12, May 2025
Places Via Notes, a collection of poems, wins the prestigious 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award
Hyderabad, 12th May 2025- Mr. Viswaprasad Raju, an advertising professional and a travel sketch artist based in Hyderabad, has received the prestigious Emily Dickinson Award for his book Places Via Notes. The book was published by Bookleaf Publishing House.
The award celebrates American writer Emily Dickinson and challenges authors to write a book in 21 days. Selected writers have been awarded the limited edition trophy of the 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award.
The book is about places via notes. According to Mr. Viswaprasad Raju, “Places play, places pause, places rewind, places fast forward, and, most importantly, places don’t stop to inspire.” No two places are alike; befittingly, all the places featured in the book are written in a unique narrative style. You can call it a poem, a post, a note, or a dialogue; the idea was to look at each place from a new perspective, a new lens. While his first book, Via Pen & Ink, was about sketches from the 10 countries the writer has traveled to, over 10 years; his third book is about notes from 21 places put together in 21 days. From ‘a conversation between two poets’ at Galle Literary Festival in Sri Lanka to ‘tracking a tiger’ in Bandhavgarh and ‘two cities finding common ground’ in the Hyderabad & London chapter to ‘a date with a Banyan Tree’ in Pillalamarri, the places speak to the readers in a deeply engaging, lyrical, and lucid manner.
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- By Neel Achary
10, May 2025
Can Moles Increase Your Risk of Developing Skin Cancer?
Authored by Pinaki Mahato, Consultant – Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Vadodara
Time & age are two common factors that affect the transformation of our skin. Every individual has certain unique skin features, moles or freckles being the most common ones. Usually, moles appear as birthmarks and do not pose any cause for concern.
Moles, most commonly known as nevi, are small, benign, regular-looking skin growths caused by a cluster of melanocytes or pigment-producing cells. Though unusual, one of the most severe forms of skin cancer, known as melanoma (a type of skin cancer developed from melanin-producing cells), can look like a mole.
If diagnosed in time, skin cancer can be treated successfully. However, one must possess a basic understanding of the kinds of skin cancer, the risks, and preventive measures to maintain overall well-being.
Some typical characteristics include:
- Larger size
- Irregular or blurry borders
- Varied colours (brown, black, red, pink, or tan)
- Asymmetry
- Raised or flat texture
In case you notice any of the above irregularities, consult a dermatologist promptly.
The main kinds of skin cancer include:
- Actinic Keratosis: A precancerous condition caused by sun exposure. It can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if untreated.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common and least aggressive form, often found on sun-exposed areas like the face and neck.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Can spread if untreated. Often appears as rough, scaly patches or open sores.
- Melanoma: Can appear anywhere in the body, even unexposed areas like under the nail beds, toes, or on the scalp.
The Standard ABCDE Rule – How to Self-Examine?
- A – Asymmetry: Unidentical sides
- B – Border: Irregular edges
- C – Colour: Uneven colour or multiple shades
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm
- E – Evolving: In terms of size, shape, colour, etc
Routine self-exams are essential to determine any unusual growths as well as get a better understanding of the risks involved.
Treatment Options
Though the treatment options often vary basis the size, type and stage of skin cancer:
- Surgically removing the moles is a common practice for most skin cancers
- Mohs surgery offers precision removal for sensitive areas like the face
- Topical or OTC medications might help in treating actinic keratosis or superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
- In cases where surgery isn’t viable, Radiation therapy might be suggested
- For advanced cases of melanoma, Immunotherapy or targeted therapy is often utilised
- For cases that do not respond to any of the above treatment, Chemotherapy might be monitored as a last resort
A Few Helpful Tips
For people with many moles, or a history of skin cancer, one must:
- Perform monthly self-checks
- Schedule annual full-body skin exams with a dermatologist
- Consider total-body mole mapping or mole photography
- Avoid tanning beds
- Daily usage of sun protection
- Due awareness about the symptoms and risks
Looking Ahead
Skin growths are often not something to worry about; however, in case of any abnormalities might warrant expert intervention. Due awareness, and regular check-ups may help individuals understand their body better. In case of any inconsistencies, consulting a dermatologist, and asking the right questions, might help protect your skin from the risk of cancer.
10, May 2025
Mrs India Diva 2025 Title Goes to London-Based Hyderabadi, Priyanka Sanduri
Hyderabad, May 2025 – Priyanka Sanduri, from Bowenpally, Hyderabad, has emerged as the winner of the prestigious Mrs India Diva 2025 title during the grand finale of Season 6 held recently in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
The nationwide beauty pageant received over 3,500 applications from various cities across India. Out of these, 32 finalists were shortlisted to compete in the finale. Priyanka impressed the judges in multiple segments, including the Ramp Walk, talent round, national costumes, Q&A session.
Her standout performances included a traditional portrayal of a goddess, which captivated the audience and judges alike. She also used the platform to present a powerful theatrical act highlighting pressing issues like domestic violence and dowry harassment against women.
Currently based in London, Priyanka addressed the media during a Meet and Greet held in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, after her victory. She expressed immense pride in being the only woman from Telangana to win the title this year. “This platform is not just about showcasing talent, but also about empowering women to move forward with confidence,” she said.
The panel of judges for the finale included Dr. Yashvardhan Ranawat, Dr. Lokeshwari Rathore, Reena Toshniwal, and Binny Bhatt (Miss Earth 2022). Notable guests such as EFKA Purohit and Bollywood music director Harshavardhan Srivastava were also present at the event and felicitated Priyanka with the title.
10, May 2025
Quotes from the Industry leaders for the National Technology Day 2025
Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Co-Founder, Marut Drones
This National Technology Day we have witnessed how technology has empowered the evolving nature of modern warfare, placing drone technology at the forefront of defense strategy. Recent conflicts, including tensions along the India-Pakistan border, have highlighted how unmanned aerial systems are no longer optional—they are essential. Drones are playing a pivotal role in surveillance and frontline intelligence gathering, helping our forces respond faster and more effectively while minimizing risk to human life. The growth of India’s indigenous drone sector highlights the need for ‘Atmanirbharta’ and positions the country as a global hub for drone technology innovation. We remain committed to building future-ready technology that empowers lives, and support India’s vision of technological sovereignty.
Mr. Janak Vakharia, CEO- Xpedeon
On World Technology Day, we celebrate the boundless potential of innovation to transform industries and elevate human progress. At Xpedeon, our evolution from a traditional ERP provider to a global SaaS platform is rooted in a clear vision—to lead the next wave of digital transformation in the built environment. As the ConTech landscape rapidly advances, driven by AI, automation, and real-time data intelligence, we are committed to creating technologies that redefine how construction and engineering projects are designed, delivered, and scaled. The future of ConTech lies in intelligent, integrated systems that drive efficiency, sustainability, and agility, and we are proud to be at the forefront of that movement.
Mr. Polamraju Nagender, CEO, Cinystore Technologies
National Technology Day is a time to reflect on how deeply technology has become integrated into the foundation of India’s media and entertainment sector. The traditional boundaries between content creation, distribution, and consumption are rapidly dissolving, with technology serving as the central driver of this evolution. Today, storytelling is shaped as much by algorithms and analytics as by scripts and direction. From AI-assisted workflows to data-informed audience engagement, innovation is redefining every stage of the creative process. As an industry, we must focus on building accessible and scalable technological frameworks that not only empower emerging creators but also foster a more inclusive and sustainable content ecosystem. Our initiative KeepItShort is one such step, designed to support young filmmakers across India with the visibility, tools, and feedback needed to grow. The future of filmmaking will depend on how effectively we blend artistic vision with technological capability.”
Karun Tadepalli, CEO and Co-founder, byteXL
On National Technology Day, we celebrate the spirit of innovation that continues to drive India’s transformation. From the launch of BharatGPT, propelling India’s AI development, to becoming a global hub for digital payments and startups, our progress reflects both vision and execution. At byteXL, we are proud to contribute to this journey by equipping students with industry-relevant skills and imparting real-world experiences, thereby enhancing their employability. We remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering the next generation of tech leaders to thrive in and shape India’s growing tech ecosystem.
10, May 2025
Mother’s Day quote by Mrs. Seema Vakharia, COO – Xpedeon
By- Mrs. Seema Vakharia, COO – Xpedeon
“As a mother of two girls, and in my role as COO and founder, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the quiet, persistent strength it takes to balance a career, a home, and the emotional needs of everyone in between. I know firsthand the invisible load that so many women carry—and this Mother’s Day, I honour every woman who rises to meet those challenges, day after day. To all the mothers navigating work, caregiving, and everything in between—you are superwomen in your own way. Today, let’s not just celebrate you, but truly see you.”
10, May 2025
L’Oréal Paris Marks 28 Years at Festival de Cannes with Alia Bhatt’s Debut
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
L’Oréal Paris, the No. 1 Beauty Brand in the World, proudly returns as the official beauty partner of the Festival de Cannes, taking place from 13th to 24th May 2025. This year marks the brand’s 28th consecutive year at the prestigious film festival, celebrating the theme “Lights, Beauty and Action”— a powerful philosophy rooted in confidence, self-worth, and the belief that everyone is inherently deserving.
This milestone year also heralds the debut of acclaimed Indian actor Alia Bhatt at the festival in her role as a Global Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. She will join longstanding brand ambassador and global icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, reaffirming the growing influence of Indian cinema at the global stage. Their participation underscores the ongoing commitment of L’Oréal Paris to represent diverse voices and redefining beauty through inclusivity and empowerment.
Sharing her thoughts ahead of her Cannes debut, Indian Actor, Producer and Entrepreneur Alia Bhatt said, “There’s something absolutely special about firsts — and I’m so excited to make my Festival de Cannes debut this year, an iconic celebration of cinema and self-expression. It is such an honour to represent L’Oréal Paris at the Festival with this year’s theme, ‘Lights, Beauty and Action’.
To me, beauty is about celebrating individuality, confidence and self worth. It’s limitless, it’s unique. I’m proud to stand with a brand that celebrates every woman’s journey and empowers them to shine in their own light.”
Dario Zizzi, General Manager, L’Oréal Paris – India, elaborated on the significance of the event, “The Festival de Cannes has always been a powerful platform for storytelling, creativity, and cultural dialogue—values that deeply resonate with L’Oréal Paris. As we mark 28 years as the Official Makeup Partner, we are especially proud to welcome Alia Bhatt to the global stage alongside Aishwarya Rai Bachchan whose presence we’ve cherished for over two decades. Alia’s debut not only reflects the rising influence of Indian cinema but also our brand’s enduring commitment to celebrating diverse beauty and empowering women across the world.”
As part of a strategic collaboration, L’Oréal Paris has partnered with the Indian beauty e-commerce platform Nykaa as its “Beauty Partner” in India this year. Through this partnership, Nykaa is bringing the glamour of Cannes to the Indian consumers by offering exclusive access to iconic Cannes red carpet looks. The viral L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Lip Oil exclusively available on Nykaa from 1st May, during the entire Cannes film festival.
Anchit Nayar, Executive Director and CEO, Nykaa Beauty, said, “For nearly 30 years, L’Oréal Paris at Cannes has celebrated beauty on a global stage. As their Official Beauty Partner in India, Nykaa is proud to bring this collaboration closer to its 40+ million consumers and 200+ stores—honouring Indian beauty’s global rise and championing every individual who believes they are worth it.”
In addition to its strong Indian representation, L’Oréal Paris will be joined on the red carpet by a distinguished roster of global ambassadors including Eva Longoria, Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Aja Naomi King, Andie MacDowell, Simone Ashley, Elle Fanning, Bebe Vio, and Yseult, all of whom embody the brand’s commitment to celebrating, authentic beauty.
Reinforcing its dedication to advancing women in film, L’Oréal Paris will once again present the Lights On Women’s Worth Award, an initiative designed to spotlight and support promising female filmmakers. This award continues to serve as a platform to amplify women’s voices and accelerate their professional journeys within the cinematic industry.
Throughout the festival, the brand will unveil the latest season of beauty at Cannes, led by Harold James, L’Oréal Paris’ newly appointed Global Makeup Creative Director. Alongside a team of 30 internationally renowned beauty artists, James will introduce cutting-edge trends and innovations that define the future of beauty on this global stage.
10, May 2025
Zeeba Basmati Celebrates Mother’s Day by Honouring Beautiful Relationships and Reliving the Magic of Summer Holidays
Mumbai , May 10, 2025:This Mother’s Day, Zeeba Basmati Rice, a premium basmati brand from the house of Supple Tek, takes a heartfelt detour from conventional storytelling to celebrate not just mothers—but every motherly bond that shaped our childhoods. In a nostalgia-soaked film conceptualised and executed by Maximus Collabs, Zeeba pays tribute to the beauty of intergenerational relationships—be it with mothers, grandmothers or the shared love that flowed through summer holidays at ancestral homes.
Set against the nostalgic backdrop of Indian summer vacations, the film celebrates the warmth of togetherness through cherished food memories. With Zeeba Basmati Rice as the soulful enabler, it brings alive the emotions, traditions and connections built around every lovingly cooked meal.The film, built on the insight that food is not just about feeding the stomach but about feeding the soul, highlights the importance of cooking in Indian homes as a form of emotional expression—an invisible thread that connects generations. And at the centre of it all is rice—India’s most loved and versatile grain.
From the comfort of dal chawal, the tang of lemon rice, to the sweet, indulgent notes of kheer, rice has been the foundation of countless meals and memories. Zeeba Basmati, with its signature aroma, long grains and unmatched purity, transforms these everyday dishes into extraordinary moments. It uplifts the entire culinary experience, enhancing taste while preserving tradition.
“We wanted to remind people that rice is not just a staple—it’s a storyteller,” said the Company Spokesperson. “Across India, every home has a memory associated with rice. Whether it’s a plate of hot khichdi served when you were unwell, your mother’s Sunday biryani, or grandmother’s kheer for every special occasion —rice is deeply personal and emotional. Zeeba wants to celebrate the beautiful India with its beautiful people and their beautiful preparations,” the spokesperson said.
Zeeba’s film celebrates the femininity of food in Indian homes—the quiet strength, patience and love that go into each dish. The film encourages audiences to not just celebrate their mothers, but the maternal love of daadis, naanis, maasis and more—women who turned simple meals into celebrations and food into memories.
“This campaign goes beyond just Mother’s Day. It’s a celebration of home, of heritage, and of the little details that make our childhoods so vivid,” said Manisha Singh , Director- Maximus Collabs. “With Zeeba, we’re not just serving rice—we’re serving memories, honouring the women who nurtured us, and celebrating everything that makes our lives truly beautiful. ”
As families prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day and plan for summer vacations , Zeeba invites everyone to revisit the magic of meals shared and memories created, with a warm plate of rice at the centre—because sometimes, love looks like a bowl of dal -chawal to some and to some its a humble bowl of kheer .
10, May 2025
Joy Business Center – A Dynamic New Commercial Hub at Celebration Bazaar, Khanna
Khanna, Punjab, India
AIPL proudly unveiled Joy Business Center at Celebration Bazaar, a dynamic new commercial hub comprising affordable office spaces. The project is aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and accelerating business growth. AIPL team introduced a thoughtfully designed range of offices/shops, sized between 277 sq. ft. and 355 sq. ft., offered at attractive, affordable rates.
Joy Business Center is already drawing keen interest from immigration consultants, advocates, DSAs, and steel trading firms, positioning it as a rising hotspot for business in the region. With this new launch, AIPL continues its mission to build quality commercial infrastructure and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of Khanna.
During this launch Mr. Dalbir Bedi, Business Head, AIPL shared that AIPL has over 1 million sq. ft. of commercial projects in Punjab with 800+ acres of residential and presence in 8cities in North India and has a rich legacy of 34 years with 60 + projects delivered. In Khanna, company has already delivered 2 projects successfully – Dream City Khanna and Celebration Bazaar Khanna.
Celebration Bazaar Khanna is the ideal social hub for families and group of friends to celebrate as the project has initiated ‘live singing’ for the visitors every Saturday and Sunday. The project would soon unveil a gaming/entertainment zone. The project is strategically located between two major industrial hubs of Punjab- Khanna, Asia’s largest grain distribution centre and Mandi-Gobindgarh, a major steel industrial hub. It is situated right on NH – 44 connecting Delhi & Amritsar and is part of 88 Acres AIPL DreamCity, Khanna, a world-class township by AIPL group.
10, May 2025
Shrimp-a-thon 2025 Puts Protein on the Map: Right to Protein and Skretting India Champion Shrimp as a Superfood in Bhimavaram
Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
In a bid to promote the importance of protein-rich diets and sustainable aquaculture, Right to Protein (RTP) partnered with Skretting India as a knowledge partner for the first-ever ‘Shrimp-a-thon’ – #ShrimpForHealth, an awareness run focused on increasing domestic shrimp consumption and public understanding of shrimp as a high-quality protein. The event took place on 4th May 2025 at Vishnu College, Bhimavaram.
Organized by Skretting India, a Nutreco company and a leader in aquafeed solutions, ’Shrimp-a-thon’ brought together a diverse group of farmers, aquaculture experts, healthcare professionals, policy makers, chefs, and educators to raise awareness of shrimp’s nutritional benefits and its role in India’s protein story.
As a key engagement, Right to Protein (RTP) had set up an experiential Protein-O-Meter booth, where attendees assessed their protein intake and learned how shrimp fits into a balanced diet. The booth featured educational pamphlets and co-branded merchandise, all reinforcing the importance of daily protein consumption and food diversity.
“Shrimp-a-thon is a unique platform to drive home a critical message—shrimp is not only a vital part of India’s aquaculture economy, but also a rich and underutilized source of protein,” said Chandrasekar S – Head Aquaculture Utilization South Asia, USSEC. “We’re proud to support this initiative to inspire more Indians to understand their daily protein needs and make smarter, nutrition-first food choices.”
Speaking on the importance of shrimp in India’s economy, Saurabh Shekhar – General Manager – Nutreco said, “While India is one of the largest shrimp producers globally, we export 90% of our production. Given India’s protein deficiency and shrimp’s richness in protein, Omega-6, and Omega-3 fatty acids, this presents a great opportunity. Shrimp is not only vital to India’s aquaculture economy but can be a great source of protein for the nation. We’re thrilled to have Right to Protein join us on this journey of creating awareness and leading the cause of protein sufficiency.”
On the opportunities and growth of domestic shrimp consumption, Ravi Kumar Yellanki, President, All India Shrimp Hatcheries Association, said, “India has a vast population of 1.4 billion and a growing middle class, hence there’s immense potential for domestic consumption. Shrimp is an excellent protein source, rich in nutrients, and as health consciousness rises in India, we need to educate consumers about its benefits. By increasing awareness and availability, we can tap into this potential. Just like China, where shrimp consumption grew 25 times in 15 years, India can achieve similar growth by promoting domestic consumption.”
“Shrimp is a nutritional powerhouse—rich in 22% protein, essential micronutrients, and vital vitamins,” said Dr. Manoj Sharma, promoter of the Zhingalala brand. “As a strong advocate for domestic shrimp consumption since 2015, I believe it offers immense health benefits, especially in a country like India where protein deficiency is widespread. With our vast population, it’s crucial to embrace locally produced, high-quality protein sources. I fully support the Right to Protein campaign and firmly believe that non-vegetarians should make the most of this versatile and homegrown superfood.”
Over 500+ runners participated in the marathon which had a lively, educational atmosphere featuring a live Shrimp counter by Zhingalala, T-shirts, medals, certificates, and a lot more for attendees. The event also hosted KOLs and dignitaries, including Ravi Yellanki – President, All India Shrimp Hatcheries Association, Ramraj Dhamodar – Director, Padmanabha Labs/HiBreeds Aquatics, Dr. Manoj Sharma – Promoter of Zhingalala, Pravash Pradhan and more.
The ‘Shrimp-a-thon’ marks a meaningful step in the broader Right to Protein (RTP) campaign, spotlighting the intersection of nutrition education, sustainable aquaculture and community engagement.
10, May 2025
Pepperfry’s Mother’s Day Film Nails the Chaos and Charm of ‘Trying to Get It Right’
Mumbai, May 10th, 2025: Pepperfry, India’s leading e-commerce furniture and home decor company, has rolled out its latest campaign ‘Trying to Get It Right’ on the occasion of Mother’s Day. This Mother’s Day, Pepperfry celebrates the chaos behind every well-meaning plan to make Mom feel special.
The campaign spotlights a familiar scene in Indian households: kids and Dad trying (and sort of succeeding) to make Mother’s Day perfect. With a blend of humour and heart, the film follows a young boy as he confidently lays out “the plan” for the day—breakfast in bed (served with care on a stylish Pepperfry breakfast table), a strict no-mess afternoon, and a veggie-loaded dinner with zero drama. Between his little sister’s excitement and Dad’s forgetful tendencies, it’s a warm portrayal of the lovable imperfection in every family’s effort.
The ad subtly weaves in Pepperfry’s products—from elegant crockery to plush silk pillow covers—highlighting how thoughtful home pieces can elevate small moments into meaningful gestures. More than a gifting campaign, Pepperfry’s Mother’s Day story captures the relatable chaos, funny hiccups, and genuine love that make such days truly memorable. It’s not about getting it perfect—it’s about showing you care, beautifully.
