All posts by Sujata Achary

Bangalore February 2025: The Rotary Club of Bangalore, is proud to Announce The Inauguration of “Kala for Vidya,” an annual art exhibition cum sale. This esteemed event, initiated in 2005, aims to support the education of underprivileged children at Rotary Bangalore Vidyalaya (RBV).

The news me of this year’s Exhibition is “Ephemeral Permanence, Stories of Nature.” it promises to be a spectacular showcase of art, featuring renowned artists from across India, alongside emerging talent. The event will present a diverse range of art forms, from traditional to contemporary.

Through their works, the artists will delve into the fleeting moments of beauty, the delicate balance of life, and the enduring power of nature.

The Rotary Club of Bangalore has been dedicated to providing quality education, free uniforms, food, and books to 540 children from underprivileged backgrounds at RBV. “Kala for Vidya” is a testament to the club’s commitment to Empowering these deserving children through education.

We invite art enthusiasts and supporters of education to join us in this noble endeavor. Together, let us paint a brighter future for these children.

EventDetails:

Date: March 1st and 2nd 2025 Time: 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM

Venue: ITC Windsor Manor Bengaluru

Mumbai, 25 February 2025: As India navigates global disruptions while striving to achieve its growth objectives on the path to its centennial milestone as an independent nation in 2047, ABP Network, the country’s leading multi-language news network, launched the fourth edition of ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 in Mumbai today. The summit opened with a magnificent start, focusing on the global movement toward ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, and witnessed the convergence of inspiring ideas from the foremost icons leading the charge to make our nation a ‘force for good’.

In the much-anticipated session, ‘The Earth Flame Searching for Inner Peace’, celebrated Indian author, journalist, and travel writer, Pico Iyer, recounted his life in a catholic hermitage after a fire incident burned down his family home in California.

“The very night I lost everything when my house burned down, I realized I still had the most important things.” Pico Iyer remarked, adding, “I also realized I don’t need 90% of things I accumulated; I can live more minimally.”

Elaborating his learnings from his life at the hermitage, Pico Iyer, said, “Humanity’s last frontier is humanity’s first frontier which is what kind of invisible clarity and calm can we find to make our peace with AI and the other accelerating technologies,”

Elaborating on the importance of stillness in our lives, Pico, highlighted, “This is an idea of India, and it is also an idea from India, because for millennia it is India which has been telling the rest of the world how much we gain by sitting still.”

Referring to observations from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Pico Iyer remarked, “We can use the most modern technologies by bringing to them the most ancient principles and values.

“The world is accelerating at a furious pace. Humans are never meant to live at a pace determined by machines.” Pico Iyer observes further adding to the conversation, “We are caught in a vicious cycle whereby we are caught in such a hurry that we can’t see what kind of hurry we are in. We ought to do something quite dramatic to cut through to the self-perpetuating predicament.”

Responding to whether the silence he experiences at Benedictine monastery can be compared with the Indian practice of Vipassana, Pico Iyer, explains, “The silence there is similar there to Vipassana, although it’s not as a guided practice. The place I go to has no formal practice, no leaders, no rules, and is essentially free.”

“There’s more substance in silence than in answer to any question”, Pico Iyer said elaborating on his experience. He further added, “Silence is God’s language, everything else is poor translation.”

Referring to his new book, ‘In Aflame: Learning from Silence’, Pico Iyer observes, “Solitude is the gateway to the community. The sentences I hear there [in the hermitage] remain within me for a longer time than what it would on the streets of Mumbai.”

Referring to life during the pandemic, Pico Iyer observed, “COVID-19 forced us into retreat – sifting the trivial from the essential.”

Responding to the impact of AI in modern lives, Pico Iyer said, “I sense that as long as we can keep surprising ourselves, we will be ahead of AI”

Renowned for works such as The Art of Stillness, Autumn Light, The Half-Known Life: In Search of Paradise, The Open Road, and others, Pico Iyer’s perceptive words set a strong, introspective foundation for the day-long intellectual discourse.

The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centered on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilization and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

By Ms. Ritika Gupta, CEO, Aaera Consultants

In a shocking turn, the Canadian government has laid down new rules limiting the number of international students entering the country. For ages, it has been a guiding light for thousands of aspiring students across the world who wish to pursue higher education and explore career opportunities overseas. But with the latest immigration clampdown, a new question arises: Is this the end of the dreams for many who saw Canada as their gateway to success?

What are these new restrictions?

Canada has declared a significant cutback on student visa approvals. These policies include a limitation on student permits, which would imply fewer international students entering than in previous years.

Some of these policies include:

•  Limitations on student permissions: limiting the number of new international students allowed, significantly reducing intake numbers as compared to previous years.
•  Stricter financial requirements, ensure students have enough funds to support themselves independently.
•  The post-graduation work permit crackdowns present challenges for students’ transition into the workforce after graduation. Available work permits are limited to graduates from specific accredited programs, leaving students attending smaller or private institutions at a disadvantage.
•  Provincial control over student permits, allows provinces to determine how many students they will admit each year, potentially leading to major discrepancies in availability between regions.
•  Limits on dependents, restricting international students from bringing family members with them unless they are enrolled in specific advanced degree programs, such as master’s or doctoral studies.
•  Tighter study-to-work transitions, make it difficult for students to switch from study permits to work permits or permanent residency pathways while still in Canada.

Reason behind this

While international students contribute crucially to the Canadian economy by pouring billions of dollars into it each year, the government argues that they have fundamentally caused a mismatch between housing demand and supply, engaged in gouging tuition fees, and overloaded social services. With soaring rental prices in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, Residents are frustrated over affordability issues, with some landlords favoring international students because they can pay higher rents.

Impact on students

Many students spend long years preparing for their Canadian education only to see their dreams come apart under the new policies. Some had the offer for admission and have already paid the tuition, but are now muddled as to where to go from here. For students holding onto post-graduation work permits to enable them to settle in Canada, they are now in a rock and hard place.
Those already in Canada are under immense pressure as some might have to leave the country earlier than expected due to stricter permit rules. These sudden policy changes have placed students under pressure financially, as they may not get jobs that pay them enough for their education.

Global Impact
Countries such as Australia, the UK, and Germany, present the same educational benefits and, because of this, may become more attractive options. These countries are already taking advantage of Canada’s policy shift, fostering more flexible student visa schemes and easier pathways to gain permanent residency.

From a previously high standing of one of the world’s friendliest student destinations, Canada is about to endanger this hard-earned top prospect. This could cause severe financial damage to universities and colleges that largely depend on international student fees. Funding cuts owing to low enrollment might cascade into everything from research to hiring new faculty or infrastructure renovations.

The Future of International Education in Canada

That brings us back to the issue: Is this temporary, or is the door permanently shut on international students in Canada? If the government fails to implement a balanced approach, it will undoubtedly lose all enormous talents to other nations, harming its economy and global standing.

These voices, including universities, student groups, and policymakers, need to move together to create solutions that meet both housing and education concerns without alienating international students. A few such ideas may include better regulation of student housing, improved oversight for private colleges, and setting policies that would support both domestic and international student communities.

Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile event, was successfully organized from February 14 to 17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event spanned 2.2 million square feet and featured over 5,000 exhibitors, providing a comprehensive showcase of India’s textile ecosystem. More than 1,20,000 trade visitors, from 120+ countries including global CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders, attended the event.

Bharat Tex 2025 served as a platform to accelerate the government’s “Farm to Fibre, Fabric, Fashion, and Foreign Markets” vision. India’s textile exports have already reached ₹3 lakh crore, and the goal is to triple this to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030 by strengthening domestic manufacturing and expanding global reach. The event demonstrated India’s leadership in the textile sector and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.

Defining Achievements of Bharat Tex 2025

India’s Textile Industry: A Key Driver of Economic Growth
India is the sixth-largest exporter of textiles globally, contributing 8.21% to the country’s total exports in 2023-24. The sector holds a 4.5% share in global trade, with the United States and European Union accounting for 47% of India’s textile and apparel exports.

From an employment perspective, the textile industry provides direct employment to over 45 million people and supports the livelihoods of over 100 million individuals indirectly, including a large proportion of women and rural workers. It aligns with key government initiatives such as Make in India, Skill India, Women Empowerment, and Rural Youth Employment, reinforcing its role in inclusive economic development.

The government’s focus on increasing textile manufacturing, modernizing infrastructure, fostering innovation, and upgrading technology has strengthened India’s position as a global textile hub. Bharat Tex 2025 provided a platform to showcase these advancements while promoting sustainable and high-value textile production.

Supportive Policy Framework
Vested by forward-thinking government initiatives, the Indian textile sector is set to spin a remarkable tale of innovation, fortitude, and economic flourishing in the years to come. With the support of proactive policies, the industry is primed to unleash creative potential, demonstrate resilience, drive economic growth, etc.

1. Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks

Scheme

Creating an Integrated Textiles Value Chain

7 mega textile parks with an expected investment of USD 10 Bn are being set up with world-class infrastructure, plug-and-play facilities, and an integrated ecosystem.

2. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
Boosting manufacturing of MMF fabrics, Apparel & Technical Textiles

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme with approved incentives of INR 10,683 crore (~USD 1 Bn) to promote the production of MMF Apparel, MMF Fabrics and Products of Technical Textiles

3. Samarth
Building Capacity, addressing skill gaps in the textile value chain
The scheme is a demand-driven and placement-oriented program across the textile value chain. In addition, various States have their own skilling/training support schemes.

4. National Technical Education, Training
Promoting Technical Textiles – towards USD 300 Bn by 2047
National Mission to support and promote Research, Innovation and Development, Education Training, Skill Development, and Market Development in Technical Textiles

5. Liberal State Policies
Generous support & incentives by State Governments / Union Territories – Capital support, wage and skilling incentives, power and water support
To boost the textile industry, the Ministry of Textiles, in the 10th Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) meeting, approved four Start-Ups under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ scheme, granting each INR 50 Lakhs for innovations in Medical, Industrial, and Protective Textiles. Additionally, three educational institutes, including IIT Indore and NIT Patna, received INR 6.5 Crores to introduce specialized courses in Geotextiles, Geosynthetics, and Sports Textiles, aiming to strengthen technical expertise in the sector. Further, 12 Skill Development Courses in Medical, Protective, Mobile, and Agriculture Textiles, developed by SITRA, NITRA, and SASMIRA, were approved to provide industry-focused training across the textile value chain.

Global Textiles redefined from India to the World

Bharat Tex 2025 is where India’s rich textile heritage meets modern innovation, setting the stage for global textile leadership. As the world’s youngest and largest global textile show, it’s a platform for forging partnerships and driving economic growth.
It serves as a premier platform for industry leaders, manufacturers, exporters, and innovators, bringing together key stakeholders from across the textile sector. The event facilitates collaboration among manufacturers, exporters, and importers, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their expertise, cutting-edge innovations, and latest collections to a global audience.

Focused Zones for Focused Business

Intelligent Manufacturing

Intelligent manufacturing is revolutionizing the textile industry by integrating advanced technologies and data-driven approaches to improve efficiency, quality, and innovation. This transformation leverages automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics to modernize traditional textile production processes.

Technical Textile

Technical textiles are revolutionizing the textile industry in India by offering innovative solutions across various sectors. These specialized fabrics are designed for specific performance attributes and applications, ranging from automotive and aerospace to healthcare and construction. With a growing emphasis on technology and research, India is positioning itself as a global leader in this field, leveraging its strong textile heritage and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Home Textile

India’s home textile sector is known for its rich traditions and craftsmanship, with various regions specializing in unique textile techniques and patterns. Gujarat is renowned for its vibrant and intricate embroidery, while Kashmir is famous for its luxurious woolen shawls and rugs. This diversity reflects India’s extensive heritage and expertise in textile production.

Fabrics

India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of fabrics, catering to both domestic and international markets. The sector is characterized by a mix of large-scale industrial manufacturing and small-scale artisanal production, reflecting a vibrant tapestry of innovation and tradition. Major fabric hubs in the country include Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and West Bengal, each known for its unique textile specialties.

Apparel & Fashion
In India, the apparel and fashion industry is a major economic driver, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. The country is renowned for its rich heritage in textiles and traditional craftsmanship, including intricate handloom fabrics, embroidery, and dyeing techniques. India’s apparel sector is characterized by a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary styles, catering to diverse consumer preferences both domestically and internationally.

Handloom
India’s handloom sector is renowned for its variety of textiles, including intricate saris, shawls, scarves, and other woven items. Each region of India boasts distinct handloom traditions and techniques. For example, the Banarasi silk from Varanasi, the Kanjeevaram silk from Tamil Nadu, and the Jamdani from West Bengal are highly esteemed for their quality and craftsmanship. These textiles often feature elaborate patterns, vibrant colors, and traditional motifs, making them highly sought after both domestically and internationally.

Handicrafts & Carpets

The handicraft and carpets sector in India is a vibrant and culturally significant component of the country’s artisan economy, renowned for its rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. This sector encompasses a wide range of products, from intricate handcrafted textiles and decorative artifacts to exquisite hand-knotted carpets. Each region in India contributes its unique traditions and techniques, resulting in a diverse array of products that reflect the country’s artistic diversity.
A key attraction of the event was “Indie Haat,” held from February 12 to 18, 2025, at the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy, New Delhi. It showcased over 80 different types of handcrafted and handwoven products, created by 85 artisans and weavers from various states. Indie Haat underscored India’s vast handloom and handicraft traditions, aligning with the government’s vision of promoting rural artisans.

Breathing Threads: Fashion Show at Bharat Tex 2025
The office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India organized a fashion event titled “Breathing Threads” to feel the pulse of craftsmanship, honor a living legacy, and witness the timeless elegance of Indian handlooms in modern silhouettes.

The beauty of handloom and the brand’s mission aligns with sustainability and a zero-waste strategy, reflecting the living habits of Indian villages. The event attracted international buyers and key stakeholders, reinforcing India’s potential in sustainable fashion and craftsmanship.

Bharat Tex 2024: A Landmark Event

Bharat Tex 2024 set the stage for India’s emergence as a global textile powerhouse, bringing together 3,500+ exhibitors, 3,000+ overseas buyers, and over 1,00,000 visitors from across the world. Covering an expansive 2 lakh sq. meters, Bharat Tex 2024 featured 50+ knowledge sessions, fostering discussions on global trade, innovation, and industry transformation.

The event played a pivotal role in reinforcing India’s position as a key player in the global textile supply chain. Its success laid a strong foundation for Bharat Tex 2025, which scaled new heights in exhibitor participation, international collaboration, and industry impact.

Weaving Tomorrow: India’s Textile Revolution

Embodied in a vibrant tapestry of timeless craftsmanship and pioneering innovation, the Indian textile industry stands at the threshold of a resplendent future. With each passing year, it continues to evolve—leveraging cutting-edge technology, embracing sustainability, and setting global trends.

As it forges ahead, the industry is not only preserving its rich heritage but also redefining excellence through research-driven advancements and digital integration. With a strong commitment to sustainability and a vision for global leadership, India’s textile sector is poised to shape the future of fashion, technical textiles, and intelligent manufacturing, reinforcing its position as a key driver of economic growth and innovation on the world stage.

25th Feb 2025, Chennai – The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has outlined an ambitious strategic vision to establish India as a “Global Logistics Hub,” leveraging the nation’s rapidly expanding logistics sector and economic potential. As India strengthens its position as a key player in the global logistics landscape, this initiative aims to harness its unique strengths to create employment opportunities, attract investments, and drive economic growth.

The logistics sector in India is fueled by the growth of e-commerce, manufacturing, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). India has already emerged as a preferred GCC hub for global enterprises seeking efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and innovation. This expanding sector is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 1.5 to 1.7 crore jobs within India by 2030.

India has all the essential elements to emerge as a global leader in logistics. The country boasts a rapidly developing logistics infrastructure, which lays a strong foundation for seamless connectivity and efficient supply chain management. Complementing this growth is a diverse and skilled workforce that spans all levels of management, ensuring expertise and adaptability across the sector.

Additionally, India has a strong talent pool of business and technology leaders who drive innovation and strategic growth within the industry. The expanding presence of Global Capability Centres further strengthens India’s position as a hub for international business operations.

The nation’s thriving startup ecosystem fosters creativity and technological advancement, fueling disruptive innovations in logistics solutions. This progress is supported by a robust education system that encourages early industry engagement, preparing the next generation of professionals to meet future challenges. Moreover, government policies have been increasingly supportive, creating an environment conducive to growth and international collaboration in the logistics sector.

‘Logistics for All’ – A Transformative CII Initiative To achieve this vision, CII has launched the “Logistics for All” initiative, a collaborative effort to engage all stakeholders in the logistics ecosystem. This initiative will create a multitude of opportunities across industries and geographies, offering aspirational career paths, professional growth, and leadership opportunities.

“The ‘Logistics for All’, a CII initiative, engaging all stakeholders, is critical to realize the vision of positioning India as a global logistics hub. This initiative will create numerous opportunities, offering aspirational careers that span industries and geographies. This initiative will offer career growth, job satisfaction, and leadership opportunities in the increasingly important human-machine collaboration,” said Mr. R Dinesh, Chairman, of the CII-Institute of Logistics Advisory Council.

The CII Institute of Logistics serves as a collaborative platform that brings together policymakers, industry stakeholders (both logistics service providers and user sectors), academia, training centers, and aspirants to collectively work towards India’s emergence as a global logistics powerhouse.

Strategic Workforce Development for Logistics Excellence

A key pillar of CII’s strategy is the comprehensive development of the logistics workforce. This approach emphasizes industry-aligned training programs designed to deliver strong placement outcomes, ensuring that trainees are well-prepared for real-world demands. It also focuses on providing early exposure to logistics careers for senior and senior secondary school students, fostering interest in the field from a young age. To meet regional demands, localized training centers are being established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, expanding access to skill development across the country. Additionally, the strategy aims to promote logistics as an aspirational career path to attract skilled talent. Strategic collaborations are being pursued to develop internationally recognized training programs, ensuring global relevance. CII also engages with international industries to standardize knowledge and facilitate global placements for trainees, aligning India’s logistics workforce with global benchmarks.

CII’s six-pronged workforce development strategy is designed to bridge the rural-urban divide, address the unique needs of both SMEs and large enterprises, and enhance gender diversity in the logistics workforce. These integrated strategies will help shape aspirations for careers in global logistics and supply chain management, further solidifying India’s position as a dominant force in the global logistics industry.

Mumbai, February 25, 2025 – Vietjet, Vietnam’s new-age airline, is ushering in the spirit of Holi with an exclusive Holi Festive Sale offering Indian travelers one-way Eco-class fares starting from just INR11 (*). This limited-time offer is available from now through February 28, 2025, for travel between March 10 and September 30, 2025 (**), on all routes between India and Vietnam.

Indian travelers can avail of this special deal for flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore to Vietnam’s largest cities–Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Bookings can be made via Vietjet’s official website (www.vietjetair.com) and the VietJet Air mobile app.

Vietjet is strengthening its position as the airline with the most routes between India and Vietnam. In March 2025, Vietjet will launch two new direct services connecting Bangalore and Hyderabad to Ho Chi Minh City, expanding its India-Vietnam flight network to 10 routes with 78 flights per week.

From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, Indian visitors can easily explore other tourist hotspots across Vietnam thanks to Vietjet’s robust domestic flight network. Additionally, Vietjet offers seamless connectivity between Vietnam and top destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, and major cities in Australia and Northeast Asia.

To add even more color to the Holi celebrations, Vietjet will bring the festive spirit onboard with special in-flight entertainment, festive treats, and delightful surprises at 10,000 meters, ensuring a fun and memorable journey. For those seeking a premium experience, Vietjet offers SkyBoss and Business classes, with a choice of nine hot meals, including wholesome vegetarian options.

Hyderabad, 25th Feb 2025: Thalassemia Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) a registered non-profit organization has today organized Telangana’s Biggest blood donation camp at Kings Palace, Gudimalkapur, Hyderabad. Akbaruddin Owaisi, MLA Chandrayangutta along with a few renowned personalities visited the blood donation camp and supported the cause. M A Aleem Baig, Joint Secretary – TSCS along with Abu Aimal and the dedicated staff of TSCS participated in the donation camp where the blood units collected are going to be used for Thalassemia patients, who need blood for every 15 days just to survive.

TSCS President Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal briefed Akbaruddin Owaisi & other guests, about the situation of Thalassemia in Telangana and the need of blood donors to come forward for transfusion of blood to Thalassemia patients. Ms. Ratnavali Kothapalli, Vice President – TSCS, Dr. Suman Jain, CEO – TSCS, Manoj Rupani were also part of the blood donation camp. The collected blood will be utilised for patients who need a blood transfusion at regular intervals. TSCS has also appealed to the Hon’ble MLA to help in releasing the G.O for mandatory antenatal test – HbA2 (which TSCS has been requesting) for every pregnant woman to help prevent the birth of Thalassemia Major Children.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President – TSCS said, “We are really thankful to the 1955 donors who have come forward and donated blood to meet the blood requirement for Thalassemia patients. We are extremely honoured that Chandrayangutta MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi ji has visited the blood donation camp. We explained him about the situation of Thalassemia in our state & country and also urged him to encourge the need of blood donors to come forward and donate on a regular basis”.

Speaking about the blood donation camp Abu Aimal said “TSCS has been at the forefront in conducting mega blood donation camps in Hyderabad. We thank all the guests and donors who have extended their support to us and also promised to promote awareness of Thalassemia and its eradication”.

The St. Regis Mumbai introduces the latest additions to its culinary team at Koishii, its acclaimed Nikkei dining destination. Peruvian Master Chef Willman Lan Thorne joins as Chef de Cuisine, accompanied by Chef Jesús Caballero as Sous Chef. Together, they bring a combined legacy of over three decades of expertise, passion, and innovation to the city’s vibrant dining scene.

Chef Lan’s 19-year culinary odyssey has taken him to the world’s most vibrant gastronomic destinations, from Lima to Dubai, Cairo, and Panama. A true innovator, he has perfected the art of blending Japanese, Nikkei, Peruvian, and Latin cuisines, earning acclaim at esteemed restaurants like Osaka, Blue Marlin Ibiza, Mezcal, and Noa Nikkei. Now, at The St. Regis Mumbai, Chef Lan continues to weave his culinary magic, crafting dishes that tell stories, evoke emotions, and delight the senses.

Chef Jesús Caballero brings over 16 years of experience, having honed his skills at top-tier restaurants across the globe, including Osaka in Chile, Onze in Dubai and Lebanon, and Ka Lounge in Chile. Chef Caballero’s culinary repertoire is rich and diverse, shaped by his time at Ko Asian Kitchen, Madame Tusan, and Sushi Express in Peru. With a proven record of innovation, menu creation, sushi bar management, and staff training, he has gained a reputation for seamlessly blending technique and creativity to deliver extraordinary dining experiences.

The arrival of Chefs Lan and Caballero marks a bold and new culinary chapter for Koishii, promising a refined yet adventurous gastronomic journey for discerning guests. Koishii will continue to embrace its Nikkei identity while the new menu expands to feature broader Latin American flavors, seamlessly blended with Japanese ingredients and techniques.

New Delhi, February 24, 2025: Saint Louis University (SLU) is delighted to announce the inclusion of the Indian Standard XII (CBSE and CISCE) examinations in its Credit by Exam program. This initiative aims to offer Indian students significant opportunities to earn college credits before commencing their undergraduate studies at SLU.

The Credit by Exam program at SLU allows undergraduate students to earn college credits through standardized examinations. It includes several recognized exams such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and now, the CBSE and CISCE exams.

“We are elated to expand our Credit by Exam program to incorporate the Indian Standard XII examinations. The addition underlines our commitment to recognizing the diverse educational backgrounds of our students and offering them a supportive environment and resources they require to succeed. We look forward to welcoming more Indian students to our vibrant academic community,” said Mr. Robert Reddy, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management at Saint Louis University.

The inclusion of the Indian Standard exams in the Credit by Exam program offers several benefits for Indian students as SLU acknowledges the quality of these exams, providing a seamless transition into the university’s academic programs.

Including these exams in the Credit by Exam program ensures that the hard work and accomplishments of Indian students are recognized and rewarded. Furthermore, by earning credits through exams, students can save on tuition expenditures and potentially graduate earlier, making their education more affordable and efficient.

The initiative also opens more pathways for students from India to pursue higher education at SLU, enhancing their academic and career possibilities. By broadening access to SLU’s programs, more Indian students can benefit from the university’s high-quality education and conducive learning environment, ultimately contributing to their personal and professional growth.

“At SLU, we recognise the hard work and excellent academic preparation of Indian high school students. This initiative is our way of helping Indian families afford SLU education, ensuring that deserving students can benefit from our world-class academic environment,” said Mrs. Jean Marie Cox, Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Dean of Admission at Saint Louis University.

Saint Louis University is internationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and a holistic learning environment. With a diverse and inclusive community, SLU offers a broad range of programs and resources to empower students to achieve their academic and professional pursuits.

The university’s emphasis on offering a well-rounded educational experience ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of the modern world and emerge as change agents of the future.

For actors, maintaining fitness is not just about looking good on screen—it is about staying strong, energetic, and mentally sharp. With demanding shooting schedules and unpredictable routines, setting fitness resolutions can be challenging. However, many actors remain committed to their goals, whether it is building strength, improving endurance, or adopting a healthier lifestyle alongside their professional careers. &TV artists share their fitness goals, the challenges of balancing workouts with hectic shoots, and the physical and mental transformations they have experienced. These include Vikram Dwivedi (Vishambhar Singh, Bheema), Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabhi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai).

Vikram Dwivedi, aka Vishambhar Singh from Bheema, shares, “My fitness resolution this year is to maintain my current shape for a lifetime. To achieve this, I have completely cut out sugar and focused on balancing my intake of carbs, protein, and fiber. I prefer a gym-free approach, relying on allied workouts that I practice daily, even amidst a hectic schedule. My fitness journey began in 2019 when I weighed around 58 kg. Today, at 70 kg, I have reached an ideal weight for my height. Since then, my body has undergone significant changes, with noticeable growth and strength in every part. This transformation has not only enhanced my physique but also boosted my overall health and well-being, keeping me motivated to stay consistent.”

Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “My fitness resolution this year is to maintain a healthy, well-functioning heart. I prioritize staying hydrated by consuming ample water throughout the day and carrying a bottle filled with fresh fruit or vegetable juice. Additionally, I incorporate regular meditation breaks between tasks to maintain a sense of relaxation. Despite occasional cravings, I consciously try to avoid junk food, opting instead for a diet rich in leafy greens, fresh vegetables, fruits, and milk. I encourage everyone to prioritize healthy eating habits to support overall well-being and ensure proper hydration for a healthier lifestyle.

” Vidisha Srivastava, aka Anita Bhabhi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “Fitness, for me, is not just about looking good but feeling strong and energetic every day. This year, I am focusing on a well-rounded approach—keeping my body and heart healthy with regular cardio, prioritizing hormonal balance by listening to my body, and strengthening my core for overall wellness. I also believe in making fitness fun! Whether it is trying new dance workouts, hiking, or simply enjoying a mindful yoga session, I want to keep it sustainable and enjoyable. Most importantly, I remind myself that progress matters more than perfection. Small, consistent efforts lead to lasting results, and that is my mantra for a healthier, happier me!”

Watch your favorite artists in Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!