March 28, 2025: Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers has landed the 2Africa Pearls cable in the country, connecting India to Africa, and Europe via the Middle East.

Airtel is the landing partner for the 2Africa Pearls cable in India. This is in partnership with the 2Africa Pearls’ investors – center3 and Meta.

2Africa Pearls brings over 100Tbps (terabits per second) of international capacity to India. With this investment, Airtel has further diversified its global network to support India’s digital growth ambitions.

Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO – Airtel Business, said, “We are thrilled to bring the 2Africa Pearls cable to India adding to our network resilience. We are aggressively diversifying our global network and recently landed the SEA-WE-ME-6 cable in Chennai and Mumbai. We will continue investing in global cable systems and future-proof our network with an aim to deliver high uptime, reliability, and superior quality network to our customers”.

2Africa Pearls is a part of the 2Africa cable system, which will be the world’s longest subsea cable system when completed, spanning over 45,000 kilometers connecting Asia to Africa and Europe through the Middle East. The 2Africa cable system is led by a consortium of Bayobab, center3, China Mobile International, Meta, Orange, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone Group, and WIOCC, while Alcatel Submarine Networks is responsible for manufacturing and installation of the cable.

Airtel’s global network spans 400,000 Rkms (route kilometers) across 50 countries and five continents.  The company has investments in 34 cables globally with some of the recent ones including 2Africa, Southeast Asia-Japan Cable 2 (SJC2) and Equiano. Apart from these cables that connect India to key regions like APAC, Europe, the Middle East and US, Airtel’s global subsea network investments also include large cable systems like i2i Cable Network (i2icn), Europe India Gateway (EIG), IMEWE, SEA-ME-WE-4, AAG, Unity, EASSy, Gulf Bridge International (GBI) and Middle East North Africa Submarine Cable (MENA Cable) amongst many others.

March 28^th, 2025: Coke Studio Bharat, the iconic stage celebrating the confluence of diverse musical styles, presents the second track of its third season ’Holo Lolo’, a rhythmic dive into the world of a phandi (elephant trainer). Through a fusion of folk and contemporary sounds, Coke Studio Bharat brings this timeless connection to life, crafting a vivid sonic and visual experience. Voiced by Shankuraj Konwar and Shalmali Kholgade, the song blends Assam’s regional essence with Hindi, capturing the deep bond between the Phandi and his hathi saathi.

 Echoing solitude, longing, and nature’s calling, the deep-rooted traditions of Assam’s Moran community paint the tale of a phandi who roams the dense jungles and rolling hills for months, seeking pasture for his lifelong companion, his elephant. As they journey together, he pours his heart into songs, sharing whispers of love for someone who once waited in the valley. Coke Studio Bharat reimagines this poignant saga from the village of Torani with Holo Lolo, infusing it with evocative tunes and striking visuals. By weaving together folklore passed down through generations with a modern landscape, the track bridges the past and present, resonating with today’s audience while preserving the soul of an enduring legacy.

 Shankuraj Konwar said, “Bringing Holo Lolo to life has been an honor. Regional music is now at the forefront, and Coke Studio Bharat is making it happen by embracing India’s rich traditions. It’s a tribute to Assam’s history, and I’m grateful to be part of a platform that gives regional artists a national stage, carrying our roots and music across the country.”

 Shalmali Kholgade said, “Folk music has a timeless soul, and Holo Lolo beautifully blends Assamese heritage with a contemporary sound. Coke Studio Bharat is creating a space where folk music not only thrives but also resonates with a wider audience, giving traditional sounds a fresh identity while delivering what listeners seek today.”

Shantanu Gangane, IMX (Integrated Marketing Experience) Lead, Coca-Cola India, added, “Music has the power to make history sing, and that’s exactly what Coke Studio Bharat is doing. Season 3 is about more than just songs—it’s about reintroducing India to its own stories. Holo Lolo carries the depth of Assam’s heritage and gives it a new voice, proving that tradition isn’t meant to be remembered—it’s meant to be relived. With Shankuraj and Shalmali onboard, we are making sure these powerful stories don’t fade but rise.”

 Coke Studio Bharat Season 3 pushes the boundaries of musical storytelling, blending powerful visuals with rich narratives to create an immersive experience. With a deep-rooted focus on India’s cultural soundscape, this season captures the emotions of life. As the season unfolds, stay tuned for more stories, more voices, and more music that evolves, inspires, and connects audiences across the country.

March 27, 2025: QatarEnergy LNG, the world’s premier LNG company, has awarded an Ultra Mega Offshore Contract for the North Field Production Sustainability Offshore Compression Project (NFPS COMP 4) to Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) Hydrocarbon Business (L&T Energy Hydrocarbon – LTEH) marking the largest single contract ever received by L&T.

The scope of work encompasses the engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of two offshore compression complexes, each comprising large offshore platforms with compression & power generation facilities, living quarters, flare platforms, interconnected bridges, and other associated structures to be located at approximately 80 km off the northeast coast of Qatar.

Mr S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & Managing Director – L&T, commented “Securing QatarEnergy LNG’s Ultra Mega Offshore Contract—the largest single order in our history, is a landmark achievement. This prestigious project strengthens our global energy portfolio while supporting Qatar’s energy security objectives. I thank QatarEnergy LNG for placing their trust in L&T to deliver this complex and strategically important project. We look forward to setting new benchmarks in project execution that will reinforce Qatar’s position as a global LNG leader.

Mr Subramanian Sarma, Deputy Managing Director & President -L&T, commented “The award of a project of such nature is a reflection of the confidence and trust placed by QatarEnergy LNG in L&T’s expertise and its ability to deliver such large-scale projects for which L&T is very thankful. This collaboration not only strengthens our partnership but also reaffirms L&T’s commitment to supporting Qatar’s strategic energy objectives through innovative and reliable solutions.”

28 March 2025: Sri Chaitanya Academy, an initiative of Infinity Learn — India’s only Hybrid Learning platform delivering outcome-based learning at scale — announced the launch of ATREYA, a one-of-a-kind National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) program. It integrates digital tools and real-time performance tracking, with a special focus on Physics coaching — considered a challenging area for NEET aspirants.

 Over the past few years, the number of applicants for NEET-UG has seen a steady rise, from 15 lakh registrations in 2020 to over 24 lakh registrations in 2024. In the last decade, Sri Chaitanya Academy has produced over 1 lakh doctors, who have gone on to enroll in prestigious institutions like AIIMS Delhi, where 24% doctors are from the academy. In the last two years, the institute has consistently produced NEET AIR 1s. Leveraging the institute’s proven pedagogy, top NEET faculty will guide aspirants to achieve top results through ATREYA, targeted at Grade XI students.  

 ATREYA leverages technology to analyse students’ performance in real-time, identify knowledge gaps and recommend customized learning strategies. The program places special emphasis on Physics, with classes conducted twice a week to help students navigate the subject seamlessly. Stress-relief workshops and counselling sessions are also incorporated to achieve holistic growth.

 Commenting on the new offering, Ms Sushma Boppana, Co-founder of Infinity Learn and CEO and Director of Sri Chaitanya Group, said: “With ATREYA, we’ve revolutionized NEET coaching by combining personalized mentorship with cutting-edge AI technology. Our AI platform’s real-time analytics, coupled with our top NEET faculty, will deliver actionable insights that accelerate improvement and turn students’ MBBS dreams into reality. NEET preparation is as much about emotional readiness as academic excellence. ATREYA’s holistic growth ecosystem addresses both aspects, helping students maintain focus and confidence throughout their journey.”

 Speaking about how the new program is designed for excellence, Mr. Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO of Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, added, “Learning is a journey, and driven by our motto of ‘Baccha Seekha Ki Nahi’, we equip our learners with the tools they need to navigate that journey with greater clarity. As we strive to become a leader in top-tier college admissions, our mission is to empower every aspirant by providing resources and focusing on strengthening weak areas. Our P²CBZ (Physics twice a week, with focused coaching on Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology) approach ensures students excel in traditionally challenging subjects like Physics while maintaining top performance in other subjects – Chemistry, Botany and Zoology.”

March 28, 2025: This Eid, Koskii invites fashion enthusiasts to a celebration of their new collection, Zurii, that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. The collection is a testament to the art of festive dressing, featuring an exquisite range of Salwar Suits that capture the essence of the season.

A Palette of Emotions & Colours

Koskii’s Eid collection showcases a breathtaking array of Salwar Suits in both jewel tones and soft pastels, each piece telling a unique story of style and sophistication. From deep emerald greens and rich sapphire blues to delicate blush pinks and serene lavenders, the colour palette is designed to complement every skin tone and personal style.

Craftsmanship that Speaks Volumes

The hallmark of Koskii’s collection is the intricate zari work that adorns each piece. Delicate gold threads meticulously woven into luxurious fabrics create a shimmer that catches the light, transforming each Salwar Suit into a work of art. This season’s trend is all about subtle opulence, and intricate embroidery that whispers rather than shouts, making a statement of refined elegance.

Styling Tips: Getting Dressed For Eid

While Koskii’s Zurii collection can be worn as is, the brand suggests you add your twist to make what you wear distinctly you. Whether draping the dupatta in a different way or the subtle art of elevating your look with jewellery, here are some tips to go from ready to glam.

This Eid, we’re loving two distinctive jewellery styles that will complement whatever you wear:

• Oxidized Silver: For those seeking a contemporary edge, pair your salwar suit with chunky oxidized silver jewelry. Think statement earrings and bold bangles that add a modern twist to traditional attire.

• Gold Accessories: For a more classic look, opt for chunky gold jewelry that echoes the zari work in the suits. Oversized hoops, layered necklaces, and statement rings create a luxurious ensemble.

This Eid, the trend is all about personal expression. Mix and match your salwar suits with unexpected accessories, play with layering, and don’t be afraid to add your unique touch. Whether you’re attending a family gathering or a festive evening out, Koskii’s collection ensures you’ll stand out with understated glamour.

Celebrity Inspiration

So enticing is Koskii’s Zurii collection that even celebrities are being seen in their collection. Recently, Divyanka Tripathi was spotted wearing a Koskii Salwar Suit at an Iftar party.

Making Memories in Zurii

More than just clothing, Koskii’s Eid collection is about creating moments, capturing memories, and celebrating tradition with a modern twist. Each piece is carefully crafted to make you feel confident, beautiful, and connected to your cultural roots.

Discover the magic of Eid with Zurii from Koskii.

March 28, 2025: IDBI Bank successfully hosted ‘IDBI FinTech Fusion’ on March 25–26, 2025, at IDBI Bank Head Office, Mumbai, bringing together some of the most innovative minds in the FinTech ecosystem. The exclusive event served as a dynamic platform for fintechs to showcase their capabilities.

Organized in association with Amazon Web Services (AWS) as Knowledge Partner, the event featured keynote sessions from AWS and NPCI, and live technology showcases from leading players. Over 20 fintech platforms presented cutting-edge solutions at dedicated stalls, offering an interactive and hands-on experience with next-gen financial technologies. The two-day event fostered discussions around digital transformation, policy implications, risk management, and emerging trends in the financial technology space.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Jayakumar S. Pillai, Deputy Managing Director said, “IDBI FinTech Fusion was a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the financial sector. The platform enabled stakeholders to explore breakthrough technologies that are redefining digital banking and elevating customer experiences. By bringing together the brightest minds in FinTech, technology, and banking, the event proved to be an enriching forum for exchanging ideas and shaping the future strategies. In continuation of our Digital Transformation Strategy on data, cloud, and fintech partnerships, the Bank will also leverage AWS cloud for rolling out its innovation Sandbox and Data Lake

Bengaluru, 28^th March 2025: Starbucks has introduced two new beverages, Kiwi Calamansi Refresher® and Lychee Raspberry Refresher® to the Refreshers® lineup in India. These beverages are now available across all Starbucks India stores, joining returning favourites like the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher® and Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher® just in time for the summer season. This new range is curated for a new generation of consumers looking for beverages that are light, flavourful, and functional.

With low-calorie, non-dairy options and infused with green coffee extracts, Refreshers® meet the evolving preferences of Gen Z, offering an easy, on-the-go choice that feels as good as it looks. The Refreshers® range is part of a growing shift toward beverages that reflect evolving consumer preferences. These drinks are designed for those seeking mindful, great-tasting choices that fit seamlessly into modern, on-the-go lifestyles.

More than just a beverage, Refreshers® have gained global recognition for their vivid colours, vibrant fruit blends, and uplifting appeal. Infused with ingredients like calamansi, kiwi, lychee, and raspberry, these new additions bring together tropical inspiration and bold taste in every sip.

Whether you’re in the mood for a bright mid-day boost or something cool to complement the season, there’s a flavour pairing to match every moment:

• Kiwi Calamansi Refresher®: A citrus lover’s dream, a tangy zest of calamansi and a Southeast Asian citrus fruit that fuses effortlessly with freeze-dried kiwi and green coffee extract. This drink promises a balanced burst of energy with every sip.

• Lychee Raspberry Refresher®: A harmonious symphony of flavours blending the delicate sweetness of lychee with the tangy brightness of raspberry. Freeze-dried raspberries and green coffee extract add to the refreshing, elegant experience.
• Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher®: Brought back from last year, this beverage is a delightful blend of juicy strawberries and acai berry extracts. Shaken with ice and mixed with chopped strawberries, it offers a crisp, revitalizing sip perfect for warm summer days.
• Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher®: A tropical escape in a cup, this beverage is making a much-awaited comeback with the king of the season, mango, blended with lemonade. Hand-shaken with ice and dragon fruit pieces, an absolute summer essential to get your hands on.

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.

March 28, 2025:As a member of an international team of experts, Sonam Rinzin, a third-year PhD student from the School of Geography, Politics, and Sociology, contributed to an in-depth study on the devastating effects of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). These floods occur when meltwater, held back by moraine or ice dams left behind as glaciers recede, suddenly bursts through. Such events can cause extensive damage to property, infrastructure, and agricultural land, posing a significant risk to human life. The sequence of events that occurred during the Sikkim flood in 2023 was simulated by Sonam. The impact of mass moraine failure entering the lake, its interaction with lake water, and the resulting formation of impulse waves, and moraine dam failure were all examined. Pre- and post-event data as well as numerical modelling served as the foundation for these simulations.

As melting glaciers continue to increase the risk of GLOFs in the Himalaya region, the team’s findings, which were published in Science, highlight the urgent need to strengthen prediction and early warning systems as well as GLOF hazard assessments.

Sonam stated, “The 2023 catastrophic GLOF event of Sikkim left enormous destruction and damage downstream and is an example of how hazardous glacial lakes can be for communities in the Himalaya.This novel scientific effort, which investigated the intricate causes, dynamics, and consequences of this catastrophic flood cascade is enormously important, not only for understanding the cause and consequences of the event itself, but also for highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to reduce and mitigate GLOF risk in the Himalaya. As an early-career scientist, I feel privileged to have contributed to this significant research and to have collaborated with over 30 scientists from 10 countries. This experience provided me with a valuable opportunity to interact with some of the world’s leading scientists while also enhancing my academic and technical skills.”.

The source of the 2023 flood, South Lhonak Lake, is located in Sikkim’s Upper Teesta basin in northeastern India at 5,200 meters above sea level. Being one of the biggest and fastest-growing glacial lakes in the area, it presents serious risks because of the possibility of GLOFs. On October 3 and 4, 2023, these risks came to pass as the lake erupted catastrophically, causing a flood cascade that killed 55 people, left 74 missing, and devastated most of the area downstream, including the Teesta-III hydropower dam.

The results showed that the outburst was caused by a landslip that deposited 14.7 million cubic meters of frozen debris into South Lhonak Lake. The consequent 20-meter tsunami-like wave broke through and undermined the frontal moraine that held the lake’s water, releasing about 50 million m3, or 20,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Infrastructure downstream suffered significant damage as a result of the massive amount of water that flowed down the valley. As heavy rainfall primed the landscape for landslides and compounded sediment transport and downstream destruction in the Teesta Valley, the research team, which included scientists from ten countries, including the universities of Hull, Leeds, and Cambridge in the UK, as well as non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders in India and Bangladesh, demonstrated how climate change exacerbated the event. This hit Bangladesh as well as Sikkim and West Bengal in India, causing infrastructural destruction up to 385 km from the flood’s source.

The findings, according to the authors, highlight the shortcomings of current GLOF models, which frequently neglect to take erosion, sediment transport, and cascading processes into account. They also emphasise the necessity of improved early warning systems, policy changes, and adaptive risk management techniques, especially in remote, high-altitude, vulnerable glacial regions like the Himalayas.

Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull and a leading expert in landslide research and management served as the UK lead for the international collaboration. He stated: “This research underscores the critical need for early warning systems, effective risk management strategies, and further research to assess the threats posed by the increasing number of hydropower projects in the region. The urgency of this work cannot be overstated, particularly as many developing countries are now facing cuts in aid. Gaining a clear understanding of what transpired is essential for identifying future risks and ensuring better protection for vulnerable communities.”

Dr. Ashim Sattar, an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, led the study. He explained, “It is evident that an integrated approach is required to reduce the risks of GLOFs in the Himalayas, including early warning systems, strengthened regulatory frameworks, a paradigm shift in GLOF modeling approaches, and robust preparation programs and community education.”

A team led by Newcastle University created the first worldwide evaluation of GLOF-risk areas in February 2023 and determined priority areas for mitigation. The study found that 15.3 million people reside within 50 km of a glacial lake and that the largest GLOF hazard is found in High Mountain Asia, which includes parts of India and Pakistan as well as the Tibetan Plateau, which stretches from Kyrgyzstan to China.

Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant & HOD – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

In the fast-paced world we live in today, we tend to only think about what we consume in terms of calories, proteins, and fats, but we hardly ever take the time to think about whether our bodies are receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals they require. Nutrient deficiencies can creep up on us subtly, usually in the form of daily minor discomforts. Fatigue, brittle nails, or frequent headaches might not seem like a big deal, but they could be your body’s way of signalling that something is missing. Symptoms for these conditions are usually always subtle and easy to ignore. If not monitored, they will turn into bigger health problems affecting your immune system and even mental health.

Here are 5 such hidden symptoms that can help you to recognize a nutrient deficiency.

1. Cracks at the Corners of Your Mouth – If you’ve noticed painful cracks or sores at the corners of your mouth, you might be deficient in iron, zinc, or B vitamins. All these nutrients are important for healing wounds and maintaining healthy skin. A diet rich in leafy greens, eggs, and lean meats can improve the situation.
2. Frequent Muscle Cramps – Muscle cramps need not be caused solely by dehydration or over-exertion. Frequent unexplained cramping can be indicative of a magnesium, potassium, or calcium deficiency. These nutrients play a central role in facilitating nerve impulses and normal muscle contraction. To reduce cramps, include more bananas, nuts, seeds, and dairy products in your diet.
3. Chronic Fatigue – Waking up constantly tired, even after eight hours of sleep, may be an indication of low iron, Vitamin D, or B Vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12. These nutrients help to produce energy and transport oxygen throughout the body. If you are constantly feeling tired, think about adding more leafy vegetables, eggs, milk, and lean meats into your diet in order to get more energy.
4. Brittle Nails and Hair – Thin, brittle nails and excessive hair loss may be a sign of a biotin (Vitamin B7) insufficiency. Biotin is an important vitamin which contributes in maintaining healthy hair and nail strength. Eggs, nuts, whole grains, and fish contain good amounts of biotin. If your nails are chipping too easily or your hair doesn’t have its normal shine, then it may be time to recheck your nutrition levels.
5. Feeling Cold All the Time – If you are always cold, it may be a symptom of iron or iodine deficiency. Iron is important for oxygen diffusion, while iodine is needed for the functioning of the thyroid gland, which controls the body’s temperature. Including iron-rich foods such as beans and red meat as well as foods containing iodine such as seafood and dairy products, will be beneficial for this condition.

Though these symptoms can appear insignificant at first, they can affect your overall health and well-being if neglected. But the good news is that the majority of nutrient deficiencies are reversible with some simple dietary modifications. Adding a mix of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, will help maintain nutrient levels. However, if these symptoms persist despite a healthy diet, it’s best to consult a doctor. By understanding these subtle signs, you can improve your health, increase energy, and enhance immunity.