Archives September 2025

Toyota Rumion Now Comes with 6 Airbags as Standard

Chennai, 23 September 2025: In line with its deep-rooted safety philosophy and customer-first approach, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) announced a significant enhancement to its acclaimed family mover, the Toyota Rumion. 

Rumion with Six Airbags

Safety Upgraded: 6 Airbags Across Variants

In a proactive step towards elevating passenger safety, TKM has introduced six airbags (front, side, and curtain shield) for every Rumion variant. All variants now provide comprehensive 360-degree safety with dual front airbags, two side airbags, and two curtain shield airbags, ensuring maximum protection for the driver and passengers in various driving scenarios.

Added Assurance: TPMS on Top Grade

Toyota introduced the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in the top V grade. This advanced feature continuously monitors tyre pressure for enhanced safety, fuel efficiency, and convenience, reinforcing Rumion’s positioning as a technologically advanced MPV for Indian families.

Rumion: A Blend of Style, Space, and Safety

The Toyota Rumion combines youthful design with the practicality of a spacious 7-seater layout. Distinctive touches such as a premium chrome grille, projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, and dual-tone machined alloy wheels make it a stylish choice for modern families. Inside, the Rumion offers a plush dual-tone cabin, flexible 60:40 split 2nd row and reclining 3rd row seats, 2nd & 3rd row AC, and generous luggage space, making it as comfortable as it is versatile.

Keeping customers connected on the go, the Rumion comes with Toyota i-Connect, offering smartwatch compatibility, voice assistant support, remote lock/unlock, climate control, and safety alerts. The 17.78 cm Smartplay Cast infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted controls, and premium Arkamys Surround Sense audio elevate the driving experience further.

Powered by the 1.5L K-Series engine with NeoDrive (Petrol) and E-CNG options, the Rumion delivers the best of both performance and efficiency. Customers enjoy fuel economy of up to 20.51 km/l (MT) for Petrol and 26.11 km/kg for CNG, with smooth transmission choices including 5MT and 6AT with paddle shifters.

Backed by Toyota’s hallmark of quality and trust, the Rumion offers advanced safety features such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and now six airbags standard across all grades. The vehicle comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable up to 5 years/220,000 km, alongside Toyota’s Express Maintenance and 24×7 roadside assistance.The Toyota Rumion is available at a starting price of INR 10.44 lakhs (ex-showroom)

White Lotus Hospital Leads Fight Against Diabetes & Obesity with Navi Mumbai’s Largest Free Camp

India, 23rd september 2025: White Lotus International Hospital & Research Center, a state-of-the-art multi-specialty facility, took a lead to fight against the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India especially Diabetes and Obesity. The hospital today hosted the Diabetes and Obesity Check (DOC) camp, drawing over 250 residents from across the Navi Mumbai and neighbouring areas. Senior consultants from the hospital provided consultancy to them post screening. 

White Lotus International Hospital

Alarming increase of NCDs like Diabetes and Obesity had even made the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to urge families to pay serious attention on this. Speaking to millions of citizens on Independence Day 2025 from Red Fort, he raised concern on obesity and referred it as silent epidemic gripping urban India. The Prime Minister has warned that in the coming years obesity can become a major challenge for the country.  

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Vijay D’Silva, Medical Director, White Lotus International Hospital & Research Center, Navi Mumbai said “Diabetes and obesity are no longer just lifestyle conditions, but they can also act as the precursors to multiple organ complications if left unchecked or ignored. Our main mission is not just to cure but to prevent by making advanced and modern healthcare technology accessible and creating awareness regarding the same at the grassroot level.”

With India described as the diabetes capital of the world, the continuous rise of obesity as the driver of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic complications has highlighted the need for the awareness, early detection and lifestyle modification. Taking a major step in this direction White Lotus Internal Hospital and Research Centre offered free medical investigations worth INR5,000 which also included Fibro Scan, Lipid Profile, HbA1c, Creatinine, and Eye Check-up.

The event also featured consultations from renowned superspecialists in Critical Care, Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Ophthalmology. The distinguished panel include Dr. Prashant Gaikwad (Endocrinology), Dr. Ravi Patil (Internal Medicine), Dr. Aditya Nayak (Nephrology), Dr. Sachin Naik (Nephrology), Dr. Suhas Deshpande (Ophthalmology) among others. 

The presence of over 250 residents reflected the enthusiasm among the community to embrace the preventive health measures. Senior citizens, working professionals, young health-conscious residents across Navi Mumbai, Kalamboli, Panvel, Kharghar, CBD Belapur, Vashi, and Airoli became the part of this remarkable initiative. Apart from the medical test, they also get benefitted from practical advice on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and lifestyle changes.

More than just a free camp DOC acted as the platform for dialogue on lifestyle related health issues with doctors emphasizing that small, consistent changes can significantly reduce the medical complication like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.

With over 250 participants benefitted directly, DOC camp has also set a new benchmark as Navi Mumbai biggest free health drive completely focussed on lifestyle diseases. At the same time the hospital has also announced its commitment to conduct the similar initiatives in the future while empowering communities to take proactive and necessary steps against the diabetes and obesity.

DPDP Act Marks a Permanent Shift: Urgent Call for Businesses to Embed Data Protection at Their Core

By:Vikas Bansal, Partner, IT Risk Advisory and Assurance, BDO India
The DPDP Act, with its forthcoming rules, represents a fundamental and permanent shift in the business landscape. It requires a completely new approach to data, one where “Data Principals”  are empowered with unprecedented rights, and “Data Fiduciaries”  are subject to new responsibilities. The financial penalties for non-compliance are severe, with fines of up to INR250 crore. In a move that links data protection with the future of technology, the Minister also announced that a national AI governance framework will be released by the same date.
This is a real and present concern. With these rules expected shortly, organisations must adopt a structured compliance framework. Data mapping and creating ROPA style inventories become critical to track all the data processing activities. Drafting and updating privacy policies, retention schedules, data principal rights, and breach notifications is now mandatory. 
It is no longer a matter of if you will be compliant, but when. The businesses that will not only survive but thrive are those that take this news seriously, act with urgency, and embed data protection as a core principle of their operations.

Tirlok Malik Shares Happy Life Yoga at the Times Square on World Peace Day 2025

New York, 22 september 2025: On a sunlit afternoon at the heart of Manhattan, Times Square became a hub of positivity as Tirlok Malik shared the secrets of a happy and peaceful life with an enthusiastic crowd celebrating World Peace Day.

Tirlok Malik at the Times Square

Marking the 21st anniversary of the event, organized by Reverend Paul Sladkus, Founder of Good News Corporation, Malik captivated attendees with his “Happy Life Yoga,” emphasizing the power of laughter and inner happiness as essential tools for global peace. “Peace and laughter go together,” he told the crowd. “If you are happy yourself, you can bring peace to the world.”

The event, graced by an array of global icons, highlighted the universal appeal of Malik’s message. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine attended the celebration, alongside luminaries such as the iconic South African film producer Anant Singh.

The event was supported by the likes of Ringo Starr, Michael Douglas, Sister Jenna, Stevie Wonder, Jane Goodall, Reachel Singh, Rebecca Irby, Shakira, Oprah Winfrey, and Deepak Chopra, each showing their support for peace and wellness initiatives.

Malik’s joyful demonstration included interactive laughter exercises, mindfulness techniques, and simple yoga poses, inviting participants of all ages to engage in a collective experience of happiness. His approach resonated deeply with the audience, who responded with laughter and applause throughout the session.

“World Peace Day is not just about ending conflicts—it’s about cultivating joy within ourselves,” Malik said. “When we laugh together, we connect, and connection is the first step to lasting peace.”

As Times Square echoed with laughter and smiles, Malik’s message served as a timely reminder that peace begins with personal happiness and can ripple out to the world at large.

Aster DM Healthcare joins the United Nations’ Race to Zero’ Campaign, Commits to Net Zero status by 2050

Kochi, September 23, 2025: Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in India, is proud to announce its official membership in the United Nations’ ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, a global alliance committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Aster joins United Nations Race to Zero campaign

As part of its Race to Zero campaign, Aster has successfully commissioned an 8.5 MW solar park in Kasargod, Kerala committing to sustainability and promotion of renewable energy usage.

As part of the Race to Zero commitment, Aster DM Healthcare has pledged to achieve Net Zero emissions across all its operations by 2050, aligning with the 1.5°C global warming target. To achieve this goal, Aster will reduce energy consumption, shift to renewable energy sources, and upgrade its infrastructure to meet high sustainability standards. The company will enhance waste management through strong reduction and recycling practices, improve water conservation via rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment, and prioritize green procurement by sourcing eco-friendly products and materials. Aster will also invest in carbon accounting and energy monitoring technologies to track and accelerate its decarbonization efforts. Internal sustainability workshops, employee initiatives, and community awareness campaigns will also be rolled out as part of its broader climate action program.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “At Aster, our mission to ‘care for all’ naturally extends to the planet as climate change directly impacts health. Our decision to join the Race to Zero campaign is driven by our core belief that healthcare must include nurturing the environment that sustains us all. By joining the campaign, we are taking a significant step towards embedding sustainability into our operations and setting a benchmark for responsible healthcare”.

The Race to Zero campaign, backed by the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, brings together over 16,000 non-state actors across sectors worldwide, all committed to halving emissions by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050.

Shalimar Paints welcomes a new era of innovation with new product lines

New Delhi, September 22, 2025 | Shalimar Paints, a pioneer in the Indian paint industry for over 120 years, is introducing three new products that bring together beauty, durability, and sustainability, while building on the brand’s existing product range. The launch lineup includes Hero Insignia Luxury Interior Emulsion, Superlac PU Gloss Enamel, and Hero Weatherguard 12 Luxury Exterior Emulsion; each created to deliver lasting performance and timeless design for modern homes.

Hero Weather Guard

Hero Insignia: Luxury That Lasts
Hero Insignia is our most advanced interior finish yet, with a water-based luxury interior emulsion crafted with hybrid binder technology. It delivers a silky, luxurious finish, with an anti-scuff finish that resists furniture drag, while superior stain protection that stands up to everyday spills.
Insignia is available in   2,000+ shades, a 3-year shelf life, and a 10-year promise. Designed for homes that demand more, the emulsion’s Zero VOC levels make it as kind to your home as it is to the environment. It glides effortlessly on well-prepared plaster, concrete, or masonry, with a simple application journey through primer, putty, and carefully thinned top coats for rich, vibrant colour. Hero Insignia blends technical precision, luxurious aesthetics, and enduring performance, turning everyday walls into surfaces that truly shine.

Hero WeatherGuard 12: Unyielding Protection for Your Home
With adaptive polymer  technology, Weather Guard 12 ensures a robust finish that resists rain, dust, and the toughest outdoor conditions. The anti-fungal and anti-microbial formula provides lasting protection, keeping your walls safe from harmful bacteria and fungi. Hero Weather Guard is designed for areas prone to high humidity, rainfall, heat and dust. The product promises exceptional durability with a 12 year performance warranty. Designed for outdoor use, this emulsion ensures that your surfaces remain pristine for longer while providing an easy-to-maintain finish that withstands the test of time. Hero Weather Guard blends innovation, practicality, and performance for walls that endure.

Superlac PU Gloss: High-Performance Enamel
Superlac PU Gloss is the ultimate premium gloss finish for wood and metal surfaces, designed for those who demand nothing less than perfection. Offering a super gloss finish, this polyurethane-based formula provides exceptional protection against stains, scratches, and wear, all while maintaining a luxurious gloss that enhances the aesthetic appeal of any surface. Perfect for doors, windows, furniture, and decorative metal, Superlac PU Gloss offers superior adhesion and UV resistance, ensuring long-lasting beauty and durability. Available in a variety of shades, it is ideal for both interior and exterior applications, giving surfaces a sleek, glossy finish that’s both attractive and practical. With a 2-year promise, it delivers excellent coverage and resilience against daily wear, providing a smooth, vibrant coat that resists fading and peeling. Superlac PU Gloss is designed to keep your home looking pristine, combining luxury with performance for surfaces that shine.

Commenting on the product launch, Mr. Kuldip Raina, MD & CEO, at Shalimar Paints, said, “Homes deserve more than temporary finishes. Too many paints and polishes fade, stain, or fail under real life. To change that, we built Hero Insignia for interior walls, Superlac PU Gloss for wood and metal surfaces, and Hero Weather Guard 12 for exterior walls. They combine toughness with elegance, giving homeowners beauty that lasts and professionals reliability they can trust. This is an endeavour to set a new benchmark for interiors and exteriors. With these finishes, every wall, every surface, every home reaches its full potential.”

The new offerings are competitively priced while offering unmatched value in terms of quality and longevity. Insignia provides a luxurious, silky high-sheen finish, backed by a 10-year warranty, ensuring long-lasting beauty and performance for interior walls. Similarly, Weather Guard 12 offers a rich, luxurious sheen with a 12-year warranty, making it a reliable choice for those seeking both durability and aesthetic appeal for exterior walls. Shalimar’s products promise exceptional coverage and superior finishes, making them an ideal choice for both residential and commercial projects.

With these products, Shalimar Paints introduces finishes that combine durability, elegance, and sustainability. Crafted for interiors and exteriors alike, these innovations ensure walls and surfaces remain vibrant, resilient, and timeless.

Atlantis Dubai Raises Over Half a Million Dollars for Conservation & Sustainability Through Atlantis Atlas Project

ATLANTIS DUBAI ANNOUNCES OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS OF FUNDING SINCE THE  INCEPTION OF ATLANTIS ATLAS PROJECT IN SUPPORT OF CONSERVATION AND  SUSTAINABILITY

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 22nd september 2025: Atlantis Dubai announces the selection of seven local and international  conservation and sustainability projects set to receive funding from the Atlantis Atlas Project Contribution  Programme 2025-26 cycle. From June 2024 to May 2025, for every green meeting event and marine  animal experience participated in by a guest, Atlantis Dubai contributed a portion of earnings, resulting in  a $123,000 (USD) fund, which aims to support projects that help protect the ocean and our environment.  Since the programme was launched in 2021, the initiative has now raised over half a million dollars  ($509,000) and supported 30 projects. 

1920_atlantisatlasprojectcontributionprogramme_partnerannouncement_25-26

Since April, organisations around the world have been invited to apply for funding, after which proposals  were assessed against their contributions to scientific advancement, conservation, and sustainability by  the internal Atlantis Dubai Conservation & Science Committee. Atlantis Atlas Project currently focuses on  four key groups of wildlife: sharks, rays, dolphins, and coral reefs, and a key threat to their existence in  the wild; marine pollution. This year, the Contribution Programme will continue to support six  organisations from previous years, as well as welcoming one new organisation.  

2025-26 New Project Partner 

A new partner this year is the Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund to support and  encourage UAE youth under 18 who are passionate about conservation by offering funding, mentorship,  and hands-on experience. It will engage local young people through schools, media, and social campaigns,  highlighting a joint commitment to biodiversity and empowering the next generation of environmental  leaders.

Kerzner business use 

2025-26 Returning Project Partners 

A further year of funding has been initiated with Zayed University and lead UAE-based researcher, Dr Ada Natoli, for the UAE Dolphin Project, which supports boat-based research of local dolphin populations.  During the first three years (2021-2024) this project conducted a total of 142 boat surveys spanning a  distance of 11,106 km along the UAE coastline and totalling 591 observational hours, recording 44  sightings across three species of dolphins and porpoises. Over four consecutive years, the survey has  yielded unprecedented insights into the presence, behaviour, and habitat preferences of cetaceans in an  urban marine environment. Now, in collaboration with Xclusive Yachts, the project will go into its 5th year  of surveys and acoustic monitoring of marine mammals within UAE waters, focusing on the Northern  Emirates waters to better inform conservation actions. 

The Contribution Programme will continue to support the UAE’s leading social enterprise Goumbook to  build upon their ‘Save The Butts – Waste to Value’ campaign. This year’s project will focus on expanding  the Empowering Ocean Stewards project, which combines ocean literacy, citizen science, and data  collection to study microplastics in UAE waters. It aims to engage high school students through workshops,  training over 100 youth in sampling and analysis, while linking microplastics pollution to coral reef health  and climate change. The Project outcomes include open-access data, building local conservation capacity,  and fostering regional collaboration through the MENA Oceans Network, advancing education,  awareness, and sustainability. 

The Atlantis Atlas Project Contribution Programme will provide a further year of funding to support the  IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group, led by UAE-based Dr Rima Jabado. Sharks and rays are a key  conservation focus for Atlantis Atlas Project, and this IUCN specialist group is the leading authority on the  status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras globally. They remain pivotal in the development and  implementation of conservation strategies for these species, including the publication of the Global  Report on the Status of Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras, last year.  

Funding will also be provided to SAFE Shark and Ray, adding to our focus on these marine animals. This  project will develop standardised methods for genetic sampling and data storage of threatened sharks 

Kerzner business use 

and rays in human care. It will create an accessible Genetics Database, support testing, and gather data.  The information will guide breeding, reintroduction, and rewilding efforts, supporting global conservation  of these species. 

Funding will also be continued for the Whale and Dolphin Protection Team at Environmental Voluntary  Foundation (EVF) and its project to further understand the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin in Kuwait  waters. The study will continue to investigate the status and support the conservation of this endangered  species through boat surveys located in the southern area of Khiran. 

Finally, another year of funding has been initiated with Marine Megafauna Foundation led by Simon  Pierce. Last year, the Marine Megafauna Foundation was supported in launching the Oman Whale Shark  Project, which successfully identified and tagged individual whale sharks while engaging local  stakeholders. Expanding research in the Gulf of Oman, a vital yet threatened habitat, the project involves  divers, snorkelers, and marine operators in a citizen science program. Through photo-identification and  tagging, it tracks whale shark abundance, movements, and threats, generating data to guide ecotourism  best practices, strengthen conservation, and support the protection of this endangered species. 

Kelly Timmins, Executive Director of Marine Animal Operations and Sustainability, Atlantis Dubai,  commented: “We are extremely proud to share that, since the inception of Atlantis Atlas Project, we have  raised over half a million dollars and supported 30 impactful initiatives. This year’s seven selected projects  showcase remarkable expertise, creativity, and innovation in advancing ocean conservation and  environmental protection, while aligning with our shared sustainability goals. At Atlantis Dubai, driving  conservation beyond our destination and transforming our operations within it are both essential pillars  of Atlantis Atlas Project’s long-term vision. Together, these efforts reflect our collective commitment to  creating measurable, positive change for our planet and its people.” 

IDBI Bank launches Retail Loan Utsav across 310 branches

India, 22nd september 2025: To celebrate the upcoming festive season, IDBI Bank is launching a special ‘Retail Loan Utsav’ from September 22 to October 4, 2025. Extending the Bank’s brand philosophy of Bank Aisa Dost Jaisa’, the initiative highlights the Bank’s customer-centric approach with exclusive offerings across a wide spectrum of retail loans including Housing Loan, Auto Loan, Education Loan, Loan Against Property and Personal Loan. 

The ‘Retail Loan Utsav’ is designed to resonate with the evolving aspirations of Indian households as they make important lifestyle and financial decisions during this auspicious festive period.

The Bank has identified 310 select branches to champion the ‘Retail Loan Utsav’ that will cover 156 districts across 29 states in India.

Shri Sumit Phakka, DMD, IDBI Bank stated, “The Retail Loan Utsav is a key initiative to strengthen our engagement with customers during the festive season. By offering customized loan features, attractive terms, and seamless processing, we aim to provide a truly rewarding and delightful experience for our customers as they celebrate new beginnings.

Turkish Airlines Launches Flights to Port Sudan

Bengaluru, 22 September 2025: Connecting more destinations across Africa than any other global carrier, Turkish Airlines has launched flights to Port Sudan, increasing its number of destinations in Africa to 63. The national flag carrier will operate its Port Sudan flights as two weekly frequencies until 29 September, and by this date as three weekly frequencies on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

 Flights to Port Sudan

Commenting on this new route, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat said; “As Turkish Airlines, we are delighted to launching flights to Port Sudan, one of historically and strategically significant port cities in Africa. The launch of this route marks an important step in connecting Port Sudan’s commercial potential, cultural heritage and tourism values to the world. We believe that these flights will build new bridges in many areas from trade to tourism, and from education to cultural exchange. We will continue to expand our network in Africa, and connect the continent with the rest of the world.”

Turkish Airlines guests will be able to travel from Istanbul to Port Sudan until 31 March 2026, with tickets purchased by 15 December 2025, starting from USD 585; and from Port Sudan to Istanbul starting from USD 638. These promotional fares are based on Turkish Airlines’ official website and may vary in sales offices and agencies.

Flight Schedule:

FLIGHT NO START DAYS DEPARTURE ARRIVAL
TK 510 17.09.2025 Wednesday, Friday IST 08:00 11:05 PZU
TK 511 17.09.2025 Wednesday, Friday PZU 16:05 21:05 IST
TK 510 29.09.2025 Monday, Wednesday, Friday IST 02:35 05:40 PZU
TK 511 29.09.2025 Monday, Wednesday, Friday PZU 06:35 11:35 IST

All times are in LMT:

Port Sudan, Sudan’s largest port city, is located on the Red Sea coast and serves as the country’s gateway to international trade. The city is a critical hub for exports of oil, agricultural products and natural resources, providing significant industrial and logistical contributions to Sudan. Reflecting both the African and Ottoman heritage, Port Sudan offers cultural diversity through its traditional markets, historical landmarks and sea tourism.

70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 with Gujarat Tourism: Voting Lines open for fans

India, 22nd September 2025:  Filmfare returns to Gujarat as it gears up for the prestigious 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 with Gujarat Tourism. 2024 has been a standout year for the Hindi Film Industry, with blockbusters like Stree 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Munjya leading the way in horror-comedy. It also featured women-led narratives like Crew, and action-packed films like Fighter and Kill. Films like Laapata Ladies, Madgaon Express, and Chandu Champion brought fresh, engaging stories, while The Sabarmati Report, Article 370, and Srikanth won audiences’ hearts. A reminder that Hindi cinema continues to surprise, entertain, and reinvent itself with every release.

 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 with Gujarat Tourism

To honour this brilliance, the 70th edition of Filmfare Awards will once again bring Hindi cinema’s biggest celebration to Gujarat on 11th October 2025 at EKA Arena, Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad. A night of glamour, emotion, and unforgettable performances as the iconic Black Lady recognises the best of 2024.

As anticipation builds, it’s now the audience’s turn to join the celebration. Voting lines are now open, giving audiences the chance to make their favourite performances, stories, and films win the coveted Black Lady. 

Adding to the excitement, this celebration will be an unmissable live experience, inviting fans to witness the magic of the Filmfare Awards in person. Tickets will be available exclusively on District by Zomato, offering cinephiles the chance to be part of the most iconic awards night.

Stay tuned for more updates on the 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 with Gujarat Tourism, as the anticipation builds for a night dedicated to honouring the finest in Hindi cinema.

Partners:

  • Title Partner: Hyundai India
  • Destination Partner:Gujarat Tourism (Govt of Gujarat Undertaking)
  • Co-powered by:Sweety Mouth Freshener
  • Special Partners:
  • Radio Partner: Mirchi
  • Audio Partner : Ganna
  • Multiplex Partner: Khushi
  • Outdoor Partner: Bright Outdoor
  • Outdoor Partner: Kaushik Outdoors
  • Trophy Partner:The Awards Gallery