Archives February 2025

Chennai: What happens when home renovation meets divine intervention? Ceramics Major, SOMANY Ceramics answers this in its latest Tamil TVC, featuring none other than Gomathi Priya and Vetri Vasanth, the much-loved pair from Siragadikka Aasai. With this light-hearted and entertaining vignette, SOMANY strengthens its brand presence in Tamil Nadu, tapping into the local charm and star power of these actors.

Conceptualized and executed by Madison Loop, the agency that worked on the TVC – it brings in a touch of humor and a whole lot of chemistry, with Meena (Gomathi Priya) playing the role of a ‘divine guide’, quite literally — leading Muthu (Vetri Vasanth) towards a stress-free, stylish home transformation. While Muthu seems, a bit lost in the process initially, Meena (channeling her wisdom) makes it clear that with SOMANY’s wide range of Tiles and Bathware, upgrading a home is simple, and hassle-free but filled with elegant choices. The TVC shows the pair shopping for tiles (Coverstone range), and Bathware (Somany French Collection) to revamp their home.

Talking about the campaign, Mr. Anshuman Chakravarty, Head of Marketing & Communications at SOMANY Ceramics, shared his excitement, stating, ” Tamil Nadu is a key market for us, and we wanted to create a campaign that resonates locally, bringing a lively and joyful experience. We have significantly expanded our footprint in Tamil Nadu by adding numerous showrooms and franchised outlets. We’re confident that this TVC will strike a chord with homeowners looking for stylish, durable, and hassle-free solutions.”

As shown in the TVC, Somany Coverstone brings the raw beauty of natural stone into contemporary design, featuring stylish yet highly durable slabs that offer seamless integration for both interior and exterior applications. The French Collection by SOMANY Bathware exudes European elegance, offering a range of sophisticated tiles that blend timeless aesthetics with modern durability, perfect for creating luxurious spaces. With its playful narrative and charming lead duo, SOMANY’s latest TVC is all set to win hearts across Tamil Nadu.

Bengaluru, February 10, 2025: In the South India Regional Consultation convened by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and The Association of People with Disability (APD), in collaboration with the Karnataka State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the Group said that Karnataka should become a ‘model state’ by introducing more first-of-its-kind projects such as Rs 1000 per month allowance to the caregivers of the disabled people.

The two-day consultation brought together key stakeholders to discuss disability-related challenges and policy advancements.

Das Suryavanshi, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Karnataka, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure holistic development for persons with disabilities. “The government has much to offer, and a united disability sector can help achieve it. Southern states must collaborate to amplify their impact. DPOs should convene to guide the government in implementation. With Sugamyatra underway, launching the YestoAccess App is key to advancing accessibility. Such consultations are vital to our goals,” he stated.

A major highlight of the consultation was the discussion on the allocation of Rs. 1,000 monthly allowance program for caregivers of persons with disabilities, a pioneering initiative that sets Karnataka apart from other Indian states.

Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, highlighting the need for more proactive measures from the govt with a collaborative approach. “Karnataka’s disabled population stands at 13.24 lakh as per the 2011 census, a comprehensive ecosystem is required to enable persons with disabilities to lead dignified lives,” he remarked. Speaking about the union budget 2025, Ali said, “Despite claiming “inclusivity” as its ‘guiding spirit’, the Union Budget 2025 has ignored India’s disabled population. No policies, no financial support, no push for assistive tech, no relief for disabled entrepreneurs. Empowerment needs inclusion”.

Participants engaged in insightful discussions on health disparities affecting persons with disabilities, including obstacles such as inaccessible healthcare facilities and discrimination. They advocated for disability-inclusive health policies at local, state, and national levels and emphasized the necessity of integrating disability-specific provisions into existing health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat.

Legal rights and protections for disabled individuals were also a focal point of the discussions. Experts highlighted the importance of ensuring accessibility in public spaces and transportation. DPOs emphasised on the need for more disability sensitized lawyers who can take up pro-bono work. Such lawyers if connected with District level legal aid centres can cater to legal needs of disabled persons.

Another key issue addressed was the political participation of persons with disabilities. Participants stressed the urgent need to enhance awareness about their voting rights and the barriers they face in accessing political processes. The discussion emphasised the importance of consolidating the voices of millions of disabled individuals to ensure greater representation in policymaking and governance.

Speaking about the missing millions from the mainstream discourse, Diwakar Menon, Board Member, APD said, “A few years ago, Karnataka, in association with municipal bodies, conducted a survey to understand why disabled people are rarely seen in public spaces. The findings pointed to reasons such as the lack of tactile paths, ramps, and accessible washrooms. Assessing and implementing the Harmonized Guidelines for accessibility remains challenging.”

New Delhi, February 10, 2025: RR Kabel, the leading Wires and Cables & consumer electricals company in India, has signed a multi-year partnership agreement as a principal partner of THE Kolkata Knight Riders. This strategic partnership is set to amplify RR Kabel’s brand presence, particularly in Eastern India. Returning for a second collaboration with KKR after its initial association in 2021, the brand reaffirms its commitment to connecting with cricket fans and strengthening its market footprint.

RR Kabel’s branding will be featured on the ‘Right Chest’ of all KKR team kits during the season. This collaboration offers RR Kabel an opportunity to tap into the vast viewership, boosting brand recognition and fostering deeper engagement with a wide-ranging audience. The partnership with KKR underscores the powerful synergy between sports and industry leaders, creating a dynamic platform to connect with consumers and elevate brand visibility on a grand scale.

Commenting on the association, Mrs. Kirti Kabra, Director, RR Global, expressed, “The tournament is where energy, passion, and performance come alive, making it the perfect stage for RR Kabel. Kolkata Knight Riders felt like the right fit because their resilience, ambition, and pursuit of excellence align with who we are. Cricket brings people together like nothing else, and as a brand, we have always believed in growth, progress, and pushing boundaries. This partnership isn’t just about visibility, it’s about being part of something that sparks excitement and unites the nation.”

Adding his thoughts, Mr. Venky Mysore, CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders, said, “We are delighted to welcome RR Kabel back as a partner for IPL 2025. As a globally recognized brand, their continued association with KKR reflects the strong synergy between our values and vision. We look forward to strengthening this partnership further and creating even greater impact together.”

The three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up for another exciting season, ready to showcase their prowess on the field and entertain millions of fans across the globe. This multi-year partnership between RR Kabel and KKR marks the beginning of an exciting journey that promises to deliver memorable moments both on and off the field.

Mumbai, 10 February 2025: They say that you don’t find love, it finds you, and this Valentine’s Week, Disney+ Hotstar brings you Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story, a timeless tale of unabashed passion, budding romance, and heartfelt moments.

Set against the backdrop of Cambridge, the premise follows the beautiful journey of Bobby (Kaveri Kapur) and Rishi (Vardhan Puri) laced with unanswered questions, unhinged complications, and opposing schools of thought but bounded by serendipity and love. The movie is a perfect ode to young love with themes such as second chances and musical extravaganza at its core.

Prepare to be swept away by a story filled with love, longing, and moments of insightful realization, all wrapped up with a daily dose of laughter shared with those you hold dear. Helmed by the visionary Kunal Kohli and produced by Jyoti Deshpande, under Jio Studios and Mohaan Nadaar from The Production Head Quarters, this enchanting narrative stars Vardhaan Puri and Kaveri Kapur in pivotal roles.

Expressing his excitement director Kunal Kohli says, “I am over the moon to present Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story. I have always wanted to create a love story that resonates with today’s generation and puts light upon their dilemmas and issues. Being a person who believes in true love finding your way, we as a team have come together to bring a piece of art that the viewers can resonate with. The infectious energy of Vardhaan and Kaveri brought life to our story. We also feel truly surreal to witness our body of work being presented to a larger audience with the help of an OTT giant like Disney+ Hotstar as we expect to reach a wider set of audience”

Vardhan Puri, who portrays the character of Rishi shares, “I have always been an ardent admirer of Kunal sir’s films, and have always harbored the desire to collaborate with him. I am glad that it got paid off in Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story. I remember having watched Hum Tum six times during its release and the film continues to fascinate me, which shows how relevant and eternal his direction and vision are. I feel extremely privileged and fortunate to be a part of such a fun yet insightful movie which taught me so much about the power of love and choices. To share the screen with Kaveri who is true to her craft and is willing to put in the extra hours is uplifting as an actor. I hope that our movie resonates with the viewers and reaches them in the comfort of their homes through Disney+ Hotstar.”

Kaveri Kapur who essays the role of Bobby added, “Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story is a celebration of serendipity and the idea that love, when meant to be, finds its way back to you. Bobby is a unique character wrapped in her dilemmas and thoughts, making it an interesting yet challenging character to play. Its only after undergoing many rounds of workshops to dissect her character did she immerse herself fully into the role. Working alongside a director who gives you a free hand and is there at every step to guide you is truly liberating for a newcomer. I am beyond thrilled and excited for the world to see our work on screen and I can barely wait for 11th February to hear what the audience has to say.”

Mark your calendars for 11th February 2025, and join us on Disney+ Hotstar to experience this extraordinary love story with Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story.

Chennai, February 10, 2025. Ignitho Technologies Inc., a leading AI-driven digital engineering company, has announced a major expansion of its India AI Center in Chennai. The new expanded AI facility at Elcot SEZ, at Sholinganallur in Chennai, was inaugurated by Dr. Palanivel Thiyagarajan, Hon. Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services, Tamil Nadu.

Ignitho plans to grow its team to 1,000, focused on AI capabilities, over the next two years. This expansion is part of Ignitho’s strategic growth plan, and the new center will serve as a hub for developing and deploying more AI Agents, leveraging advanced technologies such as LLMs, Machine Learning, and Gen AI.

This expansion underscores Ignitho’s commitment to driving innovation and delivering state-of-the-art Agentic AI solutions to its clients. With an initial capacity of 300, the new office will also function as the AI capability center for Nuivio Ventures Inc., the parent company of Ignitho. Enabling Nuivio to support its portfolio of AI product companies, including Piqual Inc. and Talentou Inc., as well as other AI startups in the pipeline.

Joseph Olassa, CEO of Nuivio Ventures, commented: “This expansion marks a significant milestone for our portfolio company, Ignitho. By doubling our office space and increasing our team size, we are positioning ourselves to better serve our clients and push the boundaries of AI-driven engineering services.”

Roney Soloman, Chief Commercial Officer who is set to take the interim CEO role of Ignitho, added “Our new facility will be a center of excellence for AI innovation, fostering an environment where talent can thrive and breakthrough ideas can flourish.”

Ashin Antony, Chief Technology Officer, added: “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Chennai as we plan to grow our size to 1000 employees in the next 2 years. Chennai is emerging as one of India’s hottest tech hubs for a deep and broad set of technology skills. We look forward to welcoming new talent from colleges in and around Chennai to join us in our journey of transforming the AI landscape.”

IIT Roorkee, 10, 02 2025: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have uncovered a crucial regulatory mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii, a highly drug-resistant superbug responsible for life-threatening infections. Their study, published in mBio, the prestigious journal of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), reveals how the pathogen controls its attack and defense systems, paving the way for new treatment strategies.

Acinetobacter baumannii is notorious for its ability to resist multiple antibiotics, making it a serious threat in healthcare settings. It causes severe hospital-acquired infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections. A major survival tool of this superbug is the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS) – a bacterial “weapon” used to attack competing microbes. However, how A. baumannii regulates T6SS while maintaining antibiotic resistance has remained unclear until now.

The research team, led by Prof. Ranjana Pathania, discovered that A. baumannii switches T6SS on or off based on environmental conditions. A small RNA molecule, AbsR28, plays a key role in this regulation, influenced by manganese (Mn²+) levels. When Mn²+ levels are high, AbsR28 binds to an essential gene (tssM) required for T6SS function, leading to its degradation. This prevents the activation of T6SS and enables A. baumannii to retain plasmid pAB3, which carries multiple antibiotic-resistance genes.

“We found that when A. baumannii activates T6SS, it becomes more vulnerable to antibiotics and oxidative stress. So, the bacteria must carefully regulate this system to survive in different conditions,” said Prof. Pathania. “Our discovery sheds light on how this pathogen adapts during infections, helping it evade both antibiotics and the immune system.”

By targeting AbsR28, scientists may be able to disrupt the superbug’s regulatory system, making it more susceptible to antibiotics without directly attacking resistance genes. This discovery opens new avenues for precision medicine and novel drug development against multidrug-resistant infections.

The research team includes Somok Bhowmik, Avik Pathak, Shivam Pandey, Kuldip Devnath, Abhiroop Sett, Nishant Jyoti, Timsy Bhando, Jawed Akhter, Saurabh Chugh, Dr. Ramandeep Singh, and Tarun Kumar Sharma. Their pioneering work reinforces IIT Roorkee’s leadership in cutting-edge biomedical research.

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “At IIT Roorkee, we are committed to advancing scientific research that addresses global health challenges. This breakthrough in understanding Acinetobacter baumannii’s defense mechanism is a testament to the high-impact work being carried out by our researchers. Such discoveries pave the way for innovative solutions in tackling antibiotic resistance and improving healthcare outcomes.”

Mumbai, February 10th, 2025: Ageas Federal Life Insurance, a leading private life insurer in India, has launched its latest investment offering—the Momentum Growth Fund. Opening February 10th – February 21st 2025, this new offering presents an attractive opportunity for investors aiming to benefit from India’s robust long-term economic growth within the ULIP segment. It is strategically aligned with the Nifty 500 Momentum 50 Index, which has delivered remarkable returns of 25.97%* CAGR over the past five years, and 22.90% CAGR since its inception.

With a focus on delivering strong returns over the medium to long term, the fund diversifies investments across a wide range of companies and sectors within the index, helping to mitigate risk while promoting steady, sustainable growth. This disciplined, strategic approach offers customers a rewarding and resilient investment strategy that is well-aligned with India’s thriving economy.

Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO of Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said, “With a GDP of 6.4% in FY 25, India still remains the fastest growing economy. At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, we support the government’s vision for India’s growth story. The Momentum Growth Fund reflects our commitment while empowering customers with solutions that meet their long-term financial aspirations. With this launch, we aim to bridge individual wealth creation and national progress, contributing to India’s extraordinary growth story and fostering a future of shared prosperity.”

The fund empowers investors to navigate the ever-changing stock market trends effectively, while removing any potential fund manager bias. Additionally, it offers the advantage of comprehensive life coverage through Ageas Federal’s innovative and customer-centric insurance plans. The Momentum Growth Fund will be available alongside Ageas Federal Life Insurance’s flagship offerings.

IIT Roorkee, 10, 02 2025: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have uncovered a crucial regulatory mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii, a highly drug-resistant superbug responsible for life-threatening infections. Their study, published in mBio, the prestigious journal of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), reveals how the pathogen controls its attack and defense systems, paving the way for new treatment strategies.

Acinetobacter baumannii is notorious for its ability to resist multiple antibiotics, making it a serious threat in healthcare settings. It causes severe hospital-acquired infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections. A major survival tool of this superbug is the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS) – a bacterial “weapon” used to attack competing microbes. However, how A. baumannii regulates T6SS while maintaining antibiotic resistance has remained unclear until now.

The research team, led by Prof. Ranjana Pathania, discovered that A. baumannii switches T6SS on or off based on environmental conditions. A small RNA molecule, AbsR28, plays a key role in this regulation, influenced by manganese (Mn²+) levels. When Mn²+ levels are high, AbsR28 binds to an essential gene (tssM) required for T6SS function, leading to its degradation. This prevents the activation of T6SS and enables A. baumannii to retain plasmid pAB3, which carries multiple antibiotic-resistance genes.

“We found that when A. baumannii activates T6SS, it becomes more vulnerable to antibiotics and oxidative stress. So, the bacteria must carefully regulate this system to survive in different conditions,” said Prof. Pathania. “Our discovery sheds light on how this pathogen adapts during infections, helping it evade both antibiotics and the immune system.”

By targeting AbsR28, scientists may be able to disrupt the superbug’s regulatory system, making it more susceptible to antibiotics without directly attacking resistance genes. This discovery opens new avenues for precision medicine and novel drug development against multidrug-resistant infections.

The research team includes Somok Bhowmik, Avik Pathak, Shivam Pandey, Kuldip Devnath, Abhiroop Sett, Nishant Jyoti, Timsy Bhando, Jawed Akhter, Saurabh Chugh, Dr. Ramandeep Singh, and Tarun Kumar Sharma. Their pioneering work reinforces IIT Roorkee’s leadership in cutting-edge biomedical research.

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, of IIT Roorkee, said, “At IIT Roorkee, we are committed to advancing scientific research that addresses global health challenges. This breakthrough in understanding Acinetobacter baumannii’s defense mechanism is a testament to the high-impact work being carried out by our researchers. Such discoveries pave the way for innovative solutions in tackling antibiotic resistance and improving healthcare outcomes.”

Gurugram, 10th Feb 2025: SAMHI Hotels Limited is proud to announce its collaboration with the Indian School of Hospitality, a renowned institution specializing in management and leadership development, to introduce an exclusive Management Development Programme for senior leaders. This initiative aims to foster innovation, strategic thinking, and leadership excellence within the hospitality sector.

The program, launched on 3rd February 2025, is tailored for senior executives at the various hotels under the umbrella of SAMHI Hotels Limited to equip them with cutting-edge skills in leadership, operational finance, and business strategy. Participants will engage in a curriculum designed by the Indian School of Hospitality, known for its expertise in Hospitality Management, Finance, Leadership, and Strategy.

The program has been designed and contextualised to the needs of hospitality leaders of today and would include experiential workshops, case studies, mentorship, and hands-on action learning projects, ensuring participants gain practical insights and tools to address the challenges of a dynamic global market.

“We are very excited to partner with the Indian School of Hospitality to create a bespoke program for emerging leaders across our hotel portfolio,” said Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, MD & CEO of SAMHI Hotels. “As we invest capital to grow our hotel portfolio, we also remain committed to investing in developing talent. What makes this unique is that the program is available to leaders across different brands that our hotels operate under and therefore the cohort itself brings phenomenal experience to the classroom”

Indian School of Hospitality is delighted to partner with SAMHI Hotels Limited to deliver this bespoke leadership program,” said Mr Dilip Puri, Founder and Executive Chairman, of Indian School of Hospitality. “Our goal is to empower leaders with the knowledge and skills to drive organizational success and adapt to the evolving demands of the hospitality sector.”

Chennai, Tamil Nadu India- 10 Feb 2025- If you’ve ever wished for a cinema-like experience without the hassle of mounting a projector far from your screen, Zebronics has just dropped the ultimate solution. Introducing the Zeb-Pixa Play Pro 500, an Ultra Short Throw (UST) projector from a homegrown brand. This powerhouse is here to redefine how we experience big-screen entertainment at home.

A true big-screen experience in just a small space—The Zeb – Pixa Play Pro 500 can project a massive 228cm screen size from as close as 40cm away! With an impressive 12500 lumens brightness and Full HD 1080p native resolution, it delivers crystal-clear visuals with rich, vibrant colors. Say goodbye to cluttered setups and mounting hassles—this UST projector transforms even compact spaces into a cinematic experience.

But it’s not just about the visuals. Zebronics packed this projector with multi-connectivity options, including BT v5.0, dual USB, and HDMI&AUX output, so you can hook up everything from your gaming console to your streaming device with ease. Additionally, Miracast and iOS Screen Casting ensure smooth wireless mirroring, eliminating the need for extra cables.

Electronic Focus via Remote – Adjust focus effortlessly from your couch

Air Mouse – Navigate like a pro with intuitive controls

Quad-Core Processor – Ensuring smooth performance, even for heavy tasks like gaming with Android 9 and a 2GB RAM

Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz) – Lag-free streaming and connectivity

App Support – Access your favorite apps directly

20,000-hour LED lamp life – Built to last for years

Built-in Powerful Speakers – A complete audiovisual experience

The Zeb-Pixa Play Pro 500 projector is designed for movie buffs, gamers, and anyone who wants to bring the big screen home. The Zeb-Pixa Play Pro 500 is now available at Amazon and Flipkart at an introductory price.

Speaking on the launch, Co-Founder & Director – Mr. Pradeep Doshi stated – “At Zebronics, we’ve always believed that world-class technology shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be for everyone& that led us to launch the Zeb-Pixa Play Pro 500 and thereby as India’s first homegrown brand to introduce a UST projector, we are elevating Home Entertainment to new heights. Imagine pairing this with our powerful Zebronics Soundbars—a seamless home theatre experience that brings immersive sound and stunning visuals together effortlessly. And this is just the beginning! We’re committed to bringing more innovations that deliver Premium for Masses, making high-end tech accessible without compromise. With every launch, we’re raising the bar, setting new standards, and staying Always Ahead.”