26, Dec 2024
ICAAICON 2024 Kicks Off at Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute
The 58th four-day annual conference of Allergy Asthma Applied Immunology, ICAAICON 2024, will be organized from December 19 to 22, 2024, under the chairmanship of Dr. Raj Kumar, Professor and Director of the Institute, at Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, Delhi University. Many eminent speakers of national and international repute will deliver lectures on various areas of allergy, asthma and immunology. Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute is a unique postgraduate medical institute dedicated to research, teaching and patient care in the field of chest diseases. The institute is ideally located in the heart of the main campus of Delhi University, providing the requisite academic environment. The institute meets the national need to provide relief to the large number of patients in the community suffering from chest diseases. It has discharged its role very well and has earned a special place in the field of chest medicine.
The 58th ICAAICON Conference comprises four days of scientific activities including workshops, symposia, panel discussions, didactic lectures and research papers (oral/poster). Workshop on latest developments in the f,ield of allergy, asthma and immunology, hands-on experience with renowned experts from India and abroad.
Many eminent speakers of national and international repute will deliver lectures on various areas of allergy, asthma and immunology. The main focus of this conference will be on the recent advances in allergy and asthma, as the incidence of both the diseases is increasing across the world and also in India.
Giving more information on this, Professor Dr. Raj Kumar, Chairman of this program and Director of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, said that the 58th annual conference ICAAICON 2024 will be celebrated at the Pental Memorial Golden Jubilee Auditorium of the Institute. There will be a total of 19 seminars, 88 lectures on various aspects of allergy and pulmonary disease. Apart from this, there will be three panel discussions on food allergy, drug allergy and immunotherapy, three discussions on in-vitro vs in-vivo allergy testing, SCIT vs SLIT and mono vs poly allergen immunotherapy, case discussions on diagnosis of allergy and immunotherapy Indian Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Respiratory Allergy, Indian Guidelines for the Practice of Allergen Immunotherapy in India and three guidelines including the Indian Guidelines on Nebulization Therapy. There will be two DMC lectures on ethical issues/unethical acts/professional misconducts and various award sessions like V. Raju Award (10 papers), UCB-ICAAI Award (6 papers), M. Sundaramma Young Scientist Award (5 papers), Oral Free Paper (36 papers) and 13 Poster Presentations comprising a total of 70 papers. There will also be an exhibition of 20-25 companies in which information about the latest technology and machines will also be given.
There will be two DMC lectures on Ethical Issues / Unethical Acts / Professional Misconducts. Different award sessions like V. Raju Award (10 Papers), UCBICAAI Award (6 Papers), M. SUNDARAMMA YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARD (5 Papers), Oral Free Papers (36 Papers) and 13 Poster Presentation making a total of 70 paper presentations. There will be exhibition with participation from 20-25 companies. Dr. Raj Kumar, Director V.P. Chest Institute will be honored with the Life Time Achievement Award by the Indian College of Allergy Asthma and Immunotherapy for his services rendered in the field of allergy, asthma and immunology.
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26, Dec 2024
Paw Petisserie Launches Its First-Ever Pet Café in Gurgaon
Gurgaon, December 26, 2024: Paw Petisserie is thrilled to announce the opening of its very first café in the heart of Gurgaon, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for pets and their parents alike. Unlike typical pet-friendly cafés, Paw Petisserie raises the bar with an elaborate menu crafted to delight both furry customers and their human companions.
The newly launched café serves a diverse array of options for everyone. For pets, the menu boasts gluten-free delights, while humans can enjoy dishes. From eggs to sandwiches, small plates to hearty large plates, every item on the human menu has a pet-friendly counterpart. Now, you and your pet can share the joy of dining together in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
To make this festive season even more special, Paw Petisserie is rolling out exclusive Christmas-themed food options and bakery treats. These will be available on December 25th, promising a holiday experience filled with joy, love, and delicious indulgence for you and your beloved pets.
“We’ve created a space where pets and their parents can bond over great food, comfort, and an unparalleled sense of community,” said Yashika Arora founder of Paw Petisserie. “This café is all about celebrating the special relationship between humans and their pets, and we can’t wait to welcome you all.”
26, Dec 2024
Magniflex India Spreads Holiday Joy Through A Heartwarming Christmas Collection Drive
Bengaluru, 26th December, 2024: Magniflex India (Made in Italy), Europe’s no. 1 mattress brand, organised MagnifleXmas, a special annual Christmas collection drive, across its franchise outlets in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, and a prominent social club in Bangalore. This heartwarming initiative invited people to donate toys,
sweaters, and stationery for underprivileged children, fostering the spirit of giving during the festive season. Christmas bags were placed at various locations, creating a cheerful collection point for contributions. Through this initiative Magniflex India brought communities together to spread joy and comfort this holiday season.
Communities across the country rallied in overwhelming support for the initiative. Notably, members of the Bangalore Club displayed great generosity by donating a large number of gifts to the campaign. These sincere gifts were distributed at Makkala Jagriti, a Bengaluru-based NGO dedicated to nurturing the joy and creativity of underprivileged children. Mr. Anand Nichani, Managing Director of Magniflex India, personally presented the Christmas gifts, creating a heartfelt moment for the children. The event continued with a delightful tea and snacks, fostering meaningful connections and making the celebration truly memorable.
Reflecting on the initiative, Mr. Anand Nichani said, “The MagnifleXmas drive is a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes from giving. As we celebrate our third year of this initiative, I am truly inspired by the growing support from our community, which has resulted in an increasing number of gifts collected each year. Each gift, accompanied by a heartfelt message of love and hope, embodies the true essence of Christmas. This festive season is about creating opportunities for meaningful connections, and I am grateful to lead an initiative that continues to make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most.”
MagnifleXmas drive not only showcased the power of collective goodwill but also reinforced Magniflex India’s commitment to creating meaningful change through community engagement. By bringing smiles to children and fostering a sense of togetherness, this initiative truly captured the spirit of the festive season.
26, Dec 2024
Unocoin Celebrates 11 Years of Driving Cryptocurrency Innovation in India
New Delhi, India: December 26, 2024: Unocoin, India’s first cryptocurrency exchange platform, is proud to announce its 11th year anniversary, marking more than a decade of innovation, perseverance, and dedication to financial emancipation in India. Unocoin was founded in 2013 by Sathvik Vishwanath and Sunny Ray, and it has grown from a visionary notion to a cornerstone of India’s cryptocurrency ecosystem, pioneering developments that have altered the country’s digital finances.
The Unocoin story began as a blog created by Sunny Ray, a Canadian-born visionary captivated by Bitcoin’s potential to redefine finance. During a community forum in Bangalore, Sunny met Sathvik Vishwanath, a tech-savvy entrepreneur who expressed his vision for digital currency. Together, they took Unocoin from a passion project to India’s first cryptocurrency exchange, creating the groundwork for a robust crypto industry.
Unocoin has pioneered various initiatives that contributed to India’s cryptocurrency industry. The platform offered Indians with their first secure and user-friendly cryptocurrency exchange, allowing them to safely purchase, sell, and store digital assets. Its Bitcoin wallet services have become a popular tool for cryptocurrency aficionados, allowing for easy handling of digital money. Unocoin has bridged the gap between digital assets and the real economy by incorporating cryptocurrencies into merchant payment systems, opening up new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
Reflecting on this milestone, Mr. Sathvik Vishwanath, Co-founder and CEO of Unocoin, said:
“It has been an incredible journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Over the past 11 years, Unocoin has not only led the cryptocurrency revolution in India but has also remained steadfast in its mission to bring financial freedom to millions of Indians. We thank our users, partners, and supporters for being an integral part of our story.”
Unocoin’s 11th anniversary is a celebration of its accomplishments and a commitment to its aim of advancing financial inclusion in India. With thanks to its users, partners, and sponsors, Unocoin is ready to lead the next chapter in India’s digital finance evolution.
26, Dec 2024
4 Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer Young Adults Should Know
By-Dr Nikhil Mehta, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Jaipur
Colon cancer, traditionally considered a condition affecting older adults, has been increasingly diagnosed in younger individuals. According to the American Cancer Society, cases among adults under 50 have been steadily rising, making it critical for younger demographics to recognize early symptoms. Detecting colon cancer early can significantly improve outcomes. Here are four key warning signs every young adult should be aware of:
1. Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits
Unusual changes in bowel movements, such as chronic diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two, can be early indicators of colon cancer. Pay attention if these changes persist for more than a few weeks or if stools appear narrower than usual. Such changes may suggest a blockage or growth in the colon.
2. Blood in Stool or Rectal Bleeding
Noticing blood in the stool, whether bright red or darker in color, is a red flag that should never be ignored. While conditions like hemorrhoids can also cause rectal bleeding, persistent blood in stool warrants immediate medical evaluation. This symptom can signal tumors in the colon or rectum.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexpected weight loss without any changes to diet or exercise routines could be an early sign of colon cancer. As the cancer progresses, it may impact the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, leading to significant weight loss. This symptom often accompanies a loss of appetite or fatigue.
4. Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Frequent abdominal cramping, bloating, or a feeling of fullness even after eating small meals may indicate colon cancer. These symptoms could result from blockages or inflammation caused by tumors in the digestive tract.
What Should You Do?
If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than two weeks, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Early screenings, such as colonoscopies or stool-based tests, can help detect precancerous polyps or cancer in its early stages.
How to Reduce Your Risk
• Adopt a Healthy Diet: Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables while limiting red and processed meats.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
• Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Both are linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
• Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of colon cancer, consider starting screenings earlier.
Treatment Options
Treatment often depends on the stage of the disease and individual factors like overall health. Some common treatment approaches include:
1. Surgery
• Polypectomy or Local Excision: If detected early, small, localized tumors or polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy.
• Colectomy: For more advanced cases, a portion of the colon may be removed, and the healthy parts are reconnected.
• Colostomy: In cases where reconnection isn’t possible, an opening (stoma) is created for waste elimination.
2. Radiation Therapy – Often used for rectal cancer or advanced colon cancer, radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
3. Chemotherapy – Involves drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It is typically recommended after surgery if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or beyond.
4. Targeted Therapy – Drugs like monoclonal antibodies or small molecules are designed to target specific proteins or genes involved in cancer growth. These therapies are effective in advanced or metastatic cases.
5. Immunotherapy – Utilises the body’s immune system to identify and attack cancer cells, often in cases with specific genetic markers, such as mismatch repair deficiency.
Colon cancer in young adults is a growing concern, but early awareness and proactive steps can make all the difference. By staying vigilant and prioritizing your health, you can reduce your risk and detect potential issues early.
26, Dec 2024
Year Ending Quotes 2024 by Experts – F&B Sector
By-Vikesh Shah, Founder, 99 Pancakes
“Reflecting on this year, I couldn’t be prouder of the growth and evolution we’ve experienced as a company. We set ambitious goals, many of which we surpassed, while others have provided us with invaluable lessons. Our team’s relentless dedication to pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges has made this year one of our most transformative yet. As we enter the New Year, our commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence remains stronger than ever. The journey is only just beginning, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
By-Simranjeet Singh, Director, CYK Hospitalities
2024 witnessed a shift towards concept-driven dining, where unique themes and curated experiences became the core of F&B success. At CYK Hospitalities, we specialized in crafting bespoke concepts that resonated with evolving consumer preferences, blending innovation with authenticity. This year highlighted how a strong concept can turn a restaurant into a destination
By-Nidhi Singh, Co-founder, Samosa Singh – Quote as an F&B Industry Thought Leader
The food and beverage sector in 2024 has been a year of innovation and growth, as the industry embraced digital transformation and a return to roots with authentic yet healthier offerings. While we anticipated a focus on sustainability and consumer-centric solutions, the surge in global interest for Indian cuisine reaffirmed the timeless appeal of our culinary heritage. It’s an exciting time for the industry, with tradition and innovation coalescing like never before.
By-Shikhar Veer Singh, Co-founder, Samosa Singh, Quote as the Founder of Samosa Singh:
2024 has been a defining year for Samosa Singh. We revamped our manufacturing capabilities, scaling production capacity by 5x to meet growing demand. Entering Global markets and continuing our expansion across fueled with growth and customer love are some of the significant milestones that underscore our mission to bring India’s beloved snacks to a global stage. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust of our customers. As we gear up for 2025, we are excited to build on this momentum and continue to innovate in the food industry.
26, Dec 2024
Riccaro Corduso Launches Its Brand Campaign Rise Above Shot in Ladakh with International Cast
Mumbai, 26th December 2024: Riccaro Corduso, the newly launched uber luxury fashion brand, proudly unveils “Rise Above”, a bold and evocative campaign, shot in the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. Featuring a stellar cast of four international models the brand film, supported by a power-packed still shoot and e-comm stills encapsulates the brand’s ethos of resilience, innovation, and timeless elegance, the massive Digital campaign has been launched across Riccaro Corduso’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
The Company has planned a comprehensive digital campaign spanning the next six months, backed by a multi-crore investment since its inception. The campaign reflects the brand’s ethos of resilience, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. The digital campaign spans platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, supported by a visually stunning brand film, e-commerce stills, and a comprehensive influencer initiative.
Shot over 12 days by the acclaimed Director-DOP duo Jomin Verghese and Winston Jose under the banner – EBC Originals, the campaign tells a story of strength, unity, and elegance, blending Riccaro Corduso’s commitment to inclusivity with its vision of redefining luxury. The still shoot captures the essence of the brand being silently powerful.
The campaign also features a full-fledged influencer program involving nationally and internationally recognized artists who champion avant-garde haute couture and luxury lifestyles. This approach strengthens the brand’s presence across global markets, reflecting its ambition to position itself as a leader in the ultra-premium fashion space.
The “Rise Above” campaign is more than just a comprehensive digital campaign, it encapsulates The Riccaro Corduso ethos and the founder’s vision of taking an exotic fabric like Cashmere, to the world. It embodies the indomitable human spirit, the drive to push boundaries, and the pursuit of excellence. The film narrative showcases strength, grace, and unity, blending Riccaro Corduso’s values of bringing exotic fabrics to life, weaving in authenticity and craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities.
Adnan Sayed, Visionary Founder of Riccaro Corduso, stated, “‘Rise Above’ is not just a campaign—it’s a philosophy that captures the essence of timeless elegance and the indomitable human spirit. Through this initiative, we bring our vision of luxury with authenticity and purpose to the global stage. We have ambitious plans for “Rise Above” and are committed to maximizing its reach through a comprehensive promotional campaign that ensures its impact resonates with audiences worldwide.”
Faizan Goud, Strategic Founder, added, “This campaign represents India’s potential to set global benchmarks in luxury fashion. By showcasing our craftsmanship and design sensibilities, we aim to make Riccaro Corduso synonymous with understated elegance and innovation worldwide. As part of this vision, we plan to expand Riccaro Corduso’s presence beyond India and introduce our clothing line to international markets. This global expansion will be supported by an extensive promotional stratergy, targeting both domestic and international markets to ensure that our campaign resonates globally.”
The campaign was conceptualized and written by Arindam Roy, a seasoned Creative Director with over 15 years’ experience in advertising and media industry. Reflecting on the project, Arindam shared, “This campaign is deeply personal. ‘Rise Above’ is an attempt to create a silent movement, it represents the fusion of my experience, creativity, and a moment of introspection – in not letting materialistic things control you or your ego. So, I decided to let go of things that have been controlling me. And boy, that felt so liberating. Here’s a thought I want to leave you with – attempt to RISE ABOVE your own story. It is quiet powerful!”
Adnan, Faizan, and Arindam have spent over six months meticulously planning this campaign, paralleling the launch of their first Autumn Winter/24 collection. Their dedication reflects in the film’s grandeur and storytelling. The campaign introduces Riccaro Corduso’s philosophy, calling its customers to invest not just in clothing, but in a lifestyle of understated elegance and timeless value.
The campaign coincides with the launch of Riccaro Corduso’s inaugural Autumn Winter/24 collection, featuring luxury menswear such as T-shirts, shirts, and jackets. Available via the brand’s e-store, plans are underway to introduce exclusive experiential stores, further enhancing the customer journey.
Riccaro Corduso is inviting connoisseurs to “INVEST IN RICCARO CORDUSO”. The collection is a rare asset, to be cherished now and forever. And when the need comes, one can pass it on to their most valuable kin. Because even he knows, Riccaro Corduso is something whose value will never depreciate, but will only RISE ABOVE with time.
26, Dec 2024
Ishq Jabariya Actor Lakshay Khurana Shares His Excitement for Christmas: It’s all about spending quality time with friends
As the festive season approaches, everyone gears up to spread joy and happiness, and our very own Lakshay Khurana, who plays the beloved character Aditya in Sun Neo’s popular show Ishq Jabariya, is no exception. Known for his charming on-screen presence, Lakshay also believes in cherishing the little moments of life off-screen, especially during festivals like Christmas.
For Lakshay, Christmas is not just a festival but an opportunity to pause, celebrate, and reconnect with his closest friends. Sharing his excitement, Lakshay says, “Christmas for me is all about spending quality time with friends and creating beautiful memories. Every year, we all gather at one of our friend’s homes, where we celebrate together, enjoy some good food, dance, and just have a great time. This year, I’m looking forward to the same – laughing, enjoying each other’s company, and making this Christmas one to remember!”
“Ishq Jabariya,” airing on Sun Neo at 7:30 PM, is a compelling love story that follows Gulki, a driven young woman with ambitious dreams. The show features a talented cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana, who bring depth and emotion to this engaging narrative, making it a must-watch for audiences.
24, Dec 2024
SPIT & Alumni Association Hosts 1999 Batch’s 25-Year Reunion Celebration
Bengaluru 24th Dec 2024 : Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT), one of Mumbai’s premier engineering institutions, hosted its Annual Alumni Reunion on December 21, 2024, at the SP Jain Auditorium, Bhavan’s Campus, Andheri West. This special event marked the 25th anniversary of the 1999 graduating cohort, celebrating their professional milestones and welcoming about 300 alumni, including leaders from the technology and business sectors.
Alumni of the 1999 batch, Sameer Nigam, CEO and founder of PhonePe, and Rahul Chari, CTO and founder of PhonePe, announced a $1M grant at the event. The grant will enhance infrastructure, foster innovation, and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students, empowering them to develop cutting-edge solutions and drive impactful ventures.
They were both awarded the distinguished alumni award for their exemplary contributions to business and society. PhonePe has revolutionized India’s digital payments ecosystem with their seamless, user-centric platform. Their visionary leadership has made PhonePe a trusted name, driving financial inclusion for millions across the country.
Speaking at the reunion Rahul Chari, Co-Founder and CTO PhonePe said, “As I reflect on my time at SPIT, being part of the first graduating batch of Computer Engineering holds a special place in my heart. It was here that my co-founder Sameer and I truly began our entrepreneurial journey with the office for our first venture located within the institute itself. The strong fundamentals I built at SPIT and the invaluable lessons from the exceptional faculty and the peers I studied alongside have been instrumental in shaping my ability to build PhonePe. I hope other alumni will also contribute in their way to help build SPIT into a truly great institute that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators and leaders.”
The event honored alumni for their outstanding achievements with the SP-Changemakers Awards. These included:
● Outstanding alumni – Saurabh Netravalkar
Cricketer-turned-software engineer, he excelled in India’s U-19 team before moving to the U.S. in 2015, where he earned ODI status for the U.S. and led a historic win against Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Balancing cricket with his role at Oracle, he has become a key figure in U.S. cricket’s rise.
● Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Vikrant Potnis
Vikrant Potnis, founder of FundEnable, has trained over 2,000 startup founders and 500 angel investors, transforming India’s fundraising ecosystem through innovative programs like VC Bootcamps and Angel School. Honored with the Times Business Award.
● Leadership & influence – Swagat Bhandari
IAS officer with 14 years of experience, including as MD of Kerala Water Authority and District Collector Kasaragod, led transformative projects worth ₹50,000+ crore and key COVID-19 initiatives. A 2023 Chevening Gurukul Fellow at Oxford, she has driven impactful reforms in water management, tribal welfare, and industrial policy.
This landmark reunion celebrated the achievements of SPIT’s vibrant alumni community, fostered opportunities for collaboration and networking, and honored the pioneering legacy of the institute in shaping leaders across industries.
The Principal of Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, Dr. B.N. Chaudhari, concluded the event with these words:
“Sardar Patel Institute of Technology stands by the mantra, ‘Students First, Alumni Always,’ as we strive to become Maharashtra’s top engineering institute by 2030. While one in ten achieves success and one in a hundred achieves greatness, only one in a million becomes a donor. We are deeply grateful to Rahul Chari and Sameer Nigam for their $1M grant, a transformative step that will catalyze the growth of our college and students.”
24, Dec 2024
SIP Academy for inauguration of Miyawaki Forest Project
Bangalore 24- December 2024: SIP Academy inaugurated their 3rd Miyawaki forest in Bangalore University, Karnataka on 23rd December, 2024.
The Chief Guest for the function Prof. S.T. Girisha, Coordinator-Bio Park Department, Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore University. Mr Dinesh Victor, Managing Director – SIP Academy, presided over the function. The function was attended by Mr.Sibi, Director – SIP Abacus, Mr. Narendra, State head – Karnataka, Mr. Selvakumar, Director – Lovely Offset Printers , along with other dignitaries.
Around 3000 plants and around 80 different native species were planted by 50 SIP Abacus and Globalart students, along with their parents, franchisees and teachers. Plantation area – 9500 sq.ft.
Speaking at the function, Mr Dinesh Victor said that SIP Academy’s vision is to significantly impact the mental potential of children, so that they are equipped with skills to achieve their dreams and to contribute positively to the future of the nation. He mentioned that it is equally important to instil in students, the sense of responsibility towards nature.
SIP Academy recognises that climate change and environment conservation are key issues the students will grow up to experience – and therefore SIP Academy has chosen to involve in contributing positively with efforts that combat climate change. The Miyawaki technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, helps to create dense forests with native trees in a self-sustaining manner thus helps to lower carbon emission, provide clean air, improve soil quality & water table and increase local biodiversity.
This is the 3rd Miyawaki forest launched by SIP Academy, the first was in the Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu on 11th June 2023 and the second in Jalgaon, Maharashtra on 11th July 2024. He expressed hope that those present at the event are inspired to do their bit towards preserving nature for the future generations.
