Category Archives: News

FLAME University to Spotlight Student Research at the First FLAME Undergraduate Research Day

Pune, India, March 13, 2025: FLAME University, a pioneer of interdisciplinary education in India, is set to host a one-of-its-kind, first edition of FLAME Undergraduate Research Day on 19th March 2025. The open-house conference aims to cultivate a research aptitude and interdisciplinary mindset amongst the undergraduate students of the country. Building on the theme of Boundaries and Bridges in the Age of Disruption’, undergraduate students from across India will showcase their research and present their perspectives at the conference. This initiative builds upon last year’s multidisciplinary symposium, “Convergence,” where students presented their research on interdisciplinary themes through poster displays.

 With a special emphasis on India-led research, the FLAME Undergraduate Research Day 2025 will provide a platform for nation-wide students at the undergraduate level to present their research to an esteemed panel through oral and poster presentations and network with other students to further collaborate on research. The conference is also open to non-participating students and individuals outside of FLAME who are also keen on exploring student-led research and interdisciplinary discussions. The key sub-themes of this conference include bridging the gap across disciplines, innovation and ethics in the age of disruption, thinking historically and learning, environment and sustainability, crossing boundaries and reimagining futures, resilience, equity, digitalization, and health and wellness.

 A pathbreaking knowledge initiative pushing young minds to pursue academic excellence, the FLAME Undergraduate Research Day transcends disciplinary boundaries, fostering an inclusive platform for knowledge exchange that brings together students from diverse academic backgrounds. Additionally, awards will also be conferred for the Best Paper and Best Poster presentations, recognizing students for their outstanding contribution to research.

 This knowledge initiative by FLAME University is designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas amongst undergraduate students from various institutions across the country, encouraging interdisciplinary engagement and critical thinking. The sub-themes of the conference further explore the intersection of innovation, ethics, sustainability, and resilience across disciplines, with a focus on reimagining futures and advancing equity in a rapidly changing world.

Transforming Keshavpuram: Smiling Tree’s Green Initiative Reimagines Urban Spaces

In a remarkable effort to enhance urban greenery and combat pollution, Smiling Tree, an esteemed environmental NGO, has successfully green transformed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi office located in Ward 69, Keshavpuram Zone, North Delhi. This initiative not only revitalizes the workspace but also sets a precedent for sustainable practices within urban environments.

The initiative commenced with a vision to promote environmental awareness and encourage community involvement in sustainable practices. Smiling Tree recognized the potential of repurposing waste materials and harnessing nature’s beauty to create a more inviting and healthier urban landscape. By focusing on the use of recycled materials and native plants, the project aims to educate the public on the importance of sustainability in everyday life. At the heart of this transformation are the innovative vertical gardens made from used plastic bottles. These vertical gardens not only beautify the space but also serve as a practical solution to urban space constraints. By utilizing waste that would typically contribute to landfills, Smiling Tree demonstrated how creativity can lead to impactful environmental solutions.

In addition to the vertical gardens, the installation of hanging money plant basket decors add a touch of vibrancy to the surroundings. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area but also improve air quality, an essential aspect of urban living. Moreover, Smiling Tree has ingeniously recycled old dustbins into planters, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to sustainability. This initiative not only prevents waste but also encourages the community to rethink the lifecycle of everyday items. By turning trash into treasure, Smiling Tree effectively showcases the potential of recycling in urban beautification.

As part of the initiative, over 100 Areca palm and hibiscus flowering plants were planted, further enriching the biodiversity of the area. Areca palms, known for their air-purifying qualities, thrive in indoor environments and are effective in improving indoor air quality. Meanwhile, hibiscus plants add vibrant colors and attract local pollinators, contributing to the ecological balance. The selection of plants reflects a careful consideration of local climate conditions and ecological impact, ensuring that the greenery thrives in its new environment. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a habitat for local wildlife.

Dr Mukesh Kwatra, founder of Smiling Tree, said, “The success of this initiative goes beyond the physical transformation of the office space; it also fosters community engagement and awareness. Smiling Tree plans to organize workshops and awareness programs to educate local residents about the importance of green spaces and sustainable practices. By involving community members, Smiling Tree looks forward to collective responsibility towards the environment.”

The project has inspired local residents and businesses to consider similar initiatives, promoting a culture of sustainability that extends beyond the confines of the Municipal Corporation office. It serves as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in the fight against environmental degradation. The transformation of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi office in Ward 69 serves as a model for future urban greening projects across the city and beyond. It illustrates the potential of collaboration between NGOs, local governments, and communities to create sustainable urban spaces.

OPG Foundation’s Osteopathy and Pain Relief Camp: A Lifeline for Senior Citizens in Chennai

Chennai, March 13, 2025: In an effort to provide accessible pain relief solutions, OPG Foundation, part of OPG Group, in collaboration with The Punjab Association, organized a three-day Free Osteopathy & Pain Relief Camp in Chennai. The medical camp held at PND Adarsh School, Peter’s Road, received an encouraging response, with around 500 individuals, primarily senior citizens, seeking medical assistance for chronic joint pain and mobility issues. As a part of its ongoing commitment to community welfare, OPG Foundation plays a vital role in promoting accessible healthcare and enhancing the quality of life for underserved communities.

A team of four seasoned doctors from Jodhpur Dr. Nandkishore Parashar, Dr. Giriraj Parashar, Dr. Nikhil Parashar, and Dr. Rakesh Parashar spearheaded the initiative. Leveraging their deep knowledge of Ayurveda, they primarily treated attendees aged 60 and above, addressing common issues like frozen shoulder, knee pain, and joint stiffness. Following detailed consultations, the doctors advised regular therapeutic exercises to enhance mobility and prescribed medication when needed for effective long-term pain management.

Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Mrs. Sudha Gupta of OPG Foundation , said, “For many elderly individuals, chronic pain is a persistent challenge that affects their independence and quality of life. Through this initiative, we aimed to provide expert medical guidance and sustainable treatment solutions. The response reinforces the need for such healthcare programs, and we remain committed to making a difference.”

Speaking about the camp, Mr. Vikram Aggarwal, President, The Punjab Association, said, “Joint pain and mobility issues remain a pressing concern, particularly for senior citizens who often struggle to access specialized care. This camp connected them with experienced doctors who provided effective remedies and long-term relief strategies. We are grateful for the participation and look forward to more such initiatives.”

Through initiatives like these, the Foundation not only addresses immediate health concerns but also works towards building a healthier, more resilient society. By organizing specialized camps and community-driven programs, OPG Foundation continues to support individuals in need, ensuring they receive timely medical attention and expert guidance.

Habitat for Humanity India’s Charity Golf Tournament in Mumbai Aims to Build Better Futures

Mumbai, 13th March 2025: The 6th Habitat for Humanity Annual Charity Golf Tournament concluded successfully at the prestigious Willingdon Sports Club in Mumbai, bringing together India’s top corporate leaders, renowned sports personalities and golf enthusiasts to support Habitat for Humanity India’s mission of building secure and stable housing for marginalised families.

This year’s edition saw the participation of 86 golfers rallying for the cause, alongside some of India’s top sporting legends, including Mr. Shiv Kapur, a four-time Asian Tour-winning golfer and 2002 Arjuna Awardee; Mr. Murali Vijay, former Indian cricketer; Mr. Murali Kartik and Mr. S. Badrinath, former Indian cricketers turned commentators. They were joined by prominent corporate leaders such as Mr. Gopal Ramakrishnan (Managing Director, Goodrich Maritime), Mr. Hemang Dharamshi (Managing Director, Dharamshi Securities), Mr. Arjun Nohwar (Country General Manager, India and South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery), and Ms. Dierdre D’Cunha (Director – Teryair Equipment Pvt. Ltd.), all united in their commitment to driving social change.

Through the 6th Habitat Charity Golf Tournament, Habitat for Humanity India reaffirmed its mission of building homes, communities and hope. Held just ahead of International Women’s Day, it also highlighted the role of women in transforming communities through homeownership. Habitat for Humanity India continues to empower families, especially women-led households, by providing access to safe and stable housing.

Shiv Kapur shared his thoughts on the event, saying, “It is an honour to be part of the Habitat Charity Golf Tournament that goes beyond the game of golf and makes a real impact on people’s lives. Sport has the power to unite, inspire and drive positive change and the Habitat Charity Golf Tournament is a perfect example of that. Knowing that our participation today will help families build secure homes makes this event truly special. I applaud Habitat for Humanity India for their unwavering commitment to this cause and look forward to supporting their mission in the years to come.”

Expressing his gratitude to all participants, Mr. Anand Kumar Bolimera, National Director, Habitat for Humanity India, said, “The Habitat Charity Golf Tournament is more than just a sporting event. Over the past six years, it has grown into a symbol of hope, transforming the lives of more than 300 families across India. We are deeply grateful to the sports icons and corporate leaders who have joined hands with us to champion this cause. As the tournament took place ahead of International Women’s Day, it also reinforces our commitment to empowering women through housing, helping them create a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

He further added, “To date, Habitat for Humanity India has helped over 57,000 families build or improve a place they can call home. This year, we are rallying support to build homes for tribal families in Palghar, Maharashtra, furthering our commitment to the Government’s vision of ‘Housing for All.’ The 6th edition of Habitat Charity Golf has helped us move closer to our vision of building a world where everyone has a secure home.”

The 6th edition of the Habitat for Humanity Charity Golf Tournament was powered by Rustomjee and supported by Warner Bros. Discovery, Minosha India Limited, ValueQuest Investment Advisors Pvt. Ltd., Transformia Advisors LLP, Ramakrishnan Foundation, Chemical Process Piping Pvt. Limited; along with Out of Office by Cleartrip as the Travel Partner, Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai as the Hospitality Partner, StayVista and GolfTripz as the Holiday Partners, The Pant Project and Shankarlal Kamala Devi Singhee Foundation as the Apparel Partners, Fabcars as the Transportation Partner, Zaverchand Sports as the Equipment Partner and Axplore Holidays.

Human Skin Map Breakthrough: A Recipe for Skin Regeneration and Scarring Prevention

Newcastle University researchers, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and their collaborators utilized single-cell sequencing and other genomic techniques to develop an atlas and gain insights into the formation of human skin, including hair follicles.

These findings hold potential for applications in regenerative medicine, such as creating new hair follicles and improving skin transplant procedures for burn victims.

Published in in Nature, the study also involved creating a skin “mini organ” in a dish capable of growing hair. By using this organoid, the researchers demonstrated the significant role immune cells play in scar-free skin repair, paving the way for clinical advancements to prevent scarring after surgery or enable scarless healing following injuries.

‘Exciting strides’ being made

As part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, which aims to map all cell types in the human body to revolutionize the understanding of health and disease, researchers have provided a molecular “recipe” for constructing skin and developed a new organoid model to study congenital skin disorders.

The skin, the body’s largest organ, spans an average of two square meters. It serves as a protective barrier, regulates body temperature, and possesses self-regenerative capabilities. Skin develops in the sterile environment of the womb, with all hair follicles forming before birth. Although follicles undergo cycles after birth, no new ones are created. Remarkably, before birth, the skin can heal wounds without leaving scars.

Studying human skin development has been challenging due to key differences in animal models. Researchers within the Human Cell Atlas project are working to unravel how skin is constructed, including the spatial and temporal dynamics of cells and the influence of genetics. This understanding could shed light on how specific mutations lead to congenital skin conditions, such as blistering disorders and scaly skin.

Dr Hudaa Gopee, co-first author from Newcastle University, said: “We’re excited to have made a skin organoid model that grows hair. In this process, we uncovered a new, important role of immune cells in promoting the growth of blood vessels in developing skin tissue, which could help improve other organoid models. These immune cells, called macrophages, also appear to play a key part in scarless skin repair in prenatal skin. Our findings could inform clinical advances to avoid scarring after surgery.”

In this groundbreaking study, researchers from Newcastle University, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and their collaborators created the first single-cell and spatial atlas of human prenatal skin.

The team analyzed prenatal skin tissue samples by breaking them down to study individual cells in suspension and examining cells within their native tissue environment. They employed advanced single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to investigate cellular changes over time and space, focusing on the processes governing skin and hair follicle development. The study detailed the steps involved in human hair follicle formation and highlighted differences from mouse hair follicles.

Using adult stem cells, the researchers developed a skin “mini organ,” or organoid, capable of growing hair. They compared the molecular profiles of these organoids to prenatal and adult skin, finding that the organoid model closely resembled prenatal skin.

The study revealed that blood vessels in the organoid were underdeveloped compared to prenatal skin. By introducing immune cells known as macrophages into the organoid, the researchers found that these cells significantly enhanced blood vessel formation. The team used 3D imaging to examine this vascular development in detail.

While macrophages are known to defend the skin against infections, this research is the first to show their crucial role in early human skin development by supporting blood vessel growth. This discovery opens new possibilities for improving vascularization in other tissue organoids.

‘Amazing clinical potential’

This study provides a detailed molecular “recipe” for the formation of human skin and hair follicles. These findings could pave the way for regenerative medicine applications, including the creation of new hair follicles for skin transplants to treat burn victims or individuals with scarring alopecia.

The atlas of prenatal human skin developed in the study will help pinpoint the specific cells where genes linked to congenital hair and skin disorders, such as blistering and scaly skin conditions, are active or expressed. The researchers discovered that these disorder-associated genes are expressed in prenatal skin, indicating that their origins trace back to development in utero.

The skin organoids created in this research serve as a highly accurate model for studying these congenital diseases, offering new avenues for understanding and potentially treating such conditions.

Dr Elena Winheim, co-first author from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “With our prenatal human skin atlas, we’ve provided the first molecular ‘recipe’ for making human skin and uncovered how human hair follicles are formed before birth. These insights have amazing clinical potential and could be used in regenerative medicine, when offering skin and hair transplants, such as for burn victims or those with scarring alopecia.”

From Innocent Laughter to Rituals: Siddhi’s Beautiful Holi Stories and Traditions

Holi is more than just a festival of colors—it’s a celebration of love, positivity, and the triumph of good over evil. The vibrant hues, playful moments, and deep-rooted traditions make it a time of joy and togetherness. Sun Neo’s talented leading ladies, Siddhi Sharma who plays gulki in Ishq Jabariya share her fondest memories of this colorful festival.

Siddhi Sharma who plays Gulki in Sun Neo’s Ishq Jabariya says, “Holi has always been special for me because it’s not just about colors but also about faith and positivity. Holika Dahan reminds us that no matter how strong negativity seems, truth and goodness will always win in the end. During Holika Dahan, we would offer a coconut in the fire and eagerly wait for it to burn completely. Eating that coconut afterward had a unique joy of its own! Playing with colors with friends was so much fun. I used to wake up before my sister, have breakfast quickly, and rush out to play. It was always a fun competition between us to see who would wake up first and start celebrating”

Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo at 10:00 PM, is an engaging love story centred around Gulki, a determined young woman with big aspirations. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Dipshikkha Nagppal, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in key roles, bringing depth and emotion to this captivating narrative.

InfoVision Brings TM Forum Tour to Mumbai, Revolutionizing Telecom with AI Insights

Mumbai, March 12, 2025: AI is reshaping the telecom industry, unlocking new revenue streams, enhancing customer experiences, and driving network automation. As telecom providers navigate this shift, staying ahead requires a deep understanding of AI’s potential and practical strategies for adoption. InfoVision, a global leader in digital transformation and IT services, is at the forefront of this change, leading discussions at TM Forum Tour Mumbai as a sponsor. At this meet of industry leaders, InfoVision has designed a special interactive workshop on AI with industry luminaries.

Bringing together industry leaders from CSPs (Communication Services Providers) such as Jio Platforms, Airtel, Vodafone, PwC, Colt Technology Services, Accenture, Bain & Company, Lightstorm, Tata Communications, Sri Lanka Telecom, and more, TM Forum Tour Mumbai is a premier platform for telecom experts, strategists, and innovators to explore AI-driven growth and efficiency.

InfoVision’s exclusive workshop on ‘Monetizing Telecom AI: Balancing Data, Customer Experience, and Network Automation’ will equip telecom leaders with strategic insights into:

● Scaling Data & Insights using AI

● CX 2.0 & AI

● AI driven Network Automation & Optimization

● Monetizing Telecom Network Assets

The session will feature industry experts:

● Sampath Paranavitane, SVP & Head of Global Strategy, InfoVision

● Abhilash Vantaram, VP Technologies & Solutions, Head of Cloud & Data, Emerging Tech & Innovation, InfoVision

● Nilesh Mahajan, VP, Jio Platforms

● Vivek Gaur, VP, Engineering, Colt Technology Services.

“AI is redefining the telecom industry, and those who harness its potential timely will lead the future. TM Forum Mumbai is a must-attend for decision-makers looking to capitalize on AI’s impact,” said Sampath Paranavitane, VP & Head of Global Strategy, InfoVision.

Abhilash Vantaram, VP Technologies & Solutions, InfoVision, added, “With AI revolutionizing telecom, companies must rethink how they monetize data, optimize networks, and personalize customer interactions. This session will provide real-world strategies to drive tangible business impact.”

Worldline India Celebrates Fourth Consecutive Year as a Top Employer and Great Place to Work

Mumbai, 12 March 2025 – Worldline, a global leader in payment services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded with ‘Top Employer’ and ‘Great Place To Work’ certifications in India for the fourth consecutive year.

This recognition is based on the HR Best Practices Survey, which evaluates key areas such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Wellbeing, and more. Additionally, Worldline’s performance in the Great Place To Work rankings has consistently improved year after year.

Mr. Jose Raj, Senior Vice President and Head of HR India and APAC, Worldline said: “For the fourth time in a row, we’re getting the Top Employer and Great Place To Work certification – an amazing achievement. It is a testament to our processes, values, and culture that Worldliners feel that was a great place to work and continues to be one and will continue to be one. We’re highly focused on improving employee workplace satisfaction and fostering their development. We want to build a strong culture, a culture of excellence.”

The certification demonstrates Worldline’s steadfast commitment to maintaining high standards in HR practices and highlights its dedication to fostering a positive work environment. Being certified as a Top Employer showcases Worldline’s efforts to create a better workplace through employee-friendly HR policies and people-centric practices.

Chandak Group Honors Women’s Identity: Celebrating Names That Deserve Visibility and Recognition

Mumbai, 12th March 2025: This Women’s Day, Chandak Group went beyond conventional celebrations to honor the individuality and strength of women with a deeply personal and meaningful gesture. Recognizing that a name carries identity, history, and empowerment, the real estate brand launched a heartfelt campaign to celebrate the women who have made Chandak homes their own.

As part of this initiative, every woman homebuyer received a personalized memento—a beautifully engraved, sustainable keyholder featuring her name. More than just a keepsake, this thoughtful token symbolizes the recognition of her journey, her achievements, and her space in the home.

At the heart of the campaign is an emotionally resonant video that captures candid moments of women reflecting on what home, empowerment, and identity mean to them. Through authentic storytelling, the film showcases the joy of being truly seen and heard, the warmth of a home where women nurture and grow, and the significance of a simple yet profound gesture—acknowledging a woman’s name and presence in her own space.

Commenting on the initiative, a spokesperson from Chandak Group said:
“At Chandak Group, we believe that a home is more than just four walls—it is a reflection of one’s identity, dreams, and aspirations. This Women’s Day, we wanted to go beyond celebration and offer something truly meaningful—an acknowledgment of the women who make our homes complete. By engraving their names on a personalized keepsake, we hope to reinforce the message that every woman’s name, journey, and contribution deserve to be seen, heard, and cherished.”

The campaign’s key message, “Because every woman’s name deserves to be seen, heard, and cherished,” reinforces Chandak Group’s commitment to creating spaces where every individual, especially women, feels valued and empowered. The video and engagement efforts are amplified through the hashtags #HeartOfTheHome #ChandakGroup #WomenPower #Inspirational #WomensDay #CelebratingHer to drive conversations around identity, recognition, and homeownership.

With a warm and natural visual aesthetic, the campaign ensures an emotional connection with its audience, positioning Chandak Group as a real estate brand that goes beyond infrastructure—it builds homes that nurture aspirations and celebrate identities.

Jury Chairs and Co-Chairs Announced for Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025 by Kyoorius

Mumbai, 12th March 2025 – Kyoorius has announced the Chairs and Co-Chairs of the jury for the Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025. The Chairs and Co-Chairs exemplify creative excellence, and are armed with an impeccable reputation from not just their peers, but the industry itself.

“Achievements, merit, credibility and integrity are just some of the factors that help us curate our Chairs and Co-Chairs. These individuals have created breakthrough work, set new benchmarks, and know what it takes to push the industry forward. With their expertise, every entry will be judged with the insight, rigour, and respect it deserves” said Rajesh Kejriwal, Founder CEO of Kyoorius.

The role and responsibility of the Chairs and Co-Chairs will be to lead their respective juries by setting the tone and standards for the judging process, and ensuring that the jury adheres to the judging criteria. They will strive towards fairness in deliberations, and to reflect the essence of the Kyoorius Creative Awards: each work gets judged on its own merit.

The Chairs and Co-Chairs for the 2025 Kyoorius Creative Awards are:

Integrated, Commerce, Media, PR, B2B:

Chair: Prasoon Joshi, Chairperson, McCann Worldgroup

Co-Chair: Sandipan Bhattacharya, CCO – SA & Managing Director – India, Grey Worldwide India Pvt Ltd

Branded Content, Gaming, Direct, Experimental:

Chair: Paul Nagy, CCO – APAC, VML

Co-Chair: Jung A Kim, CCO, Innocean Worldwide

Digital + Social + Tech, Digital Craft:

Chair: Rajdeepak Das, CCO Publicis Groupe South Asia & Chairman, Leo, South Asia

Co-Chair: Binaifer Dulani, Creative & Founding Partner, Talented

Film, Broadcast

Chair: Kainaz Karmakar, CCO, Ogilvy India

Co-Chair: Swati Bhattacharya, Global Head, Godrej Creative Lab

Film Craft:

Chair: Ashish Khazanchi, Managing Partner & CCO, Enormous

Co-Chair: Rahul Mathew, CCO, DDB Mudra Group

Press, Outdoor, Radio + Audio, Regional, Industry Craft:

Chair: Surjo Dutt, CCO, Dentsu Creative India

Co-Chair: Mayur Hola, VP Brand, Swiggy

Health & Pharma:

Chair: Geet Rathi, Independent Creative Director & Design Director

Creativity for Good, ZEE Equality Award:

Chair: Anupama Ramaswamy, Jt MD & CCO, Havas Creative India

Co-Chair: Manish Bhatt, Founder Director, Scarecrow M&C Saatchi

The composition of each jury will be announced in the coming days. Judging for KCA 2025 begins on 24 April 2025, leading up to the awards night on 23 May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai.