All posts by Neel Achary

Cut&Style, a leading salon chain in India, continues its rapid growth in Bengaluru with the grand opening of two new premium salons in Bellandur and ECC, Whitefield. These additions bring the brand’s total count in the city to over 20 locations, strategically situated to cater to the discerning clientele in prime business and residential hubs.

Step into a realm of indulgence at the new Cut&Style salons, where luxurious interiors featuring plush seating, contemporary design, and a soothing ambiance await. Beyond the exquisite setting, our expert stylists offer a comprehensive range of professional services — from precision haircuts and advanced coloring techniques to rejuvenating skincare and indulgent spa treatments. Avail a flat 25% off inaugural offer across both locations for a limited time.

Aditya Sharma, CEO at Cut&Style, said, “We have always considered Bengaluru a key market and appreciate the city’s progressive spirit. As we implement our pan-India expansion strategy, Bengaluru’s significance is unmissable. The city’s busy professionals and residents deserve high-quality salon services that fit their schedules. We are working relentlessly to provide exceptional customer service and help everyone look their best and feel confident, no matter how demanding their lifestyle. We have introduced exciting inaugural offers for our customers across both salons to celebrate these salon openings. “

Cut&Style’s new stores are part of the brand’s ambitious pan-India expansion plans. The brand envisions reaching 200 stores by the end of 2025.

HSINCHU, Taiwan – May 14, 2025 – MediaTek today announced its T930 chipset for 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and mobile Wi-Fi (Mi-Fi) devices. This third-generation platform highlights the company’s industry leadership by supporting the latest and most advanced wireless communication technologies and solutions available. A highly integrated and exceptionally power-efficient 4nm chipset solution, the MediaTek T930 supports sub-6GHz frequency bands and is capable of achieving 5G connection speeds of 10Gbps.

The MediaTek T930 boasts many world-first technical features, including 6CC-CA downlink, and 5-layer 3Tx, enabling uplink performance of up to 2.8Gbps. It is also the first to support 8Rx with a total 200MHz DL bandwidth, which can effectively increase spectrum efficiency by 40% at the cell edge, thereby extending signal coverage by up to 40%. In addition, the T930 supports 3GPP Release-18 standard, and more advanced modem features including 3Tx and L4S innovations proposed by MediaTek.

Combining MediaTek’s new M90 5G modem with a quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 CPU and a dedicated network processor, the MediaTek T930 can handle 5G to Wi-Fi/Ethernet throughput at full performance. The full T930 platform also includes an RF transceiver, a GNSS receiver, and power management.

The T930 platform can be combined with a dedicated NPU chip to form a Generative AI gateway device, providing advanced Edge AI processing and interaction with devices within the network. MediaTek’s award-winning Edge AI concept has been demonstrated at recent tradeshows, and the company has collaborated with key partners to accelerate product development.

“The growth of 5G mobile data is now being driven by a wide range of application services, while the rapid development of AI, which enables on-device learning, also aligns with new user demands and experiences,” said JC Hsu, Corporate Senior Vice President of MediaTek. “We expect the MediaTek T930 to become a reliable and powerful foundation that unleashes the success of a new generation of devices, applications, and Edge AI services with low-latency, always-available connectivity.”

MediaTek has already become the preferred partner of leading international customers and is working closely with several ecosystem partners to integrate the T930 into next-generation FWA and Mi-Fi products for global markets.

Mumbai, May 14, 2025: Amid renewed tensions in the subcontinent and broader geopolitical uncertainty, India’s economic weight continues to draw global interest—reflected in a hospitality sector that remains resilient, ambitious, and poised for growth. Rubix Data Sciences’ latest industry report projects a robust future for India’s hospitality sector, with the market expected to surpass ₹1.1 trillion in revenue by FY2027, growing at a CAGR of 10.5%. The report reveals that key performance indicators are at decade highs, driven by resurgent domestic tourism, increasing Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs), and rapid growth in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment.

According to the Rubix Industry Insights, India’s hospitality sector has made a dramatic comeback from its pandemic low of 35% occupancy, reaching 68% in FY2024. Branded and organised hotels recorded a decade-high performance, with an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of ₹7,500 and a Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) of ₹5,439.

This recovery is far from temporary. According to the report, demand will continue to outpace supply, growing at 10.5% annually versus just 8% on the supply side, driving occupancy up to 73% by FY2027. This demand-supply gap is expected to fuel stronger pricing power, pushing ADR to ₹8,900 and RevPAR to ₹6,497. Room inventory will also expand from 1.88 lakh (in FY2024) to 2.41 lakh.

The growth story spans well beyond metros: Western India leads with a 69.5% occupancy rate and the country’s top RevPAR, while destinations like Rishikesh, Udaipur, and Varanasi are emerging as high-yield markets.

Rubix also highlights a shift in demand drivers, with domestic travellers contributing 50% of incremental revenue growth, followed by foreign tourist arrivals at 30% and the MICE segment at 20%. FTAs, a key driver of premium hotel performance, are projected to reach 30.5 million by 2028, reinforcing the sector’s shift toward higher-value travel.

Speaking about the report, Mohan Ramaswamy, CEO and Co-Founder, Rubix Data Sciences said, “India’s hospitality sector is no longer metro-centric; it is thriving in new routes driven by local demand, spiritual tourism, and mid-range experiences. With the industry set to cross $1 trillion by FY2027, the size of the opportunity is huge, but so is the need for risk-aware growth. Our latest report equips stakeholders to facilitate this shift with better visibility and greater strategic confidence.”

Supported by strong infrastructure spending, state-level tourism pushes, and digital-first travel behaviour, India’s hospitality industry is entering a structurally stronger phase. The Rubix sectoral report offers actionable insights for hotel chains, investors, NBFCs, and policymakers charting the sector’s next decade.

Bengaluru, India – May 14, 2025: API Holdings Limited (“API”), among India’s largest digital healthcare platform and the parent company of the entities owning leading brands such as PharmEasy, Thyrocare, and Retailio, today announced their collaboration with IBM to harness the power of AI-driven automated observability to proactively manage their application stack using IBM Instana. This has empowered API to deliver seamless healthcare services to customers while accelerating time-to-market for new services.

With IBM Instana, API has deployed full-stack, real-time observability across its complex microservices architecture, ensuring rapid incident detection, accelerated root cause analysis, and continuous performance optimization for its consumer and enterprise applications. This has resulted in up to 30% reduction in Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR) for issues, improved developer productivity, and created a scalable observability foundation for future growth of their application landscape.

“IBM Instana has become our command center for incident management – intuitive, developer-friendly, and powerful. From real-time alerts to precise root cause analysis, it plays a central role in maintaining our application uptime ultimately enhancing customer trust. A high confidence on application monitoring and uptime has made more time for our Tech teams to innovate and perform higher value work like rapidly launching new services on its platforms,” said Vivek Kumar Singh, Vice President, Engineering, API.

IBM Instana is currently deployed across three major businesses owned by API – PharmEasy, Thyrocare, and Retailio to monitor a diverse range of mission-critical applications. Its seamless integration with automation systems and collaboration tools ensures real-time alerts through chat platforms and rapid incident resolution via virtual meeting platforms.

“Succeeding in today’s competitive digital healthcare sector demands always-on performance and instant incident resolution. Our work with API exemplifies how having insights-driven visibility of application and infrastructure environments can enable healthcare businesses drive productivity, innovate at pace, stay resilient, and continually deliver value to customers,” said Viswanath Ramaswamy, Vice President, Technology, IBM India & South Asia.

Mumbai’s premier fine-dining destination, Thai Naam, renowned for its authentic Thai cuisine, is delighted to announce the launch of its exclusive Summer Menu for 2024. This meticulously crafted menu promises a unique and luxurious experience, transporting guests to the heart of Thailand with its vibrant flavors presented with a touch of elegance.

As the summer heat arrives in Mumbai, Thai Naam’s Summer Menu offers a welcome respite. Curated with a focus on fresh, light, and healthy options, the menu is designed to keep diners cool and hydrated throughout the warm season. Embark on a refreshing culinary journey with innovative dishes that prioritize seasonal ingredients and light, flavorful profiles.

A captivating highlight of the Summer Menu is the introduction of the all-new Summer Bento Box. This beautifully presented box caters to diverse palates with three enticing variations:

Vegetable Bento: This vegetarian option is a symphony of fresh and crisp flavors. It features a Chilled Assorted Fruit Salad for a light and refreshing start, followed by a Summer Roll with vegetables. The main course is a flavorful Yellow Curry with Vegetables served alongside a fragrant bed of Jasmine Rice. To complete the experience, a side of Mix Green Vegetables with Light Garlic adds a touch of piquancy.

Chicken Bento: Combining succulent chicken with an array of vibrant accompaniments, this bento box is a perfect choice for meat lovers. Diners can begin with a Chilled Assorted Fruit Salad, followed by a refreshing Summer Roll with Chicken. The star of the show is a Yellow Curry with Chicken, complemented by Minced Chicken with Basil Sauce. A bed of Jasmine Rice completes this delightful combination.

Seafood Bento: This enticing seafood option offers a taste of the ocean’s bounty. It features a Chilled Assorted Fruit Salad for a light introduction, followed by a refreshing Summer Roll with Prawns. The main course presents a flavorful Yellow Curry with Fish, alongside Steamed Fish with Yellow Bean Sauce, both cooked to perfection. A bed of Jasmine Rice ties the delicious experience together.

Thai Naam’s Summer Menu 2024 promises a delightful escape from the summer heat. With its focus on fresh, light flavors and luxurious presentation, the menu is a testament to the culinary artistry of Thai Naam’s chefs. Visit Thai Naam in Andheri and embark on a delightful culinary adventure that will transport you to the heart of Thailand.

Kolkata, 14th May 2025: Career Planner Edufair is proud to announce Education Interface 2025, Eastern India’s biggest and the most anticipated career & education fair, scheduled to be held from 17th to 19th May 2025 at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata. Open to all with free entry, the fair will welcome visitors daily from 11 AM to 7 PM.

Spearheaded by Mr. Dipak Sinha Roy, the visionary organiser and driving force behind the initiative, Education Interface carries forward a legacy of over twenty years. It continues to serve as a trusted destination for students seeking clarity and direction in their career journeys. This year’s edition is expected to draw a massive turnout of students from Class 10, 10+2, undergraduate and professional courses, along with their guardians, all looking for personalised career advice and educational opportunities.

Positioned as a comprehensive one-stop platform, the fair will host pre-counselling sessions and offer detailed career guidance across a wide range of disciplines with approximately 150+ universities and colleges including Engineering & Technology, Medical Sciences, Hotel & Hospitality Management, Media & Communication, Data Sciences, Architecture, Design, Polytechnic, ITI, Nursing, Veterinary Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and more. Esteemed universities and colleges along with acclaimed academicians from across India will participate, providing tailored guidance to students based on their interests and aptitude.

Attendees will also gain first-hand information on course structures, fee details, admission procedures, placement prospects, and other key parameters—all under one roof. Moreover, guidance and key information will be available on government education policies, scholarship programs, student credit card schemes, and educational loans, helping students navigate the financial aspects of their academic aspirations.

With a reputation for curating impactful education fairs, Career Planner Edufair, under the able leadership of Mr. Dipak Sinha Roy, has continually redefined the landscape of academic counselling and student engagement. Their 360° approach ensures that every aspect—from ideation to execution—is handled with precision, innovation, and a student-first mindset.

Mumbai, 14th May 2025 – The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is pleased to announce the return of its annual Pratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav, from Thursday, 22nd to Sunday, 25th May.

Pratibimb, one of Mumbai’s few dedicated vernacular theatre festivals, reflects the NCPA’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating local theatre communities. Designed to offer a rich, immersive experience, the festival invites audiences to engage deeply with the vibrant world of Marathi theatre.

Launched to celebrate, champion and support Marathi theatre, Pratibimb continues to serve as a dynamic platform for emerging voices and established artistes in the Marathi performing arts space. The 2025 edition promises a culturally rich programme featuring an exciting mix of plays, dramatic readings, spoken-word performances, music, interactive theatre and masterclasses.

From bold contemporary themes in Alive and Asen Me Nasen Me, to the revival of the iconic Purush, and experimental, interactive formats such as Yeh Jo Public Hai, this year’s line-up reflects the creative range and relevance of Marathi theatre today. The programme also includes innovative offerings like Tuji Aukat Kaye?, a bilingual musical inspired by India’s folk traditions, and Sobaticha Karar, a lyrical evening of poetry and music.

Workshops by acclaimed theatre practitioners Sachin Shinde and Geetanjali Kulkarni will offer aspiring artistes and theatre enthusiasts valuable insights and practical learning.

“At the NCPA, we’re passionate about championing diverse voices and giving artistes the space to share their stories with wider audiences. Pratibimb has become a much-loved platform that aims to reflect the heart and soul of Marathi theatre, welcoming both celebrated voices and bold new talent. Productions are subtitled in English, allowing audiences outside Marathi speakers to engage with this work on stage. That, for me, is the power of theatre—it brings people together and creates shared experiences. We’re especially proud this year to premiere Alive, the winning play from our new writing initiative Darpan, which highlights the promising future of Marathi playwriting.”  Mr. Bruce Guthrie, Head – Theatre & Films, NCPA.

MUMBAI, India–May 14, 2025: Amazon’s free streaming service, Amazon MX Player, turns up the heat with Season 2 of Realme Hip Hop India S2, a vibrant celebration of the country’s most fearless and dynamic hip-hop artists. This season dives deeper into the heart of the culture, with legendary choreographer Remo D’Souza and the ever-graceful Malaika Arora leading the charge as judges. Their sharp eye for talent and magnetic presence fuel a high-octane journey filled with powerful performances and compelling personal stories. From underground movements to mainstream breakthroughs, each episode captures how Indian hip-hop continues to evolve and inspire..

Reflecting on the evolving dance landscape, Remo D’Souza shared, “What I’m really hoping to see this season is more lyrical storytelling through hip-hop pieces that go beyond movement and speak directly to the soul. There’s also a lot happening in the underground right now, especially with B-Boys and Krumpers who are constantly pushing boundaries. I hope more of them find their moment in the spotlight.” “What really excites me is fusion, when Indian dancers bring in classical or folk influences. That’s where the real magic happens. We carry rhythm in our DNA, and when the heritage blends with global Hip-Hop styles, something truly original is born. The world needs to see that,” he adds.

Speaking about entering the world of Hip Hop India with a fresh lens, Malaika Arora added, “I expected talent, but what really struck me was the emotional intensity. Every performance feels like a personal story being told through movement—honest, raw, and fearless.” She continued, “There’s a bravery in their movement, a rawness that’s deeply inspiring. What stands out is how they’re taking hip-hop and making it their own, adding cultural layers and lived experience to create something unique. It’s not just dance- it’s identity in motion. And to witness that, in real time, is powerful.”

Punawale, Maharashtra, 14^th May, 2025: Ayushakti, one of the leading Ayurvedic health centres worldwide, continues its local expansion spree. The company this week opened its latest outlet in Punawale, a rapidly developing suburb of Pimpri-Chinchwad.

This latest franchise, located at Longitude Building, Gaikwad Nagar, Koyate Vasti Road, is Ayushakti’s 7^th outlet in Maharashtra. With this new launch, Ayushakti now has 29 outlets across key regions of Maharashtra, of which 15 are franchises.

The new outlet will continue to offer the same Siddha Veda practice and Ayurvedic consultations and treatments to patients. This centre has 2 therapy rooms, 2 consultation areas, and 2 trained Ayurvedic experts who are trained under Co-founder Dr. Smita Pankaj Naram and CEO Dr. Krushna Pankaj Naram. It also has a pantry and a comfortable waiting area for its patients.

Vaidya Smita Naram is an Ancient Ayurvedic Practitioner & Detox Panchkarma expert. She is the fifth generation of vaidya in her family tradition of Ayurvedic practice and is taking the lineage ahead. Her vision is to transform lives on this planet making it happy, healthy and beautiful through the experience of Proven Ancient Solutions.

The outlet will offer a wide range of services and treatments like Deep pulse reading (Nadi Pariksha) Panchkarma, steam, massages, detoxification treatments, effective herbal remedies, customised diet plans, marma (Ayurvedic pressure point) techniques amongst others.

The launch took place in the presence of Ayushakti team members and Franchise Owners along with the core team of Ayushakti.

Speaking on the launch of the new franchise, Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti said, “I am very glad to launch yet another outlet in a short span, in Maharashtra. We wholeheartedly look forward to serve our customers here and help them heal. Our expansion comes with the thought of touching as many individual on planet Earth and helping them live a healthy life.”

“The response we have received over the past year has been phenomenal, which makes us excited about adding new outlets across India”, she further added.

Ayushakti was launched in 1987 with a mission to create a long-lasting transformation in community health. It was co-founded by Master healer Late Doctor Pankaj Naram and his wife, Smita Naram. Currently, the company operates in nine countries healing over one million customers, offering a wide array of modern day Ayurvedic Panchkarma (detox) treatments and medicines.

• Superfood Beverages: Detox teas, energy shots, and smoothie blends are being infused with Moringa for a nutrient kick.
• Natural Beauty Products: Thanks to its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits, Moringa extract is featured in facial serums, masks, and creams.
• Health-Driven Foods: Bars, granola mixes, and even dairy alternatives are incorporating Moringa to appeal to vegan and health-conscious consumers.