National, India 28th January 2025: Skoodle, the flagship brand of Stone Sapphire India Pvt. Ltd. (SSIPL), has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to promote sustainability in the stationery industry. By scaling up the production of its eco-friendly recycled paper pencils, the brand aims to make a significant environmental impact and inspire a greener tomorrow. This innovative approach is set to transform the stationery industry and significantly reduce the environmental impact of traditional pencil manufacturing.

In India, conventional wooden pencil production results in the loss of approximately 1 tree for every 9500 wooden pencils produced. Skoodle, through its innovative approach and technology, produces 720 million wood-free pencils annually, saving an estimated 3000 trees each year, and this has been going on for about 6 years. Further by transitioning the market completely to recycled paper rolled pencils, this impact could grow threefold, paving the way for significant environmental conservation.

“Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond business—it’s a responsibility we embrace wholeheartedly,” said Shobhit Singh, Managing Director & CEO of Stone Sapphire India Pvt. Ltd. “By introducing recycled paper pencils, we aim to create a lasting positive impact on the environment. This initiative symbolizes the power of small changes that inspire a larger movement. Our vision is for India to lead in sustainability, starting with actionable steps like Skoodle eco-conscious practices.”

Skoodle’s efforts are projected to have saved 13 acres of forest land every year since 2018, contributing to a sustainable future, while addressing key challenges such as deforestation, carbon emissions, and waste management. The brand invites individuals, businesses, and educational institutions to join this Earth-Conscious Movement and embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives.

Skoodle’s initiative underscores the importance of innovation and responsibility in shaping a sustainable future, one pencil at a time. By choosing Skoodle’s eco-friendly products, consumers are directly contributing to a more sustainable future. Together, small actions can lead to big changes, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

New Delhi, February 2025: Modish Home Appliances, a leading name in the home appliances industry, hosted a glamour-filled evening in New Delhi, to announce renowned actor Vindu Dara Singh as its Brand Ambassador. The evening also saw the launch of Modish’s latest range of innovative and stylish home appliances.

The occasion welcomed key players in the industry and honored guests to witness firsthand the new face of the brand. With its commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology and quality home appliances, Modish is set to transform home comfort and style.

Also present at the event, Vindu Dara Singh in his enthusiasm for the association stated, “I am thrilled to be associated with Modish Home Appliances, a brand that is equated with quality, innovation, and reliability. I look forward to representing and supporting products that make everyday living smarter and easier.”

Apart from this, Arif Ali, Founder and Director of Modish Home Appliances, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Vindu Dara Singh aboard as Modish Home Appliances’ brand ambassador. His rapport with audiences is well-established and his credibility is in ideal alignment with our brand values. Our latest range of appliances is a reflection of our effort to bring convenience, style, and efficiency into modern homes.”

A special showcase was held to introduce the newly launched models, featuring state-of-the-art elements designed to enhance convenience and energy efficiency. The event concluded with a celebration night, and Modish’s vision for the future and its dedication to revolutionizing modern home solutions were highlighted.

Modish™ Home Appliances, a division of Modish Enterprises, trades in a range of products like coolers, grills, exhaust fans, Smart TVs, sewing machines, etc. Having an experience of 25 years in the industry, Modish™ is synonymous with an unwavering commitment to product and service excellence.

With this partnership, Modish Home Appliances aims to strengthen its hold in the market and connect with more individuals, further cementing its reputation as a brand that combines technology with a contemporary lifestyle.

28th February 2025:In an era where love and commitment are constantly evolving so is the language we use to define relationships. While Gen Z has popularized dating terms like “benching” and “love-bombing,” the world of non-monogamy is developing its lexicon—one that reflects the shifting dynamics of modern romance, commitment, and exploration.

Ashley Madison, the world’s leading discreet dating platform, has unveiled a Non-Monogamy Glossary for 2025, identifying key terms that encapsulate the realities of those navigating open relationships, polyamory, and ethical non-monogamy.

From “Swift-Shift”—when a relationship suddenly changes tone (think Love Story to Bad Blood)—to “Monoga-Messy”, a term for couples opening up their marriage without setting clear boundaries, these phrases shed light on the nuances of alternative relationship structures.

Here’s a look at the terms defining modern love in 2025:

The New Language of Non-Monogamy

•  Swift-Shift – When a relationship rapidly or unexpectedly changes tone and phases (e.g., moving from Love Story to Bad Blood).
•  Ménage-ment – The art of managing a ménage à trois (or more), juggling multiple partners at once.
•  Heart-Hopper – Someone who enjoys having multiple romantic connections with less interest in long-term commitment.
•  Poly-Peak – The honeymoon phase of a polyamorous relationship.
•  Defy-ning Expectations – Choosing the relationship structure that works best for you, despite societal norms (a nod to Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s romance).
•  Plunging – Diving headfirst into non-monogamy, mutually exploring new partners at the start of a relationship.
•  Monoga-Messy – When a couple opens up their marriage without first establishing clear terms or boundaries.
•  Discreet Cute – When you unexpectedly meet an online connection in real life but choose to keep it under wraps.
•  Backstepping – Slipping back into non-monogamy after previously deciding to close an open relationship.
•  Closed-Door Policy – When a couple who was once open decides to return to full monogamy.
•  Swapping Up – When a non-monogamous person’s secondary partner is seen as an “upgrade” from their primary partner.
•  Come Out Swinging – Announcing to friends and family that you and your partner are exploring non-monogamy together.
•  Swingle – A single person who exclusively engages with couples.

As dating and relationships continue to shift, so does the language we use to describe them. These new terms highlight the fluidity of love and the ways people are redefining commitment beyond traditional monogamy.
With the rise of open relationships, ethical non-monogamy, and polyamory, one thing is clear—modern love is more expansive than ever, and it now has the vocabulary to match.

Sverve is reshaping the luxury prêt marketplace in India with a highly curated approach to fashion. Launched on May 27, 2022, by Gayatri Reddy Bhatia and Shikha Kajaria, the idea took shape over a lunch conversation where two fashion enthusiasts recognized a gap in the market for high-quality, homegrown western wear. Their vision was to create a marketplace that combines exclusivity with accessibility, bringing together the best of Indian and South Asian designers while offering competitive pricing and express delivery.

The brand debuted with none other than Pernia Qureshi, India’s luxury e-commerce pioneer, championing “luxe for less”, making designer fashion more accessible to the modern Indian woman. In 2024, Sonaal Munjal came on board as a partner, amplifying Sverve’s presence and leading its successive phase of growth. Meanwhile, Garima Kochhar, Creative Director, ensures that the brand’s overall mission, curation, and aesthetic set us apart in a crowded market right from its inception.

Sverve began with just 10 designers, but today, it proudly represents 170. Unlike mass-market platforms, Sverve is highly selective in its curation, ensuring every piece aligns with its signature aesthetic. Quality over quantity is the ethos, so when customers browse, they know they’re only seeing the finest.

Beyond design, Sverve advocates inclusivity, offering diverse sizes and styles that cater to an expansive spectrum of modern women, from professionals to socialites, fashion aficionados, and luxury shoppers. Whether it’s a power-dressing co-ord set, an effortlessly chic dress, or an elegant statement shirt, Sverve delivers a wardrobe that transitions seamlessly across occasions.

Sverve is also known for its exclusive partnerships, including the first-ever prêt collection by Jayanti Reddy, which is available only on the platform. While details remain under wraps, the upcoming Spring/Summer edit vows fresh collections and potential exclusive brand launches, setting new bars for contemporary luxury fashion in India.

While Sverve operates as a marketplace, sustainability is incorporated into its DNA. The brand prioritizes eco-friendly packaging with biodegradable and recyclable materials. It also proudly features sustainable labels like Origani, Khara Kapas, Ahmev, and MATI, to name a few guaranteeing that style and responsibility go hand in hand.

Sverve goes beyond selling fashion; it curates experiences. Personal styling is a crux offering, with in-house experts providing customized wardrobe recommendations based on each client’s preferences, lifestyle, and body type. It’s a service that mirrors international luxury norms, ensuring that every Sverve client invests in pieces that feel personal, timeless, and right for them.

With pricing starting at ₹2,000, Sverve competes with global fast-fashion giants like Zara and Massimo Dutti, but with an essential difference: exclusivity. In a world where mass-market brands mean running into someone in the same outfit, Sverve offers one-of-a-kind, carefully curated fashion that sets you apart.

Customers can explore Sverve’s collections and experience its pop-ups and exhibitions, held periodically for an immersive, high-touch shopping experience.

Shikha Kajaria, Co-Founder, sums up Sverve’s philosophy, “In an already cluttered market, brands today need more than just a store – they need experiences that keep customers coming back. That’s where we come in. We understand the challenges MBOs face online, from User-centricity to fostering a culture of innovation to commerce, Sverve exists to turn those challenges into opportunities.”

Garima Kochhar, Creative Director, adds, “Our vision is to build an online community that’s consciously transitioning from inclusive fashion to exclusive style, further led by a curated, personalized shopping experience which ensures the customer’s money is spent right, for the money which will be spent anyways.”

For women who value tasteful fashion, effortless luxury, and a wardrobe that feels truly theirs, Sverve is the future of curated prêt.

Dr. Srivatsa Lokeshwaran, Lead Consultant and Head of Department – Interventional Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

In our hectic lives, we often overlook the simple act of breathing—a process so fundamental that it sustains our very existence. The quality of an individual’s breath directly affects his/her overall well-being, energy and mental clarity. Regular breathing exercises not only expand the lung capacity but also result in relaxation, reduced stress and enhanced concentration. By dedicating few minutes a day to mindful breathing, you can gain many benefits that reflect throughout your life.

Below listed are seven simple breathing exercises to stimulate your lungs:

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing): This exercise is done to stimulate the diaphragm, resulting in full oxygen exchange and strengthening the diaphragmatic muscle. Sit or lie comfortably, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to rise but your chest not to move. Exhale slowly through pursed lips, observing your belly fall. Practice this daily to enhance the lung’s efficiency and fight stress.
2.  Pursed-Lip Breathing: This exercise keeps your airways open longer and helps to eliminate stasis air from the lungs by slowing down the breath rate. Breathe in slowly through the nose for two seconds, pucker your lips as if you are about to whistle and then exhale slowly through your lips for four seconds. This is particularly beneficial for patients with respiratory illnesses like COPD or asthma.
3. Rib Stretch: The rib stretch exercise stretches the chest and opens the lungs to their maximum capacity by increasing the flexibility of the spine. Stand upright and breathe out all the air from your lungs. Slowly inhale, filling your lungs to capacity while straightening your arms to get the maximum stretch. Hold your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds before slowly exhaling. Do this exercise several times to achieve maximum lung expansion.
4.  Box Breathing (Four-Square Breathing): It is a simple yet efficient technique utilized to increase lung capacity and reduce stress. Inhale for four seconds through your nose. Hold the breath for four seconds. Slowly exhale through your mouth for four seconds, then hold your breath for four seconds before the next inhalation. Imagine a square while exercising, focusing your mind on the rhythmic speed involved in the activity.
5.  Alternate Nostril Breathing: This exercise balances the respiratory system as well as creates a sense of relaxation. Sit comfortably with a straight back. Close the right nostril with the right thumb. Slowly and deeply inhale through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with the ring finger and release the thumb to allow air to pass through the right nostril. Exhale slowly through the right nostril. Inhale through the right nostril, close with the thumb, and exhale through the left nostril. Alternate in this manner for a few minutes to enhance lung efficiency and create a balance.
6. 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise: This exercise helps in relaxing the nervous system and benefiting the lungs. Start by completely breathing out through your mouth, then inhale slowly through your nose to a count of four. Hold your breath for seven seconds and exhale through your mouth for a count of eight, allowing for a whooshing sound. Repeat this three to four times. This exercise builds lung capacity, stabilizes breathing patterns and calms down one’s anxiety.
7.  Humming Breath: Humming breath exercise is practiced by making a humming noise during exhaling, which helps to relax the mind and increase the function of lungs. Sit down comfortably, close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and then breathe out with a humming noise. This not only increases the capacity of the lungs but also makes one relax and lessens stress.

Adding these exercises to your daily routine can result in significant improvements in your respiratory health and overall well-being. Consistency is the key; try practicing these exercises for a few minutes every day, increasing the time as you get more comfortable. Be sure to listen to your body and consult a doctor if you have any pre-existing respiratory conditions before beginning new exercises. By taking the time to practice breathing, you not only strengthen your lungs but also your mind. This integrated approach promotes resistance to respiratory issues and improves your overall quality of life.

Pune, March, 2025: This Women’s Day, womanhood celebrations at JW Marriott Pune speak of tradition rooted in modernity as Spice Kitchen gears up for a Women’s Day Celebration with Home Chefs from Chefs-Pin. Taking place from 7th to 9th March 2025, this three-day unique dining experience offers the rich and diverse culture of India by three acclaimed home chefs.

In collaboration with Chefs-Pin, an acclaimed platform for culinary artisans, JW Marriott Pune’s immersive experience will highlight regional delicacies crafted with authenticity, skill, and deep-rooted passion. Hailing from different regions of India, these home chefs invite you to embark on a journey of flavors, culture,e, and legacy through an exclusive gastronomic showcase. These women, each a torchbearer of regional Indian flavors, will transform the dining landscape with their time-honored recipes, passed down through generations and reimagined for the modern gourmand.

Chef Sumitra Kalapatapu, hailing from Visakhapatnam, bagged the title of ‘Best Homechef’ in 2018, turning her passion for food into a business with Sumi’s Kitchen, hosting pop-ups and making various pickles inspired by authentic vegetarian Andhra cuisine. Renowned for serving rare Andhra Brahmin food from the West Godavari district, Sumitra will tantalize your taste buds with signature dishes like Punugulu, Drumstick Gojju, Ghongura Pulliara, and Carrot Payasam. Chef Prasanna Gokhale, carrying forward the lineage of the Pathare Prabhu community of Maharashtra, will delight guests with signature dishes like Methi Prawn Bhajji, Suranchya Wadya, Solache Tisrya and Dashmya. Having learned the secrets and art of mouthwatering Parsi cuisine from her grandparents who were banquet caterers for Parsi functions, Chef Daugdo Ragina successfully converted her passion for Parsi cooking into a home-based business. Relish heirloom dishes like Chicken Farcha, Chutney paneer Pattice, Jardaloo Gosht, Paneer Patra, Moringa Patio, and Lagan Nu Custard by Chef Ragina.

From ancestral techniques to secret spice blends, this culinary affair will transport diners through the diverse gastronomic landscapes of India, offering a feast of authentic, handcrafted delicacies infused with personal narratives and deep-rooted customs. Join us as we raise a toast to these remarkable home chefs and savor an experience where every bite is infused with tradition and an enduring passion for food.

Women’s Day Celebration at Spice Kitchen:

Dates: 7th to 9th March, 2025

Time: 7 pm onwards