All posts by K S Krishna

Bengaluru-India, 9 April 2025 – Sheeltron Digital Systems Pvt Ltd. an IT solution provider, today announced its collaboration with Seagate® Technology , a leading innovator of mass-capacity data storage, to deliver Seagate’s cutting-edge enterprise data storage solutions to India. 

With this agreement Sheeltron Digital Systems incorporates Seagate’s enterprise data storage solutions into its comprehensive suite of IT services and solutions, further enhancing its offerings to meet the growing storage demands of businesses in India. 

With over 45 years of innovation, Seagate is a global leader in mass-capacity data storage solutions. Its enterprise data storage systems portfolio is uniquely designed to address the storage challenges businesses face in managing, accessing, and protecting their data. This includes Seagate’s Exos® CORVAULT™, a self-healing, high-performance, efficient, and durable multi-petabyte capacity block storage system.

Chandraprakash Parekh, Director of Sheeltron Digital Systems, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Seagate, a leader in mass-capacity data storage, to offer advanced, scalable and secure storage solutions to our diverse customer base, including SMEs, public companies and government agencies in India, addressing the evolving market demands. This collaboration is not only a significant milestone for India’s enterprise landscape but also a key step in our journey to becoming a comprehensive IT solutions provider in the enterprise storage sector.”

Sameer Bhatia, Director of Asia Pacific Consumer Business Group and Country Manager for India & SAARC at Seagate, said: “We are excited to work with Sheeltron Digital System to bring Seagate’s enterprise data storage solutions to businesses across India. As India continues to embrace digital transformation and AI, Seagate is committed to delivering breakthrough technology that help businesses navigate the evolving data landscape. With Sheeltron Digital Systems’ local expertise and Seagate’s industry-leading solutions, we are confident that businesses in India will be well-positioned to navigate their evolving data challenges and achieve sustainable growth.”

An Unforgettable Culinary Experience to Ring in the Bengali New Year

To mark the joyous occasion of Poila Boishakh, The Astor Goa, a renowned five-star hotel in Candolim, is set to host gastronomical affair that brings the rich and diverse cultural recipes a  of Bengal to life. With a creative twist, this festival will feature an exceptional set menu that combines traditional Bengali flavours with influences from Anglo-Indian, Nawabi, Mughal, and European cuisines. 

Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is a time for families and friends to come together to celebrate life, prosperity, and the joy of good food.  The Astor Goa takes this festive spirit to the next level by offering a curated dining experience that blends the elegance of Bengal’s culinary heritage with the grandeur of Mughal and Nawabi kitchens, the refined tastes of Anglo-Indian cuisine, and the finesse of European techniques.

The specially designed set menu showcases both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, each prepared with the finest ingredients and executed with precision to elevate the rich history and complexity of Bengali cuisine. 

The menu features Hasher Mangsho kosha  and Shorshe Ilish, representing the grandeur of Nawabi Bengal and Murg Rezala (a creamy chicken stew) and Sheermal (a soft, sweet flatbread), which showcase the Mughal art of combining delicate spices and flavours for an unforgettable taste. Guests can also experience Anglo-Bengali fusion with dishes like Prawn Cutlets and Deviled Eggs, combining the best of British culinary influences with Bengali ingredients and spices. 

The Poila Boishakh Food Festival will run from 11th April – 16th April, inviting guests to enjoy a meticulously crafted culinary journey that celebrates the best of Bengali cuisine while embracing global influences. To complement the food, the restaurant’s ambiance will be transformed into a celebration of Bengali culture, featuring traditional decorations, soft Bengali music, and a welcoming atmosphere to create a memorable dining experience.

What: Poila Boishakh

When: 11th -16th April 2025, Lunch and Dinner 

Where: Deck88, The Astor Goa

There’s something magical about the way our pets love us—unconditionally, joyfully, and without words. This International Pet Day, create something truly special for you and your furry friend at Pawfect Stitches, a hands-on Stitch-It-Yourself (SIY) workshop at The hab by Usha – a one-stop luxury boutique haberdashery and experience centre. Celebrate that special connection in the most personal way – by stitching a little piece of love for you and your furry companion.

Pawfect Stitches isn’t just a workshop; it’s a shared experience, a moment to slow down and create something meaningful. Over 2 immersive hours, you’ll stitch a matching outfit – a stylish tee for yourself and a charming bandana for your pet. No sewing experience? No problem! This session is about love, creativity, and making memories – not just stitches.

Date: Sunday, 13th April 2025
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: The Hab by Usha, Khar (W)

Join fellow pet lovers in this heartwarming International Pet Day celebration and take home not just a handmade keepsake, but also a beautiful memory of time spent with your beloved companion. And yes, your ticket includes both you and your pet—as long as they promise to be on their best behavior .

This International Pet Day let’s celebrate love—the kind that comes with wagging tails, gentle purrs, and a bond that words can’t quite capture.

61% increase in the children in the normal nutrition category and a 47% reduction in children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition in 21 months

Launched in 2022 as part of the ‘Rural Rising’ campaign by United Way of Bengaluru and in alignment with the Aspirational District development framework of NITI Aayog, the ‘Nutrition Initiative’ aimed at combating undernutrition in children within Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, Kerala’s second-largest tribal-populated area, has achieved remarkable progress. With the successful implementation of 400 co-active kitchens, the program has directly impacted 700 children. Over 21 months, there was a 61% increase in the children in the normal nutrition category and a 47% reduction in children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition. A 3rd party study conducted revealed a social return on investment (SROI) of INR 7.4 for each rupee invested in the cooked meal intervention.

30 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been refurbished, creating safe spaces with child-friendly environments. The cooked meal intervention/nutrition initiative targeting the micronutrient requirements of children has been implemented in 42 Anganwadi centers. The focus was on improving the overall nutritional status, especially among the tribal communities of Wayanad, through nutrition education and behaviour change.

1. Infrastructure upgradation with a nutritious cooked meal: Children at AWCs received 3 meals a day, 6 days a week, with the menu consisting of local and culturally appropriate ingredients, encouraging healthy eating habits.
2. Nutrition promoters: influenced families to adapt to nutritious cooking and consumption and be co-partners in the child’s development process. This improved children’s attendance at AWCs. Community mobilization, nutrition sensitization, and frequent home visits to parents’ homes brought awareness and behavioural change among them.
3. Co-Active Kitchens for Enrichment (CAKE), a community-based model, was implemented in 30 AWCs to foster community-level change. It encouraged participation in cooking activities, introduced new recipes, and educated mothers on nutrition and healthy cooking.

The initiative implemented by United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) in collaboration with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners has been closely supported by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Wayanad, and the members of Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, whose valuable inputs and approach helped ensure the program’s success. The Panchayat has decided to sustain the initiative by allocating the required funds for the continuation of the initiative in the AWCs and communities in the panchayat.

This has garnered attention at both local and state levels due to the collaborative efforts of the Gram Panchayat and various government departments, including Local Self Governance, Health, National Health Mission, and Civil Food Supply. The partnership has played a crucial role in the success of this program, which is now set to serve as a model for similar initiatives not just across Kerala but on a Pan-India basis.

“We’ve seen remarkable improvements in the nutritional status of children in the Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat. The community-driven approach, combined with strong collaboration with the government, has ensured the sustainability and replicability of this program. It’s heartening to see that this model is now being discussed at the state level,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.

• Global registration opens to participate in one of the world’s most preeminent quant competitions
• India has been represented in the 2023 and 2024 IQC finals and comprises half of the users and a large portion of the consultants on WorldQuant’s BRAIN platform
• Participants compete for a chance to be crowned the International Quant Champion in Singapore, alongside prizes from a pool of $100,000 USD for the winning teams and potential career roles

 India, April 03, 2025– WorldQuant, a global quantitative asset management firm, kicked off the fifth International Quant Championship (IQC), its flagship global quant competition. The IQC is a three-stage, team-based competition engaging students and early career professionals from around the globe. Participants will have a chance to compete against some of the brightest minds in finance, mathematics and technology while applying their quantitative skills at the intersection of data science and financial markets. Registration is open until May 14, 2025.

India has demonstrated consistent and robust participation across the IQC and WorldQuant’s BRAIN platform

• 14,000 of the total 37,000 registrants, nearly 40 percent, represented India in the 2024 IQC
• India comprised 34 of the top 100 teams and 54 of the top 100 teams in the 2023 and 2024 IQCs, respectively, as well as earned spots in the last two IQC finals
• India represents half of the users and a large portion of the consultants on WorldQuant’s BRAIN platform, with over 58,000 of the 100,000+ total users and consultants globally

“We’re excited to continue to expand the IQC and cement its role as one of the leading global competitions for quants. We will bring together exceptional people from around the world to compete for the title of International Quant Champion,” said Igor Tulchinsky, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of WorldQuant. “When we launched this competition, our goal was to identify the best. While this goal remains unchanged, the continued interest in the IQC demonstrates the growth of the field and how high-quality talent exists all over the world.”

Since inception, more than 98,000 contestants from over 5,000 universities across 110+ countries and regions have competed for the title of Champion. 13 finalist teams, representing 13 regions, competed to win during the IQC 2024 Finals in Singapore. Prior IQC winners have represented locations such as Taiwan, Canada, the UK and India.

The 2025 IQC, which takes place on WorldQuant’s BRAIN platform, builds on existing competitions hosted by WorldQuant and encourages talent from eligible regions and across experience levels to participate. Top-scoring teams may qualify to win cash prizes from a pool of $100,000^[1] and to participate in the global finals in Singapore in September. WorldQuant seeks to engage top talent around the world, and certain eligible participants who score well in the IQC may be considered for research consulting, internship or full-time employment opportunities at WorldQuant.

“The IQC is a cornerstone of our broader mission to make quantitative finance more accessible while we identify the most talented future quants around the world,” said Nitish Maini, Chief Strategy Officer at WorldQuant.“Through initiatives like the IQC, our BRAIN platform, and the Learn2Quant program that launched this year, we are creating multiple pathways for aspiring quants to begin their journey and refine their skills.”

WorldQuant BRAIN has 100,000+ users and over 5,000 research consultants globally, who are eligible to receive compensation based on the quality of their ideas. BRAIN features comprehensive data fields and toolsets, powerful performance dashboards and value-added measures. It seamlessly integrates machine learning modules and AI algorithms within its platform, providing an integrated environment. The opportunity includes:

• 125,000+ data fields, performance dashboards and value-added measures to leverage
• In-depth educational bootcamp, support and mentorship from experienced quants
• Platform and tools to learn and submit more advanced signals in addition to Alphas^[2]
• Real-time, actionable feedback
• A community that fosters collaboration, competition, and professional growth

To be exclusively managed by Musee Musical

Adyar Chennai, 28th March 2025: Yamaha, The Automobile and Music/Audio giant, one of the world’s leading brands has opened its 2^nd premium exclusive showroom in Chennai Tamil Nadu. This step brings Yamaha closer to its aim of making the studio facilities and equipment available to all upcoming musicians in the state. This initiative also underscores the shared commitment to empowering the nation’s youth to the best quality of music training under the guidance of some of the most renowned music trainers in the region. 

The Yamaha Music Square has already expanded to a total of 26 stores across India; this will be its 2^nd in the state of Chennai taking the total to 27, contributing to this initiative with an extensive reach.  Yamaha also plans to expand Music Square in the near future to vacant and potential regions.  A unique feature that will set the studio apart from every other place will be the option of live demos of each music instrument for every music enthusiast.

Yamaha has entered into an exclusive tie-up with the renowned Musee Musical, a historic music store in Chennai that is in its 183^rd year. The tie-up includes Musee Musical managing the Music Store and extending all their services to customers in the area. Musee Musical brings its expertise in understanding the needs of customers with regard to musical instruments and training. This is a new business model that is being undertaken and promises the best of the expertise of both companies to discerning customers in Chennai.

In India, there is a boundary to the extent of talent we possess and to promote and identify such talent, Yamaha has pledged to expand this initiative. The Company aims to strategically focus and build more infrastructural facilities and projects to efficiently cater the public and develop the segment in the region.

REHAN SIDDIQUI SAN (Deputy General Manager) Yamaha said, “This development is aimed at upgrading the talent pool of the youth in India and also to provide the best quality instruments in the region. We at Yamaha are committed towards excellence in technology and quality, this initiative will provide a platform to music students to enhance their skills and gets access to world class training in the world of Audio.

Training and product workshop will also be conducted by Musee Musical in the first 30 days.

Bengaluru, India – March 28^th, 2025 – Trintech, a leading global provider of cloud-based financial close solutions for the Office of Finance, today announced the launch of its new India offices in Bengaluru and Noida. This strategic expansion is designed to tap into India’s rich talent pool to drive growth and innovation.

“Establishing our offices in India is a pivotal step in expanding and scaling our global operations and maintaining our leadership position in driving finance transformation for the world’s leading brands,” said Darren Heffernan, CEO of Trintech. “We are excited to attract top talent to our teams in India, enabling us to drive solution and service innovation across reconciliation and financial close processes. Our focus on responsible AI ensures that we deliver meaningful innovation that our customers need, while upholding the principles of accuracy, transparency and accountability.”

With over three decades of experience in automating reconciliation and financial close processes, Trintech empowers businesses to lead productivity transformation across their finance and accounting disciplines driving efficiencies, ensuring accuracy to mitigate risk, and empowering strategic decision-making. Trintech’s India operations will focus on continuing to build future-ready capabilities that drive innovation, agility, and operational excellence. By accelerating product development and unlocking new business value, Trintech aims to support its customers in achieving reduced financial risks, increased productivity, and accelerated financial transformation.

“Our India operations are a cornerstone of Trintech’s global operations, and these new facilities in Bengaluru and Noida showcase our dedication to fostering innovation and delivering value,” said Ram Dwivedi, Country Manager, Trintech India. “With this investment, we are better positioned to accelerate product development and empower finance and accounting teams as they continue to transform their financial operations.” 

Trintech’s India operations are an integral part of its global organization and planned expansion, which includes experts located in the US, EMEA and APAC. This global footprint is complemented by a robust partner network, which plays a crucial role in delivering seamless integrations and tailored solutions to meet diverse customer needs.

27th March 2025, Mumbai, India – R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2024 winner rkive city is set to debut its first-ever solo runway collection, Reclaim The City, at Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI on 27th March 2025 at The Atelier, Jio World Convention Centre. Their showcase comes as a result of winning the prestigious R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2024, held in partnership with the United Nations in India, which champions innovation in circular fashion. This opportunity allows the brand to present a collection that embodies the core principles of sustainability and circularity, reflecting the very ethos of the Challenge.

The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC), launched six years ago by Reliance Industries Limited in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week, is a pioneering platform dedicated to driving sustainability and circularity in fashion. Originating in India, CDC empowers young designers and entrepreneurs to showcase innovative circular solutions, nurturing a new generation of environmental champions. Through mentorship, market access, and industry exposure, the program continues to propel emerging leaders who are redefining the fashion and textile value chain with sustainable practices. Since its inception, CDC has been instrumental in shaping India’s eco-conscious fashion narrative. In 2023, it expanded globally to the UK, European Union, and Asia-Pacific, further strengthening its vision to be a catalyst for change in the global fashion ecosystem. This unique partnership exemplifies how industry, the fashion community, and multilateral organisations like the UN can unite to drive impactful change—aligning with the principles of Mission LiFE announced by the Prime Minister of India. The platform’s global partners include Istituto Marangoni, British Council, and Redress Design Challenge.

Reclaim The City is a study in memory, built from the remnants of materials left behind. It explores the idea of revival: not just of garments, but of forms, details, and cultural rhythms once deemed obsolete. Through post-consumer textiles, the collection traces a narrative shaped by remembrance, with the objective of transcending the past. Each piece exists as part of broader research into how textiles carry both history and possibility. A sleeve might recall a uniform, a pocket might resemble a market worker’s jacket, and a stitch might trace the imprint of a pre-loved garment. The collection does not come together through uniformity but through carefully reconstructed diversity of texture, fit, and feeling.

This 36-look collection consists of salvaged scraps, reconstructed denim workwear, repurposed leather, and classic silhouettes reimagined through neo-manufacturing practices. Every garment is made entirely from post-consumer materials; reviving discarded clothes through techniques such as block printing, patchwork and creative waste management. Old boring office shirts, in particular, are a core exploration of the collection. Once discarded for minor imperfections, these pieces are revived and reconstructed with new patterns, dyes, and textures, celebrating the beauty and ease of repair.

As the team prepares for the runway in Mumbai, Reclaim The City seeks to highlight the dialogue between preservation and progress. With the city undergoing massive redevelopment, there is a lost sense of history and culture in the new architecture. As the city expands, this collection is a call to reclaim and preserve heritage and design whilst leaving space for future change.

For rkive city, revival is not nostalgia: it is an active reimagining of the past within the contemporary landscape. Every piece carries the imprint of what came before, reconstructed with care to create what comes next.

Mumbai, 23rd March 2025 -Pearl Academy, India’s leading creative education institution established in 1993, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is proud to present ‘FIRST CUT,’its groundbreaking student showcase at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI on March 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM in Mumbai.

This year’s theme, “Find Your Self,” is inspired by the upcoming film Mannu Kya Karegga, which is based on the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai: The Secret to a Long and Happy Life. The showcase delves into the emotional, psychological, and societal shifts shaping today’s youth, offering a profound exploration of fashion, resilience, and the human spirit.

The philosophy of Ikigai teaches that true happiness lies at the intersection of passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Through fashion, Pearl Academy’s students translate these essential pillars into a visual and tactile narrative, reflecting on the aftermath of global catastrophes and the search for happiness in an uncertain world.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

FIRST CUT stands as a testament to Pearl Academy’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of fashion innovators. For years, the institution has provided its students with a platform to showcase their creativity at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, one of the most prestigious events in the industry. This collaboration with FDCI underscores Pearl Academy’s dedication to excellence and its pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian fashion.

Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, said, “At FDCI, we are committed to providing emerging talent with meaningful opportunities to shape their future in fashion. FIRST CUT is a platform that nurtures young student designers from Pearl Academy and gives them the exposure they need to make an impact in the industry. Fashion is an evolving dialogue, and this showcase allows students to engage with its transformative power. We look forward to witnessing their vision come to life on the runway.”

Thematic Acts: A Journey to Find Your Self

 The showcase takes audiences on a transformative journey through four thematic acts, each a pillar of Ikigai, guiding the search for self-discovery. It begins with PASSION: “Make Nothing from Scratches”, where raw creativity meets sustainability as students breathe new life into deadstock fabrics, crafting bold, rebellious silhouettes that symbolize the courage to create from within. Next, SUCCESS: “Juxtapose” challenges conventional notions of achievement,blending unexpected layers and unconventional styling to reflect the evolving, often contradictory paths to finding one’s true self. PURPOSE: “Reimagine” delves into tradition, reinventing Indian pattern-cutting techniques to create garments that honor heritage while embracing a global identity, symbolizing the quest for deeper meaning and authenticity. The journey culminates in LOVE: “Love is Blind”, a vibrant celebration of love in all its forms—innocent, digital, mature, and beyond—exploring how connection and inclusivity help us understand ourselves and others. Together, these acts weave a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning, inviting audiences to reflect on their journey to ‘Find Your Self’ in a rapidly evolving world.

FIRST CUT has a rich history of addressing global issues through fashion. Past editions have explored themes like the post-COVID world, the impact of wars and natural disasters, India’s moon landing, and the rise of AI. This year, the focus shifts inward, urging audiences to rethink success, purpose, and joy in an era defined by uncertainty.

For Pearl Academy students, FIRST CUT is more than a fashion show—it’s a life-changing opportunity to present their work on a national stage, gain recognition from industry leaders, and take their first steps toward a successful career in fashion. Students from Fashion Design and Fashion Styling are collaboratively working on this showcase, blending technical craftsmanship with artistic vision. Each thematic area is meticulously curated, from concept development to garment construction and styling, ensuring a holistic and immersive fashion experience.

FIRST CUT at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI is more than just a runway show—it is a statement, a reflection, and a dialogue on the realities shaping our world.This season, we invite audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring identity, purpose, and authenticity through a thought-provoking, emotionally charged showcase. Witness how the next generation of designers redefines fashion as a medium for finding oneself in an era defined by uncertainty and transformation.

Event Details

• Date: March 30, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM
• Venue: JIO World Centre, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai

Join us as we redefine happiness and resilience through the art of fashion. Witness the future of fashion unfold on the runway, as the next-gen designers from Pearl Academy take center stage

Mumbai, 27th March 2025 – The biggest designers with the biggest discounts. Happens only at FDCI’s Stockroom. Get the ultimate dopamine kick of your retail life with a shopping free where some of the biggest designers come at the most attractive price points – less 70%!

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) is bringing back its much-awaited Stockroom Sale—your golden chance to grab outfits from India’s top designers at prices you can never otherwise get them for!

Happening on March 30, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, this one-day sale is every shopaholics dream. From wedding attires, pret, elegant evening ensembles, the Stockroom Sale covers the length and breadth of your closet.

The FDCI Stockroom this sale features over 60+ leading designers, including: AMIT AGGARWAL, BLONI, HOUSE OF MASABA, OTT TARUN TAHILIANI, SHRUTI SANCHETI, URVASHI KAUR, PALLAVI JAIPUR, NIRMOOHA, SON OF A NOBLE SNOB, SAKSHA AND KINNI, NOT SO SERIOUS BY PALLAVI MOHAN, NITIN BAL CHAUHAN, PANKAJ & NIDHI, ROY_CALCUTTA, ANURAG GUPTA, LINETRIBE, and many more!

“FDCI Stockroom has become a go-to shopping destination, offering fashion lovers a chance to own designer pieces at unbeatable prices. With its wide variety of collections, it ensures there’s something for everyone, making high fashion more accessible while celebrating creativity and craftsmanship,” said Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI.

FDCI has been shaping Indian fashion, providing a platform for designers to showcase their creativity and connect with fashion enthusiasts. Don’t miss this chance to own stunning designer pieces at unbelievable prices!

Mark your calendars and get ready to shop till you drop!