12, Jun 2025
Celebrate the Spirit of Fatherhood at Raffles Udaipur
National, June 2025 – This Father’s Day, Raffles Udaipur invites guests to honour the profound bond of fatherhood with an afternoon of heartfelt celebration set against the tranquil backdrop of Udai Sagar Lake. On Saturday, 15th June 2025, families are welcomed to the island resort for a thoughtfully curated experience that blends culinary finesse, wellness rituals, and cherished family moments.
The celebration will take place at The Dining Room, where a set-menu brunch awaits, artfully crafted to reflect Raffles’ signature approach to dining—elegant, generous, and evocative of place. From 12:30 PM onwards, guests will experience an afternoon that speaks to the heart, honouring fathers through every detail.
This year’s gathering features a series of wellness-led activations, designed in harmony with Raffles’ philosophy of mindful living. Fathers can enjoy a scalp diagnosis and personalised haircare consultation, guided by trained experts and accompanied by tailored recommendations and a bespoke self-care card. Guests may also take part in Hand Yoga sessions, conducted hourly by certified trainers—20-minute workshops that encourage relaxation and holistic wellbeing.
A creative Kids’ Corner adds to the spirit of celebration, where young guests can design heartfelt cards for their fathers. These handcrafted notes will be presented in envelopes during brunch, becoming keepsakes of love and memory. Fathers will also receive thoughtful takeaway gifts, adding a personal and enduring touch to the experience.
Event Highlights:
Date: Saturday, 15th June 2025
Time: From 12:30 PM onwards
Venue: The Dining Room, Raffles Udaipur
Special Offer: Fathers dine complimentary when accompanied by family
“At Raffles Udaipur, we believe in creating experiences that resonate emotionally—where moments of joy, reflection, and connection come together seamlessly. This Father’s Day, we are pleased to offer a celebration that not only honours the bond of fatherhood but also nurtures the wellbeing of fathers through thoughtfully designed wellness touchpoints,” said Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur.
With its blend of culinary artistry, wellness, and warmth, Father’s Day at Raffles Udaipur promises an afternoon of elegance and connection—where the joy of being together becomes the most meaningful celebration of all.
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- By Neel Achary
11, Jun 2025
What the “Tutor in Your Pocket” Could Mean for Global Learners
The ability of large language models to quickly answer questions or explain complex concepts via a smartphone app, for example, has led some to refer to them as “a tutor in your pocket.”
That capability is running into another phenomenon: the widespread availability of inexpensive AI around the world. Together, these two technologies could transform global education, offering tailored learning experiences to students in remote and underserved regions and providing unprecedented access to quality educational resources.
“Education in underserved and remote regions has long been plagued by resource scarcity, whether it’s a shortage of qualified teachers, limited access to high-quality learning materials or a lack of personalized instruction,” said IEEE Member Saptarshi Ghosh. “While the internet has opened doors, it still falls short in addressing the unique needs of individual students. AI changes that.”
AI’s Potential to Fill a Persistent Gap
AI-powered learning systems are already available. Language apps that have incorporated generative AI can now offer interactive conversational practice that mimics real life.
Extending that capability to under-resourced schools, however, is still in its infancy. Pilot projects to address this challenge have shown promise.
One project detailed in IEEE Transactions on Education showed that an AI-powered tutor had an accuracy rate of about 88%. Another experiment found that students were often able to spot the mistakes large language models made when tutoring math. However, the researchers observed that students who already knew how to solve the problems correctly were much better at identifying those errors. This led them to urge caution about relying too heavily on generative AI as a teaching tool.
More Than the Transfer of Facts
The idea that generative AI and large language models could serve as a “tutor-in-your-pocket” does have some weaknesses. A big one: education is more than the transfer of facts. A student that masters a new mathematics technique by using generative AI doesn’t really learn how to apply it in the real world.
“Education consists of three key dimensions: value shaping, ability training and knowledge transfer,” said IEEE Graduate Student Member Siyuan Sun. “While AI can significantly improve fairness in knowledge delivery, it is insufficient in fostering values and abilities, which are more crucial for holistic education.”
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many experts hoped widespread internet connectivity and the availability of online learning would help students stay on track. In many parts of the world, though, the absence of in-person learning has been blamed for declining test scores. One question is whether a reliance on artificial intelligence would replicate that scenario.
“That’s the great challenge. If we compare this to generative artificial intelligence in education, there are some parallels, but also key differences,” said IEEE Member Gabriel Gomes de Oliveira. “The similarities include over-reliance on technology and declining critical thinking skills; the differences lie in artificial intelligence being a supplement, not a replacement, and the personalization of learning alongside teacher integration.”
11, Jun 2025
COWE with SIDBI support opens 20th Free ‘Aveksha’ Day Care Centre for Industrial Workers in Balanagar, Hyderabad
Hyderabad, June 11, 2025: The Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India (COWE) has launched its 20th Aveksha Day Care Centre, a free facility for the children of industrial workers and underprivileged families, at the Technocrat Industrial Estate in Balanagar, Hyderabad.
This is a project supported by SIDBI Foundation towards the operational cost of 20 centres.
The new centre, located within the premises of KRSSTJ Integrated Technologies, was formally inaugurated by Dr. G Babu Rao, International Director, Association of Lions Clubs International. The inaugural ceremony was graced by GR Surya Raj, Chairman, KN MIS Service Society; Mr. Vishweshwar Rao Japala, President, Technocrats Association; and COWE Founder Directors Ms. Uma Ghurka and Ms. Madhu Tyagi.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Babu Rao commended COWE’s commitment to empowering working women and announced a financial support of ₹60,000 per year for five years, both from himself and a fellow Lion, to cover the running expenses of the new centre.
Industrialist and senior Lion member J. Jaganmohan Reddy has generously offered the 500 sq. ft. space rent-free, foregoing ₹25,000 per month. Mr. Japala also pledged support for the day-to-day operational needs of the centre.
The Aveksha Day Care Centre will cater to 20 children, aged 6 months to 6 years, providing them with safe, nurturing care from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. The Balanagar Technocrat Industrial Estate, one of the city’s oldest, is home to over 250 industrial units employing more than 10,000 workers, many of whom are women with no access to quality childcare.
“While the rich can afford daycare and preschools, poor industrial workers have no such option. Aveksha bridges this gap—and it’s completely free,” said Ms. Uma Ghurka. .
Ms. Madhu Tyagi added that COWE has set up 9 centres in industrial colonies, 6 in urban bastis, and 4 at construction sites, making a tangible impact on nearly 450 first-time working mothers and providing direct employment to 50 women.
The centres are typically 800–1,000 sq. ft. in size, equipped to accommodate 20–30 children, and staffed by a caregiver, an Aayamma (helper), and a security guard. Regular training, audits, and vigilance ensure high standards of care and safety.
COWE, with 1800 women entrepreneurs across 12 states, has made Aveksha (meaning “care”) its Mother’s Day gift to working mothers—a mission to empower women through practical, on-ground support.
On the occasion new slates were donated to the kids. Ms Uma Ghurka has extended her gratitude to all IALA n Industries Associations, because of whose support many of these centres could be set.
11, Jun 2025
Hyatt Collaborates with Soha Ali Khan to Launch A Redefined Hyatt Dining Club
National, June 11, 2025: Reimagining the art of fine dining and elevated experiences, Hyatt, for the first time, has collaborated with acclaimed actor, author, and lifestyle influencer Soha Ali Khan to launch its redefined Hyatt Dining Club – an exclusive membership program designed to elevate guest experiences across its participating hotels in India. This exciting collaboration celebrates the art of culinary indulgence and memorable moments, perfectly aligning with Soha’s passion for refined, fine dining, and curated experiences that embody modern elegance and sophistication.
The new Hyatt Dining Club offers a world of exclusivity and privileges, offering members a blend of the finest dining and rejuvenating wellness privileges. The annual membership is available in three bespoke tiers— Platinum Gold and Silver , —each designed to provide unique and elevated experiences.
Members of the Hyatt Dining Club can enjoy a wide range of exclusive privileges at participating hotels in India; up to 30% off on food and beverages, unparalleled brunch experiences, and buy-one-get-one offers on select drinks. In addition, members can enjoy suite upgrades, spa discounts, and even savings on an annual gym membership. Whether it’s a casual coffee, a celebratory brunch, or a rejuvenating spa day, Hyatt Dining Club ensures every moment for our members is filled with delight, pride and a touch of something extra.
The collaboration with Soha Ali Khan adds a graceful narrative to this exclusive dining journey. Known for her effortless elegance and genuine love for meaningful experiences, Soha embodies the spirit of the Hyatt Dining Club where every meal is more than just cuisine; it’s a connection.
“At Hyatt, hospitality is about creating unforgettable moments and story-worthy experiences,” adds Lokesh Sabharwal, Regional Vice President – Operations, India and Southwest Asia, Hyatt. “Hyatt Dining Club is our way of showing appreciation to our valued guests, with a programme designed to enhance their way of experiencing Hyatt, from dining and stays to wellness and more”
Deepa Krishnan, Head of Marketing – India and Southwest Asia, Hyatt, said “Our collaboration with Soha adds a personal, heartfelt touch to this celebration of togetherness. With Hyatt Dining Club, guests can `Own the Privilege` of fantastic experiences in F&B, Stays and wellness. Our Marketing campaign is targeting connoisseurs of food and lifestyle and aims at driving preference for Hyatt Dining Club”
“Dining out, for me, has always been about more than what’s on the plate,” Soha shares. “It’s about the laughter, the conversations, and those small, unforgettable moments that turn into cherished memories. Hyatt Dining Club reflects all of that elegance, warmth, and the magic of togetherness.”
Membership is available for purchase online and redemptions across participating Hyatt hotels in India, offering a new standard of lifestyle and privileges to diners and travelers. With its refreshed program and collaboration with Soha Ali Khan, Hyatt Dining Club is poised to take the world of fine dining and elevated experiences to new heights.
Benefits available at participating outlets at Hyatt hotels in India and are subject to valid membership and to program terms and conditions. Learn more at Hyattdiningclub.com. Dining discount listed applies to dining groups of 5 or fewer.
The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
11, Jun 2025
Continental Tires Strengthens Commitment to India’s Passenger Vehicle Segment
Faridabad, June 11, 2025 – Continental Tires, one of the world’s leading premium tyre manufacturers, today announced a strategic investment to further strengthen its presence in India’s Passenger car and Light Truck (PLT) tyre segment. As part of its “in the market, for the market” approach, Continental plans to invest approximately INR ~100 crore (EUR 10.5 million) to enhance manufacturing capabilities in India and to expand its Passenger car and Light Truck Tyre product portfolio.
This expansion underscores Continental’s focus on producing tyres that are specially engineered for Indian consumer demands, with a strong emphasis on product performance and premium quality standards. With these initiatives, Continental Tires reaffirms its dedication to India’s mobility future, combining innovation, local manufacturing, and customer-centric solutions to drive sustainable growth.
“With our “in the market, for the market” approach, we’re aligning our portfolio to reflect the evolving lifestyle needs of Indian drivers, from daily commutes and long-distance travel to changing expectations around comfort, safety, and convenience,” said Samir Gupta, Managing Director of Continental Tires India.
Enhanced Product Offerings aligned with Market Trends
India is undergoing rapid infrastructure development, and consumer behavior is evolving just as quickly, especially with the surge in popularity of UVs, now one of the fastest-growing segments. Reflecting the same, the Indian passenger vehicle and UV market has experienced a significant shift in recent years in terms of consumer preference.
Continental Tires, with an increased focus on the PLT tire segment, sees strong growth potential in larger-inch and Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP) tires designed for SUVs, 4x4s, and sporty vehicles, aligning seamlessly with current market trends.
Continental will also expand its all-terrain product portfolio with the introduction of the CrossContact AT2 this year.
Committed to sustainable and long-term business growth, Continental aims to further strengthen its market position in India as the trusted premium tyre partner. The company is present with sales and distribution activities headquartered in Faridabad (Haryana), manufacturing operations for passenger and light truck tyres in Modipuram Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, a network of over 200 brand stores across India, and has recently opened an IT Hub in Bengaluru.
11, Jun 2025
Cyient Foundation and AICTE Sign MoU to Build Innovation Cluster in Visakhapatnam
Amaravati, India, June 11, 2025: Cyient Foundation, the CSR arm of Cyient Ltd., and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an innovation cluster in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The MoU was signed in the august presence of Hon’ble Minister for Human Resources Development, IT Electronics and Communication, Shri Nara Lokesh here today.
This landmark partnership is aimed at strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem by empowering educational institutions to become epicentres of innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property creation.
Under the MoU, the pilot program will focus on transforming higher education institutions in and around Visakhapatnam into vibrant hubs of innovation by fostering collaboration between academia, industry, startups, and investors. The initiative will deploy a structured ecosystem comprising iCARE (Innovation Creation and Research for Entrepreneurship) centres, iCAFE (Idea Creation and Auxiliary Facilities for Entrepreneurship) centres, and IPR-TT (Intellectual Property Rights and Technology Transfer) cells across mentor and mentee institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman of Cyient and Chief Patron, Cyient Foundation, said, “The partnership with AICTE is a significant step towards realizing India’s potential as a global innovation powerhouse. By nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and building institutional capacities, we are creating a self-sustaining model that empowers youth, encourages IP creation, and promotes meaningful collaboration between academia and industry.”
The collaboration will also include boot camps, innovation fairs, hackathons, and mentoring programs, all designed to equip students and faculty with the skills and resources necessary for real-world innovation and start-up development.
Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman, AICTE, added, “At AICTE, we are committed to building a robust and inclusive innovation culture across the country. This partnership with Cyient Foundation exemplifies the kind of industry-academia collaboration that can transform the way educational institutions contribute to India’s innovation economy. By strategically leveraging the collective strengths of educational institutions, industry, and the creative youth talent, these innovation clusters aim to generate a broad and lasting impact on regional innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The city innovation cluster in Visakhapatnam will serve as a model for future clusters across the nation.”
AICTE and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell implement a variety of national-level initiatives, such as organizing the Smart India Hackathon—the world’s largest open innovation model—and establishing Institution’s Innovation Councils (IICs) in more than 15,700 higher education institutions (HEIs) across India. These efforts are significantly reshaping the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within HEIs. In Andhra Pradesh alone, over 1,137 IICs have been established in both technical and non-technical institutions, actively driving campus innovation ecosystems. Cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, Kakinada, Nellore, and Anantapur have a high concentration of these institutions, giving them substantial potential to develop into city-level innovation clusters.
The MoU envisions a three-year roadmap, with Cyient Foundation providing CSR grant support and infrastructure for the initiative. This initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, emphasizing innovation-led growth and regional empowerment.
11, Jun 2025
Goa Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte meets Hon’ble Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
New Delhi, June 11, 2025:
In a significant move aimed at transforming Goa’s tourism landscape, Goa Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte met with Hon’ble Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to discuss strategic initiatives focused on developing a concert economy and enhancing iconic tourism infrastructure across the state.
The high-level meeting underscored the importance of aligning large-scale events with tourism timelines to maximize their economic and cultural impact on local communities. With Goa increasingly recognized as a global destination for music festivals, cultural gatherings, and experiential tourism, the push towards a structured concert economy is seen as a pivotal step in strengthening its tourism profile year-round.
“Grateful for the support and insights shared by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat,” said Shri Rohan A. Khaunte. “Our discussion was focused on ensuring that Goa’s tourism growth is both innovative and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure that complements the state’s unique identity.”
Key areas of focus included improving connectivity, upgrading hospitality infrastructure, and curating event calendars that integrate seamlessly with Goa’s tourism seasons. The conversation also touched upon collaborative efforts to position Goa as a model for sustainable tourism and cultural vibrancy.
With central support and strategic alignment, the Goa government aims to create a tourism ecosystem that not only attracts global visitors but also delivers tangible benefits to local communities and businesses.
11, Jun 2025
JARVIS by Staqu Technologies Helps Sylcon Retail Drive Smarter, Data-Led Store Operations
Kerala, India, 11th June 2025: Staqu Technologies, India’s leading AI-powered video analytics company, has announced the successful deployment of its flagship platform JARVIS at Sylcon, one of Kerala’s most recognized retail chains with a widespread network of Sylcon Shoes and Sylcon Hypermarkets. This collaboration marks a significant step in Sylcon’s digital transformation journey as it leverages artificial intelligence to drive smarter store operations, enhance customer experience, and unlock operational agility.
With the integration of JARVIS, Sylcon now receives daily footfall analytics across all its retail outlets, enabling managers to plan staffing, product placement, and promotional campaigns based on customer movement patterns. The platform also offers real-time conversion tracking—allowing the retailer to monitor performance at store, department, and even shelf-level, ensuring faster response times and data-informed decision-making.
“JARVIS has empowered us to extract valuable operational insights from our existing CCTV infrastructure,” Faizan Mohamad, Executive Director at Sylcon .“With real-time visibility into footfall trends and customer movement patterns, we are optimising staffing, product placements, and promotional campaigns more effectively. This AI-enabled intelligence is helping us deliver a sharper, more responsive in-store experience while improving operational efficiency.”
“Retailers like Sylcon are embracing JARVIS not just to monitor what’s happening in their stores—but to understand why it’s happening. The true power of AI lies in its ability to uncover hidden patterns, inform smarter decisions, and ultimately transform the way businesses think about efficiency and experience. With JARVIS, we’re enabling retail leaders to move from intuition to intelligence—seamlessly, and at scale,”
— Atul Rai, Co-Founder & CEO, Staqu Technologies
This partnership adds to Staqu’s growing roster of retail clients and underscores the versatility of JARVIS across sectors like retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and smart cities. Built to seamlessly integrate with existing CCTV networks, JARVIS provides a scalable, plug-and-play AI solution that turns video data into a strategic asset.
11, Jun 2025
Version 1 Appoints Roop Singh as Chief Executive Officer
“We are pleased to appoint Roop as Chief Executive Officer for Version 1,” said Brian Humphries, Chairman of the Board at Version 1. “Since he joined six months ago as Chief Commercial Officer, Roop has consistently demonstrated the strategic acumen, commercial expertise, customer centricity and leadership qualities that are essential to guide the organisation forward. He brings the energy, drive and values that reflect who we are and where we’re headed. The Board has great confidence in his ability to lead the company and build on our significant commercial momentum.”
Commenting on his new role, Roop said, “It is with pride and enthusiasm that I am stepping into the role of CEO at Version 1 at such a pivotal time. It’s an honour to lead a company with such a strong foundation, exceptional people and a deep commitment to delivering innovation and value to customers. We stand at the crossroads of innovation and opportunity, and I am committed to leading with integrity, passion and a steadfast focus on delivering the excellence and quality that our customers deserve.”
11, Jun 2025
Brand Campaign Pays Off! Panchayat Season 4 Now Streaming on June 24
Mumbai, India – In a thrilling turn of events, Prime Video India’s multi-award-winning web series Panchayat Season 4 will now premiere on June 24, ahead of its original release date of July 2. This decision comes as a result to the overwhelming fan love and support generated through a massive referendum social media campaign.
The campaign, which encouraged fans to demand an early release, featured election-style videos of the cast promising to bring Panchayat Season 4 to audiences sooner if they received enough “votes.” The initiative quickly gained momentum, with numerous top brands joining the conversation and amplifying the demand for an early release.
Brands such as AJIO, Burger King, Taco Bell, Rapido, Mc Cain, Pepper Fry, Go Ibibo, To Be Honest, Ixigo, True Elements, Abhi Bus India actively participated in the campaign. They shared engaging content, including cute, witty, funny, and outrageous punch lines, all aimed at bringing Panchayat Season 4 to fans sooner. The hashtag #PanchayatNow trended as fans and brands alike voiced their support for an early release. The brand integrations were executed by The Zoya Co.
The campaign’s success is a testament to the show’s popularity and the power of fan engagement. Panchayat has captured the hearts of audiences with its unique blend of humor, satire, and small-town charm, making it one of India’s most beloved web series.
The new season promises to deliver even more excitement, with the election face-off between Pradhanji and Bhushanji taking center stage. Fans can look forward to more heartwarming moments, drama, and humor as the story unfolds.
Get ready to dive back into the world of Phulera and experience the magic of Panchayat Season 4 on June 24!
