Rusk Media & Amazon MX Player Commence “Battleground,” A Fitness Show Like Never Before
26th March 2025, Mumbai: Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled showdown as Rusk Media, in collaboration with Amazon MX Player, proudly presents Battleground. This groundbreaking new reality show is all set to take the nation by storm, offering 16 contestants a shot to be India’s next fitness superstar.
Battleground—a high-energy fitness reality show is designed to push participants to their absolute limits. This pioneering competition will showcase 16 of India’s most promising fitness talents as they battle through a grueling 28-day challenge, featuring intense physical trials, high-stakes drama, and transformative mentorship.
Battleground isn’t just about brute strength; it’s a fusion of fitness, lifestyle, and strategy. Each team of 4 contestants will be mentored by 4 celebrated fitness and lifestyle icons. Through a series of rigorous tasks designed to test strength, endurance, and resilience, participants will prove their mettle. As the competition intensifies, one male and one female contestant will emerge victorious, earning the coveted title of India’s star performers.
Highlighting the diversity of Indian fitness culture, Battleground features teams representing four regions – Mumbai Strikers, Haryana Bulls, Delhi Dominators and UP Dabangs, competing for ultimate dominance. The show’s innovative format ensures an immersive experience for both contestants and audiences, blending competitive spirit with entertainment like never before.
Mayank Yadav, CEO & Co-founder of Rusk Media, shared, “Battleground is more than just a fitness competition—it’s a revolution in fitness entertainment. This show celebrates strength, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. We are excited to partner with Amazon MX Player to bring this high-octane experience to audiences across India.”
Aruna Daryanani, Director, Amazon MX Player said, “With Battleground, we take another step forward in our commitment to delivering diverse and engaging content to our audiences for free. This unique format not only inspires fitness enthusiasts but also redefines sports and reality entertainment, offering advertisers a powerful platform to connect with highly engaged viewers.”
Fueling the intensity of the competition, Battleground is proudly presented by Charged, a brand that epitomizes unyielding rigor and relentless focus. HMSI Honda BigWing powers the show with their CB350 bikes, embodying strength and performance. Big Muscles Nutrition, the official Nutrition Partner, ensures contestants have the fuel to excel, while Kayam Churna, as the Pain Relief Partner, American Pistachios, as the Snacking Partner, and RiteBite Max Protein as the Protein Partner, support the participants throughout the show.
Ashirvad by Aliaxis Celebrates Its Dealer Community
India, 26th March 2025: Building on the success of its recent heartfelt Holi campaign, Ashirvad by Aliaxis, India’s leading provider of plumbing and agricultural piping solutions, hosted a grand gathering for its 1,200+ dealer community at Princess Golf, Palace Grounds, Bangalore. As part of the Holi Campaign, Ashirvad engaged with over 5,500 channel partners and 8,700 influencers, including local plumbers and agricultural mechanics. This initiative reinforces Ashirvad’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the dealer community while giving back to this community and the society.
In addition to recent initiatives like the Experts Club Insurance Program and Vidyadhanam Scholarship Program, Ashirvad celebrated Holi by extending festive gifts to over 21,500 dealers and staff. This gesture further reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive and rewarding experience for all its stakeholders.
Speaking about these initiatives, Partha Basu, Managing Director at Ashirvad by Aliaxis, said, At Ashirvad, we believe that our responsibility to the community extends beyond manufacturing quality products. Today’s gathering represents our commitment to giving back to the communities that help us bring our solutions to Indian homes. Our dealers and plumbers are the backbone of our business, and it’s through their expertise that we can drive meaningful change in water conservation and accessibility. These community initiatives reflect our core philosophy of paying kindness forward – when we support our partners, they in turn create positive impact in thousands of homes across India.”
The event further highlights Ashirvad’s core values of stakeholder well-being, environmental responsibility, and commitment to excellence. By connecting the brand’s extensive dealer network with their leadership and simultaneously advocating for water conservation practices, Ashirvad continues to demonstrate how business success and social responsibility can work hand-in-hand to create meaningful impact. The company remains focused on delivering safe, sustainable solutions while nurturing partnerships that advance their mission of enhancing lives through responsible water management.
K2 Infragen Commends 67.61 MWp Solar Milestone
26th March 2025 – K2 Infragen Limited, one of the fastest-growing players in India’s infrastructure and EPC sectors, has secured a solar EPC project (With supply of BOS material) contract of 67.61 Mega Watt DC in Gujarat. This mega solar project is a part of 450 MWp project being developed by Coal India Limited in Khavda, Gujarat. K2 Infragen gets this contract from KPI Green Energy Limited.
This order further strengthens K2 Infragen’s portfolio in the Power Infrastructure sector. With this addition, the company’s total order book under execution now stands at INR 578.54 Crores, providing strong growth visibility.
Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Vineet Sharma, Vice President – Business Strategy & Corporate Affairs at K2 Infragen, stated, ” This order in Solar EPC space displays the potential and intent of the organization to operate at scale in all the domains of infrastructure. We have already mentioned earlier that K2 Infragen targets to be an aggressive player in Power Transmission & Distribution along with Renewable Energy verticals. While the scheduled completion is set for June/July’ 25, we expect to complete the installation & commissioning of this project within H1 25-26. The company also continues to secure significant contracts of NHAI while diversifying into the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) and Railways sectors. We have developed in-house expertise across design, procurement, and construction supervision, delivering comprehensive EPC solutions spanning renewable energy, roads, railways, water supply, and civil construction.”
Additionally, K2 Infragen is actively engaged in discussions with large financial institutions to enhance its banking limits, which will enable the company to:
- Execute the current order book efficiently.
- Continue bidding for attractive opportunities across various infrastructure verticals to further expand its order pipeline.
With a continuously expanding sales pipeline and enhanced execution capabilities, K2 Infragen is on track for consistent, sustainable growth over the next three years, driven by strategic expansion across India. The company is also making steady progress towards its vision of becoming a multi-sector, diversified infrastructure EPC player.
Saaz Samvaad Mohan Brothers Live Concert of Sitar & Sarod Melodies
Mumbai : Indian classical music enthusiasts are in for a mesmerizing evening as the globally acclaimed Mohan Brothers, Aayush Mohan (Sarod) and Lakshay Mohan (Sitar), present “Saaz Samvaad”, a live concert that celebrates the rich heritage of Indian classical music through a captivating dialogue between sitar and sarod.
This grand event will take place on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 7 PM at the prestigious Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir (Sheila Gopal Raheja Auditorium), Bandra West, Mumbai. The concert promises an enthralling blend of melody and rhythm, bringing to life the soul-stirring essence of Indian classical music.
Mohan Brothers are first Indian musicians to perform at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles USA, also known for their incredible synergy and innovative approach to classical music, will be accompanied by legendary percussionists Pt. Kalinath Mishra on Tabla and Mumbai Dr. Rajesh Srinivasan on Mridangam, adding depth and dynamism to the performance.
Renowned for their exceptional mastery of sitar and sarod, the Mohan Brothers have received widespread acclaim from international media and critics. Their performances have been praised for their lyrical beauty and craftsmanship, the emotional depth they evoke, and their role in redefining classical music. This event promises a unique musical experience, showcasing the intricate interplay between sitar and sarod, enriched by the rhythmic brilliance of tabla and mridangam. Audiences can expect a rare confluence of Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, making this an immersive journey into the depths of Indian classical music, curated by two of the most dynamic maestros of the genre.
Don’t miss this golden opportunity to witness the Mohan Brothers in a spellbinding musical dialogue that transcends time and traditions. Secure your seats now and be a part of this unforgettable evening!
Industry-Academia Boost: CII & Vedatya Institute Sign MoU
Gurgaon, March 26, 2025 – The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Vedatya Institute, Gurgaon, are set to formalize their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 25, 2025 at the CII Office, Udyog Vihar, Gurgaon.
The MoU aims to foster a strong industry-academia relationship, enabling students to gain practical insights, industry exposure, and enhanced career opportunities. The collaboration will provide hospitality focused Vocational Education and Training under VET by EHL at Vedatya reinforcing the commitment of both organizations to nurturing future hospitality industry leaders.
The signing ceremony will be graced by esteemed representatives from both organizations—Mr. Sougata Roy Choudhuri, Executive Director on behalf of CII and Mr. Amit Kapur, Trustee and Managing Promotor, representing Vedatya Institute, Gurgaon. Their presence highlights the significance of this partnership in bridging the gap between industry requirements and academic learning.
Speaking on the occasion, Amit Kapur said, “At Vedatya, we are committed to equipping our students with real-world skills that make them industry-ready. This collaboration with CII marks a significant step in enhancing our commitment to best in class education through relevant practical insights and industry exposures, ensuring our students remain ahead in the competitive job market.”
Through this collaboration, Vedatya Institute and CII aim to create a dynamic learning ecosystem that equips hospitality students with industry-relevant skills, ensuring they remain competitive in the ever-evolving professional landscape.
Vedatya Institute
Established in 2000, Vedatya Institute is a premier educational institution offering degree, diploma, and certificate programs in hospitality management, business management, design, and culinary arts. Known for its strong industry partnerships and internationally recognized programs, Vedatya provides students with global exposure through internships and job placements in countries like France, UAE, and Thailand. Located on Gurgaon-Sohna Road, the institute boasts a fully integrated campus with academic, recreational, and residential facilities, fostering a holistic learning environment.
Epsilon Foundation Opens Mother & Child Care Unit at Jindal Sanjeevani
Vijayanagar, 26th March 2025: Epsilon Foundation, the CSR wing of Epsilon Carbon Private Limited, inaugurated a 26-bed Mother & Child Care Unit at Jindal Sanjeevani Multi Speciality Hospital (JSMSH) in Vijayanagar, Bellari, Karnataka. This initiative will improve the maternal and paediatric care in the region with best-in-class equipments and facilities.
Mr. Vikram Handa and Mrs. Tarini Jindal Handa inaugurated this new Mother & Child Care unit which features a 10-bed maternity ward equipped with a dedicated labour operating theatre (OT), coupled with a 6-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and a 10-bed Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), with potential to expand this into a 30 beds facility. The Mother & Child Care unit is projected to support 1,500 safe deliveries, provide life-saving care to 1,000 neonates and 2,000 paediatric patients annually.
A dedicated 6-bed Burns Unit with a full-time plastic surgeon is set to launch in April, offering specialized treatment and care for approximately 100 burn patients annually.
Jindal Sanjeevani Multi Speciality Hospital (JSMSH), a 150-bed facility, has served as a trusted healthcare provider for over 15 years in Vijayanagar district, catering to communities across 150 villages within a 30-kilometer radius. The addition of these specialized units will significantly enhance JSMSH’s capability to deliver high-quality medical care, particularly for women and children in need.
Speaking on the inauguration, Mr. Vikram Handa, Director, Epsilon Foundation, emphasized that enhancing healthcare infrastructure from primary to advanced care is at the heart of Epsilon’s CSR vision. He highlighted that for pregnant women and newborns in the region, access to critical care has long been a challenge, with many having to travel over 70 kilometers for medical check-ups and treatment, making it both risky and far-fetched. He stated that the Mother & Child Care Unit shows the foundation’s commitment towards essential medical services, ensuring safer deliveries, and improving neonatal and paediatric care. Quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and that Epsilon Foundation is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the communities it serves, he added.
Further strengthening its commitment to community well-being, Epsilon Foundation is introducing a Community Welfare Health Scheme which aims to provide comprehensive, free maternal care for expectant mothers, ensuring safe deliveries and improved maternal health outcomes. Additionally, the program will offer plastic surgeries for accident victims, helping them regain confidence and rebuild their lives.
What Makes Finland Happy? 4 Local Perspectives
26th March 2025: Finland has long been recognized as one of the happiest countries in the world, and its way of life offers a unique blend of nature, security, and cultural richness. With a deep-rooted appreciation for simplicity, the country continues to be a place where people thrive. Here’s a closer look at the four key aspects that make life in Finland so fulfilling.
Nature at Your Doorstep
Finns deeply value their connection to nature, which is always within easy reach. Thanks to Everyman’s Rights, residents can freely explore forests, lakes, and open landscapes. With four distinct seasons, Finland offers everything from white summer nights to snow-covered winters, where ice swimming remains a popular tradition.
A Safe and Stable Society
Safety and accessibility define daily life in Finland. Free high-quality education, public healthcare, and reliable infrastructure contribute to a strong sense of well-being. Finns feel secure walking alone at night, and children travel independently to school—testaments to the country’s trust-driven environment. This sense of security extends to visitors as well, making Finland one of the safest travel destinations. Whether exploring vibrant cities or the tranquil countryside, travellers can enjoy their journey with peace of mind.
Quintessential Finnish Traditions
The Finnish sauna is a deeply cherished tradition, often enjoyed alongside a refreshing dip in natural waters. With a low population density, Finland offers plenty of privacy and tranquillity, something locals truly value. Finnish cuisine is equally celebrated, featuring fresh ingredients and beloved dishes like salmon soup and salty liquorice. And for coffee lovers, Finland is a paradise since Fins people consume more coffee per capita than any other nation! This guarantees that cafés across the country serve some of the finest brews that travellers can enjoy.
A Welcoming Community
Finns value honesty, respect, and community. While often reserved, they are warm and supportive, offering help when needed while respecting personal space. A strong sense of humour and reliability define social interactions, making Finland a uniquely welcoming place to live. This hospitality extends to visitors as well. Travelers can expect a hassle-free experience, whether seeking directions, dining at a local café, or exploring the countryside. Finns may not be overly expressive, but their kindness is reflected in their actions, ensuring a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for all who visit.
For those looking to experience a country that values natural beauty, safety, cultural heritage, and strong community ties, Finland offers an exceptional quality of life. With Finnair’s direct flights from New Delhi to Helsinki, traveling to this land of happiness has never been easier..
Gourmet Excellence on Display at Indian School of Hospitality’s Signature Event
March 26, 2025: Indian School of Hospitality’s (ISH) three-day culinary competition, Distin-GU-ISH-ED 2025, was a resounding success, bringing together the best of India’s culinary talent.
Held at the ISH campus in Gurugram, the event featured an exceptional display of skill, creativity, and passion from aspiring chefs, home bakers, and industry professionals.
With the theme ‘Celebrating Excellence Across the Culinary Spectrum,’ the event brought together participants from across the country, offering diverse competition categories. The occasion not only celebrated India’s rich culinary heritage but also fostered innovation and camaraderie among culinary enthusiasts.
“Distin-GU-ISH-ED 2025 is a space where talent evolves, ideas take shape, and the future of food and hospitality is constantly redefined. At ISH, we lead from the front, pushing boundaries and recognizing the industry as our primary partner in shaping the next generation of culinary professionals. This platform unites aspiring chefs, home bakers, and industry professionals, giving them the space to refine their craft, connect with leaders, and propel their careers forward. The energy and passion displayed here reaffirm why collaboration drives progress, and we look forward to seeing these participants take the industry to new heights,” said Mr. Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Indian School of Hospitality.
The inaugural day witnessed young chefs competing in various categories, demonstrating technical prowess and innovative approaches. The outstanding demonstration of abilities impressed both the audience and the esteemed panel of judges comprising Michelin-starred chefs, celebrated bakers, and culinary thought leaders.
The day also featured a hands-on workshop titled “Breaking Boundaries with Fusion Cuisine,” in which students explored creative ways to blend global and Indian flavors. It was a rare opportunity for students to work alongside and learn from some of the best in the industry.
On the following day, passionate home bakers and chefs showcased their skills through diverse and delicious creations, ranging from reinvented traditional recipes to modern variations. A key highlight of the day was the masterclass, “The Art of Artisan Baking,” which offered insights into the finesse of handcrafted baking processes and provided a distinctive platform for professionals to refine their craft, gain industry recognition, and learn directly from culinary icons.
The grand finale was reserved for seasoned industry professionals, who pushed the boundaries of technique and presentation, making for a thrilling showcase of mastery. The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion on “Sustainability in the Culinary World,” where industry leaders shared insights on integrating sustainability into commercial kitchens, highlighting how responsible sourcing, zero-waste practices, and plant-forward menus are shaping the future of food businesses.
For industry professionals, the event functioned as a unique platform for participants from across the country, offering diverse competition categories.
“Distin-GU-ISH-ED 2025 is a reflection of how culinary talent evolves when innovation, mentorship, and competition come together. The level of creativity and technical skill displayed has been remarkable, and I am confident that the next generation of chefs and professionals emerging from this platform will leave a lasting impact on the industry,” said Chef Zubin D’souza, Dean Culinary Studies, Indian School of Hospitality.
The winners in the Students category, Gargi Bagde, Ravi Kumar Singh, Sanwar Zara Bahadur, and Swati Singh, received a trophy from Nestle and a hamper from Ditya. Similarly, in the Home Cooks & Home Chefs category, Shreshth Agarwal and Sneha, Shweta Arora, Julia, and Ram Anand were awarded a trophy from Nestle and a hamper from Ditya.
Among the Professionals, Chef Piyush Rawat, Sri Ramya, Vasudha Sharma, Poorva Joshi, Niharika Arora, Khushi Kaushal, and Sahej Kaur triumphed in the competition.
The total number of winners who secured the first, second, and third prizes across all events stood at 48.
As ISH continues to foster new talent and industry partnerships, Distinguished 2025 marks another step in our commitment to building a more innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive culinary landscape. The momentum from this year’s event sets the stage for even greater collaborations in the future.
Fighting Cancer with a Strong Immune System
By: Dr Raghav Kesri, Senior Consultant and Head Medical Oncology, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida
For decades, cancer treatment meant battling the disease head-on with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. But a new frontier is changing that narrative. Immunotherapy, a rapidly evolving approach, which doesn’t attack cancer directly; instead, it empowers the body’s immune system to do what it was designed for, detect and destroy threats. For many patients, especially those with cancers that resist traditional therapies, this shift offers new hope: longer survival, fewer side effects, and in some cases, complete remission.
How Immunotherapy Works
Immunotherapy enhances the body’s natural defense mechanisms to fight cancer by making immune cells more effective at identifying and attacking tumor cells. This approach includes checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking tumors, thereby allowing the immune system to target cancer more aggressively. Another significant advancement is CAR-T cell therapy, where a patient’s T cells are genetically modified in a laboratory to recognize and destroy cancer cells before being reinfused into the patient’s body. This highly personalized treatment has shown exceptional success in blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
These therapies have shown remarkable efficacy in treating cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer, and certain blood cancers. Research is also exploring the potential of combining immunotherapy with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, to enhance effectiveness.
Immunotherapy in India
India has witnessed a sharp rise in cancer cases, with estimates suggesting over 1.5 million new cases annually. The most commonly diagnosed cancers include breast, lung, cervical, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Studies have shown that immunotherapy significantly improves survival rates and, in some cases, leads to complete remission. However, while immunotherapy offers hope, its accessibility remains a challenge due to high costs and the need for specialized medical infrastructure.
To address these challenges, government initiatives and research collaborations are underway to develop cost-effective immunotherapies. Trials are conducted to assess the effectiveness of lower-cost alternatives. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies are working on biosimilar versions of existing immunotherapy drugs to reduce costs and increase availability.
The Future of Cancer Treatment
With ongoing research and technological advancements, the future of immunotherapy looks promising. Scientists are working on refining these treatments to enhance their effectiveness while minimizing side effects. The integration of artificial intelligence and genetic testing is paving the way for more personalized cancer treatments, ensuring that patients receive therapies tailored to their specific tumor profiles.
For cancer patients and their families, consulting an oncologist to explore immunotherapy as part of a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan can provide valuable insights into emerging options. While financial and infrastructural challenges remain, the growing adoption of immunotherapy represents a significant step toward more effective, targeted, and potentially curative cancer care.
HRV Global Life Sciences Advances Growth at DCAT Week 2025
26 March 2025 — HRV Global Life Sciences, a leading provider of innovative solutions for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry, participated in DCAT Week 2025, the premier event for the global bio/pharmaceutical manufacturing value chain. Held in New York, the event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from around the world to discuss emerging trends, forge strategic partnerships, and drive advancements in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.
Attending DCAT Week 2025 provided HRV Global Life Sciences’ with a valuable platform to explore new business opportunities and forge new partnerships with US industry influencers. As one of the leaders in the virtual pharma segment, the company is setting new benchmarks in the industry through its innovative approach to pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. The company has a pipeline of over 25 products to be launched in US and European markets in the current year.
India’s pharmaceutical industry, valued at around USD 55 billion, is expected to grow 2.2 to 2.4 times over the next six years, reaching USD 120 billion to USD 130 billion by 2030. HRV Global Life Sciences is well-positioned to drive India’s transition from a volume-based exporter to a leader in high-value products, reinforcing its position in the global pharmaceutical market.
Speaking on the participation, Mr. Hari Kiran Chereddi, Managing Director of HRV Global Life Sciences, said, “DCAT Week 2025 provided an incredible platform for HRV Global Life Sciences to connect with industry leaders, exchange valuable insights, and strengthen our global partnerships. We had productive discussions on the evolving needs of the industry. We identified new opportunities for collaboration that will help drive innovation, facilitate global market expansion, and reinforce India’s position as a key player in the international pharmaceutical landscape.”
With India’s pharmaceutical sector driving the country’s economic growth, HRV Global Life Sciences is well-positioned to capitalise on this momentum. Its strong global network and focus on innovation enable the company to support this growth and meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry.