Love can be a powerful force – but what happens when it’s tested like never before? Novocaine is a high-stakes action thriller with a pulse-pounding love story at its core. When the girl of his dreams is kidnapped, everyman Nate turns his inability to feel pain into an unexpected strength in his fight to get her back.

Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, Novocaine delivers a gripping mix of action, romance, and suspense, pushing Nate to his limits as he fights against impossible odds. Packed with intense chases, raw emotion, and a story that proves love is worth every battle, this is one ride you won’t want to miss.

The film stars a powerhouse cast featuring Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel, Matt Walsh, Lou Beatty Jr., Van Hengst, Conrad Kemp, and Jacob Batalon.

Produced by Safehouse Pictures and Circle Management + Production, in association with Infrared Pictures, Paramount Pictures presents this thrilling love story that redefines the lengths we’ll go for the ones we love!

Mark your calendars for 14th March 2025 and get ready for a fast-paced, hilarious, and packed with jaw-dropping action – Novocaine also in 4Dx!

By Dr. Keerthi Kundana Consultant Pediatric Neurologist, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition that causes sudden muscle weakness affecting most of the body.

What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), also known as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), is a neurological disorder where the body’s immune system responds abnormally and attacks the peripheral nervous system—the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

As a result, the nerves cannot transmit signals effectively and the muscles begin to lose their ability to respond to the brain’s commands, which causes weakness and abnormal or absent reflexes.

The condition can arise suddenly and require immediate hospitalization. Symptoms may worsen over a few days or take several weeks to worsen, with the most severe weakness usually occurring within the first two weeks of onset.

Muscle weakness, pain in limbs, tingling, and numbness are some of the symptoms that can progress into paralysis. However, the majority of patients recover completely from the illness with treatment.

Who is at an increased risk of developing Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

This syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, can occur in anyone, in children or adults.

Symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Although Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) symptoms might differ from person to person, some typical indicators are as follows:

•  A tingling or weakness that starts in the legs and spreads to the arms and upper body.
•  severe pain in the legs or back
•  A neurological exam reveals a loss of deep tendon reflexes.

The condition may worsen to cause muscle paralysis, breathing difficulties, and problems with blood pressure and heart rate. GBS is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment.

The condition can be fatal in extreme cases, but most people recover significantly. Some will experience chronic fatigue, pain, or muscle weakness, and around 3 out of 20 will require long-term assistance with mobility. Since GBS symptoms mimic many other diseases, a diagnosis by a healthcare provider is crucial.

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare condition with an unknown exact cause. However, in about two-thirds of cases, individuals experience an infection within six weeks before symptoms appear. These infections may affect the respiratory or gastrointestinal system and can include illnesses like COVID-19.

What is the cause behind the surge in Pune?

The surge in Pune is being linked to Campylobacter jejuni, a major cause of food-borne infections and a leading trigger of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) worldwide, according to a BBC report.

The connection between this pathogen and GBS was first identified in the 1990s in rural China, where it was commonly found in chickens. Experts observed that GBS outbreaks occurred during the monsoon season as children came into contact with water contaminated by chicken or duck droppings.

While undercooked poultry is the most common source of Campylobacter jejuni infections globally, experts note that it can also spread through contaminated water, similar to diseases like cholera or salmonella.

Can Guillain-Barre Syndrome Be Prevented?

In most cases, Guillain-Barre syndrome cannot be prevented. Researchers are still uncertain why some individuals develop GBS after an illness while others do not. However, maintaining overall health may help reduce the risk. Here are some steps that may be beneficial:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid close contact with individuals who have stomach flu or other infections.
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to support your immune system.
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like tables, toys, door handles, phones, and bathroom fixtures.
• Stay updated with recommended vaccinations.

Treatment

The treatment is targeted to halt the progression of weakness and accelerate recovery. While most individuals make a full recovery, severe cases can be life-threatening. Although the recovery process can take several years, many people regain the ability to walk within six months of symptom onset. However, some may experience long-term effects such as weakness, numbness, or fatigue.

The treatment includes giving IVIG injections (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) or plasmapheresis. The earlier the treatment is started, the better the recovery. Good supportive care with adequate nutrition, Physiotherapy, prevention of bed sores, prevention of infections, and prevention of deep venous thrombosis form an important part of the treatment process. Sometimes prolonged ventilator support may also be needed.

Conclusion

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a very severe condition that can lead to sudden health complications. The good news is that with appropriate treatment, most people recover well, though the journey can be long and challenging. While the recovery process may feel daunting, your healthcare team will be there to guide and support you.

Mumbai, India, 18.02.2025: Primus Partners, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, has released a thought leadership report outlining a clear and actionable path toward a zero-waste textile industry in India by 2047. The report was presented by the Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Mr. Sanjay Savkare, at Bharat Tex 2025, with Maharashtra serving as the Knowledge Partner.

Titled ‘Making India a Zero-Waste Fashion Country’, the report provides a strategic framework to integrate sustainability, circular economy principles, and resource efficiency across the textile value chain—from farm to foreign. The opportunity to address textile waste is valued at $3.5 billion over the next five years, requiring robust policy support, industry collaboration, and active consumer engagement.

Dignitaries and leaders from Maharashtra, including Chief Minister Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri. Eknath Shinde and Shri. Ajit Pawar, Industry Minister Shri. Udit Samant, Textile Minister Shri. Sanjay Savkare, and the Principal Secretary of Textiles, Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles Department Smt. Anshu Sinha contributed invaluable insights to the report. They emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to transforming India’s textile sector through sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Additionally, input from government officials, industry leaders, and academics provided a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in making India a global hub for zero-waste fashion.

Emphasizing Maharashtra’s proactive approach, Mr. Virendra Singh, Secretary of Public Health and Former Secretary of Textiles, outlined the state’s initiatives to promote sustainable practices. He highlighted key measures such as fiscal incentives, research initiatives, and skill development, encouraging the sector to adopt these advancements for a greener and more competitive future.

The report presents a comprehensive analysis identifying key barriers to the adoption of sustainable practices, based on a survey conducted among industries and citizens. These challenges include financial constraints, limited adoption of green technologies, skill gaps, low awareness and demand for sustainable products, and fragmented policies. Additionally, the growing influence of ultra-fast fashion, driven by social media trends, has further exacerbated the issue of textile waste.

The report integrates the 5F approach—Farm, Fiber, Factory, Fashion, and Foreign—to ensure sustainable practices are embedded at every stage of the textile value chain. By addressing key sustainability challenges, it promotes organic farming, eco-friendly fiber production, waste-reducing manufacturing techniques, circular fashion principles, and alignment with global sustainability standards. This holistic strategy not only minimizes environmental impact but also strengthens India’s position as a leader in sustainable textiles.

The report outlines key recommendations to drive sustainability in India’s textile industry. It emphasizes financial incentives and support, including subsidies for green initiatives and the establishment of a dedicated fund for circular economy projects. To enhance textile-waste infrastructure and market development, it proposes setting up Textile Waste Collection Centres. Strengthening the policy and regulatory framework, the report calls for a National Policy for Sustainable Textiles and an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme for the sector. Additionally, it highlights the need for transparency and awareness through revised textile labeling regulations, public education campaigns on eco-friendly fashion, and skill development initiatives to position India to lead globally in zero-waste fashion, setting a benchmark for the world.

Kanishk Maheshwari, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Primus Partners, expressed his optimism and commitment to a sustainable future while also expressing his gratitude, stating,” We are incredibly optimistic about the future of India’s textile industry and deeply grateful for the invaluable support of Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Shri. Eknath Shinde, Shri. Ajit Pawar and the highly accomplished industrial leaders and academicians. With their backing, we are not just envisioning a zero-waste future – we are making it a reality. To tackle India’s textile waste issue, a comprehensive approach is essential, including a unified B2B digital marketplace for pre-consumer waste, consumer education, revised textile labeling, and skill development. The introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme will also be transformative, holding producers accountable for the lifecycle of their products and positioning us at the forefront of a sustainable, circular economy.”

The much-awaited trailer of Sarkari Baccha is finally here, promising a rollercoaster of romance, comedy, and drama! Starring Ruslaan Mumtaz and Aanya Tiwari, this quirky love story follows a young man’s struggle to marry the love of his life, but there’s a catch! His dream girl’s family has only one condition: he must secure a Sarkari Naukri (government job) before he walks down the aisle. Packed with hilarious twists, heartwarming moments, and relatable societal pressures, Sarkari Baccha is set to hit theaters on February 28.

Directed by Suryakant Tyagi and Daanish Siddiqui, and produced by Daanish Siddiqui under the banner of Flying Bird Pictures, the film takes a fun yet thought-provoking look at India’s obsession with government jobs in the marriage market. The trailer teases audiences with witty dialogues, laugh-out-loud situations, and an emotional depth that adds layers to this engaging narrative. Adding to the film’s charm is a special performance by Shresta Iyer, making Sarkari Baccha a complete entertainer with surprises in store.

Talking about how role, Ruslaan Mumtaz said, “I loved playing this character! It’s a relatable story that many young men in India have faced at some point. The film blends humor and real-life struggles so beautifully that audiences will laugh, relate, and cheer for our characters.”

Aanya Tiwari who couldn’t stop heaping praises on the film’s unique concept stated, “The story is fresh, fun, and relevant. While it’s a love story at heart, it also reflects the societal expectations and pressures that come with marriage. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the madness!”

Detailing more on the movie’s core, Director Suryakant Tyagi said, “We wanted to create something that entertains but also resonates with reality. Sarkari Baccha is a satire wrapped in humor and romance, and we believe it will strike a chord with audiences across all age groups.” Adding more it Director Daanish Siddiqui said, “The trailer gives just a glimpse of the fun ride we have in store. The film is filled with unexpected twists, energetic performances, and a message that lingers beyond the laughs. It’s truly a film for everyone.”

With a stellar ensemble cast featuring Brijendra Kala, Daanish Siddiqui, Ehshan Khan, the late Jr. Mehmood, Ashish Singh, Gurpreet Kaur Chadha, Rizwan Sikander, and Hemant Chaudhary, Sarkari Baccha is gearing up to be a perfect mix of romance, comedy, and satire.

The countdown has begun! Will love prevail, or will the chase for a government job change everything?! Find out in theaters on February 28!

New Delhi, 18th February 2025:- Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, on Monday, visited the ‘Apratim’ exhibition in Hall No. 3 and ‘Utkrisht Khadi’ exhibition in Hall No. 10 of Bharat Tex-2025 organized at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi. On this occasion, he had a ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ on ‘Revival of Khadi and Future Challenges’ with the representatives of Khadi Institutions and artisans who had come from different parts of the country to participate in Bharat Tex-2025.

During this discussion, Shri Manoj Kumar told the representatives of Khadi Institutions that the vision presented by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Khadi at Bharat Tex-2025 on Sunday has given new energy to the ‘New Khadi of New India’. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, while highlighting the importance of promoting Khadi, opined that during our freedom struggle, ‘Khadi was for the nation’, but now it should be ‘Khadi for fashion’. It is notable that on Sunday, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the ‘Apratim’ exhibition hall during his visit to Bharat Tex-2025. In this, NIFT demonstrated how modern Khadi stores will be, how Khadi will be produced, and how eco-friendly Khadi products are being developed.

The ‘Utkrisht Khadi’ exhibition in Hall No. 10 of Bharat Mandapam was designed and developed by the Center of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK). In this, ten participants from nine different states of the country participated with their excellent Khadi products.
This exhibition hall showcased the historical journey of Khadi, modern Khadi fabric developed by CoEK, the entire process of muslin fabric production, and the journey from form to fashion and plant to fabric. Alongside this, a wide range of excellent Khadi products from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam, Punjab, and New Delhi were also presented in the exhibition.
Along with Chairman KVIC, officers and employees of NIFT and KVIC were also present at Bharat Tex-2025.

Zirakpur: Sushma Capital, the city’s first European-styled retail destination, is now home to McDonald’s, one of the world’s most iconic fast-food brands. Spanning over 6,000 sq. ft., the new McDonald’s outlet is set to enhance the retail and dining experience at Sushma Capital, which has already established itself as a prime commercial hub with leading brands such as Reliance, Subway, Max, and Pizza Hut—already operational.

Designed for convenience and accessibility, Sushma Capital features a low-height plaza concept with modern amenities, including elevators and a sky bridge, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors. The addition of McDonald’s further cements its position as one of the highest footfall areas in the region.

McDonald’s presence has already received an overwhelming response from the public, further validating Sushma Capital’s appeal as a top-tier retail and dining hub. With its strategic location and an expanding mix of leading brands, the mall has quickly become the go-to destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Zirakpur.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Prateek Mittal, Executive Director, of Sushma Group, said:
“We are delighted to welcome McDonald’s to Sushma Capital, reaffirming our commitment to bringing top-tier brands to Zirakpur. This marks another milestone in our vision to create a dynamic retail and lifestyle destination that caters to the evolving needs of consumers. With McDonald’s now operational, we anticipate even greater footfall and engagement, making Sushma Capital the go-to retail hub in the region.”

Noida,18th February: The Habitats Trust, a not-for-profit dedicated to protecting India’s natural habitats and indigenous species, has announced the launch of the 8th edition of The Habitats Trust Grants. A key highlight of this edition is the introduction of the THT Research Grant, aimed at encouraging interdisciplinary research on ecological, social, and technological aspects of conservation. Applications opened on February 15 and will close on March 17, with the final selection to be announced in October 2025. Interested individuals and organizations. This year marks the largest funding cycle in the initiative’s history, with grants exceeding Rs 3.5 crore to support conservation projects nationwide.

Rushikesh Chavan, Head of The Habitats Trust, emphasized the significance of this year’s expanded grants, stating, “The THT Grants represent our commitment to conserve and drive meaningful change for lesser-known species and critical habitats. By investing in impactful projects, we partner with organizations and individuals who are creating solutions to protect and restore India’s biodiversity.”

Evaluation Process
Applications will undergo a multi-stage evaluation by a panel of experts, including scientists and conservationists. Projects will be assessed based on their relevance, expected conservation impact, stakeholder engagement, scalability, replicability, and sustainability. The rigorous process ensures that funding is directed toward initiatives with the potential for long-term, on-ground impact. Prospective applicants working towards biodiversity conservation in India can apply under the following categories:

• THT Conservation Grant
The THT Conservation Grant will provide ₹1 crore each to two organizations with at least five years of experience in conservation. It focuses on critical challenges such as habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

o Last year, Dr. Umesh Srinivasan and Dr.Anubhab Khan from the Indian Institute of Science, along with MilloTasser and the Singchung Village Council, received a Grant for their work in Arunachal Pradesh to conserve the BugunLiocichla, a critically endangered bird found only in a single locality, with just 14 to 20 known individuals.

• THT Action Grant
The THT Action Grant will offer ₹25 lakh each to three selected organizations or individuals for targeted conservation efforts focused on lesser-known species and habitats.

o Last year’s recipients included DivyaPanicker, a cetacean and bioacoustics expert studying endangered blue whales in the Lakshadweep Archipelago using passive acoustic monitoring; Malyasri Bhattacharya, who is protecting critically endangered vulture habitats in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, through community-led ecotourism involving Gaddi and Gujjar herders; the Durgapur Wildlife Information and Nature Guide Society, which is implementing a community-driven conservation program in West Bengal to safeguard Indian grey wolves in human-dominated landscapes through monitoring and conflict mitigation; and the Veditum India Foundation in Madhya Pradesh, which is enhancing environmental governance and citizen participation to protect riparian habitats threatened by sand mining, benefiting species like gharials, Gangetic dolphins, and Indian skimmers.

• THT Research Grant(New Addition in 2025)
The newly introduced THT Research Grant will support interdisciplinary research on conservation challenges, focusing on ecological and social dynamics. Two selected organizations will receive ₹40 lakh each over a two-year. By fostering research that informs on-ground action, this grant aims to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world conservation efforts.

In addition to these grants, The Habitats Trust also supports organizations and individuals through its monthly THT Seeds Grant, which provides up to ₹3 lakhs for short-term projects. The Seed Grants are designed to address issues related to lesser-known species and to pilot projects in relatively unexplored landscapes, or data-deficient species.

The Habitats Trust actively engages in conservation projects across India, spanning marine conservation, eco-restoration, technology-driven solutions, and terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem protection. In collaboration with leading NGOs and government agencies, including the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Coast Guard, the organization works on large-scale initiatives such as conserving species like the Hoolock Gibbon and habitat restoration efforts in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

With a mission to address the root causes of conservation challenges, The Habitats Trust emphasizes stakeholder engagement, technological interventions, and viable impact. Through its grants, the organization continues to be a catalyst for conservation, supporting initiatives that safeguard India’s rich biodiversity for future generations.

New Delhi, 18th February 2025: Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, announces the second edition of the Plastic-Free Future Packathon in collaboration with Startup India, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. The Packathon is a competition for startups working on sustainable packaging solutions for food delivery orders.

Open to all startups registered on the Startup India portal, the deadline for application submission for the Packathon is 10th March 2025. This year, there will be one winner for each of the two categories — solutions in the prototype stage, and solutions in the ready-to-scale stage. The winner in the prototype category will win INR ~10 lakhs, and the winner in the ready-to-scale category will win INR ~15 lakhs. Shortlisted startups will be allowed to showcase their innovations to interested restaurant partners. Innovators may complete the application form and submit their solutions on the Startup India

Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Startup India, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, said, “Startup India, DPIIT is committed to an innovative and sustainable future. We recognize the Zomato Plastic-Free Future Packathon as a vital initiative that will deliver tangible results in reducing plastic waste from food delivery. By partnering with industry and empowering startups, we hope to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.”

Speaking on the initiative, Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Zomato said, “Zomato is committed to identifying and promoting sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging for restaurants to package their deliveries. We have been focused on finding such solutions through our Hyperpure business, which offers sustainable packaging solutions to restaurant partners, and through initiatives such as Zomato’s Plastic-Free Future Program, which has recognized over 200 restaurant brands, with 7,500+ restaurants in 400+ cities listed on the Zomato app making active efforts to use less plastic packaging. The Packathon is a competition designed to help innovators understand the needs of restaurants and encourage them to solve the food delivery use case — especially the challenge of transporting hot beverages and gravy items — key features of Indian cuisine. At Packathon 2024, our restaurant partners were introduced to innovative solutions like plant-based gums for barrier coatings and alternatives to PET for bottles, etc. We’re confident this year’s innovations will be even more exciting.”

In 2021, Zomato made ‘Do not send cutlery’ the default option on its food ordering and delivery app, allowing customers to opt-in only if needed. This has prevented nearly 1933 MT of cutlery waste so far. The firm also voluntarily recycles plastic waste equal to the amount restaurants use for packing food delivery orders and has recycled 43,000 MT of plastic waste since FY23 – about 1.5x the volume of plastic waste generated by orders delivered through Zomato.

India, 18 February 2025: Infinity Learn – India’s only hybrid learning platform delivering outcome-based learning at scale, continues its streak of excellence with an outstanding performance in the JEE Main 2025 Session 1 examination. Following the launch of 50+ offline Test Prep Centres across India under the Sri Chaitanya Academy brand in 2025, learners from Infinity Learn have delivered exceptional performances, reinforcing the hybrid learning platform’s commitment to high-quality, outcome-driven education. Notably, the platform takes pride in having Uttar Pradesh’s Girl Topper, Ananya Tripathi, who scored 99.94 percentile. Gyan Prakash secured an impressive 99.97 percentile, emerging as the Patna Topper. Additionally, the topper from the online platform, Prachit Umesh G, achieved a 99.94 percentile, while the platform’s Lucknow Topper, Pragyam Srivastav, secured a 99.90 percentile.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the results on 11th February, highlighting the remarkable achievements of Infinity Learn’s learners. This year, 60+ learners scored 99+ percentile, while 90+ learners crossed the 95+ percentile mark, and an impressive 100+ learners secured the 90+ percentile. These results underscore Infinity Learn’s guided test preparation, data-driven insights, and hyper-personalized mentorship, equipping learners with the tools to excel in highly competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

Congratulating the toppers, Ms. Sushma Boppana, CEO and Director of Sri Chaitanya Group and Co-founder of Infinity Learn, said, “We are incredibly proud of our learners’ outstanding performance in JEE Main 2025 Session 1. Their success is a testament to Infinity Learn’s commitment to delivering high-quality, outcome-driven education. This achievement highlights not only their dedication and perseverance but also the effectiveness of our pedagogy, personalized mentorship, and world-class study materials. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to equipping learners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in JEE Main Session 2 and JEE Advanced—helping them secure seats in India’s top-tier engineering colleges.”

Commenting on the toppers, Mr. Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, of Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, said, ” I am proud of the exceptional achievements of our learners in JEE Main 2025 Session 1. This success is a powerful reflection of the impact of our hybrid learning platform and, more importantly, on the effectiveness of online teaching enhanced by AI tools. At Infinity Learn, we are committed to ensuring ‘Baccha Seekha Ki Nahi’, focusing on real learning with customized attention and support so that learners can reach their highest potential from the comfort of their hometowns. Moments like these make me immensely proud of the work we do at Infinity Learn and inspire us to continue nurturing learners to become toppers in competitive exams.”

“We are elated by the outstanding results of our learners from Patna and Varanasi in JEE Main 2025 Session 1, particularly Ananya Tripathi – Uttar Pradesh’s Girl Topper, whose achievement underscores our commitment to girls’ education. Gyan Prakash – Patna Topper, has also made us immensely proud. This achievement made possible through Sri Chaitanya Academy – our Test Prep Centre, demonstrates our dedication to providing quality education in Tier 2 cities,” he added.

The impressive results highlight Infinity Learn’s commitment to delivering exceptional education at affordable rates, making it accessible to a diverse group of learners, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This hybrid learning platform, driven by a strong vision to foster a culture of academic excellence, integrates AI-driven, hyper-personalized learning with traditional pedagogy. With a focus on learner success, Infinity Learn is working relentlessly to achieve its dream of becoming the leader in Tier 1 college admissions for engineering and medical programs in India.