earth Element Winner 2025 • Garima Aggarwal - Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide Air Element Winner 2025 • Tejal Shinde - Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide Space Element Winner 2025 • Deepti Sharma - Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide Fire Element Winner 2025 • Sangita Nayak - Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide Water Element Winner 2025 These winners stood out not only for their stage presence and talent but also for their authenticity, purpose and commitment to driving positive change in their communities. Country Wise Winners: India Sonali Budhrani (Winner), Shweta Saxena (1st Runner Up), Sangita Nayak (2nd Runner Up) Canada Prabhjot Kaur (Winner), Heena Thukral (1st Runner Up), Priyanka Bhatija (2nd Runner Up) AU/NZ Deepti Sharma (Winner), Anjali Balwal (1st Runner Up), Neha Sharma (2nd Runner Up) Germany Vaishnavi Vijay Dhamanikar (Winner), Anupama Kshetrimayum (1st Runner Up) Hong Kong Vandana Saxena (Winner) Luxemborg Anju Kalra (Winner) Malaysia Anupama Singh (Winner) UAE Harpreet Bhatia (Winner), Sakshi Mittal (1st Runner Up), Aradhana Das (2nd Runner Up) Netherlands Tejal Shivaji Shinde (Winner), Natasha Sukhraj (1st Runner Up) Singapore Tamilselvi Rajagopal (Winner), Demirra Seema (1st Runner Up) UK Arunima Kushari (Winner), Nisha Jha (1st Runner Up), Neha Sharma (2nd Runner Up) USA North Rumani Kapoor (Winner), Freya Genesis D Mello (1st Runner Up), Garima Agarwal (2nd Runner Up) USA South Soni Pandey (Winner), Shweta Mehta (1st Runner Up), Nilam Patel (2nd Runner Up) Bahrain Ramanpreet Praveen (Winner), Manasa Bangalore Ramakrishnaiah (1st Runner Up), Boomaa Devi Chandrasekaran (2nd Runner Up) Kuwait Aarti Naware (Winner) Oman Maoosam M Mistry (Winner), Saavi Tyagi (1st Runner Up) Qatar Ankita Sharma (Winner), Priya Subas (1st Runner Up) Saudi Arabia Jigna Vara (Winner) Anjali Balwal (Mrs. Iconic Eyes), Arunima Kushari (Mrs. Perfect Smile), Shaeli Bhadani (Mrs. Glowing Skin), Rumani Kapoor (Mrs. Beautiful Hair), Sita Somara (Mrs. Intellectual), Prabhjot Kaur (Mrs. Body Beautiful), Anupama Singh (Mrs. Timeless Beauty), Tamilselvi Rajagopal (Mrs. Beautiful Legs), Saavi Tyagi (Mrs. Popular), Surbhi Sharma (Mrs. Creative), Himi Hitendrakumar Patel (Mrs. Spontaneous), Ankita Sharma (Mrs. Gorgeous), Nilam Patel (Mrs. Style Icon), Sangita Nayak (Mrs. Fashion Icon), Sonali Budhrani (Mrs. Photogenic), Vaishnavi Vijay Dhamanikar (Mrs. Supernational), Rumi Verma (Mrs. Pathbreaker), Maoosam M Mistry (Mrs. Inspiration), Shital Vivek Devkhile Patil (Mrs. Iron Lady), Harpreet Bhatia (Mrs. Social Media Queen), Kanika Handa Bhushan (Mrs. Beautiful Heart), Vasudha Komaragiri (Mrs. Beautiful Voice), Sakshi Mittal (Mrs. Content Creator), Anuja Chadha (Mrs. Beauty with Brains), Nisha Jha (Mrs. Confident), Freya Genesis D Mello (Mrs. Congeniality), Ramanpreet Praveen (Mrs. Talented), Garima Agarwal (Mrs. Talented), Tejal Shinde (Mrs. Content Creator), Namrata Nikum (Mrs. Influencer Impact), Surbhi Khandelwal (Mrs. Queen of the Insta Feed), Sakshi Mittal (Mrs. Viral Vibes), Surbhi Kaushik (Mrs. Reels Royalty), Deepti Sharma (Mrs. Instagram Trendsetter). These winners stood out not only for their stage presence and talent but also for their authenticity, purpose, and commitment to driving positive change in their communities. 'Season 14 was a beautiful reminder that every woman, no matter her story or background, holds the power to lead, to uplift, and to transform. At Haut Monde Mrs, India Worldwide, we don't just celebrate women, we honour their journey, their strength and the quiet courage it takes to rise. That's the true essence of what we stand for,' Bharat Bhramar, Founder, Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
The Wire
26 minutes ago
- Business
- The Wire
Shriram Life Insurance Partners with Muthoot Mercantile to Expand Insurance Distribution Network
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India (NewsVoir) Shriram Life Insurance Company Limited (SLIC) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Muthoot Mercantile Ltd. (MML), a Kerala-based Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) renowned for its gold loan services. Through this collaboration, MML will distribute Shriram Life's comprehensive insurance products across its extensive branch network, enhancing accessibility to life insurance solutions for customers nationwide. This alliance marks a significant step in SLIC's mission to broaden insurance outreach, leveraging MML's strong presence and customer base. Established in Kozhencherry, Kerala in 1949, MML became an RBI-registered NBFC in 2002. Today, it operates 307 branches across India, with 85 branches concentrated in Kerala and others located in Odisha, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu. Serving over 1.3 million customers and acquiring an average of 5,764 new clients monthly, MML primarily caters to the middle and upper-middle class segments. 'We are thrilled to partner with Muthoot Mercantile,' said R. Radhakrishnan, President of Shriram Life. 'This collaboration allows us to deliver reliable insurance solutions to a wider audience. In Kerala, we aim to support the growing focus on financial well-being while expanding our footprint in regions where insurance awareness is gaining momentum.' He added, 'MML's deep-rooted presence and loyal customer base make it an ideal partner. Together, we can strengthen our distribution network and make meaningful strides in bridging the protection gap.' The partnership is designed to bring personal protection solutions to Kerala and other regions where MML maintains a strong customer connection. 'This initiative is designed to extend insurance solutions to a wide segment of the Muthoot Mercantile customer base. It also empowers us to deliver a diverse portfolio of high-quality life insurance products to our valued clients,' said Richi Mathew, Managing Director of Muthoot Mercantile. 'With Shriram Life's trusted legacy and proven expertise in serving diverse customer segments, this partnership brings meaningful protection to more families across India.' About Shriram Life Insurance Company Shriram Life Insurance is committed to serving India's underserved families needing financial protection. With a network of 478 branches across the country, the company offers a range of affordable products including term, endowment, ULIPs, and annuities—tailored for rural and urban middle-class customers. SLIC maintains an average individual policy size of Rs. 25,346 and a non-single premium ticket size of Rs. 24,112, significantly below the industry average. With 14.4 lakh in-force policyholders and Rs. 13,207 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), the company drives financial inclusion by serving households earning Rs. 4–15 lakh annually, despite challenges in this segment. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
The Wire
an hour ago
- Health
- The Wire
Asian Institute of Medical Sciences Recognized Among 'Best Organizations to Work For in 2025' by ET Edge
Faridabad, Haryana, India (NewsVoir) Asian Institute of Medical Sciences (Asian), a leading name in India's healthcare sector, has been recognized as one of the Best Organizations to Work For in 2025 by ET Edge – a division of The Economic Times Group. This esteemed recognition underscores Asian's commitment to fostering a high-trust, high-performance culture that empowers its people to thrive and innovate. The award, presented by ET Now, honors organizations that demonstrate excellence in employee engagement, leadership development, workplace culture, and people-centric practices. Commenting on the achievement, Dr. N. K. Pandey, Chairman & Managing Director, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, said, 'This recognition is a proud moment for the entire Asian family. At Asian, we believe that great patient care begins with a great workplace. We have always focused on building a culture rooted in respect, collaboration, and purpose. This award is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and relentless commitment of our team members who are the true pillars of our institution.' Asian has been at the forefront of healthcare delivery with a strong focus on clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Equally, it has invested in employee development, wellness programs, leadership training, and fostering a collaborative work environment – making it one of the most admired employers in the healthcare industry. This honor further reinforces Asian's position as both a premier healthcare institution and an employer of choice. About Asian Institute of Medical Sciences Founded in 2010 in Faridabad, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences is a NABH and NABL accredited super specialty hospital known for delivering advanced healthcare with compassion. With world-class facilities and a strong team of experts, Asian continues to set benchmarks in clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, while also nurturing a people-first organizational culture. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
The Wire
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Wire
Debut book 'The Liar's Guide' by Sanjay Shukla explores the humour and psychology behind everyday lies
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 28: Sanjay Shukla (S.J.), a Hyderabad-based writer and content professional, has released his debut book The Liar's Guide: How to Lie Effectively and Get Away With It – a humorous and culturally rooted take on the everyday lies we all live with. The book is now available on Amazon, Flipkart, and Notion Press. In an era where 'truth' is filtered and fibbing is almost social currency, The Liar's Guide holds up a witty mirror to modern life. From harmless excuses like 'I'm five minutes away' to classic workplace jhooth like 'I've read the report,' the book explores how we navigate society with small, strategic untruths — often without even realizing it. 'This book is not a manual for deception — it's an honest, funny look at the lies we tell to survive office deadlines, social pressure, and dinner with relatives. It's a celebration of being human — flawed, funny, and occasionally full of it,' says author Sanjay Shukla. The idea for the book took shape over countless chai breaks and storytelling sessions at old Irani cafés of Hyderabad — places known more for 'phenkna' (exaggeration) than fact. Drawing inspiration from everyday Indian settings, the book examines why we lie, how we lie, and what these fibs reveal about us. A seasoned writer with a background in journalism, corporate storytelling, and satire, Sanjay blends sharp observation with desi humour, resulting in a read that is insightful, nostalgic, and laugh-out-loud funny. Published by Notion Press, the book is available in paperback (₹199), hardbound (₹299), and eBook formats. Currently, the eBook is available exclusively on Amazon Kindle. About the Author: Sanjay Shukla (S.J.) is a Hyderabad-based writer with over two decades of experience in journalism, healthcare communication, and storytelling. The Liar's Guide is his debut title, blending wit, satire, and cultural introspection. About Notion Press: Notion Press is a global platform created for those who believe in the power of words and their ability to shape the world around us. Our mission is to support aspiring authors in bringing their ideas to life by giving them a clear identity, a physical form, and a channel to reach readers. As we work to transform the publishing industry, we are committed to continuously innovating and enhancing the publishing experience. The Liar's Guide is available now: Amazon: Notion Press: For interviews, media enquiries, or review copies, please contact: Sanjay Shukla – shukla2001@ | Contact No. 91 8790788400 (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
The Wire
2 hours ago
- The Wire
Humayunpur: Where Fermented Tea Leaf Salads and Korean Bakeries Celebrate Delhi's Diversity
Until recently, my understanding of northeastern Indian cuisine was shaped by a film. Axone, a 2019 indie gem, follows a group of young northeastern women in Delhi on a fraught yet funny quest to cook a traditional dish for a wedding. The story, laced with themes of displacement, prejudice, and resilience, was a touching introduction. But looking back, it was just a sampler – an amuse-bouche, if you will – for a much richer culinary world I hadn't yet begun to understand. The full-course meal came this past weekend, thanks to an unexpected guide: Hemant Singh Katoch, historian, author, and perhaps one of the most qualified people in Delhi to bridge the cultural gap between the Indian mainland and the Northeast. Hemant's scholarship is best known through Imphal-Kohima 1944, a deeply researched book on the pivotal World War II campaign that thwarted the Japanese advance through Northeast India into Burma. But his time spent living and researching in the region–over five years across the Indian Northeast and Myanmar–also nurtured a deep appreciation for its overlooked cuisines. We were joined by Esha Roy, an equally insightful companion and former Northeast bureau chief for The Indian Express. Her reporting, often among the few handful of national coverage of the region in mainstream Indian media, has shaped how many Indians understand issues from Nagaland to Manipur. Our destination was The Grub House, a quiet eatery in Delhi's Humayunpur neighbourhood – essentially a microcosm of Northeast India in the capital. The place recently brought in a Burmese chef, and the menu reflects a shift: a willingness to present the cuisine without apology or fusion. We began with Htamin Thoke, a rice salad with lightly fermented notes; Kyaukpwint Thoke, a sea mushroom salad rich with umami; and finally, the standout: Lehpet Thoke, or fermented tea leaf salad. Salads in the Grub House. Photo: Faisal Mahmud. This dish is a hidden treasure in Myanmar – equal parts texture and taste, where bitter fermented tea meets the crunch of roasted beans, fried garlic, and a whisper of chilli heat (likely from fermented shrimp paste, that glorious umami bomb Southeast Asia has long mastered). Every bite delivered a bright jolt – intense, unexpected, addictive. The main course, Mohinga, is often called Myanmar's national morning dish. A fish-based broth with rice noodles, it's comfort food with depth – a cousin, perhaps, to Vietnamese pho or Thai khao soi, but with its own rustic complexity. Topped with crispy lentils and fried garlic, it became a bowl of warmth and surprise. Beyond the boundaries Most Indians know the Northeast through momos or generalised assumptions about 'tribal food.' Yet what I tasted was part of a much broader cultural and geopolitical landscape – one that includes ancient spice routes, the wartime legacy of the Burma campaign, and centuries of migration and exchange across what is now India, Myanmar, and Southeast Asia. Food is never just food. It's a marker of identity, autonomy, and sometimes survival. For decades, the cuisines of the Northeast have been marginalised in India's national consciousness – reduced to side dishes or stigmatised for their unfamiliar ingredients and 'strong smells.' This dinner felt like a quiet rebuttal to that dismissal, a celebration not just of flavour but of presence. After dinner, Hemant suggested we walk through the neighbourhood that – unlike much of sanitised, master-planned New Delhi – feels defiantly alive. Tucked behind the diplomatic sheen of South Delhi, this compact enclave has quietly evolved into a cultural refuge for Northeastern Indian communities, migrants from Myanmar, and even waves of Korean students and professionals who've carved out a new sense of belonging in the capital. Humayunpur. Photo: Faisal Mahmud. If Connaught Place is colonial nostalgia and Gurugram is global capitalism on steroids, then Humayunpur is a reminder of the grassroots, immigrant-powered energy that actually defines urban life. Here, diversity isn't performative–it's the lived-in, crowded, and deliciously fragrant reality of shared existence. You will find restaurants with names like Hornbill or Dzukou coexist with Korean grocery stores and Tibetan cafés. It's a pocket of pan-Asian coexistence in a city that too often flattens difference. As Hemant pointed out favourite spots – Naga joints with smoked pork and bamboo shoot, Tibetan cafés with steaming momos and butter tea, Korean bakeries tucked beside Assamese thali houses – the neighbourhood unfolded like a map of quiet resistance. Every eatery is more than just a business; it's an assertion of identity in a city that often tries to homogenise everything outside the mainstream. The streets hummed with something also rare in Delhi: a sense of community rooted in difference, not in spite of it. You could hear it in the easy laughter bouncing down narrow lanes, in the strains of Manipuri pop music mingling with Korean ballads, in the aromas of akhuni, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil spilling from kitchen vents. It is, in every way, a grassroots counterpoint to the elite conversation about 'India's soft power.' You don't need government-sponsored fusion food festivals or televised state dinners when neighbourhoods like this exist – when the soft power of fermented tea leaves, smoked meats, and multilingual menus can speak for themselves. By the time we left, the streets were still glowing. I couldn't help but feel that Humayunpur isn't just a place – it's a possibility. Of a city that doesn't flatten its people into one language or one cuisine or one face, but allows a hundred versions of 'home' to bloom in the same square mile. Faisal Mahmud is the Minister (Press) of Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
