Archives 2025

Television brings together many talented actors, but some friendships take years to translate into on-screen collaborations. Ishq Jabariya on Sun Neo is making this happen as actress Dipshikkha Nagpal joins the show as Devi Sahay. What makes her entry even more special is that she will finally share screen space with Kamya Panjabi, who plays Mohini. Despite knowing each other for over fifteen years, this marks their first collaboration, making it an exciting moment for both the actresses and their fans.

Expressing her excitement, Dipshikkha shared, “Kamya is a fantastic actress with a strong personality. When we met on the set of Ishq Jabariya on Sun Neo, we hugged, and now it’s finally happening—we’re working together! We’ve known each other for over fifteen years but never had the chance to collaborate. Usually, when a role comes up, it’s either Kamya or me who gets selected, as we’re often considered for similar characters. But for the first time, we’re sharing the screen, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

The Ishq Jabariya actress further added, “Working with her is so much fun because when two strong personalities come together, it creates an exciting dynamic. She is not only a brilliant actress but also a wonderful person. I’m really looking forward to our scenes, and the few we’ve shot so far have been an absolute delight.”

Mumbai, February 04, 2025: Round Table India is delighted to announce the resounding success of the 48th edition of the Silent Olympiad, held on February 1, 2025, at the University of Mumbai.

This incredible annual charity event brought together children with hearing and speech impairments to showcase their talents and abilities through the unifying spirit of sports.

The Silent Olympiad 2025 was a testament to nearly 50 years of promoting integration, athleticism, and friendship. The event provided a platform for young contenders to demonstrate their skills, celebrate their achievements, and inspire others to dream bigger.

 With a focus on acceptance and empowerment, the Silent Olympiad redefined possibilities and highlighted the transformative power of sportsmanship.

The day was filled with thrilling sporting events where students displayed great skill, determination, and teamwork. The atmosphere was uplifting, celebrating talent, strengthening friendships, and promoting a spirit of inclusion. Attendees witnessed the triumph of dreams, and the potential of a platform designed to inspire young people.

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Satyanarayan Choudhary, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), as the Chief Guest. In previous years, notable personalities like Mr. Vatsal Sheth have also attended as chief guests. The event was further supported by Round Table India’s National Treasurer, Mr. Sumit Chand, emphasising the significance of community and organisational involvement.

The Olympiad witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 600 students and 100 teachers from different parts of India, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The students, ranging in age from 5 to 17 years, showcased their talents and sportsmanship across a variety of events.

The sports categories were meticulously designed to cater to different age groups. For young participants, aged 5-8 years, fun games like the lemon and spoon race, sack race, and 3-legged race were held. Older students competed in more challenging events such as the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m races. Additionally, events like shot put, chess, and long jump added to the excitement and diversity of the competition.

The event also featured a cultural evening, showcasing the dynamic talents of the participants and celebrating their creativity and remarkable capabilities.

“Silent Olympiad is not just an event; it’s a movement that celebrates the invincible spirit of young athletes. It is a tribute to their courage, determination, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. At Round Table India, we are committed to fostering an environment where every child, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and achieve their dreams,’’ said Mr. Tr. Chaitanya Dev Singh, National President, Round Table India (RTI).

Echoing his views, Mr. Vishwanathan, Member of Round Table India, who started SILO 50 years ago, said,‘’Our mission is to promote equality and empowerment through various initiatives, and the Silent Olympiad is a shining example of this commitmentto uplift and support different communities across our nation.’’

Jaipur, 4th February, 2024 – Ryan Edunation School, Jaipur, marked a memorable weekend of celebration with back-to-back flagship events – the Annual Sports Day on January 25 and the 76th Republic Day celebration on January 26, 2025. The events showcased the school’s commitment to holistic education, combining academic excellence with physical fitness and cultural values.

 The Annual Sports Day commenced with the presence of distinguished guests including Shri Puneet Karnawat, Deputy Mayor of Greater Jaipur, and other prominent community leaders. The event began with a traditional welcome ceremony and featured a comprehensive briefing on the school’s Health Safety and Child Protection (HSCP) program. A highlight of the opening ceremony was the torch relay led by young sports achievers Eklavya Vishnoi, Adrika Amit, Atharva Tiwari, and Pahal Gangwani.

 The following day’s Republic Day celebration was graced by Yogacharya Dhakaram Sapkota, President of YogaPeace Sansthan and Vice-President of the National Institute of Holistic Health (NIH), along with school trustees Mrs. Sunita Chauhan and Mrs. Mekhla Chauhan. The event marked the culmination of the school’s innovative SPARK program, which focuses on comprehensive student development through sports, performing arts, and leadership training.

 A standout moment during the Republic Day celebration was Grade 8A student Ishika Mehla’s remarkable achievement of breaking 101 stone tiles in just 13 seconds, setting a new national record. The celebrations included diverse performances ranging from patriotic songs and French language presentations to yoga demonstrations and taekwondo displays.

 Principal Mr. Baharul Islam emphasized the school’s dedication to promoting well-rounded individuals: “These events represent our commitment to nurturing not just academic excellence, but also physical fitness, cultural awareness, and national pride. The enthusiasm and talent displayed by our students across both days truly embody our school’s vision of holistic education.”

 The two-day celebration saw participation from over 1000 attendees, including 650+ students, 50+ staff members, and numerous parents and distinguished guests. The events featured various competitions and demonstrations, including:

 ● Track and field events
● Team sports competitions
● Cultural performances
● Yoga and martial arts demonstrations
● Interactive parent-child activities
● SPARK program showcase

 The school has announced upcoming initiatives including a State-Level Yoga & Taekwondo Championship and an Inter-School Sports Meet, further reinforcing its commitment to promoting sportsmanship and excellence in both athletics and academics.

Mumbai, February 4 ,2025: QR678®, a pioneering company dedicated to revolutionizing hair science through clinical research and innovative solutions, has partnered with Spectra Medical, a leading distributor of high-quality aesthetic equipment and products. The collaboration aims to make cutting-edge, non-invasive hair restoration solutions of QR678 widely accessible across India addressing the growing demand for advanced, patient-friendly treatments.

Spectra Medical’s expertise in distributing high-quality medical equipment and products from some of the world’s leading manufacturers makes it an ideal partner to bring QR678’s solutions to a broader audience. Known for its commitment to innovation and quality, the company has played a vital role in equipping healthcare providers with state-of-the-art equipment that improves patient outcomes.

Speaking about this, Mr Indrajit Dutta, Vice President, QR678®, said, “Hair loss is not just a cosmetic concern; it often impacts emotional well-being and confidence. Our partnership with Spectra Medical is a strategic step to ensure QR678’s products reach clinics and patients nationwide, enabling them to experience world-class hair regrowth solutions. By joining forces with a partner that values quality and innovation, we’re confident in shaping the future of non-surgical hair restoration in India and be known as the Hair Science people.”

Adding further, Mr Ramamoorthy Sundaram, Managing Director of Spectra Medical, said, “At Spectra Medical, we’ve always believed in delivering solutions that add more beauty to our lives. QR678® is an exceptional addition to our portfolio, combining cutting-edge science with tangible results. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing the Indian healthcare industry with transformative products. Together, we aim to empower aesthetic practitioners with tools that redefine patient care standards in hair restoration.”

QR678 has emerged as a pioneering innovation in the field of hair regrowth therapy. Developed after years of rigorous research, this regulatory-approved treatment utilizes biomimetic polypeptides to stimulate hair follicles, effectively halting hair loss while promoting the density and thickness of existing hair. As a non-surgical solution, QR678 offers patients a safe and effective alternative to traditional procedures.

Faith is not something that fluctuates, it either exists or it doesn’t. In the absence of faith, fear takes root, shaping our reality and actions. But what happens when faith overcomes fear?! That’s the question at the heart of “The Prayer”, a short film that delves into the transformative power of unwavering faith.

Marking the debut of celebrated actor Makarand Deshpande as a producer, “The Prayer” is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film. Written and directed by Nivedita Pohankar, the film stars Aaditi Pohankar, Makarand Deshpande, and Smita Jayakar. It tells the story of a woman fighting for her brother’s life, caught between the desperation of an uncertain fate and the power of prayer.

Nivedita Pohankar reflects on the essence of the film, stating, “Faith is something deeply personal. It isn’t bound by religion, it’s the silent cry of the heart when everything else seems out of control. This film is an exploration of that raw, human emotion.” She adds, “Directing “The Prayer” was a profound experience. It gave me an opportunity to work with a brilliant team and tell a story that resonates deeply in the world we live in today, one filled with uncertainty, but also immense hope.”

The movie’s breathtaking cinematography is skillfully crafted by Amit Roy, capturing every frame with stunning visual storytelling. The seamless editing by Deepa Bhatia ensures a gripping and smooth narrative flow. The immersive sound design and meticulous re-recording mix by Kunal Mehta and Parikshit Lalvani enhance the film’s atmosphere, drawing the audience deeper into its world. Complementing these elements is the evocative music by Tubby, which adds emotional depth and elevates the cinematic experience.

Unlike films that offer clear resolutions, “The Prayer” intentionally leaves its message open-ended. It doesn’t claim that prayer changes circumstances, but rather suggests that it transforms the mind, replacing fear with strength.

Hyderabad, 4th February 2025: Odisha Tourism’s campaign to boost inbound and domestic tourism began today with a roadshow in Hyderabad. The event, organised in association with FICCI, witnessed 40+ travel operators and other tourism stakeholders from Hyderabad engaged in a series of B2B interactions.

Odisha is actively promoting its tourism sector within domestic markets by showcasing its diverse attractions, including cultural heritage monuments, waterfalls, wildlife, local cuisine, hills, and Buddhist circuits. This effort is further enhanced by the popular Eco Retreat Odisha, a three-month glamping festival that has gained widespread recognition. The roadshow, held at Taj Krishna, Hyderabad, was marked by a series of informative sessions and interactive engagements with travel operators and tourism stakeholders from Hyderabad.

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida graced the roadshow and said, “Our unwavering commitment fosters a pro-investment environment, providing robust support for businesses. Backed by unmatched destinations and serene landscapes, opportunities across diverse tourism sub sectors, Odisha presents a golden opportunity for investors to build, grow, and thrive in one of India’s most promising tourism markets.”

She emphasized Odisha’s growing importance on the tourism map of India. Her address underscored the state government’s commitment to enhancing the tourism sector and creating an inviting environment for tourists and investors alike.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary Tourism Shri Balwant Singh highlighted the State’s extensive tourism potential and efforts to make Odisha a key destination for domestic travellers. Deliberating on the excellent road network Odisha has that connects with neighbouring States, he highlighted Odisha’s diverse tourist destinations emphasizing on the state’s potential as a premier destination for both domestic and international travellers. His presentation focused on opportunities for investors and tourism stakeholders, outlining the state’s commitment to creating a seamless environment for collaboration and growth in the sector, with a special focus on strategic investments and infrastructure development.

Shri Lokesh Kumar, Head, PMU Odisha Tourism, delivered the welcome address, inviting everyone to explore Odisha first-hand. He emphasised that the government is aiming to make the experience as smooth as possible, so that all involved parties like DTOs, DMCs and investors can maximize their potential and contribute to the growth of the sector.

The event also included a series of Interactive Q&A sessions with the stakeholders, where travel operators, tour agencies, and other tourism-related businesses from Hyderabad engaged in meaningful discussions with the Odisha Tourism delegation. These sessions facilitated valuable Business-to-Business (B2B) interactions, which are expected to strengthen ties between Odisha and Hyderabad’s travel industry. One of the major highlights of the session was the proposal for Odisha’s inclusion in prominent Tourism Plazas, which would enhance the visibility and accessibility of the state’s rich tourism offerings. Another important discussion centred around the promotion of wellness tourism in Odisha. With the increasing global interest in wellness and holistic travel experiences, the stakeholders suggested several ideas for leveraging Odisha’s natural beauty, serene landscapes, and traditional wellness practices to establish the state as a top wellness destination.

Later in the day, the Odisha Tourism delegation held a meeting with 12+ potential investors (B2G meetings) from the travel and tourism fraternity to discuss opportunities for investment in the state’s burgeoning tourism infrastructure.

Odisha Tourism delegation, led by Smt. Pravati Parida, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Odisha also met Mr. Rohit Matta, Director Sensation Infracom Pvt. Ltd, Chairman & MD (Formula 4) Mr Akhilesh Reddy N. During the discussion, talks were initiated to explore the development of hotels, resorts, concert-led infrastructure in Odisha in collaboration with the Department of Tourism. The proposed partnerships shall aim to enhance the state’s hospitality infrastructure, offering a broader range of accommodation options for both domestic and international tourists.

Mumbai, February 4, 2025: The 19th edition of Bal Parishad, Salaam Bombay Foundation’s pioneering children’s health convention, took place at Shri Gauridutt Mittal Vidyalaya & Junior College, Sion, bringing together young health advocates from government schools to voice their concerns and solutions for a healthier future. This year’s event marked a historic first with the launch of the Young Changemakers Award, honouring exceptional student leaders who have actively contributed to creating tobacco-free schools and healthier communities.

Unlike conventional student councils or mock parliaments, often seen in private schools, Bal Parishad is one of the few platforms in the country where students from under-resourced government schools take the lead in addressing pressing public health challenges. Through a series of interactive discussions and presentations, these young changemakers showcased their year-long efforts in tobacco control, mental health advocacy, nutrition awareness, and sustainability initiatives.

The event was graced by an esteemed panel, including Dr. Krishna Methekar, Joint Director, FSSAI, Govt. of India, Dr. Duryodhan Chavan, Deputy Director, Health Department, Govt. of Maharashtra, and Mrs. Manisha Pawar, Deputy Director, Regional Academic Authority, Education Department, Mumbai. The panellists engaged in Q&A sessions with students, offering valuable insights, encouragement, and support for their initiatives.

The Young Changemakers Award 2025, introduced this year, recognised outstanding student-led initiatives in four key areas—tobacco control, mental well-being, nutrition, and community health awareness. The winners were lauded for their grassroots efforts in sensitising peers, engaging local shopkeepers to stop tobacco sales to minors, setting up kitchen gardens for better nutrition, and organising health camps to spread awareness of non-communicable diseases.

Tshering Bhutia, Senior Vice President, Preventive Health, Salaam Bombay Foundation, emphasised the long-term vision of Bal Parishad, stating, “This initiative is more than an event—it is a platform for students who inspire change. By empowering students with knowledge to create a dialogue for change, we are fostering a generation of young leaders who are shaping healthier communities from within.”

In a new breakthrough, researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH) have developed a novel bioink made from Kombucha SCOBY-derived nanocellulose, which provides a scaffold that supports cell growth for tissue repair. The bioink can be directly applied to the damaged areas through a handheld biopen, making it ideal for direct in vivo tissue engineering of wounds and complex defects, particularly in emergency and first-aid settings.

Tissue engineering utilizes 3D printing and bioink to grow human cells on scaffolds, creating replacements for damaged tissues like skin, cartilage, and even organs. A team of researchers led by Professor Insup Noh from Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea, has developed a bioink using nanocellulose derived from Kombucha SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) as the scaffold material. The biomaterial offers a sustainable alternative to conventional options, and it can be loaded onto a hand-held ‘Biowork’ biopen, also developed by the same team. The digital biopen allows the precise application of bioink to damaged defected areas, such as irregular cartilage and large skin wounds, paving the way for more personalized and effective in vivo tissue repair, eliminating the need for in vitro tissue engineering processes.

This paper was made available online on 28 October 2024 and subsequently published in Volume 282, Part 3, of the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules on 1 December 2024.

“Our prefabricated nanocellulose hydrogel network from symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast has the potential to be used as a platform bioink for in vivo tissue engineering by loading all types of biomolecules and drugs and direct bioprinting,” says Prof. Noh.

Kombucha SCOBY is a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast used to ferment green tea. The microorganisms produce cellulose, which is biodegradable and compatible with cells. However, the nanocellulose derived from Kombucha SCOBY has an entangled structure, which requires modification for 3D bioprinting. This involves adjusting its rheological properties (how it flows) and mechanical properties to improve extrusion and maintain structural integrity after printing.

The researchers accomplished this by partially hydrolyzing nanocellulose with acetic acid, breaking glucose bonds and disentangling the network for its bioprintablity. However, this treatment lacked control of its properties, leading to a reduction of its structural strength. The team reinforced the nanocellulose with chitosan (positively charged) and kaolin (negatively charged) nanoparticles. These chitosan and kaolin particles interact with cellulose through electrostatic forces, forming a stable hydrogel suitable for 3D bioprinting.

The bioink was prepared by mixing the ingredients, including live cells, within a biopen. Digitally controlled, two counter-rotating screws within the biopen uniformly mixed the ingredients, creating a homogeneous bioink that could be directly applied through a needle onto damaged tissue. When attached to a 3D bioprinter, the biopen enabled the creation of multilayer, self-standing structures with high resolution, such as bifurcated tubes and pyramids exceeding 1 cm in height. The biopen was also used for direct in situ layer-by-layer printing of irregularly shaped defects. Using it, the researchers accurately filled 3D-printed cranium and femoral head molds with designed defects.

The bioink and digital biopen combination offers a cost-effective solution for treating large areas and irregularly shaped wounds without any in vitro tissue regeneration process, particularly in emergency and first-aid situations. “This technology allows for a quick and easy one-step process where the drug and hydrogel are mixed and immediately applied on-site to injured areas of different shapes,” says Prof. Noh.

Bangaluru, 05/February/2025: Hotelogix, a globally leading cloud-based hospitality technology provider, announced the integration of its comprehensive Hotel Property Management System (Hotel PMS) with Profitroom’s Booking Engine platform. As a significant development in the hospitality industry, this partnership aims to improve direct booking capabilities for hospitality businesses across the globe, leading to enhanced revenue.

With this integration, Hotelogix’s hotel partners looking for a reliable solution to improve their direct sales can now easily access Profitroom’s guest-centric 360° Booking Engine solution. Similarly, it will also enable hotels using the Profitroom solution to gain access to Hotelogix’s widely-used and highly-trusted cloud-based Hotel Property Management System (Hotel PMS), further elevating their operational efficiency and guest experience.

“We’re thrilled about this integration with Profitroom, a widely used solution that would empower Hotelogix users to drive direct bookings via their websites. This partnership reflects our dedication to providing outstanding value, improving guest experiences, and boosting revenue in a highly competitive market,” stated Aditya Sanghi, CEO of Hotelogix.

Based in Poland, Profitroom stands out as a premier provider of booking solutions, enhancing direct booking performances for more than 3,500 hotels and resorts globally—some have seen direct bookings soar by as much as 96%. Their platform effortlessly unifies direct reservations on hotel websites with various distribution channels while automating marketing efforts, optimizing SEO and SEM strategies, and offering opportunities for cross-selling and upselling, among other features.

“Our partnership with a leading global hotel property management system like Hotelogix is poised to revolutionize the hospitality industry. This collaboration offers a cutting-edge technology stack that will enable hotels to improve operational efficiency and increase direct booking capabilities,” said Marcin Dragan, CEO of Profitroom.

Bengaluru, February 04, 2025 – NURA AI Health Screening, a collaboration between Fujifilm Healthcare and Dr. Kutty’s Healthcare, proudly celebrates the 4th anniversary of its Bengaluru facility. Since its inception, the centre has screened over 20,000 individuals, identifying critical health risks and saving more than 1,500 lives through the early detection of cancer and other lifestyle-driven diseases.

NURA’s Bengaluru centre has been at the forefront of fostering a culture of preventive healthcare by providing quick, comprehensive health screenings powered by advanced AI technology. With its mission to make early detection accessible and effective, NURA continues to transform lives and promote a healthier future for the community.

“At NURA, we are proud to serve the people of Bengaluru and contribute to their health and well-being. Early detection is the cornerstone of our mission to reduce the burden of lifestyle-driven diseases and cancer. By leveraging advanced AI technology, we can help individuals take proactive steps toward better health,” said Dr. Bilal Thangal T M, Medical Lead, NURA.

NURA’s Bengaluru centre utilizes REILI AI technology and Pixel Shine imaging with ultra-low-dose radiation to screen multiple organs, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, and bones, ensuring a comprehensive health assessment. Starting with 5 cancer parameters, the centre has now expanded its screening capabilities to include 10 cancer parameters, with plans for further advancements in the near future.

Looking ahead, NURA aims to increase its capacity by 50%, enabling it to serve even more people every day. To further encourage the adoption of health screenings, NURA continues to run educational campaigns, social media initiatives, and on-ground activities, spreading awareness about the critical role of early diagnosis in saving lives.