Archives May 2025

After two successful editions, the Asian IR Expo is set to make its highly anticipated return to Macau from May 7-9, 2025, at The Venetian Macao.

With an expanded exhibition hall, the event will present a comprehensive range of offerings spanning the travel, hospitality, and integrated resort industries. Over the course of three days, a diverse lineup of activities will provide attendees with valuable opportunities to network, collaborate, and discover the latest innovations.

OUR PLATINUM EXHIBITOR AT ASIAN IR EXPO 2025 – SJM RESORTS, S.A.

SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) is a premier integrated resort owner and developer in Macau. Its iconic properties are located in prime locations across Macau, offering luxurious five-star accommodations, MICHELIN-starred restaurants, indulgent spa treatments, unique entertainment for the family, comprehensive retail, and state-of-the-art convention facilities.

At the Expo, SJM will launch limited-time exclusive offers – “Meet in Style” and “Limited-time Special” packages, providing exceptional MICE service designed to elevate business gatherings and accommodations with breakfast for local and international industry professionals.

Visit SJM’s booth and follow its social media channels, register for a SJM Supreme Card, or complete a survey to receive an exclusive gift.

A NIGHT OF CULINARY EXCELLENCE, CELEBRATING THE FINEST IN HOSPITALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT

For the first time, Asian IR Expo, in collaboration with SJM Resorts, S.A., presents the Culinary Extravaganza: Dinner at Mesa by José Avillez – a prestigious, invitation-only fine dining event that brings together top executives and distinguished guests from across the travel industry to connect, share insights, and celebrate excellence in hospitality and entertainment.

Located within Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, Mesa by José Avillez, led by MICHELIN-starred chef José Avillez, showcases premium contemporary Portuguese cuisine – a hallmark of Macau’s vibrant culinary scene.

NEW SMART HOSPITALITY TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE ZONE

The expanded Asian IR Expo will feature a new Smart Hospitality Technology Experience Zone, offering an immersive and interactive onsite experience. This space will showcase emerging innovations across three unique areas: Smart Reception, Smart Cleaning and Smart Hospitality, each providing guided tours and live demonstrations.

TECHNOLOGY ZONE AND TECH TALK RETURN TO SPOTLIGHT LATEST ADVANCEMENTS

The popular Technology Zone and Tech Talk will return, showcasing the latest advancements from emerging industry brands. Over two days, Tech Talk will feature expert-led sessions on key topics including entertainment technology and smart hospitality.

FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Tampa Field Office, Matthew Fodor, said, “Painting the Town Blue is more than a tribute, it’s a powerful reminder that behind every badge is a commitment to protect, serve and stand ready. During National Police Week, FBI Tampa and FBI National Tampa Citizens Academy invites you to join us in honoring the courageous men and women, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to keeping our communities safe.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to witness the incredible support for ‘Paint the Town Blue’ from communities across the state of Florida. This initiative has grown into a powerful movement, uniting people in a shared expression of gratitude for our dedicated law enforcement officers,” said FBI Tampa Office Community Outreach Specialist Betsy Moriarty. “Over the years, we have been honored to see landmarks across the state—from the State Capitol in Tallahassee to Tampa’s City Hall, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Lake Eola in Orlando, and countless other locations—illuminated in blue as a symbol of appreciation. The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm from cities, businesses, and residents reflect the deep respect and gratitude we all share for those who work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. We look forward to continuing this tradition and seeing even more cities shine bright in blue!”

FBITCAAA Board President Jacques Hakim said, “Their tireless commitment to protecting our communities deserves our deepest appreciation. Your collaboration is invaluable as we unite to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety. We are grateful for your support in making this year’s event a powerful and meaningful tribute to our law enforcement officers.”

Bengaluru, May 2025: This Mother’s Day, 11th May 2025, take a heartfelt detour from flowers and photo frames—give your mother the gift of flavour, music, and timeless memories at Bengaluru’s newest culinary gem, SAWARI India.

Tucked away in the vibrant locale of Hennur, Bengaluru this 6000 sq. ft. restaurant is more than just a place to dine—it’s an evocative journey through India’s rich kitchens, seasoned with nostalgia and wrapped in luxury. Established by Grameen Dine Hospitality, SAWARI India serves an innovative 80:20 menu of traditional North Indian classics and beloved desi-Chinese favorites in a setting that combines cultural depth with contemporary flair.

On this special day, mothers dine in style—with live music serenades, handpicked wine pairings, and the scent of freshly roasted spices filling the air. The menu is a heartfelt tribute to every mother’s cooking—think creamy Paneer Makhani, soulful Dal Makhani, spicy Pindi Choley, and succulent Kebabs that melt in your mouth. Begin your culinary ride with tangy Dahi Bhalla, crispy Raj Kachori, or street-style Gol Gappe, and dive into the magic of Kadai Chicken or Butter Chicken served with warm Butter Naans.

Mother’s Day Special: As a compliment from SAWARI, every mother will receive a special complimentary dessert and beverage. If our Mother’s Day special offerings don’t suit your mom’s preference, she is welcome to choose any other dessert or beverage from our menu—still on the house!

Craving a spicy twist? SAWARI’s signature Desi Chinese starters like Chilli Chicken, Paneer in Schezwan Sauce, and Hot Garlic Mushroom will light up your tastebuds. Round it off with decadent desserts like Kulfi Falooda, Kesar Phirnee, or indulgent Jalebi with Rabri.

The star attraction? The Sawari Special Thali (available between 12–4 PM, Mon–Fri), a generous spread of two veg or non-veg preparations, Jeera Rice, Dal Makhani, Butter Naan, Raita, Papad and Gulab Jamuns—a comforting meal that feels like mom’s warm hug.

This Mother’s Day, don’t just say “I love you”—show it with every bite, every sip, and every shared smile at SAWARI India.

This 11th May—Take Her on a SAWARI of Love, Taste, and Togetherness.

Mumbai– ASICS, the global Japanese sportswear brand, unveiled the iconic GEL-KAYANO™ 20 in style, bringing together sneaker culture, high fashion, and immersive experiences at an exclusive launch event in Delhi-NCR. The event celebrated the comeback of the GEL-KAYANO™ 20 reimagined for a new generation of sneaker enthusiasts while marking a bold step forward in its increasingly popular ASICS’ SportStyle category.

This high decibel event showcasing ASICS fashion was more than just a product reveal, it was a curated experience designed to ignite the senses and spark cultural experience. The evening was set in an electric, high-energy environment, bringing together a vibrant mix of sneaker culture, music, and movement, creating a moment that reflected the very ethos of ASICS SportStyle. The celebration setup blended striking lighting design, curated product installations, expressive performances and immersive coffee rave experience where guests explored the latest collection, street-ready aesthetics and athletic heritage in the category.

In line with the ASICS Design Philosophy, ensuring continuous improvements in each product, the GEL-KAYANO™ 20 silhouette, a modern revival of a 2013 classic featuring energised colour palettes, structural support, and advanced cushioning that blends function with fashion. This new SportStyle sneaker offers opaque and bright colours that contrast with matte hues to highlight the connection between nature and humanity. The versatile styling of the GEL-KAYANO™ 20 proves it is more than just a performance shoe, a statement piece for everyday movement and effortlessly cool.

Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South ASIA, said, “The GEL-KAYANO™ 20 launch marks a significant step in ASICS’ long-term vision to grow our SportStyle category in India. With the launch of GEL-KAYANO™ 20 under our SportStyle category the brand took a step forward in expanding ASICS’ presence in the evolving sneaker culture. ASICS SportStyle collection reinforces our ambition to lead in this evolving space with innovation, authenticity, and a deep understanding of emerging consumer expectations. We are excited to engage with a new generation of consumers who seek a blend of performance, authenticity, and self-expression in the products they wear.”

Girija-Darshan Trust is proud to present Mangalotsav, a commemorative concert on 8th May 2025 at 7:00 PM at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, celebrating the 96th birth anniversary of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Vidushi Girija Devi. This special evening brings together some of India’s finest classical musicians in a heartfelt tribute to one of the most revered figures in Hindustani Classical Music.

The concert aims to honour Girija Devi Ji’s extraordinary legacy and raise awareness about her unmatched contributions to Indian classical music. Known as ‘Appa Ji’ to her disciples and admirers, she was a custodian of the Banaras gharana and a pioneer in elevating thumri, dadra, and other semi-classical forms to global recognition. The evening’s performances are curated to reflect the depth and spirit of her music, especially for those who never had the chance to witness her live or learn from her directly.

The lineup features a Jugalbandi (Vocal & Flute) by Vidushi Sunanda Sharma and Pt. Rupak Kulkarni and Hindustani Vocal by Padma Bhushan Pt. Sajan Misra and Shri Swaransh Misra. Accompanying artists include Pt. Mithilesh Kumar Jha (Tabla), Pt. Sumit Mishra (Harmonium), Pt. Vinod Lele (Tabla), and Pt. Vinay Mishra (Harmonium).

Vidushi Sunanda Sharma, a foremost disciple of Girija Devi Ji and torchbearer of her musical tradition shared, “Appa Ji was not just my guru, she was my guiding force – musically and spiritually.  Mangalotsav is more than a concert; it is my personal homage and a promise to carry forward her legacy with integrity and love.“

Pt. Sajan Misra, doyenne of the Banaras gharana added, “Girija Devi Ji was the soul of Banaras music. She brought the beauty of semi-classical forms to the forefront and inspired generations. This concert is our way of saluting that brilliance.“

Acclaimed flautist, Pt. Rupak Kulkarni said, “It is a rare honour to be part of a tribute to a legend like Girija Devi Ji. Her music had an emotional resonance that transcended technique .I hope the flute can echo even a fraction of that magic in this offering.“

Shri Swaransh Misra, a rising vocalist and son of Pt. Sajan Misra, noted: “Even though I never met Appa Ji, her music shaped my understanding of emotion in performance. Through this tribute, we hope to pass on her essence to the next generation.“

Mangalotsav is a collective expression of love, gratitude, and remembrance—an effort to keep alive the timeless voice and spirit of Girija Devi Ji in the hearts of rasikas and students alike.

(India), May 5, 2025: Airtel Business today announced the launch of ‘Business Name Display’ (BND), an industry-first solution designed to enhance customer engagement for enterprises. The service enables businesses to display their brand name on the recipient’s mobile screen during outgoing calls, thereby fostering trust and helping customers distinguish legitimate business calls from spam.

Airtel solved the spam challenge for its customers with the launch of India’s first spam-fighting network, supported by a nationwide awareness campaign to educate users. While these initiatives have significantly increased customer awareness, leading more people to ignore calls flagged as spam or from unknown numbers, it also resulted in unintended consequences where call from brands got tagged as spam. Consequently, customers were missing on critical calls from banks, food delivery, courier delivery, hospital for critical doctor’s appointment et al. The “Business Name Display” solves for this challenge and facilitates a relevant yet safe communication environment enabling end customers to make informed decisions on all incoming calls, which will  display the name of the company the call is from. In turn, businesses can stand-out to their customers even as they protect them from fraudulent callers.

  Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO, Airtel Business, said, “At Airtel, we are constantly innovating to create a communication experience that is smarter, safer and more transparent for everyone. With “Business Name Display”, we will be helping businesses establish trust and stand out with every call while simultaneously giving customers the confidence of knowing who is reaching out to them. It is about making communication more personal, secure and seamless for both sides.”

The solution was successfully piloted with over 250 businesses across sectors including banking, retail, food delivery, mobility, Quick commerce, courier and logistics. These businesses used 1.5 million+ phone numbers to make 12.8 million calls in the last 30 days, leading to an impressive increase in customer engagement.

 By displaying a verified name at the onset of each call, businesses can:

• Clearly distinguishes themselves from unknown calls
• Build trust and enhance their brand reputation
• Provide context that improves the customer experience as well as the call answer rates

Mumbai, 5 May 2025: Serentica Renewables, a leading renewable energy provider in India, has signed a Power Supply and Consumption Agreement (PSCA) with INOX Air Products (INOXAP), India’s largest manufacturer of industrial, electronic and medical gases. Under this agreement, Serentica will supply 75 MW of hybrid renewable energy to INOXAP – its marquee customer – through Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) project, enabling competitive tariffs and flexible power usage across multiple locations in different states.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in Serentica’s growth journey as it expands its clean energy solutions beyond state borders, enabling large-scale, multi-location industrial customers to transition to sustainable operations. The 75 MW of hybrid energy will significantly increase INOX Air Products’ renewable energy portfolio, spanning four of its key manufacturing sites in four different states.

Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, said, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment in driving decarbonization across India’s industrial ecosystem. The scale and inter-state nature of this project showcases our evolving capabilities to deliver firm, reliable, and geographically flexible clean energy to large enterprises. This project represents a major step forward in enabling large industrial customers like INOX to seamlessly transition to sustainable operations across the country.”

Commenting on the partnership, S K Jena, Head – Operations (LASU & Onsite plants), INOX Air Products, said, “With decarbonization as a priority, we are committed to integrating sustainable practices into every facet of our operations. This agreement with Serentica is a major leap in our decarbonization journey, as this would enable us to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in our energy consumption mix and get closer to our Net-Zero target. We are excited to reinforce our commitment to clean energy, while ensuring operational excellence across our facilities.”

Serentica’s hybrid renewable solutions integrate wind, solar, and storage assets to ensure 24X7, reliable clean power delivery. Through such partnerships, Serentica continues to accelerate the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors and contribute to India’s broader net-zero ambitions.

Dr. Samir Batham, senior consultant in radiation oncology at HCG Cancer Centre in Ahmedabad

The oesophagus—an essential but often overlooked organ—serves as a conduit between the mouth and stomach, playing a critical role in digestion. When functioning properly, it quietly does its job. But when disrupted, especially by persistent acid reflux, it can set off a chain of complications that go far beyond discomfort.

When Reflux Becomes a Red Flag

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more than just frequent heartburn. It’s a condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the oesophagus, irritating its lining. While occasional reflux is common, chronic exposure can cause cellular damage over time, sometimes leading to a condition known as Barrett’s oesophagus.

Barrett’s oesophagus is marked by abnormal changes in the cells of the oesophageal lining—changes that can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma. Another common type is squamous cell carcinoma, each varying based on the location and type of affected cells.

Warning Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Esophageal cancer doesn’t always show symptoms early, but certain signs—especially in individuals with long-standing reflux—should raise a red flag:

• Ongoing acidity or heartburn
• Indigestion and bloating
• Pain or difficulty while swallowing
• Persistent cough or sore throat
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

If you experience these symptoms, especially with a history of chronic acid reflux, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Procedures like upper GI endoscopy can detect early signs of cellular change and allow for timely intervention.

Prevention Begins with Small Lifestyle Shifts

The good news is that you can act early and avoid complications.GERD-related cancer risk can be significantly reduced by incorporating simple but consistent lifestyle modifications:

• Adjust your diet: Cut back on spicy, acidic, fried, and smoked foods. Opt for whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Extra abdominal pressure from excess weight can worsen reflux.
• Eat smart: Smaller meals, slow eating, and avoiding late-night snacking go a long way.
• Quit smoking: Tobacco use heightens the risk of both reflux and esophageal cancer.
• Limit alcohol intake: It inflames the esophageal lining and contributes to acid production.
• Elevate your head while sleeping: Helps keep acid down and reduces nighttime symptoms.

Treatment Options for Esophageal Cancer

When diagnosed in the early stages, treatment success is far more likely. Depending on the type and severity, treatment may include:

• Endoscopic procedures for the early stage cancers
• Chemotherapy  
• Radiation Therapy
• Surgery

These treatments are often used in combination and tailored to the individual’s condition. Alongside medical care, nutritional support and mental health counseling can improve recovery and quality of life.

The Bottom Line:

Chronic acid reflux isn’t just a nuisance—it can be a warning sign of something more serious. Understanding the link between GERD and esophageal cancer, knowing the symptoms, and taking preventive steps can empower individuals to protect their health before it’s too late.

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India – May 5, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO), Dehradun, to jointly promote sustainable development and innovation in rural and Himalayan regions. The MoA was signed today in the presence of Prof. KK Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, and Prof. Corey Glickman, Special Advisor, HESCO and Special Advisor to the US Department of Defense, Pentagon.

The agreement was formally signed by Prof. Akshay Dvivedi, Dean (Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy), IIT Roorkee, and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, Founder, HESCO. Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included Prof. Naveen K Navani, Dean of Academic Affairs; Prof. Ashish Pandey, Department of Water Resources Development and Management; and representatives from HESCO, including Dr. Shivam Joshi, Ms. Parul Negi, and Ms. Jyoti Parmar.

The collaboration focuses on developing low-cost, eco-friendly technologies tailored to the unique challenges of the Himalayan region. Joint research projects, PhD and internship opportunities for students, community outreach programs, and capacity-building workshops are among the key components of this partnership.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. KK Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “This partnership embodies the essence of our mission to align cutting-edge research with the real needs of society. By working closely with HESCO, we aim to offer technological solutions that are not only sustainable but also accessible to underserved communities in the Himalayan region.”

The MoA also aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing experiential and applied learning. Students from IIT Roorkee will gain hands-on exposure to field projects that bridge engineering, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, Founder of HESCO, added, “Our collaboration with IIT Roorkee marks a milestone in our ongoing journey to empower rural India. Together, we can integrate grassroots innovation with academic excellence to co-create solutions that bring meaningful change.”

The agreement reflects IIT Roorkee’s continued commitment to inclusive development and its proactive role in strengthening academia-society partnerships through impactful, technology-driven initiatives.

Patiala, 5th May – As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Thapar Institute Counselling Cell (TICC) of Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala organised an impactful awareness session at Ryan International School, Patiala, on Friday, May 2, 2025. The session, titled “Unmute Yourself: Raising Awareness on Sexual Harassment, Boundaries, Consent & Digital Responsibility,” aimed to sensitise school students to critical issues surrounding psychosocial safety and responsible digital conduct.

The session was led by Dr. Sonam Dullat, Manager, Student Counsellor at TICC, under the guidance of MHSA members Mannan, Shivansh, Parshant, Gagan, Anirudh, Minal, and Vanshaj. It was delivered by TICC’s Mental Health Student Ambassadors (MHSA), who play an active role in spreading awareness among young audiences. Over 500 students from Classes 6 to 12 participated in the program, which was strategically divided into two age-appropriate segments.

Students from Classes 6 to 8 were guided through topics such as understanding sexual harassment, identifying personal boundaries, and learning how to report unsafe or uncomfortable situations. For senior students in Classes 9 to 12, discussions focused on cyber harassment, digital consent, and emotional wellbeing in the digital space.

The session employed an interactive approach, encouraging students to engage in real-life scenarios and voice their thoughts openly. A concluding Q&A segment further deepened their understanding and allowed for clarification of key concepts.

Ms. Pooja Sharma, Principal of Ryan International School, praised the initiative, highlighting its relevance in the current context. “It is essential to create safe spaces where children can learn about these crucial issues with clarity and confidence,” she remarked.

“Mental health is a foundation, not a luxury,” said Dr. Dullat, emphasising the importance of early intervention and open dialogue in shaping emotionally secure individuals.

TICC’s initiative underscores the growing need for sustained awareness around consent, boundaries, and digital responsibility. By empowering students to ‘unmute’ themselves, the session reiterated the significance of voice, choice, and respect in today’s educational and digital environments.