Archives February 2025

New Delhi, February 28, 2025: Nestled in the heart of God’s Own Country, Kerala, Club Mahindra Thekkady offers an unforgettable retreat in a boutique forest setting, surrounded by rich wildlife and lush greenery. Located close to Kumily town, the resort seamlessly blends adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for nature and wildlife lovers. For hassle-free travel, the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, ensuring a quick and efficient journey. Arriving via Cochin allows guests to maximize their vacation time, stepping into adventure with energy and enthusiasm. For those traveling by train, Kottayam Railway Station serves as the closest railhead, connecting Thekkady to major cities across India.

Club Mahindra believes in crafting truly enriching vacations. To make the most of their holiday, guests can explore multiple destinations within Kerala, extending their stay across our scenic resorts. From the serene backwaters of Ashtamudi to the coastal charm of Cherai, the misty hills of Munnar, the tranquil beauty of Poovar, and the wilderness of Thekkady—each resort offers a unique experience, ensuring a diverse and fulfilling getaway.

Club Mahindra Thekkady is designed to offer premium comfort and an immersive stay amidst nature. The resort features 49 elegantly crafted rooms, including studio apartments, one-bedroom apartments, and studios with kitchenettes—each with private balconies that provide breathtaking views of the lush landscape. Dining at Club Mahindra Thekkady is a culinary delight. Spice Restaurant serves an elaborate buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with themed and festive dining experiences that celebrate Kerala’s rich flavors. Guests preferring a more personalized meal can choose from an extensive à la carte menu, while the Gourmet Express Service brings the convenience of in-room dining.

For a relaxed evening, the Grill Section near the spa offers a selection of mocktails, hot snacks, tea, and coffee. Seafood lovers can indulge in freshly prepared Kerala delicacies, with the option to select their preferred catch. For an authentic taste of tradition, a Kerala Sadhya can be arranged upon request. To elevate the experience, special dining options such as candlelight dinners by the pool and bonfire barbecues create unforgettable moments under the stars. For indoor game enthusiasts, Happy Hub offers the perfect blend of recreation and entertainment. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including chess, carrom, table tennis, video games, and an immersive E-gaming zone. Outdoor adventure seekers can explore thrilling wildlife experiences such as jeep safaris, boating at Periyar Lake, and plantation tours, or participate in adventure sports like rope climbing, rifle shooting, and archery.

Each evening, Kerala’s vibrant traditions come to life through captivating Kalaripayattu (martial arts) and Kathakali (classical dance-drama) performances, thoughtfully curated within the resort. Guests can also immerse themselves in the region’s rich heritage through activities like an embossing painting workshop. Saturdays bring an added treat with Cultural Night, where guests can immerse themselves in traditional music, dance, and local festivities. For those seeking a short yet refreshing escape, the Daycation package offers access to the swimming pools, relaxation areas, and delightful dining options, ensuring a rejuvenating experience.

Nearby attractions add to the adventure. The Periyar Tiger Reserve, just 4 km from the resort, offers a chance to witness tigers and other exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. For thrill-seekers, there are exciting jungle safaris such as Gavi Eco-Tourism Safari, Sathram Jungle Safari, and Ayamoozhy Jungle Safari. Nature lovers can visit a spice garden to explore Kerala’s rich biodiversity, while history and wellness enthusiasts can delve into the 5,000-year-old Ayurveda Museum, a fascinating insight into Kerala’s ancient healing traditions.

For the ultimate relaxation, the Svaastha Ayurvedic Spa offers a rejuvenating escape with authentic Kerala therapies, including Kizhi treatments, full-body massages, and Sirodhara therapy. Designed for both couples and families, the spa provides dedicated treatment rooms, ensuring a deeply soothing and personalized wellness experience. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, Club Mahindra Thekkady has expanded its solar energy capacity by 110 kwp, further promoting eco-conscious living and responsible tourism.

With a seamless blend of nature, luxury, and culture, Club Mahindra Thekkady promises an unparalleled experience, ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable and enriching stay.

Bengaluru, February 28, 2025: Myntra, one of India’s leading fashion, beauty, and lifestyle destinations, is all set to celebrate Fashion’s Biggest Party – the Myntra Birthday Blast with the launch of its new campaign featuring two ad films. One of the films features veteran music composer Anu Malik and TV personality Maheep Kapoor on celluloid, while the other sees Abbas-Mastan, Usha Uthup, Kusha Kapila, Gia Manek, Rupal Patel, and Chunky Panday in a hilarious take on the Myntra Birthday Blast. Packed with fashion, fun, and incredible deals, the second edition of the Myntra Birthday Blast, kicking off on March 1, also includes return gifts and surprises for its customers.

In the first ad film, Maheep Kapoor’s lavish birthday party turns into a fiasco when she realizes her guests are attending Myntra’s Birthday Blast instead, drawn by the tempting return gifts on offer. Anu Malik, also featured in the ad, is initially shocked but adds to the comedy with a quirky song, all while showcasing the exciting offers at play.

The second film follows Kusha Kapila as she conducts a “fashion refresh” for iconic Indian cinema figures like Abbas-Mastan, Usha Uthup, Chunky Panday, Rupal Patel, and Gia Manek, who have their unique style. This ad combines global fashion trends with beloved characters, blending humor, meme culture, and topical references into a fun and stylish narrative.

Speaking on the campaign, Kejal Parekh, Associate Director, Marketing, Myntra, said, “As we approach the significant milestone of celebrating Myntra’s 18th year, we’re incredibly excited to launch the second edition of the Myntra Birthday Blast. Our customers have been the cornerstone of our journey, and this year, we want to express our gratitude through unique ‘return gifts’ and the best trends in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle that truly reflect our appreciation. To add a layer of light-hearted fun and amplify the excitement surrounding this event, we’ve collaborated with icons like Abbas-Mastan, Anu Malik, Usha Uthup and Chunky Panday, Maheep Kapoor and Kusha Kapila. Their unique personalities and entertaining presence bring an unexpected and engaging twist to both films while showcasing how the Myntra Birthday Blast is the definitive destination for exceptional value and unforgettable experiences.”

Organized in Pune, Atharva Arya took a 5-wicket haul to win the match for his team

Atharva Arya, a 16-year-old student from The Academy School (TAS) Pune, won the Man of the Match award in the Final of the Under-16 cricket tournament organized by the Lions International Club in Pune, Rahatani.

Playing for Chondhe Patil Academy, Arya was the Most Valuable Player and won the Man of the Match award after he took 5 wickets for 13 runs in 7 overs. His record-breaking spell in the final also included three maidens which helped the team win the match comfortably. The match was played at the 4 Star Ground, Hinjewadi. Along with domination with the ball, Arya also showcased exceptional batting prowess.

Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of TAS, said Arya’s feat is a testament to how talent is nurtured and encouraged at the school. “Arya, who is in Grade X, is not only an exceptional cricketing talent but also bright in academics. He will go places and achieve many more such milestones in the future. We at TAS believe in pursuing your areas of interest along with education. We believe that education and recreation can go hand in hand,” she stated.

Hyderabad, 28th February: iSprout is revolutionizing the airport experience for business travellers with the launch of Flyers Club, a premium business lounge designed for professionals on the move. Flyers Club offers a sophisticated and well-equipped workspace, enabling travellers to work, conduct meetings, attend conference calls, or simply relax in a productive office-like environment within the airport.

With state-of-the-art private meeting rooms, high-speed internet, business-class amenities, and an al fresco seating area, Flyers Club ensures that productivity never stops, even while waiting for a flight. Whether for a quick meeting, uninterrupted work, or a quiet space to strategize, the lounge caters to the evolving needs of modern business travellers.

Additionally, Flyers Club offers a personalized concierge service within the airport premises to provide seamless assistance to professionals. Services include:

•  Guest reception on arrival
•  Comfortable lounge access for relaxation and networking
•  Transportation arrangements for seamless city transfers
•  Business centre services for document support, printing, and more
•  Hotel booking assistance for hassle-free stays
•  Expedited departure services with quick check-in assistance

Sundari Patibandla, CEO, of iSprout, said “We understand the challenges faced by professionals who are always on the go. Flyers Club bridges the gap between travel and work, offering a premium, comfortable, and fully equipped workspace within the airport. Our goal is to enhance the business travel experience by ensuring every traveller hasaccess to a professional and efficient work environment, no matter where they are.”

Building on this success, iSprout is in discussions to expand Flyers Club to other major airports across India, including Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bhogapuram.

Mr. Sreenivas Tirdhala, Co-Founder & CSO (Chief Strategy Officer), of iSprout, Expressing his excitement, stated, “Since our inception in 2017, iSprout has been committed to redefining workspaces. Flyers Club is an extension of that vision, providing professionals with a flexible, collaborative, and high-end space to work while travelling. Airports are dynamic hubs for business, and Flyers Club sets a new benchmark in premium business lounges tailored to meet these unique needs.”

With the launch of Flyers Club, iSprout continues its mission of transforming workspaces by introducing premium business lounges that align with the evolving demands of modern professionals. By integrating cutting-edge amenities, ergonomic workspaces, and concierge services, Flyers Club is set to redefine productivity and convenience for business travellers.

Hyderabad, 28 February 2025: The much-awaited annual ‘Jashn-e-Haleem’Paradise Haleem Festival is to kickstart from 28th February onwards adding to the festive mood in Hyderabad. Hyderabadis can now relish in Paradise Haleem which will be available across all their pan India outlets for dine-in and take-aways and home delivery modes through Swiggy Zomato and Paradise App.

The festival brings exotic Mutton and Chicken Haleem priced at respectively. Cooked with twenty-nine best quality ingredients and 10% pure ghee. Mutton and Chicken Family Packs are also for group sharing with Friends and Family.

Exclusive for Dine-In Customers – They even have special ‘Paradise Haleem Value Combo Deals’ where customers can add a Beverage or their favorite Double Ka Meetha and get amazing discounts.

For patrons to enjoy their Favourite Hot Haleem, Paradise would even have their traditional ‘Paradise Haleem Bhattis’ at select prominent locations like Secunderabad, Gwachibowli, Kukatpally, Kothapet, Shamshabad, Beghumpet.

That’s not all -This year, to celebrate this occasion, they even launching an Exclusive Hyderabad Special, ‘Paradise Iftaar box’ comprising of Haleem, Fries, Dates, Fruits, and Beverages which will be available on Delivery and Takeaway, available whole day, during this period.

Aligned with its hygiene standards, Paradise will maintain the highest safety protocols ensuring the best for its customers. The choicest picks of the spices are used in the correct proprietary ratios followed by their cooking methods. Quality control and safety protocols are given priority from preparation to catering the food on the table as has been customary at Paradise for decades.

On the launch of the Paradise Haleem Festival 2025 Mr Gautam Gupta, CEO – of Paradise Food Court Pvt. Ltd. said, “With our great legacy, our brand has been an integral part of our customer’s lives. We take pride in saying Dil Se Hyderabadi and this is yet another moment of the year for families and friends to come together over our ‘Jashn-E-Haleem’, a pure Hyderabadi delight. People look forward to this time of the year eagerly and this year we have a special lineup of offerings ranging from our Paradise Mutton/ Chicken Haleem, Haleem Value Combo Deals, and Paradise Iftaar Box. As always, we are braced up to serve the most favourite foods of Hyderabadis bringing quality, taste and safety together keeping up with the Paradise brand promise”

The food chain recently won Restaurant Awards 2024 – Telangana & Andhra Pradesh, a prestigious event organized by Restaurant India and Franchise India. It has acquired its place in the Limca Book of Records for ‘Most Biryanis Served In A Year’. In 2017, Paradise catered over 70 lakh servings of biryani and in 2018 the numbers crossed over 90 lakh. Paradise also won the ‘Restaurant Serving The Best Biryani’ award at the Asia Food Congress and the Golden Spoon Award at the India Food Forum in 2018. Through the years they have won several accolades and laurels from Telangana State Hotels Associations, GHMC, Times Food Award, Pride of Telangana, and Lifetime Achievement Award to name a few.

Mumbai, 28th February25:BillMartFintechPvt.Ltd., India’s leading and new age digital lending platform specializing in bill discounting, trade finance, and supply chain solutions, has signed a strategic MoU with the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), becoming the official Digital Funding Partner for its members. BillMart was also part of the recently held 80th National Garment Fair, where it actively engaged with industry leaders, hosting insightful sessions with garment manufacturers and founders on the future of digital financing in the apparel sector.

The Indian textile and apparel industry is valued at $138 billion, with the domestic apparel market alone accounting for $100 billion. The sector is one of the largest employment generators, supporting over 45 million people, including a vast network of MSMEs that form the backbone of this industry.

With this partnership, CMAI members will gain seamless access to bill discounting, and working capital solutions, enabling faster credit processing and improved liquidity. Through BillMart’s AI-powered financing platform, garment businesses can now convert outstanding invoices into immediate cash flow, ensuring smoother operations, better supplier relationships, and enhanced business growth.

Driving Growth&Financial AccessforMSMEs-SMEs

Mr.AshokMittal, MD&CEO, BillMart Fintech, shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “With the textile and apparel sector employing over 45 million people, MSMEs-SMEs play a critical role in both domestic supply chains and exports. Accessibility to fast and efficient funding is key to sustaining and scaling these businesses. Our AI-driven trade finance and bill discounting solutions will help CMAI members manage working capital efficiently, reduce financial stress, and fuel business expansion. By leveraging technology, we aim to make supply chain finance smarter and more accessible, ensuring liquidity support for apparel businesses at every level.”

CMAI’sVisionforFinancialInclusion
On this development, MrSantoshKatariya, President, CMAI said, “With India’s garment industry growing at a 10% CAGR, financial agility is crucial for manufacturers to stay competitive. Smooth money rotation is essential for business sustainability, and this collaboration with BillMart will provide CMAI members with innovative financial solutions to fuel expansion. The tailored offerings will empower garment manufacturers by improving liquidity, meeting market demands efficiently, and enabling local growth.This partnership

is a significant step in revolutionizing trade finance for the garment industry, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can unlock capital faster, optimize working capital, and drive long-term success.”

Bengaluru, February 28, 2025 -Medtronic, a leader in medical technology and Philips, a leader in health technology announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in India, to educate and train cardiologists and radiologists on advanced imaging techniques for structural heart diseases. This partnership aims to upskill 300+ clinicians in multi-modality imaging such as echocardiography (echo) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), especially for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients.

The training program will combine didactic sessions with hands-on experience delivered on Philips’ cutting-edge ultrasound and MRI systems, under the guidance of renowned international and Indian experts. 15 key medical institutions have been identified specializing in structural heart procedures for these educational workshops.

Speaking on the collaboration Mandeep Singh Kumar, Managing Director and Vice President of Medtronic India said, “We are excited to partner with Philips to bring this innovative training initiative to life. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to improving patient outcomes, particularly for those with chronic kidney disease and ESRD. By providing specialized training and advanced imaging solutions, we aim to equip healthcare professionals with the tools they need to enhance the precision of TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) procedures and ultimately improve patient care.”

“At Philips, every effort we make is centered on providing better care for more people and this partnership with Medtronic is another step towards our goal. By focusing on innovation and education in structural heart imaging across India, we aim to address the rapid advancements in multi-modality imaging through continuous learning. Our objective is to empower clinicians with advanced techniques such as echocardiography and MRI, leading to more accurate diagnoses and improved care outcomes, especially for ESRD patients”, said Bharath Sesha, Managing Director, Philips Indian Subcontinent. “As India’s healthcare landscape progresses to address its high disease burden, we remain committed to enhancing clinical expertise and making a meaningful impact on patient care”.

With the rising incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in India, adding approximately 2.2 lakh new cases of ESRD each year, and global studies indicating that 9.5% of ESRD patients with Aortic Stenosis can benefit from advanced imaging technologies during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), there is a critical need for advanced diagnostic solutions and specialized training for clinicians.

Medtronic transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system recently celebrated a significant milestone: 20 years since its first-in-human procedure in 2004. This landmark achievement underscores Medtronic’s unwavering commitment to continuous innovation and commercialization in the field of cardiovascular care. Over the past two decades, Medtronic has introduced a series of groundbreaking TAVR systems in India, consistently pushing the boundaries of minimally invasive heart valve replacement and improving patient outcomes.

INDIA, February 28, 2025 – Honeywell today announced that it has developed a new technology, Digital Holographic Microscopy, that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help count and classify tiny particles or cells. This technology has the potential to be used across many industries where timely analysis and simplified operations are critical.

Within the healthcare industry, for example, Digital Holographic Microscopy can be used to shorten treatment time for patients receiving at-home peritoneal dialysis. These patients are susceptible to abdominal lining infections – due to the time it takes to send the samples to a lab with specialized equipment, today it can take 1-2 days to diagnose these infections, during which time the patient’s condition can often worsen if not treated.

To help address this challenge, Digital Holographic Microscopy can capture images of the patient’s dialysis fluid at the point-of-care by using a portable device with a laser, imager sensor and disposable microscope slide. These images are analyzed by AI algorithms to rapidly determine if the number and type of white blood cells indicates an infection so patients can receive appropriate treatment more quickly and effectively.

“We are seeing a growing need for solutions that can provide results that are both rapid and precise, empowering healthcare professionals to make informed decisions quickly,” said Sarah Martin, president of Honeywell Sensing Solutions. “We have invested in innovations like Digital Holographic Microscopy because of their power to make testing and analysis more accessible to patients while also improving patient care and efficiency across our healthcare system.”

Beyond clinical care, Digital Holographic Microscopy can be used in environmental applications to analyze types and amounts of various air pollutants to help achieve safer indoor air levels. It can also monitor cells and other organisms in liquid samples for quality and safety.

Delhi, February 2025 – In a special initiative to empower women in higher education, ITM Business School is proud to announce the ITM Scholarship Entrance Exam, exclusively for female candidates. The exam will be conducted offline at ITM Business School’s Kharghar campus on 8th March 2025, marking a special celebration of Women’s Day by supporting aspiring women leaders in their academic and professional journeys.

Female candidates interested in applying for the exam can directly connect with ITM’s counselors, who will provide them with a special coupon code to wave off the application form fee. This initiative is designed to encourage more women to step forward and access quality management education.

Speaking about this initiative, Dr. Lakshmi Mohan, Pro Vice Chancellor at ITM Business School, said, “At ITM, we are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where talented women can thrive. Through this Women’s Day special scholarship entrance exam, we aim to support ambitious female candidates in their pursuit of higher education, helping them take confident strides toward leadership and success.”

The ITM Scholarship Entrance Exam serves as a gateway for candidates seeking admission to ITM’s MBA programs, offering scholarships to meritorious students. With a strong legacy of academic excellence and industry-focused programs, ITM Business School continues to support and uplift talented individuals by providing them with the right opportunities to grow.

February 28, 2025; Mumbai, India: Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis joined Vivekanand Education Society (VES), Chembur in Mumbai to commemorate the centenary of its visionary founder, Shri Hashu Ji Advani on 26th February 2025. Joining the celebrations as the Honorable Chief Guest Shri Devendra Fadnavis launched the VES Legacy Coffee Table Book on the life of Shri Hashu Ji Advani, his vision, and transformative contributions to education. The event was also graced by Mr. Kumar Taurani, Producer, Director, and Owner of Tips Industries Limited; Mr. Vivek Chandrakant Rao, Pintail Worldwide Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Sandeep Mishra, Chief Distribution Officer, Aditya Birla Sun Life and Mr. Vishal Ratanghayra – Director, Platinum Corp. Additionally, Shri Rajesh Gehani – Secretary, VES, Shri Prakash Lulla – Treasurer, VES and Shri Suresh Malkani, President, VES were also present.

The Chief Minister remembered Shri Hashu Ji Advani and praised VES for its unwavering dedication to fostering learning and academic excellence. “Today, as we gather at Vivekanand Education Society, we see Hashu Ji Advani’s vision reflected in every corner of this institution. We must not only remember his contributions but also work towards instilling his values in our society. My heartfelt congratulations to the institution, its leaders, faculty, and students for carrying forward his legacy with such dedication.” Shri Devendra Fadnavis said.

“Swami Vivekananda once said that while the 20th century may have belonged to England and America, the 21st century will belong to India. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is progressing rapidly—we have become the world’s fifth-largest economy and will soon be the third-largest. By 2047, we are on course to becoming a fully developed nation, the world’s leading economy, realizing Swami Vivekananda’s dream. Hashu Ji’s dream of empowering future generations is being realized through this institution.” he concluded.

Shri Suresh Malkani, President, VES, said, “We are honored to have with us the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji, a leader committed to good governance and progress. We launch the VES Legacy Coffee Table Book celebrating Shri Hashu Ji Advani’s inspiring journey and the transformative impact of the Vivekananda Education Society. More than a book, it is a tribute to a visionary dedicated to public service, education, and nation-building. As we unveil it, let us draw inspiration from his legacy and express our gratitude to Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji for his unwavering support of educational initiatives like VES.”

The centenary celebrations featured a variety of events, including ‘Sindhis Got Talent,’ a cultural showcase celebrating the Sindhi community heritage through music and dance. The Marathon – The Hashu Advani Legacy Run, marked the beginning of the festivities, bringing together students, alumni, and fitness enthusiasts to honor Shri Hashu Ji Advani’s vision of holistic development. A medical camp provided essential health services such as eye check-ups, a blood donation drive, a cancer awareness seminar, and a wellness session. The initiative resulted in the collection of 400 units of blood and saw participation from professors, senior students, and dignitaries, including Deputy Police Commissioner Shri Suhas Warke, IPS.