Assetz Launches 700 Plots with Premium Amenities by 190-Acre Lake
Mumbai, May 6, 2025: Assetz, Bengaluru’s leading real estate developer, has announced the launch of The Secret Lake, a luxury plotted development located on IVC Road, Devanahalli. Just a short 10-minute drive from the upcoming Foxconn Centre in KIADB Phase 3, Harrow International School and the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence. With an emphasis on human-centric planning, The Secret Lake brings together the calm of nature and the ease of urban access, crafted for those seeking both peace and proximity.
This project is where design meets intention. Developed in association with Equinox Global Shelters, an experienced player in plotted layouts, this project offers a majority of spacious plots ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 sq. ft., along with abundant open spaces and state-of-the-art amenities with a scope of future development. Over 20 acres are dedicated to open spaces—including 6.8 acres for amenities and clubhouse, and 4.8 acres for landscaped green spaces—all beside a pristine ~190-acre lake. Complementing its scenic location and thoughtfully laid out master plan, The Secret Lake boasts top-tier infrastructure, with special emphasis on sports amenities such as Padel Tennis, Pickleball and more. The roads with pedestrian pathways are lined with a three-tier avenue plantation, which transforms every street into a living, breathing boulevard. Every element of infrastructure here reflects an ideal blend of form and function.
The Secret Lake draws its name from the serene, almost hidden ~190-acre lake, making it a natural gem tucked away from the city’s noise, yet deeply connected to it, balancing city life and nature retreat.
Mr. Rohit Cariappa, Director – Head of Sales & CRM at Assetz Property Group, comments, “With the launch of The Secret Lake, we’ve moved beyond just selling plots to creating a holistic ecosystem. This plotted development isn’t just about owning land, it’s about being part of a community where every aspect of modern, healthy living has been carefully considered.”
Mr. Sunil Pareek, Executive Director at Assetz, added, “Besides high-rises and townships, plotted development is one among the segments in Assetz’s diversified portfolio. We’ve created value addition while serving our targeted customer segment with over 145 acres of plotted developments. Our plotted development projects are premium in nature, with top-grade infrastructure spends and are built to last for decades. Our locations and infrastructure is reflected in our average sale price, which is close to 7000 per square foot in FY25.”
British Council and NHM London Reveal Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winners
New Delhi, 5 May 2025: The British Council, UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, and the Natural History Museum (NHM), London, announced the launch of the Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the British Council. Running from 2 May to 6 June 2025, the 60th edition of the celebrated showcase features award-winning photographs capturing the beauty and fragility of the natural world. The exhibition was inaugurated by Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, UK Government marking the start of a month-long celebration of art, biodiversity, and conservation.
The British Council has long championed the arts as a powerful medium for fostering dialogue, creativity, and global collaboration. Hosting the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in India underscores its commitment to promoting cultural exchange and raising awareness about critical environmental issues. By bringing home this globally acclaimed showcase the British Council aims to engage diverse audiences – from young learners to educators and artists – in conversations about sustainability, biodiversity, and the role of creativity in driving positive change.
This exhibition is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Natural History Museum, helping to bring world-class British cultural institutions to global audiences and spark conversations around climate, conservation, and nature.
Speaking on the occasion, Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council said, “The Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire action. By hosting this showcase at the British Council, we aim to spark meaningful conversations about conservation and creativity, engaging young people we work with in the global movement to protect our planet’s biodiversity.”
Speaking on the annual exhibit’s 60th edition being featured at the British Council, Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, said, “We’re delighted to present Wildlife Photographer of the Year in New Delhi, India, with a showcase of our category winning images. These are photographs that not only encourage further wildlife conservation efforts, but that spark the creation of real advocates for our planet on a global scale.”
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in New Delhi features extraordinary category-winning images from photographers all over the world, capturing rare moments in nature and highlighting pressing conservation challenges. The month-long exhibit will also feature a variety of engaging events and activities, including a digital library wall and curated book display, a drawing session for children on the theme of ‘Wildlife Conservation’, a creative writing competition for children participating in the British Council’s Delhi Teaching Centre’s Summer School, screening of Ashwika Kapur’s documentary ‘Catapults to Cameras’, and a panel discussion with representatives from the Natural History Museum, London, and the British High Commission.
Nikhil Arya joins Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama as the unflinching Kotwal with a mysterious past
Mumbai, May 6, 2025: Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama continues to delight viewers with its winning mix of wit, wisdom, and whimsical twists. As the story deepens and the stakes rise, a new character is set to enter the fray—one who observes more than he speaks, and commands presence without raising his voice.
Acclaimed actor Nikhil Arya steps into the intriguing role of Kotwal —the kingdom’s silent protector and serious enforcer of law, whose stillness speaks volumes. Kotwal is a man of few words and many secrets. A no-nonsense officer, he operates with quiet precision and unwavering duty. He’s present at every crime scene, every conundrum, yet almost ghostlike in his stillness. His partnership with Tenali Rama (Krishna Bharadwaj) and Laxman (Kunal Karan Kapoor) adds a compelling triangle to the show’s core dynamic: where Rama is dramatic and Laxman is composed, Kotwal is immovable—a human monolith with eyes that miss nothing. His silent, unreadable nature leaves Rama and Laxman both curious and challenged, so much so that they strike a playful bet to see who can make the Kotwal laugh first. But behind the calm and quiet lies a deeper mystery. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that even those who say the least may have the most to reveal.
Nikhil Arya, speaking about his role, shared, “Playing Kotwal has been a fascinating challenge. It’s rare to get a character whose strength lies in silence. There’s an intensity to him—he’s always present, always alert, but never one for unnecessary words. The real fun is in the subtle shifts—the raised brow, the sideways glance—those are his dialogues. Being part of a show like Tenali Rama, which balances humor And depth so beautifully, is a joy. The dynamic between Kotwal, Rama, and Laxman is something I think the audience will really enjoy, especially the playful attempts to make him laugh—and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Watch Tenali Rama, every Monday to Saturday at 8 PM, only on Sony SAB
Max Hospital Vaishali Hosts ONCO-CON 2025 with 700 Oncologists
In an initiative to bring together leading oncologists from across the country in the fight against Cancer, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali organized the biggest Oncology event in the region today- ONCO–CON 2025, on the theme “Close the Care Gap”. The two daylong conference witnessed the participation of over 700+ eminent oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and clinicians from across India.
ONCO–CON is a high-impact platform for the country’s oncology experts to deliberate on breakthroughs in cancer diagnostics, precision treatment, and multidisciplinary disease management. The event featured focused sessions on Breast, Lung, Gynaecological, GI, Head & Neck, Uro-Oncology, Haematological, and Pediatric cancers, with live debates, case-based discussions, panel interactions, workshops, and poster presentations.
During the event Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, Chairman of Max Institute of Cancer Care said “There was a time when cancer was considered as the end of life for every person, but today we are here discussing the success stories of rare cases of cancer that were treated promptly and how advanced technology like Da Vinci Xi robotic procedures are providing new lease of life to several cancer patients. All of this was made possible due to the several rapid advancements in the field of medical science over the past few years and through this platform, we were able to bring together leading oncologists in this battle against cancer.”
ONCO–CON 2025 also featured focused discussions on various Disease Management Groups (DMGs), enabling multidisciplinary insights into complex cancer cases. A dedicated haematology workshop provided learning experience on current therapeutic strategies. The precision and benefits of the Da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot were demonstrated, while a medical quiz and poster presentation fostered academic engagement among young clinicians.
Dr. Gopal Sharma, Principal Director, Medical Oncology – Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali stated, “ONCO–CON 2025 has served as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when the oncology community & primary care physicians come together. The exchange of ideas, case studies, and new technologies at this forum equips us to deliver more personalized and effective cancer care. As clinicians, we often face complex challenges, and such platforms provide not just academic insight, but also inspiration and collaboration. At Max Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali we remain committed to driving innovation and teamwork in our shared mission to close the care gap and improve patient outcomes.”
Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal, Executive Vice President & Zonal Head, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali & Lucknow, added, “We are extremely pleased with the accomplishment of ONCO–CON 2025. As the prevalence of Cancer is increasing every year, our healthcare system needs to come together and join hands in order to provide better patient outcomes to those suffering from cancer. This conference has helped us bring together some of the brightest minds in the field of Oncology from across the country and provide them with a unique experience and opportunity to discuss the latest advancements in the field.”
Max Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering platforms like ONCO–CON annually, aimed at advancing knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaborative progress in the ongoing battle against cancer. As the most advanced cancer centre in the region, the Institute continues to lead the way in introducing and discussing cutting-edge oncology treatments such as robotic surgery, advanced radiation techniques like EDGE 3.0, CAR-T cell therapy, immunotherapy, Tomo-therapy, and more.
Myntra’s Ultimate Glam Clan Hits 5 Lakh Sign-Ups, Led by Gen Z
Bengaluru, May 06, 2025: Myntra, one of India’s leading fashion, beauty, and lifestyle destinations, has achieved a significant milestone with its Ultimate Glam Clan program, surpassing 500K creator signups on the platform, since its launch in Sept ‘24. The program, which empowers everyday shoppers to become content creators, is redefining how users engage with fashion on the platform. Notably, Gen Z is leading this creator revolution, accounting for 67% of new signups in recent months, a testament to the program’s strong resonance with the next generation of trendsetters.
Since its launch, the Ultimate Glam Clan program has gained remarkable traction, empowering creators to share product reviews through high-quality images and videos while earning rewards. This program has not only boosted engagement but has also contributed to assisted shopping behaviour by providing users with relatable, authentic content.
Speaking on the milestone, Sunder Balasubramanian, Chief Marketing Officer, Myntra, said, “The growth of this program is a testament to the growing demand for authentic, user-generated content & feedback loops in the digital ecosystem. At Myntra, we understand that today’s consumers, especially Gen–Z, prioritise authenticity when making purchasing decisions,and this program is our way of creating a platform that shares real, relatable experiences between fellow shoppers. This enhances trust and the connection customers feel when making purchases, making their shopping journey more personal.”
Measuring Success: Myntra measures the program’s success through key metrics, including signups, percentage of active creators, and the volume of user-generated posts. Key Metrics Highlighting the
Success of the Program:
- 500K Creators on Board: With over 500K signups, And 67% of new signups in recent months were Gen–Z.
- Creator Earnings: Creators can earn up to ₹25,000 in Myntra credits every month, with the opportunity to earn more through exclusive challenges. Myntra has rewarded creators with an average payout of ~ INR 900 per creator per month over the past 7 months . Top-performing shoppers have monetized their content to the tune of ~ 2L+ in just 7 months.
- Increased Engagement and Conversion: Users who engage with user-generated content (UGC) show higher engagement, with a 2% increase in engagement rate per user on the app.
The Ultimate Glam Clan operates on a tiered structure, offering creators the opportunity to progress from ‘Expert’ to ‘Trendsetter’. The progression is based on the number of posts, views, and orders received. Creators can start earning from the ‘Leader’ level and work their way up, unlocking higher rewards and more exposure as they reach ‘Trendsetter’ status.
The program’s incentivization model remains robust, with creators earning based on the number of posts and engagement metrics. With the recent launch of video posts, creators can now earn 2X their income compared to image posts, further enhancing the rewards for active participants.
Real-Time Analytics: Another key feature of the program is the Real-Time Analytics Dashboard, which provides creators with valuable insights into views, clicks, and reach. This tool allows creators to optimize their content, increase engagement, and connect more effectively with Myntra’s growing community of shoppers.
GARP Enables Remote Access to SCR and RAI Exams
India, 5th May 2025 — The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), a global leader in risk education, has announced the launch of remote online proctoring for its Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) and Risk and AI (RAI) certificate programs globally. This initiative is designed to significantly expand access to these globally recognized programs, especially for professionals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by enabling candidates to take the exams from the comfort of their homes. The first set of remotely proctored exams will be administered in October 2025.
The remote testing option is secured through a secure remote proctoring system, ensuring a consistent and fair exam experience for all candidates. It will allow Indian candidates the flexibility to schedule and take their SCR and RAI exams from a location of their choice, following India Standard Time (IST). Registered candidates will receive all necessary instructions and access details prior to their exam via email.
The initiative comes at a time when interest in GARP’s globally recognized risk education programs is rising sharply, driven by growing awareness of the need to manage risks related to climate change and emerging technologies. In India, GARP has collaborated with educational institutions including XLRI-Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, Christ University, Bangalore and Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar. It aims to expand to cities such as Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Jamshedpur, Kochi, Lucknow, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Visakhapatnam, Agra, Kanpur, Mysuru, Mangalore, and Udupi.
These ongoing partnerships allow GARP to share its global expertise and contribute to India’s educational and professional upskilling goals. Between 2021 and 2024, enrolment for the SCR program in India grew at an impressive annual rate of 59.6%, reflecting the rising demand for sustainability knowledge. Since the launch of the RAI program in August 2024, India has rapidly become GARP’s second-largest market for candidate registrations globally. Participation has been particularly strong in metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, and Chennai—key hubs for careers in sustainability and AI. The introduction of remote proctoring is set to remove logistical and cost barriers, providing professionals with easier access to these future-focused certifications from anywhere across the country.
“India is a major global economy, and it is growing. As the nation progresses toward its $5 trillion economic goal, the capacity to manage sustainability and AI-driven risks becomes paramount,” said Richard Apostolik, President and CEO of the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). “By introducing remote proctoring, we are eliminating geographical and logistical barriers to certification, making these critical programs more accessible to professionals in India, allowing them to objectively demonstrate to their global peers that their professional knowledge is on par with anyone in the world.”
The RAI certificate equips candidates with a robust understanding of AI evolution, core AI tools and techniques and their application in real world use cases, AI risks, including algorithmic bias, explainability, transparency, reputational risk, and data and model governance frameworks—skills that are especially vital as India’s AI sector is projected to generate over 2.3 million jobs by 2027, while the available talent pool may only reach 1.2 million, highlighting a knowledge gap and urgent need for upskilling .
Similarly, the SCR certificate—recognized globally as a unique climate risk credential—offers in-depth knowledge of green and sustainable finance markets and instruments, climate science, global policy and governance initiatives, climate models and scenario analysis, transition planning and carbon reporting, and nature risk assessment. With over 80% of India’s population vulnerable to climate-induced disasters and forecasts suggesting climate change could shrink India’s GDP by 25% by 2070 , equipping professionals with these critical skills is more important than ever.
REHAU Lays Groundwork for Expansion in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh, 5th May 2025: REHAU, a global leader in polymer-based solutions, has taken a significant step towards expanding its manufacturing footprint in India by acquiring 1.05 acres of industrial land in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The land, secured through a 99-year lease agreement near the RED Star Polymers plant, marks a strategic investment by REHAU India to support RED Star Polymers in scaling up its manufacturing capacity.
This development comes just months after REHAU‘s acquisition of a 51% stake in RED Star Polymers Pvt. Ltd., a company manufacturing PVC edgebands, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening its market presence in India.
The newly acquired land is strategically located adjacent to RED Star’s operational facility, enabling seamless synergies and long-term scalability. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri City on 25th April 2025, REHAU has underlined its confidence in India’s robust manufacturing ecosystem and its long-term vision to serve both domestic and export markets from this strategic base.
Dr Thomas Troeger, CEO, REHAU Interior Solutions, added, “Our decision to invest further in India reflects our confidence in the country’s long-term market potential. This expansion positions REHAU to meet growing demand while reinforcing our manufacturing excellence.”
Commenting on the expansion, Tushar Verma, Executive Vice President, REHAU India, said, “This land acquisition is a continuation of our commitment to scale manufacturing in India. Sri City’s world-class infrastructure and connectivity make it an ideal location for REHAU’s next phase of growth.”
Mr. Lakshmi Pacha, Vice President, REHAU India, remarked, “This is a great investment by REHAU India that directly supports RED Star Polymers’ growth trajectory. The proximity of the new land to our existing facility will significantly enhance our manufacturing capacity and operational efficiency, helping us meet increasing market demand”.
REHAU has been present in India for over 27 years and has consistently invested in local manufacturing capabilities. With the addition of this land near RED Star’s facility, REHAU is poised to enhance its capacity, workforce, and product portfolio tailored for the Indian market.
Raja Kumari Calls Mumbai Her ‘City of Hope’ on Realme Hip Hop India S2
MUMBAI, India–May 5th, 2025: Amazon MX Player – Amazon’s free video streaming service has dialled up the hip hop fever in their latest episodes. Headed by judges Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora, the celebration was further livened with the arrival of special guests who each have some major credits to their name in the Hip Hop domain: Bhavesh aka B. Cube, the first Indian internationally acclaimed beatboxer, was unveiled in a high-energy performance; Lash Curry, the energetic MTC Hustle Season 4 winner, introduced his signature style; and B-Girl aka Bar-B, India‘s first female face of breaking, electrified the stage. In an enthralling display of solidarity, all the guests, judges, and contestants joined forces on stage, lending a fun atmosphere to the grand arrival of Grammy-nominated international artist and BMI Pop Award winner, Raja Kumari.
This week, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 took things up a notch as Remo D’Souza announced a first-of-its-kind celebration—a fusion of Desi and International forms of Hip Hop, bringing together all core elements of Hip Hop: Rap, Beatboxing, DJing, Dance, and Emceeing on one stage. The format shifted to intense battles with no scores—just winners and losers—decided by both judges and contestant votes. Raja Kumari added a powerful rap segment during the opening battle between Rules Breakerz and Lil Pool, with Lil Pool taking the win. Lash Curry joined the stage, and Adnaan bid an emotional farewell due to injury.
Additionally, messages from icons like Sunidhi Chauhan, Dino James, Shah Rule, and Badshah acknowledged the movement being created by the contestants. Subhankar defeated Ranjeet in a DJ-themed face-off and received a special message from krump legends including one of the founding creators of krump dance style – Big Mijo himself. The stage went wild in a celebratory frenzy as Pikachu danced with the contestants! Lamonlang flung down the gauntlet, inviting Aman and Kunal to an intense battle. Rahul Bhagat staged a dramatic comeback, partnering with fan favorite Hitesh for a show-stopping act. Bar B and Rules Breakerz turned up the heat, and Ghazal Alagh stopped by for an impromptu dose of inspiration. Ultimately, Norbu won, beating out the other winners of battles to win a highly prized advantage for next week.
Reflecting on her journey as a rapper, the international music sensation Raja Kumari said, “Hip Hop has always been a place where I felt accepted, a community. Growing up in America, there weren’t many Indians on TV, in Music and then when I heard Timbaland for the first time, he was sampling Indian music, and I felt like, you know what, I belong there; I can be a part of that, and I can keep who I am. So it’s been a long journey, but I always know I will make it in India, and if people knew me in India, then they would know me everywhere in the world. So that was really important to me, and Mumbai has been that city that has given us all that hope. I represent all the way from LA to Bombay; I represent from the East to the West, and I hope this music reaches all over the world. From India to the world!”
With emotions running high and the competition more intense than ever, the battle for supremacy has truly begun. Don’t miss what happens next, as Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 drops new episodes every Thursday, exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.
Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri Actress Shivani Gosain on Laughter Day
Shivani speaks about the joy of laughter, saying, “Laughter is truly the best medicine, and on this Laughter Day, I just want to remind everyone to smile a little more and stress a little less. In our busy lives, we often forget how powerful a simple laugh can be. Whether it’s a silly joke, a funny video, or a happy memory, find your reason to laugh today. It lightens the heart, lifts the mood, and brings people closer.”
The Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri Actress also gives us a peek into her fun-filled shooting days, saying, “On the set of Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri, being behind the scenes with the entire team feels like daily laughter therapy! Whether it’s someone pulling a prank, funny bloopers, or just sharing silly jokes, there’s never a dull moment. Even during serious scenes, the minute ‘cut’ is called, someone cracks us up! It’s amazing how laughter becomes our stress-buster, keeping the vibe so positive and full of energy. It doesn’t feel like work; it feels like a joyful family gathering.”
ECMO Services at Manipal Hospital Vijayawada
Vijayawada, 3rd May, 2025: In critical health emergencies, when ventilators and medications fall short, advanced interventions like ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) become vital. Now, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada has introduced ECMO services, offering a powerful life-saving option and strengthening access to world-class critical care in the region.
What is ECMO?
ECMO is an advanced artificial heart-lung machine that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs, allowing these organs to rest and heal. It is used for patients suffering from severe lung or heart failure, when conventional treatments no longer suffice.
Highlighting its importance, Dr. Srinivas Rao T, Consultant – ICU and Critical Care, said, “ECMO has proven to be a life-saving intervention for patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and in critical cases following cardiac surgery. Looking ahead, ECMO is expected to play a crucial role in normothermic regional perfusion — a technique used to preserve organs prior to harvesting for organ transplantation. In this evolving field, Hybrid ECMO is emerging as a promising innovation, combining the benefits of various ECMO modalities to optimize organ preservation and support advanced critical care.”
How does ECMO work?
Explaining its mechanism, Dr. V Dinesh Kumar Gontla, Consultant – Critical Care, shared, “ECMO has two major parts – the oxygenator and the pump. While the oxygenator emulates the lungs’ blood-purifying functions, the pump is responsible for the heart’s pumping action. With these dual functions, the ECMO acts either as ‘A bridge to recovery’ in patients recovering from acute respiratory or cardiac failure conditions, and ‘A bridge to transplant’ in patients with advanced respiratory or cardiac failure who are undergoing lung or heart transplant.”
There are two types of ECMO:
- VV-ECMO (Veno-Venous): Supports only the lungs, ideal for conditions like ARDS, severe pneumonia, or COVID-19 complications.
- VA-ECMO (Veno-Arterial): Supports both the heart and lungs, used in cardiac arrest, severe heart attacks, or major heart failures.
Precision and Expertise Required
While ECMO may sound simple, its execution is highly complex. Dr. Srinivas Rao emphasized the need for a skilled, multidisciplinary team comprising cardiac surgeons, intensivists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, perfusionists, and specially trained ICU nurses and technicians.
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and specialized team, is committed to providing this advanced critical care service, giving critically ill patients a stronger chance at survival and recovery.