Archives March 2025

Hyderabad, 26th March 2025: Sri Ushakanth, a legendary musician and iconic figure in Hyderabad’s cultural landscape, passed away today at 12:40 pm. A multifaceted talent, he excelled as a lyricist, singer, composer, and music director.

Musical Legacy

Sri Ushakanth’s impressive repertoire includes:

– Musical ballets: Sri Datta Gadha, Kalyana Ramam, Geetha Govindam, Aandal Kalyanam, and Sapta Chala Sankeerthanam

– TTD projects: Palikedidi Bhagavatamata

– Acclaimed musical album: Chilaka Palukulu (Telugu Nursery Rhymes)

Awards and Recognition

Sri Ushakanth received numerous prestigious awards, including:

– Ghantasala Award (2003)

– National Awards for SIVA Ganga (Musical Ballet) and CHALO-DELHI (Children’s Film)

Sri Ushakanth is survived by:

– Son Dr. Sreekanth, a senior consultant at Apollo Hospitals and singer-composer;

– Daughter-in-law Dr. Suseela, a doctor and dancer;

– Son-in-law Mr. Sunder Lakshman, Vice President of Mahathi’s Music Academy;

– Daughter Smt. Radhika Lakshman, an accomplished singer;

– Granddaughter Ms. Rohini, IT consultant, dancer, and singer and

– Grandson Sreenigam, a budding doctor and singer.

The final rites of Sri Ushakanth will be performed at Mahaprasthanam, Jubilee Hills, on Wednesday, March 26, morning.

Sulwhasoo, the luxury Korean skincare brand renowned for its heritage-driven approach to beauty, hosted an intimate gathering at Arts Café, NMACC, Mumbai, on March 19. The event offered a thoughtfully curated experience that blended time-honored traditions with modern skincare innovations, inviting guests to indulge in rituals that nourish both skin and spirit.

The afternoon unfolded with a tea leaf reading session, a symbolic nod to Sulwhasoo’s deep-rooted connection to nature and tradition. Mini Sood, Amore Pacific’s Assistant Director & Head of Marketing, welcomed the beauty enthusiasts to experience the brand’s legacy and took them through the marvels of Korean skincare. This was followed by a personalized skin analysis, where guests gained insight into their skin’s unique needs while discovering Sulwhasoo’s transformative formulations. The highlight of the event was an elegantly curated sit-down lunch, where guests indulged in a menu inspired by Korean elements and Ginseng—the hero ingredient of Sulwhasoo’s skincare philosophy. Each dish was thoughtfully crafted to reflect the brand’s essence, creating a sensorial experience that extended beyond skincare

The event brought together notable personalities such as Maheep Kapoor and Bhavna Pandey, along with key KOLs like Janki Desai, Nisha Agarwal, and Anshula Kapoor, who immersed themselves in the world of holistic beauty and timeless rituals.

Guests experienced Sulwhasoo’s most coveted skincare range, including the newly relaunched Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, Serum, and Eye Cream, alongside other sought-after formulations like First Care Activating Serum, Gentle Cleansing Foam, Overnight Vitalizing Mask, Clarifying Mask, Gentle Cleansing Oil, and White Ginseng Radiance Refining Mask.

Reflecting on the brand’s journey in India, Paul Lee, AmorePacific Managing Director & Country Head, shared, “As we look back on Sulwhasoo’s presence in India, we are deeply grateful for the warm reception from beauty enthusiasts. Hosting this event marks not just a milestone but a testament to our growing bond with discerning consumers. Together, we celebrate a confluence of Korean heritage and Indian beauty culture—one that is rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving. Here’s to many more years of timeless beauty powered by art, innovation, and ritual.”

Mini Sood Banerjee, Assistant Director & Marketing Head at AmorePacific, further emphasized the brand’s vision, adding, “True beauty is cultivated through rituals that nurture both skin and soul. Through this event, we wanted our guests to experience not just Sulwhasoo’s formulations but the artistry and intention behind each product. The integration of Ginseng into both skincare and the menu was a reflection of how beauty extends beyond topical care it’s an immersive, holistic journey.”

Jin Hyuk Lee, Brand General Manager of Sulwhasoo India, shared his thoughts on the brand’s legacy, stating, “Sulwhasoo is more than skincare it is a philosophy, a journey that intertwines the wisdom of traditional ingredients with modern science. With the relaunch of our iconic Concentrated Ginseng Renewing range, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation while staying rooted in our rich heritage. India has embraced Sulwhasoo with open arms, and this event is a testament to our shared love for mindful beauty.”

Set against the refined backdrop of Arts Café, NMACC, the event was a celebration of mindful beauty where self-care met storytelling. Guests engaged in enriching conversations and departed with a renewed appreciation for holistic skincare, leaving with a deeper understanding of Sulwhasoo’s commitment to timeless beauty.

A pioneer in skincare innovations that go beyond the skin’s surface, Sulwhasoo uncovered every skin’s potential at this event.

New Delhi, 25th March 2025 — MAXHUB, a global leader in interactive and collaborative technology, is thrilled to launch the MAXHUB V5 Classic C55FA, a next-generation 55-inch 4K ultra HD interactive display designed to redefine collaboration in corporate and educational settings. Offering seamless connectivity, an intuitive touch experience, and high-performance audiovisual capabilities, this innovative solution makes teamwork more efficient, engaging, and accessible than ever before.

The MAXHUB V5 Classic C55FA is engineered with 20-point infrared (IR) touch technology, allowing for precise, natural interactions. Featuring an ultra-fast response time of 6.5ms and ±1mm accuracy, users can collaborate effortlessly using fingers or a passive infrared pen—ideal for brainstorming sessions, presentations, and training modules.

Superior Visual and Audio Experience for Impactful Communication
Equipped with a 55-inch 4K ultra HD display, this interactive flat panel delivers unparalleled clarity with a contrast ratio of 4000:1, NTSC 90% color gamut, and DLED backlighting. The 178° wide viewing angle ensures visibility from all perspectives, making it perfect for both large and small meeting spaces.

The powerful 2.1 channel audio system includes dual 10W speakers and a 20W subwoofer, creating an immersive sound experience for video conferences, presentations, and interactive sessions.

Effortless Connectivity and Smart Collaboration Features
Designed to support a wide range of business applications, the MAXHUB V5 Classic C55FA features USB 3.0, USB Type-C, HDMI, and RS232 ports, providing seamless integration with multiple devices. It is fully compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Chrome, and Linux, ensuring smooth operations across different platforms.

For enhanced video conferencing, this interactive display includes a built-in 12MP camera and six high-performance microphones with an 8-meter voice pickup range, delivering clear, uninterrupted communication in hybrid and remote work environments.

Built for Durability and Energy Efficiency
Crafted for long-lasting performance, the MAXHUB V5 Classic C55FA boasts an operational lifespan of 30,000+ hours. Its standby power consumption of less than 0.5W reinforces MAXHUB’s commitment to sustainable, energy-efficient technology solutions.

“The MAXHUB V5 Classic C55FA is more than just a display—it’s a game-changing collaboration hub designed to elevate teamwork and engagement across industries,” said Pankaj Jha, Managing Director, MAXHUB India. “Whether in a corporate boardroom, a higher education classroom, or a training facility, this solution is tailored to enhance productivity and interaction.”

Mumbai, March 25, 2025: GenAI startup NeuralGarage, has emerged as the first ever Indian startup to win the SXSW Pitch Competition at the globally renowned SXSW conference & festival. This annual event based in Austin (Texas) is one of the most definite and globally recognised events that celebrates the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture. From a global shortlist of thousands of startups, NeuralGarage won in the “Entertainment, Media, Sports & Content” category for their technology “VisualDub” which solves the problem of visual discord in dubbed content by syncing actors’ expressions & lip movements with the dubbed audio, to ensure an authentic and immersive viewing experience.

Running continuously for over 17 years, startups who have won this competition have raised over $23B in investments over the years. The jury comprised members from the venture capital, entertainment & content industry that makes the win even more significant since “VisualDub” is a tech solution built for the last mile of content localisation, a problem that the entertainment industry has been trying to solve for years.

An essential destination for creative professionals from the entertainment & content industry globally, the SXSW festival features film and television screenings, world-class exhibitions, & award ceremonies. Over the years it has become an immensely significant platform where the best of the entertainment & content industry gets showcased. This year some of the biggest names in Hollywood like Robert Downey Jr.,Matt Damon, Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Nicole Kidman, Nicolas Cage, Blake Lively, Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Aaron Paul, Pedro Pascal, Kevin Bacon & many others came to showcase their latest work. The highlight of the event this year was a special fireside session by Michelle Obama and the screening of Michael Bay’s latest documentary “We are Storror”.

Speaking on the win, Mandar Natekar, NeuralGarage’s Co-Founder and CEO said, “The win is special because to win at SXSW means validation for our technology “VisualDub” that has been built for the global entertainment industry. To be able to pitch our tech on this influential platform in front of a global community of the brightest minds in the entertainment & content business was a thrilling experience and this is a stepping stone for us to bring this technology to the world shortly.”

Founded in 2021 by Mandar Natekar, Anjan Banerjee, Subhabrata Debnath & Subhashish Saha, NeuralGarage is building proprietary AI models specifically targeted to meet the exacting standards of the global entertainment industry and will change the way content is created, distributed and consumed across theatrical releases, streaming platforms and broadcast networks.

By DR Narayana Subramaniam

Bengaluru March 25, 2025– The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, and many other vital bodily functions. While thyroid disorders often involve decreased hormone production, the gland can also be affected by cancer. Dr Narayana Subramainam shares some important insights into the same.

How Common Is Thyroid Cancer and Who Is at Risk?

Thyroid cancer is more common in women. In India, it affects approximately 3-4 women per 1 lakh population and 1 man per 1 lakh population. Although it can occur at any age—from children to the elderly—most cases are diagnosed in individuals aged 30 to 50 years.
There are four major types of thyroid cancer, with papillary carcinoma being the most common. Fortunately, it typically responds well to treatment, and most patients go on to lead normal, healthy lives.

What Are the Signs of Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer often causes mild or no symptoms. However, possible signs include:

• A lump in the front of the neck that moves when swallowing.
• Voice changes or hoarseness.
• Discomfort or difficulty swallowing.
• Swelling or lumps on the side of the neck (due to lymph node involvement).
• Occasionally, it is incidentally detected during neck scans done for other reasons.
• Rarely, thyroid cancer may present as a rapidly growing, painful neck mass with swallowing or breathing difficulties.

How Is It Diagnosed? Should You Get Screened?

Thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed through:

• Ultrasound scanning of the neck.
• Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) – a needle test used to confirm the diagnosis.
• CT or MRI scans may be necessary in advanced cases.

Routine screening is not required unless you have a family history of thyroid cancer. This is because many people have harmless, non-cancerous thyroid nodules that can lead to unnecessary tests, procedures, and anxiety when detected incidentally.

How Is It Treated?

Treatment typically involves:

• Surgery: Removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), sometimes along with affected lymph nodes.
• Radioiodine therapy: A nuclear medicine treatment that targets remaining or spread cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy or chemotherapy: Used in select cases, depending on the cancer type and stage.

Is It Curable?

Yes, thyroid cancer is often curable.

• Papillary thyroid cancer in younger patients (<55 years) has a nearly 100% survival rate at 5 years.
• Other types also have high survival rates, depending on the type, stage, and treatment.
• Even in advanced cases, survival is possible with early diagnosis and appropriate, specialized treatment.

Early detection and timely, expert care are key to maximizing outcomes. If you have concerns or symptoms, consult with a qualified specialist promptly.

Pune, 25 March 2025– Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is elevating its culinary offerings with a delectable Italian twist, introducing the chef’s signature handcrafted pizzas. Expertly crafted using the finest, freshest ingredients, these pizzas are a perfect blend of authentic flavors, artisanal techniques, and a touch of culinary magic. Each bite delivers a symphony of mouthwatering toppings, a perfectly baked golden crust, and rich, gooey cheese, making it an irresistible treat for pizza lovers.

 Whether guests choose to dine in and enjoy the warm, inviting ambiance of the hotel or order for a cozy evening at home, these handcrafted pizzas promise a burst of indulgent flavors. Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is proud to be the only place in Chakan and Talegaon offering this one-of-a-kind Italian experience, making it the ultimate destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable dining adventure.

 Beyond just a meal, these pizzas are a celebration of flavors, textures, and aromas that bring people together. The hotel’s chefs have meticulously designed the menu to cater to diverse palates, offering a variety of delicious toppings and combinations to satisfy every craving. From classic Margherita to gourmet specialties, each pizza is a testament to culinary excellence and passion.

 Renowned for its world-class hospitality and commitment to culinary innovation, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan continues to redefine the dining experience with creative and high-quality offerings. With a passion for excellence and a dedication to customer satisfaction, the hotel remains a favorite among food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

25th March 2025, India – At the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) headquarters, Sunfox Technologies was showcased as one of the five breakthrough healthcare technologies selected for its potential to transform global health. The event, which brought together some of India’s most impactful medical innovations, was further marked by the presence of renowned philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

Spandan, a pioneering technology in cardiac monitoring, stood out for its ability to make hospital-grade cardiac care accessible and affordable. In a one-on-one conversation with Bill Gates, Spandan’s impact on reducing cardiac mortality worldwide was acknowledged and praised.

Reflecting on the experience, Rajat Jain, Founder of Sunfox Technologies, stated, “Being at ICMR HQ among India’s most promising healthcare innovations was an incredible honor. Hearing Bill Gates recognize Sunfox Technologies’s potential to change the world was both humbling and energizing. It reinforced our mission to make high-quality cardiac monitoring accessible to millions.”

Bill Gates, impressed by the innovation, emphasized the broader impact of India’s healthcare advancements, stating: “At Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), I saw how India’s homegrown innovations are saving lives. Fetal monitoring systems are helping mothers and newborns, real-time TB detection is catching cases sooner, and streamlined delivery systems are bringing medicine to remote communities faster. These breakthroughs aren’t just changing health outcomes in India—they have the power to change the world.”

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, and Sunfox Technologies is poised to address this challenge by placing life-saving technology into the hands of millions. With its innovative approach to affordable, real-time cardiac monitoring, Sunfox Technologies has the power to significantly reduce cardiac-related fatalities and improve healthcare accessibility worldwide.

Chandigarh, March 25, 2025 – NMIMS Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, successfully hosted the prestigious National Moot Court Competition on March 22-23, 2025. The two-day event saw participation from 28 teams across the country, with each team consisting of three members—two speakers and one researcher—providing a platform for aspiring legal professionals to demonstrate their advocacy skills and legal acumen.

The competition commenced with a grand inaugural ceremony, featuring a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. Dr. Rashmi Khurana Nagpal, Director of NMIMS Chandigarh, welcomed esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Jagmohan Bansal and Guest of Honor Dr. Balram K. Gupta. In her address, Dr. Nagpal reflected on her personal journey as a law student, underscoring the value of early exposure to mooting. She also shared an inspiring anecdote about eminent lawyer Raj Bihari Ghosh, highlighting the role of quick thinking and legal acumen in advocacy.

Dr. Balram K. Gupta, a stalwart in legal education, shared insights from his tenure at Panjab University, where he pioneered the concept of a Moot Society. He emphasized the significance of mooting as a training ground for budding lawyers and recounted anecdotes about legal luminaries like Nani Palkhiwala and Tej Bahadur Sapru, encouraging students to pursue excellence.

Chief Guest Jagmohan Bansal addressed the gathering, elaborating on the three pillars of legal practice—client acquisition, thorough preparation, and courtroom performance. Drawing from personal experiences and select film excerpts, he illustrated key lessons in legal strategy and ethics. He emphasized the ABC rule—Availability, Behavior, and Competence—as essential qualities for a successful legal career.

The competition saw intense rounds of arguments, with the preliminary and quarterfinals held on March 22, where experienced advocates judged the proceedings. The semi-finals and finals took place on March 23, with teams presenting compelling arguments before a distinguished panel, including senior advocates and sitting judges.

The moot proposition was centered around Aryan, a 17-year-old minor who, despite being underage, was tried as an adult for a criminal offense. Aryan, aged 17 years and 305 days, was considered a child in conflict with the law under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. A Special Leave Petition (SLP) was filed in the Supreme Court under Article 136, highlighting the exceptional nature of the case and the grave miscarriage of justice in trying Aryan as an adult. The moot proposition sparked intense debates surrounding the legal principles of juvenile justice, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors in conflict with the law according to the established framework of the Juvenile Justice Act.

The closing ceremony was graced by legal luminaries, including Advocate Ankur Mittal (Additional Advocate General, Haryana), Hon’ble Justice Raj Shekhar Attri (Retd. Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court), Hon’ble Justice Mahabir Singh Sandhu (Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court), and Shri Pawanjit Singh (President, District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, U.T. Chandigarh). The dignitaries emphasized the importance of mooting as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical legal experience.

Hon’ble Justice Raj Shekhar Attri lauded the competition, calling it a replica of real court proceedings that enhances students’ legal acumen. He appreciated the moot proposition’s focus on juvenile justice and cited recent case laws, including the Pune car crash case, to emphasize the evolving legal landscape regarding juvenile offenders. He reiterated that “bail is the norm, and its denial is an exception.”

Hon’ble Justice Mahabir Singh Sandhu advised students to balance legal tradition with innovation and not to rely solely on artificial intelligence, urging them to develop original legal arguments. He emphasized the growing importance of mediation in India and encouraged practical learning over theoretical study.

Dr. Balram K. Gupta compared the competition to Wimbledon, emphasizing that moots serve as a laboratory for future lawyers. He shared valuable litigation tips, highlighting the importance of client relationships, courtroom demeanor, and ethical practice.

The final round witnessed an exhilarating face-off between top teams. Symbiosis Law School, Pune secured the first prize, while Army Institute of Law, Mohali was the runner-up. The Best Researcher Award was presented to Panjab University for their outstanding research skills. The judges commended the participants’ research, drafting, and argumentative skills, affirming that the future of the legal profession is in capable hands.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, the national anthem, and a group photograph, marking the end of a competitive and intellectually stimulating event. NMIMS Chandigarh’s successful hosting of the National Moot Court Competition reaffirms its commitment to fostering legal excellence and practical advocacy training for future legal professionals.

Gurugram, 25th March 2025 – Ambience Mall, Gurugram, a landmark lifestyle commercial hub, announced that it has leased space to the brand LEGO. Slated to open in May 2025, the state-of-the-art store promises an immersive and interactive experience for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.

Spanning over 4,500 square feet, it will be the first largest LEGO’s Certified store in India, redefining creative play and family entertainment in the region.

“We are thrilled to tie-up with Ample Group to bring India’s first Lego Certified store at Ambience Mall Gurugram. In a bid to reinforce our commitment to providing a platform for international brands to establish and grow in India. It also underscores our commitment to offering world-class experiences. LEGO’s timeless appeal aligns perfectly with our vision to transform shopping into a creative journey,” says Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Malls.

“Bringing the very first LEGO certified store to Gurugam and the Delhi NCR in India marks a thrilling milestone in the LEGO Group’s history. We are excited to inspire both the young and young at heart, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to the children of India as we continue our mission to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow,” said Cedric Roose, LEGO Group’s General Manager of India .

The LEGO Certified Store will feature the brand’s largest collection of LEGO sets in India, including exclusive launches available for the first time in the country. Visitors can explore awe-inspiring 3D LEGO models, locally inspired installations, and iconic minifigures.

Mumbai, March 25, 2025: BC Jindal Group, India’s leading conglomerate with over Rs. 18,000 crore turnover, has announced that its renewable energy arm, Jindal India Renewable Energy (JIRE) has received the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for 300 MW solar plus storage project from state-owned, NHPC. The project is part of NHPC’s 1200 MW inter-state transmission system-connected solar power projects tender with 600 MW/1200 MW energy storage systems.

JIRE has bagged 300 MW of solar power capacity from NHPC at a tariff of Rs 3.09/kWh. As per the stated terms, the company will be executing a solar project on a build-own-operate basis. In addition, the green-field project will have to be completed within 24 months from signing of the power purchase agreement (PPA). Initially, JIRE had won 180 MW capacity of the Solar-BESS project from NHPC. As per the “Greenshoe Option” of the tender, the company was awarded an additional capacity of 120 MW, taking JIRE’s total project capacity to 300 MW.

Mr. Amit Kumar Mittal, CEO, Jindal India Renewable Energy, said, “Securing the LoA for 300 MW capacity after competitive bidding is testimony to JIRE’s ability and expertise to deliver substantial projects in the evolving renewable energy space. This project win is in line with BC Jindal group’s goal of supporting the nation’s target of installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.”

NHPC will enter into an agreement with JIRE for a period of 25 years. The Navratna Company will purchase solar power from JIRE and sell it to state utilities and others. As part of the contract, JIRE will have to deploy an ESS of at least 0.5 MW/ 1MWh capacity for 1 MW contracted capacity.

The BC Jindal Group had recently floated its dedicated entity, JIRE, to hold the renewable venture of the group. This company will oversee the renewable power generation, solar cells and module manufacturing businesses.

In 2025-2026, JIRE is looking to strategically expand its capacity portfolio by acquiring key operational assets within the country and across geographies. The company has sets sight on augmenting its presence and is actively pursuing aggressive acquisitions of operational assets both domestically and abroad. These acquisitions are anticipated to be finalised in 1-2 years and will be funded through a mix of internal accruals and debt.

Jindal India Renewable Energy operates under the BC Jindal Group, founded in 1952 by Shri B.C. Jindal. Originally a steel pipe and fittings manufacturer, the group has grown into one of India’s leading conglomerates with a significant presence in the power sector. JIRE’s initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to energy diversification. With a focus on environmental well-being at the core of its inception, BC Jindal Group’s commitment extends beyond compliance to a genuine dedication to preserving the environment for future generations.