India, April 16, 2025: The 3^rd edition of the ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp (AIAC) concluded in Shillong with an exhibition at Tripura Castle, where paintings created by 21 artists from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and India were displayed. Over ten days, these artists engaged in collaborative work, drawing inspiration from Shillong’s landscapes, cultural interactions, and artistic exchanges.

Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in collaboration with Seher, AIAC has been a key initiative under India’s Act East Policy. The camp facilitated artistic dialogue across borders, fostering an environment where diverse styles, traditions, and techniques converged to create original works of art.

Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs of India said “It’s a privilege to host the ASEAN-India Artists Camp in Shillong, Meghalaya. This reflects PM Narendra Modi’s people-first approach in the Act East Policy. With 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, the camp shows our focus on bringing people together. Meghalaya, with its traditions and landscapes, is India’s gateway to ASEAN and a key part of the Northeast’s role in our growth. The 21 artists from ASEAN nations and India have captured the Ramayana’s spirit, linking our shared heritage. On behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs, I thank the Meghalaya government, the Seher team, and all participants for making this third edition a success. As an Assamese, I’m proud to see the Northeast strengthen India’s ties with ASEAN through culture and shared goals.”

During the camp, artists participated in a series of immersive experiences, including interactive workshops on classical dance, indigenous music, and traditional handicrafts. They engaged in discussions on creative techniques, explored Meghalaya’s artistic heritage, and conducted interactive sessions with local schoolchildren, offering them a rare opportunity to observe and learn from distinguished artists. These exchanges not only enriched the creative process but also deepened cultural understanding.

Reflecting on the camp’s success, Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder-Director of Seher, said, “As the one who dreamed up this camp, I’ve watched it evolve into something extraordinary. Over ten days, I saw these artists from across borders dive into Shillong’s culture, challenge each other’s ideas, and produce works that pulse with life. This exhibition is the result of raw creativity, late-night debates, and a shared passion that’s now tangible on every canvas. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.”

With the conclusion of the camp, the artworks showcased in Shillong will next be exhibited in New Delhi and Malaysia, further extending this cultural exchange beyond borders. The artists return to their home countries with new perspectives, experiences and memories, reinforcing India’s engagement with ASEAN nations through the arts.

The Lexicon Art proudly presents Alchemy of Matter, a landmark exhibition curated by Rahul Bhattacharya, showcasing the transformative studio culture of Baroda. Featuring works by 16 distinguished artists, this exhibition explores a critical shift in artistic practice—a reimagination of materiality that challenges traditional perceptions and redefines the role of materials in contemporary art.

Baroda, historically renowned as the cradle of the Narrative movement and later a stronghold of mediatic realism, now emerges as a site of profound experimentation. The city’s studios have become incubators for cross-generational dialogue, fostering innovative approaches to both traditional and unconventional materials. Artists are not only engaging with mediums such as canvas, clay, glass, and bronze but are also re-politicising them, imbuing these materials with new semantics and cultural significance.

Title of the show: Alchemy of Matter- New Materiality and Studio practices at Baroda

Curator Name: Rahul Bhattacharya

Preview: 25^th April 2025 from 6 PM – 9 PM

Dates: 26th April – 29th April 2025

Time: 11 AM – 7 PM

 Venue: The Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi

The exhibition will continue from 05th May, 2025 till 10^th June, 2025 from 11 AM – 7 PM at The Lexicon Art Gallery, M-12 Connaught Place Outer Circle, New Delhi.

The exhibition highlights this ‘new materiality’ through the works of mid-career and emerging artists: Mayur Gupta, Sashidharan Nair, Indrapramit Roy, Anuj Poddar, Ganesh Gohain, Santana Gohain, Chander Prakash, Vinod Daroz, Alok Bal, Nimesh Patel, Uday Mondal, Ajay Lakhera, Rai David, Santa Rakshit, Lochan Upadhyay, and Azghar Ali. Their practices reflect an evolving artistic trajectory that moves beyond narrative traditions and conceptual frameworks to engage deeply with material as a medium of storytelling and critique.

Through this collective exploration, The Alchemy of Matter invites viewers to witness how Baroda’s artists are reshaping contemporary art. The exhibition serves as atestament to the city’s enduring legacy as a crucible for innovation while marking its transition into new realms of artistic inquiry.

On the occasion Mamta Nath, Founder of The Lexicon Art Gallery said, “The contemporary art culture and experimentation fostering in Baroda continues to be a hidden gem for art enthusiasts, curators and collectors. Alchemy of Matter is a comprehensive glance into that culture. Viewers can expect to engage with mediums and ideas that have remained unexplored and get a chance to interact with the artists, offering valuable insights into their creative processes.”

On the occasion Curator Rahul Bhattacharya said, “The Alchemy of Matter insists that materials are not mute—they argue, provoke, and remember. What we’re seeing in Baroda today is not a return or reaction, but a sharp reorientation: the studio as a site of material thinking. Artists are no longer illustrating politics—they’re embedding it into the grain of wood, the skin of clay, the weave of textile. These are not metaphors. They are confrontations. The medium doesn’t represent the message. It is the message.”

Bengaluru, India – 16 April 2025- Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has launched the ‘Big League. Bigger Screen’ campaign, bringing exciting offers on its premium range of AI big-screen TVs, including Neo Q LED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, and Crystal 4K UHD TV. The campaign is designed to elevate the experience of watching cricket, offering an immersive, stadium-like viewing experience. Running from 1^st – 30^th April 2025, consumers can enjoy exclusive benefits on Samsung’s ultra-premium TVs, making every match feel larger than life.

Customers purchasing a Samsung TV during the offer period can enjoy exclusive benefits, including a free TV worth up to INR 204990 or a free Soundbar worth up to INR 99990 for an immersive audio experience. Additionally, Samsung is offering up to 20% cashback, zero down payment, and flexible EMI options, with the lowest EMI starting at just INR 2990 and extended tenures of up to 30 months.

Samsung’s premium big-screen TVs bring every match to life with advanced AI upscaling, lifelike colour accuracy, and superior sound quality. Equipped with Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony, these TVs deliver multidimensional audio for a truly cinematic experience. With Samsung Knox Security, users can enjoy a seamless and secure smart TV experience. Powered by AI and Quantum Matrix Technology, these TVs offer exceptional contrast, clarity, and brightness, transforming any living room into a personal stadium.

As part of this exciting campaign, customers can enjoy exclusive offers on 43” & above TV sizes across the Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED TV, and Crystal 4K UHD TV range, making it the perfect time to upgrade to a bigger and better viewing experience.

Neo QLED 8K

Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K range, powered by the NQ8 AI Gen2 Processor, delivers an unparalleled AI-powered viewing experience with lifelike picture quality. With 256 AI neural networks, the processor enhances both picture and sound, ensuring an immersive 8K experience—whether you are streaming your favourite OTT content, playing video games, or watching live sports. Equipped with Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro, these TVs provide consistently crisp visuals and ultra-fast speeds, making them perfect for high-speed gaming and action-packed entertainment.

Neo QLED 4K

The Neo QLED 4K lineup, powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, transforms any content into stunning 4K resolution. With Quantum Matrix Technology, it ensures exceptional contrast and detail, even in the most complex scenes. Featuring the world’s first Pantone Validated display for true-to-life colour accuracy and Dolby Atmos for immersive, cinematic sound, the Neo QLED 4K range redefines the 4K entertainment experience.

QLED TV

Samsung’s QLED TV delivers stunning visuals with Quantum Dot technology, ensuring 100% color volume that remains vibrant and true at any brightness level. Designed to seamlessly blend into any home, its ultra-slim design adds a touch of sophistication while elevating the viewing experience.

OLED TV

Samsung’s glare-free OLED TV minimizes unwanted reflections while preserving deep blacks and crisp details in any lighting environment. Powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, it features Real Depth Enhancer and OLED HDR Pro, setting new standards in picture quality. With Motion Xcelerator 144Hz, Samsung OLED TVs deliver ultra-smooth motion, making them the ultimate choice for gaming and high-speed entertainment.

UHD TV

Samsung’s UHD TV brings colours to life with Dynamic Crystal Color technology, delivering lifelike variation and intricate details in every shade. The Motion Xcelerator feature keeps fast-moving action smooth and clear, making every game, match, movie, or show more immersive than ever.

16th April, 2025, Bengaluru: To inspire and empower women data researchers, the Data Centre and Analytics Lab (DCAL) at IIM Bangalore hosted the 7th annual Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference 2025. Part of a Stanford University initiative, the one-day technical conference provided an opportunity to discuss the latest data science-related research and applications across domains.

Accomplished women data scientists and leaders discussed cutting-edge applications and innovations with Gen AI and data technologies. Women leaders from Accenture, Biocon Biologics, Deloitte, EXL, Fractal Analytics, GE Appliances, Genpact, Michelin, PayPal, Target, and Visa shared insights into how they leveraged Data and AI technologies in their companies for a variety of functions.

The conference was organised under the leadership of WiDS Ambassadors–Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, IIMB’s Dean Faculty and Chairperson of DCAL. He  said, “The WiDS Bengaluru Conference 2025 played an important role in highlighting the contributions of women in shaping the future of data sciences and AI. It brought together leaders from leading companies who shared their pioneering work across domains. From leveraging the transformative power of AI in enterprises, to scaling Generative AI for driving business improvements as well as the crucial role of women in shaping AI policy and governance. This event underscored the dynamic evolution of AI and also emphasised the importance of diverse perspectives in navigating its future.”

Delivering the keynote, Dr Ambica Rajagopal, Group Chief Data and AI Officer at Michelin said, “The jump in AI technology surprised everyone, but it’s clear that AI is transforming lives for the better. From applications that improve manufacturing efficiency and automate boring parts of jobs, to democratizing access to technology, AI is a critical conversation for enterprises. Technical expertise drives these impactful projects, and responsible AI ensures trust and compliance in this new era.”

 Speaking about Scaling with GenAI, Smitha Ganesh, Managing Director – AI, Accenture said,”AI personalisation has been a longstanding challenge. Effective implementation hinges on crucial factors like data availability, balancing precision and recall, and segmenting users for tailored experiences. Real-time responsiveness is critical for user engagement, though managing these complex systems demands significant time and resources.”

Talking about business storytelling with data sciences, Susmita Chaudhury, Partner – Technology & Transformation, Deloitte said, “In the age of AI, data science is no longer just about analytics — it’s about storytelling that drives strategy. With access to real-time insights at our fingertips, businesses can personalize customer journeys, automate workflows, and make bold, data-driven decisions. When we shift left in data projects, prioritize governance, and manage intellectual property with intent, we don’t just reduce risks — we unlock narratives that move markets. AI enables scale, cloud automation refines user experience, and the right story built on the right data can turn complexity into clarity, and action into impact.”

On how AI and data science is tackling buyer abuse and post purchase disputes for ecommerce, Andaleeb Shadan, Senior Director, Resolutions and Protections at Paypal said, “As e-commerce accelerates, so does the sophistication of fraud and the impact of returns abuse — which is fast becoming an existential threat to retailers. The power of data science lies in its ability to tell the full story behind every transaction: who the customer is, what they need, and where the risks lie. At PayPal, we’re using AI and data science not just to detect and prevent fraud, but to design systems that understand the customer lifecycle, protect against losses, and build trust. When data, design, and ethics align, we don’t just fight fraud — we future-proof the business.”

Other members from the institute were Ms. Shailaja Grover, Ms. Harini Thammaiah, Ms. Afreen Aman, Ms. Ashwini Chandrashekharaiah; and Ms. Harini Anand.

The conference included sessions on scaling AI solutions, enhancing learning experience with data, business storytelling through analytics, and leveraging AI to tackle industry challenges.

Hyderabad, 16 April 2025: Kamala Hospital and Research Centre for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease, operating under Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS), Hyderabad, has been officially designated as one of the key Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) Collaborating Centres in India. This recognition places the facility among a global network of elite centres that are committed to raising the standards of care, education, and research in the field of haemoglobinopathies, including Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) making it a significant achievement in India’s healthcare landscape.

This prestigious selection is the result of a rigorous and multi-stage international assessment process conducted by world-renowned experts, following which Kamala Hospital and Research Centre (TSCS) has now joined a powerful global initiative led by TIF to enhance comprehensive care, strengthen medical training, and build capacity in countries with high disease burden.

In the month of Feb 2025, an official on-site evaluation was carried out by an expert delegation comprising Prof. Antonio Piga and Prof. Dimitrios Farmakis. Their inspection included Kamala Hospital & Research Centre (TSCS) in Hyderabad, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and Post Graduate Institute of Child Health, Noida.

Following an in-depth post-visit assessment — Kamala Hospital and Research Centre (TSCS), Hyderabad, — was selected as one of the two TIF Collaborating Centres in India. TIF Collaborating Centres network is a cornerstone initiative designed to close persistent gaps in care, education, and human resources across countries struggling with high burdens of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease.

Speaking about the collaboration Mr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President, TSCS said, “This designation by TIF is not only an accolade for Kamala Hospital and TSCS, but a beacon of hope for thousands of Indian families affected by Thalassemia and SCD. It acknowledges TSCS outstanding patient care model, our unwavering dedication to equitable access, our leadership in voluntary blood donation and free treatment and our growing stature in research and prevention. As a TIF Collaborating Centre, Kamala Hospital Research Centre (TSCS) will now expand its impact beyond Telangana uplifting regional centres, supporting national policies, and collaborating with international experts. This is not just a recognition. It is a responsibility.”

Dr. Suman Jain, Chief Medical Research Officer and Secretary, TSCS speaking about the way forward said, “As a designated TIF Collaborating Centre, Kamala Hospital (TSCS) will now serve as a nucleus of training, support, and standardization for the state of Telangana and beyond to organize training workshops for Haematologists and treating physicians within the state, structured fellowships will be developed for clinicians and healthcare workers at smaller regional treatment centres, Annual Medical Workshops will bring organized, arrangements of Formal Liaison with Local and National Health Authorities identifying and supporting regional centres” .

Prof Antonio Piga and Prof. Dimitrios Farmakis expressed their happiness and said, “At TIF we are dedicated to improving the lives of patients with Thalassaemia, Sickle Cell Disease, and other haemoglobinopathies worldwide. TIF works closely with World Health Organization (WHO), Ministries of Health, Healthcare professionals and Patient advocacy groups. With this designation TIF Collaborating Centre, Kamala Hospital (TSCS) will now serve as a nucleus of training, support, and innovate for the state of Telangana and beyond to bring clinicians, researchers, donors, patients, and policymakers work together towards Thalassemia and to transform Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease care in India’’.

Mrs. Ratnavali Kottapalli, Vice President, TSCS sharing her concluding statements said, “TSCS is home to a dedicated molecular research unit that regularly publishes findings in both international peer-reviewed journals and national forums. So far 22 journals are published nationally and internationally. The centre has also successfully conducted two National Conferences, Continuing Medical Education (CME) and is an active participant in TIF webinars, workshops, and summits. We are looking forward to the activities scheduled under the collaboration with TIF”.

New Delhi, 16th April 2025: SBL Global, India’s leading manufacturer of homeopathic medicines, proudly announces the successful installation of a new Automatic Production Chain at its Haridwar manufacturing unit on 18th of February, 2025. This step marks a major milestone in the company’s commitment to enhancing quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

The new automated system is designed to improve the entire manufacturing process by decreasing operator intervention and maintaining consistent product quality. The technology was successfully installed in Unit 2’s Liquid Section before being applied in Unit 1’s Dilution Section.

Sharing his views on this milestone, Mr. Pratik Shrestha, Managing Director of SBL Pvt. Ltd. said, “SBL Global is always investing in innovation and technology to better serve its customers. This new automated system is a huge step forward in guaranteeing that every product leaving our factory meets the highest quality and dependability criteria. It represents our commitment to provide the best possible service to our clients while also working toward a more efficient and sustainable future.”

The advanced production chain includes:

• Online Vision System for error-free batch coding and QR code printing.

• Automatic Labeling & Hologram Machines to improve productivity and accuracy.

• Plugging and Capping Machines to eliminate leakage issues.

• Online Check Weighers to ensure accurate product weights.

• Thermal Inkjet Printers for precise, scannable QR code printing.

This initiative will lead to faster production, fewer customer complaints, and better product traceability, all while reducing waste and supporting the company’s green initiatives. This installation aims to elevate the production of homeopathic medicines and solidify SBL Global’s standing as a reliable industry leader, not merely to build machinery.