Pune– Conrad Pune, the city’s leading luxury destination is all set to turn a new page in the city’s cultural story with the launch of ConREAD, a signature monthly initiative that brings together authors, thinkers, and passionate readers for a compelling exchange of stories, ideas, and debates. Launching on 21^st April, just ahead of World Book Day, ConREAD aims to create a thriving community for those who find joy between the pages and meaning in conversations.

Mr.-Abhishek-Sahai

Curated to celebrate the written word, ConREAD will host monthly meet ups where punekars can meet their favourite authors in an intimate setting. An extension of Conrad Pune’s ethos, where hospitality meets culture, ConREAD is a movement to encourage intellectual exchange, deep dive into emerging publishing trends, and exclusive interactions with leading authors. From literature to finance, to real-world insights, ConREAD will serve as a dynamic platform where ideas take center stage.

The inaugural edition will feature the celebrated and bestselling author and stock market expert Ms. Devina Mehra, in conversation with Mr. Neil Borate, Head of Personal Finance at Mint. Together, they will dive into her latest work Money, Myths and Mantras – The Ultimate Investment Guide, followed by an interactive Q&A and book signing, giving readers a chance to connect directly with the minds behind the books they love.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, shared, “With ConREAD, we are opening our doors to a new kind of luxury which is intellectual, immersive, and community-driven. This series is our way of giving back to the cultural fabric of Pune by creating a space where book lovers and thinkers can gather, converse, be bold and stay inspired. We’re thrilled to launch this journey with Ms. Devina Mehra and look forward to many more chapters to come.”

Excited for being part of ConRead, Author Devina Mehra shared, “I’m excited to be part of the inaugural edition of ConREAD at Conrad Pune. The combination of my two favourites, books and investing/ finance in spaces that feel open, warm, and genuinely curious, sounds just perfect. And I have no doubt this evening will be just that. I truly appreciate Conrad Pune for creating a space where stories, questions, and real-life insights could flow freely. I look forward to sharing my journey and insights with everyone.”

Set against the elegant backdrop of Conrad Pune, each edition of ConREAD will blend the charm of literary discovery with the signature warmth and hospitality of Conrad, creating moments that are as thought-provoking as they are unforgettable. It’s a community where the love for books finds its tribe.

Kochi, April 18, 2025 — In a landmark collaboration that bridges visionary science with decades of clinical excellence, SunAct Cancer Institute and Smita Memorial Hospital, founded by the Father of Medical Oncology, Dr. Suresh H. Advani (Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan), today announced the opening of South India’s premier Centre of Excellence in CAR T-Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Smita Memorial Hospital in Thodupuzha, Idukki district, Kerala.

The Centre was inaugurated on the auspicious occasion of Vishu by Ms. V. Vigneshwari, IAS, District Collector and District Magistrate of Idukki, in the presence of Dr. Advani, SunAct’s co-founders Dr. Vijay Patil and Dr. Ashay Karpe, and other dignitaries from the oncology and healthcare ecosystem.

This collaboration, formalised in March 2025, represents a significant stride in delivering affordable, globally benchmarked cell and gene therapies to India, with a strong emphasis on precision oncology, pediatric care, and access to global clinical trials.

Dr. Suresh H. Advani, Founder, Smita Memorial Hospital, stated: “Over the decades, I have witnessed the evolution of cancer care in India — from limited options to remarkable possibilities. This new Centre of Excellence represents the next frontier: where science, compassion, and collaboration come together to transform patient outcomes. I am proud to see this movement rooted in Kerala, and confident that with SunAct’s scientific leadership, we are building a model for the future of oncology in India.”

Dr. Vijay Patil, Co-Founder, SunAct Cancer Institute, said: “We are honoured to launch the first Centre of Excellence in CAR T-Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation in South India. With the visionary guidance of Dr. Suresh Advani, we are committed to making the most advanced cancer therapies — previously only available in elite global centres — both accessible and affordable for Indian patients. This marks a pivotal step in our mission to bring world-class precision oncology to every corner of India.”

Dr. Ashay Karpe, Co-Founder, SunAct Cancer Institute, noted: “This collaboration is a convergence of cutting-edge science and seasoned clinical wisdom. By combining SunAct’s pioneering Cell and Gene Therapies with Dr. Advani’s clinical legacy and Smita Memorial’s infrastructure, we are setting a new benchmark for how cancer should be treated — precise, humane, and accessible.”

Scientific Breakthroughs for Indian Patients

The newly launched Centre introduces India’s first CAR T-Cell Therapy for solid tumors — a major milestone in global oncology and currently unavailable elsewhere in the country. In addition to CAR-T, the Centre will offer: – TCR (T-Cell Receptor) Therapies

–  TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes)

–  Gamma Delta T-Cell Platforms

–  Gene Therapies

–  A dedicated Pediatric Oncology Program

The Centre will also accelerate access to Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT), clinical trials, and new immunotherapies — reinforcing a shared commitment to next-generation care.

Vision and Impact

This partnership goes beyond treatment. It marks the beginning of a pan-India movement to revolutionise cancer care, anchored in Indian scientific innovation and global collaboration: – Developing Made-in-India CGT platforms for Indian patient biology

–  Creating equitable access to elite therapies across underserved regions

–  Launching internationally benchmarked clinical trials from Tier-2/3 cities

–  Building a training ecosystem to develop the next generation of oncologists, researchers, and CGT specialists

–  Attracting global partnerships for joint research, biomanufacturing, and IP co-development

This Centre of Excellence is designed to become a lighthouse project — setting the standard for oncology care, research, and patient impact across India.

A Track Record of Scientific Firsts: SunAct’s Milestones

–  2023 – Establishment of SunAct Cancer Institute

–  May–July 2024 – First CAR T-Cell Therapy in India for Rhabdomyosarcoma, Ovarian Cancer, Head & Neck Cancer, and Esophageal Cancer

–  August 2024 – First TCR targeting TP53 mutation (Cholangiocarcinoma), First CAR T-Cell for Small Cell Lung Cancer

–  September 2024 – First KRAS TCR & HER2+ CAR T-Cell Therapy for Gastric Carcinoma, Colorectal, and Salivary Gland Cancers

–  October 2024 – First bispecific CS1-BCMA CAR-T (Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma), First bispecific TCR targeting TP53 & APC (Colorectal Cancer)

–  November 2024 – First Claudin 18.2 CAR-T Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

–  January 2025 – First CAR-T Therapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

–  February 2025 – First Dual CD19/CD20 CAR-T Therapy for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

New Delhi, April 18 This Earth Day, embark on an unforgettable adventure with Emmy^® and BAFTA Award-winning Nat Geo Explorer Bertie Gregory (@BertieGregory) in ‘SECRETS OF THE PENGUINS’! Executive produced by National Geographic Explorer-at-Large and Academy Award^®-winning filmmaker James Cameron and Emmy and BAFTA winners Ruth Roberts and Martin Williams from Talesmith, this latest installment in National Geographic’s Emmy-winning “Secrets of” franchise takes viewers of all ages to the farthest corners of the world to witness penguin behaviours captured on film for the first time – showcasing the cute and fluffy flightless birds as they brave some of the most extreme environments on Earth. Narrated by Blake Lively (‘Another Simple Favor’), the three-part series starts on Tuesday, April 22 at 7 PM on National Geographic, with all episodes streaming on JioHotstar.

In April 2024, Nat Geo unveiled breathtaking emperor penguin footage captured by Bertie at the Ekström Ice Shelf in Antarctica for the series. A television first, the crew recorded an astonishing sight: hundreds of emperor penguin chicks leaping from a 50-foot cliff into the icy ocean below, emerging unscathed. To date, the clip has garnered 74 million views on Nat Geo’s TikTok account – its best-performing video ever – and has received over 165 million views across all of Nat Geo’s social platforms. One year later, ‘SECRETS OF THE PENGUINS’ will showcase the full spectacle of this remarkable behavior, along with new footage that was not initially included in the viral video.

While many documentaries have explored penguins, SECRETS OF THE PENGUINS’ takes it to a whole new level. Talesmith’s team, led by Bertie and over 70 world-class scientists and filmmakers, embarked on a two-year, globe-spanning adventure – from the rocky beaches of Cape Town and the icy shores of South Georgia Island to the tropical Galapagos and Namibia’s desert caves – capturing penguins like never before. Pushing the boundaries of wildlife filmmaking, a three-person crew endured an astonishing 274 days filming on the Ekström Ice Shelf in Antarctica, home to a colony of 20,000 emperor penguins. Facing one of the planet’s harshest environments, they captured never-before-seen moments like a bonded pair of emperors practicing egg transfers with a snowball to hone their skills for the moment they would need to transfer a real egg, tenacious chicks navigating brash ice amid climate change, and young penguins using their beaks to hoist themselves out of a crevasse.

With breathtaking, award-winning cinematography and cutting-edge camera technology, the series captures even more never-before-seen and rare moments in the wild. For the first time, witness healthy “rockaroni” chicks – a rare hybrid of rockhopper and macaroni penguins – offering a fascinating glimpse into potential evolution and adaptation. Other remarkable scenes include a brave rockhopper fending off a southern sea lion, the first-ever footage of a hidden cave colony of African penguins, and clever Galapagos penguins teaming up for a daring heist: stealing fish straight from pelican beaks and skillfully herding sardine bait balls.

The family-friendly series taps into the passion and expertise of world-renowned scientists and conservationists, including National Geographic Explorer and marine biologist Dr. Pablo Borboroglu, conservation biologist Dr. Michelle LaRue, African penguin expert Dr. Andrea Thiebault, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Gustavo Jiménez Uzcátegui, penguin expert Dr. Jessica Kemper, and marine biologist Dr. Katta Ludynia.

Episodes include the following:

• ‘Heart of the Emperors’

Premieres April 22 at 7 pm

The emperors are the largest and strongest penguins, living in the coldest and most extreme environment on Earth. Embedded with an Antarctic colony, National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory encounters social skills never filmed before, discovering bonds forged from birth between family, friends and strangers are the difference between life and death.

• ‘Survival of the Smartest’

Premieres April 29 at 7 pm

Millions of years ago, a group of penguins left the ice, riding powerful currents and arriving in strange new lands. They reshaped traditions for deserts and tropics – and even to live among humans. Tested to the extreme, they became perhaps the smartest of all penguins. National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory discovers the penguins’ problem-solving, “talking” and enduring search for new worlds.

• ‘Rebels with a Cause’

Premieres May 6 at 7 pm

It takes a special type of courageous penguin to survive the fierce Southern Ocean, but 40 million crowd its isolated, rocky outposts, and they are some of the most successful penguins on Earth. National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory follows the rockhoppers, gentoos, and macaronis to discover a world of risk-takers, rebels, and unconventional parents.

Previous “Secrets of” seasons include ‘SECRETS OF THE OCTOPUS’, narrated by Paul Rudd; ‘SECRETS OF THE ELEPHANTS’, narrated by Natalie Portman; and Emmy-winning ‘SECRETS OF THE WHALES’, narrated by Sigourney Weaver.

SECRETS OF THE PENGUINS is produced by Talesmith for National Geographic. Emmy Award-winners James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm for Lightstorm Earth are executive producers. BAFTA and Emmy Award-winner Bertie Gregory serves as lead storyteller, cinematographer and producer. For Talesmith, Emmy and BAFTA-winning executive producers are Ruth Roberts and Martin Williams. Series producer is Serena Davies. Pam Caragol is executive producer for National Geographic.

Mr. Vijay Thadani, Co-founder & MD, NIIT Limited. said, Anand Rathi Advisors played an important role in structuring a balanced, win-win deal. Their perseverance, domain insight, and strategic inputs were invaluable to the success of this acquisition.”

Mr. Samir Bahl, CEO, Anand Rathi Investment Banking, commented: “This transaction exemplifies the growing convergence of AI, digital learning, and workforce readiness. We are proud to have supported NIIT in this strategic acquisition that deepens its digital skilling portfolio and enhances its relevance in a rapidly evolving talent ecosystem. At Anand Rathi, we remain committed to advising forward-looking businesses in the education and technology sector.”

As spring blooms, so does the celebration of Easter. Join us for a lavish Easter buffet brunch at the Grand Market Pavilion, ITC Royal Bengal, on April 20, 2025.

Delight in a variety of salads and dressings, featuring an Easter special cheese mousse, Motley vegetable terrine, red and green spinach, walnut salad, Canadian potato salad, and Easter Waldorf, complemented by an assortment of international cheeses and homemade dressings like buttermilk Ranch, fruity vinaigrette, Key lime, Balsamico, and Caesar among others, creating an exquisite gourmet experience.

Satisfy your palate with Roast Tom Turkey and its chestnut stuffing, complemented by cranberry sauce, baked Virginia ham in a Midori raisin sauce, meat Fricadelles with sauce Choron, honey-glazed sweet potatoes, and a selection of Easter treats, such as chocolate bunnies, coloured eggs, cinnamon and hazelnut buns, and gourmet pies. Enjoy the symbols of Easter, like the rabbit, which represent abundance, joy, happiness, and growth.

The Nutmeg by Gourmet Couch at ITC Sonar presents a delightful Easter collection, offering a range of exquisite signatures perfect for the festivities. Treat yourself to our Easter box of cupcakes, an assortment of goodies, and a delicious mango and apricot Charlotte to enhance your celebrations!

Join us for a thoughtfully curated spread of delectable food amidst the grandeur of Kolkata’s most iconic luxury destination. With a vibrant Easter ambiance and elegant décor, this promises to be more than just a meal.

Grand Market Pavilion Easter Brunch

Date: April 20, 2025

Price: INR 2300 plus taxes per guest

Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Nutmeg by Gourmet Couch  

Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

Starting Price: INR 1199

Available until: April 22, 2025

Chennai, April 18th, 2025 – GRT Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading boutique hospitality group, celebrated World Heritage Day with a heritage-themed quiz, bringing together history enthusiasts, guests, and team members from across 17 properties in five South Indian states. We had 650 participants taking part in the hybrid event. Hosted by Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot, whose deep knowledge of Indian heritage and culture enriched the occasion.

Designed to spotlight India’s diverse and storied legacy, the quiz featured questions on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, iconic monuments, ancient dynasties, regional art forms, and cultural traditions. Participants competed in a fun, hybrid format—both on-ground and online—for attractive prizes, including stay and dining vouchers at GRT Hotels & Resorts.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, said “World Heritage Day is a celebration of the past that shapes our present. Through this quiz, we aimed to spark curiosity, encourage learning, and honour India’s magnificent heritage. We are grateful to Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali for lending his insight and grace to this event.”

The event also served as a cultural platform, fostering community engagement and offering guests a taste of GRT’s signature hospitality with specially curated local delicacies reflecting India’s timeless heritage.

Mumbai, 18th April 2025: Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), visited the Corporate Office of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) in New Delhi. She was warmly welcomed by Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA, and Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Director (Finance), followed by a comprehensive review meeting and interactive session with senior officials.

CMD presented an impressive overview of IREDA’s progress- highlighting 27% CAGR growth in the loan book, 51% CAGR growth in Profit After Tax, supported by notable rises in Loan sanctions and disbursements over the last five years. The discussion emphasized IREDA’s pivotal role in achieving the national target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. Shri J.V.N. Subramanyam, Joint Secretary, MNRE, also participated in the discussions, along with other senior officers of the Ministry.

IREDA’s efforts to reduce borrowing costs while improving Net Interest Margin, without adding pressure on renewable energy developers, were also underlined. Notably, IREDA recently became the first NBFC and PSU to publish its audited financial results for FY 2024-25 within just 15 days of the fiscal year ending.

Secretary, MNRE appreciated IREDA’s impressive performance and reaffirmed MNRE’s continued support in accelerating India’s renewable energy growth and decarbonization goals.

India’s ever-evolving smartphone landscape is gearing up for an exciting month ahead. With May 2025 just around the corner, several renowned global and domestic brands are preparing to unveil their latest offerings, devices that promise to redefine user experiences across the board.

Whether you’re someone who craves the latest in mobile technology, a fashion-forward user who treats smartphones as a style statement, or a performance-driven multitasker seeking smooth, powerful functionality, there’s something for everyone in this next wave of launches.

This upcoming lineup isn’t just about specs, it’s about smart design, innovation and brands understanding the pulse of Indian users more than ever before. From reimagined classics to bold new entries, May 2025 is set to deliver a mix of sophistication, performance, and accessibility.

So, if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your device or just love staying ahead of the tech curve, keep your eyes on these five smartphone brands making headlines next month.

1. Samsung

Samsung continues to be a powerhouse in the Indian market, with a product lineup that spans entry-level to ultra-premium. Known for combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design, the brand is expected to roll out a new addition that enhances its already strong presence in the mid and high-end segments.

2. Alcatel

Alcatel is making a bold return to the Indian market, bringing with it a fresh perspective on accessible luxury. With a focus on design, build quality and refined user experience, Alcatel aims to offer smartphones that deliver a premium feel without the premium price tag. Their upcoming launch is set to resonate with users who appreciate style and substance in equal measure.

3. OnePlus

OnePlus has built a loyal following by delivering flagship-level performance with a clean software experience. Its next launch in India is highly anticipated, as the brand looks to continue bridging the gap between high-end specs and everyday usability. Sleek design and speed have always been core to its DNA, and that’s not changing anytime soon.

4. Xiaomi

A constant innovator in the Indian smartphone space, Xiaomi is once again preparing to shake up the market. Known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at each price tier, the brand’s next release is expected to blend high-performance internals with modern design, keeping user value at the forefront.

5. Realme

Realme has made a name for itself as a trendsetter, appealing to a younger audience with devices that are fast, stylish, and competitively priced. Its next launch promises to deliver the kind of features and aesthetics that tech-savvy consumers love—backed by strong specs and rapid charging tech that’s now become a Realme signature.

Hyderabad: April 18 2025: Blazing a trail through the global underground scene, Fake Tattoos is a DJ, producer, and performer who’s redefined what it means to be an Indian electronic music act on the international stage. In 2024 alone, he performed in 9 countries, headlining clubs and festivals across Italy, Germany, Japan, Poland, Thailand, and more.

His breakout track ‘Haseen Raatein (Happy Nights)’ became a nightlife anthem, hitting #1 in India and resonating across borders. With 4 tracks simultaneously in the global Top 100, Fake Tattoos holds the distinction of being the only Indian House & Techno artist to reach that milestone.

Having shared stages with legends like Bart Skils, Kollektiv Turmstrasse, Eli & Fur, Stephan Jolk, and Oliver Huntemann, and earning support from names like Tiesto and Shiba San, Fake Tattoos is pushing boundaries with every set.

Currently working on his 4th studio album, this artist is not just riding a wave — he’s building his own movement. Expect raw grooves, hypnotic layers, and pure energy on the dancefloor.

• Date: 19^th April 2025
• Time: 8:00 pm onwards
• Venue: Mindspace SOCIAL, Hyderabad
• Line-up: Fake Tattoos, Paper Planes
• Genre: House & Techno
• Booking link: https://www.skillboxes.com/events/antisocial-hyd-presents-the-indian-house-music-project-with-fake-tattoos