Archives May 2025

Mumbai, May 16, 2025: In a landmark step toward advancing holistic healthcare, the academic wing of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik the country’s premier institution overseeing over 600 medical, dental, Ayurveda, and allied health institutions has officially partnered with Nihilent to explore clinical applications of Emoscape, the company’s innovative AI-based emotion detection platform. This collaboration marks a transformative moment in the Indian healthcare landscape, combining the ancient Indian concept of Navarasa (the nine emotions) with modern artificial intelligence to fundamentally reshape how emotional well-being is integrated into diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

Emoscape leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to detect nine core emotions love, joy, compassion, anger, courage, fear, disgust, wonder, and calmness by capturing subtle upper-body movements (shoulder and above) in 3D. This breakthrough platform draws inspiration from Navarasa, the ancient emotional theory that has played a pivotal role in Indian performing arts for centuries. The integration of this ancient wisdom with modern AI allows for real-time emotion detection, providing unprecedented insights into a patient’s emotional state and opening new avenues for personalized care and treatment.

Lt Gen (Dr.) Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice Chancellor of MUHS, emphasized the profound impact of this collaboration on the future of healthcare in India: “You cannot separate the mind from the body. Healthcare must be holistic. This is not just research it’s a revolution. By combining the time-tested wisdom of Navarasa with state-of-the-art technology, we are opening new doors for understanding and addressing emotional well-being. Our students, researchers, and healthcare professionals will now have access to an advanced platform that can aid in diagnosing and treating emotional and psychological issues with greater accuracy and empathy.”

As one of the most renowned institutions in the country, MUHS has long been a leader in medical education and research. This collaboration with Nihilent positions the university at the forefront of healthcare innovation. The partnership will allow MUHS to explore clinical applications of Emoscape across a range of disciplines, including non-communicable diseases, pediatric and adolescent care, maternal mental health, pre-surgical counselling, psychiatric conditions and ensuring patient privacy. Through this initiative, MUHS aims to bring emotional diagnostics into mainstream healthcare, aligning with its commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centred care.

Sandeep Pendurkar, Business Director of Emoscape at Nihilent, highlighted the role of emotional AI in revolutionizing patient care: “For the first time, we’re offering a platform that brings together AI, clinical science, and cultural heritage to redefine healthcare. Emoscape’s ability to detect emotional states with precision is a game-changer. This partnership with MUHS is not just about technology it’s about creating a new framework for emotional well-being in medicine. By detecting and understanding emotions, we can provide more personalized and effective care, improving both patient outcomes and the overall healthcare experience.”

In addition to its clinical applications, the collaboration will facilitate hands-on student engagement through Nihilent’s Summer Internship Program, providing MUHS students with valuable exposure to the intersection of AI and healthcare. This initiative will empower the next generation of healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to embrace technological advancements and innovate in their respective fields.

The partnership between MUHS and Nihilent also paves the way for India to become a global leader in emotion-AI-driven healthcare. With both organizations committed to generating empirical data through rigorous research, this collaboration aims to mainstream emotional diagnostics and usher in a new era of holistic, human-centred medicine that can be adopted globally.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MUHS and Nihilent was signed in a formal ceremony attended by key figures from both institutions, including Lt Gen Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd), Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of MUHS; Dr. Milind Nikumbh, Hon’ble Pro Vice Chancellor of MUHS; Dr. Rajendra Bangal, Hon’ble Registrar of MUHS and Sandeep Rathod, Assistant Registrar at MUHS. From Nihilent, the signing ceremony was witnessed by Sandeep Pendurkar, Business Director of Emoscape, along with Saurabh Shaligram, Principal Data Scientist, and Sai Sanjana Chitturi, Associate Consultant.

• Free online masterclasses with expert counselling and personalised score evaluations
• Live interactive classes led by Duolingo-certified trainers
• Exclusive video lessons, practice tests, and study materials
• Flexible class timings to accommodate busy schedules

Commenting on the collaboration, Arnav Kumar, Founder, Leap, said: “We’re really excited to launch our comprehensive coaching for Duolingo English Test. This includes live classes with certified trainers, practice tests, exclusive study material, making top-tier preparation accessible to all students. With this test prep, we’ve built a solution that’s flexible, affordable, and designed for real outcomes. It’s one more step toward democratising access to world-class education.”

Tara Kapur, India Market Lead, Duolingo English Test, India, further added: “Given the high-stakes nature of the English proficiency exams, one of the most common things we hear from students is the need for additional test readiness material. Leap has done a tremendous job of scaling high-quality support for students across India and beyond. Given our commitment to access and reach, we are excited to see Leap build out material to help students feel more confident in their study abroad journeys.”

Mumbai, 16 May, 2025: Sony Entertainment Television proudly presents its upcoming historical drama, Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan, a powerful tale tracing the incredible journey of a young prince who rose to become one of India’s most celebrated and brave kings. This epic narrative dives deep into his early life, showcasing the challenges he faced and the strength, courage, wisdom, and bravery with which he overcame them. From his formative years to the defining battles of his reign, the show brings to life the inspiring story of a truly brave king whose legacy continues to echo through history.

Adding depth to this grand saga is renowned actor Ashutosh Rana, who will lend his iconic voice as Prithviraj Chauhan’s friend Chand Bardai. Known for his powerful screen presence and commanding voice as Prithviraj Chauhan’s closest friend, Rana will take viewers through this historic journey, helping them connect emotionally with the characters and the era. His narration promises to bring gravitas, authenticity, and a sense of timeless pride to the storytelling.

Sharing his thoughts on being part of the show, Ashutosh Rana shares, “It is a matter of immense pride and joy for me to lend my voice as the narrator for this magnificent historical saga. As a child, I grew up listening to stories about Prithviraj Chauhan tales of his unmatched bravery, wisdom, and spirit. Those stories left a deep impact on me, and to now be part of bringing that legend to life is truly special.” As an actor, I’ve always believed that voice holds great power. Through this narration, I aim to bring depth, dignity, and intensity to the story. The emotions I carry rooted in strength, passion, and respect, resonate closely with the spirit of this show.”

 ~Watch Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan starting 4^th June, every Monday to Friday at 7:30 PM, only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV~

New Delhi, 16 May 2025 Shangri-La Eros New Delhi unveils Mango Indulgence, an irresistible summer showcase at Mister Chai, the hotel’s elegant tea and street-style lounge, beginning 15th May 2025. This limited-edition experience evolves the season’s most beloved fruit into a symphony of indulgent delights, artfully crafted by Executive Chef Gagandeep Singh Sawhney and his culinary team.

Renowned for its contemporary finish on regional Indian flavours in a refined yet familiar setting, Mister Chai enriches the mango beyond nostalgia, serving it through an innovative collection of artisanal cakes, refined pastries, buttery viennoiserie, handcrafted confections, and vibrant beverages.

The journey commences with show-stopping cakes, perfect for gatherings and special moments. Highlights include the sun-kissed Mango Charlotte, the delicious Mango Chocolate Desire Cake, the tropical Mango Passion, and the delicately layered Mango Chiffon Cake. Heavenly variants such as the velvety Mango Burnt Cheesecake, the lush Mango Shortcake, and the classic Mango Baked Cheesecake promise decadence in every slice.

A curated array of pastries follows, each one a tribute to the mango in its most delightful forms. Guests can savour the silken Mango Temptation, the buttery Alphonso Mango Tart, and the airy Mango Mille-Feuille. The Mini Mango Gateaux, Coconut Mango, and Mango Éclair add playful charm, while the tropical Mango Trifle and house-made Mango Popsicle provide a refreshing tinge.

For those who prefer their opulence in smaller bites, the handcrafted bonbons offer a burst of flavour and artistry, featuring sophisticated pairings like Mango Basil and Mango Salted Caramel. Chocolate barks, ingrained with 70% single-origin chocolate, showcase layers of texture with dried mango, pistachio, crispy pearls, and tropical notes of mango passion. Macarons, intricately filled with Alphonso Mango and Mango Passion Caramel, pinnacle the sweet affair.

Mister Chai’s viennoiserie selection delivers flaky, golden perfection with tropical nuances. Guests can appreciate warm, buttery creations like the Mango Danish, Mango Cruffin, Mango Cinnamon Roll, and Mango Pain au Suisse. Signature bakes such as the Mango Escargot, Mango Crumble, Mango Coconut Crème Brûlée, and Mango Papilone present fine technique and irresistible flavour.

To complement the culinary spread, a refreshing beverage collection embodies the spirit of Indian summer with finesse. The Mango Indian Chaska is a fiery blend of ripe mango and bold Indian spices. Chilled jello-based coolers, including the Mango Mint Jello Cooler, Peach Mango Jello Iced Tea, and Passion Fruit Mango Jello Cooler, offer sparkling relief, while the Mango Spiced Pineapple Iced Tea and Tropical Blueberries Mango Cooler introduce unexpected yet harmonious notes. For a nourishing sip, the Mango Banana Smoothie pairs sun-ripened mango with creamy yoghurt.

Mango Indulgence at Mister Chai is more than a seasonal celebration – it’s a luxurious ode to India’s favourite fruit, presented with craft, care, and creativity in every detail.

New Delhi, 16^th May 2025: Eye-Q, a leading chain of super-speciality eye hospitals, in collaboration with NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), India’s largest integrated power producer, successfully concluded a high-impact CSR initiative at the NTPC Surat plant by organizing two free eye screening and cataract surgery camps. As part of NTPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to the communities around its operations, the initiative helped screen over 250 individuals from surrounding villages, of whom 100 patients underwent successful cataract removal surgeries by Eye-Q’s expert medical team.

A closing ceremony was held on 14 May 2025 to commemorate the successful completion of the initiative. During the event, Eye-Q distributed customized spectacles to all operated patients. The prescriptions were derived after detailed post-operative vision testing conducted on 8th and 9th May. The entire initiative—from screening to surgery to post-operative care—was provided completely free of cost, reaffirming both organizations’ commitment to healthcare equity and social impact.

Dr. Ajay Sharma, Founder and CMD of Eye-Q Eye Hospitals, said, “India faces a backlog of over 22 million blind eyes, representing nearly 12 million individuals, and shockingly, 80.1% of this blindness is caused by cataract—an entirely treatable condition. Our collaboration with NTPC has allowed us to address this burden at the grassroots level by restoring vision to 100 patients in Surat. At Eye-Q, we remain deeply committed to bridging this healthcare gap through accessible, quality eye care for all, especially for underserved communities.”

Dr. Samir Vankhawala, Regional Medical Director of Eye-Q Eye Hospitals, said, “At Eye-Q, we believe that access to eye care should not be a privilege but a basic right. We have a longstanding legacy of delivering quality eye care through free camps and outreach initiatives across underserved regions. This collaboration with NTPC has enabled us to expand that mission further, ensuring our combined efforts bring lasting impact to the communities we serve.”

S J David, Head of Plant at NTPC Hazira, added, “As part of our unwavering commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, this CSR collaboration with Eye-Q reflects NTPC’s dedication to improving the lives of communities in and around our project locations. Healthcare access is a priority area in our CSR strategy, and we are proud that this initiative has delivered tangible benefits to the people of Surat.”

Eye-Q has been a leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and outreach programs. The organization has conducted numerous free eye camps, door-to-door check-ups, and health awareness campaigns, impacting communities in need. Since its establishment in 2007, Eye-Q has conducted over 1 crore eye examinations and performed 6 lakh surgeries. Moving forward, the hospital chain aims to perform 80,000 surgeries and conduct 600,000 eye screenings by the end of 2025.

Mumbai, India — May 16, 2025 – UiPath, a leading enterprise automation and AI software company, announced that it is helping Cathay, the Hong Kong based premium travel lifestyle brand to drive positive changes and strengthen its position as a digital leader in customer experience, safety and operational efficiency, productivity, and compliance through AI-powered automation.

Cathay was named an UiPath AI25 Award Winner at UiPath FORWARD, UiPath flagship global AI and automation event in Las Vegas. The annual award program identifies the 25 most innovative UiPath customers using a combination of AI and automation as a strategic change enabler to accelerate bigger and bolder outcomes.

“We are honoured to be an AI25 Award Winner and are pleased to witness that our investment in AI and automation has turned into fruitful results,” said Aldric Chau, General Manager Digital, Cathay. “We continue to innovate through our close collaboration with UiPath to harness the full power of automation, AI and generative AI to ultimately deliver significant outcomes for our customers and to our internal operations. By leveraging AI and automation, we aim to maintain our digital leadership by prioritizing a strong customer-centric approach and continuously pursuing innovation.”

“AI-powered automation can help organizations streamline workflows and drive efficiencies, which has huge benefits such as enhanced customer and employee experiences, substantial cost savings, improved accuracy, and increased productivity to drive greater business value. It is particularly important for the aviation sector that needs to significantly scale up in order to satisfy the huge demand as travel resurges after the pandemic” said Richard Chen, Regional Vice President, Greater China at UiPath. “We are proud to enable the digital transformation journey at Cathay and look forward to working closely together to continue delivering the strongest outcomes for its employees and customers.”

Embracing AI-powered automation for efficiency and innovation

As part of its comprehensive digital transformation strategy, Cathay recognizes the power of AI and automation in realizing this vision. Cathay started adopting UiPath Platform back in 2018. Today, Cathay is a digital leader that employs UiPath automation solutions across more than 20 departments with over 160 bots to support employees’ day to day work. These solutions are essential for Cathay as they scale up during their rebuilding efforts following the challenging pandemic period. By leveraging tools such as UiPath Action Center, AI Center, and Document Understanding, Cathay is able to relieve employees of manual and repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more value-added activities. This not only enhances customer and employee satisfaction but also increases efficiency and drives significant operational improvements across its services.

Turning AI potential into tangible business outcomes

UiPath AI and automation is instrumental in helping Cathay address the challenges associated with the high-volume and high-intensity process across various business units.

By leveraging the capabilities of UiPath Document Understanding, Cathay trims document processing for repetitive and manual tasks, resulting in higher accuracy, faster processing times and increased process volume.

For example, Cathay is leveraging bots to automate its flight re-seat notification process for passengers. Today, with automation, the process is approximately 20 times faster than manual email notifications. It also enhances operational efficiency in back-office functions. Before automation, tax declaration preparation took employees around three weeks. With the introduction of automation, this timeframe cut down to just one to two days. Additionally, UiPath bolsters compliance through automated reporting for flight scheduling, which reduces human error and ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, saving Cathay 50% of the reporting time.

Cathay has also implemented its first Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) use case to handle invoices for the SAMEA region. Currently, over 72% of invoices are processed automatically, reducing processing time by four times. This advancement not only increases efficiency but also enables its team to focus on more strategic tasks, such as investing in vendor relationships and queries.

AI and automation are redefining what’s possible in business, and UiPath is playing a crucial role in positioning Cathay as a digital leader driving transformative change. Looking ahead, Cathay will continue to join forces with UiPath in exploring new opportunities in areas such as intelligent document processing and process mining. In doing so, it aims to empower its employees and advance the organization in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and achieve outcomes that were unimaginable before.

This summer, Dessert Therapy gives Mumbai one more reason to plan that mid-day coffee break, a breakfast run, or a late-night sip stop. The luxury dessert-dining brand, celebrated for its over-the-top sweets, is now pouring its signature creativity into a beverage menu where coffee takes the lead, but every drink earns its spot on the grid.

Available across Dessert Therapy’s outlets in Malad, Juhu, Bandra, Fort, and Ghatkopar from 8 am to 1 am,  the beverage collection offers more than just a caffeine kick. It’s an experience in texture, temperature, and taste, from velvety frappes to iced lattes with unexpected pairings. Signature drinks include the Biscoff Frappe, a crunchy, creamy coffee blend that balances sweetness with a robust roast; and the Iced Ginger Ale Orange Americano, a sparkling, citrusy take on iced black coffee that’s equal parts refreshing and daring.

Also on the lineup: the Nutella Latte for those who like their mornings chocolaty and nostalgic, and the Iced Matcha Strawberry Latte, a non-traditional pick that pairs matcha’s earthy edge with the sweetness of strawberries.

With this new beverage menu, Dessert Therapy reminds us that indulgence doesn’t always need a spoon. Sometimes, it comes with a straw, a swirl of whipped cream, and a gallery full of Insta-worthy pictures.

New Delhi, May 16^th 2025: Lava International Limited, the leading homegrown smartphone manufacturer, announced the rollout of its new customer-centric initiative, Demo@Home, a consumer- first service that allows users to experience Lava’s flagship series right at their doorstep. This service is available across Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, and aims to redefine buying experience for consumers enabling them to connect with the brand from the comfort of their home.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Puravansh Maitreya, Head of Marketing, Lava International Limited, said, “With the Free Home Demo, we’re not just selling smartphones — we’re redefining how India shops for technology. It’s time the industry prioritized trust and transparency over pushy sales. Lava is proud to lead this shift. This initiative allows customers to make confident, informed choices in a space they’re most comfortable – their home. It’s a step towards building deeper relationships with our users.”

To book Lava’s Demo@Home service, buyers need to fill out a short form on Lava’s official website here. They are required to enter basic details such as their name, phone number, city, pin code, and complete address. Users can then select the Lava smartphone model they’re interested in along with their preferred time slot and date. Once the form is submitted, a Lava representative will get in touch to confirm the appointment.

With Demo@Home, customers can request a free, no-obligation demonstration of select Lava smartphones. A Lava executive will visit the user’s home to offer a hands-on walkthrough of the device, helping them understand key features and make an informed decision, all without any purchase pressure or transactional cost. The service currently covers Lava’s latest smartphones including Agni 3, Blaze Duo, Blaze 3 5G, and Blaze AMOLED. A company representative will provide a live walkthrough of the device’s design, features, and performance, helping customers explore innovations like dual display capabilities, AI-powered camera systems, and ergonomic curved displays in real time, without any sales pressure. Post the experience, the user can place an order online or the Lava executive shall align a product delivery.

This initiative further strengthens Lava’s portfolio of customer-focused services, including the widely appreciated Service@Home—a complimentary doorstep support offering for after-sales assistance. Together, Demo@Home and Service@Home underscore Lava’s commitment to creating a seamless, transparent, and user-centric smartphone ownership experience.

In the ever-evolving beauty and grooming industry, technical skills alone aren’t enough — you need real-world readiness, confidence, and a deep understanding of the market. That’s where Cut and Style Academy stands out. Here’s how their courses equip aspiring professionals for real-world success:

1. Hands-On Training with Real Clients

Cut and Style Academy emphasizes practical experience by allowing students to work directly with real clients under expert supervision. This builds confidence, hones precision, and prepares students for high-pressure professional environments.

2. Industry-Relevant Curriculum

The courses are constantly updated to reflect the latest trends, tools, and techniques in beauty, hair, and skincare. Whether it’s balayage, advanced facials, or nail extensions, students learn what’s in demand today.

3. Guidance from Industry Experts

The academy boasts seasoned instructors who bring years of experience from top salons, fashion shows, and film sets. Their mentorship provides not just technical instruction but also career guidance and networking tips.

4. Professional Etiquette & Client Handling

Success in beauty careers often depends on how you interact with clients. Students are trained in communication, consultation skills, and professional conduct — essential for building trust and a loyal clientele.

5. Certification with Industry Recognition

Cut and Style Academy offers accredited certifications that are well-recognized across the beauty industry. These credentials boost employability and open doors to both national and international job opportunities.

6. Portfolio Building Support

Students graduate with a professionally curated portfolio of their work — including photographs and client testimonials — which is crucial for freelancing, job interviews, or social media branding.

7. Career Placement & Business Skills

Whether you want to work in a salon or launch your own studio, Cut and Style Academy prepares you with business know-how, resume building, and job placement assistance to get you started.

Cricket is back — and so is the MI Paltan’s chance to ride to and from the stadium for free! This Mumbai Indians’ match, rescheduled from May 15 to May 21, will see Uber offering free shuttle rides to Wankhede from Navi Mumbai, Powai, Borivali, Thane, and BKC.

Mumbai Indians fans have a lot to look forward to — a strong run of wins, a push toward the playoffs, and a team of superstars taking the field at their home ground last time this season. Tickets booked for the original May 15 match remain valid.

Introduced this season, the Uber Shuttle service has been a hit, running at full capacity with fans appreciating the comfort of pre-reserved, air-conditioned rides.

Snehashish Nag, Head of Strategy, Uber Shuttle, said: “We’re excited to bring back free Uber Shuttle rides for fans heading to the final home game of the season. The response so far has been phenomenal — buses have been full, and fans have told us how much they appreciate the ease of booking, the comfort of the ride, and most of all, the vibe on board. There’s something special about travelling to the stadium together — the energy builds even before the first ball is bowled. With the league stage nearing its end and stakes running high, we’re proud to play a small part in helping the MI Paltan show up in full force, loud and united. This is what great matchday experiences are all about.”

Here are the details of the Uber Shuttle routes:

How to book your free Uber Shuttle ride to Wankhede:

• Open the Uber app and set Wankhede as your pick-up or drop-off location
• Tap the Shuttle icon
• Choose your preferred route & time slot, and tap ‘Confirm’ Uber Shuttle
• Reserve your seat in advance – no standing, always air-conditioned, always on time

Uber Shuttle, currently operating in Delhi and Kolkata, is being piloted in Mumbai as a daily commute option between residential and commercial hubs.