Delhi NCR: In light of the recent 4.0 magnitude earthquake in Delhi NCR, discussions have intensified regarding the resilience of buildings in the region. The question, Are these buildings earthquake-proof? has been on the radar among homebuyers and investors. Due to its proximity to the Himalayan belt, Delhi NCR faces significant seismic risks, leading developers in the region to focus on the construction of earthquake-resistant projects. Developers have taken necessary steps toward making their projects disaster ready. They focus on creating projects that are ductile and have a flexible foundation.

Their primary focus is on implementing structural designs, employing techniques such as concrete frames, shear walls, and architecture to distribute energy throughout the structure in order to withstand seismic forces and reduce the risk of collapse. Earthquake-resistant buildings utilize a variety of techniques based on experimental results, computer simulations, and observations from past earthquakes. Material selection plays a critical role, with high-quality materials like reinforced concrete, steel, and composite materials being preferred for their strength and durability. To mitigate seismic forces, developers are integrating innovative technologies like base isolation systems, shock absorbers, and dampers. Base isolation involves constructing buildings on flexible pads made of steel, rubber, and lead, allowing the isolators to vibrate and absorb seismic waves while the structure remains steady. Dampers, similar to shock absorbers in cars, are placed between columns and beams to reduce the magnitude of shockwaves, with energy being transformed into heat and dissipated.

Adil Altaf, Managing Director, Trinity Infratech said, “As a responsible real estate developer in Gurugram, we will prioritize safety and resilience in our high-rise constructions. Our project will adhere to stringent seismic codes, incorporating earthquake-resistant designs, advanced damping systems, and high-quality construction materials. We will conduct rigorous soil testing, use flexible foundation techniques, and ensure compliance with structural engineering best practices. Additionally, regular safety audits and expert consultations will help us enhance building durability. Our commitment is to create not just aesthetically superior spaces but also structures that offer maximum safety and peace of mind to our residents.”

Developers ensure compliance with the seismic codes of India set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), such as IS. However, these codes should be on par with those of countries like the US and Japan for better implementation. Buildings meet crucial safety standards along with seismic resistant features. Developers are investing heavily in seismic-proof buildings.

Mohit Agarwal, Business Head, Conscient Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd said, “With a growing focus on safety, Gurugram’s real estate sector is adopting advanced structural designs to mitigate earthquake risks. We are integrating seismic-resistant technologies, reinforced foundations, and high-grade materials to enhance building resilience. From shock-absorbing frameworks to smart engineering solutions, the goal is to ensure stability and long-term sustainability in the city’s rapidly evolving skyline.”

The earthquake handling capacity of properties in the city is highly attributed to the modern construction standards implemented by developers. Cities in NCR, including Faridabad and Gurugram, are seeing the development of high-rise buildings that feature the qualities and technologies of an earthquake-proof project. In times of natural disasters like earthquakes, good architecture and infrastructural planning can reduce the disaster impact to a great extent. Developers incorporating these crucial measures can successfully prevent extreme situations that could otherwise result from a disastrous tremor.

Delhi, India – 19th February 2025 – Renowned business mentor and philanthropist Suresh Mansharamani has been unanimously re-elected as the President of MKW Trust, Rajouri Garden, for a third consecutive term. With a decade of leadership at the trust, his reappointment reflects the organization’s confidence in his vision and dedication to social service. Under his leadership, MKW Trust has significantly expanded its healthcare and welfare initiatives, making a lasting impact on the lives of the underprivileged.

Joining him in the leadership team are Mr. R.P. Anand as Vice President and Mr. Pankaj Bali as Secretary General, who will work alongside him to further the trust’s mission of community welfare and social upliftment.

MKW Trust, with a legacy of over 30 years, is committed to serving marginalized communities through healthcare, elderly care, and social welfare programs. The trust operates a 40-bed charitable hospital and an Old Age Home in Rajouri Garden, providing medical care and dignified living for senior citizens. It also runs a charitable dispensary in Raghubir Nagar, West Delhi, offering essential healthcare services to those in need. Additionally, the trust manages a Ram Temple, serving as a center for community engagement and spiritual well-being.

A respected entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and author, Suresh Mansharamani has dedicated his career to mentoring businesses and fostering leadership excellence. His deep commitment to philanthropy has driven MKW Trust’s growth, enabling it to scale its operations and introduce new programs aimed at improving healthcare access and supporting vulnerable sections of society. His tenure has seen increased community engagement, expansion of welfare initiatives, and the mobilization of resources for social good.

Expressing gratitude for his re-election, Suresh Mansharamani stated:
“I am honored to continue serving as the President of MKW Trust. This organization stands as a beacon of hope for many, and I remain committed to advancing our mission of providing healthcare, elderly care, and social support to those in need. True leadership is about serving others, and I look forward to working with our dedicated team to create a lasting impact.”

With a renewed mandate, MKW Trust aims to further strengthen its philanthropic initiatives, expand its healthcare infrastructure, and introduce new community welfare programs. The trust continues to rely on the support of volunteers, donors, and well-wishers to drive meaningful change.

Visakhapatnam: 19th February 2025: Adani Gangavaram Port in association with the Adani Foundation, organized a Kabaddi Tournament under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program at Jalaripallipalem. The event witnessed an enthusiastic participation of local villagers, with the Senior Management of Adani Gangavaram Port and Foundation, along with village heads of Gangavaram, presenting medals and prizes to the winners.

The tournament is part of a broader effort by the Port and Foundation to encourage physical fitness and promote sports culture in the region. Over the past three months, more than 750 local participants have actively competed in tournaments across various sports, including Volleyball, Cricket, Badminton, and Kabaddi.

Adani Gangavaram Port and the Foundation have been instrumental in building community infrastructure such as gyms, sports grounds, and boxing rings in the villages of Gangavaram, Dibbapalem, and Srinagar. These initiatives are aimed at fostering a culture of health and fitness while providing the community with the necessary facilities to stay active and engaged.

Speaking on the occasion, Adani Gangavaram Port Limited Management said, We believe that sports have the power to unite and empower communities. Through our ongoing CSR initiatives, we aim to not only improve the physical health of individuals but also create a positive environment that fosters teamwork and social harmony. This Kabaddi Tournament is just one example of our commitment to the local community, and we are proud to support initiatives that help nurture talent and promote an active lifestyle.

Hyderabad: 19th February 2025: Ashoka One Mall is embracing the changing seasons with its ‘Spring into Summer Fashion’ festival, an exclusive shopping and rewards event running from February 17th to March 2nd. The festival promises a refreshing shopping experience, and stunning décor, with exciting offers, and rewarding activities designed to make this season one to remember.

As part of its Activity Spend & Win initiative, shoppers can enjoy a variety of exciting rewards like Instant Silver Reward Customers who spend ₹10,000 or more in a single day will receive a FREE 10g Silver Coin as an instant reward. Shoppers who spend ₹5,000 or more can enter the Weekly Gold Rush draw for a chance to win a 1g Gold Coin.

The mall is adorned with elegant floral hangings and vibrant spring-themed décor, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. With exclusive spring sale discounts across leading brands, shoppers can refresh their wardrobes while enjoying the festive ambiance and winning exciting prizes.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. N Jaideep Reddy, Managing Director, Ashoka Developers and Builders Limited, said “Ashoka One Mall has always been a hub for fashion and lifestyle, and ‘spring into Summer Fashion’ is another step toward enhancing the shopping experience. With exciting rewards, interactive activities, and special seasonal offers, we invite shoppers to celebrate the joy of the season with us.”

Hyderabad, 19 February 2025: BioAsia 2025, Asia’s largest life-sciences and healthcare conference, is set to provide a global platform for innovation and entrepreneurship and showcase startups as catalyst of future change. As Asia’s premier life sciences event, BioAsia, hosted by the State government of Telangana, is poised to transform the entrepreneurial journey for startups within the healthcare and life sciences sectors by providing the right environment and ecosystem for growth.

The ‘Innovation Zone’ at BioAsia 2025 will be a dynamic hub showcasing the Startup Pavilion and the Incubator Pavilion, igniting innovation and unlocking investment opportunities. In line with BioAsia’s ethos of fostering innovation, a select group of about 80 startups have earned coveted spots in the 22nd edition of this global conference to showcase their innovative solutions that have potential to transform healthcare globally.

In a unique and unparalleled opportunity, selected startups not only gain access to complimentary exhibition space but also unlock the doors to exclusive interactions with industry titans. This golden opportunity, exclusive to BioAsia, offers startups unprecedented access to invaluable mentorship, networking, and potential partnerships with global leaders in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. It’s an unparalleled chance to propel their innovations onto the world stage and accelerate their journey towards success.

The response from industries to attend BioAsia 2025, which is a premier platform to showcase innovation in life sciences and healthcare, has been overwhelming. The event has attracted interest from both national and international corporations, indicating a strong desire to engage with the latest innovations and developments in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. This enthusiastic response underscores the significance of BioAsia as a premier platform for industry collaboration, networking, and growth, providing start-ups with unparalleled opportunities for exposure, mentorship, and potential partnerships to accelerate their growth trajectory.

The line-up of startups set to grace BioAsia 2025 spans a diverse spectrum, from medical technology startups revolutionizing Drug Discovery Platforms to medical device startups solving for cancer screening, nasal septum, and limb movements etc., Additionally, biotechnology startups are making strides in areas such as small molecule nanoparticles and novel drug candidates.

Mr. D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and Commerce, IT E&C and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana said “We are extremely excited with the response we have received from startups to participate in BioAsia 2025. Bio Asia is rightly poised as a global platform fostering innovation and collaboration within the life sciences and healthcare sectors. It is a great booster to the start-up ecosystem, with promising ventures showcasing their solutions to a global audience. As we witness enthusiastic engagement from both national and international startups, it reaffirms our commitment to positioning Telangana as a global leader in the field, empowering start-ups to thrive and innovate on a world stage.”

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, I&C and IT, Government of Telangana stated, “The Life sciences space in Telangana has grown at a rapid pace and we are experiencing a massive interest in the opportunities prevalent in the state. To fuel this momentum, Bio Asia 2025 has enabled an Incubator Pavilion and Innovation Zone which will aim at fostering innovation and business growth for startups who are creating revolutionary solutions in healthcare and life sciences.”

Mr. Shakthi Nagappan, CEO, Telangana Life Sciences, Government of Telangana said “After witnessing the positive impact of these initiatives in previous editions of BioAsia, we are further enhancing this platform. BioAsia 2025 with the theme Catalysts of Change presents an unparalleled opportunity to forge partnerships and drive impactful collaborations in an ever-evolving environment”

Start-up Stage has witnessed an overwhelming response from startups worldwide, with over 700 innovative ventures vying for recognition on this prestigious platform. A panel of seasoned experts representing both industries and academia have shortlisted approximately 80 start-ups for exhibiting at the venue. Among these, the top 5 stand-outs will have the exceptional honour of presenting their groundbreaking ideas during BioAsia’s Valedictory session, further amplifying their visibility and potential for collaboration. BIRAC, Government of India has partnered with BioAsia for the start-up stage further solidifying the event’s stature as a catalyst for fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.

National, February 2025: JSW MG Motor India today announced that MG Windsor, India’s 1st Intelligent CUV, has crossed the production milestone of 15,000 units. The CUV emerged as the best-selling EV ffor months in a row (October 2024 – January 2025) since its launch and has contributed to the overall growth of the EV segment in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Biju Balendran, Deputy Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India said, “We are delighted with the response that the MG Windsor has been receiving and are grateful to our customers who have helped us cross the 15,000-unit production milestone. The CUV has been widely accepted by car buyers for its overall pricing and packaging, and for offering a luxurious business-class experience to customers. Smart initiatives such as BaaS, the buyback program, and a lifetime warranty, have all boosted consumer confidence in EVs. As we diversify our portfolio, we remain committed to bringing quality products to our customers at a faster rate.”

“Consequently, we are increasing the capacity of the facility at Halol to meet the rising demand for Windsor. Additionally, we are undertaking certain facility modifications to ensure readiness for new products under MG Select which is due for launch in the first half of this year. Hence, we anticipate a production slowdown during February, which may temporarily affect our wholesales during this period”, he added further.

JSW MG Motor India will be diversifying its portfolio by launching two new products in the Indian market. This includes the MG Cyberster and MG M9 that will be launched under MG Select, the company’s new ‘accessible luxury’ brand channel.

Mumbai / Pune, February 18, 2025: SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, reinforces its commitment to innovation, performance, and customer engagement in collaboration with Om Hydraulics. SANY India has successfully executed an extensive roadshow and customer meeting to introduce the all-new SY80 PRO excavator. Covering over 900 kilometers, the roadshow commenced from Pune and traversed key industrial and construction hubs, including Satara, Karad, Sangli, Solapur, Beed, and Sambhajinagar.

This initiative generated significant interest from industry professionals, drawing an excellent footfall across multiple locations. The journey culminated in Sambhajinagar, where an exclusive customer meeting was conducted along with live demonstrations.

The SY80 PRO series is designed for superior efficiency, durability, and adaptability to diverse construction and infrastructure requirements. Through this roadshow, SANY India provided customers with a firsthand experience of the machine’s advanced features, reinforcing its industry-leading position in performance and reliability.

Commenting on the successful roadshow, Mr. Shashank Pandey, Vice President, of Excavator Business, SANY India, said, “The SY80 PRO exemplifies SANY India’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance productivity and operational efficiency. This roadshow was instrumental in showcasing our commitment to innovation while directly engaging with our valued customers, enabling them to witness the machine’s capabilities across varied terrains.”

SANY India continues to expand its footprint in the Indian market through innovative product offerings and customer-centric initiatives. The successful execution of the SY80 PRO roadshow underscores the company’s dedication to empowering businesses with state-of-the-art construction equipment tailored to industry needs.

Mumbai, India—February 19, 2025—Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, launched the enthralling trailer for the second season of its critically acclaimed Tamil crime thriller Original series Suzhal—The Vortex, which transported the audience right into the eye of the storm. Produced under the banner of Wallwatcher Films, written and created by Pushkar and Gayatri, and directed by Bramma and Sarjun KM, the series features a highly talented ensemble cast, including Kathir and Aishwarya Rajesh returning in lead roles, along with Lal, Saravanan, Gouri Kishan (Muthu), Samyuktha Vishwanathan (Naachi), Monisha Blessy (Muppi), Rini (Gaandhari), Shrisha (Veera), Abhirami Bose (Senbagam), Nikhila Sankar (Sandhanam), Kalaivani Bhaskar (Ulagu), and Ashwini Nambiar in pivotal roles, along with Manjima Mohan and Kayal Chandran making special appearances. Suzhal—The Vortex season 2 is set to exclusively premiere on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on February 28 in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada with English subtitles.

The second season of the award-winning series is set against the backdrop of the annual Ashtakaali festival held in the fictional village of Kaalipattanam in Tamil Nadu, where the brutal murder of a veteran activist lawyer and social worker, Chellappa (Lal), shakes the entire village to its core and casts a dark shadow reaching far beyond the village and its people. As Sakkarai (Kathir) is tasked with solving the mysterious and unsettling crime, the ghosts of Nandini’s (Aishwarya) past continue to haunt her as she stares at an uncertain future in prison. The investigation takes both of them spiraling down a maze of deceit, secrecy, crime, conspiracy, and deaths that gets more entangled when 8 young women, unconnected to each other become the primary suspects in the murder. To solve the case and get to the truth, Sakkarai will have to navigate conspicuous motives, personal vendettas, and deeds of the past before he is consumed by the darkness of the gruesome crime.

“After the phenomenal response to the first season of Suzhal—The Vortex, we set a high bar for ourselves to ensure the audience finds the second season even more captivating,” said directors Bramma and Sarjun KM. “Pushkar and Gayatri have crafted an even more engrossing narrative, which we meticulously and creatively directed to bring to life. As Kathir and Aishwarya delivered yet another spellbinding performance, along with the stellar ensemble cast, our task as directors became much easier. We can’t wait for the audience to immerse themselves in the world of Suzhal—The Vortex once again and are confident they will find season two incredibly compelling.”

“I am thrilled to reprise my role as Sub-Inspector Sakkarai in the second season of Suzhal—The Vortex, a groundbreaking series that pushed the envelope in Tamil storytelling, putting our industry on the global map, and winning national accolades. Pushkar and Gayatri are true visionaries who have crafted yet another gripping and entertaining narrative for season two. The overwhelming response from both audiences and critics to my performance and the first season was truly humbling, and I am hopeful that everyone will appreciate the second season just as much or more,” said Kathir.

Aishwarya Rajesh added, “Suzhal—The Vortex will always be one of my most rewarding and memorable projects, and I still feel overwhelmed by the love and appreciation I received for my performance in the first season of the series. Playing Nandini was a complete rollercoaster, as she went from searching for her younger sister to reliving her suppressed memories and then avenging the heinous crime committed against herself and her sister. And in season two, she isn’t free of the nightmares, as she finds herself in the middle of another unfathomable murder mystery. If season one was exciting, season two would be even more unpredictable for the audience, and I can’t wait for them to watch it when it premieres on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.”

Drought is an age-old foe, responsible for crop failures and famine. It has even toppled empires. But satellites and precision agriculture are rewriting that story, raising hope that humanity could turn a centuries-old scourge into a manageable challenge.

“Plants are central to a wide range of human needs, including food, fiber for clothing, animal feed and even energy. A changing climate threatens those needs,” according to IEEE Member Euclides Chuma.

“Plants are essential for a sustainable human lifestyle. Therefore, drought monitoring is essential so humans can understand the impact of climate change on agriculture and have time to take action for drought mitigation,” Chuma added.

Monitoring Drought From Space

Satellites can be useful for monitoring drought in two main ways. First, they can offer high-quality images with special cameras.

“Satellites measure different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum to analyze conditions on the ground and weather in the air,” said IEEE Senior Member Shawn Chandler. “The satellite functions by assessing the absorption and emission of different wavelengths of energy such as infrared, microwave, and visible light.”

Using visible light sensing, satellites can monitor water levels in lakes and rivers and determine amounts of vegetation cover across large land areas as indicators of drought, Chandler explains. They can also monitor precipitation, temperature and contribute to evaluations of short-term weather patterns, which contribute to the understanding of soil moisture levels. Satellites using microwave sensing technology can observe soil moisture due to water’s scattering effect, and based on known crop types, can help to determine anomalies and threats to crop health.

The emerging use of low-orbit satellites offers a second path to drought monitoring because they provide internet connectivity for remote areas. Global connectivity in agricultural fields allows farmers to use smart sensors to transmit data on soil and plant status to data centers, where high-powered computers can make sense of the information. The integration of satellite imagery and IoTs devices offers a comprehensive approach to drought management.

That integration of internet-connected smart sensors in farms is often referred to as precision farming, which seeks to find a “goldilocks zone” for plants — not too much water that it evaporates and is wasted, but not so little that the plant grows less than it could.

“Omnipresent internet connections and IoT technology will offer a lot of precision data that can be used in conjunction with AI algorithms to identify drought in farms much more than it is today,” Chuma said.

On the Horizon: Using Cellular Infrastructure To Monitor Drought

One reason satellites have been deployed to monitor drought is that there simply aren’t enough sensors in enough places on earth to do the job adequately. In recent years, however, there has been increased interest in using data from systems or technologies that weren’t originally designed to monitor weather.

The practice is known as opportunistic sensing. One method that has gained traction is to rely on data from cell phone towers to monitor rain – or the lack of it. The idea is based on the fact that cellular technology has become ubiquitous. Wherever there are people, there are cellular towers. In 2006, IEEE Life Fellow Hagit Messer and a team of researchers realized that signals in cellular towers changed in response to different weather patterns, and this data could be used for environmental monitoring. Messer, who won the 2024 IEEE Medal for Environmental and Safety Technologies for the research, later showed that the system could also be used for early flood warning.

Jammu, 19th February 2025: BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, today announced the launch of its dedicated Ortho Spine Surgery Services OPD services, in partnership with the city-based Ujala Cygnus JK Medicity Hospital. The OPD launch is yet another patient-centric step taken by the hospital to empower patients with accessibility and quality healthcare services without the inconvenience of travelling to another city.

The OPD Services were launched in the presence of Dr Puneet Girdhar, Principal Director & Head, Ortho Spine Surgery, at BLK-Max Hospital along with Dr Harmeet Singh Kapoor – Managing and Medical Director, Group Director – Emergency & Trauma, Ujala Cygnus JK Medicity Hospital, Jammu. Dr Puneet Girdhar will be available for OPD at Ujala Cygnus JK Medicity Hospital, Jammu on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 11 am to 1 pm for primary consultations.

During the OPD launch Dr Puneet Girdhar, Principal Director & Head, of Ortho Spine Surgery, at BLK-Max Hospital said “The launch of this OPD reflects our mission to improve healthcare access and outcomes for residents in Jammu and surrounding areas. From non-surgical management to minimally invasive surgical techniques, the OPD will offer a full spectrum of treatments to address various ortho and spinal disorders. By bringing specialized orthopaedic and spinal care to the local community, we aim to enhance the quality of life for our patients and reduce the need for long-distance travel to receive top-tier medical attention.”

The new Orthopaedic Spine Surgery OPD is part of BLK-Max Hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional medical services and addressing the growing needs of the community. It will offer a comprehensive range of services, including advanced diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and innovative surgical procedures.

Dr Harmeet Singh Kapoor – Managing and Medical Director, Group Director – Emergency & Trauma, Ujala Cygnus JK Medicity Hospital, Jammu said “We are really happy to have collaborated with one of the best Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Centres in the country and strive to raise awareness about the related issues. The newly launched OPDs will offer consultation and encourage people to lead a healthy lifestyle as well as provide access to the best of technology. This OPD is going to be a valuable addition to the healthcare infrastructure of Jammu by providing world-class treatment solutions to patients in the city right at their doorsteps. Our services will include all consultations and investigations and provide end to end services for the treatment”

BLK-Max Hospital is dedicated to raising public awareness about important health issues and providing accessible solutions to promote healthier, happier lives. The hospital emphasizes a preventive approach to healthcare, with a strong focus on combating obesity and its related risks.