Category Archives: News

Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology Marks World Kidney Day with Major Awareness Push

Hyderabad, March 14, 2025: On World Kidney Day, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology launched its free mobile kidney test campaign for the villages and districts across Telangana reaching out to around 10,000 people. The initiative was flagged off by Dr. A Narendra Kumar, Director of Medical Education, Telangana State, Dr. C. Mallikarjuna, Managing Director and Chief Consultant Urologist, Dr. Purna Chandra Reddy, Executive Director & Chief Consultant, Mr. Sandeep Guduru is the CEO.

The health of your kidneys can be determined with just three simple tests, and everyone should undergo them regularly to ensure kidney protection, stated Dr. C. Mallikarjuna, Managing Director and Chief Consultant Urologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) , one of the leading hospitals in the city.

This year’s World Kidney Day theme is “Are your kidneys OK? Get tested early, protect your kidney health.” Dr. Mallikarjuna emphasized that checking blood pressure (BP), urine protein levels, and serum creatinine can help assess kidney health. These low-cost tests can be conducted regularly to monitor kidney function and take preventive measures if necessary. He made these statements while addressing the media ahead of World Kidney Day on March 13.

Silent Kidney Issues:

“In many cases today, people are unaware of kidney problems as they show no symptoms. By the time they notice issues and get tested, their kidneys are often severely damaged, requiring dialysis or even kidney transplantation. That’s why waiting for symptoms is not advisable—everyone should get tested regularly. If any of the three test results show abnormalities, further tests can determine the complete kidney condition. If all three tests are normal, your kidneys are in good shape,” he explained.

Statewide Awareness Drive:

“To spread awareness, we are organizing medical camps across Telangana for a month. These camps will be set up in all districts, reaching around 10,000 people. Through these camps, we aim to encourage people to undergo the three essential tests and improve awareness. Depending on the response, we may continue such programs in the future,” Dr. Mallikarjuna said.

He further warned that modern lifestyles and work stress are increasing blood pressure (BP) in many individuals, which poses a serious risk to kidney health. Once the kidneys are damaged, restoring them is difficult. Hence, it is crucial to take preventive measures early and avoid reaching the stage where dialysis or kidney transplantation becomes necessary.

Dr. A Narendra Kumar, Director of Medical Education, Telangana State said, “Telangana has well-developed state-of-art health services. The Telangana government has implemented several proactive measures to improve kidney health and provide comprehensive nephrology services. We encourage routine kidney checks for early detection and management of kidney diseases. There is a focus on developing preventive strategies for kidney diseases and strengthening palliative care services for CKD patients”.

Speaking of the Kidney camp, Dr. Purna Chandra Reddy, Executive Director & Chief Consultant Urologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology said, “Healthy kidneys are the foundation of a healthy life. We understand how crucial it is to guarantee that everyone has access to healthcare. We are convinced that by expanding our healthcare outreach, we can improve our communities’ well-being in a way that will last. Focused on providing quality healthcare in remote communities, the camps offered an array of completely free services,”

Frederic De Wilde Highlights the Role of Progressive Policies in Reducing Tobacco Harm in India

By-Frederic De Wilde, President SSEA, CIS & MEA Region, Philip Morris International (PMI)

India, 2025: Speaking at the Times Group ET NOW Global Business Summit 2025, Frederic De Wilde, President SSEA, CIS & MEA Region, Philip Morris International (PMI), underscored the need for changes in regulation and scientific innovation to introduce less harmful alternatives for people who don’t quit smoking. “The number one challenge for any evolving industry is regulation. We are witnessing a global transformation in the tobacco sector, and science and technology are redefining the way this industry operates. However, to create long-term impact, the industry needs policies that reflect modern realities and innovation. This would also encourage modernization, industry transformation, and investment-driven growth, for the entire tobacco ecosystem, thereby making India a significant partner worldwide,” said De Wilde.

Addressing the gathering, De Wilde highlighted how science-led decision-making and regulations transform the sector & open new economic opportunities. He emphasized that across various industries—from renewable energy to digital finance—countries that have modernized regulatory frameworks have seen faster economic growth and stronger global positioning.

 Reflecting on PMI’s transformation, De Wilde said, “20 years ago, the company began rethinking its role in the tobacco industry, recognizing that consumer needs and scientific advancements demanded a shift. We soon recognized that combustion is the primary cause of harm in smoking and focused our research and innovation on eliminating it. We have invested $14 billion in science, research, and commercial efforts to advance innovation and raise awareness about less harmful alternatives. We hired over 500 top scientists, and built a strong research foundation to ensure the solutions we introduced were supported by credible data and transparent methodologies. Ten years ago, we launched these alternatives in partnership with governments worldwide. The results? In many countries, cigarette consumption is steadily declining, with alternatives taking their place.”

 De Wilde emphasised how regulatory modernization in parts of Europe and Asia has led to a decline in smoking incidence.

 “In Japan, the introduction of alternatives has cut the combustible cigarette market in half. In Rome, one in three smokers has transitioned to alternatives, signalling a major behavioural shift. Sweden leads Europe with the lowest smoking rate at just 5%, with smoking among young adults nearly non-existent. From a health perspective, Sweden also reports the lowest lung cancer incidence among men in the EU, showcasing the positive impact of regulatory modernization and access to alternatives.”

 Focusing on India’s regulatory and economic landscape, De Wilde praised its policy-driven growth in technology, finance, and infrastructure. He emphasized that India’s success in regulatory clarity has driven investment, fostered innovation, and strengthened trade partnerships.

 “India has been a pioneer in regulatory modernization across industries. From renewable energy to digital payments, progressive policy frameworks have accelerated economic transformation. The next step is ensuring that scientifically validated industries can also contribute to this progress.”

 De Wilde acknowledged that PMI wishes to actively engage with policymakers in India to build an understanding of how science-backed innovations can align with regulatory priorities and improve the country’s tobacco control outcomes. He noted that while several countries have adopted a structured regulatory approach to new product categories, India has the opportunity to create a global benchmark for progressive trade and policy development.

 “We have seen successful government-industry partnerships globally, where scientific advancements and regulatory policies have worked together to drive positive change. We are eager to contribute to this conversation, working collaboratively with stakeholders to benefit the economy.”

 He further said that India should look at adopting a redefined Tobacco Control strategy, “One that blends science-driven policies, along with a sustainable regulatory framework so that alternatives are available. With 300 million tobacco users, including 100 million smokers, a redefined approach can strengthen public health efforts and help save millions of lives.”

 Beyond regulatory modernization, De Wilde emphasized PMI’s commitment to sustainability, with a strong focus on agriculture and farmer empowerment. “India is one of the top tobacco growing countries in the world. Tobacco farming remains vital for thousands of families, and supporting farmers through sustainable practices is essential for long-term agricultural stability. We wish to implement our Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) initiative and provide farmers with technology, training, and resources to improve productivity while minimizing environmental impact.”

W.i.S.H Celebrates a Year of Achievements with Exclusive Platform for Fans

W.i.S.H, one of India’s most loved girl groups, is celebrating an extraordinary year filled with exciting music, a unique Live experience and noteworthy collaborations. Their youthful sound and high-energy stage performances have cemented their place at the forefront of the music scene in the country. In gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from their ever-growing community of fans, the girl-group unveiled a new, exclusive fan platform for their fans. The platform promises to offer a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience like never before.

The community platform is designed to deepen the connection between W.i.S.H. and its growing fanbase, marking a significant milestone in their journey. It will be a one stop destination where fans can access exclusive BTS content, live stream concerts, shop merchandise and interact with their favourite artists while embodying W.i.S.H. ‘s core values of joy, inspiration, sisterhood, and empowerment. The platform promises to be an engaging and vibrant space for fans to unite and thrive together.

W.i.S.H said “W.i.S.H. has always been more than just music—it’s the heartbeat of our shared vision, our dream, and the journey we’re all on together. What started with the four of us chasing a big idea has blossomed into something far greater, fueled by the incredible love and support of our fans. Our W.i.S.H stars have been there for us through every melody, every triumph, and every hurdle. They’ve helped us build a community that feels like family, and this platform is our way of making that bond even stronger. We’re just getting started, and together, we’re going to vibe, grow, and create moments that mean everything to us and to all of you. The best is yet to come.”

Renowned composer & producer Mikey McCleary, who curated W.i.S.H. in association with Sony Music India, added, “Watching W.i.S.H. grow over the past year has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the release of their first track to their high-energy live performances, they have quickly become a game-changer in India’s music scene. Their unique sound, combined with a genuine passion and unwavering commitment, reminds me of the power and magic that music holds. It’s rare to witness such raw talent and drive, and I’m incredibly proud of everything they’ve accomplished. What’s even more exciting is that this is just the beginning—there are countless more milestones to celebrate, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

In just one year, W.i.S.H has released music, secured major brand collaborations, delivered unforgettable live performances, and cultivated a loyal and growing fan base. From appearing in Spotify Wrapped to lighting up billboards, and TVC’s alike W.i.S.H. has been impossible to ignore. In only 12 months, they’ve amassed an impressive social media, solidifying their position as one of the most influential acts in music. Their reach extends beyond the music industry, with high-profile brand campaigns for brands like Motorola, Maybelline, and Adidas, showing their undeniable presence in the fashion and lifestyle space. They created “Whatever It Takes”, the official event song for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, seamlessly blending music and sport to ignite passion and inspire fans across the globe. W.i.S.H. is not just here for the moment—they’re making their mark for the long haul. Recently the W.i.S.H. version of “Boom Boom” has been featured in Episode 6 of Dabba Cartel—a show led by powerful women, directed by women, and celebrating empowerment. This milestone highlights W.i.S.H.’s growing influence, reinforcing their message of strength, ownership, and breaking boundaries. It marks a significant moment in their one-year journey, further amplifying their voice.

High Blood Pressure Control: A Vital Step for Kidney Health

By- Dr. Vidyashankar P, Lead Consultant – Nephrology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

Millions of individuals in India unknowingly suffer from Hypertension, the medical term for high blood pressure (HBP). It contributes significantly to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is one of the main causes for CKD. It’s critical to detect and treat HBP early on in order to safeguard your kidneys and general health.

Recognizing the Connection Between CKD and HBP

The kidneys are the bean-shaped, fist-sized organs located behind your abdomen. They carry out vital tasks like controlling blood pressure, producing hormones, removing waste and extra fluid from the blood, and maintaining electrolyte balance. An extended duration of elevated blood pressure destroys the kidneys small blood vessels. Your kidneys small filtering units, called nephrons, receive oxygen and nourishment from these fragile blood vessels.

Chronically high blood pressure over time can:

• Diminish the Blood Flow: The kidneys are under stress from high blood pressure, which makes them work harder. Blood flow to the kidneys is restricted by narrowed blood arteries, which makes it more difficult for the kidneys to filter waste and maintain fluid balance. Toxin accumulation in the circulation may result from this, further harming the kidneys.
• Nephron damage: Damage to the kidneys’ delicate filtration units, or nephrons, can result from persistently high blood pressure. This may cause inflammation and scarring, gradually impairing kidney function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) results from the kidneys’ inability to efficiently filter waste as nephrons gradually disappear.

The Importance of Managing HBP for Kidney Health

Kidney protection from high blood pressure requires early detection and treatment. Good blood pressure control can:

1. Slow the progression of CKD: You can considerably delay the advancement of kidney disease that already exists by managing your blood pressure. By doing this, kidney function is maintained and problems like renal failure—which calls for dialysis or a kidney transplant—are avoided.
2. Lower Cardiovascular Risk: Heart rate (HBP) is a significant risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Controlling it can safeguard your cardiovascular health by lessening the load on your heart and arteries. Heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure can result from uncontrolled hypertension.

Controlling Your Blood Pressure

Here are some doable actions you may take to manage high hypertension and protect your kidneys:

1. Lifestyle Changes: Adopt a healthy way of living that consists of
• Diet: It’s important to eat a balanced diet low in processed foods and salt. Make your choice of lean protein sources, fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Reducing salt consumption eases renal pressure and aids in the reduction of fluid retention. Dietary approaches to stop hypertension, or DASH, is a well-researched blood pressure-lowering method.
• Physical Activity: On most days of the week, spend at least 30 minutes exercising on a regular basis. Choose activities that are somewhat intense, such as swimming, cycling, or brisk walking. Frequent exercise lowers blood pressure by encouraging weight loss, enhancing blood vessel health, and lowering stress levels.
• Weight management: Blood pressure regulation can be greatly enhanced by maintaining a healthy weight. A minute reduction in weight can make a huge difference.
• Handling Stress: Prolonged stress has been linked to elevated blood pressure. To effectively manage stress, engage in relaxation practices such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

2. Adherence to Medication: Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor to lower your blood pressure. Never stop taking your prescription without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will decide which blood pressure medicine is best for you.

3. Frequent Examinations: Make routine check-ups with your physician to monitor your blood pressure. Simple blood tests and urine examinations can be done to ensure that your kidneys are functioning properly. Prompt intervention is made possible by early detection of any alterations. In between doctor appointments, home blood pressure monitoring can be a useful tool for tracking your progress.

JioHotstar Revolutionizes Live Sports Streaming with ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

March 14, 2025; National: JioHotstar set new industry records as the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 concluded with a thrilling finale, delivering an unmatched live sports experience across India. The tournament saw a total of 540+ crore views, with a cumulative watch time of close to 11,000 crore minutes and a peak concurrency of 6.12 crores. Hindi-speaking regions contributed over 38% of JioHotstar’s total viewership, with Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Goa, Punjab, and Haryana leading consumption. Furthermore, JioHotstar achieved over 80% penetration in Wifi-enabled CTV, with Maharashtra recording the highest viewership, underscoring JioHotstar’s growing impact on large-screen streaming across key markets.

As India scripted history by defeating New Zealand, the much-anticipated final on JioHotstar witnessed an unprecedented 124.2 crore views. Driven by pivotal nail-biting moments, the tournament saw multiple peaks in viewership.

Speaking on the landmark success of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Kiran Mani, CEO – Digital, JioStar, said, “The overwhelming response to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 marks a leap toward the billion-screen opportunity, where seamless access and immersive engagement are now the expectation, not the exception. The tournament also saw the highest-ever single-day subscriptions since launch, during the India vs Australia match, further underscoring the scale at which audiences are embracing digital streaming. This moment is a testament to our commitment to making high-quality experiences accessible to all and transforming digital consumption in India, as we continue to deliver unparalleled, seamless, and inclusive experiences built for the future.”

“The Indian team’s campaign in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 was more than just a victory—it was a demonstration of Cricket’s influence on the collective consciousness and culture of the country. With peak concurrency of 6.12 crore for the final and sustained levels of concurrency around 5 Crores for the tournament, JioHotstar became the digital heartbeat of this celebration, amplifying the power of shared experiences. Looking into the future of live sports on the platform, we will continue to push the boundaries on inclusive, intuitive, interactive and immersive experiences for a wide spectrum of users ranging from Cricket connoisseurs to event watchers.” said Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports, JioStar.

For the first time ever on digital, an ICC tournament was streamed live across 16 feeds, including nine languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Haryanvi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. In addition to the language options, the live streaming on JioHotstar was complemented by four multi-cam feeds. Enhancing the coverage, the Indian Sign Language feed and Audio Descriptive Commentary ensured an inclusive experience for audiences. The vertical feed (MaxView), available in Hindi and English, also provided fans with an easier and more intuitive mobile viewing experience, allowing them to consume content on the go.

JioStar Network brought the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 with support from a robust roaster of brands, including Dream11, Pernod Ricard India, Beam Suntory, Kohler, Birla Opus, Vodafone Idea, ICICI Direct, LIC Housing Finance Limited, Eicher Motors and Indira IVF.

India’s Data Centre Capacity Projected to Reach 2,100 MW by 2027

A recent report by ICRA projects a significant expansion in India’s data centre (DC) operational capacity, highlighting substantial growth in the sector. ICRA expects India’s data centre (DC) operational capacity to increase to 2,000-2,100 MW by March 2027 from around 1,150 MW as of December 2024, involving investment of Rs. 40,000-45,000 crore in FY2026- FY2027, supported by internet/data usage and data localisation initiatives. Additionally, both established DC players and new players, which have entered this sector in the last 3-4 years, have a development pipeline of 3.0- 3.5 GW to be delivered in the next 7-10 years, involving significant investments of Rs. 2.0-2.3 lakh crore.

ICRA said in its report that as part of the Union Budget 2025-26, the Government’s proposal to set up a centre of excellence in AI for education, the BharatNet project to provide broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats and start Deeptech Fund of Funds to provide access to skilled professionals in AI, cyber security and cloud computing, compliments the strong growth prospects for the DC sector in India.

Giving more insight, Anupama Reddy, Vice President and Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA, said: “While cloud, 5G roll-out, machine learning and internet of things (IoT) are expected to generate enormous data and storage requirements, generative artificial intelligence (AI)-led high computing requirements present a new wave of demand for DC capacity and a significant opportunity for DC operators. Driven by AI requirements, the global DC market has already witnessed multiple large deals (>300 MW) signed by hyperscalers and India is expected to follow the trend. This, coupled with favourable regulatory policies and an infrastructure status for the DC sector will support strong growth prospects in India in the coming decade.”

ICRA estimates the revenues for top 5 DC players (which account for around 75-80% of overall industry revenues and operational capacities in India) to expand by a sharp 18-20% YoY in FY2026, supported by an increase in rack capacity utilisation and the ramp-up of new DCs. The operating margins are expected to remain healthy in the range of 40-41% in FY2026.

While sharing his thoughts, Mr. Amit Sarin, Managing Director, Anant Raj Limited, said, “The data center sector in India is witnessing rapid growth, driven by increasing digital adoption, cloud computing, AI advancements and data localisation, however, despite India accounting for 28% of global data generation, the country currently holds just 1% of the world’s data center capacity. The demand for data center is much higher than current availability and future pipeline, we see the demand will continue to remain higher than supply for many years. This stark gap underscores the enormous opportunity for expansion and investment in the sector.”

Hoga dher saara manoranjan

Get ready for a thrilling dose of entertainment as the latest tracks of &TV’s Bheema, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai take excitement to the next level. Talking about the upcoming track in Bheema, Smita Sable, who plays Dhaniya shares, “Vishambhar (Vikram Dwivedi) marries Meera in a roadside temple, but Kailasha Bua (Neeta Mohindra) and Kalika Singh (Mayank Mishra) refuse to accept her. When they try to bribe the couple to leave the village, Vishambhar boldly declares a grand wedding. Enraged, Kalika Singh threatens to kill him, but Kailasha Bua stops him, vowing to make their lives miserable. Meanwhile, Bheema (Tejaswini Singh) stands tall against upper-caste mockery, empowered by Dr. Ambedkar’s wisdom. As the wedding rituals begin, Dharmsheela and Pinky attempt to harm Meera during the aalta ceremony, but Bheema exposes them. Vishambhar steps on the glass, defying their cruelty. Amidst this, Phulmatiya blames Dhaniya for the family’s divide, and Gaya confirms the partition. Despite Dhaniya’s efforts to prevent it, Bheema, inspired by Babasaheb Ambedkar, accepts the separation with dignity. Gaya and Phulmatiya then turn to Kailasha Bua for help dividing the house!”

 Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh, spills the beans on the hilarious track in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan,” Rajesh complains to Happu (Yogesh Tripathi) that she has nothing new to wear, so he promises to take her shopping. Meanwhile, Rajesh’s friend tells her how she started a tiffin service to gain financial independence. On the other hand, Beni (Vishwanath Chatterjee) wins a legal case and takes Happu to a bar to celebrate. They get so caught up drinking that they forget about their shopping promise! Furious, Rajesh takes charge of her finances, with Katori Amma (Himani Shivpuri) fully supporting her. With their local dhobi (laundryman) failing at his job and monopolizing the area, Rajesh and her friends launch their laundry service. Even Malaika (Sonal Panwar) inaugurates it with a ribbon cutting! However, when Happu and Beni refuse to support them, Katori Amma throws them out of the house. While Beni quickly switches sides and supports the women, Happu starts living at the police station. The next day Happu accidentally spills tea on the Commissioner’s (Kishore Bhanushali) white shirt. The Commissioner gives him a strict ultimatum to clean the stain or lose his job! When Happu turns to the local dhobi for help, he demands that Happu shut down Rajesh’s laundry business first. Desperate, Happu agrees, but when the dhobi fails, the Commissioner is ready to fire him. After a lot of pleading, Happu gets one last chance. Meanwhile, Rajesh’s laundry business is booming, but she secretly misses Happu. Will she forgive him?”

Rohitashv Gour, aka Manmohan Tiwari revealing the upcoming track in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, “Tiwari (Rohitashv Gour) and Vibhuti (Aasif Sheikh) have been spending too much time with Prem (Vishwajit Soni), and his bad influence is rubbing off on them! They turn arrogant, talking rudely to everyone including Angoori (Shubhangi Atre) and Anita (Vidisha Srivastava). Their misbehaviour creates chaos in Modern Colony. One day, they humiliate Tika (Vaibhav Mathur) and Tillu (Salim Zaidi) in front of everyone, leaving them deeply hurt. Meanwhile, David Chacha (Annup Upadhyay) learns that a builder has won the legal case for Modern Colony’s land. To make things worse, the builder happens to be one of his acquaintances! When Anita finds out, she hatches a plan with Angoori and Chacha to teach Tiwari and Vibhuti a lesson. Instead of telling them directly, they trick them into believing that the builder has two sons who must be kept happy otherwise, they will all be thrown out of the colony. Tika and Tillu enter disguised as the builder’s sons! They move into Tiwari and Vibhuti’s homes and start bossing them around. Tables turn as they make Tiwari and Vibhuti work like servants demanding foot massages, cooked meals, and more!”.

India’s Premier Animation Event, Animela, Highlights IIAD’s Award-Winning Films

As India’s animation scene comes into its own, a new generation is pushing the boundaries of storytelling. This past week, the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) became among the voices shaping that future at Animela, India’s first international festival dedicated to Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics and XR. Hosted at IDC, IIT Bombay (March 7–9), the festival brought together a global network of artists, animators and industry veterans to explore the shifting possibilities of animation as a medium.

For IIAD, the festival is an opportunity to showcase the evolving vocabulary of its students, whose films have been officially selected for screening. These films, developed under the mentorship of Shaaz Ahmed (Associate Professor, IIAD), were among the works selected for the festival.

The Day My Dad Arrives – Sreeram Jayaram

Rooted in Sreeram’s personal experiences, this award-winning film unfolds an emotional journey, chronicling the longing of a young boy eagerly awaiting his Gulf migrant worker father’s return. The film was initially a major design project (MDP) titled “Personal Narratives”which gradually evolved from audio stories into a visually compelling 2D animated magnum opus. In the past it has been awarded the Animation Xpress ANN Award 2023 for Best Student Film category.

Patangarh Ka Hero | Animation Film on Gond Art | Documentary Film | IIAD

Nanki Ghuman’s film is a cinematic mixed-media experiment that reimagines Gond art for contemporary viewers. Using Adobe After Effects to animate hand-drawn illustrations alongside real-world footage and pixelation effects, the film reinvigorates the art form. The interplay of painted animations, pixelated characters and 2D transitions creates a dynamic visual language that respects Gond art’s heritage while pushing its aesthetic forward. The film won special mention at Chitrashaala: A Short Film Festival on Rural India and was recognised as Best Student Short Film and Best Director at Mokkho International Film 2024.

Aami Tumi Rum – Anindita Banerjee

Anindita Banerjee’s film critiques societal hypocrisy, highlighting the gap between professed and actual support for women. Following Rumi’s journey of self-discovery, it weaves Bengali cultural richness—music, dance, and traditions—into its narrative. Inspired by personal experiences and traditional art forms like Kalighat paintings, Jamini Roy’s works and Patachitra, Anindita’s illustrations feature large Bengali eyes, symbolising deep emotion. Structured in three parts, the film uses colour to reflect shifting settings and moods.

A True Story – Anish Sekhri

Officially selected for the 11th Goa Short Film Festival, Sekhri’s film reimagines Indian folktales for children (7–10). Initially drawn to mainstream animation, he shifted focus to the Panchatantra, exploring ambition and self-acceptance. Using simple characters like the sun and clouds, the film imparts life lessons through a mixed-media approach, bridging generations and keeping these timeless stories relevant.

I Hope This Conversation Doesn’t Take Place in 2045 – Srishti Arora

Arora’s film empowers women by amplifying silenced experiences and sparking dialogue on unspoken truths. Rooted in everyday stories, it serves as both a platform for expression and a design intervention—encouraging self-discovery and problem-solving. The title playfully critiques harsh realities while celebrating resilience and collective strength.

Anyday, Everyday, One Fine Day! – Raashi Borade

Raashi Borade’s film is about a little girl struggling to conveniently get through her everyday life and the episodes that she faces being socially anxious which are based on sets of metaphors. It is about growing up and the joys of friendships and how people around you can strengthen and help us with our personal development. Each episode resonates with commonly faced problems by a child and his or her response to socially anxious feelings. The film was officially screened at IAWRT’s annual 17th Asian Women’s Film Festival 2021.

Shaaz Ahmed (Associate Professor, IIAD) whose practice Mud n Water Studio produces animation, ad films, short films, urban art and documentaries, also contributed to the festival’s intellectual discourse. He led a session titled Animation Pe Charcha, exploring animation as a mode of inquiry, cultural documentation and political discourse. Additionally, he joins the panel Mapping Your Creative Path, alongside industry experts Nina Sabnani and Rajesh Tarukhia, in a discussion moderated by Lotte Marie Allen.

A Festive Day Turns Risky as Sakhi’s Stalker Crashes Holi Celebration in Wagle Ki Duniya on Sony SAB

Mumbai, March 13, 2025: Sony SAB’s Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey continues to deliver thrilling twists as Sai Darshan Society gears up for a grand Holi celebration. The society comes together to help Dakshesh (Deepak Pareek) in his ill-fated magic trick, thanks to the intervention of the original magician who wrote the spell book. With a tribute to the fading world of magicians, normalcy returns to Sai Darshan, or so it seems.

This week, the Wagles find themselves caught in a web of trust and deception as Sakhi’s (Chinmayi Salvi) stalker, Sushant (Shikar Patel) , makes a surprising return. Claiming to have changed his ways, he visits the Wagle home and earns their trust after bringing back Radhika (Bharati Achrekar) , who had briefly gone missing. Rajesh (Sumeet Raghvan) , unaware of his true identity, welcomes Sushant with open arms, praising his good deed. However, Sakhi is left stunned by the turn of events but chooses to stay silent, allowing him a second chance. Meanwhile, Vivan (Namit Shah) remains suspicious, keeping a watchful eye on Sushant’s every move. As the festive zeal intensifies, the lines between redemption and hidden motives blur. They culminate in a shocking moment when Sushant infiltrates the Sai Darshan Holi celebration in disguise.

Can Sakhi trust Sushant, or is she making a dangerous mistake? Is Vivan’s intuition correct? What will happen when the Wagles discover the truth?

Sumeet Raghvan, who essays the role of Rajesh Wagle, said, “Rajesh is someone who always wants to believe the best in people. He trusts easily, sometimes even when he shouldn’t. This track is interesting because it puts that very trust to the test. Holi is a time of celebration, but for the Wagles, it takes a suspenseful turn. Rajesh welcomes someone into his home with open arms, unaware of the hidden danger to his own daughter. The way the story unfolds and the tension rises will keep the audience hooked. What starts as a joyous festival soon takes an unexpected twist, making this Holi one filled with shock and revelation.”

ESCP Business School Explores Collaborative Opportunities with Indian Scientific Institutions

As the European Union strengthens its ties with India, ESCP Business School, is poised to expand its partnerships in India. This strategic initiative aligns with the recent visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to India on February 27-28, 2025, which highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and security.

ESCP Business School, with its rich history dating back to 1819 in Paris, is well-positioned to leverage this momentum. The school operates six urban campuses across Europe (Paris, Berlin, London, Madrid, Turin, and Warsaw) and a branch campus in Dubai, offering a unique multi-campus experience to its community of over 11,000 students from 136 different nationalities. Through its extensive network of over 150 academic alliances in 50 countries, ESCP is committed to fostering global collaboration and innovation.

In India, ESCP has established robust relationships with top institutions, including exchange and dual degree programs with eight prestigious Indian establishments: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, IIM Udaipur, MDI Gurgaon, and SPJIMR. The number of Indian students at ESCP Business School has been steadily increasing, with 608 students enrolled in the 2024-2025 academic year, marking a 16% rise over three years. India now represents the third country of origin of students at ESCP Business School, after France and Italy.

Building on this foundation, ESCP Business School is particularly interested in exploring opportunities in emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is a key area of focus for both India and France. The recent AI Action Summit in Paris, co-chaired by President Macron and Prime Minister Modi, underscored the shared commitment to harnessing AI for mutual benefit. This priority supports ESCP’s strategic initiatives in AI, including its partnership with OpenAI, signed in October 2024, to introduce ChatGPT Edu, an innovative platform designed to enhance learning experiences and drive AI-driven research.

“ESCP Business School is committed to exploring new partnerships in India, particularly with top scientific universities, to foster cross-disciplinary innovation and collaboration,” said Professor Léon Laulusa, Executive Director and Dean of ESCP Business School. Professor Laulusa will be visiting India during the last week of March 2025. “I look forward to my visit to India to explore new knowledge avenues. The shared focus on AI with India and France presents a unique opportunity to leverage advanced technologies for mutual benefit and global impact,” he added.