New Delhi, India, March 21, 2025: Stonecraft Group, a trailblazer in biophilic and sustainable real estate, has inaugurated its groundbreaking AQI (Air Quality Index) Monitoring Station at Woods Shamshabad. This initiative underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility and its mission to create eco-conscious living spaces.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Mateja Vodeb Ghosh, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms. Tea Pirih, Economic Counsellor of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms VVL Subhadra Devi (IFS), Additional Commissioner, Urban Biodiversity Wing, GHMC and Mr Ashok Pavadia, Former Additional Secretary, Government of India, along with other eminent experts and media representatives.

This landmark project not only highlights Stonecraft Group’s dedication to monitoring air quality for the benefit of the community but also catalyses raising awareness about environmental sustainability. The inauguration ceremony featured a series of meaningful events, including a ribbon-cutting, a symbolic tree-planting activity, and an interactive media session to discuss the project’s broader impacts.

Speaking at the event, Mateja Vodeb Ghosh, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia emphasised the global significance of sustainable initiatives, said, ” It is essential for all organisations’—whether governments, NGOs, corporates, or businesses—to collectively work towards improving air quality and promoting environmental sustainability. A key responsibility lies with town planners, architects, and real estate developers, such as Stonecraft Group, headed by Mr Kirthi Chilukuri. Their role in building environmentally sustainable and well-ventilated spaces, with cleaner air and efficient lighting, is critical. Sustainable buildings should use clean water resources, implement water harvesting and recycling, and harness renewable energy. Around the world, we are seeing such innovative projects. It is inspiring to see companies like Stonecraft Group championing sustainability with impactful projects like the AQI Monitoring Station. International cooperation is vital to tackling environmental challenges, and I hope this initiative serves as a beacon for others to follow. These efforts need to be celebrated.”

Mr Kirthi Chilukuri, Founder & Managing Director of Stonecraft Group, reflected on the importance of collective efforts of environmental care and added, ” At Stonecraft, we believe that real estate development is more than just creating physical spaces; it’s about building sustainable communities. The AQI Monitoring Station at Woods Shamshabad is just one of the many steps we are taking towards promoting environmental responsibility. As developers, we have a significant role in shaping spaces that are better ventilated, use clean energy, recycle water, and contribute to the health and well-being of communities. It is crucial for all of us to change our mindset and take personal responsibility for our environment. By fostering a culture of sustainability, we can create impactful change that replicates the kind of eco-friendly habitats we are developing at Stonecraft.”

The AQI Monitoring Station aims to provide critical air quality data, benefiting local communities while contributing to long-term improvements in air quality management. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Stonecraft Group’s vision of combining sustainable practices with innovative living spaces. The inauguration was a perfect opportunity to engage with dignitaries and gain deeper insights into the project’s objectives and impact.

Stonecraft Group has recently achieved significant milestones with the successful launch of three flagship projects: PGA Golf City, Woods Indresham, and Assisted Living — showcasing its commitment to redefining real estate with sustainability, biophilic design, and innovative living solution

March 21,2025:The Critics’ Choice Awards (CCA) 2025, presented by GroupM Motion Entertainment in collaboration with the Film Critics Guild, continues its legacy of honoring excellence in Indian cinema and streaming. Recognized as one of the most credible awards in the industry, Critics’ Choice Awards celebrates outstanding storytelling across languages and categories. This year, women-driven narratives take center stage, with films like Laapataa Ladies and Girls Will Be Girls securing multiple nominations. These films, along with other standout titles, highlight complex female characters, bold storytelling, and fresh perspectives on identity, ambition, and resilience. With nominations spanning Best Film, Best Director, and acting categories, the awards spotlight some of the most compelling voices in contemporary cinema. The Critics’ Choice Awards 2025 are set to take place on March 25, marking a night dedicated to celebrating artistic excellence and groundbreaking storytelling.

Laapataa Ladies (Netflix)

Set in rural India, Laapataa Ladies follows the journey of two young brides who accidentally get separated during a train journey, leading to a series of unexpected events. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film beautifully blends humor, emotion, and social commentary, highlighting themes of identity and self-discovery. With its engaging narrative and heartfelt performances, Laapataa Ladies has received Best Feature Film nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards 2025.

All We Imagine As Light (JioHotstar)

In the heart of Mumbai, two nurses find solace in each other as they navigate love, longing, and the search for personal freedom in a city that never slows down. All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, delicately unfolds their journey, capturing moments of quiet resilience and dreams waiting to take flight. With its evocative storytelling and stunning visuals, the film has earned multiple nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards 2025, including Best Feature Film and Best Director, solidifying its place among the year’s finest cinematic achievements.

Girls Will Be Girls ( Amazon Prime Video)

Produced by Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha, Girls Will Be Girls is a story of a 16-year-old girl who begins to explore desire, rebellion, and the blurred lines between adolescence and adulthood. With its bold storytelling and powerful performances, the film has earned multiple nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards 2025, including Best Feature Film,  Best Director and Best Actress.

Kottukkaali ( Amazon Prime Video)

The story of Kottukkaali (The Adamant Girl) follows Meena, a defiant young woman in rural Tamil Nadu who loves a man from a lower caste, rejecting her family’s arranged marriage to Pandi. Believing she’s possessed, her family seeks an exorcism, but Meena’s silent resistance speaks volumes. Directed by P.S. Vinothraj, this 2024 Tamil drama uses minimal dialogue and stunning visuals to critique patriarchy. At the 7th Critics Choice Awards India 2025, it earned nominations for Best  Feature Film, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.

And, Towards Happy Alleys ( Amazon Prime Video)

Inspired by Iranian cinema and Forough Farrokhzad’s poetry, a young Indian director journeys to Tehran, uncovering how resistance fuels daily survival. Despite strict censorship, they capture raw, candid interviews with Jafar Panahi, activists, and everyday women, revealing a nation’s simmering fears, hopes, and defiance. Spanning six years, this powerful documentary offers an intimate look at Iran on the brink of revolution. Nominated for Best Documentary at the Critics Choice Awards 2025, it stands as a bold testament to resilience and freedom.

Ullozhukku (Amazon Prime Video)

Ullozhukku (Undercurrent) is a 2024 Malayalam drama directed by Christo Tomy, follows Anju (Parvathy Thiruvothu) and her family as they confront buried secrets and grief during a flood, unfolding with raw emotional depth. Set against a waterlogged backdrop, the film’s nuanced exploration of human bonds has earned acclaim. At the 7th Critics Choice Awards India 2025, it’s nominated in categories like Best Supporting Actress for Parvathy Thiruvothu, whose compelling performance drives this tale of resilience.

March 21,2025:India’s rapid digital transformation, with over 750 million internet users and 1.2 billion Aadhaar enrolments, highlights the urgent need for technology-driven policymaking to ensure efficient and inclusive governance. At the same time, the rise in cybersecurity threats, with over 2.3 million cyberattacks in 2021, and India’s thriving tech startup ecosystem, with over 50,000 startups, further underscore the need for policies that will foster innovation while ensuring fair regulation. Aligning with this mission, FLAME University’s DigiNiti Technology, and Policy Conclave brought together policymakers, industry thought leaders, academia, and young scholars on the same platform to explore the complex intersections of governance and technology in India.

Key Highlights:

1. Fostering an inclusive ecosystem, the conclave witnessed the presence of tech-policy stakeholders such as Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Prashant Girbane, the Director General of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture; and Rishikesha Krishnan, Director of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore

2. The conference will culminate in a post-conference proceedings document, consisting of key insights from panels and published presentations as working papers

Pune, India, March 20, 2025: FLAME University recently hosted the DigiNiti Technology and Policy Conclave 2025 themed ‘Tech in Policy: Technological Innovations and their Integration into Policymaking and Implementation.’ The event brought policymakers, thought leaders, and young scholars together to explore the intersection of governance and technology. The conclave’s main aim was to promote meaningful collaborations and interdisciplinary research among young minds and to upskill policymaking by integrating technological innovations while also ensuring the right balance between innovation and inclusivity. A leader in India-focused research, FLAME University has been instrumental in hosting a series of events to establish a platform for researchers to bridge the academia-policymaking gap and the academia-industry gap in India.

The conclave fostered discussions around the two-way causal relationship between technology and public policy, on how technology enables data-driven policymaking while also necessitating robust regulatory frameworks. The discussions covered system-disrupting and system-transforming technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency, and blockchain.

Bridging the gap between real-world policy application and academic research, the conclave featured youth forums, research presentations, panel discussions, and keynote lectures. In her keynote speech on data-driven policymaking, Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, said, “India is at the point where the baseline needs are met, and there is now a need to move towards precision policy. The data should now focus on state or district-level for precision policymaking.”

In a panel on “How Much to Regulate Technology,” prominent lawyer Apar Gupta spoke about the importance of striking the right balance between regulation of digital content and safeguarding citizen privacy and freedom of expression. In another panel on “Bridging Academia and Industry: Crafting Tomorrow’s Policy Path,” Prashant Girbane, the Director General of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture, spoke about the need for academia and industry to closely collaborate as part of a ‘whole of society’ effort to come up with technological innovations and policies conducive to economic growth and rapid job creation. Rishikesha Krishnan, Director of Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B), spoke at length in his keynote address on the key role of carefully designed public policies in accelerating the rise of India’s innovation potential.

With in-depth discussions on technology’s role in governance, the conclave received enthusiastic participation from research scholars, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students across India who presented their fresh perspectives on emerging themes such as the use of efficient IoT, artificial intelligence (AI) in public policy, the future of digital finance, fintech policies, smart cities, and blockchain for governance, among others. Best presentations were awarded across the undergraduate, postgraduate, and young researcher categories.

The conference will culminate in a post-conference proceedings document, consisting of key insights from panels and presentations that will be further developed into working papers. This publication will not only extend the impact of the conclave beyond its duration but also catalyze ongoing discourse, shaping the future of technology-driven policymaking in India.

Reflecting on the conclave’s impact, Prof. M.A. Venkataramanan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, FLAME University, stated, “The DigiNiti Technology and Policy Conclave represents our commitment to promoting an environment where research meets real-world application. By engaging students in critical policy discussions, we empower them to contribute meaningfully to India’s governance landscape through technology-driven solutions.”

New Delhi, India – March 21, 2025 – In a groundbreaking moment for India’s agricultural sector, Bill Gates, former Microsoft CEO and philanthropist, visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in New Delhi to witness firsthand the revolutionary impact of Garuda Aerospace’s agricultural drones. During his visit, he engaged with a group of empowered women pilots known as “Drone Didis,” who are leading the way in modernizing Indian farming through advanced drone technology. The visit was facilitated by Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), a key partner in the initiative.

The video showcased, The “Namo Drone Didi” initiative, a government-led program aimed at empowering rural women while transforming agricultural practices through drone technology. Bill Gates observed how these drones are reshaping Indian farming by improving precision agriculture, including fertilizer spraying, seed dispersal, and crop monitoring. The initiative has provided training to over 500 rural women, equipping them with critical drone skills and fostering economic independence. As of today, Garuda Aerospace has delivered 446 drones to women Self-Help Groups across 20 states, boosting agricultural productivity and increasing rural incomes.

This agricultural drone revolution was initially sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary initiative in 2022, which saw the deployment of 100 drones across 100 villages to showcase the benefits of drone technology in agriculture. Garuda Aerospace has played a crucial role in scaling this vision, supplying 15,000 drones to HURL and providing daily training to the “Drone Didis,” enabling them to become financially self-reliant and successful entrepreneurs. HURL has also played a vital role in this transformation, training and equipping women with agricultural drones to enhance efficiency and sustainability in farming practices.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said, “We are honored to have Bill Gates witness the impact of our Agri Drones and the dedication of the Drone Didis. This initiative aligns with our mission to empower rural communities with cutting-edge technology. Seeing the significant improvements in their family incomes is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. We are excited about the future of Agri-drones in India.”

Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty, Managing Director of HURL, said, “We take immense pride in Bill Gates recognizing the transformational power of the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative. Our commitment to training and equipping women with agricultural drones stems from our vision of fostering a self-reliant and digitally empowered India. Accessible and well-utilized technology has the potential to uplift rural communities and drive economic progress.”

Garuda Aerospace, backed by M.S. Dhoni, launched its first film, ‘Kheton Ke Kaptan’, promoting drone technology in farming. Showcasing the benefits of Garuda drones in pesticide spraying, surveillance, and mapping, the film highlights their role in conserving water and time. To accelerate adoption, farmers and young entrepreneurs will receive drone training, subsidies, and loans. The presence of global leaders like Bill Gates recognizing the grassroots impact of drone technology validates India’s evolving drone ecosystem. Initiatives like Namo Drone Didi are also breaking gender norms, empowering women entrepreneurs, and driving inclusive technological progress in agriculture.

Dr. Smrithi D Nayak, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology

In today’s world, women have more control than ever over their health and well-being. With advances in medicine, nutrition, and fitness, age is truly just a number. Women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are staying active, feeling vibrant, and living healthier lives. The key lies in adopting the right habits and maintaining a positive mindset.

Prioritize Regular Exercise

Staying active is one of the best ways to maintain health and vitality. Exercise improves heart health, strengthens bones, and keeps muscles toned. Women should focus on a mix of:
• Cardio workouts like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming to keep the heart strong.
• Strength training to maintain muscle mass and bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Flexibility and balance exercises such as yoga or Pilates to enhance mobility and prevent falls.
• Just 30 minutes of movement daily can make a significant difference in long-term health.

Follow a Nutritious Diet

What women eat plays a crucial role in how they feel as they age. A balanced diet should include:
• Lean proteins (chicken, fish, beans, tofu) to maintain muscle strength.
• Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil) for brain function and heart health.
• Plenty of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to aid digestion.
• Calcium and vitamin D to support strong bones and prevent osteoporosis.
• Limiting processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive alcohol can also help maintain energy levels and prevent chronic illnesses.

Take Care of Hormonal Health

Hormonal balance is essential for overall well-being. As women age, estrogen levels decline, which can affect mood, metabolism, and bone health. Consulting a gynecologist or fertility specialist can help manage hormonal changes through:
• Lifestyle adjustments
• Natural supplements
• Hormone replacement therapy (if necessary)

Prioritize Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Staying healthy is not just about physical fitness—it’s also about mental and emotional balance. Stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep can accelerate aging. To maintain well-being:
• Practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress.
• Engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy.
• Build strong social connections to stay emotionally fulfilled.
• Ensure quality sleep (7-9 hours per night) for proper body recovery.

Stay on Top of Health Screenings

Preventive care is crucial for long-term health. Regular check-ups and screenings help detect potential health issues early. Women should prioritize:
• Annual gynaecological exams with PAP smear and USG scan.
• Mammograms (as per age and risk factors)
• Bone density tests
• Heart health check-ups (cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes screening)

Aging is a natural process, but how women age is in their control. By staying active, eating well, managing stress, and prioritizing health check-ups, women can feel younger, stronger, and more vibrant at any age. It’s never too late to invest in self-care—because age truly is just a number!

New Delhi, 21st March 2025: To fully prosper, we require more than simply effort, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and creative brilliance. Enter the 20-20 Rule: 20 minutes of Transcendental Meditation each morning and evening. This stunningly simple yet profoundly powerful practice is swiftly emerging as the secret to achieving optimal health, unbounded enjoyment, and peak performance in all aspects of life.

Neuroscientists showed that during TM practice, the brain produces extremely high-power alpha waves. When these waves sync together, the brain’s executive judgment gets strengthened. No other form of meditation has produced such steady alpha coherence across the brain. Researchers have shown that the ability to “transcend” restores neurological balance, inner silence, and clarity of mind.

A new book, World-Class Brain, looks at the brain power of top performers. Based on research on Olympic athletes, top executives, and symphony orchestra musicians, it establishes the connection between high performance and brain integration, as proven by electroencephalogram (EEG) measures. EEG is a non-invasive tool that records brain wave patterns in order to shed light on how different areas communicate and coordinate with each other.

On the other hand, TM becomes a technique where, along with regular practice, the brain becomes much clearer and integrated by research, thus contributing to improved memory, heightened creativity, increased understanding, and heightened concentration. The book goes on to show that TM is the only scientifically confirmed meditation technique that enhances intra- and inter-hemispheric EEG coherence, leading to improved IQ, academic achievement, emotional stability, autonomous esteem, and moral reasoning.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Aditi Shrivastava, Senior Transcendental Meditation Teacher states, “TM is more than just a wellness practice; it Is an enhancement tool for life that benefits everybody. It is practiced from students and parents to professionals or someone who is looking for a deeper sense of fulfillment. With the help of the 20-20 Rule, one can reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate a profound sense of inner calm.”

Outside of that, TM is also gaining recognition in schools, workplaces, health institutes, and other personal wellness programs as a method to relieve stress and improve the quality of life. The 20-20 Rule properly acknowledges the existence of living proof in favor of time-tested science as a student, working-class professional, parent, or any other.  The more popular, awareness increases, and TM continues to stand tall as the transformative medium into the practice of awakening human potential.