Tata Memorial Centre Launches ‘MenCan’ Initiative to Address Rising Burden of Male Cancers in India

Mumbai, 24 April 2025 : In a significant step towards advancing cancer care for men in India, the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) has officially launched MenCan, a dedicated initiative by the Urologic Oncology Disease Management Group (URO DMG). This nonprofit, non-commercial initiative is focused on addressing prostate, penile, and testicular cancers—three types of male cancers that are seeing a rising incidence across the country.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Vedang Murthy, Professor of Radiation Oncology at TMC, said, “The MenCan initiative represents a vital step in raising awareness and enhancing care for male cancers. Our goal is to promote early detection and provide patients with the tools they need to make informed decisions.”

As per the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) 2022, India is projected to witness approximately 41,736 new cases of prostate cancer by 2025, with a growing burden also observed in testicular and penile cancers—estimated at 4,640 and 11,264 new cases respectively. Alarmingly, India also has the highest incidence of penile cancer globally. These cancers, though often under-discussed, have a profound impact on men’s health and quality of life. Prostate cancer, typically affecting men aged 50–64, is increasingly detected at an advanced stage in India, with nearly 40–50% of cases being metastatic at diagnosis. In contrast, testicular cancer, which generally affects younger men, has a high survival rate if detected early. Penile cancer remains a major concern in the Indian context, especially in urban areas with a high age-adjusted incidence rate.

At TMC, the rising trend is clearly evident, with new prostate cancer diagnoses increasing from 700 cases in 2021 to 900 in 2023. The hospital also treats approximately 150 cases of penile cancer and 250 testicular cancer cases each year. Given the lack of awareness and reluctance among men to seek timely medical help, MenCan aims to fill a critical gap in public education, prevention, support, and research.

The MenCan initiative is structured around several key focus areas: awareness and education, prevention and early detection, patient support and advocacy, survivorship and rehabilitation, and research and development. In recent months, MenCan has undertaken numerous impactful efforts including survivorship meetings for penile and testicular cancer patients, the launch of MenCan Care—a virtual support group for patients and caregivers, and the development of a confidential helpline (8451009760) offering emotional and informational support. Furthermore, MenCan has introduced India’s first patient campus navigation app to assist those visiting the ACTREC campus and is building a social media presence to extend outreach.

To ensure sustainability and scale, MenCan is working towards expanding its services across all Tata Memorial Centres in India. The initiative has also received strong endorsement through the association of singer and public figure Mr. Shaan, who lends visibility to the cause and supports its message of hope.

Operating under the guidance of senior leadership at TMC—including Dr. Sudeep Gupta (Director, TMC), Dr. CS Pramesh (Director, TMH), Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi (Director, ACTREC), Dr. Shripad Banavali (Director, Academics, TMC), and Dr. Navin Khattry (Deputy Director, ACTREC)—the core team driving MenCan includes Dr. Amit Joshi (Professor – Medical Oncology), Dr. Gagan Prakash (Professor – Surgical Oncology), Dr. Santosh Menon (Professor – Pathology), Dr. Vedang Murthy (Professor – Radiation Oncology), Mr. MSR Murthy (Project Manager), and Mrs. Shraddha Bonkar Dethe (Uro DMG Coordinator).

Calling for collective action, Dr. Murthy added, “MenCan is more than a program — it’s a movement toward a healthier future for Indian men. We invite everyone to join us in spreading awareness and supporting this mission.”

For more information, visit www.mencan.in or reach out via email at mencan@tmc.gov.in. Follow MenCan on social media @tatamencan (X and Instagram) for updates.

 

Contact for Donations and Events:
Mr. MSR Murthy – tatamencan@gmail.com | +91 99205 38660

 

Contact for Scientific or Disease-Related Queries:
Dr. Gagan Prakash / Dr. Amit Joshi – urooncodmgtmh@gmail.com

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Together, let us build a Resilient, Revolutionary and Steel-Strong India: PM

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered his remarks during the India Steel 2025 programme at Mumbai, via video message today. Addressing the gathering, he said that over the next two days, discussions will focus on the potential and opportunities of India's sunrise sector—the steel industry. He remarked that this sector forms the foundation of India's progress, strengthens the base of a developed India, and is scripting a new chapter of transformation in the country. The Prime Minister welcomed everyone to India Steel 2025 and expressed confidence that the event will serve as a launchpad for sharing new ideas, forging new partnerships, and promoting innovation. He emphasized that this event will lay the groundwork for a new chapter in the steel sector.

“Steel has played a pivotal role in modern economies, akin to a skeleton”, emphasised Shri Modi, remarking that whether it is skyscrapers, shipping, highways, high-speed rail, smart cities, or industrial corridors, steel is the strength behind every success story. “India is striving to achieve the goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, with the steel sector playing a significant role in this mission”, he added, expressing pride in India being the world's second-largest steel producer. He noted that under the National Steel Policy, India has set a target of producing 300 million tons of steel by 2030. He remarked that the current per capita steel consumption in India is approximately 98 kilograms and is expected to rise to 160 kilograms by 2030. Shri Modi emphasized that this increasing steel consumption serves as a golden standard for the country's infrastructure and economy, adding that it is also a benchmark for the nation's direction, as well as the government's efficiency and effectiveness.

Underlining that the steel industry is brimming with renewed confidence about its future due to the foundation of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the Prime Minister remarked that this initiative integrates various utility services and logistics modes. He emphasized that mine areas and steel units are being mapped for improved multi-modal connectivity. He noted that new projects are being introduced to upgrade critical infrastructure in eastern India, where most of the steel sector is concentrated. He further highlighted that the $1.3 trillion National Infrastructure Pipeline is being advanced. He remarked that large-scale efforts to transform cities into smart cities, along with unprecedented pace in the development of roads, railways, airports, ports, and pipelines, are creating fresh opportunities for the steel sector. The Prime Minister pointed out that crores of houses are being constructed under the PM Awas Yojana, and significant infrastructure is being built in villages through the Jal Jeevan Mission. He remarked that welfare initiatives like these are also providing new strength to the steel industry. He highlighted the government’s decision to use only ‘Made in India’ steel in government projects and noted that government-driven initiatives account for the highest consumption of steel in building construction and infrastructure.

Underscoring that steel is a primary component driving the growth of multiple sectors, Shri Modi remarked that government policies for the steel industry are playing a crucial role in making many other industries in India globally competitive. He highlighted that sectors such as manufacturing, construction, machinery, and automotive are gaining strength from the Indian steel industry. He mentioned that the government has introduced the National Manufacturing Mission in this year’s Budget to accelerate the 'Make in India' initiative. The mission caters to small, medium, and large industries and will open new opportunities for the steel sector, he added.

Noting that India was long dependent on imports for high-grade steel, which was critical for defense and strategic sectors, the Prime Minister expressed pride in the fact that the steel used in India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier was produced domestically. He also noted that Indian steel contributed to the success of the historic Chandrayaan mission, symbolizing India’s capability and confidence. The Prime Minister remarked that this transformation was made possible through initiatives such as the PLI scheme, which has allocated thousands of crores to support the production of high-grade steel. He emphasized that this is just the beginning and that there is a long road ahead. He pointed out the growing demand for high-grade steel due to mega-projects being initiated across the country. He mentioned that in this year’s Budget, shipbuilding has been classified as infrastructure, adding “India aims to manufacture modern and large ships domestically and export them to other countries”. The Prime Minister highlighted the rising demand for pipeline-grade steel and corrosion-resistant alloys in India. He remarked that the country’s rail infrastructure is expanding at an unprecedented pace. He stressed the need for a goal of “zero imports” and a focus on net exports. “India is currently working towards a target of exporting 25 million tons of steel and aims to increase production capacity to 500 million tons by 2047”, he noted emphasizing the importance of preparing the steel sector for new processes, grades, and scales, urging the industry to expand and upgrade with a future-ready mindset. The Prime Minister underlined the vast employment generation potential of the steel industry’s growth. He called upon both the private and public sectors to develop, nurture, and share new ideas. He emphasized collaboration in manufacturing, R&D, and technology upgrades to create more job opportunities for the country’s youth.

Shri Modi acknowledged that the steel industry faces certain challenges that need resolution for further growth, highlighting that raw material security remains a significant concern, with India still dependent on imports for nickel, coking coal, and manganese. He emphasized the need to strengthen global partnerships, secure supply chains, and focus on technology upgrades. He underlined the importance of moving swiftly towards energy-efficient, low-emission, and digitally advanced technologies. “The future of the steel industry will be shaped by AI, automation, recycling, and by-product utilization”, he remarked, stressing the need to enhance efforts in these areas through innovation. He expressed optimism that collaboration between global partners and Indian companies will help address these challenges more effectively and at a faster pace.

The Prime Minister remarked on the significant impact of coal imports, particularly coking coal, on both costs and the economy. He emphasized the importance of exploring alternatives to reduce this dependence. He highlighted the availability of technologies such as the DRI route and stressed efforts to promote them further. Pointing out that coal gasification can be effectively utilized to make better use of the country’s coal resources and decrease reliance on imports, he urged all stakeholders in the steel industry to actively participate in this endeavor and take the necessary steps to move forward in this direction.

Underlining the importance of addressing the issue of unused greenfield mines, Shri Modi noted that significant mining reforms have been introduced in the last decade, making iron ore availability easier. He stressed that it is now time to utilize the allotted mines effectively to ensure optimal use of the country’s resources. Cautioning that delays in this process would adversely impact the industry, Shri Modi urged for the acceleration of greenfield mining efforts to overcome this challenge.

The Prime Minister emphasized that India is no longer focused solely on domestic growth but is preparing for global leadership. He remarked that the world now views India as a trusted supplier of high-quality steel. He reiterated the importance of maintaining world-class standards in steel production and continually upgrading capabilities. He emphasized that improving logistics, developing multi-modal transport networks, and reducing costs will help India become a Global Steel Hub. The Prime Minister highlighted that India Steel provides a platform to expand capabilities and turn ideas into actionable solutions. He concluded by  expressing best wishes to all participants and called for collective efforts to build a resilient, revolutionary, and steel-strong India.

Spine-Chiller Khauf Takes Over Prime Video; trends on #1

With the release of Prime Video's horror series Khauf, fear and horror have just become real. With its terrifying and engaging storyline, along with outstanding performances by the cast, the show is winning the hearts of audiences. It has elevated the level of horror and proven to be a success, currently trending at #1 on Prime Video.

With a suspenseful narrative, goosebumps-inducing background score, spine-chilling horror, and a talented cast, Khauf is capturing the masses. Its top trending position speaks volumes about the love it's receiving from viewers. The show has arrived as a game-changer in the horror genre, redefining fear to an all-new, groundbreaking level for Indian OTT.

The 8 episodic series follows a story of a girl named Madhu, who moves to Delhi in hopes of leaving her past behind and starting afresh. However, her future holds far more suspense and horror than she could ever imagine. The narrative takes an unusual turn when Madhu ends up in an isolated hostel and begins to encounter a series of mysterious events that warn her to leave.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIyiCO4gQlp/?igsh=OWQ0amswdHNhcXA5

Featuring a powerful cast that includes Monika Panwar, Rajat Kapoor, Abhishek Chauhan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, and Shilpa Shukla, Khauf is steadily carving its place in the hearts of audiences. Released on 18 April 2025, Khauf is now streaming only on Prime Video.

Hansal Mehta curates IMDb lists honouring cinema’s finest — With Rajkummar Rao, Pratik Gandhi & Manoj Bajpayee among standouts

Celebrated filmmaker Hansal Mehta, known for his masterful storytelling in Scam 1992, Shahid, and Aligarh, has curated two exclusive IMDb lists featuring his all-time favourite male and female actors—an homage to the artists who have shaped his cinematic world.

Speaking about his selections, Mehta says of the male actors, he says “A personal curation of India’s most unforgettable male performers—artists who leave behind echoes long after the final fade out.” Featured among the 34 names are a mix of legends and contemporary forces, including Rajkummar Rao, Pratik Gandhi, and Manoj Bajpayee—all of whom have shared powerful collaborations with the filmmaker. Other names on the male actors list include - Aamir Khan, Adarsh Gourav, Amitabh Bachchan, Amol Palekar, Anant Nag, Balraj Sahni, Dilip Kumar, Fahadh Faasil, and Gagandev Riar.

For the female actors, Mehta writes, “Icons, rebels, muses—these women have often defined and redefined the Indian cinema experience for me. A list written in admiration, and sometimes, awe.” His top 10 female picks include a blend of timeless performers and modern icons - Alia Bhatt, Amruta Subhash, Deepika Padukone, Dimple Kapadia, Kareena Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Madhuri Dixit, Manju Warrier, Nargis, and Nimisha Sajayan.

The lists reflect Hansal Mehta’s deep appreciation for layered performances, artistic courage, and storytelling that endures across eras.

१५० वर्षे नाबाद : बॉम्बे वायएमसीएची समाजसेवा आणि क्रीडाक्षेत्रातील समृद्ध परंपरा!

- एनसीपीए येथे २५ एप्रिलला होणाऱ्या कार्यक्रमाला राज्यपाल सी. पी. राधाकृष्णन आणि वायएमसीएच्या जागतिक अध्यक्षा सोहेला हायेक यांची प्रमुख उपस्थिती

मुंबई : बॉम्बे वायएमसीए (यंग मेन्स ख्रिश्चन असोसिएशन) ही नामांकित संस्था समुदायाचे सशक्तीकरण, जीवनाचे रुपांतरण तसेच सेवा, क्रीडा आणि सामाजिक बदल या क्षेत्रांमध्ये १८७५पासून निरंतर कार्यरत आहे. या संस्थेचा शतकोत्तर सुवर्णमहोत्सवी वर्षपूर्ती होत आहे. दीडशेव्या वर्धापन दिनाचा हा ऐतिहासिक कार्यक्रम शुक्रवार, दिनांक २५ एप्रिल, २०२५ या दिवशी जमशेद भाभा थिएटर, एनसीपीए, नरिमन पॉइंट, मुंबई येथे साजरा करण्यात येणार आहे. या कार्यक्रमाला महाराष्ट्र राज्याचे राज्यपाल सी. पी. राधाकृष्णन हे प्रमुख पाहुणे आणि वायएमसीएच्या जागतिक अध्यक्षा सोहेला हायेक हे सन्माननीय अतिथी म्हणून म्हणून उपस्थित राहणार आहेत. याशिवाय जागतिक वायएमसीए मोहिमेतील अनेक नामवंत, राष्ट्रीय स्तरावरील नावाजलेल्या व्यक्ती, भागधारक आणि शुभेच्छुक या कार्यक्रमाला हजेरी लावतील, अशी माहिती बॉम्बे वायएमसीएचे अध्यक्ष नोएल अमन्ना यांनी दिली.

‘‘मुंबईसारख्या धकाधकीच्या शहरात सामाजिक भान बाळगून दीडशे वर्षे अथक सेवा करण्याचे कार्य बॉम्बे वायएमसीएने केले आहे. क्रीडा क्षेत्रातील पाठबळ आणि युवकांच्या वसतिगृहांची मुहूर्तमेढ रोवण्यापासून ते सर्वसमावेशक जागा, निवारे आणि शैक्षणिक उपक्रम उभारण्यापर्यंतचे संस्मरणीय कार्य संस्था करीत आली आहे. केवळ कसोटीच्या कालखंडातच नव्हे, तर पिढ्यान्पिढ्या मुंबईकरांच्या जडणघडणीतही संस्थाने मोलाची भूमिका बजावली आहे,’’ असे बॉम्बे वायएमसीएचे सरचिटणीस ऑलिन कोटियन यांनी सांगितले.

बॉम्बे वायएमसीएची स्थापना २५ एप्रिल, १८७५ या दिवशी धोबी तलावच्या फ्रामजी कावसजी हॉलमध्ये झाली. आधुनिकतेच्या उंबरठ्यावरील वसाहती शहरातील तरुणांच्या आध्यात्मिक आणि लौकीक गरजा पूर्ण करणे हा संस्थेचा प्राथमिक उद्देश होता. नियमित प्रार्थना करणाऱ्या १८८ जणांच्या समूहाने ही संस्था सुरू केली. यात २० भारतीयांचा समावेश होता. अगदी प्रारंभीच्या दिवसांतही सर्वसमावेशकता आणि श्रद्धेच्या मूल्यांचे प्रतिबिंब संस्थेच्या कार्यात दिसून येत होते. भारतीय बास्केटबॉलच्या वाटचालीत वायएमसीएचा सिंहाचा वाटा आहे, हे सर्वश्रुत आहे. वायएमसीएचे मार्गदर्शक जेम्स नॅस्मिथ यांनी अमेरिकेत या खेळाचा शोध लावला. मुंबईत त्यावेळी संघटनेने ही क्रीडात्मक मशाल सदैव धगधगत ठेवली. कालांतराने फुटबॉल, टेबल टेनिस, जिम्नॅस्टिक्स आणि नंतरच्या काळात जलतरण आणि बिलियर्ड्स या क्रीडा प्रकारांकडेही विशेष लक्ष पुरवले.

बॉम्बे वायएमसीएने १९१४मध्ये आपला शारीरिक शिक्षण विभाग सुरू केला आणि १९२४च्या पॅरिस ऑलिम्पिकमध्ये भारताचा पहिला ऑलिम्पिक चमू धाडण्याच्या मोहिमेत महत्त्वाचे योगदान दिले. वायएमसीएने पहिले वसतिगृह (हॉस्टेल) १८९०मध्ये सुरू केले. युवा नोकरदार पुरुषांसाठी परवडणाऱ्या किंमतीत सुरक्षित निवासव्यवस्था पुरवण्यात आली. आजमितीला वायएमसीएच्या साखळीतील वसतिगृहे ही शहरातील विद्यार्थी, व्यावसायिक आणि उदयोन्मुखांसाठी आश्रयस्थाने आहेत. १९७२मध्ये बॉम्बे वायएमसीएच्या मुख्यालयाचे अपोला बंदर येथून वायएमसीए इंटरनॅशनल हाऊस, मुंबई सेंट्रल येथे स्थलांतर झाले. या प्रशस्त जागेत निवास व्यवस्था, प्रशिक्षक केंद्र आणि समुदायाचे कार्यक्रम करण्याची क्षमता होती. त्यानंतर ‘शरण’ हा नवा उपक्रम वायएमसीएने राबवला. मुंबई महानगरपालिकेच्या साहाय्याने अंधेरीमधील साकीनाका परिसरात ३२ खाटांची तात्पुरती निवास व्यवस्था उभी केली. शहरातील विकासकार्याच्या पलीकडे लोणावळानजीक कान्हे येथे एक प्रेरणादायी ग्रामीण उपक्रमसुद्धा संस्थेकडून राबवला जात आहे. हे व्यावसायिक प्रशिक्षण केंद्र आसपासच्या गावांमधील तरुण आणि महिलांसाठी जीवनरेखा बनले आहे. 

"बॉम्बे वायएमसीएची दीडशे वर्षांची वाटचाल ही प्रार्थना, श्रद्धेची ताकद, समर्पण, सेवा आणि समुदाय यांची साक्षीदार आहे. १८७५ साली स्थापन झाल्यापासून आजपर्यंत आम्ही युवकांचा सर्वांगीण विकास, कुटुंबांचे सशक्तीकरण, सामाजिक परिवर्तन घडविणे आणि अधिक समावेशक व समताधारित समाज निर्माण करण्यासाठी कटिबद्ध आहोत. या ऐतिहासिक टप्प्याचा उत्सव साजरा करताना, आम्ही आमच्या ध्येयाशी नव्याने बांधिलकी व्यक्त करतो. समर्थ व्यक्तिमत्व, समर्थ कुटुंबे आणि समर्थ समुदाय घडविण्यासाठी आम्ही कार्यरत आहोत. हे वर्ष केवळ आमच्या भूतकाळाचा उत्सव नसून वर्तमानातील बांधिलकी आणि भविष्याची आश्वासक प्रतिज्ञा आहे." असे बॉम्बे वायएमसीएचे अध्यक्ष नोएल अमन्ना यांनी सांगितले.

‘‘आमचे उपक्रम बौद्धिक, शारीरिक आणि आध्यात्मिक विकासासाह क्रीडा, शिक्षण, आपत्ती निवारण तसेच समुदाय कल्याण यावर आधारित असतात. आमच्या सामुदायिक प्रकल्पांमध्ये बालवाडी, रात्र अभ्यास केंद्र, मुलांसाठी आणि महिलांसाठी निवारा, शिष्यवृत्ती आणि कुटुंब सेवांचा समावेश आहे. व्यक्ती, समुदाय आणि समाजाचे जीवनमान उंचावणे हाच त्याचा प्रमुख उद्देश आहे,’’ अशी माहिती बॉम्बे वायएमसीएचे सरचिटणीस ऑलिन कोटियन यांनी दिली.

‘‘स्वयंसेवककेंद्रीत आणि मूल्याधारित ही संस्था ‘टू गॉड अलोन’ म्हणजेच ‘फक्त देवासाठी’ या विचारप्रणालीशी बांधिल आहे. क्रीडात्मक विकासासाठी पाठबळ आणि वसतिगृह निवास व्यवस्था उपलब्ध करण्यापासून ते शिक्षण, बालवाडी, मुलांसाठी निवारा आणि महिला सक्षमीकरणाला पाठिंबा देण्यापर्यंत आमच्या योगदानाने सर्व धर्म, वर्ग आणि पिढ्यांमधील जीवनांना बळ दिले आहे,’’ असे बॉम्बे वायएमसीएचे उपाध्यक्ष मायकेल मॅन्युअल राज यांनी मांडले आहे.

१५० वर्षांचा हा सेवाव्रताचा टप्पा गाठताना, बॉम्बे वायएमसीए अजूनही दीपस्तंभाप्रमाणे कार्यरत आहे. व्यक्ती आणि समाजाला सशक्त करून, त्यांना यशस्वी होण्यासाठी आणि भावी पिढ्यांसाठी कायमस्वरूपी प्रभाव निर्माण करण्यासाठी ही संस्था प्रेरणा देत आहे.

LIC's New Business Premium for FY25 stands at Rs 2.27 Trillion including a life time high individual premium of Rs 62,405 crore

According to 10 years of data available on Life Insurance Council, LIC posted its highest ever Individual Premium in the life insurance industry at Rs 62,405 crore for FY25  

LIC continues to be the market leader with overall market share of 57.05% in Indian life insurance business

Wednesday, April 23, 2025: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the country’s largest life insurer, garnered Rs 2,26,669.91 crore in New Business Premium for FY25, which includes a record Rs 62,404.58 crore from individual new business.

Individual New Business Premium for FY25 registered a growth of 8.35% Year on Year basis, according to data from the Life Insurance Council.

LIC’s New Business Premium

Fiscal Years New Business Premium (Rs cr) New Business Premium (Rs cr) % Change

FY15 78,302.82 90,123.75 -13.12

FY16 97,674.31 78,302.82 24.74

FY17 1,24,396.27 97,674.31 27.36

FY18 1,34,551.69 1,24,036.26 8.48

FY19 1,42,191.69 1,34,551.69 5.68

FY20 1,77,977.06 1,42,254.67 25.11

FY21 1,84,174.57 1,77,977.06 3.48

FY22 1,98,759.86 1,84,174.57 7.92

FY23 2,31,899.16 1,98,759.86 16.67

FY24 2,22,523.01 2,31,899.16 -4.04

FY25 2,26,669.91 2,22,523.01 1.86

Source: Life Insurance Council

For FY25, The Group Premium fell 0.40%, to Rs 1,64,265.34 crore from Rs 1,64,925.89 crore last year.

For FY25, LIC sold 1.78 crore new policies, despite the introduction of new surrender value norms effective from 1st October 2024. 

Looking at segment-specific performance in March 2025, the Individual Premium segment saw a 10.75% rise, totalling Rs 10,022 crore, up from Rs 9,048.87 crore in March 2024. Conversely, the Group Premium fell by 1.34% to Rs 26,885.33 crore from Rs 27,251.74 crore last year.

Link: https://www.lifeinscouncil.org/industry%20information/nbp.aspx

Chhattisgarh Government Signs an MoU in presence of Hon’ble CM Shri Vinshu Deo Sai for Opening a CMAI Textile & Apparel Facilitation Centre in Raipur

Chhattisgarh Govt sign MoU in presence of CM Shri Vinshu Deo Sai to open CMAI Textile and Apparel Centre in Raipur

Mumbai, April 23, 2025: In a significant step towards accelerating growth in textile and apparel sector, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) inked a MoU with the Chhattisgarh State in the august presence of Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh to formalise a strategic partnership during the ongoing FAB Show 2025 in Mumbai.

The MoU marks a new chapter of cooperation between the State and the national apparel industry body, signifying the State’s proactive intent to boost investments, generate employment, and strengthen its position as a competitive hub for textile and garment manufacturing in India.

Highlighting the significance of this partnership, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, said, “The partnership between CMAI and Chhattisgarh will provide a significant boost to the Textile & Apparel industry in our State. Our focus remains on encouraging MSMEs in this sector. We have approved the establishment of a NIFT institute in Raipur, with an investment of ₹271 crore. This will undoubtedly provide strong impetus to the State’s Textile & Clothing ecosystem. With NIFT’s presence in the state and our partnership with CMAI, we are confident that these indigenous textiles will gain further momentum.

Our new Investment Policy aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, and we are actively working towards a ‘Viksit Chhattisgarh’. We are also extending special benefits to industries employing more than 1,000 local people—a benefit widely availed by the textile and clothing industry. Chhattisgarh offers a conducive environment for investment with excellent rail connectivity, reliable electricity supply, and ample water resources—making it an attractive destination for manufacturing operations.”

MoU Highlights:

·        Opening of CMAI Office in Chhattisgarh for facilitating Textiles and Apparel industry

·        Creating awareness of State Industrial policy

·        Connecting members of Chhattisgarh Apparel Manufacturers with Domestic market across India

Speaking on this development, Mr. Santosh Katariya, President, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) expressed, “Chhattisgarh holds immense potential to emerge as a key player in India’s textile and garment ecosystem. This partnership is a significant step toward unlocking new growth avenues and employment opportunities in the state’s developing textile hubs. As part of the collaboration, we aim to establish a dedicated platform for industry engagement, policy advocacy, and capacity building, starting with the setup of a CMAI Branch Office in Chhattisgarh. This will enable stronger coordination between local stakeholders and national apparel manufacturers. CMAI is proud to collaborate with a government that is focused on progressive, industry-friendly policies.”

Chhattisgarh State Official present at the occasion included Shri Amitabh Jain, Chief Secretary; Shri ⁠⁠Rajat Kumar, Industries Secretary, Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh. CMAI Dignitaries present at the occasion included Santosh Katariya, President; Ankur Gadia, Vice President and Naveen Sainani, Hon. Gen. Secretary & Chairman FAB Show, among other managing committee members. 

The MoU was officially signed during the 5th edition of the CMAI Fabrics, Accessories & Beyond (FAB) Show 2025 in Mumbai- India’s largest Fabrics & Accessories Sourcing Show for fabrics, accessories, and innovations in apparel manufacturing. The FAB Show served as the perfect backdrop for this landmark collaboration, bringing together key industry stakeholders under one roof.

As a State Partner of the FAB Show 2025, the Department of Commerce & Industry – Government of Chhattisgarh has set up a dedicated pavilion showcasing textile and apparel manufacturers from the state. The pavilion also highlights the State’s commitment to promoting ease of doing business for MSMEs under the Chhattisgarh Business Made Easy initiative. These initiatives aim to foster growth, attract investment, and strengthen Chhattisgarh’s position as a thriving hub for textile and apparel manufacturing.

Bombay YMCA at 150 (1875–2025): Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives

A Legacy of Service, Sport and Social Change Since 1875

From humble beginnings in 1875, the Bombay YMCA has journeyed through 150 remarkable years, transforming lives through faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to holistic development. Today, it stands not just as an institution, but as a living legacy of social reform, inclusive growth, and community empowerment.

*A Legacy of Shelter and Support*

Providing affordable, safe, and dignified accommodation to young working men has long been a cornerstone of the Bombay YMCA's mission. Today, hostels across its network continue to serve as sanctuaries for students, professionals, and aspirants navigating life in the city.

In 1972, the headquarters moved from Apollo Bunder to the YMCA International House at Mumbai Central—a vibrant space offering accommodation, training halls, and community programs, deepening YMCA’s urban outreach.

*Sharan: Shelter and Hope*

Among YMCA’s newer initiatives is Sharan, a 32-bed temporary shelter for women and children in Saki Naka, Andheri, launched in collaboration with the BMC. A haven for the vulnerable, Sharan has seen despair turn to dignity and hopelessness into healing.

Women like Ruma, who came to Mumbai from Assam in pursuit of stardom, found security and sustenance here. Jyoti, mute and lost, was rehabilitated. Archana, once homeless, now works with the BMC and lives in a rental flat. Many others have reconciled with families, gained skills, and rebuilt their lives. Sharan offers food, healthcare, counselling, life skills and vocational training—giving what life hadn’t: opportunity, resilience, and hope.

*Uplifting Rural India: Kanhe Mission*

Extending beyond Mumbai’s borders, the Bombay YMCA Rural Mission at Kanhe near Lonavala offers vocational training to rural youth and women, transforming lives through skill-building and livelihood opportunities. The campus echoes with stories of empowerment and independence born from education and training.

*A Quiet Revolution in Sports*

A pillar of the global YMCA movement is physical education—and Bombay YMCA is a proud torchbearer. In 1895, William George Morgan, a YMCA instructor in the USA, invented volleyball, reflecting the movement’s deep engagement with sport as a tool for development.

In India, Bombay YMCA's journey began with tennis in 1883 at Apollo Bunder, followed by cricket and football, leading to the establishment of its first Athletic Club. In 1905, the first Annual Sports Meet hosted 23 events with 180 entries. By 1917, the YMCA was organizing All India Open Sports Championships, promoting the Olympic ideal in Western India. Even Today, the Annual Event continues as 'Bombay YMCA Annual Athletic Meet' draws around 4000 athletes from Maharashtra and Goa & the most sought after atheletic meet in western India. 

The Physical Education Department, often the pulse of industrial workers, channels the energy of the underprivileged into healthy pursuits—curbing social vices and offering recreation as rehabilitation. Over the decades, Bombay YMCA has produced national and international athletes in basketball, volleyball, football, wrestling, and table tennis.

This legacy continues with a steadfast commitment to sportsmanship, talent development, and building strong minds and bodies—a reflection of YMCA’s belief in wholesome development.

*A Living Legacy of Service*

The Bombay YMCA’s work goes beyond shelters and sports. Through balwadis, night study centres, family welfare programs, scholarships, career readiness, and disaster relief, it touches lives every day. At Camp Lakeside in Lonavla, over 10,000 campers annually benefit from leadership and outdoor learning in a serene setting.

"Our  programmes span intellectual, physical, and spiritual development, with initiatives in sports, education, disaster relief and community welfare. Our community projects include a balwadi, night study centre, boys and women's shelter, scholarships and family services, which are aimed at improving quality of life of individuals, communities and society" said Mr. Allen Kotian, General Secretary, Bombay YMCA

Mr. Noel Amanna, President, Bombay YMCA said "The Bombay YMCA’s 150-year journey is a testament to the prayer, power of faith, dedicated service to the community. From its inception in 1875 to today, we have remained committed to wholesome development of youth, empowering families, fostering social change, building a more inclusive and equitable society. As we celebrate this historic milestone, we rededicate ourselves to our mission—nurturing strong individuals, strong families, and strong communities. The sesquicentennial is not just a celebration of our past, commitment for the present and a promise for the future." 

Michael Manuel Raj, Vice President, noted, “Our commitment extends beyond city landmarks into the quiet impact of grassroots initiatives—from shelter through Sharan to nurturing young minds and supporting families. These efforts reflect our core mission: to serve, and not to be served.”

*Sesquicentennial Celebration at NCPA*

To mark 150 years of service, Bombay YMCA will host its Sesquicentennial Celebration on April 25, 2025, at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai. The Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, will grace the event as Chief Guest, alongside dignitaries from the global YMCA movement, national leaders, partners, and well-wishers.

The evening will feature cultural performances, tributes, and stories of transformation, celebrating the spirit of Bombay YMCA—an institution that, for 150 years, has turned faith into action, and service into strength.

WAVES Cosplay Championship Wildcard Showdown in Mumbai a Massive Hit as Over 50 Cosplayers Set the Stage on Fire

 

30 Finalists Selected for Grand Finale at Jio World Centre

Mumbai, 19 April 2025:

The city of dreams turned into a galaxy of fandoms as Mumbai hosted the explosive WAVES Cosplay Championship Wildcard Showdown, presented by Creators Street, the Indian Comics Association (ICA), and the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), and powered by Epiko Con, India’s next big pop culture festival, at Thakur Collage of Science and Commerce today, April 19th, 2025.

Held as a spectacular prelude to the WAVES Cosplay Championship grand finale, this blockbuster pre-event saw over 50 top-tier cosplayers from across the region lighting up the stage with high-octane performances, screen-accurate costumes, and electrifying fandom energy.

Out of the cosplayers participated, the Jury comprising Mr Venkatesh, Founder and CEO of Wharf Street Studios, Ajay Krishna of Forbidden Verse, and Anadi Abhilash, Secretary, Indian Comics Association, selected 30 wild card entries who will now meet at the grand finale which will be held at WAVES at Jio World Centre, Mumbai during May 1st to 4th, 2025.

A majestic portrayal of Lord Narasimha, bringing to life the power and divinity of India’s rich cultural heritage and appearances from celebrity guests, creators, and influencers within India’s growing cosplay community were the highlights of the event. A fan-fueled celebration packed with photo ops, spontaneous performances, and viral social media moments also added colour to the event.

The high-energy meetup wasn’t just a qualifier—it was a cultural phenomenon. Every moment at the venue captured the sheer power of community, creativity, and youth expression in India’s rising cosplay revolution. The Wildcard Showdown was a breakout success, setting the tone for what is being called India’s biggest cosplay movement to date. From incredible craftsmanship to compelling performances, the Mumbai showdown was a reminder that cosplay in India is not just growing—it’s booming.

“This event just proves how powerful the cosplay movement is becoming in India,” said one jury member. “The energy, the effort, the love for characters—it’s all real, and it’s growing bigger every year,” he said.

The grand finale will feature top cosplayers from across India and the winners will be awarded with cash prizes and exclusive showcases. The jury will have members top studios in animation, film, and gaming. The highlight of the championship is the collaborations with ICA, Forbidden Verse, TVAGA, MEAI, Creator Street, and the powerhouse of pop culture - Epiko Con.

 

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you're an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

Have questions? Find answers here  

Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

Maharashtra CM Inaugurates One of the Largest Global GI Endoscopy Conclaves in Mumbai, Honours Emerging Leaders in Digestive Health

 Conceptualized by Padmashri Dr Amit Maydeo, this year’s theme, "From Fibreoptics to Robotics," pays homage to six decades of evolution in GI endoscopy

Mumbai, April 19, 2025 – The 22nd edition of the Mumbai LIVE Endoscopy Course, hosted by Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, was inaugurated by the state’s CM Devendra Fadnavis, marking the beginning of three days of cutting-edge knowledge-sharing, innovation, and hands-on learning in the field of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. A gathering of more than 1200 gastroenterologists from India and from 15 countries, this conference was conceived by leading GI Endoscopist, Dr Amit Maydeo, Chairman of Gastrosciences of the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. 

Speaking at the function, Dr Amit Maydeo said, “Diseases of the Digestive system are on the exponential rise in the world and with the new GI Endoscopic treatment modalities, many can now be cured without the need for surgery. Using advanced technology, even cancers can now be detected in the very early stage and many illnesses can be cured using minimally invasive techniques.”

The 22nd Mumbai LIVE Endoscopy Course 2025 will feature 14 hours of LIVE endoscopy demonstrations, 24 Endoscopy Update Lectures, 3 Mumbai LIVE Orations, and 8 focused Breakfast Sessions. Highlights also included the ‘Kaun Banega Endoscopist’ video contest and Chai Pe Charcha breakout sessions. The event began with a Pre-conference workshop on IEE, EMR, and ESD, and covered key topics like AI-assisted colonoscopy, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, endohepatology, and third-space endoscopy. 

Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, Group CEO, Sir HN Reliance Foundation and  Reliance Foundation HealthCare Initiatives,  said, “We are proud to support platforms like Mumbai LIVE Endoscopy that empower clinical excellence and medical education on a global stage. The hospital is at the forefront of advancing technologically driven and AI driven treatment protocols for patients from all sections of the society. Robotic technology and power of 5g will make that happen sooner than we know. Future is not far when with robotic technology , skilled experts like Dr. Amit Maydeo will be able to do endoscopy with power of 5G in the remotest part of the country from 5G enabled hospital Sir HN Reliance Foundation hospital .”

Hon Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis presented awards to the next-generation GI Endoscopy leaders from India in the ‘Mumbai LIVE Emerald awards’ function.  These awardees were selected by a jury consisting senior GI Endoscopists of the country. 

“The 22nd Mumbai LIVE Endoscopy Course is a remarkable event, and I commend Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital for hosting this prestigious gathering. It is inspiring to witness the confluence of global expertise and technological innovation in Mumbai. This is a reflection of the progressive vision we hold for Maharashtra and our nation,” said Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, during his inaugural speech.

Dr Amit Maydeo, the brainchild and chairman of this unprecedented event concluded that GI Endoscopy had come a long way over the past 70 years and was happy that India has been the leader in this phenomenal path of progress.

NMIMS School of Business Management’s Executive MBA (MBA-NEx): A Transformative 2 year Program for Professionals to Unlock Their Full Potential

 

Secure your spot — admissions for working professionals are now open! From one of the Top MBA Institutes of India!

Mumbai, 18th April 2025 — For ambitious professionals looking to advance their careers without taking a break from work, the NMIMS Executive MBA (MBA-NEx) 2-year program, offered by the NMIMS School of Business Management, provides a unique opportunity to gain a world-class management education. NMIMS SBM is a globally recognized institution known for its robust learning ecosystem, academic excellence, leadership-focused pedagogy, and industry - aligned curriculum.

Admissions to the MBA-NEx program for the academic year 2025–2027 are now open and will remain so from 1st April 2025 to 30th April 2025. This dynamic “Two-Year” Hybrid program, is specifically designed for working executives who aspire to grow into leadership roles while continuing to work. With live online sessions and immersive on-campus modules, the program offers a rigorous curriculum designed to enhance managerial capabilities and broaden industry perspectives, ultimately driving career growth.

With a problem-solving approach, the program blends theoretical concepts with real-world applications to develop skilled managers who can thrive in today's dynamic business environment. The MBA-NEx is a 102-credit, trimester-based, 2 year  program that integrates core and elective courses to equip professionals with a multidisciplinary understanding of business. Key focus areas include Strategy, Data Analytics, Marketing and Sales, HR- Leadership Management, Organisational behaviour, Economics, Finance, Product Management, AI Impact on Management, International Business and more.

The curriculum is designed to provide strategic insights and analytical frameworks that help professionals navigate complex business challenges. Core and elective modules span all critical areas of business management, including Operations and Supply Chain Management, Corporate Strategy, Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, and Analytics and Decision Science. A mandatory 6-credit industry project or dissertation ensures the reinforcement of learning and the development of a deeper business perspective.

The MBA-NEx , 2 year Program stands out with its prestigious AACSB & EQUIS accreditation, positioning it among the top business programs globally. With its flexible hybrid learning model, professionals can seamlessly balance work commitments with academic advancement. The industry-focused curriculum allows executives to learn from real-world business scenarios and engage with top industry leaders. Participants will also benefit from access to world-class campus infrastructure, including the Bloomberg Lab and a fully equipped library. They can build digital mastery through modules on Machine Learning, Blockchain, IoT, and Artificial Intelligence. Case Method Pedagogy, mainly from Harvard Case studies.

Enrolling in the program also grants “Lifetime NMIMS Alumni” status, offering access to a powerful professional network and exclusive alumni privileges.

The program fee is ₹8 Lakhs for the full two-year duration (Rs. 4 lakh per annum). Final selection is based on academic qualifications, work experience, a written test, and a personal interview. To be eligible, candidates must have a minimum of five years of full-time work experience in an executive, supervisory, or managerial role in a medium or large organization.

This program is ideal for professionals who aspire to grow, lead change, enhance their career trajectory, and step into senior leadership roles

About School of Business Management:

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) was established in Mumbai in the year 1981 by a leading public charitable education trust, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal (SVKM). NMIMS was established with the initial intent to offer management programs at the Diploma and Masters’ (graduate) level. Since its commencement in 1981, NMIMS has been offering Mumbai University (University of Bombay) programs like Masters in Management Studies, Diploma in Management Studies, Masters’ Program in Marketing Management, Human Resources Management and Finance Management. In 1991, the Government of India set up the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), a regulatory body created for technical education.

Website- https://sbm.nmims.edu/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/nmims_india/ 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/NMIMS.India 

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/school/417042/admin/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/nmims_india

At the iconic NGMA, Dr Rati Godrej unveils Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta's book " Win The Battle of Your Mind, Scroll, Less Read More"

The Reading Coach launches book on benefits of reading and perils of scrolling 

It was a packed audience at NGMA, including eminent names like Dr Swati Popat Vats of President of Podar, Rajiv Mehta of the Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust, Silicon Valley leadership mentor Ravi Gundlapalli, Prerana Langa, CEO Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India, business owners, students and avid readers.

Nidhi Choudhari, director NGMA presided over the book launch as the very learned Dr Rati Godrej offered insights about how reading offers benefits, as potent as augmenting the longevity of human life itself. Author Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta, lovingly known as 'The Reading Coach' steered an exciting discussion that traversed the journey of the human brain, the acquisition of language and our ability to read, and how reading transformed us as a species. As it was time to unveil the cover of the book, Publisher Sohin Lakhani of Embassy Books did the honours, along with Dheeraj Gupta, founder Jumboking.

“This is an extremely important and relevant book for every student , parent and professional given the daily demands of digital technology in our lives," said Dr Rati Godrej, who had received an advance copy in preparation of the book launch.

"A reader is a leader, reading can connect us to places and to people. Reading makes a full man, not full of ego but full of awareness, full of understanding and full of surroundings, so do read, " said Nidhi Choudhari, Director, National Gallery of Modern Arts (NGMA), while addressing the audience.  

"Loss of skills due to lack of reading and its long-term impact on humanity, bothers me. This is why I became a reading coach," said author Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta at the launch. The book launch was followed by an engaging Q&A by a very involved audience.

David Dhawan brings together a strong ensemble for Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai; Varun Dhawan and team head to Scotland for final schedule

After delivering box office hits like Main Tera Hero and Judwaa 2, Varun Dhawan is reuniting with his father David Dhawan for another comedy entertainer titled Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The film, which also stars Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, has already completed over half of its shoot. Now, the team is gearing up for a major 30-day international schedule in Scotland, starting April 22.

“Apart from the leading pair of Varun, Mrunal, and Pooja, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai features Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy, Chunkey Panday, Rakesh Bedi, and Ali Asgar in key roles. A lot of combination scenes, leading to chaos on screen will be shot in Scotland. The conclusion of Scotland schedule will lead to a film wrap, not-with-standing a couple of songs and some patchwork sequences,” the source shared. 

Produced by Ramesh Taurani under the Tips banner, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai sees Varun Dhawan return to his signature comic flair. The actor will also showcase his dancing skills on some vibrant desi tracks that echo the iconic style of David Dhawan’s cinema.

Fans are really excited to see Varun back in his lover-boy era!

DHIRUBHAI AMBANI HONOURED POSTHUMOUSLY WITH “LIFETIME ACHIEVMENT AWARD

     MUMBAI, 16TH APRIL 2025

 AMRIT MAHOTSAV OF SHREE MARKET SILK MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION ENDED ON 14TH APRIL, 2025 WITH ALL ITS GRANDEUR

Grand 75th anniversary celebrations of Shree Market Silk Merchants Association ended on 14th April at Garware Club House, Mumbai. During the celebrations, Chief Guest Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister presented “Lifetime Achievement Award” posthumously to Late Dhirubhai Ambani, Founder of The Reliance Group. He also unveiled a Textile Souvenir on this occasion.

. Mangal Prabhat Lodha stated That India has a rich heritage of textiles. 400 years ago, Dhaka's muslin saree used to pass through the ring. The second phase of development was spent by Dhirubhai Ambani and he created a huge production capacity of fiber, yarn, textiles. The third phase has been created by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the slogan 'Make in India'.

 Padmabhushan Kundanbhai Vyas, who was the Guest of Honour at the function, said that today Surat and Ahmedabad have overtaken while Mumbai has lagged behind in the production and trade of textiles. Mumbai's textile business will flourish only if Bhiwandi's power loom industry and Dombivli's processing industry flourish.  Mumbai is no longer a manufacturing centre, but a distribution centre, as the 8 small and big textile markets in the C ward have become outdated. These textile markets should be redeveloped and modernized and connectivity should be improved there.

Neeraj Mehta, newly elected President of Shree Market Silk Merchants Association, stated, "We are now on the cusp of a new era, new opportunities have emerged from sustainable fashion, digital transformation, global trade and innovation. We now have to take the rich legacy of 75 years of textile trade beyond Maharashtra to India and globally.  Referring to the Shree Market Silk Merchants Association Education Fund, Neeraj Mehta informed that with the help of Reliance Foundation, educational assistance has been provided to 650 students in the last four years. We provide educational assistance to the children of staff, gumasta and mathadi workers.

. Narendra Mehta, former President of Shree Market Silk Merchants Association, informed that our second important task is that of arbitration. The award that our arbitrator gives is also recognised by the law. First of all, we try to find a solution through mutual settlement and dialogue between the two parties. Our legal advisor is Advocate Rakesh Jain.

 Pankaj Sheth (Orbit Exports Ltd.), Guest of Honour & Sponsor of the event commented that this is a history, a tradition and a family journey. We, the merchants are the bridge between weavers and consumers. The role of traders is similar to that of service industries.  

  Smt. Sushma Morthania, Founder and Director, India SME Forum informed that 75 industrial hubs are coming up in the country, which should be availed by the industry.

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Jayantilal Jain, Honorary Secretary of the association gave the vote of thanks.

PHOTOLINE:

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha is seen presenting  “Lifetime Achievement Award” posthumously to Late Dhirubhai Ambani, during the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations of Shree Market Silk Merchants Association  on 14th April at Mumbai.

Seen Left to Right, Devang Shah, Narendra Mehta, Jayantilal Jain, Niraj Mehta, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Kundanbhai Vyas and Ashwin Malkan.

Dinesh Vijan, Maddock Films and Sony Music India drop the love song of the year - Koi Naa- from Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Bhool Chuk Maaf!

_Rajkummar Rao & Wamiqa Gabbi light up the screen with their chemistry in the latest song Koi Naa, a romantic track composed by Tanishk Bagchi and Gifty._

Following the buzz around its captivating trailer, the much-awaited romantic comedy, from the house of Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films - Bhool Chuk Maaf is back in the spotlight with the launch of its first track, ‘Koi Naa’. The teaser has already stirred excitement among fans, giving a glimpse of what’s in store. Backed by the visionary Dinesh Vijan, Bhool Chuk Maaf continues Maddock Films’ streak of delivering heartfelt and refreshing stories. Directed by Karan Sharma, the film stars the ever-versatile Rajkummar Rao and the talented Wamiqa Gabbi in the lead roles of Ranjan Tiwari and Titli Mishra. The film is set for a global release on May 9, 2025.

‘Koi Naa’ beautifully captures the dreamy and romantic essence of Bhool Chuk Maaf, offering a glimpse into the charming world of Ranjan and Titli. A soft and dreamy love anthem, the track explores silent glances, fleeting moments, and the delicate beginnings of love. With its tender lyrics and moving vocals, the song highlights the emotional heartbeat of the film. Composed by the enigmatic Tanishk Bagchi and Gifty, with poignant lyrics by Irshad Kamil, and produced by Tanishk Bagchi & Ganesh Waghela, the song is beautifully sung by Harnoor and Shreya Ghoshal - a musical pairing that radiates chemistry and charm. The music video offers a visual treat, packed with playful, romantic scenes between Rajkummar and Wamiqa, giving fans a peek into their delightful on-screen chemistry. It sets the perfect mood for the emotional and entertaining journey the film promises.

Sharing his excitement, Rajkummar Rao said, “The response to the trailer has been truly overwhelming, it’s always incredibly fulfilling when audiences connect with your work. With Koi Naa, we’re now adding a whole new romantic layer to the story. The song captures the quiet, unspoken emotions of love in such a beautiful way, it brings depth and soul to Ranjan and Titli’s journey. The first time I heard the track; I was completely hooked. It’s been on loop ever since! A big shout out to the entire music team for crafting such a heartfelt and vibey track.”

Wamiqa Gabbi, who brings elegance and effortless charm to the screen, added, “Shooting for ‘Koi Naa’ with Rajkummar was a blast! It’s hands down one of my favourites from the Bhool Chuk Maaf album. It makes you want to dream, feel, and just lose yourself in its rhythm. We hope everyone feels the same magic we felt while filming it.”

The singer of Koi Naa, Shreya Ghoshal, shared, “Bringing this track to life has been such an exciting ride! From the very first note, ‘Koi Naa’ pulls you into the whimsical world of Bhool Chuk Maaf. It's got the energy of love, and a beat that makes you move. Can’t wait for everyone to vibe with it!”

Harnoor, the singer of the track added, “‘Koi Naa’ is about the beauty of falling in love and how it captures the most raw and vulnerable state of two individuals who are in love. For me Koi Naa is something very special as it not only beautifully captures the emotion of love but it also gave me a chance to collaborate with one of India’s most talented singers, Shreya Ghoshal. I am grateful to be a part of this multi-talented team. in unexpected ways. We wanted to bring an experience that mirrors the emotional journey of the movie, captures the essence of Ranjan and Titli's character. 

Music composer Tanishq Bagchi said, “With Koi Naa, we wanted to create a timeless, all-consuming love track- something that lingers with you. Thanks to Irshad’s evocative lyrics and the amazing voices of Shreya Ghoshal and Harnoor, and our full-hearted production, I think we’ve hit the right note.”

Irshad Kamil added Creating 'Koi Naa' for 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' was truly a magical journey from start to finish. Koi Naa is not just a song but a feeling brought beautifully to life on screen by Rajkummar and Wamiqa. I feel truly grateful to have been part of a track so close to my heart. I hope audiences give it as much love as we felt while making it."

Bhool Chuk Maaf is all set to tell the story of Ranjan and Titli’s love urging to uncover the reason behind the endless cycle to set things right and take audiences on a ride of emotions. With a perfect mix of humour, heart, and mystery, the film promises an unforgettable cinematic ride. Catch it in theatres worldwide on May 9, 2025.

Listen to ‘Koi Naa’ from Bhool Chuk Maaf here: bit.ly/KoiNaa

*About Sony Music:* 

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company that has on its roster a rich and storied history of iconic artists like Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Shakira, Mariah Carey and Britney Spears and today’s superstars like Harry Styles, Camila Cabello, Travis Scott and Khalid, pan-Indian superstar Raftaar, pop sensation AKASA, new age artists like OAFF-Savera, Mitraz, Talwiinder and South India’s biggest acts like Anirudh, A.R. Rahman, GV Prakash, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Devi Sri Prasad, Thaman S, Vivek-Mervin, Darbuka Siva and Ghibran including several decades-long relationships with Dharma Productions, Maddock Films, Red Chillies Entertainment, Vishesh Films, Madras Talkies, Raaj Kamal Films International. Seven Screen Studio, The Route, Mythri Movie Makers, Vyjayanthi Movies and SVCC among others. On offer is a vast catalogue that comprises some of the most important recordings in history spread across multiple genres, languages, and geographies.

Singapore Homeland Security Selects Living Optics to Showcase Cutting-Edge Hyperspectral Imaging

Company to Demonstrate Market-Ready Hyperspectral Imaging Capabilities for Border Security and Forensic Intelligence

Abingdon, England, April 16 – Living Optics, a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) company with defense technology applications, has been selected by Singapore Homeland Security’s HTX division for a strategic proof of concept initiative to demonstrate its advanced imaging capabilities for security and forensic use cases. Living Optics will showcase its ready-to-deploy technology, demonstrating how its advanced imaging capabilities strengthen border security, support forensic scene analysis, and serve a wide range of homeland security applications.

At the core of the Living Optics platform is a compact, high-performance hyperspectral video camera that enables security teams to identify threats and anomalies invisible to traditional sensors. By analyzing the unique spectral signatures of materials, the system can uncover hidden objects, track movements, detect camouflage, and identify residual traces of activity. With edge computing and AI-powered analytics, the solution delivers actionable intelligence in real-time, without requiring extensive technical training or complex setup.

“This initiative underscores our technological maturity and readiness for immediate deployment in practical national security scenarios,” said Dr. Steve Chappell, Co-founder and CTO at Living Optics. “Our mission has always been to make hyperspectral imaging practical and impactful for frontline teams. The camera was designed so that non-specialist personnel can operate it effectively and make faster, smarter decisions. We are excited to demonstrate our technology's versatility, readiness, and potential to shape next-generation security solutions across the region.”

Unlike conventional forensic tools, Living Optics’ HSI technology enables authorities to rapidly examine a scene without disturbing or contaminating it—replacing chemical sprays and invasive techniques with clean, non-contact scanning. In the proof of concept, the system will detect signs of human presence and oil residues on water, providing key insights into illegal border crossings by boat or aircraft. The camera’s compact design allows potential integration with drones and CCTV infrastructure for wide-area or tactical surveillance applications.

Living Optics' technology has been validated in trials and research conducted with the UK Armed Forces, Singaporean defense accelerators, and NATO-affiliated science teams. It has the potential to detect landmines, assess battlefield damage, and spot wear and tear on equipment, giving security forces greater awareness while minimizing risk to personnel. Designed for deployment in urban and remote environments, the Living Optics camera is lightweight, rugged, and easy to use in the field or integrated into robots, drones, and vehicles.

The company’s imaging solution has broad applications across defense and homeland security, including surveillance enhancement, emergency response, and maintenance and inspection activities. It can detect burned or degraded materials in post-fire investigations, reveal signs of smuggling activity in hidden compartments, and identify stress or fatigue in structural materials. These capabilities are transforming how military and security professionals gather and act on intelligence, making hyperspectral vision a mission-critical advantage.

About Living Optics
Living Optics is revolutionizing machine vision by making hyperspectral imaging widely accessible. Its full-stack solution—combining pioneering cameras with advanced software—captures rich spectral data far beyond the reach of human vision or conventional imaging systems. This empowers AI-enhanced insights across a wide range of real-world applications, including food, healthcare, security, academia, and industry.
A spinout from the University of Oxford, Living Optics is backed by leading investors and headquartered in the U.K., with a growing global presence spanning Europe, the Americas, and Asia. In September 2022, the company raised $25 million in Series A funding to accelerate the commercial rollout of its breakthrough platform.

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Air India Innovates with Agentic AI Adoption By Collaborating with Salesforce Agentforce for Enhanced Customer Experience

Agentforce will help Air India automate customer service processes, improve agent productivity, and deliver faster issue resolution

Mumbai, April 15, 2025 — Salesforce, the world’s #1 AI CRM*, today announced the expansion of its collaboration with Air India with the adoption of Salesforce Agentforce. As part of its ongoing digital transformation, Air India is among the first airlines to go-live with Agentforce, leveraging it to automate key customer service processes. The first roll out of Agentforce in customer service will help drive faster resolution of a class of refund issues, and elevate its customer experience at scale.

Air India has been a long-standing Salesforce customer, using Service Cloud, Sales Cloud, Data Cloud and Einstein AI to power its customer engagement and business operations. The latest expansion marks a strategic step towards becoming an AI-infused airline, focused on delivering seamless, responsive, and personalised experiences for its passengers using emerging agentic AI technologies bolstered by its extensive data fabric.

Addressing a high-impact customer challenge with AI-powered automation

Refund requests often require multiple handoffs between Air India’s contact center, refunds team, and the customer,  which can occasionally slow down resolution times.

By deploying Salesforce Agentforce, Air India is reimagining this process through adoption of agentic AI. The solution streamlines and accelerates the end-to-end handling of such requests — automating routine steps, reducing human effort, and enabling agents to focus on higher-value interactions. Customers now benefit from faster resolutions, timely refund processing, and proactive updates.

Following the successful implementation of their first use case, Air India plans to scale the use of Agentforce across other contact center operations and customer touchpoints, including voice-based interactions, over the next several months.

Comments on the news:

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO at Salesforce - South Asia, said, "Agentforce represents the next frontier of customer service — where AI works alongside humans to deliver faster, smarter, and more personalized experiences at scale. With its adoption of Agentforce, Air India is setting a new benchmark for modern, AI-driven customer engagement in the aviation industry globally. Their vision of becoming an AI-first airline aligns perfectly with Salesforce’s commitment to help businesses automate at scale, deliver faster service, and foster loyalty through every interaction.”

Dr. Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital & Technology Officer for Air India, said, “We are happy to partner with Salesforce in pioneering Agentforce in the aviation industry, starting with transforming how we manage certain classes of refund cases using cutting-edge Agentic AI — drastically reducing resolution times. For our guests, this means instant acknowledgment of these claims with real-time updates and a seamless experience across all touchpoints, reinforcing trust and valuing their loyalty. This isn’t just a technological leap—it’s a customer-first commitment, delivering faster, smarter, and more empathetic service to our valued guests at every step.”

Powering Air India’s broader digital transformation

Agentforce complements Air India’s broader digital transformation roadmap, where Salesforce continues to be a trusted technology partner. Beyond Service Cloud and Sales Cloud, Air India already leverages Salesforce Data Cloud to unify customer data and Einstein AI to drive insights and personalization across the customer journey.

As the airline accelerates its transformation journey, future deployments of Agentforce, including AI-driven voice capabilities, are expected to further strengthen Air India’s customer engagement strategy.

About Salesforce

Salesforce helps organizations of any size reimagine their business with AI. Agentforce — the first digital labor solution for enterprises — seamlessly integrates with Customer 360 applications, Data Cloud, and Einstein AI to create a limitless workforce, bringing humans and agents together to deliver customer success on a single, trusted platform. Visit https://www.salesforce.com/in/ for more information.

*Salesforce, the #1 CRM, powered by AI technology and capabilities.

ART Fertility Clinics in collaboration with MOGS Host Annual Conference 2025 - Lab to Life’ to underscore Advances in Assisted Reproductive Science

Mumbai, April 14, 2025: ART Fertility Clinics, a global leader in reproductive medicine, recently partnered with the Mumbai Obstetric & Gynecological Society (MOGS) to host the Annual Conference 2025 - Lab to Life’ in Mumbai. The event brought together an esteemed panel of international and Indian experts in reproductive medicine to discuss advancements in reproductive health, including gynecology, embryology, and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

Backed by globally renowned fertility specialists and advanced laboratories, ART Fertility Clinics India ensures tailored, evidence-based treatments with high success rates in assisted reproduction. Being committed to ethical practices, transparency, and emotional well-being, ART Fertility Clinics has gained prominence as a trusted choice for couples on their journey to parenthood.

The conference saw participation from a wide range of professionals specializing in various domains of reproductive health. The profiles of speakers and attendees included fertility specialists, gynecologists, embryologists, clinicians, researchers, and lab technologists. Leading global experts in the field like Prof. Dr. Human Fatemi, Prof. Dr. Barbara Lawrenz, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Baris Ata, Dr. Laura Melado Vidales, and Dr. Ameet Patki, along with several noteworthy Indian specialists like Dr. Sujata Dalvi, Dr. Meenakshi Dua, Dr. Akash Surana, and Dr. Rajvi Mehta, were present at the conference. The attendees included doctors, postgraduate students, young clinicians, and academic researchers.

Throughout the day, the conclave featured insightful discussions on ovarian stimulation, stem cell applications, and the impact of paternal aging on ART outcomes. Real-life clinical scenarios and efficient treatment practices were presented during a series of interactive panel discussions.

The conclave also covered topics related to the uterine environment, where experts addressed key challenges including thin endometrium and adenomyosis, helped demystify myths and voiced for evidence-based practices. As the day concluded, discussions focused on the evolving role of ART laboratories, expert viewpoints on AI in embryology, and in vitro maturation (IVM), which are shaping the future of fertility care.

Built on years of clinical excellence and personalized care, ART Fertility Clinics is known for its contribution to Assisted Reproductive Technology. Backed by a strong team of ESHRE-certified subspecialists and modern-day embryology labs, the clinics offer high success rates and an elevated Live Birth Rate (LB rt%) based on diverse patient profiles.

Speaking about ART Fertility Clinics’ dedication to new-age reproductive care, Prof. Dr. Human Fatemi, Group Medical Director, ART Fertility Clinics, said, “At ART Fertility Clinics, helping patients achieve parenthood is at the heart of everything we do. While reproduction is a fundamental part of life, around 15-20% of couples face fertility challenges. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based research, and our expert team is dedicated to managing both male and female infertility. Through AI-backed infrastructure and partnerships with esteemed organizations like MOGS, we aim to combine science with hope and engage India’s medical community in helping patients fulfill their dream of parenthood.””

Dr. Somesh Mittal, Chief Executive Office, ART Fertility Clinics, India, added, “Our eleven state-of-the-art clinics bring global standards of fertility care to India. Every aspect of our practice right from diagnostics to procedures is personalized as per the patients. By identifying root causes and adopting research-driven strategies, our team ensures care that is safe, compassionate, and clinically effective, consistently leading to higher pregnancy outcomes.”

Speaking on their rising presence in India, Dr. Parul Katiyar, Medical Director, ART Fertility Clinics India, shared, “Since our launch in 2021, the journey has been full of learnings and excelling in assisted fertility. We've achieved notable success rates, often helping patients conceive with their gametes whilst other clinics suggested donor cycles. Our focus on research and personalized care allows us to extend the benefits of global expertise to every patient.”

Dr. Richa Jagtap, also Medical Director at ART Fertility Clinics India, concluded, “At ART Fertility Clinics, we bring science and wisdom of nature together through continuous learning. Our team of dedicated clinicians, embryologists, and nursing staff work together to consistently deliver extraordinary outcomes in fertility treatment.”