From Fossil To Fan Favourite: Stan The T. Rex Takes Over Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Social Media

Experience Abu Dhabi introduces the world’s first “AI-ncient Influencer” — a 67-million-year-old digital creator inspired by one of the most complete T. rex fossils ever discovered

As the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors, one of its star residents is already capturing global attention online. “Stan” the Tyrannosaurus rex – one of the most complete fossilised T. rex skeletons ever discovered and a signature exhibit of the museum – has been brought into the digital age as an “AI-ncient Influencer”. For the first time, a real T. rex fossil has inspired an AI-driven digital persona, transforming Stan into a talking, expressive digital character designed for social media audiences.

With a bold personality, witty attitude and a distinctly self-aware sense of humour, Stan invites visitors and social media audiences worldwide to experience the museum in a fresh and entertaining way.

This campaign gives one of Earth’s most ancient creatures a contemporary digital voice. Stan’s personality draws from his 67-million-year journey and is brought to life through playful commentary that speaks to families, young audiences and curious minds globally.

The first episode of his takeover has gone live on the museum’s social channels, tracking his journey from New York to Abu Dhabi – from squeezing through airport security and enjoying a first class Etihad Airways seat to landing at Zayed International Airport and settling into his new home. More episodes will follow as Stan explores Abu Dhabi and shares behind-the-scenes moments from his new home, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.

Visitors can meet Stan in person at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and follow him across TikTok and Instagram for more episodes, late-night museum adventures, scientific facts and the unexpected personality you’d never expect from a 67-million-year-old fossil.

Follow the museum on Instagram at instagram.com/nhm_abudhabi, TikTok at tiktok.com/@nhm_abudhabi and book your tickets at nhmad.ae

Marriott International Inks Deal With Sugee Group To Develop The Goa Marriott Manohar International Airport Hotel

Anticipated to open in 2030, this new hotel is set to deliver the perfect blend of heartfelt service and elevated hospitality to one of India’s most beautiful beachfront destinations.

Marriott International, Inc. today announced a signed agreement with the Sugee Group, growing its portfolio in Goa with the anticipated opening of the Goa Marriott Manohar International Airport Hotel. Thoughtfully designed for today’s global traveller, this 200-key property is situated in the first Aerocity in Western India. The hotel is planned of a mixed-use project that will comprise commercial spaces, retail outlets, a golf course, as well as educational and training institutes.

Located just five minutes from the Manohar International Airport, the hotel is set to offer easy access to North Goa’s iconic Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute beaches, while Panjim’s vibrant cityscape sits a convenient 30-minute drive away. Set at the crossroads of Goa’s sun-soaked coastline and its lively cultural circuit, the hotel’s location invites travelers to immerse themselves in Goa’s unique history, vibrant scenic beauty and diverse experiences. The proximity to Panjim allows for quick detours into the charming Latin quarters of Goa, with riverfront dining, and sunset cruises along the river Mandovi. Adventure seekers can explore nearby forts, waterfalls, and coastal trails, while culture lovers can seamlessly hop between art galleries, heritage walks, and vibrant Goan festivals.

“We are delighted to strengthen our footprint in Goa with this significant signing, a destination that continues to be one of India’s most compelling leisure and lifestyle markets,” said Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “Marriott Hotels has always been a place where guests can seamlessly blend business and leisure. Goa’s thriving demand for high-quality hospitality makes it an ideal Marriott location as we expand the brand’s presence in our next phase of growth. This signing also underscores our commitment to bringing elevated experiences to travellers while embarking on this strategic collaboration with the Sugee Group who share our vision of shaping the future of hospitality in India.”

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion of this signing - Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, Founder & Managing Director, Sugee Group, said: “We are delighted to work with a global leader like Marriott International for our first hotel development project. The collaboration with Marriott International reflects Sugee’s commitment to India’s growing tourism and hospitality sector. Goa, with its thriving leisure, lifestyle, and global tourism appeal, serves as the ideal destination for Sugee’s hospitality debut. This partnership also marks a key milestone in Sugee’s broader vision of developing international-standard experiential living spaces in the residential sector, serviced by global hospitality operators. Our teams have worked tirelessly over the past few months to bring this agreement to fruition, and we are eager to break ground and begin construction. This is not just the beginning of a project, but of a lasting relationship.”

The Goa Marriott Manohar International Airport is anticipated to offer 200 guest rooms and suites, together with a range of culinary venues including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant, a patisserie, The Greatroom lobby lounge and a Pool Bar. Planned facilities also include the indulgent Quan Spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a Kids Club. Additionally, the hotel is planned to offer 1,000 square meters of conference and event spaces including a Grand Ballroom and inviting outdoor lawns, catering for professional meets and social gatherings both large and exclusive. M Club guests can expect Marriott Hotels’ signature wonderful hospitality, with modern design, comfortable spaces and enriching experiences that blend leisure and business.

Solve For Tomorrow 2025: Young Innovators Using AI To Transform Health, Hygiene & Wellbeing In India

Technology’s role in healthcare is no longer just futuristic—it is reshaping diagnostics, care, and dignity for patients today. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) 2025, Samsung’s flagship education programme, in partnership with IIT Delhi, showcased this transformation by challenging thousands of students nationwide to design AI-first, human-centred solutions under the theme “Future of Health, Hygiene and Wellbeing.”

Here’s what this wave of innovation looks like:

1. Rooted in Real-Life Challenges

Students were invited to build accessible healthcare tech addressing hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, emotional well-being, and preventive care—ensuring better health outcomes are a right, not a privilege.

2. Practical Solutions for Better Tomorrow

Teams like Alchemist, BRHM, Hear Bright, Pink Brigadiers brought innovations ranged from multi-articulated bionic hands and AI early detection tools to predictive breast health apps and speech recognition devices tailored to India’s linguistic diversity—all focused on delivering dignity and accessibility in care.

· Alchemist (Andhra Pradesh) – AI-powered platform with deep learning model to detect subclinical silicosis

· BRHM (Uttar Pradesh) – Low-cost bionic hand to restore mobility for people with disabilities

· Hear Bright (Delhi) – AI-powered glasses that convert speech into text for supporting hearing impaired

· Pink Brigadiers (Odisha) – Predictive AI app for women to self-check their breast health at home with secure results

3. Theme Winner – Paraspeak: Giving Voice to the Unheard

Among the four national winners, Paraspeak stood out. Developed by 16-year-old Gurugram student Pranet Khetan, it is a compact AI device that converts impaired speech into clear, fluent playback—including Hindi. Inspired by people battling speech disorders, Pranet created India’s first dataset for dysarthric Hindi, filling a critical gap in AI healthcare.

4. Other Winning Innovations Beyond Health & Well-Being

SFT 2025 also honoured:

· NextPlay.AI – AI sports coaching platform

Percevia – AI-powered glasses

· Prithvi Rakshak – Gamified sustainability app

5. Support to Scale & Succeed

Winners received up to ₹1 crore incubation support at IIT Delhi, with additional awards for top teams, including ₹1 lakh grants, Goodwill Awards and Young Innovator Awards and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip smartphones for the top 20 teams.

6. A Growing, Inclusive Innovation Ecosystem

SFT 2025 saw wider participation from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, with alumni returning as mentors and access to IIT Delhi’s FITT Labs for prototyping. This growth reflects a decentralising STEM movement beyond urban centres. With 2.9 million young innovators engaged across 68 countries since 2010, SFT continues to shape the next generation of problem solvers in India.

7. Guided by Empathy and Responsibility

Design-thinking workshops encouraged students to build AI solutions that solve real problems responsibly—aligning innovation with social needs in a rapidly evolving digital world.

From Smartphones To Smart TVs - Cromtastic December Offers Start At Just ₹14,990*

· Buy Macbook Air M4 at ₹ 55,911*

· Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at ₹ 69,999*

· Buy 75" Samsung Smart TV at ₹ 62,967*

· Buy Voltas 1.5 Ton inverter AC at ₹ 29,019*

As consumers reflect on the year gone by and prepare their homes for a fresh start, Croma, India’s trusted omni-channel electronics retailer, has announced the ‘Cromtastic December Sale’, a year-end shopping event designed for customers looking to upgrade their lifestyle before stepping into 2026.

Running from December 15 to January 4, the sale offers best deals of the year in stores across electronics and home appliances, positioning it as the final upgrade window of 2025.

Unmissable Deals across Categories:

1. Smartphones:

· iPhone 16 starting at ₹ 40990* & EMIs of ₹ 1833

· iPhone 15 starting at ₹ 36,490* & EMIs of ₹ 1604

· Samsung S25 Ultra starting at ₹ 69,999* & EMIs of ₹ 3361

· Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 starting at ₹ 99,999* & EMIs of ₹ 4639

· Vivo V60 starting at ₹ 23,999* & EMIs of ₹ 3083

2. Laptops:

· MacBook Air M4 starting at ₹ 55,911** & EMIs of ₹ 2746

· Next Gen AI PC starting at ₹ 47,710* & EMIs of ₹ 2071

· 3050 GFX Gaming Laptop starting ₹ 64,950* & EMIs of ₹ 4330

· Lenovo i5 starting at ₹ 48,790* & EMIs of ₹ 4066

3. TVs:

· 75" Samsung Smart UHD TVs starting at ₹ 62,990* & EMIs of ₹ 5713

· 55" Croma UHD Google TV starting at ₹ 29,990* & EMIs of ₹ 2493

· 43" Croma Google TV starting at ₹ 18490* & EMIs of ₹ 2299

4. Washing Machine:

· LG Front Load 7 kg Washing Machine starting at ₹ 29,350* & EMIs of ₹ 2444

· Samsung Top Load 7 kg Washing Machine starting at ₹ 16,417* & EMIs of ₹ 1368

· Croma Top Load 7.5 kg Washing Machine starting ₹ 14,990* & EMIs of ₹ 1690

5. AC:

· Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC starting at ₹ 29,019* & EMIs of ₹ 2950

· Haier 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter AC starting at ₹ 34,161* & EMIs of ₹ 4270

“December is when customers actively look for meaningful upgrades whether it's refreshing their home setup, preparing for the year ahead, or purchasing what they postponed during the festive season. With Cromtastic December, we’ve curated strong price drops, bank offers, and EMI benefits so shoppers can make informed, value-driven purchases before the year closes.” said a spokesperson from Infiniti Retail Ltd.

The Cromastic December Sale will run across all Croma stores.

*Offer is subject to applicable cashback offers or discounts provided by participating banks or consumer finance, exchange value for eligible old products. In case of EMI transactions, cashback value could be lower or not applicable. The offer is valid only on select brands, product classes, and categories and may vary by store, city, days and until the stock lasts. Samsung prices include upgrade/cashback and exchange value of old device. Macbook Air M4 price includes student discount. T&C Apply.

About Croma:

Infiniti Retail Ltd. is one of the first organised consumer durables and electronics retailers in India operating under the brand name Croma. With over 570+ stores across 200+ cities, the company continues to aggressively open new stores to expand its presence especially in suburban region of metro cities along with tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Croma offers its customers a world-class ambience to shop both in-store and staged at www.croma.com and allows for a seamless ‘omni-channel’ shopping experience that lets a customer enjoy the best of both worlds. Through its deep integration with the Tata Neu ecosystem, products from Croma are also available on the Tata Neu app. Croma has been featured among the 100 most valuable Indian brands by Brand Finance India 100 report for two years in a row.

Meta AI Now Available In Telugu And Kannada On Ray-Ban Meta Glasses

Meta is starting to roll out Telugu and Kannada language support on Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley HSTN AI glasses, expanding access to Meta AI across India. With this update, users can now interact with Meta AI completely hands-free in two additional regional languages, making AI glasses more natural and intuitive for millions across the country. This addition builds on existing support for English and the recently launched Hindi experience, further strengthening Meta AI’s multilingual availability in India.

Users can now select Telugu or Kannada as their preferred language in the Meta AI app by going to Device Settings > Meta AI > Language and Voice. Once enabled, Meta AI can respond in the selected language and help users ask questions, get information, take photos and videos, answer calls and messages, and control music and media through simple voice commands.

This update follows the recent launch of Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 and the launch of Oakley HSTN AI glasses in India, giving users more choice across both lifestyle and performance categories. Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 glasses have also become more widely available through retailers such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Reliance Digital, making it easier for people across the country to purchase their first pair of AI glasses.

Vedanta Sesa Goa IOK Commits To Success Of SSLC Students In Siddapura

Empowering students with skills required to ace their examinations, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka (IOK) has launched the ‘Master Class to Achieve 100%’, at Shri. Nuthan High School, Siddapura. The initiative, under Sesa Goa’s Project ‘Vriddhi’ would empower 180+ students from four schools – Shri. Anjaneya Swamy High School, Kadleguddu, Shri. Anjaneya Swamy High School, Manangi, Dr. B R Ambedkar High School & Shri. Nuthan High School, Siddapura, through ‘Special Classes’ conducted on all weekends starting on 13th December 2025, for two months.

As part of the initiative Vedanta IOK is providing support through accomplished teachers who will be augmenting the preparations of the SSLC students through special classes.Students will also be mentored to overcome gaps in writing technique, time management, and tips on addressing questions as per board pattern. The event witnessed the presence of Raghavendra G., Chairman, Sri. Nuthan Education & Rural Development Society, along with Keerthi Kumar SB - Head Master, Manangi HS, Dr. Mahesh, Principal, Shri. Anjaneya Swamy High School, along with school faculty, students and Vedanta executives.


Marking the launch of the initiative, Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta – Iron Ore Karnataka said, “We are proud to partner the students of Chitradurga through the Master Class initiative under Project ‘Vriddhi’, we will be providing special classes to over 180 students and are inspired to help them achieve 100% pass percentage in the upcoming SSLC examinations.”

Dr. Mahesh, Principal, Shri. Anjaneya Swamy High School, Kadleguddu, said, “The ‘Master Class to Achieve 100%’ initiative will prove extremely beneficial for increasing the overall pass percentage in the SSLC examinations. Vedanta IOK’s initiative will further enhance the self-confidence in students and contribute to their performance. The company has been regularly supporting students & we appreciate their initiative.”

Aishwarya R, a student of Shri. Anjaneya Swamy High School, Manangi, expressed her thoughts on the initiative, “I hail from a rural household in Chitradurga, and my parents strive very hard to make our ends meet. At times, I find it difficult to understand subjects such as Maths and Science. The special classes by Vedanta IOK are going to be extremely helpful for me.”

Vedanta IOK as part of Project ‘Vriddhi’ has been undertaking several projects aimed at promoting education among rural youth. Its ‘Back to School’ initiative provides study materials to students with 10000+ students benefitting so far , and the company also undertakes upgradation of school infrastructure such as sanitation blocks & science labs, and its Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarships have so far benefitted over 500 students in rural Karnataka.

Aromatic Biryanis To Teriyaki Salmon: Air India Elevates Its Inflight Dining Experience With Refreshed Global Menu

· New menu incorporates Indian and global influences, and geo-specific star dishes

· The food will be sourced, prepared, packed and handled with care for the environment and community

Air India, India’s leading global airline, announced the introduction of its new global menu across its fleet. The menu draws inspiration from India’s diverse culinary tapestry, from the royal kitchens of Awadh to the coastal flavours of southern India, while incorporating global influences through Pan-Asian, European Bistro, and geo-specific star dishes.

The new menu has been introduced on most international ex-India routes, including flights from Delhi to London Heathrow, New York, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto and Dubai; from Mumbai and Bengaluru to San Francisco; and from Mumbai to New York, to name a few. It will be progressively rolled out across all international sectors as well as on domestic routes.

The menu weaves a delicious story that combines the flavours of India with influences from global cuisines. To strike a chord with every traveller, there is a portfolio mix of region-inspired meals and global cuisines such as European bistros and pan-Asian. The region-inspired meals like south-Indian cuisine brings alive the heritage of India giving the travellers an authentic dining experience.

Guests travelling First Class will enjoy gourmet meals, artisanal breads, signature desserts, and bespoke wine and champagne pairings. Business Class offers multi-course gourmet meals with customisable options and curated beverage pairings, while Premium Economy and Economy feature upgraded meal trays with balanced, wholesome options with familiar regional flavours and enhanced presentation.

Highlights of the new menu include:

· Signature Indian dishes: Awadhi Paneer Anjeer Pasanda (Veg Awadhi Thali), Murgh Massalam (Non-veg Awadhi Thali), and south Indian platter in First and Business Class. Rajasthani besan chilla, malabari chicken curry, and malai palak kofta in Premium Economy

· International cuisine: Japanese Teppanyaki Bowl, citrus tiger prawns, and oriental napa cabbage and tofu rollmops in First Class and Seoul flamed prawns, manicotti forestiere, and Mediterranean tapas in Business Class

· GenZ Delights: chicken bibimbap and matcha delice in Business Class

· Home-made comfort food: homestyle masala dal khichdi and homestyle stuffed parantha in Business Class

· Plant-Based & Special Dietary Options: A dedicated vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-conscious menu

The exquisite new menu has been curated by Chef Sandeep Kalra, who joined Air India recently as the airline continues with its transformation programme, with new and upgraded aircraft joining the fleet and the introduction of new cabin and the new Air India experience across its fleet. The new menu has taken inspiration from the diverse culinary experiences that India offers from the classic Delhi Street food to the real southern India tiffin, apart from international cuisine that appeal to today’s young travellers such as Korean Bibimbap and Matcha. The Air India cabin crew have also gone through specialised training to enhance customer experience onboard.

“At the very core, the new food and beverage enhancements draw inspiration from Air India's commitment to continuous innovation and transforming the customer experience. We are reimagining the inflight dining experience that resonates with the tastes and preferences of global travellers. Our thoughtfully curated menu caters to guests from different cultural affinities who prefer delectable gourmet meals. We endeavour to master the art of menu design and presentation to ensure every inflight meal goes beyond taste into serving care and culinary excellence,” said Mr. Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India.

Air India will also offer over 18 special meal types, one of the few airlines worldwide to do so, accommodating modern travellers’ lifestyles and dietary preferences for a truly inclusive and personalised experience. Guests can choose from thoughtfully curated choices ranging from international cuisine, homestyle comfort food, to health-conscious fare that caters to contemporary dietary lifestyles. Guests can also pre-select meals online using the Air India app with chef's notes, allergen information, and customisation capabilities.

The airline is also trying to reduce its environmental impact across the cycle such as in responsible sourcing, packaging, and waste reduction. Using locally sourced seasonal food to support local farmers and keep food miles down, Air India also ensures freshness of ingredients from the time of produce till the final serving onboard. There is also increased emphasis on environmentally friendly initiatives such as compostable utensils, paper meal boxes, less single-use plastics, and segregation of onboard waste for recycling and composting to reduce the carbon footprint.

About Air India group

The Air India group – comprising of full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries customers to 57 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents.

Returning to the Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India group is in the midst of a five-year transformation program, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed an order for 570 new aircraft. In 2024, sister airlines Air Asia India and Vistara were successfully merged into Air India Express and Air India, respectively, and the Airline opened South Asia’s largest aviation training academy. A new flying school is scheduled to open in 2025, and construction of a greenfield maintenance base, to be operational in 2026, is underway. In addition to receiving new aircraft, all existing aircraft are progressively undergoing a full interior refit.

With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.

For more stories on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom