Sundeep Bhutoria to Attend Cannes Screening of Restored Satyajit Ray Classic
19 May 2025, Kolkata: Prominent Kolkata-based culturist, social activist, and trustee of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, Mr. Sundeep Bhutoria, will attend the highly anticipated screening of Satyajit Ray’s restored masterpiece Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest) at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 19th May 2025.
This marks the first-ever Cannes screening of the 1970 classic, which will be showcased in a newly restored version. The event will reunite after 55 years the film’s legendary cast members, Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal, whose presence will add to the historic significance of the occasion.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr Bhutoria said, “I am deeply honoured to attend the premiere of the restored Aranyer Din Ratri at The Cannes. This is my first visit to the festival, and it is all the more special because of my long association with the Dutta family, the original producers of the film. Unfortunately, Esha Dutta, who collaborates closely with the Prabha Khaitan Foundation and its associate organisations, is unable to join due to a family emergency.”
Mr Bhutoria also acknowledged the efforts behind the restoration, stating, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to film maker and archivist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and the Film Heritage Foundation for their pivotal role in this extraordinary restoration project. I have known Sri Dungarpur personally for over a decade since he started the project with a missionary zeal in 2014. He has contributed immensely to safeguard endangered celluloid films, promote film literacy, and train archivists. Their dedication ensures that Ray’s genius continues to inspire future generations.”
Aranyer Din Ratri, based on Sunil Gangopadhyay’s novel of the same name, explores themes of urban escapism, class and gender dynamics and human relationships with unparalleled depth. The film follows four urban friends – Asim (Soumitra Chatterjee), Sanjoy (Subhendu Chatterjee), Hari (Samit Bhanja), and Shekhar (Rabi Ghosh) – who escape their mundane city lives for a weekend trip to the forests of Palamau (Bihar). Their journey becomes a metaphor for self-discovery as their interactions with rural life and two local women – Aparna (Sharmila Tagore) and Jaya (Simi Garewal) – expose their urban pretensions, insecurities, and existential dilemmas.
The film is celebrated as one of Ray’s finest works, blending psychological depth, social commentary, and lyrical storytelling. The film’s screening at The Cannes – a somewhat belated recognition compared to Ray’s other films – underscores the festival’s enduring reverence for the Oscar-winning auteur, whose films remain a cornerstone of world cinema.
Wishes & Blessings Serves 1 Crore Meals and Counting
New Delhi, 19th May 2025: Wishes & Blessings, a Delhi-based NGO dedicated to inclusive social development, has achieved a remarkable milestone – the successful distribution of 1 crore meals to underserved communities across states. In celebration of this achievement, the organization will host community meal events across several states on May 22, 2025.
The meals will be served in regions including Delhi, NCR, West Bengal, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, showcasing the NGO’s extensive grassroots reach and pan-India impact. The celebrations are an expression of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the organization enduring commitment to addressing hunger across diverse geographies.
Founded in 2014 by Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, Wishes & Blessings has worked tirelessly to ensure that no one sleeps hungry. The organization delivers food through structured initiatives such as daily feeding programs, ration distributions, and emergency relief efforts. While hunger relief is a cornerstone, the NGO also actively works across other critical sectors such as education, elder care, gender empowerment, healthcare, and skill development.
“Serving 1 crore meals is not just a number—it represents hope, dignity, and the right to a full stomach,” said Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, Founder and President of Wishes & Blessings. “This milestone is a testament to the collective power of empathy, partnership, and unwavering resolve. But our work is far from over. As long as there’s hunger, our mission continues.”
The celebration comes just days before World Hunger Day on May 29, lending added relevance to the milestone.
India continues to face significant challenges related to food security. The Global Hunger Index 2023 ranks India 111th out of 125 countries, placing it in the “serious” category. With 16.6% of the population undernourished and 35.5% of children under five stunted, the scale of the problem remains profound.
Wishes & Blessings has responded robustly during crises, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic when food insecurity surged. The NGO rapidly scaled its operations to serve hot meals, distribute ration kits, and support daily wage earners left jobless. Today, the organization runs multiple feeding programs that are agile, scalable, and tailored to local needs—ensuring that meals reach the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, the homeless, and people with disabilities.
In addition to its core hunger relief mission, the NGO works across more than nine critical intervention areas including education, elder care, gender empowerment, and health support. This holistic approach enables the organization to not only address hunger but also break the cycle of poverty and marginalization that perpetuates it.
Celebrate International Tea Day with ‘Afternoon Tea’ at Tess, Hyatt Centric Kolkata
Kolkata, May 2025: In celebration of International Tea Day on 21st May, Tess at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge invites guests to a week-long Afternoon Tea Experience, available from 18th to 25th May, from 3 PM onwards.Thoughtfully designed to capture the joy of slow afternoons and elevated snacking, this special curation offers a refreshing twist on traditional high tea—with vibrant, contemporary flavours and handcrafted treats.
The Afternoon Tea includes two elegantly crafted tasting platters for guests to choose from, each offering a delicious blend of savoury and sweet indulgences. The vegetarian menu includes delicately seasoned tofu bao buns and creamy avocado on sourdough open toasties, while the non-vegetarian version features Sichuan chicken bao buns paired with the same creamy avocado toast. Both platters are completed with a trio of indulgent desserts: a rich Belgian chocolate pastry, a moist banana tea cake, and a silky Biscoff cheesecake. Each platter is complemented by a selection of handpicked teas, from floral infusions to robust, aromatic blends—carefully chosen to enhance every bite.
Speaking on the same, Glen Dsouza, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata shares, “At Tess, we believe in creating experiences that bring people together over good food and meaningful moments. Our Afternoon Tea, curated specially for International Tea Day, is a celebration of that spirit—crafted with care, flavor, and a touch of indulgence. We look forward to welcoming our guests to slow down, sip, and savor the charm of unhurried afternoons.”
- Venue: Tess, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata
- Date: 18th May – 25th May
- Time: 3 pm onwards
- Price: Vegetarian Platter: INR 699 plus taxes
- Non-Vegetarian Platter: INR 725 plus taxes
- Address: 17 Garcha 1st Lane, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
- For Reservations: 6292307616
Eurogrip Tyres at F2R Expo – Medellin Displays Line-of-the-Line Products
Mumbai, 17th May 2025: Eurogrip Tyres, India’s leading tyre manufacturer, displayed its high-end 2-wheeler tyres at the 17th edition of Feria 2 Ruedas (F2R) International Motorcycle exhibition held at Plaza Mayor, Medellin, Colombia. This high impact commercial event in the two-wheeler industry in South America is being held from 15th to 18th May 2025.
On the participation, P Madhavan, Executive Vice-President – Marketing & Sales, TVS Srichakra Ltd, said, “Eurogrip is focussed to deliver innovative products for the global markets. Latin America is a priority market for us, and F2R Expo is a promising platform to engage with our target audience. We are looking forward to interesting business opportunities arising from this expo. Such specialised industry tradeshows add exceptional value to our quest in becoming a leading global tyre brand delivering world class tyre technology.”
The lineup features a premium selection of sport touring, off-road, and trail tyres, including high-performance models such as the Roadhound, Protorq Extreme, Trailhound STR, Climber, Bee Connect, Terrabite DB+, and Badhshah LX.
The Feria de las 2 Ruedas (F2R) has been Latin America’s premier motorcycle industry event for over 17 years. Held annually in Medellín, Colombia, the fair serves as a dynamic platform for business, innovation, and development within the motorcycle industry. It also offers enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the latest trends and updates in the sector.
Eurogrip Tyres boasts of a diverse range of tyres that are designed in Milan, Italy and are tested globally to meet the highest standards. Its robust design and best-in-class tyre technology are helping the brand expand its footprints across the globe.
Eurogrip’s stall is N24 in the Tented Pavillion at the F2R Expo.
Shiprocket Launches India’s First AI-Integrated MCP Server for eCommerce
Mumbai, India ,16th May 2025: Shiprocket, India’s leading eCommerce enablement platform, has launched the country’s first Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server for eCommerce Shipping. This breakthrough innovation allows AI agents to directly handle key operations—from checking shipping rates to tracking orders—using a single line of instruction.
This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of agentic eCommerce, giving businesses the ability to automate and execute actions across the eCommerce stack using natural language commands or AI assistants, eliminating the need for traditional dashboards or APIs. With a single, natural-language prompt, businesses can now create, track, or manage shipments, no dashboards, no APIs, just intent. Shiprocket’s newly launched MCP makes this possible by enabling AI assistants, whether internal tools or automation bots, to directly interact with Shiprocket’s platform. From real-time tracking to scheduling a pickup, commerce operations can now be triggered through voice or text commands.
Designed for the next generation of eCommerce operations, the MCP Server delivers:
● Faster execution – Instantly perform logistics actions, reducing manual effort and delays
● Seamless integration – Connect effortlessly with AI tools or enterprise systems
● Hands-free operations – No dashboards or human intervention needed
● Enterprise-grade security – Built on Shiprocket’s trusted, scalable infrastructure
Once integrated, AI agents can estimate delivery timelines, check courier rates, track orders, create or cancel shipments, assign couriers based on smart rules, list pickup addresses, or schedule pickups—all with a single line of instruction. Imagine asking:
● “What are the courier options and delivery times from Delhi to Bangalore for a 0.5 KG COD package?”
● “Create a new prepaid order for Order ID 456789 and schedule a pickup from our warehouse.”
● “Track the latest status of Order ID 12345 and notify the customer if delayed.”
The MCP Server integrates effortlessly with modern AI ecosystems, enabling businesses to embed intelligent commerce actions within the tools they already use:
● Claude and Cursor: Developers can connect the MCP Server to AI assistants like Claude and Cursor, enabling natural language interactions or voice commands for tasks such as order tracking, shipping rate calculations, and courier selection.
● Zapier: Through Zapier’s MCP integration, businesses can link Shiprocket‘s logistics capabilities with over 7,000 applications, facilitating automated workflows without the need for complex coding.
Commenting on the launch, Saahil Goel, MD & CEO of Shiprocket, said: “At Shiprocket, we’re building not just for scale, but for the future. Our MCP Server launch marks a transformative shift from manual workflows to autonomous operations powered by AI. This is how we enable millions of businesses to work smarter, respond faster, and scale effortlessly. This is more than just an integration, it’s a new interface for eCommerce. We’re enabling a world where AI doesn’t just support business decisions, it executes them.”
With MCP Server, Shiprocket is not just launching a new integration—it’s introducing a new way to interact with commerce infrastructure. By eliminating friction between decision and execution, businesses can operate smarter, move faster, and scale effortlessly.
SBM Bank India and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Forge Strategic Bancassurance Alliance
Mumbai, May 16, 2025 – In a bid to bolster its retail business and offer an expanded suite of products and services to its customers, SBM Bank India has entered into a partnership with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd. This Strategic Bancassurance Alliance will enable the Bank’s customers to develop well rounded financial plans to achieve their financial goals.
SBM Bank India aims to be a comprehensive financial hub for its customers, offering a diverse suite of retail banking services, including savings and current accounts, term deposits, forex, remittance solutions, insurance, investments, cards, lending, and other financial products. These offerings cater to a wide range of clients, including SBM Private, Wealth, Digital, and Asset-focused customers. The Bank follows a two-pronged strategy—expanding its brick-and-mortar branch network, while leveraging digital banking channels to strengthen its market presence.
This tie-up will enable the Bank to cater to its customers a diverse set of solutions ranging from term insurance, long-term savings and wealth creation products to effectively planning for income on retirement.
Mr. Amit Palta, Chief Product and Distribution Officer at ICICI Prudential Life Insurance welcomed the collaboration, stating “We are happy to partner with SBM Bank India and believe it is a step towards our goal of making life insurance solutions easily accessible to customers. Also, it fortifies our position as being the most customer and distributor friendly life insurer in the country.”
“By combining our innovative, future-ready insurance solutions with SBM Bank’s diverse customer base that include retail & NRI customers, corporates and institutions—we are enabling broader access to comprehensive financial protection across the country.”
“We are committed to delivering solutions that truly support customers through their life’s key milestones. This partnership enables us to offer financial protection and long-term value, empowering individuals and families to pursue their future goals with confidence, security and peace of mind.”
“Various technology solutions implemented have enabled us to provide a seamless and hassle-free buying process to customers. Besides, our claim settlement ratio of 99.3% in FY2025, with an average turnaround time of 1.2 days is the best in the industry.”
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Nikhil Rajadhyaksha, Head – Retail Banking, SBM Bank India, said, “Through this strategic partnership, we are committed to expanding financial security and offering a comprehensive suite of insurance solutions tailored to evolving customer needs. With insurance penetration in India at 3.7% in 2023-24, well below the global average of 7%, there is substantial scope for market expansion. By combining ICICI Prudential Life Insurance’s innovative product portfolio and digital expertise with SBM Bank’s vision of becoming a financial supermarket, we aim to deliver seamless, customer-centric solutions that enhance financial well-being and empower individuals with greater financial protection.”
Jewellery That Keeps Up With Him – Candere by Kalyan Jewellers
In recent years, men’s jewellery has seen a striking evolution—from minimal and understated to bold, expressive pieces that reflect personal style. The rise of lightweight, fashion-forward designs has empowered men to accessorize with ease and confidence, embracing jewellery as more than just an add-on. Be it a sleek bracelet, a statement ring, or a contemporary necklace, jewellery is now a central part of the modern man’s wardrobe. This shift signals a broader cultural embrace of fashion as a tool for self-expression, redefining jewellery as a key symbol of modern masculinity.
- The MS Dhoni Double Cuban Link Platinum Bracelet for Men is a striking blend of bold style and refined sophistication. Crafted with a sleek double Cuban chain, its powerful, polished design makes a confident statement. The clasp bears MS Dhoni’s signature, lending an iconic edge to this contemporary piece. With its clean platinum finish and robust construction, it’s designed for everyday wear—adding just the right amount of attitude and elegance.
- The Danny Gold Band for Men embodies modern sophistication and masculine elegance. Featuring a stylish dual-tone design of yellow and white gold, this bold open-cuff band exudes confidence and strength. With clean geometric lines and a polished finish, it serves as a versatile accessory for both casual and formal wear. This minimalist yet striking design makes the Danny Gold Band a statement of refined taste and individuality for the contemporary man.
- The Floris Miracle Plate Diamond Earrings are designed for men who appreciate refined brilliance in a minimalist form. With a sleek, compact design, the miracle plate setting enhances the diamond’s sparkle effortlessly. These versatile studs pair well with both festive attire and everyday style. A subtle yet striking addition to any modern man’s essentials
- The Samuel Platinum and Rose Gold Kada is a bold fusion of strength and sophistication. With a striking contrast of textured platinum and edgy rose gold pyramid accents, it exudes modern masculinity. The inner engraved detailing adds a refined touch, making it as stylish inside as it is outside. Perfect for the man who values distinct craftsmanship with a contemporary edge.
Move without Limits: Bata Launches the New Power Move Collection
Abhay Prabhavana: World’s Largest Museum Celebrated on International Museum Day
As the world reflects on the purpose of museums on International Museum Day, one destination in India is quietly transforming the global conversation. Abhay Prabhavana Museum, envisioned by Dr. Abhay Firodia and developed by the Amar Prerana Trust, stands as a pioneering Museum of Ideas i.e. a place where values, vision, and civilisational thought are preserved and presented as an ode to the past and lively ideas shaping the future.
Situated on a 50-acre campus near the Pale Caves in Maharashtra, Abhay Prabhavana reimagines the very idea of a traditional museum. It is among the largest private museums in the world, yet its significance lies not in its scale, but in its core. Every element across its 3.5 lakh square feet premises has been curated to celebrate India’s civilisational wisdom – right from the timeless principles of ethics, education, enterprise, non-violence, compassion and spiritual inquiry.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhay Firodia, industrialist and founder of the museum, and Chairman of the Amar Prerana Trust said, “India’s greatest heritage is the power of its values. Our aim was to build a space where these values are experienced in all their depth, not simply observed. Abhay Prabhavana is a place where knowledge, aesthetics, and spirit come together to offer inspiration for generations to come.”
Thirty immersive galleries form the core of the museum’s narrative journey. Each gallery is a dialogue: through sculptures, dioramas, digital installations, and storytelling that invites visitors to engage with India’s philosophical legacy. Concepts such as self-restraint, plurality, letting go and inner awakening are presented through engaging experiences, encouraging reflection and inquiry. Interactive technologies, ambient sound, and subtle scenography are employed with restraint and intelligence, ensuring that the medium never overwhelms the message.
Beyond its galleries, Abhay Prabhavana’s architectural and symbolic elements offers equally profound experiences. The Manastambh, a 100-foot pillar depicts the stages of spiritual evolution. On the other hand – the awe-inspiring 43-foot sculpture of Rishabhdev, the first of the 24 Tirthankaras, whose vision of order, discipline, and civilisation laid the foundations of Indian values and thought, represents a sense of calm like no other. The Plaza of Equanimity, a contemplative space centred around the Sarvatobhadra statue, anchors the campus in stillness and symmetry.
Abhay Prabhavana means a lot more than a museum for enthusiasts. It is a knowledge centre, with spaces such as the Kundanmal Firodia Auditorium and the Taxila Library, dedicated to scholarship, dialogue, and cultural programs. From lectures and exhibitions to research and learning initiatives, the museum instills a living engagement with India’s intellectual traditions.
As museums across the world grow into something more significant, Abhay Prabhavana leads with clarity. It does not focus on artefacts alone, but on the values and ideals that give them meaning. On this International Museum Day, it stands tall as a beholder of civilisational wisdom, reimagined for the world we live in today.
CaratLane makes a stunning statement at Cannes 2025
Mumbai, May 16, 2025: CaratLane, India’s leading omni-channel jewellery brand, was delighted to have its designs featured on actor Nitanshi Goel as she walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15. The rising star of Laapataa Ladies, which earned global acclaim with an Oscar nomination, chose designs from CaratLane’s newest collection, Sol, to complement her debut appearance.
The jewellery worn by Nitanshi for this special occasion added a touch of understated elegance to her look. Inspired by the brilliance of the sun, the Sol collection brings warmth, light, and modern charm—qualities that aligned seamlessly with her youthful presence and personal style.
Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director of CaratLane, said: “Nitanshi Goel walked the Cannes red carpet wearing CaratLane jewellery, and we couldn’t have been more delighted. At CaratLane, we are deeply committed to celebrating individuality and modern Indian femininity. Nitanshi is a powerful new voice in cinema — authentic, grounded, and extraordinarily talented. Her journey from India’s heartland to the global spotlight is inspiring, and we were honoured to be part of her Cannes debut. The designs she wore celebrate everyday radiance and youthful elegance — which made this association all the more meaningful.”
This moment underscored the shared values between CaratLane and a new generation of Indian talent—where jewellery is not just about adornment, but a celebration of personal identity and creative expression.