26, Dec 2024
4 Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer Young Adults Should Know

Dr Nikhil Mehta

By-Dr Nikhil Mehta, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Jaipur

Colon cancer, traditionally considered a condition affecting older adults, has been increasingly diagnosed in younger individuals. According to the American Cancer Society, cases among adults under 50 have been steadily rising, making it critical for younger demographics to recognize early symptoms. Detecting colon cancer early can significantly improve outcomes. Here are four key warning signs every young adult should be aware of:

 1. Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits
Unusual changes in bowel movements, such as chronic diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two, can be early indicators of colon cancer. Pay attention if these changes persist for more than a few weeks or if stools appear narrower than usual. Such changes may suggest a blockage or growth in the colon.

 2. Blood in Stool or Rectal Bleeding
Noticing blood in the stool, whether bright red or darker in color, is a red flag that should never be ignored. While conditions like hemorrhoids can also cause rectal bleeding, persistent blood in stool warrants immediate medical evaluation. This symptom can signal tumors in the colon or rectum.

 3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexpected weight loss without any changes to diet or exercise routines could be an early sign of colon cancer. As the cancer progresses, it may impact the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, leading to significant weight loss. This symptom often accompanies a loss of appetite or fatigue.

 4. Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Frequent abdominal cramping, bloating, or a feeling of fullness even after eating small meals may indicate colon cancer. These symptoms could result from blockages or inflammation caused by tumors in the digestive tract.

 What Should You Do?
If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than two weeks, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Early screenings, such as colonoscopies or stool-based tests, can help detect precancerous polyps or cancer in its early stages.

 How to Reduce Your Risk
• Adopt a Healthy Diet: Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables while limiting red and processed meats.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
• Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Both are linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
• Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of colon cancer, consider starting screenings earlier.

 Treatment Options
Treatment often depends on the stage of the disease and individual factors like overall health. Some common treatment approaches include:

 1. Surgery
• Polypectomy or Local Excision: If detected early, small, localized tumors or polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy.
• Colectomy: For more advanced cases, a portion of the colon may be removed, and the healthy parts are reconnected.
• Colostomy: In cases where reconnection isn’t possible, an opening (stoma) is created for waste elimination.
2. Radiation Therapy – Often used for rectal cancer or advanced colon cancer, radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
3. Chemotherapy – Involves drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It is typically recommended after surgery if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or beyond.
4. Targeted Therapy – Drugs like monoclonal antibodies or small molecules are designed to target specific proteins or genes involved in cancer growth. These therapies are effective in advanced or metastatic cases.
5. Immunotherapy – Utilises the body’s immune system to identify and attack cancer cells, often in cases with specific genetic markers, such as mismatch repair deficiency.
Colon cancer in young adults is a growing concern, but early awareness and proactive steps can make all the difference. By staying vigilant and prioritizing your health, you can reduce your risk and detect potential issues early.

26, Dec 2024
Year Ending Quotes 2024 by Experts – F&B Sector

By-Vikesh Shah, Founder, 99 Pancakes

 “Reflecting on this year, I couldn’t be prouder of the growth and evolution we’ve experienced as a company. We set ambitious goals, many of which we surpassed, while others have provided us with invaluable lessons. Our team’s relentless dedication to pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges has made this year one of our most transformative yet. As we enter the New Year, our commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence remains stronger than ever. The journey is only just beginning, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

By-Simranjeet Singh, Director, CYK Hospitalities

2024 witnessed a shift towards concept-driven dining, where unique themes and curated experiences became the core of F&B success. At CYK Hospitalities, we specialized in crafting bespoke concepts that resonated with evolving consumer preferences, blending innovation with authenticity. This year highlighted how a strong concept can turn a restaurant into a destination

By-Nidhi Singh, Co-founder, Samosa Singh – Quote as an F&B Industry Thought Leader

The food and beverage sector in 2024 has been a year of innovation and growth, as the industry embraced digital transformation and a return to roots with authentic yet healthier offerings. While we anticipated a focus on sustainability and consumer-centric solutions, the surge in global interest for Indian cuisine reaffirmed the timeless appeal of our culinary heritage. It’s an exciting time for the industry, with tradition and innovation coalescing like never before.

By-Shikhar Veer Singh, Co-founder, Samosa Singh, Quote as the Founder of Samosa Singh:

2024 has been a defining year for Samosa Singh. We revamped our manufacturing capabilities, scaling production capacity by 5x to meet growing demand. Entering Global markets and continuing our expansion across fueled with growth and customer love are some of the significant milestones that underscore our mission to bring India’s beloved snacks to a global stage. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust of our customers. As we gear up for 2025, we are excited to build on this momentum and continue to innovate in the food industry.

26, Dec 2024
Riccaro Corduso Launches Its Brand Campaign Rise Above Shot in Ladakh with International Cast

Mumbai, 26th December 2024: Riccaro Corduso, the newly launched uber luxury fashion brand, proudly unveils “Rise Above”, a bold and evocative campaign, shot in the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. Featuring a stellar cast of four international models the brand film, supported by a power-packed still shoot and e-comm stills encapsulates the brand’s ethos of resilience, innovation, and timeless elegance, the massive Digital campaign has been launched across Riccaro Corduso’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Company has planned a comprehensive digital campaign spanning the next six months, backed by a multi-crore investment since its inception. The campaign reflects the brand’s ethos of resilience, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. The digital campaign spans platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, supported by a visually stunning brand film, e-commerce stills, and a comprehensive influencer initiative.

Shot over 12 days by the acclaimed Director-DOP duo Jomin Verghese and Winston Jose under the banner – EBC Originals, the campaign tells a story of strength, unity, and elegance, blending Riccaro Corduso’s commitment to inclusivity with its vision of redefining luxury. The still shoot captures the essence of the brand being silently powerful.

The campaign also features a full-fledged influencer program involving nationally and internationally recognized artists who champion avant-garde haute couture and luxury lifestyles. This approach strengthens the brand’s presence across global markets, reflecting its ambition to position itself as a leader in the ultra-premium fashion space.

The “Rise Above” campaign is more than just a comprehensive digital campaign, it encapsulates The Riccaro Corduso ethos and the founder’s vision of taking an exotic fabric like Cashmere, to the world. It embodies the indomitable human spirit, the drive to push boundaries, and the pursuit of excellence. The film narrative showcases strength, grace, and unity, blending Riccaro Corduso’s values of bringing exotic fabrics to life, weaving in authenticity and craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities.

Adnan Sayed, Visionary Founder of Riccaro Corduso, stated, “‘Rise Above’ is not just a campaign—it’s a philosophy that captures the essence of timeless elegance and the indomitable human spirit. Through this initiative, we bring our vision of luxury with authenticity and purpose to the global stage. We have ambitious plans for “Rise Above” and are committed to maximizing its reach through a comprehensive promotional campaign that ensures its impact resonates with audiences worldwide.”

Faizan Goud, Strategic Founder, added, “This campaign represents India’s potential to set global benchmarks in luxury fashion. By showcasing our craftsmanship and design sensibilities, we aim to make Riccaro Corduso synonymous with understated elegance and innovation worldwide. As part of this vision, we plan to expand Riccaro Corduso’s presence beyond India and introduce our clothing line to international markets. This global expansion will be supported by an extensive promotional stratergy, targeting both domestic and international markets to ensure that our campaign resonates globally.

The campaign was conceptualized and written by Arindam Roy, a seasoned Creative Director with over 15 years’ experience in advertising and media industry. Reflecting on the project, Arindam shared, “This campaign is deeply personal. ‘Rise Above’ is an attempt to create a silent movement, it represents the fusion of my experience, creativity, and a moment of introspection – in not letting materialistic things control you or your ego. So, I decided to let go of things that have been controlling me. And boy, that felt so liberating. Here’s a thought I want to leave you with – attempt to RISE ABOVE your own story. It is quiet powerful!”

Adnan, Faizan, and Arindam have spent over six months meticulously planning this campaign, paralleling the launch of their first Autumn Winter/24 collection. Their dedication reflects in the film’s grandeur and storytelling. The campaign introduces Riccaro Corduso’s philosophy, calling its customers to invest not just in clothing, but in a lifestyle of understated elegance and timeless value.

The campaign coincides with the launch of Riccaro Corduso’s inaugural Autumn Winter/24 collection, featuring luxury menswear such as T-shirts, shirts, and jackets. Available via the brand’s e-store, plans are underway to introduce exclusive experiential stores, further enhancing the customer journey.

Riccaro Corduso is inviting connoisseurs to “INVEST IN RICCARO CORDUSO”. The collection is a rare asset, to be cherished now and forever. And when the need comes, one can pass it on to their most valuable kin. Because even he knows, Riccaro Corduso is something whose value will never depreciate, but will only RISE ABOVE with time.

26, Dec 2024
Ishq Jabariya Actor Lakshay Khurana Shares His Excitement for Christmas: It’s all about spending quality time with friends

As the festive season approaches, everyone gears up to spread joy and happiness, and our very own Lakshay Khurana, who plays the beloved character Aditya in Sun Neo’s popular show Ishq Jabariya, is no exception. Known for his charming on-screen presence, Lakshay also believes in cherishing the little moments of life off-screen, especially during festivals like Christmas.

ishq

For Lakshay, Christmas is not just a festival but an opportunity to pause, celebrate, and reconnect with his closest friends. Sharing his excitement, Lakshay says, “Christmas for me is all about spending quality time with friends and creating beautiful memories. Every year, we all gather at one of our friend’s homes, where we celebrate together, enjoy some good food, dance, and just have a great time. This year, I’m looking forward to the same – laughing, enjoying each other’s company, and making this Christmas one to remember!”

“Ishq Jabariya,” airing on Sun Neo at 7:30 PM, is a compelling love story that follows Gulki, a driven young woman with ambitious dreams. The show features a talented cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana, who bring depth and emotion to this engaging narrative, making it a must-watch for audiences.

24, Dec 2024
SPIT & Alumni Association Hosts 1999 Batch’s 25-Year Reunion Celebration

Bengaluru 24th Dec 2024 : Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT), one of Mumbai’s premier engineering institutions, hosted its Annual Alumni Reunion on December 21, 2024, at the SP Jain Auditorium, Bhavan’s Campus, Andheri West. This special event marked the 25th anniversary of the 1999 graduating cohort, celebrating their professional milestones and welcoming about 300 alumni, including leaders from the technology and business sectors.

Alumni of the 1999 batch, Sameer Nigam, CEO and founder of PhonePe, and Rahul Chari, CTO and founder of PhonePe, announced a $1M grant at the event. The grant will enhance infrastructure, foster innovation, and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students, empowering them to develop cutting-edge solutions and drive impactful ventures.

They were both awarded the distinguished alumni award for their exemplary contributions to business and society. PhonePe has revolutionized India’s digital payments ecosystem with their seamless, user-centric platform. Their visionary leadership has made PhonePe a trusted name, driving financial inclusion for millions across the country.

Speaking at the reunion Rahul Chari, Co-Founder and CTO PhonePe said, “As I reflect on my time at SPIT, being part of the first graduating batch of Computer Engineering holds a special place in my heart. It was here that my co-founder Sameer and I truly began our entrepreneurial journey with the office for our first venture located within the institute itself. The strong fundamentals I built at SPIT and the invaluable lessons from the exceptional faculty and the peers I studied alongside have been instrumental in shaping my ability to build PhonePe. I hope other alumni will also contribute in their way to help build SPIT into a truly great institute that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators and leaders.”

The event honored alumni for their outstanding achievements with the SP-Changemakers Awards. These included:

● Outstanding alumni – Saurabh Netravalkar
Cricketer-turned-software engineer, he excelled in India’s U-19 team before moving to the U.S. in 2015, where he earned ODI status for the U.S. and led a historic win against Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Balancing cricket with his role at Oracle, he has become a key figure in U.S. cricket’s rise.

● Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Vikrant Potnis

Vikrant Potnis, founder of FundEnable, has trained over 2,000 startup founders and 500 angel investors, transforming India’s fundraising ecosystem through innovative programs like VC Bootcamps and Angel School. Honored with the Times Business Award.

● Leadership & influence – Swagat Bhandari
IAS officer with 14 years of experience, including as MD of Kerala Water Authority and District Collector Kasaragod, led transformative projects worth ₹50,000+ crore and key COVID-19 initiatives. A 2023 Chevening Gurukul Fellow at Oxford, she has driven impactful reforms in water management, tribal welfare, and industrial policy.

This landmark reunion celebrated the achievements of SPIT’s vibrant alumni community, fostered opportunities for collaboration and networking, and honored the pioneering legacy of the institute in shaping leaders across industries.

The Principal of Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, Dr. B.N. Chaudhari, concluded the event with these words:
“Sardar Patel Institute of Technology stands by the mantra, ‘Students First, Alumni Always,’ as we strive to become Maharashtra’s top engineering institute by 2030. While one in ten achieves success and one in a hundred achieves greatness, only one in a million becomes a donor. We are deeply grateful to Rahul Chari and Sameer Nigam for their $1M grant, a transformative step that will catalyze the growth of our college and students.”

24, Dec 2024
SIP Academy for inauguration of Miyawaki Forest Project

Bangalore 24- December 2024: SIP Academy inaugurated their 3rd Miyawaki forest in Bangalore University, Karnataka on 23rd December, 2024.

The Chief Guest for the function Prof. S.T. Girisha, Coordinator-Bio Park Department, Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore University. Mr Dinesh Victor, Managing Director – SIP Academy, presided over the function. The function was attended by Mr.Sibi, Director – SIP Abacus, Mr. Narendra, State head – Karnataka, Mr. Selvakumar, Director – Lovely Offset Printers , along with other dignitaries.

Around 3000 plants and around 80 different native species were planted by 50 SIP Abacus and Globalart students, along with their parents, franchisees and teachers. Plantation area – 9500 sq.ft.

Speaking at the function, Mr Dinesh Victor said that SIP Academy’s vision is to significantly impact the mental potential of children, so that they are equipped with skills to achieve their dreams and to contribute positively to the future of the nation. He mentioned that it is equally important to instil in students, the sense of responsibility towards nature.

SIP Academy recognises that climate change and environment conservation are key issues the students will grow up to experience – and therefore SIP Academy has chosen to involve in contributing positively with efforts that combat climate change. The Miyawaki technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, helps to create dense forests with native trees in a self-sustaining manner thus helps to lower carbon emission, provide clean air, improve soil quality & water table and increase local biodiversity.

This is the 3rd Miyawaki forest launched by SIP Academy, the first was in the Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu on 11th June 2023 and the second in Jalgaon, Maharashtra on 11th July 2024. He expressed hope that those present at the event are inspired to do their bit towards preserving nature for the future generations.

24, Dec 2024
Principals and Educators Shape NEP 2020 Future at Chiplun Sampark

Chiplun, 24 December, 2024: Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. organized its second Sampark Initiative, bringing together over 50 school principals and senior educationists from Chiplun, Ratnagiri. The event served as a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of education and provided a deep dive into the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, led by Dr. Hema Bhadawkar, Associate Professor at KJ Somaiya School of Education and NEP Coordinator for Somaiya Vidyavihar University.
The event commenced with Dr. Bhadawkar’s insightful session on NEP 2020, offering an overview of the policy and its key facets. Highlights included topics such as Early Childhood Care and Education, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Strategies to Reduce Dropout Rates, Holistic and Engaging Curriculum Design, Inclusive and Equitable Education, Efficient Resource Management, and Standard-Setting for School Education. Her expertise shed light on the practical applications of the policy, ensuring participants left with a clearer understanding of its transformative potential.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Hema Bhadawkar, Associate Professor at KJ Somaiya School of Education, expressed her enthusiasm: “The active participation and response from the principals were truly encouraging. It was a privilege to contribute to Target Publications’ Sampark initiative, and I eagerly look forward to more collaborations in the future.”

Sachin Kodolikar, Executive Director of Target Publications, shared his gratitude: “We are immensely grateful to the principals and senior educationists who honoured us with their presence. The comprehensive insights provided by Dr. Bhadawkar on NEP 2020 were invaluable. We are confident that this session addressed many questions about the policy, enlightened our participants to implement its vision effectively in their institutions.”

The Sampark initiative marks a significant step forward in Target Publications’ commitment to fostering dialogue and growth within the education community.

24, Dec 2024
Bank of Baroda Teams Up With Sachin Tendulkar for Masterstroke Campaign

Mumbai, December 24, 2024: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, today announced the release of its first ad campaign and brand film, ‘Play The Masterstroke,’ featuring the cricketing legend and the Bank’s Global Brand Ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar. Just as Sachin is synonymous with playing some incredible masterstrokes on the cricket pitch throughout his career, the film encourages people to boldly and confidently play the masterstrokes of their lives to realise their financial dreams and aspirations, by choosing a Bank that is trusted by millions and backed by a legacy of over a century.

The tagline ‘Play The Masterstroke’ serves as a motivational call to action for customers, urging them to chase their dreams, be it owning a home, purchasing a car, or achieving a significant personal or professional milestone. With Sachin Tendulkar, who symbolizes excellence, trust, resilience, consistency and leadership, as the face of the campaign, the Bank reinforces its position as a trusted partner in helping customers score big and achieve their financial goals.

Bank of Baroda has also launched a product film with Sachin on the bob Masterstroke Savings Account, an exclusive bank account designed for customers looking for a premium banking experience. Using a dash of humour, the ad grabs the attention of viewers and conveys the many unique features and host of privileges that come with the bob Masterstroke Savings Account.

Shri Shailendra Singh, Chief General Manager – HR & Marketing, Bank of Baroda said, “The association with Sachin Tendulkar marks an interesting phase in the branding journey of Bank of Baroda, known for consistently reinventing itself to connect with the marketplace and remain meaningful to its customers. Sachin embodies the spirit of ambition and determination that resonates within each one of us. Just as Sachin has inspired millions to strive for greatness, it is our endeavour to serve the people of India in achieving their aspirations.”

The ‘Play The Masterstroke’ campaign extends the term ‘Masterstroke’ from the cricketing domain to the banking space, with the tagline also deftly incorporating other cricketing vocabulary such as ‘over’ and ‘century’.

The background music in the brand film is an original composition that was especially curated using a combination of an acoustic violin and an electric violin, with the subtle integration of “Yeh Hain Mera Masterstroke” to reinforce the brand positioning.

The brand film will be played on social media and across theatres in India, with the product cuts being played extensively on television.

24, Dec 2024
Sonic 3 Breaks Record: Largest Shadow Projection Achieved

New Delhi, December 24, 2024: Delhi is once again set to witness a vibrant celebration of artistic expression. Sahitya Kala Parishad, Government of NCT Delhi, has unveiled the third edition of the prestigious ‘Voice of Colors’ artist camp.

This exclusive residential camp is happening at the serene Zorba The Buddha, Tropical Ghitorni, New Delhi, from December 23 to 27, 2024 . This artist camp is a residential camp bringing together some of India’s most celebrated artists to collaborate, create, and exchange ideas in an intimate setting.

Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj, Hon’ble Minister of Art, Culture & Languages, said , “The ‘Voice of Colors’ artist camp is a celebration of creativity and cultural diversity, providing a platform for artists to craft unique masterpieces that resonate deeply with viewers. Such events not only inspire art enthusiasts to embrace and promote artistic expression but also ignite a passion in the younger generation to carry forward this legacy of creativity. Let us continue to encourage our artists and ensure that art remains a beacon of inspiration for all.

Curated by Vineet Paliwal, Programme Officer at Sahitya Kala Parishad, the camp features an illustrious lineup of artists, including Bharti Verma, Kavita Nayar, Jagdish Chander, Farhad Hussain, Shabir Hussain Santosh, Tejinder Kanda, Vidhyasagar Upadhyay, and Vandana Rakesh.

Over the course of five days, these talented individuals will craft artworks that beautifully reflect the diverse facets of art and culture against the tranquil backdrop of Zorba The Buddha. Art enthusiasts can look forward to an exhibition following the event, showcasing the breathtaking artworks created during this immersive experience.

24, Dec 2024
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Achieves Guinness World Records™ Title for Largest Shadow Projection.

Paramount Pictures unveiled a massive spectacle this holiday season, in anticipation for the upcoming theatrical release of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 on Thursday, December 18th, with an attempt to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the “largest shadow projection.”

The shadow was projected on an exterior wall of the American Dream, with a live stream shown on the first floor of Court A within the mall.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3, from Paramount Pictures, in association with SEGA, opens exclusively in theatres nationwide on Friday, December 20th. Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.

WHAT: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3, in association with Paramount Pictures and SEGA, to attempt to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for “LARGEST SHADOW PROJECTION”

WHEN: The shadow projection began at 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, December 18 and broke the record at 9:01 PM ET.

WHERE: American Dream – 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

HOW: The past record was 15.7 m (51 ft 6.1 in) long x 8.09 m (26 ft 6.5 in) wide. A full list of rules can be found below:

The artwork must be of a recognizable image, concept or scene at the discretion of Guinness World Records.

The design of the shadow projection must be sent for pre-approval. Any designs not sent for pre-approval may be disqualified.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 18: (L-R) Shadow, Michael Empric, Guinness World Records adjudicator, and Sonic attend the “Sonic The Hedgehog 3” Guinness Record for Largest Shadow Projection at American Dream Mall on December 18, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

The image must be one continuous shadow representation.

The supplies used to form the shadow projection must be available commercially. A breakdown of materials used to create the shadow projection must be submitted as evidence.

Overall measurements of the image must be provided as well as a breakdown of height, width etc.

There is no limit regarding the number of projectors used.

The image must be projected for a minimum of four hours.

There is no minimum time frame for the construction of the sculpture, nor is there a limit to the number of people involved. However, the duration and number of participants should be documented.

The record is measured based on the greatest length and width separations of the shadow projection.

To be considered for the record, the shadow projection must surpass any existing record in this category by all dimensions.