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Hyderabad, 18 March 2025 – Botanic Healthcare, a global leader in the nutraceutical sector and a manufacturer and exporter of premium herbal extracts, reinforces its commitment to sustainability by ethically sourcing and producing Berberis aristata (Kashmal). The company’s trademark products, BerBix™ and BERMAX™, reflect its dedication to environmentally responsible operations while strengthening regional economies and contributing to the global herbal market.

 The company has signed an Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) agreement with the Himachal Pradesh Department of Biodiversity, ensuring sustainable and legal extraction practices. Recognized for its role in regulating blood sugar, improving lipid metabolism, and enhancing cardiovascular health, BerBix™ is a key offering in the company’s product portfolio. Complementing this is BERMAX™, an advanced liposomal berberine formulation designed to improve bioavailability and absorption.

 Established in 2013, Botanic Healthcare is driving the global recognition of Indian Ayurveda through innovative nutraceutical formulations. Its manufacturing facility in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, specializes in extracting Berberis aristata, valued for its bioactive alkaloid, berberine, known for multiple health benefits.

 Committed to sustainability, the company adheres to the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, ensuring the legal and responsible extraction of Berberis aristata while paying required ABS fees to support biodiversity conservation.

 Botanic Healthcare’s BerBix™ is a high-purity berberine extract (70% and 97% berberine hydrochloride) that meets stringent EU and USP standards. BERMAX™, an advanced liposomal berberine, undergoes rigorous testing for stability, ensuring optimal absorption and efficacy.

 Supporting over 1,000 farmers in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi and Barot valleys, the company sources approximately 8,000 MT of raw material annually, guaranteeing fair pricing and employment opportunities while reinforcing its commitment to environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

 “As the global demand for berberine-based products continues to rise, with projections estimating the market to reach USD 4.22 billion by 2033, Botanic Healthcare is strategically positioned to capitalize on this expanding opportunity. Our flagship products, BerBix™ and BERMAX™, are integral to shaping the future of India’s herbal industry,” said Mr. Gaurav Soni, Founder & Managing Director of Botanic Healthcare.

 “At Botanic Healthcare, we remain committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing, adhering to legal and ethical practices. By doing so, we not only contribute to the global health market but also foster the long-term growth and global competitiveness of India’s herbal industry,” added Mr. Madhu Krishnamani, Founder and Managing Director of Botanic Healthcare.

March 18, 2025: Newcastle University researchers, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and their collaborators utilized single-cell sequencing and other genomic techniques to develop an atlas and gain insights into the formation of human skin, including hair follicles.

These findings hold potential for applications in regenerative medicine, such as creating new hair follicles and improving skin transplant procedures for burn victims.

Published in in Nature, the study also involved creating a skin “mini organ” in a dish capable of growing hair. By using this organoid, the researchers demonstrated the significant role immune cells play in scar-free skin repair, paving the way for clinical advancements to prevent scarring after surgery or enable scarless healing following injuries.

‘Exciting strides’ being made

As part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, which aims to map all cell types in the human body to revolutionize the understanding of health and disease, researchers have provided a molecular “recipe” for constructing skin and developed a new organoid model to study congenital skin disorders.

The skin, the body’s largest organ, spans an average of two square meters. It serves as a protective barrier, regulates body temperature, and possesses self-regenerative capabilities. Skin develops in the sterile environment of the womb, with all hair follicles forming before birth. Although follicles undergo cycles after birth, no new ones are created. Remarkably, before birth, the skin can heal wounds without leaving scars.

Studying human skin development has been challenging due to key differences in animal models. Researchers within the Human Cell Atlas project are working to unravel how skin is constructed, including the spatial and temporal dynamics of cells and the influence of genetics. This understanding could shed light on how specific mutations lead to congenital skin conditions, such as blistering disorders and scaly skin.

Dr Hudaa Gopee, co-first author from Newcastle University, said: “We’re excited to have made a skin organoid model that grows hair. In this process, we uncovered a new, important role of immune cells in promoting the growth of blood vessels in developing skin tissue, which could help improve other organoid models. These immune cells, called macrophages, also appear to play a key part in scarless skin repair in prenatal skin. Our findings could inform clinical advances to avoid scarring after surgery.”

In this groundbreaking study, researchers from Newcastle University, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and their collaborators created the first single-cell and spatial atlas of human prenatal skin.

The team analyzed prenatal skin tissue samples by breaking them down to study individual cells in suspension and examining cells within their native tissue environment. They employed advanced single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to investigate cellular changes over time and space, focusing on the processes governing skin and hair follicle development. The study detailed the steps involved in human hair follicle formation and highlighted differences from mouse hair follicles.

Using adult stem cells, the researchers developed a skin “mini organ,” or organoid, capable of growing hair. They compared the molecular profiles of these organoids to prenatal and adult skin, finding that the organoid model closely resembled prenatal skin.

The study revealed that blood vessels in the organoid were underdeveloped compared to prenatal skin. By introducing immune cells known as macrophages into the organoid, the researchers found that these cells significantly enhanced blood vessel formation. The team used 3D imaging to examine this vascular development in detail.

While macrophages are known to defend the skin against infections, this research is the first to show their crucial role in early human skin development by supporting blood vessel growth. This discovery opens new possibilities for improving vascularization in other tissue organoids.

‘Amazing clinical potential’

This study provides a detailed molecular “recipe” for the formation of human skin and hair follicles. These findings could pave the way for regenerative medicine applications, including the creation of new hair follicles for skin transplants to treat burn victims or individuals with scarring alopecia.

The atlas of prenatal human skin developed in the study will help pinpoint the specific cells where genes linked to congenital hair and skin disorders, such as blistering and scaly skin conditions, are active or expressed. The researchers discovered that these disorder-associated genes are expressed in prenatal skin, indicating that their origins trace back to development in utero.

The skin organoids created in this research serve as a highly accurate model for studying these congenital diseases, offering new avenues for understanding and potentially treating such conditions.

Dr Elena Winheim, co-first author from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “With our prenatal human skin atlas, we’ve provided the first molecular ‘recipe’ for making human skin and uncovered how human hair follicles are formed before birth. These insights have amazing clinical potential and could be used in regenerative medicine, when offering skin and hair transplants, such as for burn victims or those with scarring alopecia.”

Chandigarh, 18 March 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is driving agricultural transformation in the dry, hilly regions of Jiwati Taluka, Nagpur, and Chandrapur through its CSR efforts. To combat soil erosion, water scarcity, and low farm yields, the CSR team introduced terrace farming, enabling 15 farmers to convert 6 hectares of fallow land into cultivable fields.

In Jiwati, farmer Ananadrao Kodape had faced severe cultivation challenges on his uneven land earlier. With support from Ambuja Cements’ CSR team, he adopted terrace farming, improved soil moisture retention, and diversified his crops, doubling his income from Rs. 16,250 to Rs. 34,880. His success has drawn government support, helping him scale operations with subsidies for advanced farming infrastructure.

By facilitating sustainable farming practices, Ambuja Cements and its CSR team are transforming arid landscapes into thriving agricultural hubs, reaffirming their commitment to empowering rural communities and securing livelihoods in the face of climate change.

Chandigarh, March 18, 2025: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today launched the XUV700 Ebony Limited Edition—a striking new avatar that amplifies the XUV700’s unmissable presence and sophisticated design. This exclusive variant is set to outshine the dark with its captivating dual black-and-silver aesthetic.

Bold and Unmistakable Exterior

Crafted for those who refuse to blend in, the Mahindra XUV700 Ebony Edition embraces a Stealth black exterior accentuated by brushed silver skid plates. Black-on-black grille inserts and blacked-out ORVMs create an imperious front profile, while the R18 black alloy wheels lend a refined edge to the SUV’s imposing stance. This meticulous interplay of black and silver underscores the XUV700’s unmissable design philosophy, exuding confidence on every road.

Refined Interior with Enhanced Comfort

Step inside, and you are greeted by a bold yet graceful cabin layout—featuring black leatherette upholstery, blacked-out trims, and silver accents along the center console and door panels. A complementary light grey roof liner underscores the dual-tone theme, adding a refined touch of sophistication to the interior. Meanwhile, dark-chrome air vents further enhance the XUV700 Ebony Edition’s premium feel, creating a space that seamlessly blends modern luxury with elegance.

Crafted for the Confident

True to Mahindra’s ethos, the XUV700 Ebony Edition is designed for those who demand nothing less than excellence. This limited edition speaks to individuals who value meticulous craftsmanship and innovative technology. From spirited weekend adventures to chauffeured weekday drives, the Ebony Edition stands ready to offer an upscale SUV experience that seamlessly blends comfort, capability, and commanding design.

Gurugram, 18th March 2025: Signature Global (India) Ltd., one of India’s leading real estate developers, today held the Bhoomi Pujan for its premium residential project, Titanium SPR, in Sector 71, Gurugram, marking a key step in its development. The Bhoomi Pujan, a traditional ceremony symbolizing a positive and prosperous start, was attended by key stakeholders and company representatives. It showcased Signature Global’s commitment to delivering high-quality homes while reinforcing its vision for modern, well-planned, and sustainable living spaces.

On this occasion, Mr. Lalit Kumar Aggarwal, Co-founder & Vice Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said: “The Bhoomi Pujan marks a significant milestone for Titanium SPR and reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality homes with modern design and thoughtful planning. This ceremony not only reflects our deep-rooted cultural values but also sets the foundation for a project that will redefine urban living in the Delhi NCR region. With Capacit’e Infraprojects as our construction partner, we are confident that Titanium SPR will offer homebuyers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience.”

Launched in June 2024, Titanium SPR received an overwhelming market response, achieving sales exceeding ₹2,700 crore during the allotment phase. In October 2024, Signature Global awarded a ₹1,203 crore construction contract to Capacit’e Infraprojects Limited, a company renowned for its construction excellence. The recent Bhoomi Pujan marks the project’s transition into the construction phase, bringing Signature Global’s vision for modern luxury living closer to realization in Gurugram’s Sector 71.

Strategically located along the Southern Peripheral Road, Titanium SPR spans over 14 acres and offers seamless connectivity to major routes such as the Dwarka Expressway, Golf Course Road, Golf Course Extension Road, South of Gurugram, and NH-48. The project draws inspiration from Singaporean architecture, featuring high-rise towers with cityscape views and thoughtfully designed layouts that ensure complete privacy, with no balconies facing each other. Residents will have access to over 55 exclusive amenities, including lagoon pools, sensory gardens, a Miyawaki forest, and state-of-the-art recreational facilities.

The project’s design is the result of collaboration with renowned international architects, including DPC from Singapore, MPFP from the USA, Confluence, NMP Design, Senelac Consultants, and Vintech Consultants. Notable features include expansive 26-feet and 28-feet-long decks, a grand triple-height entrance lobby, and seven meticulously designed lagoon pools, setting a new benchmark for luxury living in the Delhi NCR region.

Emphasizing sustainability, Titanium SPR is a dual-certified green development, holding certifications from both the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies). These certifications validate the project’s eco-friendly design, energy efficiency, and focus on sustainability, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint and optimized resource utilization for a greener living environment.

In recognition of its architectural excellence and sustainable design, Titanium SPR was honored with the Best Green Development award at the 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (India). With its luxurious design, world-class amenities, prime location, and award-winning sustainability features, Titanium SPR is poised to redefine urban living in the Delhi NCR region.

Visakhapatnam, 18th March 2025: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is set to transport food lovers on a regal culinary journey with its exclusive Awadhi Food Festival. Celebrating the rich and aromatic flavours of Lucknowi cuisine, the festival will showcase signature dishes like the legendary Galouti Kebab and the classic Shami Kebab, along with a curated selection of Nawabi delicacies.

Awadhi cuisine, known for its slow-cooked, aromatic, and melt-in-the-mouth textures, is deeply rooted in the royal kitchens of Lucknow. The highlight of this festival, the Galouti Kebab, is an indulgent delicacy crafted from finely minced meat and a secret blend of spices, ensuring a soft and flavorful experience. Complementing it, the Shami Kebab—a delicately spiced, pan-fried meat patty—will add to the richness of the feast.

Guests at Novotel Vizag will relish an array of Awadhi specialities prepared by expert chefs who have mastered the art of this age-old cuisine. Each dish is meticulously cooked using authentic techniques, offering a true taste of Lucknow’s royal heritage.

Join us at Novotel Visakhapatnam and indulge in a culinary affair fit for royalty. Immerse yourself in the flavours, aromas, and traditions of Awadh as we bring the Nawabi dining experience to the City of Destiny.

New Delhi, March 17, 2025: Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) have signed an agreement to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping stations across DDA sports complexes in the city.

CESL is a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the Ministry of Power.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Shri Vijay Kumar Singh, DDA Vice-Chairman, Shri Vishal Kapoor, MD and CEO – CESL, Shri Chittaranjan

Dash, Principal Commissioner, DDA, and Shri Rajneesh Rana, Head-Convergence. This collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the capital city’s EV infrastructure and supporting India’s transition to clean mobility.

As part of the agreement, DDA will provide adequate vacant land at identified locations within its sports complexes. CESL will utilise these sites to establish and operate public charging infrastructure.

The identified locations for the installation of EV charging and battery swapping stations span across North Delhi, West Delhi, South Delhi and East Delhi, enabling wider access to efficient charging facilities for EV users in the city.

Under CESL’s business model, tailored to evolving market conditions for the development of EV charging and battery swapping stations, it will procure services from Charge Point Operators (CPOs) for the supply, installation, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of EV charging and battery swapping stations. These facilities will be deployed on a Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) model, ensuring sustainable and long-term EV infrastructure expansion.

By supporting this vision, CESL and DDA are contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation ecosystem in the city.

Commenting on the collaboration, MD & CEO, CESL, Shri Vishal Kapoor said: “This partnership between CESL and DDA marks a crucial milestone in Delhi’s EV journey. By leveraging CESL’s expertise in upscaling clean energy solutions, we are creating a robust and accessible EV charging network that will drive faster EV adoption. CESL remains committed to pioneering sustainable and scalable solutions that contribute to India’s decarbonisation goals.”

DDA vice-chairman Vijay Kumar Singh said, “DDA is committed to enhancing urban infrastructure and supporting initiatives that promote sustainability. By integrating EV charging and battery swapping stations within our sports complexes, we are optimizing the use of public spaces to facilitate green mobility. This initiative aligns with our vision of making Delhi a more environmentally friendly and future-ready city.

CESL has already installed 455 charging stations across India, reinforcing its commitment to accelerating e-mobility adoption across India and aligning with the national vision for a cleaner and more sustainable transportation ecosystem.

Mumbai, 17 March, 2025: The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) has announced the winners of AAAI Young Lotus Contest, 2025. The winning team comprises Pallavi Subudhi and Filoni Gudhka from BBH Mumbai. The duo will jointly represent India at the prestigious Young Lotus Workshop and attend Adfest 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand.

The Young Lotus Workshop is a three-day program that fosters the next generation of young creatives from across Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East with an opportunity to work with top industry leaders, push creative boundaries and refine their skills on an international stage.

The 2025 edition of the AAAI Young Lotus Contest was around the theme ‘Support Local, Strengthen India.’ This year’s jury panel featured distinguished industry experts, including Chetan Kapoor (Saatchi Propagate), Kartikeya Tiwari (FCB Kinnect) and Zainab Haji (Grey). Winning from a selection of 130 entries from across India, Pallavi Subudhi and Filoni Gudhka’s entry stood out for its profound insight and creative execution, perfectly capturing the essence of the theme.

Speaking on the initiative, AAAI’s spokesperson said, “The aim of this year’s theme, ‘Support Local, Strengthen India’, was to push young creatives to emphasize on the power of local insights in creating compelling narratives. The winning entry by Pallavi and Filoni was a perfect blend of creativity and strategic thinking, backed by insightful storytelling. Their work and impactful ideas set them apart. We look forward to seeing them shine on the global stage at the Young Lotus Workshop where in teams from 15 different countries will participate and later on take part in ADFEST 2025.”

“BBH takes its young talent seriously and it’s great to see the industry celebrate our young creative superstars. We couldn’t be happier for Pallavi and Filoni. They are true Black Sheep,” added Parikshit Bhattaccharya, CCO, BBH India.

“This win brings us one step closer to our goal of establishing ourselves in the creative industry. We are grateful to the BBH leadership team for providing this amazing opportunity as well as our mentors, without whom this couldn’t have been possible. We can’t wait to take this experience to the global stage at Young Lotus Workshop/Adfest 2025 and make most of this opportunity,” said Pallavi and Filoni in a joint statement.

This victory marks a significant milestone in the journey of India’s creative talent. With a strong lineup of entries, this year’s contest highlighted the evolving landscape of the industry.

Representing India at Young Lotus Workshop 2025, the winners will have the opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds in the industry across Asia and push the boundaries of creative storytelling.

Bangalore, March 17, 2025 – CEPT University announced its Summer 2025 courses recently and will be accepting online registrations from interested students from March 19, 2025. The Summer and Winter Courses (SWC) at CEPT University provide students with varied, intensive, and enriching educational experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom.

CEPT University was an early adopter of the novel Summer and Winter Schools in India, a concept prevalent in European educational systems. These biannual terms – Summer and Winter – offer two to four week intensive courses that provide students with significant interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

The core objective of the SWC is to foster peer learning, exchange of ideas and providing a platform for students to take courses of their interest, beyond their academic stipulations. As a result, CEPT University encourages students from across all universities and across academic disciplines to enrol into these programs. To ensure that these courses are impactful, they are taught by professionals, academicians, artists, and experts from across India and abroad.

This year, through the Summer 2025 term, CEPT University is offering a diverse array of courses ranging from studying urban development in cities such as Paris to understanding urban resilience in Bhutan. Some of the other unique courses include Decoding Mechanics, Preserving Night-Time Darkness Through Lighting Design; Imagined Landscapes: A Cinematic Mapping of Paris, etc.

Students can choose from approximately 50 diverse courses, including on-campus, online, and travel-based options, both within India and internationally.

SWC’s travel-based courses are highly sought after for their immersive, experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to explore diverse cultures and architectural landmarks. This year, students can journey to Japan to witness the fusion of culture, tradition, and innovation in its built environment. For those with a creative bent, “Oceanic Tales” in the Andaman Islands offers a unique blend of underwater filmmaking and insights into design’s role in ecosystem and species conservation.

Emphasising on the impact of these courses, Prof Chirayu Bhatt, Dy Provost (Academics) said, “CEPT’s SWC program is designed to empower students. Through peer learning, they gain diverse perspectives, and by accumulating credits, they enhance their academic flexibility. The interdisciplinary nature of our courses allows students to explore new fields and expand their intellectual horizons, all while experiencing innovative teaching methods.”

New Delhi, 17th March 2025: KM Kajal, a student at GD Goenka University powered by Sunstone, has emerged as a symbol of resilience and determination. Hailing from a middle-class family in Firozabad district of UP, Kajal broke barriers to become the first in her family to pursue a postgraduate degree.

Growing up in a joint family, Kajal faced immense challenges in convincing her family to support her dream of pursuing an MBA. With her grandfather, father, and uncle engaged in the carton-making business, education had always taken a backseat. While her father stood by her side, seeking financial assistance led to unforeseen hardships, including his separation from the family. Sunstone’s easy loan process provided her the financial support she needed to continue her MBA without burdening her family.

Kajal enrolled at GD Goenka University, powered by Sunstone, where she initially struggled with confidence, communication, and core industry skills. However, Sunstone’s faculty, career guidance, and personality development programmes helped her transform. With Sunstone’s easy loan process through its network of national banks, she secured financial support, pursued her MBA without burdening her family, and is now confident, skilled, and career-ready. She became the first in her batch to secure an internship at Savemax during her first interview, earning INR 15,000 per month—far above the INR 5,000-6,000 that many students from other universities received. Sunstone also helped her land a job in the same company with an 80% higher salary 4LPA than many of her classmates.

Her proactive preparation, supported by Sunstone’s mock interviews and skill-building initiatives, played a crucial role in her success.

Speaking about her inspiring journey, Kajal said, “Sunstone has been more than an educational platform—it has been my biggest support system. From financial aid to career guidance, Sunstone has enabled me to turn my dreams into reality. Their goodwill and structured approach ensure that students like me from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities do not have to struggle for opportunities.”

Ankur Jain, Co-Founder & CBO, Sunstone said, “Kajal’s journey exemplifies our mission to provide quality education and career opportunities to aspiring students. We are committed to breaking barriers and ensuring that every student, irrespective of their background, gets the right support to achieve their professional goals.”