All posts by Neel Achary

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.

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.

Mumbai, 5^th May, 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced a reduction in its Home Loan interest rates. The Bank’s home loan rates now start from 8.00%* p.a. (earlier 8.40% p.a.). The rates are applicable on fresh home loans and home improvement loans. The rate is applicable on loans of Rs 15 lakh and above and is linked to a borrower’s credit score. The Bank had already passed on the Repo rate reduction benefits to its existing borrowers with loans linked to Repo rate.

Further, the Bank is offering a concession of 0.05% p.a. for women borrowers and 0.10% p.a. for borrowers below 40 years of age, on ready properties, shifting of home loans, etc.

Shri Sanjay Mudaliar, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “Bank of Baroda’s new reduced home loan rates will further make home ownership more affordable. We are also offering special concessions for specific important segments. These revised rates reinforce Bank’s commitment to offer competitive credit solutions to aspiring homeowners, further strengthening its position as a preferred housing finance partner.”

The Bank’s Home Loan Balance Transfer scheme offers an excellent opportunity for borrowers of other banks and NBFCs to seamlessly shift their home loans to Bank of Baroda with minimum documentation & quick processing, thus enabling them to take advantage of reduced interest rates.

Key features of Bank of Baroda Home Loans

• Interest rates starting at 8.00%* p.a.
• Concession of 0.05% p.a. for women borrowers, 0.10% p.a. for borrowers aged below 40 years and 0.10% p.a. for Takeover/Balance Transfer cases, fully completed properties and Government projects, subject to the Bank’s minimum ROI guideline in such cases.
• Takeover of home loans with minimum documentation.
• Digital Home Loans with quick approval in few steps.

Consolidated revenue increased by 14.3% YoY, driven by healthy volume growth in the replacement and OEM segment. International demand was impacted due to global macro-economic conditions while elevated input cost continued to impact margins as gross margin and EBITDA margin declined by 483bps YoY/174bps YoY respectively. Reported PAT remained flat, impacted by EPR related expenses. In comparison to previous year the performance remains weak, however, sequentially the performance seems to have stabilized because of recovery in OEM demand and flattish input cost.

The management remains bullish on long-term tyre demand in India, supported by infrastructure investments and EV adoption. CEAT is capitalizing on premiumization trends with high-end product launches and plans to maintain ~20-25% market share in the EV OEM segment. Despite near-term softness in urban demand, rural markets and the commercial vehicle segment offer optimism. Challenges persist in international business, particularly in Latin America and North America, although Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia continue to be stable growth contributors. We project revenue/EBITDA/PAT to grow at 16%/23%/29% CAGR over FY25-27E. We maintain our ‘Hold’ rating with a revised target price of Rs3,240 (previous Rs2,700), valuing it at 16x on its Mar’27E EPS.

§     Robust realization leads to strong topline growth: Q4FY25 revenue was at Rs34.2bn against PLe/BBGe of Rs32.2bn/Rs33.4bn, driven by double-digit volume expansion in OEM segment and high single digit growth in the replacement segment. PAT was reported at Rs 0.9bn (PLe: Rs 1.1bn; BBGe: Rs 1.2bn), lower than the expectations owing to expenses related to EPR provisions.

§     Sequential recovery in margin: Gross profit was Rs 12.8bn (PLe: Rs 12.3bn) while EBITDA was Rs 3.9bn (PLe: Rs 3.6bn; BBGe Rs3.6bn).  High input cost as compared to same period last year impacted its gross margin/EBITDA margin, however, sequentially the company reported 101bps improvement in EBITDA margin owing to stable RM cost sequentially and price hikes taken during previous quarters.

§     Gradual recovery in profitability: The management expects raw material prices to remain stable during Q1FY26 while Q2FY26 is expected to see favorable improvement in RM prices which shall aid in sustaining and improving margin going forward. Additionally, it aims to expand its product offering in higher-rim-sized vehicles which shall result in better realization and better profitability.

Hyderabad/Delhi NCR, 5^th May 2025 | Industry leaders highlighted that India’s education system must aim to be among the best in the world by creating a research-based and interdisciplinary academic environment during the Bharat Higher Education Summit (BHES) 2025 hosted by Mahindra University’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell and organised by the Confederation of Indian Private Universities (CIPU).

Delivering the inaugural address, Prof. (Dr.) T. G. Sitharam, Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), said, “With the rapid technological disruption and shifting global dynamics, our higher education institutions bear the profound responsibility of shaping visionary leaders. NEP 2020 provides a transformative roadmap, guiding us to shift from rote learning to critical thinking and from silos to multidisciplinary integration. Private universities will play a crucial role in achieving a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2035.”

The summit, themed ‘Building Next Generation Leaders in Higher Education,‘ united over 150 Vice Chancellors and academic leaders from across the nation.

Anand Mahindra, Chancellor of Mahindra University, (through a message that was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Medury during his address) said, “Bharat Higher Education Summit 2025 is a significant milestone in our collective journey towards shaping the future for our coming generations. Together, we must pave the way for India to continue thriving in the global knowledge economy and also lead the charge with our innovative and cutting-edge ideas. This summit has sparked vital discussions and strengthened partnerships across academia, industry leaders, and policymakers, underscoring its importance in our shared mission to transform India’s higher education ecosystem. The way forward is clear; we must nurture curious minds to drive growth and foster global thinkers, trailblazers and fearless leaders.”

Throughout the summit, panellists and keynote speakers stressed the necessity of aligning higher education with global standards while also embracing indigenous knowledge systems, digital innovation, and experiential learning.

Welcoming the attendees, Prof. (Dr.) Yajulu Medury, Chairperson, Southern India Regional Council, CIPU and Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, said, “BHES 2025 is a collaborative movement to build institutions of excellence through bold leadership, technology integration, and sustainable innovation. Mahindra University is honoured to convene this crucial dialogue on building globally competent and socially conscious future leaders.”

 In a presidential address, Dr. Rahul Karad, Chief Patron, CIPU and Executive President, MIT-World Peace University, Pune, said, “In a vibrant democracy, co-creation is fundamental — it begins with people coming together to shape collective progress. As private universities continue to emerge and contribute significantly to the educational landscape, there is a clear need for a unified platform like Confederation of Indian Private Universities (CIPU). Such a body can champion the interests of private institutions, address shared challenges, and ensure that research, quality, innovation, and inclusivity remain at the heart of higher education in India.”

During the two-day event, industry experts highlighted the significance of student exchange programmes and the need for institutions to work together to enhance credibility and recognition on national and global platforms.

During his keynote address, Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the Executive Committee, NAAC, and Chairman of NBA, emphasised how institutional innovation and integrity need to be at the heart of accreditation.

A series of panel discussions explored topics like Public-Private Partnership in Research Capacity Building, Leadership Skills for Digital Age, Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindset in academia and Leadership in Research and Innovation. Eminent speakers from Virginia Tech, IIM Tiruchirappalli, TIFR, ISRO-UoP, BITS Pilani, NICMAR University, Symbiosis IBM Hyderabad, and Sri Sri University enriched the summit with global perspectives.

The summit concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) G.K. Shirude, Honorary Vice President, CIPU. During the event, academicians reiterated the need to sustain the momentum initiated through collaborative action and continued dialogue.