Reimagined Southern Delicacies at Avartana ITC Royal Bengal

24th February 2025: Pronounced ‘Avartan’, this Sanskrit word refers to rhythm, mysticism, and magic. Much like the restaurant’s name, [the word] Avartana represents magical art, with each dish featuring unique concepts in modernist iterations and progressive renditions while remaining firmly rooted in the traditional flavors and ingredients of the Southern Peninsula. Our celebrated chefs select the finest fresh ingredients and seasonal produce to craft inventive recipes that blend flavors from across the Southern Indian Peninsula with techniques from around the globe. Robust flavors meet twenty-first-century global technology, reinventing haute cuisine fine dining into an evolved art form.

Indulge with your loved ones in Avartana’s distinctive set menus, each thoughtfully curated to delight the senses and take you on a culinary expedition unlike any other. Guests can choose from Avartana’s signature tasting menus—Maya, Bela, Anika, Tara, and Jiaa—for a palate-pleasing and aesthetically heightened experience. These flavors come together in magical medleys of delectable taste and ultra-stylish presentations, at prices to suit every indulgence. Furthermore, an alluring selection of beverages infused with Indian spices, fresh flavors, and unique tastes pairs agreeably with your menu selection.

Rajkummar Rao And Hansal Mehta’s Award-Winning Film Shahid Returns for a Special Screening

Shahid Movie

The critically acclaimed film Shahid, directed by Hansal Mehta and starring Rajkummar Rao, Kay Kay Menon, Prabhleen Sandhu, and Tigmanshu Dhulia, is set for a special screening with the director, cast, and crew. Organized by the Versova Homage Society (VHS), this event commemorates the 10th anniversary of the film’s theatrical release. VHS, known for curating iconic films such as Satya, remains dedicated to celebrating impactful cinema.

A biopic on lawyer Shahid Azmi, Shahid earned National Awards for both Rajkummar Rao and Hansal Mehta. Despite its modest budget, the film has become one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed works in Indian cinema.

Produced by Sunil Bohra under the Bohra Bros banner, the overwhelming response to the upcoming screening has encouraged Hansal Mehta and Sunil Bohra to consider a theatrical re-release shortly.

Director Hansal Mehta says, “For me, Shahid is more than just a film, it defines who I am as a person and as a filmmaker. It played a crucial role in shaping my journey. This special screening with VHS has brought back so many memories, and I’m eager to relive them with the incredible team that made Shahid possible under such challenging conditions. The overwhelming enthusiasm from audiences eager to experience Shahid on the big screen makes me hopeful for a theatrical re-release. In today’s deeply divided world, Shahid is a story that feels more relevant than ever.”

Filmmaker Sunil Bohra concluded, “The initiative by Versova Homage Society is truly commendable. Their dedication to reviving and celebrating meaningful films is inspiring. Shahid remains one of the most significant films of my career, and I’m forever grateful to Hansal Mehta and Rajkummar Rao for bringing this beautiful gem into my life.”

Philips India Launches 2-in-1 Airstyler for Salon-Worthy Hairstyles

New Delhi, February 24, 2025: Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology and innovation, proudly introduces the Philips 2-in-1 Airstyler (BHA531/10), an innovative hairstyling tool uniquely designed to deliver versatile voluminous hairstyles with 50% lesser hair breakage. This latest addition to the Philips’ personal grooming range makes it easier than ever to achieve salon-quality blow-dried hairstyles at home while ensuring superior protection for hair volume and health. The product will be available on BlinkIt starting February 24, 2025 priced at INR 4495.

With innovation at its core, Philips has always endeavored to understand its consumers deeply and create products that solve real needs. For every Indian woman, her hair is an extension of her personality and the way she chooses to wear it is a form of her self-expression. One of the biggest worries for women in India when it comes to hair styling is hair damage, with hair breakage, hairfall and hair thinning leading the list. More than 80% women in India agree that hairfall is one of their biggest concerns. The Philips 2-in-1 Airstyler, with its unique design and technology, is here to solve just this.

Featuring advanced Even Heat Distribution technology, argan oil-infused ceramic plates, and 4x ionic conditioning, the Philips 2-in-1 Airstyler helps women achieve beautifully styled, voluminous hair with up to 3x more volume while minimizing hair breakage by 50%. [1]The versatile design includes a paddle brush for a naturally straight, voluminous look, and a 38mm round brush for creating effortlessly relaxed waves. With this game changing tool, Philips makes salon-style blow drying simpler and more convenient, while ensuring the perfect care and protection for hair.

Commenting on the launch, Vidyut Kaul, Head of Personal Health, Philips Growth Region (JAPAC, ISC, META & LATAM), said, “At Philips, we are committed to continuous innovation that enhances consumer well-being, and the launch of the Philips 2-in-1 Airstyler marks yet another milestone in our ‘better care for more people’ journey. While there is growing consumer demand for voluminous, salon-like hair at home, we recognize that top concerns such as hair thinning, breakage, and hair fall often hold people back from achieving their desired style. More than 8 in 10 women find hairfall to be a leading concern when it comes to hairstyling. With this new launch, we’re striving to solve this consumer problem. This marks our expansion into the premium grooming segment, offering high-quality solutions that blend design and technology to offer superior care to our consumers. The Philips 2-in-1 Airstyler delivers the perfect blow-dried looks with 50% lesser hair breakage. Without compromising hair health, we’re empowering individuals to style with confidence and at the comfort of their homes while protecting their hair.”

Albinder Dhindsa, Founder and CEO of Blinkit, said, “Beauty and personal care is a key segment for us, and we’re excited to collaborate with Philips India for the launch of the Philips 2-in-1 Airstyler. Customers can now purchase it exclusively on Blinkit and have it delivered within minutes.”

Philips 2-in-1 Airstyler (BHA531/10) comes with the following key features and specifications:

  • 2 Styling Attachments: Includes a paddle straightening brush for a naturally straight voluminous look and a 38mm round brush for beautiful wavy looks.
  • Even Heat Distribution Technology: Prevents overheating, ensuring optimal protection for hair while maintaining its natural shine and health.
  • 4x Ionic Conditioning: Controls frizz for a chic and smooth look.
  • Argan-Oil Infused Plates: For smooth and gentle gliding, allowing effortless styling without the worry of hair damage.

The all-new Philips 2-in-1 Airstyler with its unique design and Even Heat Distribution Technology gives 3x more volume with 50% lesser hair breakage [2]. Now, salon-like blow dried looks are easier than ever to achieve at the comfort of your home without the worry of damaging your hair.

Mahindra Launches Scorpio-N Carbon to Celebrate 200,000 Sales

New Delhi, February 24, 2025: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today launched the Scorpio-N Carbon Edition to mark a landmark achievement – 200,000 units sold of the game-changing Scorpio-N. Staying true to the legacy of the #BigDaddyOfSUVs, the Scorpio-N Carbon expands the realm of Mahindra’s authentic SUVs with its unmissable design and sophistication.

Exclusively Crafted Interiors

The interiors of Scorpio-N Carbon highlight the tone-on-tone treatment with premium leatherette seats and contrast deco-stitching. Smoked chrome finishes add a touch of sophistication to the overall ambience.

Unmissable Presence

The Scorpio-N Carbon stands apart with a distinctive Metallic Black theme that elevates its unmissable presence. The tone-on-tone dark treatment, complemented by smoked chrome accents, black alloy wheels and dark Galvano finished roof rails, exudes an air of exclusivity and dominance on every road.

Engineered to deliver the same exhilarating ride and impeccable handling that it is known for, the Scorpio-N Carbon Edition fuses sophistication with understated luxury. Available exclusively in the Z8 and Z8L seven-seater variants, this special edition amplifies the Scorpio-N’s enduring legacy with its distinctive Metallic Black theme and uncompromising style.

University of Southampton Appoints Director to Enhance Learning & Teaching

Dr Sagaya Amalathas

Mumbai, 24th Feb:- The University of Southampton has appointed Dr Sagaya Amalathas as Director of Learning and Teaching at its Delhi campus.

Dr Amalathas will be responsible for delivering outstanding education and a distinctively Southampton student experience at the University’s new campus in India. She will take up her post in June 2025, ahead of the first students joining in August this year.

University of Southampton Delhi will become India’s first global top 100 university when the campus in Gurugram opens, providing high-quality education rooted in research excellence, innovation, and real-world opportunities for Indian students. SouthampDr Sagaya Amalathaston is the first university to receive approval to set up a campus by the University Grants Commission, India’s national Higher Education regulator.

Dr Amalathas is the Head of Computer Science and an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton’s Malaysia campus. She successfully led the graduation of the campus’s first Computer Science cohort. She has led higher education initiatives, conducted significant research, and contributed to the computing industry. Her expertise has been critical in designing, developing, and implementing applications used in Malaysian agriculture, medicine, and telecommunications.

Dr Amalathas said: “I have a strong passion for curriculum innovation and am excited about developing a creative and inclusive learning environment for all students at our Delhi campus.

“This is an exciting time for the University and having successfully launched and developed academic programs in Malaysia, I am eager to contribute to the success of the Delhi campus, leveraging my dedication to education and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

“Education is a transformative force and as Director of Learning and Teaching I will inspire students and staff to achieve excellence.”

Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton added: “The Director of Learning and Teaching is a key strategic role, providing leadership for the educational activity taking place at the University of Southampton Delhi.

“Working closely with others, Dr Amalathas will ensure our campus curriculum plan reflects both the University’s high-quality approach to delivering educational excellence and the University Grants Commission’s regulations. We welcome Sagaya to the University of Southampton Delhi, and look forward to working on this exciting and transformational initiative.”

Medical Miracle: 100-Year-Old Man Walks Again After Risky Hip Surgery

Dr Rahul Sharma is a senior orthopedic surgeon and did his prestigious AOA Australian Orthopaedic Association fellowship from Sydney (Australia). He spent some time in Rothman Hospital in Philadelphia (USA).

There was a time when old people particularly those nearing 100 years of age were left to depend on others for the rest of their lives or fend for themselves – without any treatment and had no option but to live with agonizing and unbearable pain due to blood loss, blood clots, bed sores and other complications after falls and fractures – a fairly common occurrence in old age. Not anymore, due to the latest advancements in medical science.

Significantly almost 50% of women and 20% of men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, which is a significant risk factor for hip bone fractures in older adults in India. It’s estimated that by 2026, the number of hip fractures in India will increase significantly, with around 600,000 osteoporotic hip fractures occurring annually.

According to studies hip bone fractures are the cause behind 15% to 36% mortality rates. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma revealed that the overall 2-year mortality rate for hip fracture patients in India is around 11.2%. Many older adults in India face significant barriers to accessing timely and adequate healthcare for hip fractures, including limited availability of orthopedic services and rehabilitation facilities. Hence, there is a need for standardized, effective, and multidisciplinary management approaches for the treatment and rehabilitation of hip fracture patients in India.

According to Dr Rahul Sharma, a senior orthopaedic surgeon, “A hip fracture can be a complex and dangerous problem for people who are older than 65 years of age. They can’t stand, walk or put weight on a broken hip. They also cannot prevent hip bone fractures due to sudden falls or other trauma because they can’t plan the cause behind them. It usually takes at least a few months and at times a year after treatment to notice improvements and fully recover from a broken hip depending upon factors like the age of the patient, his/her overall health, what caused the fracture, the type of surgery performed, and other injuries suffered”.

“Any health condition that affects the balance, stability, or ability to walk can increase the risk of breaking a hip. The older you are, the longer it takes your body to heal any injury, and that’s especially true when you have a major hip fracture. The surgery to treat a hip fracture and recovery from it is much harder in the case of older adults”, he says.

“The risk of falls and fractures is even more profound in older adults, particularly those nearing 100 years of age who are more susceptible and have a higher risk of falls, fractures, and injuries due to age-related reduced mobility, balance, and strength, osteoporosis, dementia, cognitive impairment, reduced vision, hearing, and sensory perception as well as chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease”, he adds.

Even extrinsic factors like slippery floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting and footwear with slippery soles or poor traction as well as medications that cause dizziness, and drowsiness can increase the risk of falls.

As a result, falls and fractures lead to loss of independence, decline in mobility, chronic pain, life-threatening conditions, and reduced quality of life. Hip fractures not only drastically affect the older adult’s quality of life but also that of their caregivers, leading to financial burdens and increased care requirements. Hip fractures impose a significant

economic burden on individuals, families, and the healthcare system in India. Many older adults in

India faces challenges in accessing timely and appropriate healthcare for hip fractures. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, only 16.1% of centenarian patients were able to walk outdoors one year after surgery, while 83.9% had to stay indoors.

Hip fractures in older adults are a significant public health concern in India, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and the healthcare system. As per another estimate, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men above the age of 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime. In the years to come, the number of patients with hip fractures in India is expected to rise due to the growing population of aging people, and women in particular are more likely to experience hip fractures than men.

As a result, older adults nearing 100 years of age require prompt and effective management of hip fractures to minimize the mortality rate and improve the quality of life. Hip replacements are usually safe surgeries which usually take one to two hours. Most people regain their mobility as well as range of motion and experience a dramatic decrease in pain and stiffness after a hip replacement. A hip replacement usually makes it easier to walk, climb stairs, and do other physical activities. If all goes well, a patient may be able to use the hip, walk, move, sit down, stand up, go up or down the stairs, go to the washroom, bathe, shower, and get dressed without any restrictions in six to 12 weeks. During a hip replacement, the surgeon removes a part of the bone and cartilage from the existing hip joint and replaces it with a prosthesis usually made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

A living example is S C Kapur, a 100-year-old man who suffered a medical emergency and acute unbearable pain due to a major hip joint fracture after a fall in his house. He was admitted to the hospital where Dr Rahul Sharma a senior orthopaedic surgeon and joint replacement expert advised him an immediate and elective hip bone replacement surgery which was the only solution for his type of fracture, and associated comorbidities.

It was not an easy decision, and a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, anesthetists, physicians, cardiologists, and intensive care specialists were required to care for the patient during the surgery. It seemed to be a big and challenging task considering the patient’s age and precarious medical condition, but Dr Rahul Sharma and his team accepted the challenge and successfully performed the complex hip arthroplasty surgery (joint replacement surgery) which lasted nearly 90 minutes. The surgery was done with the highest standards of asepsis to prevent infection.

After the meticulous surgery, the patient was discharged from the hospital after about 3 days. He is now undergoing rehabilitation and can walk comfortably. According to Dr Rahul Sharma an expert in hip, knee, and shoulder surgeries and founder of Life in Motion Clinic who practices in Sawan Neelu Angel’s Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, “A successful surgery with good outcomes not only gives satisfaction to the medical team but also installs the faith in the patient over medical advancements. The geriatric population of our society is the most sensitive class that needs and deserves a better medical care facility to achieve a better life.

This story is a testament to the tireless efforts of doctors who constantly work for the betterment of their patients and strive to give them a better lifestyle without the fear of surgery that makes them lead a miserable life dependent on others.

Newcastle University Announces India Leadership Scholarship for 2025

24th February 2025: Newcastle University is pleased to announce the India Leadership and Innovation Scholarship for the 2025 academic year, aimed at outstanding Indian students. This prestigious award covers full tuition fees for a one-year master’s program at the university’s Newcastle city-centre campus. With 10 scholarships available for courses starting in September 2025, this initiative provides a remarkable opportunity for Indian students to pursue advanced education at a globally renowned institution, nurturing future leaders and innovators.

The International Leadership Scholarship is designed for candidates who demonstrate leadership and creativity in extracurricular activities, student organisations, athletics, community service, or professional endeavours. Candidates will be examined based on their academic aptitude and application quality. The goal of the scholarship is to draw in top-tier students who exhibit remarkable leadership potential, academic distinction, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their areas.

Eligibility and Award Criteria: The scholarship is open to international students applying for full-time one-year master’s programs. The students must:

  • Be domiciled in India.
  • Be assessed as international for fee purposes.
  • Hold an offer for an eligible, full-time, one-year master’s degree program at the Newcastle city-centre campus for the 2025/26 academic year.
  • Have, or expect to obtain, the equivalent of a first-class UK honours degree

Samsung Galaxy S25, Powered by Micron, Elevates AI Experiences

Bangalore, India, Feb. 24, 2025 — Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU) announced today that its industry-leading low-power double data rate 5X (LPDDR5X) memory and universal flash storage (UFS) 4.0 are featured in select devices in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, which introduces multimodal AI agents to pioneer intuitive and context-aware mobile AI experiences. Additionally, Micron is now shipping its most power-efficient LPDDR5X memory ever to the market for the first time, offering users more than 10% power improvement.[1] With its One UI 7 update, the Galaxy S25 series is a true AI companion that provides personalized experiences tailored to users’ unique needs, powered by multimodal AI agents that seamlessly interpret text, speech, images, and videos.

Micron Samsung

As smartphone AI capabilities grow in sophistication, processing is increasingly executed directly on edge devices rather than relying only on the cloud. This demands more high-performance memory and storage than ever to accommodate AI models and datasets on the devices. Power efficiency is also critical, with over 70% of smartphone users stating that battery life is the most important feature they consider when purchasing a phone.

“We’ve optimized Micron’s mobile portfolio to deliver the power efficiency, high performance, and large capacity needed to propel the next wave of AI innovation in flagship smartphones,” said Mark Montierth, corporate vice president and general manager of Micron’s Mobile Business Unit. “Samsung is setting a new standard for AI phones, enabling them to be true AI companions with context-aware and personalized mobile experiences powered by Micron’s leadership memory and storage.”

Micron’s high-bandwidth LPDDR5X memory and advanced UFS 4.0 storage are embedded into select Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 devices, accelerating real-time AI processing at consumers’ fingertips. Micron’s UFS 4.0 storage is available in high capacities, allowing data to be stored locally instead of in the cloud, providing greater security for personal data. Additionally, the power efficiency gains of Micron’s latest LPDDR5X are attributed to its advanced 1β (1-beta) process technology and design optimizations, enabling it to operate at voltages lower than the industry standard — resulting in longer battery life.

“The Galaxy S25 series represents the next evolution of the mobile AI era — one that brings a more natural, context-aware, and personalized experience to users, redefining how they interact with their devices and by extension, the world around them,” said Inkang Song, vice president and head of the technology strategy team at Samsung. “Through our close collaboration, Micron’s mobile solutions provide the foundation that powers these transformative AI capabilities, driving innovation and shaping the future of mobile AI technology.”

Joyalukkas Unveils INR 30 Crore Senior Living Project in Kerala

24th February 2025: Thrissur: Joyalukkas launches the ‘Centre for Senior Living’ to ensure healthcare and well-being for the elderly. The foundation stone for the centre, which will be established in Puthur, Thrissur, was laid by Mr.Joy Alukkas, Chairman and MD, Joyalukkas Group along with Ms.Jolly Joy Alukkas, Director, Joyalukkas Foundation. The ceremony was officiated by Fr. Joju Panakkal, vicar, Puthur Church.

As part of Joyalukkas Group’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, the Joyalukkas Foundation is building the Centre for Senior Living to provide healthcare services for the elderly. This facility will include a state-of-the-art palliative care unit, a high-quality dialysis centre, and 225 beds across 82 rooms. Additionally, the project aims to provide free services to financially disadvantaged senior citizens.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr.Joy Alukkas, Chairman and MD of Joyalukkas Group, stated that the centre will offer modern medical care to elderly individuals suffering from age-related ailments. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹30 crores, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. We have already planned to establish around 10 such centres across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. Upon completion, the Puthur centre will generate employment opportunities for over 100 local residents. He also expressed hope for collective support and co-operation in bringing this project to reality.

Joyalukkas Foundation Director, Mrs.Jolly Joy Alukkas, emphasized that the Centre for Senior Living highlights the foundation’s commitment to social welfare. The foundation has been actively involved in several philanthropic initiatives, including those in the healthcare sector. She expressed immense happiness in being able to extend assistance to deserving individuals.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Thomas Mathew, Executive Director Joyalukkas, Mr. Henry George, COO, Joyalukkas, members of the Joyalukkas Foundation and the Alukkas family.

Samsung Revamps Smartphone Service Centers with Premium Design & Excellence

Samsung

Bengaluru, India, February 24, 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, is set to elevate its smartphone customer service experience with a comprehensive redesign of its service centres. This initiative aims to establish a seamless service-to-sales journey, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to superior after-sales support with a strong focus on premium customer care.

Designed to deliver an integrated omni-channel experience, the remodelled service centres incorporate advanced digitalised processes to cater to the evolving expectations of Samsung’s young and dynamic customer base. They not only boast a diverse product portfolio but also lead the way in technological innovation with advanced diagnostic tools that detect issues with pinpoint accuracy.

The upgraded centres break away from traditional layouts, introducing plush, sofa-style seating equipped with inbuilt wireless charging stations to create a lounge-like ambience. Reimagined accessory walls showcase Samsung’s extensive range of wearables, while ultra-large digital screens feature the latest product innovations, offering visitors an immersive experience.

“Over the decades, we have expanded a robust network of service centres to support our existing customer base which is concurrent to the needs of our sales partners. As consumer expectations evolve every day, we wanted to transform these spaces by infusing youthful and efficient design elements to make them more appealing, while keeping traditional customer needs in mind. At the heart of this is Samsung’s commitment to providing a premium experience to its customers,” said Sunil Cutinha, VP, Customer Satisfaction, Samsung India.

To enhance customer interactions, dedicated kiosks will enable visitors to connect with product support specialists, explore new product launches, and stay updated on exclusive offers and discounts. An online appointment booking system will allow customers to schedule their visits in advance, ensuring a hassle-free experience with minimal wait times.

Samsung currently operates more than 3,000 service touch points across India including physical service centres, resident engineers and collection points. The roll-out of the service centre redesign will be implemented in phases across key cities, ensuring an elevated customer experience nationwide.