23, May 2025
Falguni Nayar Makes a Striking Debut at Cannes with Son Anchit Nayar
~A Celebration of Indian Entrepreneurship on the Global Stage~
(Left to Right)- Alexis Perakis-Valat – Global President, L’Oréal Consumer Products Division (CPD), Anchit Nayar – Executive Director & CEO, Nykaa Beauty, Falguni Nayar – Executive Chairperson, MD & CEO, Nykaa, Adrien Koskas – General Manager, SAPMENA Region, L’Oréal Consumer Products Division (CPD), Raagjeet Garg – Director, India, L’Oréal Consumer Products Division (CPD)
23rd May, 2025: Falguni Nayar, Executive Chairperson, MD & CEO, Nykaa, made a powerful statement at the 78th Cannes Film Festival as she graced the red carpet for the very first time, accompanied by her son, Anchit Nayar, Executive Director & CEO, Nykaa Beauty. More than just a glamorous debut, the moment marked a significant milestone for India, bringing the spotlight to the global rise of homegrown entrepreneurs on one of the world’s most celebrated cultural stages.
Dressed in an elegant red ensemble, Falguni Nayar stood as a symbol of bold ambition and visionary leadership, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to redefine modern India. By her side, Anchit Nayar, CEO and Executive Director at Nykaa Beauty, represented the next wave of leadership, a nod to legacy, continuity, and future-ready innovation.
Together, the duo seamlessly brought the worlds of business, beauty, and influence into the global spotlight, a celebration of Indian excellence and the spirit of a new India claiming its place on the world stage.
As the Official Beauty Partner for L’Oréal Paris in India, Nykaa brings a touch of Cannes to over 40 million beauty lovers across the country, celebrating a collaboration that bridges Indian entrepreneurial spirit with global glamour.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
23, May 2025
Suniel Shetty, Deepak Dhar & Aruna Daryanani Spark Conversation on OTT’s New Wave of Storytelling at Goafest 2025
Goa, India- 23 May 2025- Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming service took center stage on Day 2 of Goafest 2025 with an engaging fireside session titled ‘IGNITE THE NEXT: From Action and Adrenaline to Social Experiments.’ Moderated by Aruna Daryanani, Director of Amazon MX Player, the session featured an insightful conversation between Bollywood icon Suniel Shetty and content innovator Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India. Together, they delved into how bold storytelling, genre-bending formats, and the rise of digital platforms are revolutionising how content is crafted and consumed across India.
The session spotlighted the much-anticipated digital hit Hunter, a high-octane thriller headlined by Suniel Shetty that returns as part of Amazon MX Player’s Prime Day content line-up. From the evolution of his character ACP Vikram in the upcoming season to the series’ widespread fanbase across age groups, he discussed the adrenaline and preparation that contributed to the show’s success. He also addressed advertisers’ concerns about action thrillers not being “brand-safe.” Meanwhile, Deepak Dhar shed light on Rise and Fall, Amazon MX Player’s upcoming festive release – a sharp, social experiment-style reality show where contestants navigate shifting power dynamics. Under-scoring Banijay’s legacy of innovation, Dhar emphasised that Indian audiences are now more open to experimental formats and nuanced narratives, with streaming services like Amazon MX Player providing the perfect stage.
Speaking about bringing innovative storytelling to the forefront, Aruna Daryanani, Director, Amazon MX Player, shared, “At Amazon MX Player, we’re igniting the next wave of storytelling in India — fresh, diverse, and deeply engaging. From edge-of-the-seat thrillers like Hunter to disruptive formats like Rise and Fall, our commitment is simple: to entertain India for free, while offering brands meaningful and effective ways to connect with audiences.”
Suniel Shetty reflects on Hunter and how OTT has unlocked deeper, more layered storytelling, sharing, “With Hunter, I found more than just adrenaline-pumping action. It’s a story with heart, depth, and real emotional stakes. OTT platforms give us the freedom to break away from the usual clichés and bring out characters and stories in their rawest, most authentic form. Today’s viewers are demanding, they look for honesty in storytelling, and that’s what Hunter delivers.”
Sharing his vision behind the bold format of Rise and Fall, Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India, added, “We set out to create more than just a typical game show with Rise and Fall. This show is a sharp, insightful reflection of society’s power dynamics and shifting relationships. It goes beyond entertainment to explore how strategy, influence, and human behaviour intersect in real time, making it compelling and thought-provoking for viewers and brands alike. We are stoked to partner with Amazon MX Player to bring this bold, raw format to audiences nationwide.”
With this fireside chat at Goafest 2025, Amazon MX Player reinforced its commitment to pushing the envelope in Indian content creation, offering stories that are as disruptive as they are relatable.
23, May 2025
Ahead of Monaco GP, Witness the F1 Thrill Beyond Race Day with These Unmissable Stories
What a ride the Romagna GP was, with Max Verstappen clinching yet another win! As all eyes turn to the iconic streets of Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix this Sunday, on May 25, the excitement around Formula 1 is at full throttle. This weekend promises speed, strategy, and spectacle at the legendary Circuit de Monaco. But the pulse of Formula 1 doesn’t have to fade when the engines quiet down. Whether you’re into behind-the-scenes drama or insightful deep dives into the sport, we have rounded up a list of the best audiobooks and films that capture the intensity and allure of Formula 1, so you can keep the adrenaline flowing even off the grid.
TO LISTEN
The Mechanic
If you think you’ve seen every side of Formula 1, The Mechanic will surprise you, but in the best way! Authored and read by former McLaren mechanic Marc ‘Elvis’ Priestley himself, this audiobook takes you deep into the high-stakes world behind the garage doors of Formula 1. Beyond the glitz of the podium, he shares what really goes on in the pit lane – from wild celebrations on yachts to high-tension rivalries and the relentless obsession it takes to chase victory. It’s fast-paced, fun, and full of jaw-dropping stories that show just how much heart (and chaos) fuels a winning team.
Inside F1
Veteran motorsport journalist Lee McKenzie pulls back the curtain on two decades spent inside the paddock, offering a rare insider’s view of Formula 1. Featuring her chats with legends like Schumacher, Hamilton, and Vettel to recounting pivotal moments and headline-making crashes, Lee’s accounts are packed with the adrenaline and emotion that defines the sport, giving you a ringside seat to the lives and careers of F1’s biggest stars. Honest, insightful, and deeply personal – for anyone who lives and breathes F1, this one’s a podium-topper.
Inside Mercedes F1
With unprecedented access to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team during the dramatic 2023 and 2024 seasons, writer and narrator Matt Whyman takes you into the inner sanctum of a once-dominant team fighting to reclaim its throne. When you tune in, you will follow legends like Lewis Hamilton, rising star George Russell, and team boss Toto Wolff as they navigate through triumphs, setbacks, and the unwavering hunger to stay at the front.
Grand Prix
Narrated by motorsports journalist and insider Will Buxton, Grand Prix traces Formula 1’s post-war origins to today’s marvels. Whether you’re obsessed with Verstappen vs Hamilton or curious about how teams shave off milliseconds in the pit lane, this one is packed with compelling history. Will Buxton’s passion makes even the technical bits easy to understand for both die-hard fans and newer converts. It’s an unmissable listen and you must tune in – once you start, it’s tough to pause!
TO WATCH
Ford v Ferrari
For F1 fans and petrolheads alike, this film is a thrilling drama that goes beyond the racetrack. The film follows the intense battle between Ford and Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, as legends Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and hot-tempered driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) push themselves to the edge in a bid to beat Ferrari’s dominance. With their expertise and skills, they work tirelessly to develop the Ford GT40, a car that could finally take down Ferrari’s long-standing superiority. With brilliant authentic racing sequences, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the fierce competition that defined an era in motorsports – an absolute must-watch for motorsport lovers.
Rush
Few rivalries in F1 history are as legendary as that between the flamboyant British daredevil James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and the meticulous Austrian genius Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl), and this film captures it in all its intensity. Set during the high-stakes 1976 season, it dives deep into the personal grit, fierce ambition, and contrasting philosophies that drove these two legends, and nearly even destroyed them. With spectacular race sequences and an emotional undercurrent of respect between rivals, Rush captures the dangerous beauty of F1 at its peak.
Senna
The documentary tracks the meteoric rise and tragic fall of Ayrton Senna, one of F1’s most revered icons. It captures his intense rivalry with teammate Alain Prost at McLaren, their controversial clashes, and Senna’s quest for the world championship, with each race pushing the limits of skill and determination. It also highlights the political struggles within F1, the evolving technology of the sport, and his final, fateful days leading up to his death at the San Marino Grand Prix. It is a must-watch for any F1 fan eager to relive the highs and lows of one of motorsport’s greatest icons.
Coming Soon: F1
This film hits the big screen this June with Brad Pitt starring as Sonny Hayes, a racing legend from the ’90s whose career was cut short by a devastating crash. Decades later, he’s lured back into the sport to help revive a struggling Formula 1 team and finds himself sharing the track with a fearless young rookie, played by Damson Idris. What follows is a high-stakes ride through rivalry, redemption, and the relentless pace of the sport. Backed by real F1 race footage and champion Lewis Hamilton as producer, this film is as close as it gets to being on the grid.
23, May 2025
Rising Northeast Summit: Vedanta announces INR 80,000 Crore investment in the Northeast
New Delhi, May 23rd, 2025: Vedanta Group, India’s only and the world’s leading critical minerals, energy transition metals, power, oil & gas and technology conglomerate announced an investment of Rs. 80,000 crores in the Northeast region. The company was participating in the inaugural session of the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 – a global investment conclave organized by the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region in New Delhi. The investment will be made in the fields of oil & gas, critical minerals, refining facilities, power, optical fibre, system integration, renewable energy, transmission sectors and data centres in six Northeastern states.
Vedanta is undertaking one of the largest exploration and development programs to unlock the hydrocarbons in the Northeast. Earlier this year, the company announced Rs. 50,000 crore investment in Assam at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit. Today, the hydrocarbons & minerals conglomerate announced additional investments of Rs. 30,000 crores across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram, at Rising Northeast Summit.
The investment will potentially generate up to 1 lakh jobs and enable socio-economic development of the region. Vedanta is also committed to expanding its social impact initiatives such as Nand Ghars (modernized anganwadis that function as holistic centers for woman & child development), handloom skill centers, digital classrooms for women and children, and promoting sports to ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for the youth of the region.
Speaking at the summit, in the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Union Minister for Communications and Development of Northeastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Chief Ministers of 8 Northeastern states and other dignitaries, Shri Anil Agarwal, Chairman – Vedanta Group, reinforced his company’s commitment towards the progress of the region.
“Today, the states of the North-East are growing in double digits. The opportunities are growing even faster. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, this region has become a key engine of growth for Viksit Bharat. The private sector is ready to be a partner for prosperity. Vedanta is fully committed to investment in the region which has the most amazing natural resources potential, from oil and gas to critical minerals and an exceptional pool of talented human resources”, said Shri Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group.
The Northeast is a land of unparalleled natural abundance, both above and below the ground. Assam, the site of India’s first oil discovery, holds nearly 27% of the country’s crude reserves. Cairn Oil & Gas has been producing from the Hazarigaon field in Assam, the first DSF (Discovered Small Field) block to go under production in the Northeast.
Cairn has also been supplying gas to the neighbouring Tea estates, giving a boost to tea production in Assam and enabling farmers to switch from expensive coal-based energy sources to clean gas. The locally produced gas from the Hazarigaon field is also a prime contributor in fuelling more than 100 CNG buses in Guwahati, supporting the clean energy initiative of the Government of Assam.
Arunachal Pradesh is home to India’s highest graphite reserves, substantial vanadium and Rare Earth deposits, and nearly 40% of the country’s hydro power potential. Recently, Vedanta secured vanadium and graphite mineral blocks in Arunachal Pradesh through critical mineral auctions. Once explored, these critical mineral blocks will provide vital raw materials to India’s hi-tech manufacturing and clean energy sectors. Nagaland, Tripura, and Meghalaya also have immense natural resources that can be responsibly harnessed for the growth of the region and the country.
Vedanta and its sister entities have also invested in the commissioning of 300 circuit kilometer transmission system network which allows transfer of 1,000 MW power from Assam to Meghalaya. This project significantly improves power reliability and accessibility in Meghalaya and Assam, supporting the region’s industrial, commercial, socio-economic growth and overall quality of life.
The company has also been supporting women artisans through sustainable livelihood opportunities by setting up handloom centres, providing financial independence to more than 3,000 women. The company also conducts multiple livelihood training and skilling programmes and is engaged with various communities across 200 villages. Vedanta has also partnered with Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to bolster wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
23, May 2025
Venus Remedies Secures Ukrainian GMP Renewal, Strengthening Global Pharmaceutical Presence
India, May 23, 2025 – Venus Remedies Limited , a leading global pharmaceutical company, has successfully renewed its Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification from Ukraine’s State Service on Medicines and Drugs Control (SMDC). The certification applies to the company’s Unit-II manufacturing facility located in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, covering its cephalosporin, non-cephalosporin (carbapenem), and oncology parenteral production lines, including liquid and lyophilized injections.
“Renewal of the Ukrainian GMP certification underlines our unwavering commitment to maintaining world-class manufacturing standards. This milestone not only reinforces our foothold in the Ukrainian market but also facilitates deeper penetration into PIC/S markets, significantly enhancing our international growth prospects,” said Saransh Chaudhary, President, Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies, and CEO, Venus Medicine Research Centre.
Ukraine, being a member of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S)—a consortium comprising 56 countries spanning Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas—further amplifies the global acceptance and strategic importance of this certification. Venus Remedies already has a robust presence in 32 PIC/S countries, including South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, with plans for continued expansion.
The Ukrainian pharmaceutical market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% and reach US$822.26 million by 2029, is driven largely by increased demand for generics and oncology treatments. Venus Remedies, with over two decades of experience in Ukraine and 44 product registrations to date, views this certification as pivotal for sustained growth and expanded access within the broader Asia Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.
Aditi K. Chaudhary, President, International Business, Venus Remedies Ltd, emphasized, “Ukraine continues to be a key strategic market for us. This renewed GMP certification enhances our credibility with regulators and partners across the region, enabling us to deepen our market presence, expand product portfolios, and provide high-quality medicines to a wider patient base.”
Venus Remedies’ certified Baddi Unit-II facility, equipped with advanced infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies, is strategically designed to address complex therapeutic needs and meet evolving global healthcare demands. The company’s unwavering commitment to quality is reflected in its extensive global manufacturing credentials, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) approvals from leading regulatory authorities such as EU-GMP (INFARMED), PIC/S members (Malaysia and Ukraine), SAHPRA, UNICEF, TGA, INVIMA, and WHO-GMP. Complementing these are internationally recognized ISO certifications in quality management (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001), and occupational health and safety (ISO 45001), underscoring its adherence to stringent global standards across all facilities.
23, May 2025
Covestro’s Smart Material Breakthroughs Propel AI Applications to New Heights
-
High-performance plastic material solutions including polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) meet the application needs of various AI products
-
Enhancing smart living quality by addressing demands for complex climate environments, signal transmission, and high-frequency usage
-
Applications include high-end laptops, smart terminal devices, new energy solutions, and network communication equipment
In conjunction with the AI industry chain responding to the global tech event COMPUTEX 2025, the leading material producer Covestro will showcase its advanced polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) solutions at its Taipei headquarters from May 20-21. These innovations continue to support AI application upgrades in consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and new energy industries while achieving sustainable development.
As AI technology rapidly advances, material performance continuously breaks limits to address complex application environments. Whether in smart terminal devices, energy storage systems, or network infrastructure, high-efficiency heat dissipation, precise RF transmission, and reliable protection have become critical requirements, while user experience and sustainability are equally valued.
“As smart hardware evolves into neural networks of industries, our advanced materials act as both enablers and accelerators,” said Lily Wang, Head of Engineering Plastics at Covestro. “From molecular design to circular solutions, we’re engineering the material intelligence that turns AI’s limitless potential into tangible, sustainable progress across every industry frontier.”
Kevin Ho, Head of Sales and Market Development APAC of Covestro TPU, also stated: “As smart technology integration continues to proliferate across industries, Covestro’s innovative material solutions play a pivotal role in enhancing product performance and elevating user experience, ensuring sustained device performance under demanding usage conditions.”
With its customized services and technical expertise, Covestro is helping to accelerate innovation across the AI industry ecosystem. As a pioneer in sustainability trends, Covestro not only assists customers in developing materials that align with circular economy principles but also provides compliant polycarbonate and TPU solutions in response to international PFAS regulations.
Breaking Through AI Computing Thermal Bottlenecks
Thermal management presents significant challenges in slim devices with high-performance computing capabilities, such as gaming and AI laptops. Covestro has introduced innovative Makrolon® thermally conductive polycarbonate materials that effectively replace traditional metal cooling components while supporting complex, high-precision product designs. For these high-end laptops, Covestro’s Desmopan® XHR series TPU, with outstanding thermal wear resistance, enhances the heat-exposed capability of components such as foot pads. These technologies can also be extended to other high-performance computing devices.
Strengthening 5G Infrastructure and Smart Home Hubs
Nowadays, digital life relies on the deployment of high-speed network environments. For network communications, Covestro has developed low-temperature impact-resistant Makrolon® polycarbonate that enables outdoor communication infrastructure such as 5G base stations and satellite terminals to maintain stable signals under extreme temperature fluctuations (-40°C to 85°C) and high-salt environments. Covestro also provides customized RF design guidance to optimize signal transmission through polycarbonate materials.
For smart home network devices, Covestro’s Desmopan® IT series TPU integrated with PC/ABS materials creates an excellent tactile experience for smart Wi-Fi router outer panels and base plate while enhancing vibration dampening and ensuring long-term stability through UV resistance and low migration properties.
Innovative Materials Enhance Smart Device Experience
In response to lightweight design trends, Covestro pioneered a single-material design approach, using high-hardness TPU to replace conventional PC/ABS in laptop bottom covers while integrating seamlessly with TPU foam foot pads. This advancement enhances component integration while improving product lightweighting and recyclability. Additionally, Covestro’s Bayfol® LR 5902 adhesive film, with its low-temperature rapid curing, chemical resistance, and aging resistance properties, excellently bonds composite materials such as leather, carbon fiber, and metal, increasing product reliability while enabling thinner and lighter designs compared to single-material products.
For close-contact wearable devices such as smartwatches, Covestro’s soft-grade TPU provides comfortable tactile experiences with chemical resistance and antibacterial properties, enabling safe long-term wear.
As transparency and lighting effects become essential design elements for gaming electronic products, Covestro’s unique glass fiber-reinforced high translucent polycarbonate solutions offer excellent design flexibility, creating ideal visual aesthetics while providing high stiffness and flame-retardant safety certifications, delivering both sensory and performance benefits.
Strategic Focus on Key Components for Smart Home Appliances and Robotics
In the rapidly growing smart home appliance and robotics markets, Covestro demonstrates the advantages of its polycarbonate and TPU materials. Covestro’s polycarbonate materials ensure stable signal performance for sensor housings, while TPU materials enhance the durability of frequently used components such as wheels and cleaning brushes in robot vacuums. Additionally, in the trend toward human-machine interaction, Covestro’s In-Mold Structural Electronics (IMSE®) technology integrates illumination, touch, display, and electronic circuits into a seamlessly formed surface in a single manufacturing step, reducing device weight by 50-70%. This technology has already demonstrated excellent benefits in areas such as smart automobiles.
Enhanced Protection for Energy Equipment
In the global trend of energy transition, the stable operation of energy storage systems, charging stations, and other facilities is crucial. Covestro’s Makrolon® polycarbonate, with its excellent weather resistance and low-temperature impact resistance, enables stable operation of outdoor equipment such as charging piles and power conversion systems. For home energy storage equipment, it also supports lightweight designs and a rich selection of colors, meeting the aesthetic design requirements for home appliance-like appearances.
Advancing into the Aerial Transportation Industry Chain
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles (eVTOL) will revolutionize urban air mobility. Covestro’s Makrolon® AG polycarbonate enables eVTOL autonomy by seamlessly integrating sensors for LiDAR and automated flight, offering high signal permeability. The material combines glass-like transparency with mechanical strength and weather resistance, ensuring reliable sensor performance in various environmental conditions. Additionally, Covestro’s carbon fiber-reinforced polycarbonate delivers extreme lightness, high-stiffness, and durability, helping manufacturers achieve an excellent weight-performance balance.
Advanced technological developments are merging with industries across all sectors to create novel smart services. Covestro’s reliable material solutions will continue to innovate, jointly driving the comprehensive upgrade of devices and equipment.
23, May 2025
Beat the Heat in Style with Rangriti’s SS’25 Collection
This summer, Rangriti brings its young and refreshing twist to ethnic fashion with a curation of light and breathable fabrics that blend breezy silhouettes, bold prints, and the timeless charm to add a touch of freshness to the dormant surroundings, a vibrant ethnic clothing range that will draw the attention of fashion lovers. From picnics at the park to brunches to travels to get together, the Summer collection featuring range of mix-match, fusion sets, timeless masterpieces, dresses, party wear and matching bottom wear, brings a feeling of rejuvenation and a promise of fresh start.
Elegant Brunches
Embrace the season’s colour with Rangriti’s Icy Blue printed short dress, a perfect blend for elegant brunches and leisurely strolls in gardens. The monotone foliage print and delicate tiered design creates a flattering silhouette that can be cinched at the waist with a contrasting belt.
Summer time Outings
Elevate your look with our green flared kurta, crafted from soft and comfortable liva viscose fabric adorned with exquisite floral embroidery. This kurta is perfect for relaxed gatherings or stylish lounging, offering a perfect blend of comfort and refined charm.
Keep it simple and quirky with our pink sleeveless kurta set, which seamlessly blends the traditional artistry of embroidery with modern silhouette. The set features wide-bottom designed pants that add a touch of flair and finesse paired with a printed dupatta. Ideal for college girlies, this set is a must have in your summer wardrobes.
With the arrival of the season, Rangriti replaces your wardrobes with light fabrics and vibrant hues, reflecting the lively energy.
23, May 2025
Fighting back against superbugs- A joint initiative by UK and India Researchers
Antibiotics play a crucial role in treating infectious diseases, but their effectiveness is diminishing globally as microbes adapt and develop resistance. The University of Leeds is leading international efforts to combat the rise of these so-called ‘superbugs’. In South Asia alone, deaths directly linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are projected to reach 11.8 million between 2025 and 2050. One of the key drivers of this crisis is the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics for conditions like toothache. In response, the University of Leeds has partnered with the Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER) in Chennai to launch a pilot community engagement study focused on dental practitioners.
PhD researcher Dr Aarthi Bhuvaraghan engaged local dentists in the study, providing them with a desk guide and a continuing professional development (CPD) module. Following this intervention, participants showed improved understanding and a readiness to change their prescribing habits. “Having practised in both the UK and India, I recognised the scale of the problem and the lack of action being taken,” she said. “It’s hard to place blame on dental practitioners when they’re unaware of the harm being caused — but we’re optimistic that behaviour can change.” The CPD module is currently being digitised and will soon be freely accessible via the Indian Dental Association’s website. This initiative forms the foundation of Dr Bhuvaraghan’s PhD research at the University of Leeds’ School of Dentistry.
Professor Dr S. Bhuminathan, Registrar at Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, said, “As a dental practitioner, I have seen firsthand how the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are often underestimated, and how the critical role dentists can play in combating this issue is frequently overlooked. Dr Aarthi Bhuvaraghan’s research has powerfully exposed the widespread misuse of antibiotics in India, as well as the absence of clear national or local guidelines for dental practice. More importantly, her work has significantly raised awareness among dental professionals, contributing to better clinical practice and improved patient safety. With her support, we are now working towards embedding antimicrobial stewardship into the undergraduate dental curriculum.”
Dr Bhuvaraghan is supported by a multidisciplinary team at the University of Leeds, including Professor John Walley and Dr Rebecca King from the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, and Dr Vishal Aggarwal, Clinical Associate Professor in Acute Dental Care and Chronic Pain at the School of Dentistry. In collaboration with BIHER, the team aims to develop additional teaching and training modules tailored to the Indian dental curriculum. They are also actively seeking funding to expand the programme to other regions across India.
Dr Vishal Aggarwal, Dr Bhuvaraghan’s primary supervisor and Visiting Professor at BIHER, said, “Dr Bhuvaraghan’s important work is now ready to be tested in other regions and countries facing similar challenges. Through our collaboration with partners in India, we have an opportunity to influence global policy on antibiotic use in dentistry.”
Dr Aggarwal played a key role in establishing this partnership, securing support through the University of Leeds’ International Research Mobilisation Award (2018) and the International Strategy Fund (2023). He has delivered lectures on pain intervention at BIHER’s dental school and has worked to raise awareness among medical students about the link between oral health and systemic diseases.
In February 2025, the University of Leeds and Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV) in India jointly hosted the third International Health and Research Conference, uniting global experts, academics, and professionals to foster innovation and collaboration in healthcare and medical research. Among the keynote speakers was Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, who highlighted the vital role of international partnerships in advancing health sciences.
According to Professor West, “By collaborating with our educational and healthcare partners in India, our researchers are showing remarkable commitment and innovation in addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance. These international partnerships are essential for deepening our understanding of how health systems can be strengthened at the community and population levels to deliver better healthcare outcomes.”
23, May 2025
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri. N. Chandrababu Naidu visits Sai Vishnu Chaturvatika Villas, Ongole’s first premium gated villa community
Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, May 23, 2025: In a proud and landmark moment for the city of Ongole, Sai Vishnu Developers and Ravisankar Group had the distinct honour of welcoming the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh to Sai Vishnu Chaturvatika Villas – the city’s first premium gated villa community. The Chief Minister’s arrival via the project’s exclusive helipad was a symbolic testament to the stature and significance of this transformative development for the region.
Strategically located in Chadalavada, Ongole, Sai Vishnu Chaturvatika Villas spans 50 acres of land and features 133 meticulously designed luxury villas in the Phase 1, setting a new benchmark for upscale living in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh. With a rich blend of world-class amenities including a state-of-the-art clubhouse, wide internal roads, lush landscaped gardens, and its own helipad, the project offers an elevated residential experience designed for modern lifestyles.
The Chief Minister’s visit comes at a time of renewed optimism and momentum for Andhra Pradesh, following the historic announcement of the relaunch of Amaravati as the state capital by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. This bold move has reenergized the state’s development vision and positioned Andhra Pradesh firmly as India’s “Sunrise State,” sparking new waves of interest from investors and infrastructure developers across sectors.
Commending Sai Vishnu Developers and Ravisankar Group for their visionary initiative, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri. N. Chandrababu Naidu remarked, “Projects like Sai Vishnu Chaturvatika Villas are not only redefining urban living but also playing a critical role in achieving the state’s mission of balanced regional development. Ongole is poised for a bright future, and developments of this calibre are integral to that transformation.”
The project has already garnered national media attention, with a feature in The Times highlighting its pivotal role in reshaping Ongole’s real estate landscape. With its sophisticated design, exceptional amenities, and strategic location, Sai Vishnu Chaturvatika Villas continues to draw attention from discerning homeowners and investors alike.
During this occasion, Ravisankar Kandi, Chairman, Ravisankar Group, said, “Sai Vishnu Developers and Ravisankar Group reaffirm their commitment to delivering premium residential communities that align with global standards and support the state’s broader goals of inclusive and sustainable urban growth. The Chief Minister’s visit stands as both recognition of the impactful contribution and encouragement to continue shaping Andhra Pradesh’s urban evolution.”
23, May 2025
Western Rajasthan emerges as a distinguished hub of folk culture and tourism
Jaipur | May 23, 2025
Western Rajasthan, with its timeless desert charm, living folk traditions, and heritage sites, continues to attract travellers from across the country and abroad. From the golden sand dunes of Jaisalmer and intricately crafted havelis of Bikaner to the blue cityscapes of Jodhpur and the haunting melodies of Barmer, this region stands as one of the most compelling cultural destinations in India.
Speaking about the tourism potential, Mr. Dalip Singh Rathore, Joint Director, Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, said that the border districts of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner are the focal points of the cultural and tourism identity of Rajathan. Villages such as Salawas, Chopasni, Phalodi (Jodhpur), Barnawa Jagir, Pataudi, Shiv (Barmer), Jarana, Barna, Pokhran (Jaisalmer), and rural areas of Bikaner are gaining prominence as authentic rural tourism sites. These locations have not only preserved folk character of Rajasthan but also contribute to the tourism economy.
Tourism footfall sees a surge in 2024
The rising interest in Western Rajasthan is evident from the 2024 tourism figures:
Jodhpur (Rural): 4,76,150 domestic and 3,545 foreign tourists
Jodhpur (City): 25,06,560 domestic and 2,03,945 foreign tourists
Jaisalmer: 2,24,16,810 domestic and 1,61,884 foreign tourists
Barmer: 34,65,028 domestic and 249 foreign tourists
Bikaner: 63,54,899 domestic and 71,079 foreign tourists
IPL returns to Rajasthan post Operation Sindoor
According to Mr. Rathore, the border districts of Rajasthan offer a sense of security and order, making them suitable for high-profile events. He highlighted that Rajasthan has now been given the opportunity to host three upcoming IPL matches in the state, following their postponement in the aftermath of the Indo-Pak conflict after Operation Sindoor. The administration, local police, and armed forces in these regions have maintained heightened vigilance that has boosted the confidence of both tourists and event organizers.
A Living Folk Tradition
Western Rajasthan is known for its vibrant communities of traditional artists such as Langas, Manganiyars, and Meers. Their performances, combined with Kalbelia dance, puppetry, pottery, dhurrie weaving, leather craftsmanship, appliqué work, Usta art, and miniature painting, make this region a centre of folk heritage. The Kalbelia dance, listed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is among the highlights of cultural tourism here.
Cultural Tourism Gets a Boost Through State Initiatives
The Rajasthan government, in collaboration with UNESCO, is developing ten rural tourism sites across the districts of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner. Around 1,500 local artists have been actively engaged in this initiative. Their skills, passed down through generations, form the core of the tourism experience in these destinations.
Festivals Throughout the Year
The government supports over 38 fairs and festivals across Rajasthan annually, ranging from cattle fairs and heritage walks to music events and food festivals. These events not only sustain local traditions but also provide unique experiences to tourists.
A Cultural Legacy with a National Presence
Western Rajasthan is more than a destination, it is a mosaic of music, art, heritage, and heartfelt hospitality. While it holds strategic geographical importance, its cultural strength gives it a larger voice on India’s tourism map. With the combined efforts of the government, community artists, and local stakeholders, the region will continue to welcome the world with open arms and open hearts.
