As the crisp air of winter sets in, The Westin Mumbai Garden City introduces the Winter Garden – a celebration of the season’s finest moments. This curated concept captures the essence of winter through a series of events and experiences that invite guests to indulge, connect, and create cherished memories in a warm and inviting ambience.

Embark on a culinary journey like no other as The Westin Mumbai Garden City proudly presents the Truffle Fest at Prego, the hotel’s signature Italian dining destination. From 24th to 31st January 2025, indulge in an exclusive menu celebrating the luxurious and earthy flavours of truffles, curated to perfection by our expert chefs.
This week-long gastronomic celebration will feature an array of exquisitely crafted dishes, each infused with the rich aroma and flavour of premium truffles. Highlights of the Truffle Fest menu include:

Hand-dived Scallops with Sunchoke and Truffle Puree: A harmonious blend of oceanic freshness and earthy richness.

• Pizza Tartufata: A classic Italian favourite elevated with truffle indulgence.
• Black Truffle Tagliatelle with Parmesan and Scamorza Cream: A creamy delight for pasta lovers.
• Truffle-Scented Baked Potato Gnocchi with Sage: Comfort food taken to new heights.
• Black Truffle and Pancetta Risotto: A rich and velvety dish that’s pure perfection.
• One-Pot Chicken with Truffle Pesto and Wild Mushroom: A hearty and flavorful creation.
• Textures of White Chocolate with Truffle Ice Cream: A decadent dessert that redefines indulgence.

Each dish has been designed to showcase the unparalleled allure of truffles, making the Truffle Fest a must-visit for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Event Details:

Dates: 24th to 31st January 2025

Venue: Prego, The Westin Mumbai Garden City

New Delhi, 23rd January 2025: Sony is pleased to announce new features and operational improvements have been added to the upcoming BURANO Version 2.0 firmware update. Planned to be released in March 2025, BURANO Version 2.0 offers many new features and improvements requested by the user community, including new recording formats, new 1.8x de-squeeze, and monitoring improvements.

BURANO Version 2.0: New Recording Formats

As previously announced, Version 2.0 will include new recording formats, including a new 3.8K Full Frame crop that leverages nearly the entire sensor and can shoot up to 120 fps and a 1.9K mode that can shoot up to 240 fps. These new recording modes allow the filmmaker to prioritise faster sensor performance depending on the needs of their application. Other new recording formats include the addition of 24.00 fps to X-OCN 16:9 imager modes and the following:

BURANO Version 2.0 will also add a 1.8x de-squeeze setting as well as additional high frame rate (S & Q) modes, including up to 66, 72, 75, 88, 90, 96, and 110 fps. It will also add proxy recording for 24.00 fps recording formats.

BURANO Version 2.0: Monitoring, SDI, and Metadata Improvements

In addition to the new recording formats, Version 2.0 offers various monitoring and metadata improvements, including standardised SDI video output for monitoring across X-OCN and XAVC[ii]. It adds breathing compensation and image stabilisation metadata in X-OCN, time code and clip name metadata to SDI output.

Based on feedback from BURANO users, Version 2.0 will offer an improved on-screen display that places camera status information outside of the image and also includes View Finder Gamma Display Assist while using S-Log3 for monitoring.  Version 2.0 will add 24V output to the PL Mount Voltage menu. In addition, it adds compatibility with Focus/Iris/Zoom control for PL Mount lenses while using the BURANO’s optional GP-VR100 handgrip.

BURANO Version 2.0: Improved Image Output and Added Exposure Tools

BURANO Version 2.0 will also include several image output improvements, including enhanced image output when using the preset S-Log3 look or 3D User LUTs. Additionally, Version 2.0 will enhance Auto Focus performance when recording with the following frame rates: 23.98, 24, 25, and 29.97.

Version 2.0 also includes additional exposure tools (High/Low Key) derived from the flagship VENICE camera system. It will also expand white balance memory presets from 3 to 8 and support Active/High Image Stabilisation in Full-Frame crop 6K and Super 35 1.9K 16:9 imager modes.

In addition, BURANO Version 2.0 will improve ease of use functionality with the ability to format media from the status screen as well as set CAM ID and Reel Number, which is standard for documentary and reality TV applications.  Version 2.0 will also change the factory default frequency setting from 59.94 to 23.98p and will add a setting to “reset to factory defaults” setting.

Finally, BURANO Version 2.0 will add live event and multicam functionality, including variable ND control from RCPs, improved camera control from Camera Remote SDK, and tally control for devices connected via LAN.

By Mr Sunil Sisodiya, Founder, Geetanjali Homestate
Goa has been in the news for years as the ultimate holiday destination due to its beautiful beaches and cultural lifestyle. This paradise by the coast is fast turning out to be the hub for high-net-worth individuals who wish to invest in luxury real estate across India and worldwide.
Premium properties in Goa are in high demand, driven by a combination of factors. The pandemic has forced people to work from home, and affluent professionals have been looking for homes that can provide them with serenity and a better quality of life. Goa, with its serene environment and modern amenities, fits the bill perfectly. Industry reports indicate that luxury property transactions in the state increased by 30% year on year in 2024, and this trend does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

The influx of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) has led to the development of upscale residential projects, particularly in areas like Assagao, Anjuna, and Morjim in North Goa. These locations are gaining popularity for their boutique villas, gated communities, and sea-facing apartments. The average price per square foot in these prime areas has risen by approximately 20% over the past year, reflecting strong market confidence.

Government policies have also contributed significantly to the growth of Goa’s real estate industry. The ease of doing business and smooth property registration process have made it easier for investors to enter the market. Moreover, the infrastructure development projects undertaken by the state, such as the expansion of the Dabolim Airport and the upcoming Mopa International Airport, have improved connectivity to Goa, making it an even more attractive destination.

Another driving factor is the robust rental market in Goa. With its thriving tourism industry, luxury properties often double as lucrative vacation rentals, offering investors steady returns. Industry estimates suggest that high-end villas in prime locations can yield rental incomes of up to 8-10% annually, a significant draw for buyers seeking both lifestyle and financial benefits.

However, experts would caution that there is due diligence in the process from the part of the prospective buyer. Legal clearances, property titles, and other environmental regulations would have to be cleared before a smooth transaction.

As Goa continues to evolve as a luxury real estate hub, it remains a testament to the growing trend of lifestyle-driven investments. The state’s unique charm, coupled with promising economic indicators, positions it as a preferred choice for discerning homebuyers in 2025.

Mumbai, 23rd January, 2025 – Peninsula Land Limited (PLL) proudly announces the resounding success of the launch of its project, AshokVistas by ‘Peninsula Land’, held on 18th January at Gahunje, Pune. The event, themed “Your Canvas, Your Eden”, witnessed an overwhelming response, with the entire project inventory of ~120 plots launched on 18th January getting sold out within few hours.

The sell-out is a testament to the capabilities PLL has built in the category of plotted developments with a journey that began six years ago, spanning successful projects across Goa, Nashik, Lonavala and Pune. With nearly 50 acres of residential, retail, and plotted developments, Peninsula Land has been instrumental in transforming Gahunje. AshokVistas’s 7-acre project now serves as the grand finale to this landmark Gahunje series.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Nandan Piramal, COO, Peninsula Land Limited stated, “The launch of AshokVistas marks a significant milestone in our plotted journey, which began six years ago with successful developments across Maharashtra and Goa. The overwhelming response to this project is a testament to the trust our customers place in us and the equity we have built in Pune over the years. Building on this legacy, we are committed to delivering more such projects that reflect our dedication to creating exceptional experiences for our customers.”

Bespoke Launch Experience

The AshokVistas launch was a by-invitation-only event, meticulously crafted for an exclusive audience. Tailored for the discerning few who prioritize long-term value and future-oriented investments. To offer a unique touch, attendees were treated to a series of curated experiences that made the event stand out from typical real estate launches.

Zone 1: The AshokVistas Experience Zone offered potential buyers an exclusive, immersive experience, giving them a taste of the lifestyle AshokVistas promises. Designed to evoke the feeling of living in a bespoke Eden, it highlighted the project’s unique fusion of natural beauty and modern conveniences, enhanced by cutting-edge technology to bring the vision to life.

Zone 2: The Community Impact Zone added a meaningful touch to the event. This zone featured a specially curated hamper for AshokVistas buyers, created in collaboration with various partner NGOs. Beyond a token of appreciation, this initiative highlighted Peninsula Land’s commitment to community development. By purchasing a plot, attendees not only secured a valuable asset but also contributed to the betterment of these communities.

Zone 3: Urvi Ashok Piramal Foundation (UAPF) Display, further emphasized PLL’s dedication to social causes. UAPF, the primary NGO partner, had a dedicated display showcasing their products. The zone also featured a block-painting activity, allowing attendees to engage and stay occupied while waiting, fostering a sense of involvement and creativity.

Zone 4: The Canvas of Dreams showcased four massive paintings created by renowned local artists, each depicting their vision of an ideal dream home as part of a promotional event. These stunning works reinforced the campaign’s tagline—”Your Canvas, Your Eden”—and celebrated the individuality and creativity of homeowners. This activity highlighted Peninsula Land’s philosophy of empowering buyers to design their unique sanctuaries, blending luxury living with the beauty of nature.

A Seamless and Transparent Sales Process

The AshokVistas launch stood apart from the usual chaos of real estate events, offering a thoughtfully curated and customer-centric process. Designed to ensure ease and transparency, the event featured a digitized plot layout display that provided real-time inventory updates, allowing buyers to make confident and informed decisions. The seamless and comfortable purchasing experience highlighted PLL’s dedication to putting the customer first.

The Journey Ahead

Looking ahead, Peninsula Land is set to further enhance its plotted development portfolio with projects that offer flexibility, investment potential, and hassle-free development at sought after locations. These upcoming developments will continue to uphold the brand’s legacy of trust, quality, and innovation, providing customers with opportunities to create their dream spaces.

Hyderabad, 23 January 2025: Master Minds Co-Founder CA Mohan Mattupalli, speaking about the remarkable achievement of his student securing All India Rank 1 in the CA finals, on the podcast “Backbenching with Vivek” with his characteristic candor, remarked, “Top ranks don’t come from fancy buildings; they come from exceptional teachers.” Master Minds, a leading coaching institute, has become synonymous with success, guiding thousands of CA/CMA aspirants each year to achieve their dreams. This latest triumph further cements their reputation for excellence and unwavering commitment to quality education. The platform “Backbenching with Vivek” has carved a remarkable niche, boasting a commanding reach of over 100,000 engaged YouTube subscribers.

In a candid conversation with the host Vivek Kandula, CA Mohan Mattupalli delved into critical yet overlooked aspects of education, the misplaced priorities of parents when selecting training institutes. “Parents often prioritize flashy facilities and premium ambiance while overlooking the most crucial factor, faculty quality. This approach leaves many students falling short of qualifying for CA/CMA by a wide margin,” he remarked. He urged parents to look beyond glossy brochures and flashy promises of coaching institutes and emphasized the need to focus on what truly matters, quality coaching. CA Mohan unveiled the secret behind Master Minds’ incredible success in consistently cracking the top CA/CMA ranks, as a formula built on a foundation of exceptional teaching, unwavering dedication, and a relentless focus on student success.

“CA Mohan sir doesn’t just run an institute – he’s building India’s future CAs/CMAs,” says Vivek Kandula, founder of STRUX Digital and host of Backbenching with Vivek. “His success with Master Minds shows that focusing on strong fundamentals beats chasing fancy infrastructure.”

New Delhi 23rd January, 2025: As India gears up to celebrate the spirit of unity and progress this Republic Day, Relaxo Footwears, a name synonymous with quality and comfort, is marking the occasion with an exclusive Republic Day Weekend Offer. The three-day celebration, running from January 24th to January 26th, 2025, promises a rewarding shopping experience at Relaxo Exclusive Stores across Delhi and the country.

Designed to make the festivities even more special, the offer allows customers to enjoy ₹300 off on purchases of ₹1,999 and ₹500 off on purchases of ₹2,499. These discounts are applicable to Relaxo’s signature brands, including Relaxo Hawaii, Sparx, Flite, Bahamas, Mary Jane, Boston, and Kids Fun.

Relaxo’s Republic Day Weekend Offer is available at Relaxo’s exclusive Stores, ensuring customers get the best experience and access to the latest collections. The offer applies only to fresh articles and is valid while stocks last, highlighting the limited-time opportunity to avail of these special discounts. Customers can visit their nearest Relaxo Exclusive Store from January 24th to 26th to make the most of this celebratory offer. With footwear designed to suit every style and need, Relaxo ensures that every stride is taken in comfort and confidence.

The Advertising Club’s Effie Awards which is easily the most coveted and the biggest Advertising & Marketing show of the country will be held on Friday, 24th of January, 2025 at 6.30 p.m.

Effie Worldwide is leading, inspiring & championing the practice and practitioners of marketing effectiveness globally. Effie Worldwide stands for effectiveness in marketing, spotlighting ideas that work and encouraging thoughtful dialogue about the drivers of marketing effectiveness. The Effie network collaborates with some of the top research and media organizations worldwide to bring its audience relevant and first-class insights into effective marketing strategy. Effie is the only award that recognizes what has worked in the marketplace and how advertising has contributed towards building a brand. It is also the only award that is presented to both the Agency as well as the Client.

The Effie continues to bring a profound change in the concept of advertising awards. Awards are no longer just a celebration of the craft of advertising, but a substantial acknowledgement of the agency’s capabilities to build brands through effective campaigns. Effie awards, over the years, have emerged as one of the most coveted awards for the Marcom industry.

The Effie India Awards presentation celebration, since the past 23 years, has become a calendar event for the industry with the gala evening attracting 1200 professionals from the world of Advertising, Marketing, Media, Research, PR and Communication. The India awards have also emerged as the second largest Effie in the world, in terms of participation.

This year The AdClub has received 1152 entries, with as many as 75 Agencies participating. The Ad Club and the Effie Committee also express their sincere gratitude to 486 jury members for their time and support. As many as 254 Marketing Professionals have graced the judging process this year. The Round 2 Judging was held in person at Mumbai, Delhi & Bangalore.

The event will be followed by Cocktails & Dinner.

Talking about this year’s Effie, Rana Barua, President, The Advertising Club & GROUP CEO, HAVAS INDIA, SOUTH EAST & NORTH ASIA (Japan & South Korea), Havas Group – India said, “The Effie Awards are a celebration of marketing brilliance, where effectiveness meets innovation, and efficiency thrives through collaboration. Effie India stands as a beacon of excellence, recognising campaigns that go beyond expectations, forge new standards, and exemplify the true spirit of partnerships that drive impactful and transformative business success. I look forward to this year’s winning campaigns.”

Mitrajit Bhattacharya, Chairperson, Effie India Awards, The Advertising Club & Founder and President, The Horologists said, “Elaborating on the awards, Mitrajit Bhattacharya, Chairperson, EFFIE India said, “It gives me great joy to host the 24th Effie India Awards Gala on the 24th of January. Celebrating the best work of the year with the people who create them is a huge high for all of us at the Effie India committee and The Advertising Club. A big thank you to 486 judges who judged a record-breaking (for a 12 month assessment period) of 1152 entries over three rounds of online and physical judging. In the round 2 judging that was physically held, we introduced jury chair for each session of judging, which was hugely appreciated. I also thank each participating agency and client for the support.”

Pradeep Dwivedi, Co-Chairperson, Effie India Awards, The Advertising Club & Group CEO, Eros Media World said, “It’s an honour to serve as the co-chairperson for Effie Awards India. This platform celebrates the power of creative thinking and measurable impact, which are the cornerstones of successful marketing. I look forward to collaborating with industry leaders to recognise and reward the campaigns that truly drive results and set benchmarks for excellence. I would also like to thank Effie Global for their steadfast support through the jury & award process.

New Delhi, 23rd January, 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today, inaugurated a new 3S (sales/service/spares) dealership outlet of Grover Motors Private Ltd. in Ludhiana, Punjab. The state-of-the-art dealership is spread over 1,04,000 sq. ft. and has 30 bays. With this addition, Ashok Leyland now has 17 M&HCV network touchpoints in the State.

The new outlet is strategically located on Old GT Road, and will cover the key districts of Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur and Barnala. The 24X7 operational oultet is equipped with modern tools and equipment such as wheel alignment machines, pneumatic systems supported by mobile service vans, 8 accidental repair bays featuring advanced repair systems, and trained technicians to ensure seamless service. The facility was inaugurated by Mr. Anil Dhingra, Head Aftermarket, in the presence of the local Ashok Leyland team and representatives from channel partner.

Mr. Anil Dhingra, Head Aftermarket-MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are excited to further strengthen our presence in Northern India. This region has always been an important market for Ashok Leyland. We have been working on establishing a strong foothold in the region, and the new outlet will bolster our presence in this geography. Our partner, Grover Motors Pvt. Ltd., with its strong presence in the territory, will ensure we grow our family of customers while ensuring we serve them better. We aim to contribute meaningfully to the larger ecosystem in the area with our innovative mobility solutions. The new outlet represents another step towards achieving our vision of being among the Top 10 CV makers in the world.”

Mr. Kulwant Singh Grover, MD, Grover Motors Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Ashok Leyland and address the growing demands of customers in Punjab. The new outlet will enhance the brand’s visibility in the region. Ashok Leyland has been a trusted and preferred brand in Northern India, renowned for its reliability, durability, and better total cost of ownership. We are committed to providing best-in-class ownership experience to our customers, and we look forward to not only expanding our customer base but also fulfilling their diverse transportation needs comprehensively by delivering complete mobility solutions through this partnership.”

Ashok Leyland has one of the largest and fastest-growing networks in the commercial vehicle industry, and the company is expanding its brand presence through a robust network of dealerships and service centres to provide best-in-class sales and after-sales support to its customers. The company will cover the major transport hub offering Haulage, Tractor trailers, ICV Goods, Tippers, Fully Built RMC, Haulage, and School/Staff Buses through these dealerships.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Noida, celebrated its 78th Foundation Day with the successful organization of the Manak Carnival at Savitri Bai Phule Balika Inter College, Greater Noida. The event highlighted BIS’s ongoing efforts to promote quality standards across industries and society while honoring Novamax for achieving the All India First license for IS 3315 certification, a milestone in air cooler manufacturing.

The inaugural ceremony of the carnival was done by Chief Guest Shri Tejpal Singh Nagar, MLA of Dadri, G.B. Nagar, along with Guest of Honor(s) Shri Rakesh Khatri, “Nest Man of India,” and Dr. Inderjit Ghosh, Chairman of the MSME Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India. The dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the beginning of the celebrations.

In his welcome address, Shri Vikrant, HNOBO, emphasized that the efforts of BIS have transcended the industrial sector and successfully created widespread awareness about quality standards across various segments of society.

In his address, MLA Shri Tejpal Singh Nagar emphasized the crucial role played by BIS in fostering industrial growth and social development in the country. He particularly honored the BIS Care mobile application, encouraging all consumers to install the app on their smartphones for enhanced awareness and access to quality standards. Before the formal proceedings, the Chief Guest also visited the stalls set up by industrial units and schools, which displayed a diverse range of products and innovative science projects.

Harshit Aggarwal, Founder & CEO of Novamax Appliances said, “We are proud and honored to receive the All India First license for IS 3315 certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This achievement underscores Novamax’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class quality and innovation in air cooler manufacturing. It reaffirms our promise to provide customers with products that meet the highest safety and performance benchmarks. We are confident that this milestone will inspire trust and confidence among our consumers and industry peers alike.”

The carnival saw the participation of over 25 industrial units from the districts of Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Mathura, and Agra. These units showcased their products that bear the ISI and CRS marks, certification provided by BIS for quality assurance. Additionally, 19 schools and engineering colleges from the region participated by setting up stalls to present their science projects, contributing to the educational aspect of the event.

The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including industry representatives, members of the Standard Clubs in schools, NGOs, and officers from Residents’ Welfare Associations. These individuals were honored with commemorative plaques by BIS for their outstanding contributions to promoting and upholding quality standards in their respective fields.

In his concluding address, Shri Vikrant, HNOBO, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, participants, and collaborators for making the event a remarkable success.

This event served as a significant platform not only to promote the importance of quality standards but also to further strengthen the role of BIS in ensuring consumer safety and enhancing the credibility of industries in the country.