21, Jun 2025
ITC Maurya Celebrates International Yoga Day with a Soulful Morning of Movement and Mindfulness
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, ITC Maurya hosted a revitalising morning of wellness on 21st June 2025, bringing together guests for a serene Aqua yoga experience at the hotel’s tranquil poolside venue.
Nestled in the Capital’s exclusive Diplomatic Enclave, offering an enviable view of the green ridge, the experience offered a harmonious blend of moments and mindfulness adding to the sense of calm and rejuvenation.
With this year’s global theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” — encouraging a deeper connection with oneself, community, and planet, the event had the attendees including wellness enthusiasts social media figures and in-house guests.
The morning commenced with a grounding Aqua yoga, performed in the hotel’s serene pool, designed to awaken the senses. In synergy with the experience at Kaya Kalp blending timeless traditions with our expertise to leave you in a state of pure tranquility. Offering a blend of movement and stillness surrounded by natural elements and under gentle light, the experience fostered a sense of harmony between body, breath, and environment.
The session concluded with special breakfast creations by master chefs, highlighting seasonal, local, and nutrient-rich ingredients. From energising cold-pressed juices and antioxidant-packed smoothies to handcrafted granola bowls and traditional delicacies made with millets and healing spices—the menu was a celebration of nourishment rooted in sustainability.
Aligned with ITC Hotels ethos of Responsible Luxury, the celebration reflected a conscious approach to well-being- one that nurtures the self while remaining rooted in sustainable and mindful living. Rooted in traditional Indian philosophies of health, wellness and inner calm, Kaya Kalp – the Spa opens its doors to the world of Ayurvedic and holistic therapies designed to de-stress and detox while relaxing and rejuvenating every guest. ITC Maurya facilitates the pursuit of holistic well-being & fitness by offering a conducive sleep environment, healthy cuisine offerings, personalized fitness regimes, and exclusive amenities & facilities.
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- By Neel Achary
21, Jun 2025
Vishnu Manchu says Kannappa is his version of Lord Of The Rings in IMDb’s ‘Behind The Scenes’
Kannappa, the highly anticipated mythological drama, is set to release in cinemas later this month. Starring Mohanlal, Prabhas, Vishnu Manchu, Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal, amongst others, the film is directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh. Manchu recently appeared in IMDb’s original series ‘Behind The Scenes’ where he shared insights into what went behind writing the film and what audiences can look forward to.
Vishnu Manchu
Manchu said, “Kannappa is a true story which has happened in India. It’s a story about an atheist who becomes Lord Shiva’s greatest devotee. This is a journey of self realization and I kind of resonated with the script when I heard it, and here I am, after 10 years of working on the script, bringing it to the world to see.”
Sharing his inspiration behind making the film, Manchu revealed, “In 2014, there was a scriptwriter who wanted to make this movie, and approached me. For me, when he was narrating it to me, I was already making it larger than life, trying to make it big. Since then, my journey began and I started developing the script and making it large, working on the pre-production, doing the storyboarding and everything.”
On working with director Mukesh Kumar Singh, Manchu said, “Mr Mukesh comes with a lot of experience on filming one of India’s greatest epic, Mahabharat. That was a super success and he was the man behind it. When he came in, he gave a few nuances which were phenomenal. The character arcs which he helped the actors achieve was absolutely brilliant. The credit for the performance of the actors goes to him.” Manchu added, “A major part of the movie was when Kannappa was an atheist. I was stuck with how to approach it. While writing it, I wrote the character. But as an actor, when I was trying to bring it on screen, a day before the shoot, I went and told him, ‘I still haven’t figured it out’. He just kept quiet then, and after an hour, he came back and he said, ‘Imagine you’re a tiger. A lion, even if it hunts, it lays back, the lioness does the thing. But you never see a tiger let down its guard or yawning or falling down or acting like a lion’.”
Sharing how life has changed for him after making this film, Manchu mentioned, “While making the movie, and after making the movie, and being and dwelling in this movie, I am right now living in a lot of positivity. I believe this is all Lord Shiva’s magic and it’s all his leela, what we believe in.” Manchu further shared, “One of the biggest surprises in this movie is gonna be Mr.Mohanlal’s character. People who are well versed with our Indian epics, they’re gonna be blown away by Mr. Mohanlal’s character and the episode of his”
Mentioning the inspiration while preparing for the film, Manchu said, “I’m a huge fan of The Lord of The Rings and this is my version of it”
21, Jun 2025
Superfoods For Sperm And Egg Health: A Couple’s Guide To Fertility Nutrition
By-Dr Bani Kumar Mitra, Founder & Chief Consultant, Abha Surgy Centre
With fertility-related issues becoming a growing concern among urban couples, medical practitioners and nutritionists are placing renewed emphasis on the role of diet in reproductive health. Amidst a surge in awareness about holistic wellness, superfoods—natural foods dense in essential nutrients are being increasingly recognised for their ability to enhance reproductive potential in both men and women.
For women, fertility begins with healthy ovulation and hormone balance. Superfoods such as leafy greens, avocados and berries are rich in folic acid, a vital B-vitamin that supports cell division and ovum development. Nuts and seeds, particularly flaxseeds and walnuts, offer omega-3 fatty acids that help regulate hormones and improve uterine blood flow. Antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and pomegranates help fight oxidative stress, a known factor in declining egg quality with age.
Male fertility is equally influenced by diet. Zinc, found in pumpkin seeds and lentils, is essential for sperm production and testosterone levels. Selenium, abundant in nuts, boosts sperm motility. Vitamin C and E found in citrus fruits and almonds protect sperm from DNA damage. Tomatoes, high in lycopene, have been linked to improved sperm morphology and count.
Couples looking to conceive should focus on a whole-food, antioxidant-rich diet, avoiding excessive caffeine, trans fats and processed sugars, all of which are linked to hormonal imbalance and lowered fertility.
While superfoods alone may not offer a complete solution, their impact becomes significantly more effective when integrated with broader lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, stress management, and timely medical consultation. At a time when assisted reproductive technologies are witnessing a steady rise, returning to nature’s own resources may well serve as a foundational and nourishing first step in a couple’s path to parenthood.
21, Jun 2025
Vedanta Champions Indian Art and Culture with London Debut of ‘We The Women’
New Delhi, June 21, 2025: In a powerful celebration of voice, courage, and culture, We The Women – India’s premier women-led festival will make its landmark UK debut at the iconic Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios in London. Backed by Vedanta Founder & Chairman Anil Agarwal, this milestone edition highlights the group’s steadfast commitment to promoting Indian art & culture, talent, and inclusive storytelling on a global stage.
Curated by acclaimed journalist and author Barkha Dutt, We The Women has, over the years, become one of India’s most impactful cultural movements, spotlighting extraordinary individuals across cinema, public service, science, literature, and more. Following successful editions in Dubai and across India, the London chapter promises a compelling confluence of dialogue, performance, and inspiration.
Anil Agarwal’s vision to transform Riverside Studios into a thriving cultural hub for global Indian voices has now found new resonance through this festival. His long-standing commitment to nurturing talent and giving Indian art a world platform mirrors the essence of We The Women – a celebration of both heritage and progress.
This year’s London edition will feature an extraordinary lineup of speakers- former Union minister Smriti Irani, one of India’s most influential women in public life; to acclaimed filmmaker Karan Johar, the creative force behind some of India’s biggest cinematic hits and a trailblazer in mainstream storytelling; Shashi Tharoor, Indian politician, author, and former diplomat; megastar Kareena Kapoor Khan, an icon of Indian cinema known for redefining female stardom; and beloved actor Rashmika Mandanna, one of India’s fastest rising stars with pan-India appeal.
Cultural icons like Anoushka Shankar, Grammy-nominated sitar virtuoso and composer; Sudha Murthy, acclaimed author, philanthropist, and the first woman engineer at TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company; and Meera Syal, celebrated British Indian writer, comedian, and BAFTA-winning actor, will also bring their unique voices to the stage, bridging heritage, creativity, and empowerment.
The festival will also spotlight stories of grit and patriotism, such as the women officers behind India’s recent Operation Sindoor, and recognise Changemakers of 2025 – trailblazers from the British Indian community and beyond.
“At Vedanta, we believe that progress must be inclusive, and stories have the power to transform societies. By bringing ‘We The Women’ to Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios London, we’re building bridges between cultures and empowering voices that deserve to be heard across borders,” said Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta and a passionate advocate for inclusion and equity. She added, “We are committed to a future where every voice matters and every story inspires change, and we hope we can bring many such stories to Riverside”
Barkha Dutt, curator of the festival, added “This will be an amazing day of conversation, community, celebration and inspiration. We have an absolutely stellar line-up of speakers- the best line-up of its kind – and I am delighted to partner with Vedanta in bringing this day of glamour, gravitas and grassroots to London. We are so looking forward to celebrating women and the men who champion women for a day of fun, festivity and food”.
We The Women is not just a festival – it is a movement that unites generations, geographies, and genders. With Vedanta’s support and Anil Agarwal’s cultural vision, this edition marks a significant step in taking India’s stories to the world.
Vedanta supports a variety of ancient art forms and grassroot artists in India including Dhokra and Saura arts in Odisha, and Ajrak block printing in Rajasthan. In addition, it extends support to various cultural and literary festivals in India such as the Jaipur Literature Festival and the Udaipur World Music Festival.
Vedanta Limited is a global leader in critical minerals, energy and technology operating a diverse portfolio of world-class assets. It is the world’s largest integrated producer of zinc, the fourth-largest global producer of silver, amongst the world’s top aluminium producers, India’s only private oil and gas producer, and one of its largest private power producers. With an eye on the future, the company is strategically expanding its business portfolio by venturing into rare earths, other critical minerals, and renewable energy.
21, Jun 2025
Anil Agarwal highlights Silver as the New-Age Safe Haven and Catalyst for Innovation
In a recent social media post, Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta, emphasized the growing strategic and investment significance of silver in today’s dynamic global landscape. Drawing a comparison with traditional safe-haven assets, he wrote, “Historically, in times of uncertainty, we know that the US dollar and gold become safe havens for investors. Now, in a very unpredictable world, where the dollar is no longer totally safe and gold prices are at record highs, silver is emerging as an investor safe haven.”
With silver prices soaring to a 13-year high of $37 per ounce, the surge is being driven not only by investor demand but also by its expanding role across emerging technologies such as solar cells, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, aerospace, and more.
Mr. Agarwal also issued a clarion call to India’s young entrepreneurs and jewellery designers to explore the untapped potential of silver as a viable and fashionable alternative to gold. “Silver jewellery also has great potential to compete with gold. An opportunity for young designers and startups,” he noted.
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal has been a long-time advocate for reducing India’s silver import dependency and is committed to bolster the domestic value chain. Hindustan Zinc, Vedanta’s subsidiary, is among the top five global producers of silver, currently catering to nearly 10% of India’s silver demand. Looking ahead, Vedanta plans to double its silver output to 1,500 tonnes, supported by a bold and ambitious capacity doubling expansion plan.
21, Jun 2025
Peps Mattresses goes hyperlocal with quirky and relatable campaign
National, June 21th, 2025: Peps Industries, India’s leading spring mattress brand, has launched “Spring is King”, a multilingual TVC campaign that brings together authentic everyday humour and an emphatic storytelling to the science of great sleep that busts myths about mattresses. As part of the campaign, Peps has launched a series of 7 ads showcasing insightful everyday moments at home to educate consumers about the truths behind natural spring mattresses vs their current synthetic option.
The ads offer a memorable peek into how Peps Pocket Spring mattress, backed by unique Marvellous Middle Advantage, Zero Disturbance Technology, Individually adjusting, resilient Pocket Spring inner-transforms not just sleep but wellness.
In an age where sleep has become the ultimate luxury, Peps’ new campaign narrates catchy stories around the real hero of the bedroom: the mattress. The ads depict relatable everyday situations; The Peps couple who slept really well & now have to entertain their child who missed the school bus, the wife who wakes up when her well meaning husband accidentally wakes her up when he sits on the bed & the mattress disturbs her, and two friends joking around fake promises made by mattress companies. The humor, however, is not just for laughs, it gently nudges viewers to realise how mattress companies are fooling consumers with claims about new inventions.
The Peps campaign caters to various sleep-centric needs of consumers and positions Peps’ innovative range as the ultimate solution. From the mattress, which adjusts to the sleeping style and adapts to different body contours, to ensuring no more midnight nudges, discomfort, or sagging centers, each ad ends on a humorous and heartwarming note. It underlines the deeper message: the comfort of a great night’s sleep.
Mr. G. Shankar Ramm, CEO, Peps Industries, speaking about the campaign said, “At Peps, we believe sleep is deeply personal to every individual and undeniably one of the most crucial aspects of physical and mental wellness. Peps’ Spring mattresses are thoughtfully engineered for harmony, whether it’s couples, families, or pet lovers, catering to the diverse sleep needs of consumers across India. We have explored coir, foam, and everything in between, but I believe one thing firmly: for Indian sleepers, Spring is king. We are on a mission to “Bring Back Spring”.
In our new campaign, to speak awareness around mattress tech, we have blended the beauty of individual comfort with the joy of collective humor. We’ve used laughter to make science relatable for consumers, showcasing how our spring mattresses adapt to each sleeper’s unique needs, ensuring a restful night’s sleep for all”
The campaign was conceptualised by Brand Consultant Renuka Jaypal in collaboration with Southern Specialist Film Makers Arabbhi Atiya & Avinash.
Renuka Jaypal, Brand Director, said “PEPS was a South-first campaign, thought and written in Tamil and Malayalam. Later transcreated with heart. Real voices of Real people are not borrowed, not adapted. In a shouting mattress market, we softly sang a lullaby. Only a brand that truly understands sleep can own that. With Chinmayi’s voice, PEPS became the sound of real sleep”
21, Jun 2025
The spirit of ‘Me to We’ is the very soul of India: Prime Minister
Ghaziabad/NCR June 21, 2025: On the occasion of International Yoga Day 2025, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in collaboration with Yashoda Medicity and with the support of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, organised a grand yoga session under the banner “Yoga Sangam” at Yashoda Medicity, Indirapuram.
The session commenced with the live broadcast of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address and yoga session, which was joined by millions from across the globe. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, “After 11 years, we are witnessing people doing yoga even in space. Be it the steps of the Opera House or the heights of Mount Everest, one message echoes everywhere: yoga is for all and belongs to all. Yoga transcends boundaries, age, and ability.”
He further added, “This spirit of public participation is the foundation of a developed India. When citizens take ownership of a movement, set their own goals, no force can stop them from achieving success. The will and effort of the people are visible everywhere.
The idea of ‘Me to We’ is the soul of India. When an individual rises above self-interest to think of society, that is when the welfare of humanity becomes possible. Indian culture teaches us ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’. This journey from ‘me to We’ is the essence of service, dedication, and co-existence. Such a mindset promotes social harmony.”
At Yashoda Medicity, around 500 participants attentively followed the Prime Minister’s lead, performing asanas and breathing exercises together. This was followed by a Common Yoga Protocol session conducted by certified trainers.
Aligned with this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event witnessed large-scale participation at Yashoda Medicity. Citizens turned out in impressive numbers for the early morning session, demonstrating their commitment to health and conscious living. Among the dignitaries present at the event were Prof. R.M. Acharya, from Swami Vivekananda Yoga University, and Shri. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Former Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises of India, who graced the occasion with their presence.
Dr. Upasana Arora, Managing Director of Yashoda Group of Hospitals, said, “Yoga is a powerful way to support mental well-being. It helps reduce stress and brings a sense of calm and balance. It was heartening to see so many participants, from our doctors and staff to residents from nearby societies, and passionate yoga enthusiasts, come together at Yashoda Medicity for this meaningful session. The collective energy and intent with which everyone participated truly reflected how deeply people value preventive care and mindful living.”
Mr. Jaison Chacko, Secretary General, FHRAI, added,“It was an honour to be part of Yoga Sangam 2025. Yoga today is a symbol of India’s cultural leadership and commitment to global wellness. We are grateful to the Ministry of Ayush for making this event possible. The enthusiastic response from Ghaziabad reflects the growing public awareness around health, harmony, and sustainability.”
21, Jun 2025
Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty Deliver Stanford Commencement Speech
Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak delivered the Stanford Graduate School of Business Commencement Speech to mark the centennial year of the GSB. The couple, who met at Stanford, reflected on what they had learnt from each other and their experiences over the last twenty years. Their speech—titled Data, Dreams and Dharma—explained how their commitment to the concept of Dharma had brought them together and guided their actions in life.
The segment below captures their thoughts on Dharma, a principle that has shaped both their personal and professional lives.
Rishi Sunak:
The third lesson is what we’ve learned together about the importance of worrying far less about the outcome. It’s a concept known in Sanskrit as Dharma – the idea that we should gain fulfilment from simply doing our personal duty…rather than from the rewards that may come with our efforts.
Akshata Murty:
Rishi and I started talking about this, without knowing it, right at the very beginning, as we were just getting to know each other, when we’d meet up in Arbuckle café for breakfast and discuss what the future might hold. That and whether 11am was too early for a slab of Cold Stone icecream. Turns out it’s never too early for Rishi by the way. The concept of Dharma has been an ongoing conversation and our guiding principle ever since.
Successes and failures are part of the package that comes with leadership and it doesn’t matter who you are, in business or in politics, you will feel that on a deeply personal level, not least because the criticism can be relentless, noisy and distracting.
Rishi Sunak:
Obviously, you don’t walk through the door at number 10 without understanding this. But I am so grateful that Akshata and I shared a commitment to Dharma, especially at the hardest moments. It got us through together.
In the summer of 2023, I failed in my bid to be leader of the Conservative Party and PM. It was a real blow but the flip side of that disappointment was that I got to spend time with my family after a gruelling few years. It felt good focusing on being a Member of Parliament, a husband and a dad: our girls were thrilled they got to go to TGI Fridays more often; the dog was thrilled to go for more walks; and even Akshata was thrilled, I think, to have her running partner back, this time with considerably better gear.
Six weeks later, my predecessor resigned. There had been a run on the pound, inflation was at a 40-year high, and the opposition party had a 36-point poll lead that would require a monumental turnaround, even at the best of times.
Now all politicians, if they’re being truly honest, are a mixture of ambition and duty. A purely ambitious politician would at this point have sat out the impossible situation. That weekend, Akshata and I were in different places so could only speak on the phone in snatched moments. But she reminded me that my dharma was clear: it was my duty to do the job because I felt I could help my country in a very difficult situation, and two days later, I became Prime Minister. It was a battlefield promotion at a time of crisis and one I’ll always be proud of.
Akshata Murty:
So, here’s the lesson: Dharma isn’t just relevant in public service…it means that you’ll have the resilience and clarity you need to overcome whatever’s thrown at you, without losing your way or being submerged by ego. It’s not only a fulfilling way to live your life; it will enable you to do more than you ever thought possible.
21, Jun 2025
Noida International University Hosts Teachers Meet in Prayagraj
21 June 2025 –Noida International University (NIU) successfully organized a grand event in Prayagraj, bringing together leading personalities in education, school administrators, and educators from across the region to discuss the evolving landscape of teaching and learning in India. The event, held at the KGF Hotel, the event served as a platform for interaction, inspiration, and insight into the future of education, leadership, and innovation.
The event was graced by Shri Akhilesh Kumar, Head, COE, CBSE Board, Prayagraj, who served the event with his auspicious presence as the Chief Guest. He said, “The nation can be empowered if the educators are valued. The importance of empowering teachers through skill development, full-fledged training, and embracing the vision of the New Education Policy. I appreciate educators for their tireless role in nation-building and for encouraging schools to promote innovative, student-centric learning environments.”
The event was graced with the guests of honor Dr. Piyush Prasad, Regional Director, NIOS Board, Prayagraj, and Mr. Anshuman Deo Gupta, State Vice President, Private Schools Association. They shared insights on the significance of open schooling systems and how NIOS is working towards flexible, inclusive, and accessible education for learners across India. They highlighted the vital role of private schools in enhancing the quality of education and stressed the need for collective efforts between private and public sectors to build a more equitable education system.
All dignitaries were felicitated for their unwavering contribution to the academic ecosystem, and the event concluded on a hopeful note, with a collective commitment to advancing the quality of education in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
21, Jun 2025
Joint Replacement Surgeries: What Age is Too Early or Too Late
By Dr. Achal Saradava, Sr. Orthopedic Surgeon,HCG Hospitals, Rajkot
Does age play a significant role in Joint Replacement Surgery, or Arthroplasty? The answer would be “No”. What truly matters is the quality of life people will be living irrespective of age. If your joint pain is affecting the quality of your life, you should visit a doctor for proper evaluation.
So, let us now understand the basics about a joint replacement and its relation with age.
Understanding the Basics
When a joint is damaged, or injured due to arthritis, or any physical mishap, it can be replaced with an artificial implant and this surgical procedure is called Joint replacement. This procedure is most commonly performed for the hip or knee joints. It’s typically advised when there is chronic and debilitating pain, affecting mobility and other treatments—such as medication, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes didn’t work.
Is There a “Right” Age?
There’s no one-size-fits-all age when it comes to joint replacement, every joint pain case becomes unique in itself.
Young patients, under 50 or even younger often delay joint replacement surgery. They worry about how long the implant will last, since their bones are still maturing and implants may wear out over time. The thought of needing another surgery later can be a major concern.
And, for older patients with 70+ age worry about recovery, surgical risks, or whether they’ve “missed the window”, given the reality of increased susceptibility to infection and decreased capability to heal.
Many in their 40s or 50s, with severe joint pain, avoid the symptoms and prefer home remedies. They fear that getting a replacement now might entail a second surgery later. But the fact is artificial joints tend to remain viable for 15 to 25 years, or more.
People should understand that persisting pain in joint can significantly limit their regular activities. Delaying for a surgery can further degrade the chronic pain both physically and psychologically leading to muscle loss, worsening deformity, and affecting mental health equally.
Today’s developments have transformed implants more durable than before, and advances in surgical technique make potential revision surgeries manageable.
Is Joint Replacement is not an option for over 70s?
Seniors may consider themselves too old for surgery and also think it as a financial constraints. But this can be an option for those who are physically active, mentally sharp, and otherwise healthy.
For older adults, doctors look at the whole picture—not just age. They consider both physical health and how the body is aging. For example, a healthy and active 78-year-old with good heart and lung function may recover better from joint surgery than a 60-year-old with several uncontrolled health problems.
Before the procedure begins, a careful preoperative assessment is essential. This assessment is done by collaborating with cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, and physiotherapists to ensure that the procedure is safe and that recovery prognosis is satisfactory
When Timing Is Everything
Timing matters, but symptoms, including persistent joint pain that doesn’t improve with medications, limited range of motion affecting daily tasks, difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of bed, sleep disturbances due to pain, or dependence on others for basic mobility, demand the consideration of surgical options. Early intervention often leads to better recovery and improved joint function. Delaying too long can lead to more complicated surgery, poorer outcomes, or irreversible muscle wasting.
Advancements in Joint Replacement
With developing technologies the Joint replacement in today’s era has become highly advanced. With minimally invasive techniques, computer navigation, and custom-fit implants that improves precision and reduces recovery time.
Rehabilitation protocols have become more streamlined, and many patients begin walking the same day, or the next. With proper planning and motivation, age is now, rarely a limiting factor.
The “right” time for joint replacement should be determined by how much your pain is affecting your life, not by the age.
Whether you’re 45 or 80, the goal is the same, you still have options to cure the joint pain. Consulting an orthopaedic specialist and getting an evaluation is essential. The right time for surgery might just be now.
