Mumbai, 22nd January, 2025: CleanMax, one of Asia’s leading renewable energy providers for the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector and a Brookfield-backed company, today announced that it will obtain AED 99 Million (USD 27 Million) long term credit facility from HSBC to develop and finance its onsite solar portfolio in the UAE. The facility will cover 92 onsite solar assets, located on industrial facilities, malls, schools and universities. The financing arrangement also provides an uncommitted accordion of AED 37 Million (USD 10 Million) for development of future projects, in alignment with UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

“This financing facility is a significant milestone for CleanMax and its growth strategy in the Middle East region. It enhances our ability to offer competitive energy tariffs to Commercial & Industrial (‘C&I’) clients and reflects our commitment to provide tailor made green energy solutions to help corporates in driving their sustainability goals. The transition to a net-zero global economy and achieving a low-carbon future is a shared opportunity. It requires a coalition of renewable energy providers, financiers and industries working together toward a common goal willing to invest in change.” Said, Kuldeep Jain, Managing Director of CleanMax

Khalid Alkadi, Head of International Subsidiary Banking, HSBC Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye said, “The financing is a further step in our partnership to support CleanMax’s international growth journey. The development of the solar projects underscores the UAE’s position as a regional pioneer in the Net Zero transition and as a destination for international investment in green infrastructure.”

Setting up sustainability initiatives is a capital-intensive endeavor that requires significant upfront investments and long-term financial planning. As global investments in renewable energy projects continue to rise, collaborations like this set a precedent for how financial institutions and green energy providers can jointly contribute to international climate commitments and a decarbonized economy.

Bengaluru, 22nd January 2025: OPPO India has officially launched the much-anticipated Reno13 Series 5G, designed to redefine the smartphone experience. Featuring a flagship-level camera system, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 SoC, and equipped with cutting-edge AI features for both imaging and productivity, the Reno13 Series is engineered to deliver exceptional performance. With its ultra-durable design, the series – including the Reno13 and Reno13 Pro – also boasts IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications for water and dust resistance, making it the perfect device for those who value both style and durability. Additionally, the Reno13 Series offers 80W SUPERVOOC fast-charging, ensuring optimal power for extended use. The smartphones are now available for purchase through Mainline Retail Outlets, the OPPO e-Store, and Flipkart.

Flagship Design with Durability

The OPPO Reno13 5G boasts an aerospace-grade aluminium frame and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front and back. Its One-piece Sculpted Glass on the back is a blend of matte and gloss finishes with a unique texture on the Ivory White variant. OPPO has also introduced an exclusive Luminous Blue color variant for India. This variant features a unique glowing effect achieved through offset printing and reflective coating to produce a subtle yet captivating glowing outline around the camera module.

The device comes with OPPO’s signature All-Round Armour architecture, protecting the internals against shock for added durability. The smartphone is IP66, IP68, and IP69-certified for resistance to dust and submersion in freshwater up to 1.5 meters, tested up to 2 meters in OPPO labs for 30 minutes.

The Reno13 stands out with its slim and lightweight design: The Ivory White model is a mere 7.24mm thin, while the Luminous Blue model is 7.29mm slim; the handsets tilt the scale at a lightweight 181g.

Expansive Infinite View Display with Blue Light Solution

The Reno13 sports a 6.59-inch flat screen and is equipped with a 120Hz Smart Adaptive 1.5K OLED ProXDR display, offering an impressive 93.4% screen-to-body ratio for a bezel-less viewing experience. With peak brightness of 1,200 nits (HBM), it ensures visibility even under harsh sunlight. OPPO’s screen technology is designed for eye comfort with a low-blue-light solution, certified by BOE SGS Seamless Pro Eye Protection.

Premium Camera with the Power of GenAI

The Reno13 features a flagship-level camera system, including a 50MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP monochrome camera. The device includes a tri-microphone system, audio zoom, and support for dual 4K video recording from the front and back cameras simultaneously.

AI Livephoto in 2K Clarity

The Reno13 offers creative control with its AI Livephoto feature, which automatically records video clips from 1.5 seconds before the shutter is pressed to 1.5 seconds after. The result is a 2K ultra-clear video, enabling users to select and edit any frame. Real-time adjustments, such as retouching, makeup, and filters, are also possible for these Livephotos.

One-Click AI Clarity

The Reno13 comes equipped with OPPO’s AI Clarity, a suite of advanced GenAI tools designed to enhance images with just a tap. Its AI Clarity Enhancer leverages powerful algorithms to boost image quality at 10X zoom, ensuring remarkable clarity even when viewed at 8X digital zoom.

With AI Unblur, the Reno13 ensures that every photo retains sharp details and vibrant colors, even when capturing subjects in motion.

OPPO’s AI Reflection Remover guarantees flawless photos by eliminating unwanted reflections. Additionally, with AI Eraser 2.0, you can easily remove photobombers or distracting background objects, leaving behind a picture-perfect memory.

AI Imaging

The Reno13 enhances portraits and group photos with AI-powered features like AI Portrait and AI Night Portrait. AI Imaging uses OPPO’s proprietary algorithms to enhance facial details and refine facial contours in low light. AI Best Face automatically identifies subjects with closed eyes and corrects the photo with AI.

AI Studio

The AI Studio on the Reno13 lets users transform their photos with GenAI features, such as sci-fi, vintage, or cartoon styles. Users can also create animated moments from still images using AI Motion or reinterpret photos with AI Reimage using more than 20 templates.

Get Creative with Underwater Photography

The Reno13’s industry-leading dust ingress and water resistance ratings open new possibilities for underwater photography. The IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications ensure the device can capture stunning moments above and below the surface, with AI adjustments to enhance underwater images.

Powerful Processor and Big Battery Life

The Reno13 features the customized MediaTek Dimensity 8350 processor, offering up to 60% improved peak performance and 55% greater power efficiency. The device packs a 5600mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge support, enabling fast charging and extended battery life. It can charge the battery from 0 to 17% in just 5 minutes, to 49% in 20 minutes, and to 100% in approximately 47 minutes and 23 seconds.

The device delivers uninterrupted gaming experience backed by a large battery and AI HyperBoost, it ensures smooth, lag-free gameplay for up to 8 hours, earning an S Rating from TÜV SÜD. It also includes an AI Multi-Cooling System featuring an expanded Vapour Chamber (VC) for temperature control during long gaming sessions.

In addition to this, AI LinkBoost 2.0 and OPPO’s custom SignalBoost X1 Chip ensure that the phone boosts Wi-Fi performance in weak signal areas and ensures smooth connectivity even in challenging environments, validated by TÜV Rheinland High Network Performance Certification.

ColorOS 15: Smart & Smooth

The Reno13 comes with ColorOS 15, delivering a sophisticated set of AI-driven features for enhanced productivity and creativity. OPPO’s 60-month fluency testing guarantees smooth, reliable performance for up to 5 years.

GenAI Integrated into Everyday Life

The OPPO Reno13 integrates GenAI features to make everyday tasks easier. Features like AI Summary, AI Rewrite, AI Reply, and AI Recording Summary allow for efficient work and productivity. The AI Toolbox 2.0 includes productivity features like Screen Translator, AI Writer, AI Reply and AI Recording Summary that can record office meetings—in English and Hindi as long as five hours and generate notes, summaries and transcripts.

Additionally, Circle to Search with Google allows users to instantly search for anything on-screen with a simple long press of the home button or navigation bar. And the Google Gemini app enables users to supercharge their productivity and creativity through AI-powered interactions.

OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G

The company has also introduced the OPPO Reno13 Pro, setting a new standard for smartphone photography with its flagship-level camera system, paired with a stunning 6.83-inch Infinite View Display featuring four-sided micro-curves and an impressive 93.8% screen-to-body ratio with a bezel-less viewing experience, making it perfect for binge-watching videos and browsing social media. The device boasts a 50MP + 50MP + 8MP triple-camera setup, including a 3.5x telephoto lens, along with AI-powered features. The 50MP Telephoto Camera with a 3.5x optical zoom ensures an equivalent focal length of 85mm for detailed shots. AI technology enhances ultra-zoom shots up to 120X, so no details are missed. Combined with AI Zoom capabilities, the tri-microphone system, and Audio Zoom ensure that these phones are perfect for recording concerts and other exceptional-quality performances. The smartphone boasts 5800mAh battery and support 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge.

New Delhi, January 22, 2025: Philip Morris International (PMI)’s India affiliate IPM India announced the appointment of Kingshuk Das as Director- People & Culture, effective January 1, 2025. With over 16 years of experience, he brings a wealth of expertise in strategic and operation HR, driving sustainable and inclusive growth, pivotal to IPM India’s transformational journey.

PMI has recently been featured among top 10 companies in the WSJ Management Top 250 Annual Company Ranking. In addition, IPM India is an Equal Salary certified organization and has received the Great Place to Work and Top Employer certifications for three & five years, respectively.

Kingshuk’s association with PMI began in 2012. Over the years, he moved across roles- People & Culture commercial in India, Talent Management in Hongkong, People & Culture Commercial role in Australia. In his last role, he was partnering the Global Operations organization, at Philip Morris Operational Centre, Switzerland.

Commenting on the appointment, Navaneel Kar, Managing Director, IPM India said, “Kingshuk has deep understanding of our business and applies this knowledge to the people and culture solutions he delivers. He is curious and intellectual, full of energy and enthusiasm, with a strong hunger for learning. With his experience working across markets, Kingshuk will bring a valuable perspective to this role. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous learning makes him ideal to lead the next phase of growth for our India business & achieve our strategic objectives.”

Kingshuk Das, Director – People & Culture, IPM India said, “I am excited to join the new role at this interesting phase of the organization and contribute to its growth & success. My passion lies in people-centric leadership along with elevating employee experience and fostering a dynamic culture of growth and innovation. I’m delighted to be a part of IPM India, where values like agility, collaboration, employee well-being, shape the ethos and culture of the organization.”

Bangalore, January 22, 2025:  In India, 42 million people are affected by thyroid diseases, with hypothyroidism being the most prevalent impacting 1 in 10 adults. Anaemia, often the first sign of hypothyroidism, affects 41.8% of those with hypothyroidismi ii. This World Thyroid Awareness month, its important to remind people about this dual challenge that may significantly affect overall productivity and quality of life, if left untreated.

Anaemia, a condition characterised by a lower-than-normal count of red blood cells, often coexists with hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland located in your neck doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are crucial because they regulate your body’s metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. The symptoms of these conditions can overlap, particularly during winter, when pale skin can mask the signs of anaemia. Despite this connection, it is often overlooked.

In winter, the body’s heightened demand for thyroid hormones to generate heat and regulate temperature can worsen common symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, depression, dry and coarse skin and hair, difficulty dealing with the cold, and a tingling sensation in the hands, amongst others. Women are three times more likely to be affected by hypothyroidism than men – and the elderly are another group typically affected by it as well.

 How are they linked?

Low thyroid levels slow down the production of red blood cells, a process further complicated by the effects of thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.  These conditions often lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, which can also affect red blood cell production. Additionally, low thyroid levels can interfere with iron absorption, disrupting various metabolic processes. If either is not treated, these issues can amplify the problem and make management of the condition harder. Raising awareness about this connection is necessary, not only for timely and accurate diagnosis, but also to ensure patients receive the appropriate care and treatment.

Dr. Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India said, “Hypothyroidism and anaemia are significant health concerns in India, but they can be effectively managed with timely diagnosis and consistent treatment. Educating more people about the linkage between these two conditions and encouraging those with symptoms to seek medical advice promptly is key. For example, if you notice a family member feels cold even in the summer or a friend often complains about never-ending fatigue, encourage them to see a doctor and get tested.”

Dr. Anusha Handral, Consultant Endocrinologist, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru added, “Today, the burden of both hypothyroidism and anaemia is on the rise. For instance, anaemia amongst women between 15 and 49 years increased from 53% in 2015-16 to 57% in 2019-2021. It’s extremely important for people to understand the connection between these two conditions, as it will aid in diagnosis and ensure appropriate advice and treatment.”

People in high-risk groups who should routinely screen for these conditions:

• Women (especially pregnant women)
• The elderly
• People with autoimmune diseases (like Celiac or Crohn’s disease)
• Those with nutritional deficiencies (including of various vitamins from B12 to D, iron, and more)
• People with chronic illness (such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and liver disease)
• Those with chronic acidity and digestive disorders

Diagnosis is key for better management of both conditions.

What’s important is staying vigilant about your health. It’s good to remember that early detection and treatment can make a significant difference. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult their doctor for next steps on screening. This may include a thyroid function test or checking their complete blood count and markers like ferritin, vitamin B12, and folate levels for anaemia. Take charge of your health to lead a better quality of life every day!

New Delhi, India – January 22, 2025 – SGF India, a leading name in vegetarian dining, is excited to announce the opening of its 24/7 outlet in Amritsar. Famous for its vibrant street food culture and diverse culinary offerings, Amritsar now welcomes SGF’s distinctive flavors, including its celebrated soy chaaps, which have quickly become a favorite among food lovers.

SGF India is redefining vegetarian dining with a focus on healthy, protein-rich meals. The Amritsar outlet features the brand’s signature live tandoor counters, offering a range of mouthwatering soy chaaps, flavorful North Indian specialties, and refreshing coolers, all in a modern, inviting setting. To celebrate this launch, SGF India is offering a Buy One Get One (BOGO) promotion, giving foodies the perfect opportunity to explore the brand’s signature dishes.

Adding to the convenience and appeal, SGF India has partnered with Tree House Hotel on Queen’s Road to offer both dine-in and takeaway options. This collaboration enables SGF India to provide a seamless dining experience for locals and travelers alike. The hotel’s strategic location, just five minutes from the railway station and fifteen minutes from the iconic Golden Temple, makes it an ideal spot for food enthusiasts. Furthermore, SGF India is offering catering services for special occasions, gatherings and other events, ensuring a delightful and hassle-free experience for customers.

“Amritsar is known for its rich street food culture, and we are excited to bring SGF’s unique, nutritious offerings to the city. Our unique chaaps, a favorite among food lovers, will now be available around the clock, offering a delicious and health-conscious dining experience,” said Mr. Kewal Ashwani Ahuja, Founder & CEO of SGF India.

SGF India continues to expand its footprint, with an upcoming opening in Bhopal in January 2025, further strengthening its presence in the country. The brand remains committed to providing nutritious, flavorful meals in modern spaces, catering to health-conscious diners across India.

About SGF: Founded in 2012 by Mr. Kewal Ahuja, Spice Grill Flame (SGF) has emerged as a prominent name in the culinary landscape, celebrating a decade of excellence in 2022. Specialising in tangy, spicy, and fiery 100% vegetarian cuisine, with a particular focus on vegan offerings, SGF stands as a haven for those seeking flavorful plant-based dishes. Our expertise lies in soy products, making SGF a true paradise for veg food enthusiasts.

From its humble beginnings with just two outlets, SGF has blossomed into a network of over 100 plus establishments across India. Mr. Ahuja’s vision to spread the brand globally, anchored in delectable protein chaaps and authentic North Indian cuisine, has propelled SGF’s organic growth.

Chennai, 22 January, 2025–Zoho, the global technology company headquartered in Chennai, today unveiled its global survey titled “Workplace Digital Transformation Survey 2025”. According to the survey, India’s workplace digital transformation is likely to peak in 10 years, but is currently lacking in cybersecurity readiness. The study, conducted by Zoho Workplace, the company’s enterprise email and collaboration suite, also revealed that India’s digital workplace transformation maturity (score of 64.6%) overtakes that of developed nations and also the global average (62.3%). Around 5000 employees were surveyed globally to examine the factors affecting their daily lives and the rate of digital adoption in their organisations.

The workplace digital transformation (DX) maturity model was built based on workplace indicators (digital tools and processes) and employee performance indicators (productivity, collaboration, and security preparedness). This model divided progress into four levels: Informal operations (minimal or ad-hoc usage of tools and processes), Standardisation (standard of tools and workflows), Structured operations (advanced integration across departments), and Optimisation (continuous improvement of tools and processes). Besides these indicators, the survey also measured employee experience, impact of change on the workplace, and adoption of digital tools (AI, analytics, etc).

“In India, government institutions and large enterprises must reassess their digital transformation strategies to address cybersecurity gaps and enhance collaboration. Leadership across sectors should champion initiatives that ease the steep learning curves associated with advanced digital tools. Startups and enterprises embracing the digital transformation wave must adopt a forward-thinking approach, ensuring innovations like integrated suites, AI-powered analytics tools, and secure communication platforms are equipped to tackle both present and future challenges,” said Rakeeb Rafeek, Market Strategy Lead, Zoho Workplace.

India’s stage of digital workplace transformation

According to the survey, India, which has the highest DX maturity score, could potentially reach an advanced maturity level in digital workplace transformation in the coming decade. The findings show that organisations in developing nations like India are at a critical juncture in their DX journey, moving from legacy systems to modern tools and often leapfrogging intermediate phases. As per the survey, 71% of employees based in India are at advanced maturity levels (level 3 and above), higher than the global average of 61%. This is owing to the fact that Indian professionals are actively involved in DX, resulting in higher perceived maturity scores as employees directly witness improvements in workflows and efficiency during this transition.

Key drivers in workplace processes driving DX maturity

India’s digital transformation is driven by key workplace processes that enhance operations and collaboration, even as workplaces grapple with areas for improvement. Over half (56%) of Indian workers use integrated, automated calendars, though 10% still rely on personal apps or don’t use calendars. Project tracking is common, with 38% of managers using project boards and 41% holding regular team meetings. However, task delegation remains largely manual for 37% of respondents, and only 14% use automated systems, especially in larger enterprises and healthcare. Communication tool usage varies, with 63% of organisations using email for announcements and 68% using chat for team updates. Social intranet tools have low adoption at just 16%, despite offering richer, interactive communication. The government and education sectors lag in automation, with less than 20% using automated ticketing systems.

State of security preparedness

In India, only 37% of organisations offer cybersecurity training to their employees. The country lags behind both APAC (44%) and the global rate (41%), indicating a gap in employee readiness to counter cyber threats. In terms of reporting of security incidents, it stands at 25%, with only technology departments and larger teams (51+ members) showing strong adherence, underscoring the need to encourage prompt incident reporting across other demographics. The survey also found secure remote work guidelines are followed by only 33% of organisations in India, and among employees following remote or hybrid mode of work, it is less than 50%.

While 74% of Indian organisations have a way for employees to report suspicious emails within their email client, leaving 26% relying on manual judgment. Only 17% of Indian workplaces stated that they have advanced security alert systems for suspicious emails, with the government and development sectors leading in adoption at 36% and 39%, respectively. India leads in advanced authentication measures, with 63% of organisations adopting these tools, while the global average is 49%. Additionally, the survey revealed that 42% of Indian companies have implemented data protection protocols, twice the APAC average.

In terms of regulatory compliance, only 22% of Indian organisations claim their security protocols involve compliance with industry-specific regulations, close to the global average of 24%. 31% of Indian organisations have implemented physical security measures, surpassing the global average of 28%. India also leads in password management tools at 33% and role-based access at 39%, emphasising the importance of limiting access based on roles for better data security. The persistence of ad-hoc sharing behaviours signals the need for stricter policies and better education on secure sharing practices.

Adoption trends of Shadow applications

Shadow applications (tools used without official approval by an organisation’s IT team) bring challenges such as security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, and oversight. In India, file sharing and storage (47%), communication (41%), and note-taking and documentation (28%) are the three top areas where employees are using shadow apps. Organisations must find a balance between empowering employees to use productivity-enhancing tools and implementing proper controls and security measures to mitigate risks. Addressing the widespread use of unapproved tools is crucial for maintaining security and compliance standards while maximising workplace efficiency.

India’s stance on leveraging AI in the workplace

Each region has adopted AI in varying capacities. In India, automated content creation (44%), and communication (52%) are the major use-cases for employees. This reflects India’s proactive use of AI to streamline creative processes and promote efficient, AI-driven collaboration. High adoption rates in workflow automation (39%), predictive analytics (33%), and AI powered chatbots show strong momentum in utilising AI for efficiency. There are opportunities to expand AI-powered search and increase adoption in resource and security management, where APAC currently excels.

Impact of Change Management on Employee Experience

India also leads globally in employee satisfaction at 49%, indicating a clear correlation between maturity levels and positive employee experiences. In fact, respondents whose organisations had fully overhauled their workplace tools (like email, chat etc.) achieved higher maturity scores (average 66.7) and reported a more positive work experience (64%), aided by vendor support that facilitated a smooth transition from fragmented systems. However, change in specialised workplace tools (like ERP systems or project management) leads to a lower overall positive work experience. Organisations that make minimal or no updates to their digital tools tend to have lower maturity scores (~61) and a mixed work experience (45% positive), indicating that the lack of change may limit exposure to modern tools and hinder long-term transformation.

The way forward for reaching peak workplace DX maturity

Currently, 27.5% of respondents remain at Level 2 maturity, while 65% are at Level 3. Moving from Level 2 to Level 3 requires significant tool and process enhancements, such as integrating suites and workflows. This transformation can take 2-3 years, and up to 5 years for advanced Level 3. The cost for this would be Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 80,000 per employee annually, as per the study. Advancing from Level 3 to Level 4, however, demands the adoption of advanced platforms and comprehensive process optimisation. This transition can take over 10 years and cost Rs. 80,000 – Rs. 1,70,000 per employee annually, the study states.

New Delhi, January 22, 2025: A recent report suggests that only 15% of the 500,000 brokers operating in India use technology effectively, leaving the majority dependent on manual processes like paperwork.

Magicbricks, India’s premier property portal, has reinforced its commitment to real estate brokers by scaling up READPRO, its AI-powered CRM platform, empowering over 15,000 brokers and achieving 85,000+ active licenses across 200+ cities in just six months.

With features like real-time sales tracking, lead integration, and performance analytics, READPRO has assisted in a 200% increase in lead generation, driven by innovative features such as data and lead management, live team updates, real-time performance tracking, and advanced tools like performance dashboards and compass.

Among the 200+ cities where READPRO operates, Magicbricks has observed the highest usage in metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with an average of 3,500, 1,600, 1,600, and 1,200 active users at any given time, respectively.

Additionally, digital adoption is driving its rapid growth in Tier-2 cities such as Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Agra, and Surat, showcasing the platform’s expanding footprint and appeal across diverse markets. As a result, READPRO has experienced a 71% surge in activity between November and December 2024.

Talking about the same, Sudhir Pai, CEO, Magicbricks emphasized “As residential demand and supply remain robust, the need for proptech solutions among brokers is more pressing than ever. By integrating READPRO’s advanced CRM capabilities into the Magicbricks platform, we are empowering the broker community with tools that enhance productivity, improve profitability, and streamline their operations. This aligns with our commitment to providing innovative solutions that address the evolving challenges of the real estate ecosystem.”

Originally developed by Its For You Pvt Ltd in 2020, READPRO was acquired by Magicbricks to complement its full-stack real estate solutions, which include Verified Leads and Site Visits. With over 2 crore customers and 15 lakh listings, Magicbricks continues to lead the real estate industry, enhancing capabilities for developers, homebuyers, and brokers alike.

Akshay Seth, Founder (ReadPro) further added, “Traditionally, brokers have depended on manual processes and generic CRMs. However, we identified their specific requirements and custom-built ReadPro, equipped with industry-specific features tailored for real estate professionals. With Magicbricks’ nationwide presence, robust technical infrastructure, and expansive sales network, we aim to amplify ReadPro’s reach and establish it as the leading CRM solution for real estate consultants across India.”

This Republic Day, ParamYoga invites you to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul with a unique wellness event on January 26, 2025. Under the expert guidance of Shri Ramesh Laxshman, India’s only licensed Hanna Somatics teacher, this event offers an opportunity to experience the profound benefits of Somatic Yoga and Pancha Mahabhut Meditation.

The event begins with a Somatic Yoga session from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., during which participants will learn slow, mindful movements designed to relax muscles, relieve pain, and improve overall awareness. Following a short refreshment break, the second session, Pancha Mahabhut Meditation, will run from 9:50 to 10:50 a.m. This meditation practice focuses on harmonizing the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) within the body, fostering balance and inner peace.

Shri Ramesh Laxshman brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the sessions. As a pioneer in Somatic Yoga, his techniques integrate neurophysiology, mindfulness, and ancient practices to deliver transformative results. His guidance will ensure that both beginners and experienced practitioners benefit from these sessions.

The event is beginner-friendly, making it accessible to anyone curious about yoga and meditation. Whether you’re seeking physical relaxation, mental clarity, or spiritual growth, it offers something for everyone.

Ludhiana, 21st January: Burlington English, a global leader in educational solutions and English language learning, has partnered with the Clay Group of Schools and Pre-Schools to enhance early childhood education. This collaboration aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022, emphasising a holistic approach to early learning focused on curiosity, well-being, and the joy of discovery. The collaboration aims to provide young learners with age-appropriate curricula and activities to help them explore their potential.

The partnership will leverage Burlington English’s Burlington Magic of Early Years kit with developmentally appropriate curricula and the Marion Richardson font to simplify early literacy and numeracy. The program aims to address critical learning gaps identified by studies like ASER, which revealed significant literacy challenges among first-grade students in rural pockets of the country.

“Burlington English is dedicated to raising the bar in early years education.” says Mr. Amit Baveja, Managing Director of Burlington English in India and Southeast Asia, “This partnership with the Clay Group is a significant step towards reaching young learners across the country. Our Burlington Magic of Early Years course, designed with a deep understanding of child development, fosters choice, joy, and wonder in young learners while focusing on essential development skills like literacy and numeracy. With great pride, I share that our early years kit, designed as per the NCF-FS 2022, is the only kit to have received a five-star rating from ECA-APER. With this, we aim to empower children by making strong foundation skills accessible to all, especially to learners in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.”

The “Burlington Magic of Early Years” program utilises Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the Marion Richardson font to support early literacy, recognising the developmental limitations of young children’s motor skills. Engaging resources like rhymes, music, and hands-on activities enhance learning while promoting healthy habits through dedicated wellness materials.

Shobhan Soi, CEO of Clay Group of Schools, commented, “At Clay, we believe in nurturing every child’s natural curiosity and potential. This collaboration with Burlington English reflects our shared vision of empowering young learners with a robust foundation for future success. Integrating globally acclaimed resources like the Burlington Magic of Early Years kit with our experiential, discovery-based learning philosophy is a game-changer. Together, we aim to equip children with essential life skills, fostering joy, mindfulness, and a lifelong love for learning.”

Burlington English’s approach emphasises a three-way collaboration between parents, teachers, and learners to support holistic child development, focusing on emotional intelligence and relationship building. The partnership with Clay Group of Schools aims to equip children with essential skills for future success through high-quality, care-centred, and discovery-based learning.

Mumbai/Bhubaneswar, 22nd Jan 2025 – Bhubaneswar based biotech startup Exsure has raised Rs 3 Cr in a seed round led by Unicorn India Ventures. The funds raised will be used to complete the milestones of non-clinical study with its exosome-based drug delivery vehicle and will also support Exsure’s global expansion plan with its in-house manufactured R&D products and promote Exosure, Leucosure, PlantExosure & Dr Berries.

Founded in 2021 by Swastika Paul and Abhishek Dutta, Exsure is a biotech startup working to reduce side-effects and toxicity of anti-cancer drugs by its patented exosomal drug-delivery platform that targets both cancer and cancer-stem cells. With its cutting-edge technology the company aims at reducing the toxic effects of chemotherapy and chances of cancer relapse improving the quality of lives of patients suffering from cancer.

In the last 12 months, Exsure has initiated the non-clinical study in India in collaboration with a CRO and completed one of its milestones in the preclinical study using its patented technology. The company also reported a 5 fold growth last fiscal year and is on track to service more than 50 clients this year with its R&D products, Exosure (3-in-1 exosome isolation reagent), Leucosure (PBMC isolation reagent) and PlantExosure (India’s 1st Plant exosome isolation reagent). It has also been selected for the OIST Innovation Accelerator program in Japan for business expansion and conducting clinical trials.

Commenting on the investment, Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says, The fear of Big C is real not just for the patients but even their families. Exsure with its advancement in scientific tools, technology and cutting edge medical research has built a powerful Exosome based drug that commits to staying at the forefront of advancement in therapeutics science. The funding accelerates Exsure’s mission to deploy solutions at a global level. We believe Exsure will not only continue to sustain its momentum but also grow due to its potential for transformative breakthroughs through its nano delivery platform. The company has witnessed remarkable progress in the last 12 months and has launched more innovative products. Hence, we believe the market opportunity is huge and the company has built the right momentum to capitalise on this segment.”

In the coming 12 months, Exsure will finish the non-clinical study and work on team building. The company also plans to present its data for CDSCO approval, strengthen the team size along with expanding its product marketing and sales at a global level.

Swastika Paul, CSO & Co-founder, Exsure ,says “During our PhD journey, we witnessed the toxicity of the present-day chemotherapy drugs and how 13% of the in-treatment cancer patients die due to toxicity of the chemotherapy drugs. Exsure is on a mission to reduce the toxicity of the chemotherapy drugs and make them more targeted to the cancerous cells. Our vision is to empower millions of cancer patients around the world and improve their quality of life.”

The company has launched its first in-house manufactured products and gained collaborators/partners Pan India for its products and services. Exsure has also signed contracts with distributors to expand the market for products at global level.

According to IBEF (INDIA BRAND EQUITY FOUNDATION) The Indian biotechnology industry is expected to reach$ 150 billion by 2025 and has the potential to reach$ 270-300 billion by the year 2030. By 2025, the contribution of the Indian biotechnology industry to the global biotechnology market is expected to grow to 19%, giving hyper growth opportunity to Exsure.