All posts by Sujata Achary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW SCREENIT WORKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Left – Right) Mr. Sandeep Nelamangala, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Limited & President, Mobility Solutions, Bosch India, Mr. Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of the Bosch Group in India and Managing Director, Bosch Limited, with Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister (HI & Steel), at the Bosch stall at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Shri Kumaraswamy had a firsthand experience of the Hydrogen powered demonstrator vehicle witnessing the technology’s potential to decarbonize transportation and transform commercial mobility with cleaner solutions.

Best,

Mumbai, 20th January 2025 – Collective Artists Network’s Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT), India’s premier storytelling platform, is thrilled to announce Baat Pakki, a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the chaos and charm of the Indian wedding season. The series marks the YouTube web show debut of India’s digital star Apoorva, popularly known as The Rebel Kid. Known for her infectious energy, bold persona, and relatability, Apoorva has built a strong connection with audiences through her dynamic digital presence. Now, she steps into a new realm of storytelling, bringing her signature charm and authenticity to this vibrant and emotional narrative.

Anuj Gosalia, Founder and CEO of Terribly Tiny Tales commented, “With Baat Pakki, we are embracing the exciting possibilities of short-form video storytelling. The format allows us to craft impactful, culturally resonant narratives that fit seamlessly into the lives of our modern audiences. Baat Pakki is the perfect start to this journey, blending TTT’s storytelling expertise with the vibrant energy of India’s most loved digital star, The Rebel Kid. This is storytelling reimagined for a new generation, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring it to life.”

Baat Pakki will be a 5-episode series released over two weeks on TTT’s YouTube Channel. It explores the relatable, funny, and emotional moments that make wedding season so memorable, with plenty of drama along the way. The show has partnered with Himalaya Wellness Company and Manyavar Mohey as associate partners, and Gillette and Philips Garment Steamer as category partners. Additionally, Baat Pakki features four original soundtracks by independent music artists, Akshay & IP, Charan, Tanishq Seth, and Shreya Gupta.

Baat Pakki offers a fresh canvas for The Rebel Kid to showcase her acting chops and connect with fans in an entirely new way. Commenting on her role, Apoorva (The Rebel Kid) said, “I’ve always believed in the power of authentic storytelling, and Baat Pakki feels like a celebration of everything we cherish about weddings in India but with a unique narrative. This being my first YouTube web show, I couldn’t have asked for a better platform or a more incredible team to bring this story to life and it has been an enriching experience. I’m thrilled that my fans will see a new side of me in this role. I have loved connecting with my audience through different media, across formats, and with this project, I am looking forward to bringing to them a new dimension of the Apoorva that they know.”

All the stress, laughter and ridiculous issues that come in the way of the bride-to-be as she prepares for her big day is what Baat Pakki captures over 5 episodes in this season.

Bhubaneswar,20th January 2025: The 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) convened at the State Convention Centre, Lokseva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. The event was chaired by Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Chairman CGPB. Shri Asit Saha, Director General, GSI, and Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, were the other dignitaries gracing the occasion.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the exploration, research, and mining sectors to discuss advancements in geosciences, mineral exploration strategies, and critical challenges. Key discussions focused on mineral resource augmentation, clean energy initiatives, geohazard management, and sustainable development, emphasizing a collaborative approach to emerging priorities.

The proposed Annual Programme of GSI for the ensuing Field Season year 2025-26 was placed before the Board for discussion. For the upcoming year 2025-26, GSI has formulated about 1065 scientific programs, which include 402 Mineral Development projects (G2; G3; G4; and Offshore Explorations) that have the potential to generate auctionable mineral blocks soon. 167 Mineral Discovery Projects (RMT; Research Project; C-MAP; GT; MPA; Multispectral/Hyperspectral projects) have the potential to generate promising areas for future exploration in the G4 stage. Within the exploration activity, a significant focus has been placed on critical mineral exploration, with 227 dedicated projects targeting strategically important mineral commodities such as REE, RM, graphite, lithium, vanadium, and PGE, marking a 16% increase compared to the previous year. The field season program of GSI for FS 2025-26 includes 25% of investigations on critical minerals, that entails out of the total budget of GSI, about 300 crores will be spent on critical mineral exploration and investigation.

In addition, GSI has outlined 141 projects under Natural Hazard Studies, Public Good Geoscience, and Fundamental Geoscience for 2025-26. These include projects on landslides, geotechnical studies, polar & glaciology research, climate change, and environmental studies, as well as initiatives in fundamental geoscience. This comprehensive approach reflects GSI’s commitment to disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and scientific innovation.

GSI has initiated 65 geoinformatics projects leveraging cutting-edge AI/ML modeling, legacy data integration, and the deployment of emerging technologies like Magnetotelluric& Heliborn survey to enhance exploration efficiency. A key highlight of the event was the announcement of the Mineral Hunt Techniques Hackathon winners, showcasing start-ups and unicorns employing AI/ML-driven prospectivity analysis to accelerate target, identification of mineral deposit discovery.

Furthermore, several publications, including on the Geology and Mineral Resources of Jharkhand and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and a Geology and Mineral Resource Map of the North Eastern Region were released.

In his address at the 64th CGPB meeting, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines & Chairman, CGPB, emphasized the platform’s vital role in fostering collaboration and advancing geosciences. He outlined key initiatives by the Ministry of Mines, aligned with two significant recent budgetary announcements, on Critical Mineral Mission and Offshore Mining.
Shri Rao highlighted the successful auctioning of 24 critical mineral blocks so far in the year 2024-25 and launch of India’s first-ever auction of 13 offshore mineral blocks. He encouraged exploration agencies to utilize NMET funding to enhance mineral exploration efforts & execution of R&D projects. Shri Rao also stressed the utilization of legacy geological data available in the NGDR portal and underscored new initiatives to issue more exploration licenses, enabling private agencies to contribute to the mineral exploration landscape.

In the technical session of the meeting, the Hackathon winners—namely, the first prize-winning team AMD, the second prize-winning team GSI, and the third prize-winning team IIT-ISM, Dhanbad, presented their algorithms and methodologies for targeting critical minerals using AI/ML tools. These methodologies will be of immense use to GSI in their mineral exploration work by intensive use of AI/ML in the mineral exploration programme. Additionally, the session had presentations on recent changes in guidelines for forest clearance by MoEFCC and recent developments in NGDR.

In the presence of senior officials, Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, inaugurated an Exhibition showcasing various exhibits on diverse themes of geoscience, in which GSI, PSUs, private exploration agencies and startups showcased their achievements.
The event concluded on an inspiring note, emphasizing the importance of progress, innovation, and a shared responsibility to shape a brighter future for generations to come.

Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA) announces admissions for Culinary Arts and for Bakery and Pastry Arts. Budding chefs and baking enthusiasts who want to advance their culinary skills to the next level and master the art of bakery and pastry under the guidance of industry experts can apply for the courses.

IBCA is connected with top hotels/restaurants where students are trained and placed. Students have to go through selection trials and interviews for placement, which are held at the end of their respective duration.

The following courses are available in the IBCA institute with their respective duration: 18 months Advance Diploma Course in Culinary (Level 3), 18 Months Advance Diploma Course In Pastry (Level 3), 12 Months Diploma Course In Culinary Arts (Level 2), 12 Months Diploma Course In Pastry Arts (Level 2), 6 Months Certificate Course In Pastry (Level 1), 3 Months Certificate Course In Culinary, 3 Months Certificate Course In Pastry, Culinary Hobby Course and Pastry Hobby Course.

How to apply: Applicants seeking admission are required to fill out the online application form available on the institute’s website. The admission prerequisites will be in accordance with the various regulatory bodies as amended from time to time.

Admission Process: Applications for the Academic Year 2025 are open to applicants who have passed or will appear for the qualifying examinations under the higher secondary (10+2) from any recognized Board of Education such as AISSCE/IB/ICSE/CBSE, or equivalents.

IBCA is an institute in teaching and learning for comprehensive Bakery and Culinary programs with national and international certificates. It is accredited with City & Guilds (London), Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, India (THSC), and National Skills Development Corporation, India (NSDC).

Mumbai, India (January 20, 2025) – ASICS, a global Japanese sportswear brand, proudly marks the 20th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 as the official sports goods partner. This year’s marathon held on January 19th, Sunday showcased the growing enthusiasm for running in India, with over 60,000 on-ground runners and 5,000 virtual participants. The partnership further strengthened ASICS’s presence in the Western market and reinforced its commitment to encouraging active lifestyle and supporting runners of all levels.

The iconic sporting event Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 marks a monumental milestone with its 20th Edition in the city’s long-running association with fitness and running culture. As the official sports goods partner, ASICS is empowering participants with cutting-edge footwear and apparel designed to enhance their performance and elevate the overall marathon experience. From seasoned marathoners to first-time runners, ASICS continues to serve as the brand that propels athletes forward, ensuring they can achieve their personal bests.

ASICS celebrated the remarkable achievement of Sawan Barwal, who emerged as the winner for a half marathon showcasing exceptional performance at this year’s race. ASICS’s commitment to athletic excellence shines through the stellar performances of Sawan Barwal and Harmanjot Singh, who claimed the top two positions backed by the brand’s innovative equipment and continuous support. ASICS’ collaboration with Sawan Barwal, Harmanjot Singh, and Srinu Bugatha epitomizes the brand’s ethos of nurturing talent with innovative gear and unparalleled support, helping them unlock new milestones in their sports journey.

Commenting on this milestone partnership, Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director of ASICS India and South Asia, said, “We are gratified to continue our association with the Tata Mumbai Marathon as the official Sports Goods Partner. This collaboration is a testament to ASICS’s dedication to promoting wellness and an active lifestyle through running. It’s also a great opportunity to engage with our brand athletes like Sawan Barwal, Harmanjot Singh, and Srinu Bugatha, to showcase our innovative performance gear that drives athletic excellence.”

Mr. Anil Singh, Managing Director of Procam International, added, “The partnership between the Tata Mumbai Marathon and ASICS represents a powerful collaboration in promoting athletic excellence and encouraging a culture of fitness across India. Together, we are committed to inspiring individuals to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle, while showcasing ASICS’s innovative sportswear that supports athletes at every level.”

ASICS’s remarkable growth in the running space across regions, solidifying its position as a preferred choice amongst athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. With a diverse range of products tailored with intelligent technology and innovations to meet the needs of runners through initiatives like the ASICS Running Club, brand aims to fostering a supportive and inclusive running community.