Kolkata, 25th February 2025: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Bengal is set to witness a transformative event that will redefine its entrepreneurial landscape. The Start-up Meet and Pitch Fest 2025, titled Platform – Kolkata Chapter, is being organized by Crea8ors, a leading experiential marketing and branding agency, in association with SoftTech Digi Media and Four Colors on 1st March at Dhano Dhanyo Auditorium. This groundbreaking event aims to bring together innovative startups, industry leaders, and investors to celebrate entrepreneurship and foster business growth.

The event will serve as a dynamic platform for startups to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, connect with industry experts, and gain visibility in the competitive business ecosystem. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the Platform – Kolkata Chapter promises to be a milestone in Bengal’s entrepreneurial journey.

Event Highlights

The event will feature two key segments designed to inspire, educate, and connect participants. The Pitch Festival will provide top startups with the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of esteemed judges and investors. This open forum will allow startups to get their pitches in the right places, provide mentorship opportunities, gain recognition, and attract potential collaborators and investors. The most promising ideas will be evaluated for their uniqueness, scalability, and potential impact. The Pitch Festival will be judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts, including Rimjhim Ray, CMO and Co-Founder of Heyo Phone, Avelo Roy, Managing Director & Startup Mentor of Kolkata Ventures, Dr. Arnab Basu, Co-Founder and CEO of Yancha, Aaquib Hussain, Founding Partner at Freeflow Ventures, Mahesh Shivanna, Founder of Origin Thoughts Pvt. Ltd., Sumit Sureka VP Lux Industries, Abhishek Ginodia Co-Founder Altius Investech, Arun Mukherjee, Mentor and Co-Founder at Chaigram.; Varshaa Guptaa, Consultant Shark Tank India season 1 and Founder of Velocity1.

The Business Networking Meet will include a Business Summit featuring talk shows, summits, and fireside chats with industry stalwarts. These sessions will offer valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the business world. Additionally, the Entrepreneurship Excellence Award will felicitate outstanding startups and entrepreneurs, recognizing their innovative ideas and potential for future growth.

Partners and Support
The event is supported by a strong network of partners, including Kolkata TV as the TV partner, Rotary, FBSC, FGEC, Pointers Business Forum and Bengal Business Council as ecosystem partners, IDFC First Bank as Banking Partner, Driver Partner – DRIVERS4ME, Dulal Chandra Bhar as Health Partner, LGK paints as Organic Paint Partner, Bhuter Raja Dilo Bor & Bhoj as Food Partner, Ideacafe as Branding Partner, News24 Bangla as Digital News Partner, Radium as event partner, StartupNews FYI as Media Partner, Puchka Man as Snaking Partner, Taxi Top Media as DOOH partner, PBI, Brandwave and Prime Advertising as OOH partners and 91.9 Friends FM as the radio partner. These collaborations underscore the collective effort to nurture Bengal’s startup ecosystem and provide a robust platform for startups to thrive.

Why This Event Matters
This initiative marks the first time a startup meet and pitch fest of this scale is being organized in Bengal. By bringing together startups, investors, and industry leaders, the event aims to create a thriving ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. It will provide startups with the visibility, inspiration, and opportunities needed to scale their businesses and make a lasting impact.

Sunando Chakraborty, Co-Founder of Crea8ors, shared his vision for the event, saying, “Platform – Kolkata Chapter is not just an event; it is a movement to empower Bengal’s entrepreneurial community. We aim to create a space where innovative ideas meet opportunity, and where startups can thrive with the right guidance and resources. This is our way of contributing to Bengal’s growth as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Looking Ahead
Platform – The Kolkata Chapter is a movement to empower Bengal’s entrepreneurial community. By celebrating innovation and providing a platform for startups to shine, this initiative will inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

By Clelia Cecilia Angelon, Founder & CEO, Surya Brasil

With the AQI levels rising to beyond hazardous, it is getting more and more difficult to breathe. While it is essential to stay indoors, there are times when we must step out. And that is the time when not just our lungs but the hair and skin also get impacted. While it is essential to put a mask on to protect the lungs, a cleansing routine will take care of the skin, but the impact on hair can be terrible. Thus always cover your hair when you step out. However, it is important to nourish the hair to reverse the impact of pollutants.

Henna is natural nectar for hair care, which is crucial for keeping hair beautiful, long, and healthy. It detoxifies the scalp and leads to hair that is revitalized, healthy, and shiny. It conditions and strengthens the hair. When other herbs are added to henna, it gives better results. It has been seen that Indian and Brazilian herb like Amla, Jua, Jaborandi, Babacu oil, Copaiba, Guarana, Cumaru, and Acai gives benefits that are more than just tinting the hair. Today one can get henna that can result in as many as 15 colors, right from black to copper to burgundy to blondish. Henna colors, treats, and hydrates the hair making them shiny and vibrant. Adding salt further helps to remove daily impurities such as pollution, oiliness, and residue of hair products. Avoid heat treatments at any cost.

Additionally, one can use a nature-based shampoo that can remove invisible particles, and heavy metals, and prepare your hair for the pollution they have to face. It is very important to avoid chemicals that are mixed with henna, dyes, and shampoos that can damage hair and health. When buying hair care products, always ensure that they are free from sulfates and parabens. Read the label carefully and ensure that your products don’t contain lauryl sulfate, synthetic fragrance, PPD, ammonia and its by-products ethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine, EDTA, resorcinol, and other toxic ingredients.

Henna also helps to prevent premature greying of hair since it contains tannins, a plant chemical found in teas that add to their vibrant coloring. Henna includes vitamin E, which helps to soften the hair. The plant’s natural leaves are high in protein and antioxidants, which help to maintain hair health. Henna hair dye is regarded as a good conditioner for your hair, making it stronger, thicker, and shinier. It may also help restore your hair and scalp’s natural pH balance!

The benefits of henna for hair growth extend beyond dyeing hair; it is also praised for its nutritional value, which promotes faster growth, strengthens and nurtures the roots, and beautifies hair. With regular use, one can improve moisture retention and duration of the hair color too. This can further be enhanced with color fixation products like shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and serums. Make sure you use natural, paraben-free products for better results.

However, many find henna applications to be messy, and time-consuming. Today you can get henna cream easily in the market that comes with an easy-to-apply applicator. Specially formulated with conditioning agents, you can simultaneously color gray hair and tone your hair while providing a complete treatment from root to tip. It replenishes nutrients and hydrates the hair, leaving you with a gorgeous mane that is colored and revitalized. It contains no ammonia or its byproducts like ethanolamine and triethanolamine, and no heavy metals, PPD, or resorcinol.

Henna can be used once monthly or as often as needed and it will help to restore natural moisture even as it adds sheen to the skin. Unlike other colorations that dry out and damage the hair and cannot be used frequently, Henna Cream can be used as often as desired, with no time intervals between applications, making it essential for all seasons. Since henna has a natural impact on the hair, the color can last up to 10 washes, which is a commendable duration compared to chemical-based hair dyes.

Switch to henna to get shinier hair that bounces and radiates your inner happiness even when its gloomy outside due to pollution.

Noida, India– Glued Supercharged, Noida’s premier entertainment destination, is revolutionizing the gaming experience with its sprawling 32,000 sq. ft. facility in Sector 96. Launched in 2023, this one-stop entertainment hub is designed to captivate thrill-seekers of all ages with seven high-energy gaming zones and over 500 exhilarating games.

From bowling and arcade games to cricket, soccer, shooting, and cue sports, Glued Supercharged offers an unparalleled mix of interactive fun, making it the go-to venue for casual outings, corporate events, birthday parties, and get-togethers. With a capacity to accommodate over 300 guests simultaneously, it ensures a high-energy experience for everyone who walks through its doors.

Expanding its reach beyond Noida, Glued Supercharged currently operates in Ludhiana and Noida Expressway, with its third center set to launch soon in Greater Noida West. Unlike conventional gaming zones that primarily focus on arcade games, Glued Supercharged sets itself apart by offering a diverse and immersive entertainment ecosystem. Whether it’s kids engrossed in arcade adventures, parents battling it out in bowling or cue sports, or groups competing in high-speed racing simulators, the experience is designed for every age and interest.

“Glued Supercharged isn’t just a gaming zone—it’s an entertainment revolution,” said Charu Saini, Business Head, Glued Entertainment of Glued Supercharged. “We’ve created a space where families, friends, and colleagues can escape the daily grind, challenge each other, and make unforgettable memories under one roof.”

Beyond gaming, visitors can explore a vibrant selection of food brands, including Blaze Pizza, Baskin Robbins, Momomia, Mr. Corn, Keventers, House of Candy, and many more, making it a complete entertainment and dining destination. From thrilling laser tag battles to an extensive arcade collection and top-tier bowling lanes, Glued Supercharged is redefining fun in Noida, ensuring that every visit is packed with excitement and adventure.

Peshawri at ITC Sonar is renowned for its robust flavors from the North West Frontier, offering an authentic culinary experience like no other. The restaurant specializes in a menu where dishes are crafted in traditional clay ovens—or tandoors—embodying the rich culinary heritage of the Indian North West Frontier region. This method ensures the preservation of tender, moist textures, with prime cuts of meat marinated in the finest spices and cooked over high heat.

The ambiance of Peshawri mirrors the tradition from which it stems, reminiscent of camaraderie around a campfire. The décor, featuring rough-hewn trestle tables and wooden stools, enhances the rustic charm.

Throughout March, Peshawri invites you to indulge in “Kebabs and Brews.” Treat yourself to a special feast of expertly crafted kebabs paired with a selection of fine brews. Enjoy a Vegetarian Assorted Kebabs.

The menu promises a delightful array of kebabs such as succulent Seekh Kebabs, Sikandar Raan, Tandoori Aloo, Paneer Tikka, and the iconic Dal Bukhara, all mindfully prepared by celebrated chefs. Elevate your meal with a carefully curated selection of premium beverages thoughtfully paired to enhance the spices and flavors of each dish.

India,25th February 2025 – Kohler, the global leader in luxury kitchen and bath design, made a striking impact at India Design Week with an exclusive showcase of its Kallista luxury range for bath spaces and its ground-breaking performance showering collection. The brand reaffirmed its commitment to design excellence, craftsmanship, and innovation with an immersive experience that captivated architects, designers, and luxury connoisseurs alike, marking a new era in bathing experiences.

The Kallista range, a premier American luxury brand renowned for its unparalleled design language, customization, and craftsmanship, was unveiled at the Symposium area. Designed with a boutique luxury mindset, Kallista’s exquisite range of faucets, basins, and showering solutions is defined by meticulous craftsmanship, featuring customizable handles adorned with precious stones, a rich selection of finishes, and the finest quality brass and solid materials. The collection embodies the perfect blend of transitional and contemporary aesthetics, catering to the evolving tastes of the Indian luxury market. Built on an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship the Kallista range meets the highest standards of form, function, and elegance and its India debut signifies a new era of opulence and personalization in bath spaces.

At the Booth area, Kohler captivated visitors with a first-of-its-kind immersive performance showering experience, transforming the space into a sanctuary where the power of water took center stage. The live showcase brought innovation to life, featuring multiple working showers that demonstrated precision, personalization, and sensory indulgence. From the intelligent Anthem+ digital valve, which delivers precision temperature and flow customization, to the Statement Showering Collection—a versatile range of showerheads, body sprays, and massage-mode outlets designed to complement Anthem+— every innovation reflects Kohler’s commitment to redefining showering. The path-breaking Radiance shoulder shower is thoughtfully designed with an adjustable shower height to keep hair dry when needed, a customizable shower fascia for enhanced comfort, and a range of premium finishes, setting a new benchmark in personalized showering experiences. The Brazn Shower Enclosure further elevates the experience, transforming artistic glass variants into a striking décor element. The display also included Lumiwave, a next-generation innovation from Kohler’s global portfolio, integrating water and dynamic lighting for an immersive experience. Through a seamless blend of design, technology, and sensory indulgence, the booth illustrated how Kohler elevates everyday routines into extraordinary, spa-like experiences—where performance meets pure indulgence.

Speaking on the occasion, Ranjeet Oak, Managing Director – South Asia, Kohler stated “For over a decade, India Design Week has been an extraordinary stage for Kohler to showcase our relentless pursuit of innovation and design excellence in luxury bath spaces. This year, we unveiled Kallista—the crown jewel of bespoke bath design—a masterpiece of timeless elegance and artisanal craftsmanship at the Symposium area. Alongside it, our ground-breaking performance showering range showcased at the booth reimagines the very essence of showering, transforming it into the ultimate multisensory escape where water, light, and technology harmonize to create an experience beyond compare. At Kohler, we believe in delivering an experience that is exceptional in every drop. and this showcase is a testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, shaping the future, and elevating everyday rituals into extraordinary moments”.

Kohler’s showcase at India Design Week reinforced its leadership in the luxury bath space, offering a glimpse into the future of indulgent and performance-driven bathroom solutions. With a focus on pushing design boundaries and enhancing user experiences, the brand continues to shape the evolving landscape of luxury aesthetics in India and beyond reinforcing one undeniable truth: the future of bathing is here, and it is nothing short of extraordinary.

India, 25 February 2025: Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (Star Health Insurance), India’s largest retail health insurance company, becomes the country’s largest Home Health Care (HHC) provider by expanding its HHC initiative to 100 locations across India. The program, launched in July 2023, now serves over 85% of Star Health Insurance’s customer base, offering cashless doorstep medical care within 3 hours with no out-of-pocket expenses. Improves accessibility, availability, and affordability of healthcare in Bharat.

Anand Roy, MD & CEO, of Star Health Insurance, said, “At Star Health, we believe that health insurance goes beyond providing financial coverage. It is a bridge to accessible and affordable healthcare for every individual. Our vision is to remove barriers such as high hospitalization costs, logistical challenges, and the stress associated with seeking care. By bringing quality medical care closer to customers we aim to ensure their comfort and peace of mind. This initiative is tangible proof of our focus on transforming health insurance delivery by ensuring that it is accessible, affordable, and designed around the evolving needs of our customers.”

The HHC program provides timely medical care to patients recovering from infectious diseases. Under the program, a partner doctor visits the patient’s home to assess their condition, conduct a diagnosis, and provide necessary treatment if hospitalization is deemed unnecessary for the symptoms, with regular in-person follow-ups. If needed, based on severity, the doctor may recommend hospitalization, though less than 1% of patients have required this escalation.

Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune have been proactive in the adoption of these services, with services primarily focused on treating conditions such as viral fever, dengue, enteric fever, acute gastroenteritis, and respiratory infections. More than 15,000 patients have benefitted from Star Health Insurance’s Home Health Care program via a combination of Home admissions as well as Home-based Consultations.

The expansion has been facilitated through partnerships with leading healthcare providers, including Care24, Portea, Argala, Athulya, and Apollo.

National, 25th February 2025: PVR INOX, India’s leading cinema exhibitor, is delighted to announce its association with ISHA to bring the grandeur of MahaShivRatri celebrations to audiences across the country. The live telecast from ISHA’s Coimbatore campus will be screened at select PVR INOX cinemas on February 26, 2025, from 6:00 PM onwards, continuing through the night until 6:00 AM.

MahaShivRatri, known as ‘The Great Night of Shiva,’ is one of the most sacred and spiritually powerful nights of the year, marked by an all-night celebration of music, chants, meditation, and deep inner stillness. While thousands gather at the Isha Yoga Center to be part of this phenomenal spiritual event, PVR INOX is now making it possible for devotees, seekers, and families across India to experience this night together—without having to travel.

Communities can come together in their city, in the comfort of their nearest PVR INOX cinema, to collectively experience the magic of MahaShivRatri on the big screen. Audiences will witness spellbinding performances by world-renowned artists, the soul-stirring Rudra mantra chants, profound guided meditations, and inspiring discourses by Sadhguru himself. Adding to the spectacle will be the Adiyogi Divya Darshanam, a breathtaking light and sound show projected onto the majestic 112-foot Adiyogi.

Speaking on this unique collaboration, Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO-Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Limited, expressed enthusiasm: ” At PVR INOX, we constantly strive to create unique and immersive experiences for our audiences beyond just cinema. Bringing the sacred energy of MahaShivRatri to the big screen in partnership with ISHA Foundation is a truly divine and transformative initiative. This collaboration allows devotees to experience the magic of this cosmic night in the comfort of their own city while staying deeply connected to the spiritual heart of Coimbatore. We are confident that this initiative will redefine how communities come together to celebrate and experience devotion on a grand scale.”

A carefully curated selection of priority cinema locations has been finalized in collaboration with ISHA, audiences can partake in this divine night at key PVR INOX locations across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and more.

Mumbai, February 25th, 2025 : Infiniti Mall, a premium luxury shopping and entertainment destination, is all set to transform evenings into magical experiences with its exclusive open-air movie screenings this March.As the cool breeze complements the warmth of heartfelt storytelling, visitors can immerse themselves in a cinematic journey. Designed to offer a perfect blend of leisure and entertainment, the screenings promise a cozy, intimate, and visually captivating atmosphere, allowing guests to relive some of the most beloved romantic classics.

At Infiniti Mall, the March screening schedules a handpicked selection of iconic films, each celebrating love, life, and meaningful connections. The lineup begins with the timeless masterpiece Before Sunrise, inviting audiences to experience the magic of a serendipitous love story.

This is followed by the Bollywood favorite Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, a film beautifully capturing the essence of friendships, love, and adventure.

The romance deepens with Love Aaj Kal, portraying love across generations and how it evolves with time.

Finally, the month culminates with the heartwarming classic Notting Hill, a tale of an unexpected love story between a London bookseller and a Hollywood superstar.

Whether one is enjoying a film solo, with family, or with someone special, the open-air screenings at Infiniti Mall promise a wholesome and enchanting escape, making every screening a night to remember. Tickets are available on BookMyShow, inviting guests to secure their spots for a memorable cinematic experience.

World NGO Day is more than just a tribute—it’s a recognition of the relentless spirit of organizations that turn bold visions into tangible change. From championing social justice to driving grassroots transformation, NGOs serve as catalysts for progress, shaping a world that reflects the values of equity, dignity, and inclusion.

On this World NGO Day, Mr. Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India, states, “On World NGO Day, we celebrate organizations that dare to imagine a different world and then work tirelessly to create it. At CBM India, our vision is clear: a society where disability inclusion is a lived reality that reflects our deepest values of equity, dignity, and justice.

Our decades-long experience has taught us that by creating the conditions for inclusion, we set in motion profound changes, transforming individual lives while building a richer, stronger, more vibrant society. CBM India has been at the forefront of this effort, working towards disability-inclusive development through healthcare, education, livelihood, and humanitarian action programs that ensure access to resources and essential services. We believe that true progress comes from collaboration—partnering with governments, communities, and like-minded organizations to break barriers and build a more inclusive India for all.

What makes NGOs unique is our ability to bridge the gap between vision and reality. We are not just dreamers; we are doers. On this World NGO Day, we celebrate the incredible work of NGOs worldwide, building bridges and catalyzing change. Let us continue shaping a world where every person with disabilities lives with unshakeable knowledge: ‘Every door, every opportunity, every dream is mine to pursue.”

Chennai, 25 February 2025 – In a significant move to bolster the welfare of the very large worldwide seafaring community, Synergy Marine Group, recognized as one of the largest employers of Indian seafarers, today announced an expanded collaboration with Mercy Ships. Building on its initial support through lending free office space at its European hub in Ørestad, Copenhagen, Synergy Marine Group will now progressively extend its assistance to include maritime technical expertise, medical teleconsultations, targeted awareness campaigns, and dedicated fundraising efforts.

Operating from Synergy Denmark’s office, Mercy Ships Denmark can work more efficiently, enhancing coordination in recruiting volunteers and supporting life-saving medical missions aboard its hospital ships Africa Mercy and Global Mercy. This strengthened partnership further underscores the joint commitment of both organizations to improve the lives of vulnerable communities and ensure sustainable access to critical healthcare services.

A Shared Commitment to Humanitarian Aid

Mercy Ships has been a lifeline for underserved communities for over four decades, providing free surgeries and medical training across Africa. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization demonstrated remarkable resilience by swiftly pivoting to focus on medical training, capacity building, and vaccine support—ensuring that frontline healthcare professionals had the necessary resources to continue delivering critical care.

Reflecting on the significance of increasing support from Synergy Marine Group, founder and Chairman Captain Rajesh Unni said:

“Our help will extend beyond just office space — we will actively drive awareness and fundraising initiatives to support the life-saving work of Mercy Ships. Additionally, the panel of doctors that supports Synergy seafarers will provide follow-up teleconsultations for Mercy Ships’ medical missions, ensuring continued care for patients in need. The Mercy Ships’ commitment to medical resilience during COVID-19 was remarkable, and we are honored to stand alongside them in extending critical healthcare to those in need.

The pandemic also exposed stark humanitarian injustices—while the world relied on shipping for essential goods, seafarers were denied medical access, the right to return home, and, in some very disturbing cases, even a dignified burial. As a seafarer myself, I am unable to accept this, even four years later. We must not let it happen again. By upscaling our support for Mercy Ships, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that healthcare and humanitarian aid reach those who need it most, including the very people who keep global trade moving.”

Charlotte Nørholm Dyhr, Secretary General, said: “We are deeply grateful for our increasing collaboration with Synergy Marine Group, which makes daily operations and work easier and more enjoyable for both volunteers and employees. This is a tremendous benefit for us, and we feel its impact every day. It supports our mission of recruiting volunteers and providing free surgeries to thousands of people each year aboard our two hospital ships, Africa Mercy and Global Mercy.”

Building a Lasting Impact

At its core, this expanding teamwork is about delivering critical support to those who need it most — whether at sea or on land. Synergy Marine Group remains deeply committed to seafarer welfare, advocating policies that prevent humanitarian crises like the crew change challenges witnessed during the pandemic. By upscaling its support for Mercy Ships, the Group reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that healthcare and humanitarian aid reach every individual, including the very people who keep global trade moving.

Since its founding in 1978, Mercy Ships has:

•  Performed over 117,000 life-saving procedures, including tumor removals, reconstructive surgeries, and cleft lip repairs;
•  Trained more than 54,300 local medical professionals in surgery, nursing, and biomedical sciences;
•  Provided basic healthcare education to nearly 272,000 people, empowering communities with essential health knowledge.

With hospital ships staffed by 1,000 volunteer seafarers and medical professionals from 60 countries, Mercy Ships continues to make a profound difference in global healthcare.