6, Dec 2025
The Leela Palace Bengaluru Unveils the City’s First Lippan Art Christmas Tree, Created Exclusively for Its Holiday Celebrations
BENGALURU, Dec 6: The Leela Palace Bengaluru unveiled ‘Mirrors of Hope’, the city’s first Lippan Art Christmas Tree, at its annual tree-lighting ceremony last evening, reimagined this year as a celebration of artisan craftsmanship, women empowerment, and conscious luxury. The 12-foot installation, handcrafted by women artisans from Kutch in collaboration with the Karigar Foundation, brought India’s indigenous craft traditions to the forefront while redefining festive storytelling at the Palace.
In a city known for its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, The Leela Palace Bengaluru has set a new benchmark for how luxury hospitality can approach festive celebrations, not as an opportunity for spectacle alone, but as a platform for cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, and sustainable design.
The ceremony brought together guests, cultural voices, and the hotel’s leadership to witness a celebration that honored not just the festive season, but the hands that created it. The installation has been aptly named ‘Mirrors of Hope’, each mirror embedded in the clay surface symbolizing light, reflection, and the promise of a brighter future.
In collaboration with women artisans from rural Gujarat, The Leela Palace Bengaluru crafted each element of the installation with care, using sustainable materials and techniques passed down through generations. Rather than opting for imported or mass-produced decorations, the hotel chose authentic, handmade adornments made from sustainable materials like clay, mirrors, and natural elements, which showcased the vibrant heritage of India’s craft traditions.
The result is a visually stunning tree adorned with intricate, handcrafted Lippan motifs, each one imbued with cultural significance and the personal artistry of its creator. Additionally, the installation stands as a representation of the hotel’s commitment to conscious celebration and environmental care.
Lippan Art, also known as Lippan Kaam, is a centuries-old craft form traditionally practiced by women in the Kutch region of Gujarat. However, like many traditional art forms, Lippan has faced challenges in recent years as younger generations move away from rural crafts and artisan communities struggle to sustain their livelihoods.
For The Leela Palace Bengaluru, commissioning this tree was about giving a vanishing craft form contemporary relevance. And by placing it in a high-profile space, the hotel ensured the artistry was seen, celebrated, and understood as part of India’s living artistic heritage.
The evening’s atmosphere was exquisitely enhanced by festive cocktails, delicate seasonal bites, and the enchanting sound of live Christmas carols that filled the lobby. By bringing together guests, artisans, and cultural narratives, the hotel turned the ceremony into a celebration of shared values, inviting guests to pause and appreciate the intersection of celebration and craftsmanship.
As the moment arrived for the ceremonial lighting of the tree, it became clear that this was not just a symbolic gesture. The illumination of the installation represented a deeper tribute to purpose and conscious celebration with the hotel committing to support artisan welfare initiatives based on engagement, a mechanism designed to extend the impact of the evening beyond the ceremony itself.
What’s further interesting in the tree will be disassembled after the festive season and its components thoughtfully repurposed into functional items such as handcrafted coasters for guest rooms, ornamental keepsakes for VIP gifting, and art pieces for internal display and mementos, extending the life and story of the installation well into the new year & reinforcing The Leela’s commitment to conscious luxury, where beauty is not fleeting, but enduring.
A part of a coordinated festive initiative across multiple Leela properties this season, the hotel demonstrated how a classic ceremony can be transformed to carry deeper meaning & that the festive season is not only a time for joy and gathering, but also a time for thoughtful action and purposeful celebration.
The Lippan Art Christmas Tree stands as a glowing reminder that joy can be beautiful, meaningful, and transformative all at once. And that when celebration is rooted in care, it reflects something far greater than light – it reflects hope, heritage, and the dignity of craft.
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- By Neel Achary
6, Dec 2025
Holiday Inn Mayur Vihar Announces “Awadh-e-Shaam” Food Festival Celebrating Royal Awadhi Flavours
Holiday Inn Mayur Vihar Announces “Awadh-e-Shaam” A Food Festival Celebrating the Royal Flavours and Cultural Splendour of Awadh
Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida proudly presents “Awadh-e-Shaam,” a ten-day culinary celebration at Café On 3 bringing the regal charm, rich traditions, and legendary flavours of the Awadhi region to the city. The festival will take place from 5th to 14th December, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of Lucknow, Faizabad, and Ayodhya, Awadh-e-Shaam presents an extensive menu featuring a variety of kebabs, biryanis, breads, nihari, sheermal, kulfi falooda, shahi tukda, and other traditional Awadhi delicacies—each prepared using age-old techniques and authentic spices under the expertise of our in-house Chef de Partie, Salman Qureshi, who hails from Lucknow. His deep roots in Lucknow and extensive knowledge of Awadhi cuisine add immense value to the food festival, ensuring every dish reflects true authenticity and cultural richness.
Adding to the immersive experience, the venue showcases themed décor reminiscent of Nawabi elegance complete with traditional motifs, warm lighting, and cultural elements that recreate the charm of Awadh’s historic streets and royal courts.
Guests can also indulge in live culinary stations, specially curated to highlight regional favourites, including Nazim ki Makhan Malai, Dahi Jalebi, Phoolbagh ke Paan & Mukhwaas, Tundey Kebab, Akbari Gate ki Chai, Lucknowi Mattha aur Shikanji and many other speciality counters.
Speaking about the festival, Executive Chef Ashutosh Bisht said, “Awadh-e-Shaam is our tribute to the timeless culinary artistry of the Awadhi region. From signature dishes to street-side favourites, and from themed décor to vibrant live stations, we have curated an experience that truly celebrates the spirit and soul of Awadh.”
Speaking about the festival, F&B Manager Shashi Shankar said, “Awadhi cuisine is known for its warmth, finesse, and depth of flavour. With this festival, we aim to create an atmosphere where guests are not just dining – they are experiencing Awadh’s culture in its most authentic form.”
The festival is an ideal choice for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Awadhi flavours and experience the region’s rich culinary heritage in a truly immersive setting.
6, Dec 2025
The Wonder School Pune Introduces Udayan Bhaarat Young Leaders Immersion Program
Pune, Dec 06: The Wonder School Pune, in a creative collaboration with Chiranjeev Gurukul, has developed the Udayan Bhaarat Young Leaders Immersion Program for children aged 8 to 13 years (a few months above and below this age range are also accepted). The Udayan Bhaarat program is one of their most sought-after and well-received projects and the senior edition of this program has been in operation for the past two years.
For young minds, the Udayan Bharat Program is a five-day leadership journey and an extension of the family seva initiative. The program teaches leadership rooted in the Indian ethos, using stories from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It aims to build attributes such as self-leadership, self-awareness and self-efficacy in children from an early stage in their lives. Children learn core values from Indian Knowledge Systems, drawn from Arthashaastra and leadership competencies. The program provides everyday tools to help children become effective, disciplined and ethical learners.
Through this program, children learn to set a routine, stay organized and manage themselves. They use simple tools from modern wisdom and habit science. Children learn to ask better questions, think clearly and use technology wisely. This builds a foundation for confident and independent learning. When exposed to Shivaji Maharaj stories, children absorb courage, humility and responsibility in ways that feel real, relatable and inspiring.
The program helps the child become self-disciplined through inculcating Dinacharya and atomic habits, indulge in sharper thinking through Pradnyagunah along with AI prompt engineering and know how to plan and complete small seva projects. A unique aspect of the younger edition program this time is having an elder member of the community supporting the family. Each family will be paired with a mentor who will be guiding them throughout for three months, helping children stay consistent and supported. Through this initiative, one does not feel isolated or overwhelmed, thus entering Ekatram a unique circle of mindful parents and mentors that is growing together across Bhaarat. Together, let’s take a step towards achieving a better future for the younger generation.
Venue: The Wonder School Campus, Mundhwa, Pune.
Day and Date:
Batch 1: 22nd to 28th December 2025
Batch 2: 5th to 10th January 2026
Time: 10:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M.
6, Dec 2025
Multiplex Association of India Flags Concerns Over Netflix’s Warner Bros. Acquisition
Mumbai, Dec 06: The Multiplex Association of India (MAI), representing multiplex operators across the country, today expressed deep concern over the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by streaming platform Netflix.
India’s cinemas depend on a steady and diverse flow of compelling films to attract audiences and sustain a vibrant theatrical ecosystem. The acquisition of one of the world’s leading studios by a dominant streaming platform that has historically deprioritised theatrical releases poses a direct competition and economic threat to India’s theatrical and broader film economy.
Kamal Gianchandani, President of the Multiplex Association of India, commented:
“The Indian theatrical market thrives on choice, scale, and cultural diversity. Warner Bros. has historically been a key partner to Indian cinemas, contributing consistently to our release calendar with successful global and local titles.
Cinemas in India are more than entertainment venues. They are cultural hubs and significant economic contributors. They support millions of livelihoods across production, distribution, exhibition, F&B, and ancillary services.
Netflix has consistently made it clear through its limited and highly restrictive approach to theatrical releases that it does not believe in the cinema-first model. If this acquisition proceeds, the risk is two-fold, a meaningful reduction in high-quality content for cinemas, and the potential for shortened or non-existent theatrical windows.
This would inevitably impact revenues, limit consumer choice, and weaken the broader ecosystem of film production, distribution, and exhibition in India. A consolidation of this magnitude warrants careful scrutiny. MAI will continue to highlight these concerns to regulatory authorities both in India and internationally.”
6, Dec 2025
Free Artificial Limb Measurement Camp
For the 19th year Karnataka Marwari Samaj in association with Bhagwan Mahaveer Vikalang Sahayata Samiti (Jaipur Foot) organizing a ‘Free Artificial limb Measurement Camp “. The camp, organized in association with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), will offer free fittings of artificial limbs, calipers, crutches, and other assistive devices. A team of experienced prosthetic and orthotics experts will assess patients and provide personalized care.
The measurement camp will be conducted on Saturday 6th December 2025 at Maharaja Agrasen Bhavan, near Ashoka Pillar, Jayanagar, Bengaluru -560011, Time 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Speaking on the announcement Pravin Tulsiyan President KMS said
“committed to serving humanity and empowering differently-abled individuals. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to support individuals with disabilities are receiving high-quality artificial limbs and other devices they couldn’t afford before. These camps build community support, raise awareness, and help people regain mobility, improving lives and societal engagement. This initiative offers free medical check-ups, fittings, and ongoing care to enhance quality of life, empowering individuals and making a lasting impact. People from Karnataka and neighboring states are welcome to benefit from this opportunity.”
Sri Bimal Kumar Saraogi, Project Director, Karnataka Marwari Samaj said,
“Each of us has been affected in various ways, and it is imperative that we contribute according to our capabilities to support others. KMS remains unwavering in its social vision and commitment to assisting individuals with disabilities in reclaiming their mobility and dignity. Through the provision of high-quality, durable artificial limbs and other assistive devices, we aim to significantly improve their quality of life.”
6, Dec 2025
WHO Endorses GLP-1 Drugs Like Semaglutide for Obesity, Highlighting Cardiac and Metabolic Benefits
- Cardiovascular health: Major cardiovascular events, heart failure (with preserved ejection fraction), and systolic blood pressure.
- Metabolic & Organ health: Diabetes prevention, kidney diseases, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and LDL cholesterol
- Other systemic conditions: Obstructive sleep apnoea, peripheral artery disease, and neurodegenerative diseases
6, Dec 2025
IGX Reports Record Gas Trading Volume in November, Driven by CGD Sector Demand
Mumbai, Dec 06: Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) recorded a monthly traded gas volume of 8.8 million MMBtu (221 MMSCM) in November 2025, marking a 181% month-on-month and 249% year-on-year increase. The growth was primarily driven by demand from the City Gas Distribution (CGD) sector, as Henry Hub–linked contract prices were higher than prevailing spot prices on the exchange.
Approximately 75% of the traded volume was free-market gas, while the remaining 25% was domestic HPHT gas at the ceiling price. Nearly 8 MMSCM of domestic gas with pricing freedom was traded by producers at Bokaro (CBM), KG Basin, and Hazira-ONGC delivery points.
IGX’s benchmark price index, GIXI®, for November 2025 remained largely stable month-on-month and trended downward on a year-on-year basis, reflecting ample supply and stagnant demand. International prices also trended lower year-on-year, with European and Asian spot gas benchmarks showing a similar trajectory, while US Henry Hub saw higher volatility.
Regional GIXI® indices showed variations due to transmission and tax differentials. GIXI®-West remained aligned with the All India index, whereas GIXI®-East and GIXI®-South were slightly lower. GIXI®-Dahej traded at a modest discount compared to the corresponding WIM-Ex Dahej benchmark.
November 2025 also saw notable developments on the exchange: the first trade at KG Basin Tatipaka delivery point and the launch of a new Balance of the Month contract. A total of 222 trades were executed during the month. Among delivery points, Dahej was the most active for free-market gas, while Gadimoga led ceiling-price trades. Other active delivery points included Mhaskal, Dabhol, Ankot, Bokaro, Bhadbhut, Mallavaram, KG Basin, and Hazira-ONGC.
Trade breakdown by contract type included: 65 Fortnightly trades, 53 Daily, 51 Monthly, 24 Weekly, 23 Day-Ahead, and 6 Intraday contracts. Total exchange-traded deliveries amounted to approximately 6.4 million MMBtu (~5.4 MMSCMD).
IGX offers delivery-based trading across eight spot contracts — Intraday, Day-Ahead, Daily, Weekday, Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly (up to 12 months), and Balance of Month — as well as two Long Duration Contracts (3 Months and 6 Months), linked to benchmarks such as GIXI®, JKM®, WIM®, and Dated Brent®.
6, Dec 2025
NMDC Signs MoU with IIT Kanpur to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Advance Digital Technologies
Hyderabad, Dec 06: In a landmark step towards strengthening industry-academia collaboration, NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, to facilitate new initiatives in the areas of cybersecurity and promote the adoption of modern digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), across NMDC’s operations.
This MoU was signed by Mr. Satyendra Rai, Executive Director (Digital Transformation), on behalf of NMDC, and Prof. Ashoke De, Dean, R&D, IIT Kanpur in the presence of Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, senior officials from NMDC and representatives from IIT Kanpur.
Through this partnership, NMDC will work with IIT Kanpur across key areas such as cybersecurity risk assessments; policy, governance and compliance support; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) integration and advancement; security operations and incident response; capacity building and knowledge sharing; and joint research and innovation.
Additionally, NMDC and IIT Kanpur will jointly conduct training programmes, undertake research activities, run pilot projects, and co-develop proof-of-concept solutions.
Speaking on this collaboration, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC, said,
“This MoU brings IIT Kanpur’s advanced research capabilities in NMDC’s extensive operational ecosystem. This collaboration will help us strengthen our digital defences, improve operational intelligence, and build a secure and future-ready technological foundation for NMDC.”
The MoU reflects NMDC’s commitment to becoming a digitally strong and future-ready mining organisation.
6, Dec 2025
Canara Robeco’s ‘Nivesh Bus Yatra’ Reaches Uttarakhand to Boost Investor Awareness
Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Limited takes ‘Nivesh Bus Yatra’ to Uttarakhand to Educate Investors
Dehradun, Dec 06: Canara Robeco Mutual Fund, India’s second-oldest Mutual Fund, is set to launch the ‘Nivesh Bus Yatra’ in Uttarakhand to create awareness about mutual fund investment and educate investors across the state, starting today.
The initiative aims to simplify mutual fund investing and strengthen financial education across the state. The bus will begin its journey in Dehradun, followed by Rishikesh, Haridwar, Nainital and Haldwani, reaching key locations, engaging residents across the city.
“In today’s financial landscape, knowledge is as powerful as understanding. An informed investor not only makes better decisions for themselves but also strengthens the broader financial ecosystem. We are committed to making investment knowledge accessible and actionable,” said Rajnish Narula, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Canara Robeco AMC. “The Nivesh Bus Yatra aims to bring financial education directly to communities. Having already reached states like Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Assam we are now taking it to Uttarakhand engaging residents in five cities and helping them simplify investing, dispel myths, and embrace long-term financial planning.”
The Nivesh Bus Yatra will visit key community locations, connecting with residents and providing practical learning experiences. Through simple demonstrations and digital tools, it aims to clear misconceptions about mutual funds and explain the benefits of regular, long-term investing.
“We are committed to empowering investors by making financial knowledge practical and accessible. The Nivesh Bus Yatra is our way of taking this commitment to the ground engaging communities directly and meeting investors in their own environments,” said Gaurav Goyal, Head Sales & Marketing, Canara Robeco AMC. “Through this initiative, we aim to simplify mutual fund investing, offer actionable guidance, and address common misconceptions, helping investors build confidence and adopt a long-term approach to wealth creation.”
The initiative underscores Canara Robeco AMC’s continued focus on strengthening investor awareness and promoting financial inclusion across emerging and underserved regions.
6, Dec 2025
Eros Universe Announces New Film by Mitakshara Kumar Set in the World Of Tanu Weds Manu
Eros Universe has announced a new film set within the Tanu Weds Manu universe, to be directed by filmmaker Mitakshara Kumar.
The project, produced by Eros Universe and Rudrak Soma Jyoti Limited, is scheduled to go on floors early next year in London with a brand-new cast.
Kumar, who helped shape some of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s most striking visual spectacles, served as an episodic director on Heeramandi and helmed the historical series The Empire. Her upcoming film is positioned as a bold reinvention of the beloved franchise. While moving away from its Kanpur roots, the new chapter aims to carry forward the irreverence, unpredictability, and emotional charge of the earlier films, this time on an expansive international stage.
Though reimagined with a new cast, the film promises to retain the essence of the franchise: its chaos, humour, impulsive romance, and cultural authenticity. The makers describe it as a fresh storytelling universe crafted for a global audience.
Ridhima Lulla, Co-Founder & Co-President, Eros Innovation, said:
“Tanu and Manu belong to the audience forever. Their story didn’t just entertain, it created a cultural phenomenon in Indian cinema. Our responsibility now is to honour that legacy by doing what this universe has always done best: break rules, push boundaries, and redefine love with unapologetic honesty. This is not a continuation with the same faces; this is the Tanu Weds Manu universe expanding into a bigger, bolder global canvas. With multiple legendary IPs in our catalogue, the expansion of the Tanu Weds Manu universe is only the beginning of what’s coming.”
Director Mitakshara Kumar said:
“My vision is to create a film that feels familiar in spirit but thrillingly fresh in its storytelling – a story of love and identity that travels across borders, because the chaos of the heart is universal.”
The film promises to introduce a new narrative universe designed for a new generation, one that respects the legacy of the franchise while evolving it for contemporary audiences.
