Archives January 2025

Mumbai, January 20, 2025 – FanCode, India’s leading digital sports destination, is set to exclusively stream the highly anticipated debut season of the World Pickleball League (WPL). This collaboration underscores FanCode’s commitment to expanding its diverse sports offerings and catering to India’s rapidly growing community of pickleball enthusiasts. The league will take place from January 24th to February 2nd at the iconic CCI Mumbai, showcasing top-tier players from around the globe. Known for its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements, pickleball is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, captivating players and fans of all ages with its engaging and dynamic gameplay.

The World Pickleball League promises to deliver thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and an unparalleled viewing experience. Yannick Colaco, Co-Founder of FanCode, expressed his excitement: “Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, with an increasing number of enthusiasts embracing the sport. The World Pickleball League is set to captivate fans, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them to bring the excitement of pickleball to sports fans nationwide.”

Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO, World Pickleball League “FanCode’s rapid rise as one of the favorite sporting destinations for fans across the country provides us with an excellent platform to live stream all the games from the World Pickleball League. FanCode has become a go-to source for everything related to sports, and by streaming the World Pickleball League, we aim to make the sport a household name. We are proud to collaborate with a team that shares our passion for the sport and look forward to kicking off the league with great excitement.”

The league’s glamour quotient is further elevated by star-studded team ownership. Teams include the Chennai Super Champs, owned by actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu; the Bengaluru Jawans, co-owned by director Atlee and his wife Priya Atlee; Pune United, co-owned by actors Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh along with corporate leaders; and Team Mumbai, owned by Swiggy. This blend of celebrity and corporate backing adds to the league’s excitement and broad appeal.

With pickleball gaining traction across India, the World Pickleball League is poised to further fuel the sport’s growth and captivate audiences nationwide.

New Delhi Jan 20, 2025: In a bid to address the growing technological demands of modern defence systems, IP Bazzaar, in collaboration with Reinforce Intellectual Property Association (RIPA), is organizing a Tech Talk on “Emerging Technologies Shaping Modern Defence.” The event will take place on January 24, 2025, at the National Productivity Council, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

The roundtable discussion will bring together experts from the defence sector, academia, and the industry to focus on enhancing collaboration for the development of cutting-edge defence technologies. The event will explore the current state of India’s defence technology landscape in comparison to global advancements and will seek to identify critical gaps that need to be addressed to foster self-reliance.

A key theme of the discussion will be the importance of aligning academic research with the strategic needs of the defence sector to create indigenous solutions that meet India’s specific requirements. The organizers have emphasized the need for targeted research and development initiatives to address the challenges of modern defence systems and improve country’s technological readiness.

“India’s defence sector is at a pivotal point where technological advancement is critical to meet evolving security challenges. Strategic collaboration between industry and academia is essential for cultivating innovation, facilitating international cooperation, and developing state-of-the-art Indigenous technologies,” said Mr Lalit Ambastha, Co-Founder of IP Bazzaar.

The Tech Talk will include perspectives from key stakeholders, highlighting the gaps in defence technology development and strategies to bridge them. Discussions will focus on research and development priorities, innovation frameworks, and long-term pathways for collaboration between academic institutions and the defence industry. The event will also touch upon ways to foster a culture of innovation within the defence sector, ensuring that India remains competitive in the global defence landscape.

The roundtable is expected to feature notable speakers and delegates from leading institutions, think tanks, and organizations, including the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). These discussions aim to identify actionable steps for enhancing India’s defence capabilities through focused innovation and partnerships.

Speakers:

1.  Major General (Dr) Ashok Kumar (Retd), VSM, DG, CENJOWS
2.  Air Vice Marshal Rajiva Ranjan VM (Retd), Ex Asst. Chief of Integrated Def. Staff
3.  Cmde (Dr) Arun Pratap Golaya (Retd), VSM
4.  Cmde Manish Tripathi (Retd), Ex-Deputy Asst. Chief of Integrated Def. Staff
5.  Mr. Sumit Chauhan, CEO, Datopic Technologies
6.  Prof. Prabhat Ranjan, Vice Chancellor, D Y Patil International University
7.  Brigadier Rajeev Ohri (Retd), VSM
8.  Mr. Vivek Venugopal, Executive Director, PwC

The event’s focus on fostering collaboration aligns with broader national objectives to strengthen India’s defence infrastructure and technological self-reliance. It reflects the urgent need to address the critical areas where India lags behind global standards while leveraging its strengths to achieve significant progress.

IP Bazzaar, a technology consulting firm specializing in the commercialization of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), is leading this initiative as part of its mission to bridge the gap between innovation and application. Known for creating platforms that connect stakeholders across industries, IP Bazzaar aims to drive meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes through this Tech Talk.

The event will be open to representatives from the defence sector, academic institutions, and industrial organizations interested in contributing to the future of defence technology in India.

Kanpur, 20 January 2025: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), India’s top institution in science and engineering, and Citadel Securities, a leading global market maker, today announced a new partnership to build the “Translational and Transformative Training and Investigations Lab” (T3i Lab) at IITK. The lab will be part of IITK’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and will be supported by a Citadel Securities CSR grant as part of the firm’s work to improve access to high-quality technical and computing education around the world.

The T3i Lab will provide students with access to world class research facilities and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), a costly resource that is in high demand in India. The Lab will focus on enhancing research and education in High-Performance Computing, Data Science, Data Visualization, Translational AI, Machine Learning, and Intelligent Systems. It will also promote innovation in Computer Architecture Design and Hardware Security, supporting IITK and its students in staying at the forefront of emerging research and development in these critical areas.

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, commented, “The establishment of the advanced GPU Lab at IIT Kanpur through this partnership will significantly boost our research and innovation ecosystem by enabling our students and faculty to pursue solutions with far-reaching impact. On behalf of the institute, I express our gratitude for CitSec’s commitment to supporting this vision and anticipate technological advancements that will shape the future of technology.”

Mr. Adi Singh who currently manages India trading at Citadel Securities, added “We are proud to support India’s AI research and talent development through the T3i Lab. This initiative underscores Citadel Securities’ commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the local communities where we live and work.”

Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources and Alumni at IIT Kanpur, said, “The establishment of this lab will provide our students and faculty with access to world-class resources and enable cutting-edge research in areas that are crucial to the future of technology. We are grateful to CitSec for their generous support and look forward to seeing the tremendous impact it will have on our academic community.”

This January, JW Marriott Kolkata invites you to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey through the bustling lanes of India’s most famous Chor Bazaars with its unique event, Shor Chaat Story. From January 25th to February 2nd, indulge in a gastronomic carnival that reimagines the charm and chaos of India’s iconic street food culture.
A Celebration of India’s Street Food Heritage
With a theme inspired by the vibrant bazaars of cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, Shor Chaat Story offers an experience unlike any other. Guests will enter a carnival-like atmosphere styled to resemble traditional Chor Bazaars, with vintage decor, quirky signboards, and an ambiance rich with nostalgia.

Each day celebrates the iconic street foods of a specific city, including:

•  Mumbai’s Chor Bazaar: Famous Vada Pav and Missal Pav
•  Delhi’s Chandni Chowk: Karare Aloo Tikki and Matra Kulcha
•  Indore’s Sarafa Bazaar: Bhutta Ka Kees and Gararu Chaat
•  Hyderabad’s Sultan Bazaar: Hyderabadi Toast Chaat and Pesarattu
•  Kolkata’s New Market: Puchkas, Club Kachori, and Jhaal Muri

A Flavorsome Affair
The thoughtfully curated menu showcases over 20 iconic dishes, highlighting the diverse flavours of India’s rich culinary heritage. Each chaat is crafted with authentic ingredients, offering a delicious blend of local tastes and cultural flair.
Date: January 25, 2025 – February 2, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: 2:Fifty9 The Bar – Alfresco

Celebrate the flavours, stories, and nostalgia of India’s iconic chor bazaars at JW Marriott Kolkata and make your evenings memorable with this one-of-a-kind street food journey!

Dr. Neelam Banerjee, Senior Consultant & Head of Department – IVF, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida

As winter grips many parts of India, couples undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) face challenges that go beyond the treatment itself. While the cold season brings some respite from scorching heat, it also introduces physiological and environmental factors that can influence IVF success rates.

Emerging research highlights how winter weather, combined with associated lifestyle changes, may negatively impact reproductive health. For couples already navigating the emotional journey of IVF, understanding these challenges is key to improving outcomes.

The Impact of Winter on Reproductive Health
One of the most significant effects of winter is reduced blood circulation due to cold temperatures. This constriction of blood vessels can limit oxygen and nutrient flow to reproductive organs, affecting ovarian function and the uterine lining’s ability to support embryo implantation.

Hormonal imbalances are another concern. Seasonal changes, including shorter days and reduced sunlight exposure, can disrupt the body’s natural hormonal rhythm. Low levels of vitamin D, often observed during winter, are linked to reduced fertility in both men and women. For women, vitamin D plays a crucial role in egg maturation and embryo quality, while in men, it impacts sperm motility and overall reproductive health.

Challenges in IVF Success Rates
Winter-related factors can compound the challenges of IVF. Poor blood circulation and hormonal disruptions may affect the development of high-quality eggs and embryos, critical components for a successful IVF cycle.
Infections, particularly respiratory illnesses like flu and colds, are also more common during winter. These infections can weaken the immune system, making the body less receptive to embryo implantation and increasing the risk of early pregnancy loss.

Steps to Counter Winter Challenges
To counter the challenges posed by winter on IVF success, it is essential to take a holistic approach to health and well-being. Regular light exercises like yoga or walking can enhance blood circulation to the reproductive organs, while staying warm and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold further supports optimal blood flow.

Addressing vitamin D deficiencies through regular sunlight exposure, supplements, and a diet rich in fortified foods is equally important. Strengthening immunity by consuming antioxidant-rich foods, staying hydrated, and taking precautions against seasonal infections, such as flu, can protect overall health during this time.

Additionally, managing stress through meditation, mindfulness, and counselling can help maintain hormonal balance. Lastly, consulting fertility specialists ensures personalized care to address individual risks and optimize outcomes during the winter months.

As IVF becomes an increasingly accessible option for couples in India, it is vital to recognize the influence of environmental and seasonal factors on its success. While winter may bring certain hurdles, an informed and proactive approach can ensure these challenges are managed effectively.

Mumbai; January 20, 2025: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, has delivered a robust financial performance during the first nine months of FY25. The company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 504 crore, reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth of 273%.

The company’s strong performance is evident across key financial indicators. Its gross written premium (GWP) rose by 10.9%. The gross direct premium (GDP) growth of 10.5% exceeded the industry growth rate of 7.8%. SBI General’s solvency ratio remains strong at 2.12 times, well above the regulatory minimum of 1.50, underscoring the company’s solid financial foundation.

SBI General Insurance’s impressive financial results in 9M FY25 were primarily driven by robust growth across key business segments. The Motor Insurance portfolio achieved an impressive year-on-year growth of 39%, supported by enhanced underwriting strategies and the successful expansion of digital channels for seamless policy issuance and renewals. The Health Insurance segment grew by 12% due to rising healthcare awareness, increased demand for comprehensive coverage, digital adoption, and government policies. The company’s loss ratio improved significantly by ≈4% compared to 9M FY24 through better risk management, efficient claims processing, and data-driven strategies. These performance drivers underscore the company’s strategic focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions.

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said “Our strong financial performance in 9M FY25 reflects our steadfast dedication to customer-focused innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. The notable growth across our Motor, Health, and Engineering segments demonstrates our agility in responding to market trends and our commitment to delivering value to policyholders and stakeholders”

Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added: “Our consistent financial performance in 9M FY25 underscores disciplined underwriting practices, a collaborative team effort, and a strong focus on operational excellence. The significant increase in profitability and solvency highlights our robust business fundamentals and ability to foresee and adapt to a dynamic market environment. “

SBI General Insurance continues to build on its growth trajectory, leveraging a customer-centric approach, strong team collaboration, and a diversified product portfolio, all of which contribute to sustained profitability and a growing market presence.

New Delhi, January 20: Fixderma, the popular dermat-prescribed skincare brand is pleased to announce the promotion of Venugopal Nair to Chief Business Officer (CBO) for the OTC Division. Venugopal steps into this new role to lead and drive the growth of the OTC Division across India.

With over two decades of experience in the cosmetic and FMCG sectors, Venugopal has played an instrumental role in launching and scaling several major beauty and personal care brands across India. His passion for evidence-based products has paved the way for creating a strong foothold for some of the biggest beauty brands in the industry .

In his new role at Fixderma India Pvt Ltd, Mr. Venugopal will be responsible for the overall P&L management of the OTC Division on a national scale. His key focus will be to provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction, while fostering a high-performance sales culture across the team.

“We are thrilled to announce Venugopal’s well-deserved promotion to CBO-OTC. His extensive experience in the industry along with his deep understanding of the beauty sector, positions him perfectly to drive the continued success and growth of our OTC division. We are excited to see the impact of his leadership in shaping the future of our brand.” said Shaily Mehrotra, Co-Founder and CEO of Fixderma.

On his promotion, Venugopal Nair shared, “In a world inundated with fleeting beauty trends, I believe Fixderma stands out as a beacon of authenticity and scientific integrity, shaping the future of skincare. We are determined to make this brand a force to reckon with in the beauty industry, and I am excited to contribute to this vision.”

National, January 20, 2025: PVR INOX Limited, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, is delighted to unveil SCREENIT—a revolutionary platform, available only on PVR INOX app that redefines the way audiences experience cinema. With SCREEN IT, movie enthusiasts can create or join customized shows at their preferred cinemas, bringing a whole new level of personalization and excitement to the big screen. But that’s not all—now you can also turn your love for movies into rewards!

Inspired by the overwhelming success of re-releases, expanding to over 120 cinemas nationwide SCREENIT takes the cinema experience to the next level by giving audiences the unique opportunity to relive cherished classics and fan favorites. This ground-breaking platform puts the power of curation directly into the hands of moviegoers, enabling them to choose from a diverse library of 500+ titles and create unforgettable, community-driven screenings.

“SCREEN IT is more than just a platform—it’s a transformative step toward redefining the cinematic experience, said Mr. Renaud Palliere, CEO of Luxury Collection and Innovation, PVR INOX Limited.

SCREEN IT empowers audiences to curate their movie experience—choosing what, when, and where to watch—all while offering exciting rewards. By turning movie screenings into personalized and rewarding events, SCREENIT enhances the joy of cinema and encourages deeper connections within communities”, he further added.

Mr. Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy, PVR INOX Limited, added, “The overwhelming success of re-releases has shown us that audiences still crave the unmatched experience of watching iconic films on the big screen. SCREENIT is our way of celebrating this nostalgia while providing a modern, flexible, and highly personalized way to enjoy films. It’s an innovation that brings timeless cinema back to life on your terms.”

HOW SCREENIT WORKS

Effortless Customization: Users can explore the SCREENIT platform, exclusively available on the PVR INOX app, to create or join a show. Browse through a wide selection of movies, pick your preferred cinema and time, and book your tickets. If the perfect show doesn’t exist, users can easily create one by selecting the movie, timing, and location. With a minimum of just two tickets required to create the show, users can then invite friends or join shows created by other movie enthusiasts.

The Ultimate Movie Playlist: SCREENIT’s curated movie library offers a diverse collection of films, from timeless classics to fan favorites, catering to every kind of viewer.

Share & Earn Rewards: Once a show is created, users can share a unique promotional link with friends, family, or communities to encourage them to join the screening. For every ticket booked through the shared link, users earn exciting rewards, making the movie experience not just enjoyable but also rewarding.

Promote & Earn’: Turn Your Passion for Movies into Rewards

With the innovative ‘Promote & Earn’ feature by PVR INOX, you can now create a unique promotional link for any “Now Showing” movie directly through the PVR INOX app. Share this link across platforms like social media, WhatsApp, and messages to invite your network to book tickets. For every ticket booked through your link—whether it’s for a show in your city or any other city—you earn 2% of the ticket amount as a cash incentive. The more you share, the more you earn, turning your love for cinema into a rewarding opportunity. This feature makes it easy to connect with audiences, build excitement, and monetize your passion for movies!

Pune: Cancer cases are alarmingly rising in India. In a noteworthy initiative to address the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by cancer patients and their families, TGH OncoLife Cancer Hospital has launched its first-ever ‘OncoLife Yoddha’ Patient Support Group in association with V Care Foundation. This group provides patients, survivors, and caregivers a platform to unite, share their journeys, learn from each other’s experiences, and battle the disease with immense courage and strength.

The first support group meeting was attended by over 35 patients, survivors, and their families. Mr. Ashok Bhakare and his team from the Laughter Yoga Club uplifted spirits with their engaging session. Dr. Neha Kulkarni, Director of CSR, inspired the audience with her motivational talk on embracing life’s challenges, while Ms. Vandana Gupta, Founder of V Care Foundation and a breast cancer survivor herself, shared her powerful story. Present during the support group launch were Sachin Deshmukh, Managing Director of Onco Life Hospital, and Dr Santosh Sahu, Centre Head.

India is witnessing a concerning surge in cancer cases over the years, with millions fighting the disease and many losing precious lives. This demands urgent attention for comprehensive care that extends beyond medical treatment and includes emotional and psychological support. TGH OncoLife Cancer Hospital has come forward by forming a support group to provide a safe space for patients and their families to exchange experiences, find hope, and gain strength for their journey ahead. This support group will be a boon for cancer patients and their families.

Sachin Deshmukh, Managing Director of Onco Life Hospital said, “The ‘OncoLife Yoddha’ Patient Support Group is a reflection of our commitment to holistic cancer care. The journey of recovery is not just about physical treatment but also about creating a community where patients and survivors feel seen, heard, and supported. Our goal is to build a community where no one feels alone in their fight against cancer. This initiative is not just about support but about building relationships, celebrating courage, and proving that together, we can overcome cancer. We hope the support group will inspire countless people to fight against cancer.”

Dr Santosh Sahu, Centre Head, highlighted, “A cancer diagnosis is life-changing not only for the patient but also for their families. Cancer impacts every aspect of one’s life. Through this support group, we are creating a nurturing environment where patients and caregivers can seek practical advice, emotional solace, and inspiration. By offering the right support at the right time, we will help patients face their challenges with determination. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of patient-centered care. We hope it will make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, survivors, and their families.”

Mumbai, January 20, 2025: Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedi Naye Kissey’ follows the daily struggles and triumphs of the middle-class, Wagle family. In recent episodes, a playful debate occurred over who makes the best puranpoli and Radhika (Bharati Achrekar) and Vandana (Pariva Pranati) end up with a misunderstanding while planning Rajesh’s (Sumeet Raghvan) surprise birthday party. When Vandana hears Radhika criticize her puranpoli-making skills, the two decide to settle the matter with a friendly puranpoli face-off among the women of the Sai Darshan society.

To judge the cooking face-off, Vandana invites MasterChef judge Ranveer Brar. His entry adds excitement to the already lively competition, as he brings his culinary expertise and signature charm while judging the competition. Ranveer is tasked with the challenging job of deciding the best puranpoli, however, things take an unexpected twist when plates are accidentally swapped, leaving even Ranveer momentarily puzzled. Despite the mix-up, Ranveer’s sharp palate and keen observation shine through and he chooses a winner. His presence turns Sai Darshan society into a vibrant culinary arena, offering laughter, love, and a heartfelt message. Viewers will be left guessing who has been declared the winner by Ranveer.

MasterChef judge Ranveer Brar, who enters the show as a judge, said, “Food isn’t just about taste; it’s about the emotions and the love that goes into making it. Judging by this sweet, light-hearted competition between Radhika and Vandana was such a unique experience. The Wagle family exudes warmth, both on-screen and off-screen, and being a part of their world was truly special. Now, viewers will be left guessing who I chose as the winner—but they’ll get their answer on the show!”

Sumeet Raghvan, who essays the role of Rajesh Wagle, said, “Known for their close bond, Radhika and Vandana rarely find themselves in such situations, but when one’s cooking skills are questioned, it’s natural for the competitive side to emerge. Vandana, who also runs her own tiffin service, isn’t someone to back down either! The cherry on top was having Ranveer Brar, the celebrated chef judge the puranpoli competition. His presence added so much fun and energy to the show, and shooting this sequence was an absolute blast!”