28 March 2025: RIR Power Electronics, a global semiconductor company, is on track to establish India’s First Silicon Carbide (SiC) Semiconductor production facility in Odisha, with the production of Epitaxy Wafer as part of phase 1 production expected to commence by December 2025. This strategic investment of ₹618 Crores to produce high power SiC devices marks a landmark achievement in advancing India’s semiconductor industry and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities under the Make in India Initiative to produce high power Mosfets and Diodes from 3.3KV to 20KV.

“We are proud to align with Odisha’s vision of fostering semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. With the support of the Odisha government, we are on track to begin production of Epitaxy Wafer by the end of this year and do the Packaging and SiC Fab in subsequent years.” said Mr. Harshad Mehta, Founder & Promoter, RIR Power Electronics Limited. “This initiative not only propels our company forward but also reinforces India’s semiconductor supply chain.”

The next generation SiC semiconductor facility will focus on manufacturing critical components for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, power electronics and industrial automation applications. The superior technology of SiC semiconductors provides durability alongside high efficiency to transform power applications, which results in enhanced energy efficiency and operational performance throughout various industries.

Supported by dedicated government backing and RIR’s expertise in power electronic solutions, this advanced facility will serve as a key hub for India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem. Its implementation will generate employment opportunities, foster local industry collaborations and contribute to regional economic growth, positioning India as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

Dr. Shivani Chandan L, Consultant – Obstetrics & gynecology

Endometriosis is a condition that affects millions of women worldwide, yet it remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Often dismissed as mere “period pain,” endometriosis is a serious medical condition that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. March is recognized as Endometriosis Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to shed light on this often-overlooked disorder.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, bladder, scars and other organs. Unlike normal endometrial tissue, which is shed during menstruation, these misplaced cells have no way to exit the body. As a result, they cause inflammation, scarring, and sometimes the formation of painful cysts called endometriomas.

Symptoms and Impact on Life

The symptoms of endometriosis vary, but common signs include:

• Chronic pelvic pain: Often worsens during menstruation but can persist throughout the cycle.
• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): Cramps that are more intense and prolonged than usual.
• Pain during intercourse: Due to inflammation and scarring.
• Painful urination or bowel movements: Particularly during menstrual cycles.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding: Some women experience excessive bleeding or irregular cycles.
• Infertility: Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of female infertility.

The severity of pain does not always correlate with the extent of the disease. Some women with severe endometriosis may have mild symptoms, while others with minimal lesions experience debilitating pain. The chronic nature of the condition can affect a woman’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, often leading to anxiety, depression, and a diminished quality of life.

Diagnostic Challenges

One of the biggest challenges in managing endometriosis is delayed diagnosis. Many women suffer for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis, with an average delay of 7-10 years. This is partly due to the misconception that painful periods are normal and the lack of a definitive non-invasive test. The gold standard for diagnosis is laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that allows direct visualization and biopsy of endometrial lesions.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of endometriosis remains unclear, but several theories exist:

• Retrograde menstruation: Menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity instead of exiting the body.
• Immune system dysfunction: The body may fail to recognize and eliminate misplaced endometrial cells.
• Genetic factors: Endometriosis tends to run in families, suggesting a hereditary component.
• Hormonal imbalances: Estrogen plays a key role in the growth and progression of endometriosis.

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing endometriosis, including a family history of the condition, early menstruation, short menstrual cycles, and high estrogen levels.

Treatment and Management

While there is no cure for endometriosis, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

1. Medications:This option provides temporary pain relief.

• Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Hormonal therapies: Birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and GnRH agonists can help regulate or suppress menstrual cycles, slowing the growth of endometrial tissue.

2. Surgical Interventions:

• Laparoscopic excision:  Removal of endometrial implants to relieve pain and improve fertility.
• Hysterectomy: In severe cases, removal of the uterus (with ovaries) may be considered as a last resort.

3. Lifestyle and Alternative Therapies:

• Diet and nutrition: Reducing inflammatory foods like processed sugar and increasing anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens and omega-3-rich foods can help manage symptoms temporarily.
• Regular exercise: Helps reduce pain and improve overall well-being.
• Mental health support: Counselling and support groups can help women cope with the emotional impact of the condition.

Raising Awareness and Breaking the Silence

Endometriosis is more than just a reproductive health issue; it is a serious medical condition that requires greater awareness, research, and support. Many women suffer in silence, believing their pain is normal. Educating young girls about menstrual health, training healthcare providers to recognize symptoms earlier, and advocating for more research funding are crucial steps in addressing the burden of endometriosis.

If you or someone you know experiences severe menstrual pain, irregular bleeding, or unexplained infertility, seeking medical advice is essential. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in managing the condition and improving quality of life.

By speaking openly about endometriosis, we can challenge the stigma, empower women to seek help, and work toward better treatment options in the future. Let’s turn Endometriosis Awareness Month into action by spreading knowledge, supporting those affected, and pushing for advancements in women’s health.

March 28, 2025: Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers has landed the 2Africa Pearls cable in the country, connecting India to Africa, and Europe via the Middle East.

Airtel is the landing partner for the 2Africa Pearls cable in India. This is in partnership with the 2Africa Pearls’ investors – center3 and Meta.

2Africa Pearls brings over 100Tbps (terabits per second) of international capacity to India. With this investment, Airtel has further diversified its global network to support India’s digital growth ambitions.

Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO – Airtel Business, said, “We are thrilled to bring the 2Africa Pearls cable to India adding to our network resilience. We are aggressively diversifying our global network and recently landed the SEA-WE-ME-6 cable in Chennai and Mumbai. We will continue investing in global cable systems and future-proof our network with an aim to deliver high uptime, reliability, and superior quality network to our customers”.

2Africa Pearls is a part of the 2Africa cable system, which will be the world’s longest subsea cable system when completed, spanning over 45,000 kilometers connecting Asia to Africa and Europe through the Middle East. The 2Africa cable system is led by a consortium of Bayobab, center3, China Mobile International, Meta, Orange, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone Group, and WIOCC, while Alcatel Submarine Networks is responsible for manufacturing and installation of the cable.

Airtel’s global network spans 400,000 Rkms (route kilometers) across 50 countries and five continents.  The company has investments in 34 cables globally with some of the recent ones including 2Africa, Southeast Asia-Japan Cable 2 (SJC2) and Equiano. Apart from these cables that connect India to key regions like APAC, Europe, the Middle East and US, Airtel’s global subsea network investments also include large cable systems like i2i Cable Network (i2icn), Europe India Gateway (EIG), IMEWE, SEA-ME-WE-4, AAG, Unity, EASSy, Gulf Bridge International (GBI) and Middle East North Africa Submarine Cable (MENA Cable) amongst many others.

March 28^th, 2025: Coke Studio Bharat, the iconic stage celebrating the confluence of diverse musical styles, presents the second track of its third season ’Holo Lolo’, a rhythmic dive into the world of a phandi (elephant trainer). Through a fusion of folk and contemporary sounds, Coke Studio Bharat brings this timeless connection to life, crafting a vivid sonic and visual experience. Voiced by Shankuraj Konwar and Shalmali Kholgade, the song blends Assam’s regional essence with Hindi, capturing the deep bond between the Phandi and his hathi saathi.

 Echoing solitude, longing, and nature’s calling, the deep-rooted traditions of Assam’s Moran community paint the tale of a phandi who roams the dense jungles and rolling hills for months, seeking pasture for his lifelong companion, his elephant. As they journey together, he pours his heart into songs, sharing whispers of love for someone who once waited in the valley. Coke Studio Bharat reimagines this poignant saga from the village of Torani with Holo Lolo, infusing it with evocative tunes and striking visuals. By weaving together folklore passed down through generations with a modern landscape, the track bridges the past and present, resonating with today’s audience while preserving the soul of an enduring legacy.

 Shankuraj Konwar said, “Bringing Holo Lolo to life has been an honor. Regional music is now at the forefront, and Coke Studio Bharat is making it happen by embracing India’s rich traditions. It’s a tribute to Assam’s history, and I’m grateful to be part of a platform that gives regional artists a national stage, carrying our roots and music across the country.”

 Shalmali Kholgade said, “Folk music has a timeless soul, and Holo Lolo beautifully blends Assamese heritage with a contemporary sound. Coke Studio Bharat is creating a space where folk music not only thrives but also resonates with a wider audience, giving traditional sounds a fresh identity while delivering what listeners seek today.”

Shantanu Gangane, IMX (Integrated Marketing Experience) Lead, Coca-Cola India, added, “Music has the power to make history sing, and that’s exactly what Coke Studio Bharat is doing. Season 3 is about more than just songs—it’s about reintroducing India to its own stories. Holo Lolo carries the depth of Assam’s heritage and gives it a new voice, proving that tradition isn’t meant to be remembered—it’s meant to be relived. With Shankuraj and Shalmali onboard, we are making sure these powerful stories don’t fade but rise.”

 Coke Studio Bharat Season 3 pushes the boundaries of musical storytelling, blending powerful visuals with rich narratives to create an immersive experience. With a deep-rooted focus on India’s cultural soundscape, this season captures the emotions of life. As the season unfolds, stay tuned for more stories, more voices, and more music that evolves, inspires, and connects audiences across the country.

March 27, 2025: QatarEnergy LNG, the world’s premier LNG company, has awarded an Ultra Mega Offshore Contract for the North Field Production Sustainability Offshore Compression Project (NFPS COMP 4) to Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) Hydrocarbon Business (L&T Energy Hydrocarbon – LTEH) marking the largest single contract ever received by L&T.

The scope of work encompasses the engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of two offshore compression complexes, each comprising large offshore platforms with compression & power generation facilities, living quarters, flare platforms, interconnected bridges, and other associated structures to be located at approximately 80 km off the northeast coast of Qatar.

Mr S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & Managing Director – L&T, commented “Securing QatarEnergy LNG’s Ultra Mega Offshore Contract—the largest single order in our history, is a landmark achievement. This prestigious project strengthens our global energy portfolio while supporting Qatar’s energy security objectives. I thank QatarEnergy LNG for placing their trust in L&T to deliver this complex and strategically important project. We look forward to setting new benchmarks in project execution that will reinforce Qatar’s position as a global LNG leader.

Mr Subramanian Sarma, Deputy Managing Director & President -L&T, commented “The award of a project of such nature is a reflection of the confidence and trust placed by QatarEnergy LNG in L&T’s expertise and its ability to deliver such large-scale projects for which L&T is very thankful. This collaboration not only strengthens our partnership but also reaffirms L&T’s commitment to supporting Qatar’s strategic energy objectives through innovative and reliable solutions.”

28 March 2025: Sri Chaitanya Academy, an initiative of Infinity Learn — India’s only Hybrid Learning platform delivering outcome-based learning at scale — announced the launch of ATREYA, a one-of-a-kind National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) program. It integrates digital tools and real-time performance tracking, with a special focus on Physics coaching — considered a challenging area for NEET aspirants.

 Over the past few years, the number of applicants for NEET-UG has seen a steady rise, from 15 lakh registrations in 2020 to over 24 lakh registrations in 2024. In the last decade, Sri Chaitanya Academy has produced over 1 lakh doctors, who have gone on to enroll in prestigious institutions like AIIMS Delhi, where 24% doctors are from the academy. In the last two years, the institute has consistently produced NEET AIR 1s. Leveraging the institute’s proven pedagogy, top NEET faculty will guide aspirants to achieve top results through ATREYA, targeted at Grade XI students.  

 ATREYA leverages technology to analyse students’ performance in real-time, identify knowledge gaps and recommend customized learning strategies. The program places special emphasis on Physics, with classes conducted twice a week to help students navigate the subject seamlessly. Stress-relief workshops and counselling sessions are also incorporated to achieve holistic growth.

 Commenting on the new offering, Ms Sushma Boppana, Co-founder of Infinity Learn and CEO and Director of Sri Chaitanya Group, said: “With ATREYA, we’ve revolutionized NEET coaching by combining personalized mentorship with cutting-edge AI technology. Our AI platform’s real-time analytics, coupled with our top NEET faculty, will deliver actionable insights that accelerate improvement and turn students’ MBBS dreams into reality. NEET preparation is as much about emotional readiness as academic excellence. ATREYA’s holistic growth ecosystem addresses both aspects, helping students maintain focus and confidence throughout their journey.”

 Speaking about how the new program is designed for excellence, Mr. Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO of Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, added, “Learning is a journey, and driven by our motto of ‘Baccha Seekha Ki Nahi’, we equip our learners with the tools they need to navigate that journey with greater clarity. As we strive to become a leader in top-tier college admissions, our mission is to empower every aspirant by providing resources and focusing on strengthening weak areas. Our P²CBZ (Physics twice a week, with focused coaching on Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology) approach ensures students excel in traditionally challenging subjects like Physics while maintaining top performance in other subjects – Chemistry, Botany and Zoology.”

March 28, 2025: This Eid, Koskii invites fashion enthusiasts to a celebration of their new collection, Zurii, that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. The collection is a testament to the art of festive dressing, featuring an exquisite range of Salwar Suits that capture the essence of the season.

A Palette of Emotions & Colours

Koskii’s Eid collection showcases a breathtaking array of Salwar Suits in both jewel tones and soft pastels, each piece telling a unique story of style and sophistication. From deep emerald greens and rich sapphire blues to delicate blush pinks and serene lavenders, the colour palette is designed to complement every skin tone and personal style.

Craftsmanship that Speaks Volumes

The hallmark of Koskii’s collection is the intricate zari work that adorns each piece. Delicate gold threads meticulously woven into luxurious fabrics create a shimmer that catches the light, transforming each Salwar Suit into a work of art. This season’s trend is all about subtle opulence, and intricate embroidery that whispers rather than shouts, making a statement of refined elegance.

Styling Tips: Getting Dressed For Eid

While Koskii’s Zurii collection can be worn as is, the brand suggests you add your twist to make what you wear distinctly you. Whether draping the dupatta in a different way or the subtle art of elevating your look with jewellery, here are some tips to go from ready to glam.

This Eid, we’re loving two distinctive jewellery styles that will complement whatever you wear:

• Oxidized Silver: For those seeking a contemporary edge, pair your salwar suit with chunky oxidized silver jewelry. Think statement earrings and bold bangles that add a modern twist to traditional attire.

• Gold Accessories: For a more classic look, opt for chunky gold jewelry that echoes the zari work in the suits. Oversized hoops, layered necklaces, and statement rings create a luxurious ensemble.

This Eid, the trend is all about personal expression. Mix and match your salwar suits with unexpected accessories, play with layering, and don’t be afraid to add your unique touch. Whether you’re attending a family gathering or a festive evening out, Koskii’s collection ensures you’ll stand out with understated glamour.

Celebrity Inspiration

So enticing is Koskii’s Zurii collection that even celebrities are being seen in their collection. Recently, Divyanka Tripathi was spotted wearing a Koskii Salwar Suit at an Iftar party.

Making Memories in Zurii

More than just clothing, Koskii’s Eid collection is about creating moments, capturing memories, and celebrating tradition with a modern twist. Each piece is carefully crafted to make you feel confident, beautiful, and connected to your cultural roots.

Discover the magic of Eid with Zurii from Koskii.

March 28, 2025: IDBI Bank successfully hosted ‘IDBI FinTech Fusion’ on March 25–26, 2025, at IDBI Bank Head Office, Mumbai, bringing together some of the most innovative minds in the FinTech ecosystem. The exclusive event served as a dynamic platform for fintechs to showcase their capabilities.

Organized in association with Amazon Web Services (AWS) as Knowledge Partner, the event featured keynote sessions from AWS and NPCI, and live technology showcases from leading players. Over 20 fintech platforms presented cutting-edge solutions at dedicated stalls, offering an interactive and hands-on experience with next-gen financial technologies. The two-day event fostered discussions around digital transformation, policy implications, risk management, and emerging trends in the financial technology space.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Jayakumar S. Pillai, Deputy Managing Director said, “IDBI FinTech Fusion was a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the financial sector. The platform enabled stakeholders to explore breakthrough technologies that are redefining digital banking and elevating customer experiences. By bringing together the brightest minds in FinTech, technology, and banking, the event proved to be an enriching forum for exchanging ideas and shaping the future strategies. In continuation of our Digital Transformation Strategy on data, cloud, and fintech partnerships, the Bank will also leverage AWS cloud for rolling out its innovation Sandbox and Data Lake

Bengaluru, 28^th March 2025: Starbucks has introduced two new beverages, Kiwi Calamansi Refresher® and Lychee Raspberry Refresher® to the Refreshers® lineup in India. These beverages are now available across all Starbucks India stores, joining returning favourites like the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher® and Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher® just in time for the summer season. This new range is curated for a new generation of consumers looking for beverages that are light, flavourful, and functional.

With low-calorie, non-dairy options and infused with green coffee extracts, Refreshers® meet the evolving preferences of Gen Z, offering an easy, on-the-go choice that feels as good as it looks. The Refreshers® range is part of a growing shift toward beverages that reflect evolving consumer preferences. These drinks are designed for those seeking mindful, great-tasting choices that fit seamlessly into modern, on-the-go lifestyles.

More than just a beverage, Refreshers® have gained global recognition for their vivid colours, vibrant fruit blends, and uplifting appeal. Infused with ingredients like calamansi, kiwi, lychee, and raspberry, these new additions bring together tropical inspiration and bold taste in every sip.

Whether you’re in the mood for a bright mid-day boost or something cool to complement the season, there’s a flavour pairing to match every moment:

• Kiwi Calamansi Refresher®: A citrus lover’s dream, a tangy zest of calamansi and a Southeast Asian citrus fruit that fuses effortlessly with freeze-dried kiwi and green coffee extract. This drink promises a balanced burst of energy with every sip.

• Lychee Raspberry Refresher®: A harmonious symphony of flavours blending the delicate sweetness of lychee with the tangy brightness of raspberry. Freeze-dried raspberries and green coffee extract add to the refreshing, elegant experience.
• Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher®: Brought back from last year, this beverage is a delightful blend of juicy strawberries and acai berry extracts. Shaken with ice and mixed with chopped strawberries, it offers a crisp, revitalizing sip perfect for warm summer days.
• Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher®: A tropical escape in a cup, this beverage is making a much-awaited comeback with the king of the season, mango, blended with lemonade. Hand-shaken with ice and dragon fruit pieces, an absolute summer essential to get your hands on.

To be exclusively managed by Musee Musical

Adyar Chennai, 28th March 2025: Yamaha, The Automobile and Music/Audio giant, one of the world’s leading brands has opened its 2^nd premium exclusive showroom in Chennai Tamil Nadu. This step brings Yamaha closer to its aim of making the studio facilities and equipment available to all upcoming musicians in the state. This initiative also underscores the shared commitment to empowering the nation’s youth to the best quality of music training under the guidance of some of the most renowned music trainers in the region. 

The Yamaha Music Square has already expanded to a total of 26 stores across India; this will be its 2^nd in the state of Chennai taking the total to 27, contributing to this initiative with an extensive reach.  Yamaha also plans to expand Music Square in the near future to vacant and potential regions.  A unique feature that will set the studio apart from every other place will be the option of live demos of each music instrument for every music enthusiast.

Yamaha has entered into an exclusive tie-up with the renowned Musee Musical, a historic music store in Chennai that is in its 183^rd year. The tie-up includes Musee Musical managing the Music Store and extending all their services to customers in the area. Musee Musical brings its expertise in understanding the needs of customers with regard to musical instruments and training. This is a new business model that is being undertaken and promises the best of the expertise of both companies to discerning customers in Chennai.

In India, there is a boundary to the extent of talent we possess and to promote and identify such talent, Yamaha has pledged to expand this initiative. The Company aims to strategically focus and build more infrastructural facilities and projects to efficiently cater the public and develop the segment in the region.

REHAN SIDDIQUI SAN (Deputy General Manager) Yamaha said, “This development is aimed at upgrading the talent pool of the youth in India and also to provide the best quality instruments in the region. We at Yamaha are committed towards excellence in technology and quality, this initiative will provide a platform to music students to enhance their skills and gets access to world class training in the world of Audio.

Training and product workshop will also be conducted by Musee Musical in the first 30 days.