Archives February 2025

Dr. N Sapna Lulla, Lead Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

With sudden shifts in weather cool mornings giving way to scorching afternoons doctors across the city are witnessing a rise in urinary tract infection (UTI) cases. The primary culprit is Dehydration.
Doctors are seeing around 50 cases a week and a 20% increase over recent weeks. Explaining the cause behind the spike, she said: “UTIs can be triggered by dehydration, holding urine for long periods or untreated previous infections. They also experience hot flashes because of sudden climate change, which worsens their condition.”

She highlighted that while such infections can occur to anyone, women and children are highly susceptible. “The most common treatment for UTIs is drinking plenty of water or pain relievers,” she added.
But what is the link between dehydration and UTI?

“Dehydration happens when the body loses more water than it takes in, upsetting its natural balance. One major factor influencing dehydration is extreme heat. When temperatures soar, we lose fluids rapidly through sweat. If we don’t replenish this lost water, urine becomes concentrated and sits in the bladder longer, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth and increasing UTI risk. Doctors say that the hospital sees a minimum of three cases a day.

She emphasized how temperature fluctuations worsen symptoms for those already dealing with UTI. “A key impact is increased urinary frequency, especially at night. Dehydration caused by abrupt heat spikes leads to concentrated urine, which irritates the bladder and intensifies discomfort. These rapid shifts highlight the need for extra hydration, proper hygiene, and preventive care,” she added.

Hyderabad, India – February 13th, 2024: The Indian Garage Co. (TIGC), India’s leading homegrown fast-fashion brand launched two new Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) in Hyderabad. The first store was opened in Vanasthalipuram on December 7, 2024, followed by another highly anticipated launch at Sarath City Mall opening on February 15th, 2025.

The brand has received immense love for its e-commerce platform from Hyderabad and is confident that the city will embrace this new venture with equal enthusiasm. The highly anticipated opening of the stores marks a significant milestone in the brand’s offline expansion, aimed at providing Hyderabad’s fashion enthusiasts with a cutting-edge and immersive shopping experience.

Spanning 2,300-square-foot complex outlet in Vanasthalipuram features the brand’s latest collections, offering customers a curated selection of trendsetting styles. This addition strengthens the brand’s presence in Hyderabad, following the recent opening of a 3,746-square-foot store at Sarath City Mall. Both stores are part of The Indian Garage Co. ‘s broader offline expansion strategy, which includes a 20% budget allocation to support growth. With a goal of having 100 stores across India, the brand aims to make Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) contribute 30% of total revenue within the next 3 to 5 years, while empowering young fashion entrepreneurs along the way.

Speaking on the launch, Anant Tanted, Founder & CEO of The Indian Garage Co., said, “We are excited to introduce The Indian Garage Co.’s distinctive blend of fashion, innovation, and customer-centricity to the vibrant city of Hyderabad. This launch marks a key milestone in our mission to make our signature style accessible to a global audience. By creating immersive shopping experiences, we aim to bring our unique vision of fashion to even more customers. As we continue to expand our offline presence across India, we are committed to reshaping the fashion retail landscape and paving the way for our future growth in international markets”.

As part of its strategic offline expansion, The Indian Garage Co. plans to open new stores in key cities such as Lucknow, Pune, as well as two additional locations in Bengaluru and Cochin, continuing its nationwide growth trajectory.

“The brand has received immense love for its e-commerce platform from customers in Hyderabad and is confident that the region will warmly embrace this new venture,” said Alka Dembla, Head of Retail, The Indian Garage Co. “At The Indian Garage Co., we are committed to creating exceptional shopping experiences that perfectly combine style and accessibility. The launch of our Exclusive Brand Outlets in Hyderabad represents a significant milestone in our mission to connect with fashion enthusiasts Pan-India. These stores reflect our dedication to offering vibrant spaces where customers can explore, engage, and shop with style. We’re delighted about this new chapter and excited to continue expanding our offline presence in key markets across India.”

To celebrate the grand opening of the second store, customers can look forward to the exclusive in-store collections, exciting inaugural offers, and a special treat for the first 100 shoppers, who will receive ₹1000 worth of free shopping. The festivities kick off at 11 AM and the queue starts at 10.30 AM on launch day at the store—don’t forget to queue up early!

Something big is brewing in the world of music and cinema, and it involves none other than the legendary trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. For the first time, the maestros are stepping into the Malayalam film industry, but that’s just the beginning of the intrigue. This isn’t just any film, it’s set to be a high-energy, action-packed spectacle, inspired by WWE and the raw, electrifying world of wrestling. But what makes this project truly special?! With the trio known for crafting unforgettable soundtracks across industries, what kind of musical magic will they bring to a story built on adrenaline and combat?

Produced by Ramesh Ramakrishnan, Ritesh Ramakrishnan, and Shihan Shoukath, this ambitious project is backed by Reel World Entertainment, a collaboration between the globally renowned Transworld Group and the creative force of Lensman Group. At the helm is debut director Adhvaith Nayar, who, alongside Sanoop Thykkudam, has crafted a story that promises to be as intense as it is groundbreaking.

The film is already making waves in industry circles, and while the official cast remains a closely guarded secret, whispers suggest it features a stellar ensemble unlike anything seen before. Who will step into this thrilling world? The suspense builds, with an official cast and title announcement just a few weeks away.

Adding to the excitement, the film is set to begin shooting in May 2025, setting the stage for what could be a game-changer in Indian cinema. But the biggest question remains, “What kind of soundtrack will Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy create for a film rooted in power, action, and emotion?!” Their history suggests something unforgettable, but will it be a pulsating rock anthem? A soulful melody? A fusion of sounds never heard before?!

As more of our daily activities move online—whether for work, socializing, or shopping—scammers use sophisticated methods to steal information and money from unsuspecting consumers. This Safer Internet Day on February 11th, Visa shares tips to help you protect your digital information.

1.  Secure Your Devices with Biometrics: Use biometric security features in your phones and laptops like fingerprints or facial recognition – these provide a higher degree of security compared to traditional PINs and passwords that may get compromised, especially for digital payments.
2.  Tokenize your cards if you have not done it yet: The RBI made it compulsory for cards to be tokenized for online transactions so your payments are safe and secure. In a market where almost 100% of cards are now tokenized, don’t get left behind!
3.  Use trusted websites: The most common red flag is a website address that does not start with https:// which means there is a potential security issue on it. For an app, download from a trusted app store to protect sensitive information and reduce the risk of malicious software.
4.  Read privacy policies: It might not be the most exciting read, but checking privacy policies helps you understand how your data is being used. Know what you’re agreeing to so you make informed decisions.
5.  Know What to Do if You’re a Victim of Fraud: If you suspect online fraud, immediately contact your bank or payment provider as well as log a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Helpline by dialing 1930 to report any unauthorized transactions.

By following these tips, you can make your digital experience more secure. Stay vigilant and proactive to protect yourself from the growing risks of the digital world, this Safer Internet Day!

New Delhi: The Indian Hotel Academy (IHA) recently hosted the much-anticipated Buddy Chef Culinary Competition – Eggofest, a dynamic celebration of culinary talent and innovation. The event brought together 60 passionate participants, who showcased their creativity and skills across three exciting categories, all revolving around one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen – eggs.

The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of Executive Chefs from leading hotels, including Chef Sireesh Saxena, Chef Vivek Saggar, Chef Sanjay Agrawal, Chef Rajiv Malhotra, Chef Rajiv Chopra, Chef Sanjeeb Ghatak, Chef Bharat Khemani, Chef Bharat Alagh, Chef Anirudh Sethi, and Chef Kishan Kumar Anand. Their collective expertise ensured that the competition maintained a high standard, while providing invaluable insights and feedback to the participants.

Ms. Devipshita Gautam, Founder of Indian Hotel Academy, commented on the significance of the event, saying, “Eggofest was not just a competition, but a celebration of creativity, skill, and the passion that drives the culinary world. It provided a unique opportunity for aspiring chefs to innovate, interact with industry experts, and showcase their talent. Events like these are pivotal in shaping the future of the hospitality industry and fostering a new generation of culinary leaders.”

The event was further honored by the presence of key industry figures such as Mr. Anuj Soin, General Manager of Radisson Blu, Sector 29, Gurugram; Mr. Amarjit Singh Ahuja, Director of Procurement at Le Meridien; Mr. Dishant Kapil, Executive Member of the Intellectual Cell and Core Committee Member of Vishesh Sampark Samiti Delhi; and Mr. Kapil Aggarwal, Executive Member of the Intellectual Cell and Core Committee Member of Vishesh Sampark Samiti Delhi.

A masterclass titled “The Incredible Benefits of Eggs in Daily Life” was conducted by Chef Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Executive Chef at Jaypee Hotels & Resorts. The session provided valuable insights into the nutritional benefits and diverse culinary applications of eggs, further enhancing the students’ understanding of this essential ingredient.

Eggofest was supported by several prestigious brands, including Abhi Eggs as the Resource and Support Partner, the Association of Hospitality Professionals as the Hospitality Partner, Digi Uprise as the Social Media Partner, and Brand Stand as the PR Partner. Their contributions played an essential role in ensuring the event’s smooth execution.

New Delhi, 13th February 2025: BLS International Services Limited, an Indian multinational corporation and a trusted global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens, announced its consolidated financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2024.

Q3FY25 Performance Highlights

BLS International – Consolidated Financials

• The company’s Revenue from Operations expanded by 17.1% YoY to Rs. 512.8 Crores in Q3FY25 from Rs. 437.9 Crores in Q3FY24.
• The company’s EBITDA surged by 78.5% YoY to Rs. 158.1 Crores during the quarter as compared to Rs. 88.6 Crores in Q3FY24.
•  EBITDA Margin increased to 30.8% in Q3FY25 from 20.2% in Q3FY24. Margin expansion was enhanced by the ongoing transition from a partner-run to a self-managed model and the integration of newly acquired businesses.
•  PAT for the quarter scaled to Rs. 127.9 Crores as compared to Rs. 87.2 Crores reported in Q3FY24, a growth of 46.7% YoY.
•  Post acquisitions done in FY25, the company’s net cash balance stood at Rs. 690Crores as of 31st December 2024.

Segmental Performance

1. Visa & Consular Business

•  Visa & Consular business revenue grew by 3.1% YoY in Q3FY25 to Rs. 375.7 Crores as compared to Rs. 364.4 Crores reported in Q3FY24.
•  The transition from partner-led to the self-managed business model and integration of newly acquired businesses led EBITDA of the Visa business to grow by 77.3% YoY to Rs. 140.3 Crores in Q3FY25
•  EBITDA Margin witnessed a robust expansion of 1,564 bps to 37.4% in Q3FY25 from 21.7% registered in Q3FY24.
•  Net Revenue per application stood at Rs. 2,837 for Q3FY25 vs. Rs. 2,250 for Q3FY24, a robust growth of 26.2% YoY.

2) Digital Business

•  Revenue for the Digital business expanded by 86.7% YoY to Rs. 137.2 Crores in Q3FY25 from Rs. 73.5 Crores in Q3FY24. Q3FY25 revenue includes Aadifidelis Solutions’ revenue of Rs 52.7 Crores consolidated from 26th Nov 2024 onwards.
•  EBITDA surged to Rs. 17.7 Crores (including Rs 2.3 Crores EBITDA of Aadifidelis Solutions) during the quarter as compared to Rs. 9.4 Crores in Q3FY24, up by 88.1%. EBITDA Margin increased to 12.9% during Q3FY25 from 12.8% in Q3FY24.
•  The Business Correspondent business witnessed over 3.43 Crore transactions with a Gross Transaction Value of over Rs. 21,000 Crores during Q3FY25.
•  At the end of the quarter, the digital business had 41,500+ CSPs and 136,700+ touchpoints.
•  Digital business generated loan leads worth Rs. 2,900 Crores in Q3FY25 for various financial institutions. This includes loan leads of over Rs 1,600 Crores achieved by Aadifidelis Solutions.

9MFY25 Performance Highlights

BLS International – Consolidated Performance

•  The company’s Revenue from Operations grew by 22.1% YoY to Rs. 1,500.5 Crores in 9MFY25 as compared to Rs. 1,229.1 Crores in 9MFY24.
•  EBITDA of the company surged to Rs. 455.2 Crores from Rs. 255.4 Crores in 9MFY24, registering a growth of 78.3% YoY.
•  EBITDA Margin expanded to 30.3% in 9MFY25 from 20.8% in 9MFY24.
•  PAT stood at Rs. 394.4 Crores as compared to Rs. 240.2 Crores in 9MFY24, a growth of 64.2% YoY. With this, the company significantly surpassed the profits of Rs 325.6 Crores reported in FY24.

Speaking about the performance and recent updates, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS International Services Ltd. said: “The company continues to report remarkable performance during this quarter as well, outlined by a robust growth across all key financial and operational metrics. In line with the company’s focus on improving EBITDA, we reported a 78.5% YoY growth in Q3FY25 and 78.3% YoY growth in 9MFY25. This growth was driven by strong operational efficiencies and supported by the transition to a self-managed model from the partner-run model, along with the integration of new businesses.
During the quarter, we completed the acquisition of a controlling stake of 57% in Aadifidelis Solutions Pvt. Ltd and its affiliates. With the total investment of over Rs 1,000 Crores done in FY25 for the new acquisitions, which were primarily funded through internal accruals, the company still has a robust balance sheet with net cash of Rs. 690 Crores as of 31 December 2024.

The company is strategically positioning itself to increase its share in the industry by penetrating newer markets worldwide, by leveraging the asset-efficient and tech-driven business model. We endeavor to continue to focus on delivering strong performances in the future and maintaining our strong balance sheet, through a balanced mix of organic and inorganic growth routes.”

Chennai, 13th February 2025: BCT Digital, a global risk technology and compliance products company, has been recognized as a category leader in Chartis Research’s 2024 Model Governance Solutions Quadrant. The company’s rt360 Model Risk Management (MRM) solution was highlighted for its comprehensive capabilities in model coverage, governance framework, model inventory management and model risk analytics.

The Chartis Research report evaluated BCT Digital’s rt360 MRM solution across several criteria, including its ability to manage the lifecycle of financial models, mitigate model risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO of BCT Digital, commented, “Being named a category leader in the Chartis Model Governance Solutions Quadrant reflects the strength and impact of our approach to model risk management. Our focus is on delivering solutions that simplify complex model governance challenges, enabling financial institutions to maintain robust control over their models while adapting to an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment.”

The solution automates model governance processes, including model validation, monitoring, and risk assessment, streamlining collaboration between departments. Features such as centralized Model Register acts as the single source of truth for all model-related activities, improving transparency and traceability. The Workflow Engine automates tasks and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration for improved efficiency. The MRM solution also enables financial institutions to reduce reliance on external validation services, streamline model risk management processes, and scale operations with minimal added cost.

In recent years, banks and financial institutions have prioritized MRM solutions. They are seeking robust and sophisticated software to automate model monitoring and quarterly assessments. This focus on automation ensures compliance with the guidance and standards set by their respective central banks. For instance, the Central Bank of UAE published new regulations and standards on Model Management Standard (MMS), applicable to all models used by banks, and the Model Management Guidance (MMG), specifically focused on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) models.

Seoul, February 13, 2025 – SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) today announced its earnings for the fiscal year 2024 on a K-IFRS consolidated basis: revenue of KRW 17.9406 trillion and operating income of KRW 1.8234 trillion. This was thanks to solid revenue growth in both fixed and mobile communications and AI businesses, each increasing by 1.9% and 4.0% respectively compared to the previous year. The net income was recorded at KRW 1.4388 trillion.

On a non-consolidated basis, SK Telecom’s revenue was KRW 12.7741 trillion and operating income stood at KRW 1.5232 trillion, each increased 1.5% and 4.6% year over year (YoY), respectively. A non-consolidated net income was KRW 1.3322 trillion.

SK Broadband’s revenue and operating income, recorded at KRW 4.4111 trillion and KRW 351.7 billion respectively, increased by 3.1% and 13.7% YoY. The growth was led by increased pay TV subscribers and B2B businesses.

SK Telecom is embarking on the establishment of an AI Infrastructure Superhighway, leveraging the company’s competitiveness in AI technology and services. The company plans to actively pursue the monetization of AI business.

Furthermore, the company plans to continue improving its fundamental business competitiveness, considering both short-term profitability and long-term sustainability, by continuously strengthening its Operation Improvement (O/I) efforts.

■ Accelerating the setup of the AI Infrastructure Superhighway via global partnerships

SK Telecom is accelerating the construction of its AI Infrastructure Superhighway, focusing on three axes: AI data center (AIDC), GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS), and Edge AI.

To boost the AIDC business, SK Telecom invested strategically in Lambda, a global GPU cloud company, and signed an investment contract with Penguin Solutions, a leader in integrated AI data center solutions.

Leveraging these partnerships, SK Telecom opened the Gasan AI data center in cooperation with Lambda last December, and it’s accelerating its AI Infrastructure business with the introduction of the ‘SKT GPUaaS.’

SK Telecom plans to continue its ongoing cooperation with Penguin Solutions for AIDC global expansion, joint R&D and commercialization, and the development of next-generation memory appliances.

Telco Edge AI, a crucial technology for next-generation infrastructure evolution, is being actively promoted for standardization by the company.

■ Restructuring AI Divisions and Showcasing Key Achievements in AI Sector

SK Telecom has restructured into seven key divisions centered around telecommunications and AI. These include the AI Transformation (AIX), AIDC, A. (A-Dot), and Global Personal AI Agent (GPAA) units, established to enhance AI execution capabilities and drive business outcomes.

With this structure, SK Telecom’s AI-related revenue grew by 19% YoY.

The AIX business recorded a significant 32.0% YoY growth, driven by the expansion of its AI cloud business and robust performance of AI B2B solutions, including AI Contact Center (AICC) and Vision AI.

Revenue from the AIDC business increased by 13.1% YoY, reaching KRW 397.4 billion, due to higher operational rates of new data centers, such as the Gasan Data Center in Seoul, South Korea.

In the Personal AI Agent (PAA) sector, a crucial pillar of SK Telecom’s AI business, the company is actively pursuing a dual-track strategy: ‘A.’ for the domestic market and ‘Aster’ for the global market.

Last year, SK Telecom newly launched A, equipped with multi-large language model (LLM) agent capabilities and a PC version. Alongside this, the company introduced ‘A. Phone’ by enhancing AI call features in the T Phone application. These large-scale service upgrades rapidly expanded AI-powered personal services from AI calls to LLM-based search, resulting in A.’s user base exceeding 8 million by the end of 2024, a 160% increase YoY.

SK Telecom’s global personal AI agent, Aster, was first revealed at the ‘SK AI Summit 2024’ and demonstrated a model for comprehensive daily life management at CES 2025. The company plans to launch a beta service in the U.S. in the first half of this year.

The company continues to collaborate with major global LLM companies such as Anthropic and Perplexity. It has also developed a telecom-specialized LLM, already integrated into customer service platforms, including SK Telecom’s customer centers and T World.

“Last year, we strengthened our competitiveness in the telecommunications sector and laid the foundation for our transformation into an AI company,” said Kim Yang-seob, CFO of SK Telecom. “In 2025, we will continue to pioneer the AI era through determination and innovation, further solidifying our corporate value.”

SK Telecom’s Board of Directors has approved a Q4 2024 dividend of KRW 1,050 per share. Including the previously paid dividend of KRW 2,490 per share, the total annual dividend per share is KRW 3,540, subject to final approval at the annual general shareholders’ meeting in March.

Wednesday, 13th February 2025: India’s senior population is growing rapidly. As of 2024, the country has approximately 138 million people aged 60 and above, a number projected to surpass 200 million by 2030. With changing family dynamics and increasing geographical distances, traditional family-based care systems are facing significant challenges. This demographic shift highlights the urgent need for an evolved geriatric care system. Technology integration into senior care offers a solution to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and quality. Reflecting this shift, India has seen a remarkable 45% increase in demand for premium rehabilitation products, driven by rising affluence and a desire for improved quality of life.

Recognizing this growing need, Nonstop is set to redefine the Indian premium rehab market by bridging the gap with world-class products and unparalleled service. Despite the rising demand, no major brand has yet to lead this space in India—until now. What sets Nonstop apart is its unique approach: offering an extensive range of international premium brands, trial options, and an omnichannel model to ensure accessible and comfortable personal mobility solutions.

Nonstop’s portfolio boasts an impressive selection of 35 trusted international brands alongside 5 in-house brands, guaranteeing customers world-class quality and innovative solutions. The company has embarked on its journey with the launch of its first store in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, and is excited to expand to 50 additional locations, making premium rehab solutions more accessible to individuals across India.

“Nonstop proudly stands as India’s first international mobility and rehab store, partnering with industry leaders in mobility and healthcare. Through a robust national distribution and marketing network, Nonstop is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that cater to the evolving needs of India’s senior population” said Iftekhar Ahmed, CEO of NONSTOP.

Nonstop offers an exclusive Distributor Model, presenting a unique investment opportunity where innovation meets profitability. This model allows investors to be part of India’s rapidly expanding healthcare and mobility sector, contributing to a meaningful cause while achieving financial success.

With its vision to revolutionize the premium rehab market, Nonstop is set to become a game-changer, ensuring that India’s senior citizens receive the best in comfort, care, and convenience.

Hyderabad, 13th February 2025: Students of Resonance Junior Colleges, Hyderabad; created history and reaped an unprecedented performance in the JEE main 2025 January attempt, announced today. Resonance is a nationally renowned premier institute known for producing the top rankers in IIT, NIT, NEET, and the Medical entrance exams.

53 students of Resonance Junior Colleges scored above the 99 percentile in the exam. The outstanding performers, parents, and teachers were felicitated by Sri Purnachandra Rao, Director, Resonance Educational Institutions, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh, felicitated outstanding performers, parents, and teachers at the Resonance Junior College, Madhapur.

Speaking on the occasion of the JEE Main 2025 Results Celebration, Sri Purnachandra Rao expressed his immense pride and joy over the outstanding achievements of Resonance Hyderabad students. All the students for achieving this tremendous success in JEE first attempt. This is a different JEE after many years, after COVID, every JEE we have seen fancy results. After a lot of gaps, the original JEE results has come out. So last year, in the same occasion, I think, from Telugu states alone, almost like 20 students scored 100 % for this time, it came to two, that means the JEE is back with its true potential and the paper standards, everything is increasing. So maybe the similar standard of quality in the JEE advanced paper also you can expect and also in the JEE Second attempt also you can expect. This session 1 has given mixed experiences to multiple students. Out of all those arts, there are some students who have done extremely good and came forward and produced these extraordinary results. So this shows the hard work and dedication of the students and faculty members.

He stated, “Resonance has once again set a benchmark of excellence with exceptional results in the latest JEE Main exam. Our students have showcased their hard work, perseverance, and dedication, achieving phenomenal success in one of the toughest competitive exams in the country. This accomplishment is not just a testament to their relentless efforts but also a reflection of the unwavering support and guidance provided by our experienced faculty and the trust of parents who believed in us.”

He further added, “This incredible milestone reaffirms Resonance’s commitment to academic excellence and quality education. Our well-structured curriculum, expert mentorship, and a student-centric approach have enabled our students to perform at the highest level. The success of our Resonites is a collective achievement of students, teachers, and parents, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each one of them.”

He concluded by saying, “This is just the beginning! We look forward to seeing our students excel further in JEE Advanced and achieve their dreams of securing seats in IITs and NITs. Resonance will continue to support and empower aspiring engineers with the best resources, strategies, and motivation to succeed.”