Chromalogue Colours & Conversations Inaugurated at The Stainless Gallery
24th February 2025: The Stainless Gallery hosted ‘Chromalogue – Colours & Conversations’, a fascinating group exhibition that explores the intricate relationship between colour, communication, and culture. The show was inaugurated on Friday, February 21st, 2025, with esteemed guests Yuriko Lochan and Prof. Rajeev Lochan lighting the ceremonial lamp. With over 100 works by 15 talented artists on display, the exhibition will remain open for public viewing from 11 AM to 7 PM, February 22nd–25th, 2025.
Chromalogue is a presentation of a diverse group of artists whose works delve into how colour influences communication, emotions, and cultural narratives. The exhibition showcased pieces that highlight the profound impact of colour in shaping human experiences and how it communicates beyond words.
The exhibition brings together a rich fusion of artistic expressions, showcasing a diverse array of mediums and styles. The oil paintings in the collection, including Aarti Uppal Singla’s Lotus Pond 1 on acid-free paper and Kumar Neelesh Vats’ Echoes of Dawn on canvas, evoke depth and emotion through their rich textures. Acrylic works add vibrancy and contrast, with Himani Pasricha’s Portal of Peace on stretched canvas, Madhav Bhardwaj’s Silence Speaks in Colour, Nikita Gambhir’s Smell the Coffee, Shravani Dang’s Monsoon, Sujata Khanna’s Blossoms in Perspective – 1, and Sakshi Bajaj’s Seeds of Growth on linen canvas, each offering a unique interplay of hues and themes.
Mixed-media techniques further enrich the showcase, from Priya Bery’s Poppies: The Intoxicators on Waterford paper to Winnie Singh’s Meditative Reveries 9 on acid-free paper, blending materials and textures to create immersive experiences. The collection also highlights diverse surfaces, such as Babita Varma’s Aswan, a striking clay work on wood, and Kripal Mathur’s Spring Dance, intricately crafted with hand-dyed goat’s wool.
Graphic precision meets delicate intricacy in Pragati Gupta’s Paws-1, a pen drawing on 300gsm watercolour paper. Limited edition prints of digital art take center stage with Khushroo Kalyanwala’s florals The Blues That Bring Cheers, printed on 350 GSM Museum Etching Hahnemühle Paper and Sushil Bhasin’s Trance Dance 1 which enthrals with its rhythmic energy.
Together, these works form a dynamic and engaging dialogue, celebrating artistic diversity and the boundless potential of creative expression.
Curated by Aarti Uppal Singla, an accomplished visual artist and founder of The Art Exchange Project, the exhibition brings together these varied artistic voices into a cohesive dialogue. Aarti, who has over 25 years of experience in the art world, explained, “Through Chromalogue, we aim to highlight the unique ability of colour to convey emotions, provoke thought, and ignite conversations. Each piece in this exhibition speaks to the unspoken language of colour, drawing from both universal and deeply personal connections that transcend boundaries and spark new dialogues.”
Yuriko Lochan, an artist and cultural ambassador, shared her thoughts on the importance of colour in art: “As an artist with roots in both Japan and India, I believe that colour acts as a bridge between cultures. It invites conversation, reflects our shared history, and shapes the way we see the world and ourselves. Chromalogue beautifully captures the transformative power of colour in art, as it speaks to the universal human experience.”
Prof. Rajeev Lochan, former Director of the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, emphasized the significance of the exhibition: “Colour, in its myriad forms, serves as a powerful medium of expression. In this exhibition, we see how art transcends language and communicates deeply felt emotions, memories, and cultural nuances. Chromalogue is an exceptional platform for understanding the vibrancy of colour and its role in shaping our emotional and intellectual engagement with the world.”
Chromalogue is a celebration of the enduring power of colour as a dynamic language in contemporary art. This exhibition invites all art lovers, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts to engage with the conversations that colour inspires, making it an unmissable event in New Delhi’s art calendar.
Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan Reappointed Kazakhstan Consul General
Hyderabad, February 24th, 2025: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan has extended the tenure of Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan as the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India, for an additional five years, until January 2030.
This esteemed appointment recognizes Dr. Khan’s outstanding contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and India. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism, and cultural exchange, fostering greater collaboration and economic growth between the two nations.
Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan extended his sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and His Excellency Mr. Nurlan Zhalgasbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to India, for their continued trust and support.
Aamir Khan Piracy Made Me a Star in China 3 Idiots Went Viral
Mumbai, 24 February 2025: “Cinema and storytelling transcend language and territorial barriers. Ironically, piracy made me a star in China! ‘3 Idiots’ went viral there because of piracy. The credit goes to the Chinese audience for accepting a film from a different culture and giving it love and respect. It was all organic and I had no role to play in it,” celebrated actor Aamir Khan said at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 in a session titled “60 and Not Done- The Screen and Spotlight”.
Reflecting on his decades-long journey in the industry, Amir Khan said, “I think I’m really blessed and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the last 37 years in my film career. I love my profession as my work and play are the same. I’ve worked with great actors and directors and have been fortunate to be a part of some amazing films. My professional journey has been more successful than my personal one.”
Amir Khan further added, “The films I choose reflect who I am. I feel drawn to certain themes, but I am clear that I’m an entertainer, not a social teacher. Any story I tell must be engaging and entertaining. If it also makes people think, that’s a good thing. Creative people have a lot of power—if a story is impactful, it shapes minds. That’s an opportunity in nation-building.”
On Being Called ‘Mr. Perfectionist’ he said, “I don’t like the term ‘perfectionist.’ I’m more interested in magic. In a creative field, there’s no such thing as perfect—it’s always evolving. I do believe that God lies in the details. I enjoy going in-depth because that’s where something special happens. Many actors work within a set image, but I never liked that. I always wanted to do something new, something that challenges me. I’m naturally drawn to non-conventional roles. This tag actually came from a chance encounter with Shabana Azmi. She once asked me how much sugar I wanted in my tea, and I was particular about it. That’s where it all started!”
On Winning Over China, Turkey, and Japan, Amir Khan said, “Cinema and storytelling transcend language and territorial barriers. Ironically, piracy made me a star in China! ‘3 Idiots’ went viral there because of piracy. The credit goes to the Chinese audience for accepting a film from a different culture and giving it love and respect. It was all organic—I had no role to play in it.
On box office success, he said, “All of my films have had their own journey. We never set out to find an audience outside India because we already have such a diverse audience within the country. Yet, over time, our films have organically traveled across the world. I made ‘Lagaan’ for the Indian audience—it was already a four-hour film, and most people worldwide don’t even know cricket. But the film took on a journey of its own. It wasn’t in our control. I was in Switzerland once and saw that it had been running in a theater for six to eight months. During a Q&A session, the projectionist told me he had never seen this kind of response, even for an American or European film and this was an entirely European audience.”
On the business aspect of Filmmaking, Amir Khan added, “Business plays a crucial role in filmmaking because every film is an investment. I believe a film should be economically viable and that’s always my goal. For the last 20 years, I haven’t charged upfront fees. If my film succeeds, I earn. I follow the old way of performing arts like passing a cap around after a show, where the audience pays if they like the performance. This gives me creative freedom to work on different subjects.”
He further added, “I’m an emotional person, so when my films don’t work, I feel sad. Filmmaking is tough, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. In ‘Laal Singh Chaddha,’ my performance was a bit too high, and it didn’t work as well as Tom Hanks’ version. When my films fail, I go into a sort of depression for two to three weeks. Then, I sit with my team, analyze what went wrong, and learn from it. I really value my failures because they push me to do better.”
Speaking on his inclination towards societal issues in his films, he highlighted, “Over the years, I’ve realized that our society faces many challenges, and understanding them is not always easy. If we try, we can find solutions, but implementing them on a large scale is tough. Experts in different fields can guide us in making our lives better. I’m happy that the show created an impact and it was an extremely satisfying and learning experience for me.”
On Personal Life and Future Goals, he remarked, “I don’t use my phone much. I love books and reading. Over the past two to three years, I’ve been spending quality time with my family. I want to do more work as I grow older, not just as an actor but also as a producer. I want my production house to become a platform for new talent, to make it more vibrant. One of my dreams is to make the ‘Mahabharat.’ Another area that excites me is children’s content as it shapes young minds.”
On the Future of Bollywood, he highlighted, “We need more cinema theaters. Also, as creative people, we should give a lot more value to writers.”
ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred around the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will bring together thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by India’s rise in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit gathers a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions for a better, more sustainable world for all.
Cube Highways Trust Announces Successful INR 600 Crore Bond Issuance
New Delhi, India, February 24, 2025: Cube Highways Trust (Cube InvIT) [NSE/BSE: CUBEINVIT/543899], managed by Cube Highways Fund Advisors Pvt. Ltd., has successfully concluded a ₹600 crore bond issuance arranged by Axis Bank Limited. The issuance saw participation from banks, insurance companies and development financial institutions. Cube InvIT’s Board approved the allotment of 60,000 Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) with a face value of ₹1 lakh each, aggregating to ₹600 crores, with a tenor of 19 years and 1 month on a private placement basis on February 21, 2025. The issue will be listed on the wholesale debt market segment of BSE Limited.
The funds raised from the issuance of these listed, secured Non-Convertible Debentures will be used to refinance the debt of Cube InvIT’s recently acquired Special Purpose Vehicle. This issuance follows the successful issuance of an ₹860 crore Sustainability-Linked Bond earlier this month.
Commenting on the transaction, Pankaj Vasani, Group CFO of Cube InvIT, said:
“The feedback from capital markets during this raise accentuates strong investor confidence in Cube InvIT’s financial prudence and growth potential. The issuance has attracted new investors as well as deepened relationships with the existing ones. Investors recognize Cube’s solid capital foundation, transparent operational strategies, and disciplined approach to risk management – factors that position Cube InvIT for sustained performance and long-term value creation.”
Crisil and India Ratings rated the issuance AAA.
With a proven track record of securing capital efficiently, Cube InvIT continues to strengthen its position as a leading infrastructure investment platform, leveraging diversified funding sources to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Trilegal and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas acted as legal advisors for the issuance. Catalyst Trusteeship Limited supported the issuance as the debenture trustee.
Primus Partners & Maharashtra Govt Release INR 3.5B Zero-Waste Fashion Report
Mumbai, India, 24.02.2025: Primus Partners, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, has released a thought leadership report outlining a clear and actionable path toward a zero-waste textile industry in India by 2047. The report was presented by Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Mr. Sanjay Savkare, at Bharat Tex 2025, with Maharashtra serving as the Knowledge Partner.
Titled ‘Making India a Zero-Waste Fashion Country’, the report provides a strategic framework to integrate sustainability, circular economy principles, and resource efficiency across the textile value chain—from farm to foreign. The opportunity to address textile waste is valued at $3.5 billion over the next five years, requiring robust policy support, industry collaboration, and active consumer engagement.
Dignitaries and leaders from Maharashtra, including Chief Minister Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri. Eknath Shinde and Shri. Ajit Pawar, Industry Minister Shri. Udit Samant, Textile Minister Shri. Sanjay Savkare, and the Principal Secretary of Textiles, Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles Department Smt. Anshu Sinha, contributed invaluable insights to the report. They emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to transforming India’s textile sector through sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Additionally, input from government officials, industry leaders, and academics provided a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in making India a global hub for zero-waste fashion.
Emphasizing Maharashtra’s proactive approach, Mr. Virendra Singh, Secretary of Public Health and Former Secretary of Textiles, outlined the state’s initiatives to promote sustainable practices. He highlighted key measures such as fiscal incentives, research initiatives, and skill development, encouraging the sector to adopt these advancements for a greener and more competitive future.
The report presents a comprehensive analysis identifying key barriers to the adoption of sustainable practices, based on a survey conducted among industries and citizens. These challenges include financial constraints, limited adoption of green technologies, skill gaps, low awareness and demand for sustainable products, and fragmented policies. Additionally, the growing influence of ultra-fast fashion, driven by social media trends, has further exacerbated the issue of textile waste.
The report integrates the 5F approach—Farm, Fiber, Factory, Fashion, and Foreign—to ensure sustainable practices are embedded at every stage of the textile value chain. By addressing key sustainability challenges, it promotes organic farming, eco-friendly fiber production, waste-reducing manufacturing techniques, circular fashion principles, and alignment with global sustainability standards. This holistic strategy not only minimizes environmental impact but also strengthens India’s position as a leader in sustainable textiles.
The report outlines key recommendations to drive sustainability in India’s textile industry. It emphasizes financial incentives and support, including subsidies for green initiatives and the establishment of a dedicated fund for circular economy projects. To enhance textile-waste infrastructure and market development, it proposes setting up Textile Waste Collection Centres. Strengthening the policy and regulatory framework, the report calls for a National Policy for Sustainable Textiles and an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme for the sector. Additionally, it highlights the need for transparency and awareness through revised textile labelling regulations, public education campaigns on eco-friendly fashion, and skill development initiatives to position Inida to lead globally in zero-waste fashion, setting a benchmark for the world.
Kanishk Maheshwari, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Primus Partners, expressed his optimism and commitment to a sustainable future while also expressing his gratitude, stating,” We are incredibly optimistic about the future of India’s textile industry and deeply grateful for the invaluable support of Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Shri. Eknath Shinde, Shri. Ajit Pawar and the highly accomplished industrial leaders and academicians. With their backing, we are not just envisioning a zero-waste future – we are making it a reality. To tackle India’s textile waste issue, a comprehensive approach is essential, including a unified B2B digital marketplace for pre-consumer waste, consumer education, revised textile labelling, and skill development. The introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme will also be transformative, holding producers accountable for the lifecycle of their products and positioning us at the forefront of a sustainable, circular economy.”
Sajjan Jindal Recognized as ‘Business Leader of the Decade’ at AIMA Awards
New Delhi, February 24, 2025 – JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal has been conferred with the coveted ‘Business Leader of the Decade’ honour at the 15th AIMA Managing India Awards, in recognition of his transformative leadership in expanding JSW Group into a global conglomerate.
The award was presented to Mr. Jindal at a ceremony here today in the presence of Chief Guest Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, and Guest of Honour Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry; Electronics and IT. . The citation was read by Mr. Yezdi Nagporewalla, Chief Executive Officer, KPMG India.
Under Mr Jindal’s stewardship, JSW Group has achieved remarkable growth, more than doubling its revenues to US$24 billion. His strategic vision has led to JSW nearly tripling its annual steel production capacity to 39 million tonnes, whilst establishing the group as a major force in renewable energy and cement manufacturing.
The award recognises Mr Jindal’s pivotal role in aligning JSW Group with India’s infrastructure modernisation initiatives. Under his leadership, JSW has emerged as the second-largest private player in India’s ports sector, whilst also venturing into future-focused sectors including electric vehicles and military drones through international partnerships.
The AllIndia Management Association (AIMA) Managing India Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to India’s business landscape. The ceremony brought together distinguished award winners, industry leaders and AIMA office bearers for this landmark 15th edition of the awards.
Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay Shares Sunita Williams’ Return Date: March 19
Mumbai, 24 February 2025: “There is no conspiracy theory here. NASA is not keeping Sunita Williams in space. Sunita Williams’ return was delayed due to a technical glitch, but on March 19, they will be safely back home. In fact, we are using this opportunity to explore space further,” Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, Senior Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Visiting Professor at Caltech said on NASA’s Sunita Williams stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 in Mumbai, today.
Against the backdrop of India’s growing leadership in space exploration, Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, exploring humanity’s latest discoveries in the quest to understand the universe, said, “Can life exist outside of Earth? The answer is yes. But we have not found life outside of Earth; not even a single cell. But with 400 billion stars and the majority having planets revolving around them, the probability of life existing beyond Earth is there. Our goal is to find a planet where life is sustainable.”
Speaking at the session ‘Adventures in Space – Our Place in the Universe,’ Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, added, “We search for the unknown with the knowledge of the known. But we don’t even know what kind of life could start or where it may exist. That is what we are trying to figure out. The best place to live a happy life in this universe is our Earth. Why should we go live on Mars? We can send you there if you want, but it’s a one-way ticket.”
Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay also spoke on India’s unmatched potential in the global landscape, stating, “ISRO and NASA are collaborating on a project right now. ISRO is doing great and executing successful missions.”
Talking about how astronomy is different from astrology, Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay said, “Astronomy truly opens up your vision to the universe and it is a big mystery that we are trying to solve.”
ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will bring together thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brought together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.
Asim Hussain Joins CG Corp Global as Global Head of Category Dev & R&D
24th February 2025: Asim Hussain’s appointment as the Global Head for Category Development and R&D at CG Corp Global is a significant milestone in the food technology industry. With over 18 years of experience, Mr Hussain brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, positioning him as a key driver of innovation and quality enhancement in the food processing sector.
In his previous stints, he served as R&D Head at Mrs Bectors Cremica, Lead NPD in Future Group Own Brand, and Food Scientist in his initial career with Nilons & Tata Tea.
He has gained expertise in processing areas like bakery, extrusion, frying, roasting, dehydration, emulsions, gelatinisation, curing, IQF, and freeze-drying.
He holds a B.Tech. in Process & Food Technology from AAIDU, Allahabad.
Earned a Management diploma in Operations from Welingkar’s Mumbai, blending technical knowledge with strategic acumen.
He is expected to lead innovation in Noodles, Biscuits and Snacks through cutting-edge technology in R&D.
- Aim to address the evolving challenges of a competitive market while driving sustainable growth.
- Sets new benchmarks for innovation, quality, and efficiency in food science.
Hussain’s appointment is widely regarded as a catalyst for innovation in food science. His strategic vision and proven track record are anticipated to inspire peers and stakeholders, paving the way for a future where scientific rigour meets forward-thinking.
As the food technology industry continues to evolve, Hussain’s role at CG Corp Global will be closely watched, with high expectations for groundbreaking advancements and sustainable practices under his guidance.
Aster DM Healthcare Reaffirms RS. 850 Crore Investment in Kerala at Global Summit
Kochi, February 24, 2025: Aster DM Healthcare, one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers, has reinforced its deep-rooted commitment to Kerala with a strategic vision for expansion and long-term investment. Aligned with the state’s efforts to attract and facilitate high-impact investments under the ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit’ initiative held in Kochi, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, and Mr. Anoop Moopen, Director at Aster DM Healthcare met Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and Shri P Rajeev, Minister of Law, Industries, and Coir to discuss the current healthcare landscape and explore opportunities for growth and innovation. As part of the engagement, Aster has said that it plans to invest around ₹850cr in the next 3 years towards scaling up its infrastructure, medical services, and employment generation in the region. This commitment builds on the ₹500cr Aster has already invested in Kerala during the last 3 years, further solidifying its leadership in the state’s healthcare landscape.
Looking ahead, Aster has an aggressive investment plan in Kerala that will result in a significant increase in bed capacity, bringing the total number of beds in the state to 3,453 by FY27. Aster currently operates seven hospitals in Kerala, with a total capacity of 2,635 beds, contributing to 53% of the company’s India revenue (9M FY25).
Aster DM Healthcare’s expansion in the state will be driven by two greenfield projects that are coming up namely Aster Capital Trivandrum with a 454-bed facility and Aster MIMS Kasargod with 264 beds. The flagship hospital Aster Medcity will expand to 962 beds by FY27 as well. In Q3FY25, 100 beds were added to Aster Medcity’s existing capacity, further cementing Aster’s leadership in Kerala’s healthcare sector.
Participating in the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “Kerala has always been at the heart of Aster’s journey, and our commitment to the state is stronger than ever. We are delighted to reaffirm our long-term vision to expand our footprint, bringing world-class healthcare closer to the people of Kerala while fostering employment and medical excellence in the region. The ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit’ is a pivotal initiative that underscores the state’s potential as a hub for high-impact investments, and we are proud to be a part of this transformative journey. We plan to invest an additional ₹850cr in the next 3 years to further strengthen Kerala’s healthcare landscape. Our expansion plans reflect our unwavering belief in Kerala’s potential as a leader in healthcare innovation and accessibility.”
Mr. Anoop Moopen, Director, Aster DM Healthcare said, “Aster DM Healthcare has been a significant contributor in creating thousands of opportunities for skilled professionals in Kerala. Today, Aster provides direct employment to over 12700 professionals in Kerala, including thousands of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. With our expansion plans, we anticipate creating an additional 4200 jobs, further strengthening Kerala’s healthcare workforce and economy. Being part of the ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit’ reinforces our commitment to not only building infrastructure but also nurturing talent, empowering communities, and reinforcing Kerala’s reputation as a centre for medical excellence.”
Aster DM Healthcare’s ambitious expansion plans underscore its commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services in India. With a focus on strategic growth, patient-centric care, and regional expansion, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape, ultimately benefiting communities and individuals across the country.
Aster’s commitment to Kerala extends beyond infrastructure and employment, with the organisation playing a crucial role in community healthcare initiatives. Through ‘Aster Volunteers’, the company has been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts, responding to emergencies with medical aid and humanitarian support. During the devastating landslide in Wayanad, Aster’s medical teams mobilised swiftly, providing critical emergency care, rehabilitation assistance, and ongoing medical support to affected families. This unwavering dedication to community service underscores Aster’s broader mission – to not only deliver advanced healthcare but to stand in solidarity with the people of Kerala in times of crisis.