IFMR and the Government of Meghalaya sign MOU to Enhance Data Systems, Foster Innovation and drive policy implementation
Sai Krishna business
IFMR and the Government of Meghalaya sign MOU to Enhance Data Systems, Foster Innovation and drive policy implementation

L To R, Shri Ram Kumar, Secretary, Health & Family welfare,

Sri City, February 11, 2025 – IFMR and Krea University hosted Synergy 2025, an annual flagship event designed to bring together leading academics, policymakers, and industry leaders to shape data-driven solutions for pressing developmental challenges. Through interdisciplinary dialogue, the event catalyzed action to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthen governance mechanisms in India.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Krea University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nirmala Rao, noted that “Synergy is a unique platform for the academic community to engage, debate, and critically analyze some of the most pressing issues in development, focusing on solutions and action.”

A key highlight of the event was the inaugural N Vaghul Memorial Lecture, honouring the legacy of the late Shri Narayanan Vaghul. Delivering the inaugural lecture, Mr. S. Krishnan, Secretary, of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, highlighted the transformative impact of AI and the tectonic shifts in this space. He emphasized the role of foundational research and evidence in developing inclusive AI solutions rooted in the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

In line with the event’s focus on data-driven development, Synergy 2025 also marked a key milestone in strengthening government-academia collaboration. The Government of Meghalaya and IFMR signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance data systems, foster innovation, and drive efficient policy implementation. The agreement, signed by Dr Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Government of Meghalaya and Mr Kapil Viswanathan, President, IFMR, builds on Meghalaya’s pioneering initiatives in data-driven governance and underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking.

The event also featured a keynote lecture by Dr Karthik Muralidharan, Tata Chancellor’s Professor of Economics, UC San Diego and a panel discussion on enhancing state capacity including dignitaries: Dr Sampath Kumar, Government of Meghalaya; Ms Arti Ahuja, Former Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment; Dr Veena Srinivasan, Executive Director, WELL Labs, Dr. Karthik Muralidharan, and Ms Deepthi Reddy, Chief – Women Empowerment, Reliance Foundation.

Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Founder & Former President, of IIT Madras Research Park, delivered a special address that emphasized research and industry collaborations. Stressing the inherent risks involved in research, he underscored the need for mechanisms that encourage risk-taking, enabling breakthroughs that can redefine industries and improve lives.

A Unique Research Ecosystem Driving Change

The IFMR and Krea ecosystem is a hub for innovative thinking and action with a portfolio of eight interdisciplinary research centres: WELL Labs, LEAD at Krea University, JPAL South Asia, Centre for Digital Financial Inclusion (CDFI), Catalyst Atal Incubation Centre, Inclusion Economics India Centre, IWWAGE, and Sapien Labs Centre for the Human Brain and Mind, including partnerships with institutions such as Yale University, MIT, and policy entities such as NITI Aayog, Ministry of Rural Development, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, IFMR Graduate School of Business and the School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences.

The event featured an Ecosystem Showcase, where the research centres presented cutting-edge work across diverse themes, including financial inclusion, climate action, digital access, education, and public health. Faculty and students engaged with policymakers and thought leaders to explore solutions that can address India’s most pressing developmental challenges. The discussions set the stage for future collaborations, reinforcing the need for data-driven solutions and interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex challenges.

California Burrito Celebrates 100th Store Milestone, Expanding Its Presence Across India
Neel Achary business
California Burrito Celebrates 100th Store Milestone, Expanding Its Presence Across India

11 February 2025: California Burrito, India’s favourite fast-casual Mexican restaurant, is all set to launch its 100th store at Miraya Rose, Whitefield, Bengaluru, on February 15, 2025, to commemorate the milestone of a decade-long journey of redefining fresh, high-quality Mexican cuisine for Indian consumers, the brand is rolling out a Rs.100 menu for one day […]

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BEML Unveils Bold New Brand Identity ‘Infinix’ at Aero India 2025
Neel Achary business
BEML Unveils Bold New Brand Identity ‘Infinix’ at Aero India 2025

Bengaluru, February 11th, 2025: In a defining moment of transformation, BEML Ltd. unveiled its new brand identity, ‘Infinix,’ at the prestigious Aero India 2025. Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi PVSM, AVSM, NM, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), unveiled the new logo at the BEML stall, alongside Shri Shantanu Roy, CMD, BEML Ltd., Functional Directors of BEML […]

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Jasudben ML School Spreads Smiles through Their Community Giving Efforts in 2024-25
Rutuparna Rath news
Jasudben ML School Spreads Smiles through Their Community Giving Efforts in 2024-25

Mumbai, 11 February 2025

Jasudben ML School, Mumbai successfully concluded its annual Donation Drive for Community Service for the academic year 2024-25. Spanning from September to December- the year-long initiative aimed to instill values of empathy, social responsibility, and humanity in students, embodying the school’s dedication to holistic education. The drive also aligned with the NEP’s 2020 emphasis on the comprehensive development of young minds.

The drive empowered JML’s mission to foster compassion, love, and generosity. The school conducts different drives centered around multiple initiatives. These initiatives see the active participation of students across all grades from I to XII and NIOS). This year, each student contributed ₹200, collectively raising a total of ₹224,050, which was donated to NGOs focused on education, welfare, and social upliftment. The drive also featured hands-on activities, interactive sessions, and donations supporting various causes including animal welfare, assistance for the visually and hearing impaired, and contributions to the upliftment of underprivileged children and women in rural areas.

Principal of JML, Damayanti Bhattacharya expressed her delight and pride stating, “At Jasudben ML School, we believe in nurturing socially responsible students who understand the value of giving back. The success of this year’s Donation Drive and Community Service highlights our students’, teachers’, and parents’ collaborative efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. We want to inculcate compassion as a key learning component among children, enabling and creating an equitable future.”

  1. Preschool students contributed their bit to Advaitya (a home for specially-abled children)

  2. Nursery, Junior KG, and Senior KG students donated the amount to Sarla Old Age Home, Missionaries of Charity, and Centre for Children in Need of Special Care (BMC School that runs inside the school campus), respectively. The money was used to buy food items, groceries, container boxes, toiletries, and stationery as required.

  3. Students from Grades I to III prepared goodie bags with food and stationery, which were donated to the BMC school within the Gujarat Research Society premises. 

  4. Grade IV students donated Rs. 20,000 to the National Association of the Blind (NAB) and visited their Worli center, where they observed Braille printing, and audiobook recording, and engaged in meaningful interactions with visually impaired individuals. 

  5. From Grade V Rs. 30,000 was donated to the NGO ‘Hands that Heal,’ which cares for abandoned street animals. Students also participated in an interactive program with the NGO and bonded with rescued animals brought to the school. 

  6. From Grade VI Rs. 20,000 was donated to DEEDS NGO, which supports the hearing impaired. Students learned sign language and gained insights into the challenges faced by individuals with hearing impairments. 

  7. Grades VII’s portion of the funds (Rs. 13,000) was utilized to provide lunch for the school’s non-teaching staff, reflecting gratitude and community care. 

  8. While Grade VIII & XI contribution of Rs. 40,000 was donated to the Association for the Welfare of Mentally Challenged (AWMH), enabling a sports tournament for mentally challenged individuals at Goregaon Sports Club. JML students actively volunteered in this initiative. 

  9. Further,  Grades IX, X, & XII’s Rs. 40,000 was donated to Anavya NGO, which works to educate and care for children and women in rural areas. 

  10. The secondary section Art students organized the `Art Exhibition “Kalanidhi” during Founder’s Week Souk, raising Rs. 10,000, proceeds of which will fund a desktop computer for the BMC school in the next academic year.

JML’s drive continues to uphold its tradition of fostering empathy and meaningful engagement, inspiring students to lead with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of social responsibility. Through such initiatives, the school empowers young minds to become proactive contributors to society, embodying values that extend beyond the classroom.

Tribe Amrapali’s 30th Store Opens in Agra, A Landmark Moment in Craftsmanship
Rutuparna Rath news
Tribe Amrapali’s 30th Store Opens in Agra, A Landmark Moment in Craftsmanship

Agra, 11th February 2025– Tribe Amrapali, the distinguished house of handcrafted silver jewelry and a name synonymous with modern interpretations of India’s cultural heritage, proudly announces the opening of its 30th store in Agra adjoining Amar Vilas. This landmark achievement reaffirms Tribe Amrapali’s position as a leading brand for discerning travelers and jewelry connoisseurs alike.

Renowned worldwide Agra is a treasure trove of artisanal excellence. From the delicate Pietra Dura (stone inlay) work that adorns its historic monuments to the rich legacy of zardozi embroidery, Agra has long been a beacon of craftsmanship that resonates with the very ethos of Tribe Amrapali.

Nestled in the heart of this historic city, the new Tribe Amrapali store will offer an immersive experience, where each piece of jewelry is a tribute to India’s rich cultural narrative. Visitors can explore handcrafted silver jewelry, vibrant gemstone adornments, and modern interpretations of heritage designs—making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

For over a decade, Tribe Amrapali has been at the forefront of preserving India’s rich jewelry-making traditions while adapting them to suit the tastes of today’s generation. Each piece of jewelry tells a story—of the artisans who meticulously craft it, of the culture it represents, and of the individuals who wear it. By opening its doors at Agra, the brand extends its reach to travelers from around the world, offering them a slice of India’s artistic legacy.

Akanksha Arora, CEO of Tribe Amrapali: “Opening our 30th store in Agra is a testament to our vision of bringing India’s rich jewelry heritage to a wider audience. Tribe Amrapali stands for authenticity, craftsmanship, and contemporary storytelling, and we are thrilled to introduce our designs to a city that itself is a symbol of artistic legacy.”

From statement earrings to delicate nose pins, and bold silver chokers to intricately handcrafted bangles, Tribe Amrapali’s newest store will showcase a diverse range of collections that blend the old with the new—ensuring that every piece tells a story of its own.

As Tribe Amrapali continues its expansion, this milestone reinforces the brand’s commitment to preserving Indian craftsmanship while making it relevant for the modern consumer. With stores across India and a global clientele, the Agra opening is a shimmering tribute to the brand’s journey of redefining jewelry as an extension of one’s cultural identity and contemporary style.

SOCIAL Launches Meet The Artist with Sid Sriram’s BOUNDLESS Tour
Bhumika Lenka news
SOCIAL Launches Meet The Artist with Sid Sriram’s BOUNDLESS Tour

India, 11th February 2025 – India’s favorite neighborhood café, is thrilled to introduce its latest intellectual property – MEET THE ARTIST: The Front Row Show at SOCIAL. This exclusive IP is designed to bring fans closer to the musical visionaries shaping contemporary soundscapes, offering an intimate and immersive experience with globally recognized artists who push creative boundaries.

To mark the debut, SOCIAL will be bringing Sid Sriram, one of India’s most successful and globally recognized artists, as he takes center stage for an exclusive two-city tour with his critically acclaimed BOUNDLESS concert. Having previously performed at iconic venues worldwide, Sid Sriram now brings this soul-stirring experience to Koramangala SOCIAL (Bangalore) on February 20th and antiSOCIAL (Mumbai) on February 23rd.

Sid Sriram’s BOUNDLESS is a genre-defying exploration of sound—fusing his Carnatic roots with jazz, R&B, blues, rock, and more, creating an unparalleled musical journey that holds no limits. The event promises an unforgettable evening of deep musical conversations, raw storytelling, and a first-hand look into the artist’s journey and creative process.

Sharing his comment on his upcoming gig, Sid Sriram said, “BOUNDLESS is a reflection of my journey through music—an exploration beyond genres, beyond borders. I’m excited to bring this experience to SOCIAL, a space known for blending culture, community, and creativity and launch their new IP” MEET THE ARTIST’ with the tour. I am looking forward to connecting with the people in this intimate setting and share my stories and passion.

Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality said, “SOCIAL has always been more than just a café-bar; it’s a space where subcultures thrive, where art, music, and community collide. With ‘Meet The Artist,’ we are curating an experience that goes beyond just performances—this is about storytelling, about understanding the mind behind the music. There’s no better way to launch this IP than with the inimitable Sid Sriram, whose artistry and depth perfectly embody the ethos of SOCIAL.”

SOCIAL with its new IP aims to elevate India’s live music culture by offering an up-close and personal experience—giving audiences a rare opportunity to engage with global artists beyond just performances. With limited seats and an exclusive front-row experience, this is a unique opportunity for fans to witness Sid Sriram.

Etude Enhances Quick Commerce Accessibility by Joining Forces with Zepto
Rutuparna Rath news
Etude Enhances Quick Commerce Accessibility by Joining Forces with Zepto

Etude, the globally loved K-beauty makeup brand, has officially expanded its quick-commerce presence with Zepto, bringing its playful and colorful cosmetics to customers with ultra-fast delivery. As of February 6th, Etude products are now available on Zepto, allowing beauty enthusiasts across India to shop their favorite K-beauty essentials from the comfort of their homes—delivered in just 10 minutes.

Zepto features a diverse range of Etude’s best-selling products across key makeup categories, including face, lip, and eye. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this collaboration ensures last-minute beauty needs are met with speed and convenience.

Commenting on the partnership, Paul Lee, Country Head of Amorepacific India said, “By leveraging Zepto’s fast and efficient delivery network, we intend to fulfill our customers’ last-minute makeup requirements. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of expanding our reach and meeting the beauty needs of K- beauty enthusiasts across the nation.”

Signature Global Achieves Strong Pre-Sales of INR 128.10 Billion in 2024, Books INR 40 Crore Profit in 9M FY25
Neel Achary business
Signature Global Achieves Strong Pre-Sales of INR 128.10 Billion in 2024, Books INR 40 Crore Profit in 9M FY25

New Delhi, February 11th, 2025: Signature Global (BSE: 543990 | NSE: SIGNATURE), one of India’s leading real estate development companies, reported strong pre-sales of INR 128.10 billion in Calendar Year 2024, along with robust key metrics in 9M FY25 and Q3 FY25. The company achieved significant revenue growth and profitability, with revenue from operations surging […]

The post Signature Global Achieves Strong Pre-Sales of INR 128.10 Billion in 2024, Books INR 40 Crore Profit in 9M FY25 first appeared on Business News Week.

Apollo Hospitals Reports Robust Q3 FY25 Results, Reflecting Strong Growth
Neel Achary business
Apollo Hospitals Reports Robust Q3 FY25 Results, Reflecting Strong Growth

Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. said, “At Apollo Hospitals, we have always measured success by the lives we touch and the impact we create for a healthier nation. With Q3 FY25 revenues rising by 14% to ₹ 5,527 crores and EBITDA by 24% to ₹ 762 crores, our performance is a […]

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Bhandup Hosts First-Ever Charity Run Organized by CrossFit4 in Support of Vatsalya Trust
Neel Achary business
Bhandup Hosts First-Ever Charity Run Organized by CrossFit4 in Support of Vatsalya Trust

11th February 2025: CrossFit4 is thrilled to announce the successful completion of Bhandup’s first-ever charity run, aimed at raising funds for Vatsalya Trust. Held at Pramod Mahajan Ground, Bhandup West, the event witnessed an overwhelming response, with around 140 registrations and 110 enthusiastic runners participating, spanning ages from 7 to 70. Spearheaded by Mr. Vishwanath […]

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