Madame Tussauds Unveils Wax Figure Honoring India’s Yogic Guru, “Swami (Baba) Ramdev”

* New Figure Will Greet Global Fan Base at The World’s Greatest Wax Attraction in New York City

Madame Tussauds New York, the world-renowned wax attraction, today revealed the wax sculpture of the eminent “Yoga Guru” Swami (Baba) Ramdev, at an event graced by the presence of the yoga guru himself. The wax figure will be available for fans to meet and interact with at Madame Tussauds New York.

Baba Ramdev, recognized as a new-age youth idol for his inspirational approach to yogic practices, has effectively influenced individuals of all ages, promoting healthy living through Yoga and ancient Ayurvedic treatments. His noteworthy contributions to Ayurveda, Business, and Agriculture have garnered him a dedicated global fan base. The unveiling of his wax figure serves as both a gift to his audience and a tribute to the yogi who continues to inspire millions, reflecting the unwavering faith of his followers in the present and projecting into the future.

Speaking on behalf of Madame Tussauds New York, spokesperson Tiago Mogodouro remarked, “Today, we are delighted to unveil the wax figure of Baba Ramdev. His commitment to society through the promotion of Yoga, introduction of Ayurveda culture, and advocacy for healthy living is truly a gift for us all. This moment is a source of pride for us, having the figure of this charismatic personality displayed in our world famous, Madame Tussauds New York wax attraction.”

He continued, “The unveiling transcends the immortalization of the yoga guru in a wax figure, it stands as a testament to the profound impact and global reach of his teachings. Baba Ramdev's figure represents a harmonious blend of spiritual wisdom and health, mirroring the admiration and respect he commands worldwide. We take immense pride in honouring his contribution to yoga and wellness, anticipating that his presence will inspire our visitors to embrace the journey of self-improvement and holistic wellbeing."

Speaking on the occasion, Yog Rishi, Swami Ramdev said, “Today it is a moment of great honor as my wax figure in 'Tree Pose - a classic standing posture which establishes strength and balance' - has been unveiled at Madame Tussauds New York. I consider this as an important recognition of the global influence of Indian culture, especially Yoga and Ayurveda.

This wax figure symbolizes much more than my personal journey. It represents the ancient and spiritual wisdom of India which is based on the principles of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramaya” which present the ideal of life.

Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude to Madame Tussauds for this honor and all those who have embraced the teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda. Let us continue to share this Indian heritage with the world, and foster a healthier and more harmonious global community.”

Baba Ramdev, the co-founder of Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd, one of India’s largest and most prestigious Ayurveda businesses, has played a pivotal role in encapsulating the true essence of Ayurveda, blending ancient wisdom with the latest technology. Madame Tussauds artisans, in a previous visit to London, meticulously took over 200 exact measurements and pictures during the figure sitting with Baba Ramdev, ensuring a realistic resemblance in the creation of his wax figure.

About Madame Tussauds New York

Voted as one of New York’s most unique attractions, Madame Tussauds transports you to iconic moments in time with our famous figures of internationally renowned actors, musicians, sports stars, models, world leaders and more. New for the year, step onto the red carpet with Matthew McConaughey, Harry Styles, and Megan Thee Stallion. Plus, Madame Tussauds New York’s A-list party room is packed with 20+ celebrities in their recognizable gala looks, including Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Brad Pitt, and even a few Kardashians. With more than 85,000 square feet of interactive entertainment, including the MARVEL Hall of Heroes and Warner Bros. Icons of Horror, the world-famous attraction is bigger and better than ever! For more information, visit the website at madametussauds.com/new-york/ and on Instagram and TikTok @MadameTussaudsUSA.

About Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe's number one and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates more than 140 attractions, 23 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries spanning four continents. Merlin's purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees. See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information and follow on Twitter @MerlinEntsNews.

Photo Caption: Yog Rishi Swami Ramdev & Tiago Mogadouro, Head of Marketing, Madame Tussauds New York - Merlin Entertainments at the unveiling of Wax Figure of India’s most famous Yogic Guru - Swami Ramdev.

Glenmark Partners With Pfizer To Launch Abrocitinib In India

Pfizer and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Glenmark) have joined hands to launch abrocitinib, a first of its kind oral advanced systemic treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), in India. Developed by Pfizer, abrocitinib has received marketing authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other regulatory agencies.

When launched in India, it will be co-marketed under the brand names JABRYUS® and CIBINQO® by Glenmark and Pfizer respectively. This collaboration combines the expertise of the companies to offer a groundbreaking treatment for moderate-to-severe AD, with improved efficacy and oral convenience to patients. Abrocitinib (CIBINQO) is available in over 35 markets globally, including the U.S., Japan, and China.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammation of the skin and skin barrier defects 1,2. The persistent itching associated with moderate-to-severe AD disrupts daily life, impacting social interactions, work productivity, and overall well-being. Abrocitinib, a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, provides rapid itch relief, sustained disease control, and a vastly improved quality of life for patients3.

Meenakshi Nevatia, Country President and Managing Director of Pfizer India stated, "We believe in abrocitinib’s transformative potential. Its approval is a milestone in bringing high-quality treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in India, enabling patients to manage symptoms more effectively. Our collaboration with Glenmark will help leverage the collective strengths and capabilities of our organizations to make this breakthrough therapy available to patients and physicians across our country.”

Alok Malik, President and Business Head ? India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. said, “We are excited to collaborate with Pfizer India for the launch of abrocitinib in the country. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in India has been reported to be increasing owing to changes in environmental factors with symptoms appearing during the initial years of life in around 80% of patients4. Being a leader in the dermatology therapy in India, this partnership will help us ensure availability of this effective treatment for the Indian patients suffering from moderate-to-severe AD; and further strengthen our position in the dermatology therapy space.”

Prevalence of AD in India

The prevalence of AD has been on the rise over the past three decades with an estimated prevalence of AD of about 10-20% in developed countries3. Approximately 5.9%5 of adults in India are affected by AD, of which 4.4%6 suffer from a severe form of this disease. The symptoms of AD like itching and lack of sleep, lay a significant burden on the patients and their caretakers, affecting multiple aspects including their quality of life and mental health3.

About Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (BSE: 532296 | NSE: GLENMARK) is a research?led, global pharmaceutical company, having a presence across Branded, Generics, and OTC segments; with a focus on therapeutic areas of respiratory, dermatology and oncology. The company has 10 world-class manufacturing facilities spread across 4 continents, and operations in over 80 countries. In Vivo/Scrip 100 positions Glenmark amongst the Top 100 Companies Ranked by R&D and Pharmaceutical Sales, 2022; while Generics Bulletin/In Vivo places it in the Top 50 Generics and Biosimilars Companies Ranked by Sales, 2022. The company has also been Great Place To Work® Certified™ in India for FY 2023. Glenmark’s Green House Gas (GHG) emission reduction targets have been approved in 2023 by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), making it only the second pharmaceutical company in India to achieve this. The organization has impacted over 2.9 million lives over the last decade through its CSR interventions. For more information, visit www.glenmarkpharma.com. You can follow us on LinkedIn (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals) and Instagram (glenmark_pharma).

About Pfizer: Breakthroughs that Change Patients’ Lives

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of healthcare products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with healthcare providers, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, and affordable healthcare around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. Please visit our website www.pfizer.co.in for more such updates.

10 Young Chefs Battle Out In Round 1 Of 10th IIHM Young Chef Olympiad At Bengaluru

10 young chefs from 10 different countries of the world participated in the Round 1 of the 10th IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) in the Bengaluru campus of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) today.

The participants of the round-1 were Stelian Genchev Ganchev from Bulgaria, Karl Joakim Erik from Sweden, Adrian Leroy Tomasi from Fiji, Adisa Wacu Maryanne from Kenya, Regina Losana Stoopen from Mexico, Chintaloo Rowin from Mauritius, Kamal Thapa from Nepal, Clifford Jeff Unabia from Philippines, Baran Kalmaz from Turkey and Itqua Ansari from UAE.

The culinary battle, that began at 9 am saw these young chefs showcasing their culinary skills in a 3.5 hours starting with skills test, preparation of vegetarian dish and a dessert. The contest concluded at 2:00 PM.

The first round of the Olympiad Competition for Bengaluru was judged by a panel of esteemed international chefs, including Prof Dato Abdul Wahab Zamzani, Chef Shaun Leonard, Chef Enzo Oliveri and Chef Anupam Gulati

“The competition aimed to test the participants' culinary skills, creativity, and knowledge of different cuisines, as well as their ability to work under pressure. The judges were impressed with the level of skill and creativity displayed by the young chefs, making it a tough competition to judge. We all are super excited as this is the 10th YCO”, apprised Sanchari Chowdhury, Director, IIHM Bengaluru.

The leading 10 competitors from Round 1 will compete in the Grand Finale; the next 10 competitors filling the 11th to 20th positions will compete for the Plate Trophy and the remaining competitors will take part in the YCO Dr Suborno Bose Challenge. The 10th International IIHM Young Chef Olympiad looks all set to be the mega culinary competition and conclave of the year.

The Grand Final’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medallists; the Plate Trophy Winner; the YCO Dr Suborno Bose Challenge Winner and all other Award Winners will be announced at the Closing Awards Ceremony on the evening of 4th February 2024. While the Gold winner will be awarded a US $ 5,000 prize, the Silver winner will bag US $3,000, and the Bronze winner $2,000.

On the occasion, Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman, IIHM, who conceptualised and has passionately guided this event since its inception in 2015, said, “The 10th International Young Chef Olympiad is the biggest Culinary Olympiad anywhere in the world. In 2024, the theme is the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This assumes great significance in light of India’s G20 Presidency. This year over 60 countries are participating in the Olympiad. This is the first time in the history of the event that there is participation in such large numbers. IIHM campuses across the country are eagerly looking forward to hosting this mega culinary competition which will not only inspire young chefs from around the world to do their best but also sensitise them to the critical importance of sustainability in the field of hospitality.”

Green Steps :

Going with the sustainability theme, IIHM YCO Sustainability Walk in Bangalore, featuring students from various schools in the city, was a remarkable initiative organized in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Karnataka and BCIC Karnataka . This event aimed to promote awareness and action towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Participants from different countries, united under the banner of the 10th IIHM Young Chef Olympiad 2024, joined hands with the local community to emphasize the importance of sustainable practices. The walk not only fostered a sense of global citizenship but also served as a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering a collective commitment to building a more sustainable future. Through this collaborative effort, the Sustainability Walk became a powerful expression of the shared responsibility to address environmental, social, and economic challenges, creating a positive impact on both the local and global levels.

The YCO Bangalore Chapter partners are Ariane Fine Porcelain, McCain Food Service India, Curefoods, Hyatt Centric MG Road, Taj MG Road, Grand Mercure Gopalan Mall, VRO Hospitality Bangalore – Badmaash, Nandus, Charnock Equipments Pvt Ltd. Other partners are Stories Kitchen & Brewery, Hindustan Men’s Wear, Greenpath Organic, Olive Ridley, Sigma Consultancy services and Ranga Silver Palace.

Tata Motors Presents ‘Future Of Mobility’ Portfolio At Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024

* Showcases Safer, Smarter and Greener Mobility with 18 future ready Commercial, Passenger and Electric vehicles

* Leads 'zero emission mobility' with widest range of new age technologies in multi-fuel options

Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile and mobility company, is exhibiting an impressive array of present and future ready vehicles and solutions designed to revolutionise personal mobility, people mobility, and cargo transport at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 being held from 1-3 February 2024 at the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The Expo, a first-of-its-kind global mobility show in India, will have Tata Motors combine its inherent passion for ‘made in India’ and fundamental strength in engineering with expertise in human centric design and new age innovation to showcase the future of mobility.

On display will be Tata Motors’ vision, commitment and capability is making true the promise of tomorrow, today. Visit the Tata Motors Pavilion at stand H14-04 of the Bharata Mandapam (Pragati Maidan) to see:

India’s 10 most advanced, efficient and eco-friendly Commercial Vehicles – Trucks, Buses, Tippers and Small trucks 

India’s 8 greenest, smartest and most feature loaded Passenger Vehicles – Cars, SUVs and EVs

Future ready technologies – Hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, twin cylinder CNG, efficient fuel delivery systems, battery electric powertrains and hydrogen fuel cell powered electric, to accelerate the adoption of clean and green mobility.

Smart, tech loaded vehicles – ADAS for enhanced safety, mobility solutions for public transport, Arcade.ev- app suite for gaming, entertainment and media, gesture operated control and voice assistance.

Digitally Connected Vehicles – Fleet Edge platform for efficient fleet management of commercial vehicles, ZConnect & IRA for enhanced convenience in personal mobility.

Circular Economy – Re.Wi.Re for optimal recycling of end of life vehicles.

‘Made In India’ Galaxy S24 Series Goes On Sale In Indian Market

* Consumers purchasing Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24+ will get benefits worth INR 12000, while those buying Galaxy S24 can avail benefits worth INR 10000

No Cost EMI upto 24 months available for consumers opting for Galaxy S24 Series

Galaxy S24 series, Samsung’s recently launched flagship, will go on sale in India starting today. The ‘Made in India’ Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 smartphones come with Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, Note Assist and Transcript Assist features. AI built into Samsung Keyboard can also translate messages in real-time in 13 languages, including Hindi. In the car, Android Auto will automatically summarize incoming messages and suggest relevant replies and actions.

Galaxy S24 series is being manufactured at Samsung’s Noida factory in India. Samsung has secured record pre-bookings for Galaxy S24 series, making it the most successful S series ever in India. Galaxy S24 series marks a milestone in the history of search as the first phone to debut intuitive, gesture-driven ‘Circle to Search’ with Google. Users can circle, highlight, scribble on, or tap anything on Galaxy S24’s screen to see helpful, high-quality search results. For certain searches, generative AI-powered overviews can provide helpful information and context pulled together from across the web.

Galaxy S24 series’ ProVisual Engine is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools that transform image capturing abilities and maximize creative freedom. The Quad Tele System on Galaxy S24 Ultra now comes with a new 5x optical zoom lens that works with the 50MP sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x, 3x, 5x to 10x, thanks to Adaptive Pixel Sensor. Images also show crystal clear results at 100x with enhanced digital zoom.

With upgraded Nightography capabilities, photos and videos shot on Galaxy S24 Space Zoom are brilliant in any conditions, even when zoomed in. Galaxy S24 Ultra’s larger pixel size, now 1.4 ?m, is 60% bigger, helping capture more light in dim conditions. Wider optical image stabilizer (OIS) angles and enhanced hand-shake compensation help reduce blur. Both front and rear cameras are equipped with Dedicated ISP Block for noise reduction.

Galaxy AI editing tools on Galaxy S24 series enable simple edits like erase, re-compose, and remaster.  Edit Suggestion uses Galaxy AI to suggest perfectly suitable tweaks for each photo, while Generative Edit can fill in parts of an image background with generative AI. Anytime Galaxy S24 deploys generative AI to amplify an image, a watermark will appear on the image and in metadata.

The new Instant Slow-mo can generate additional frames based on movements to smoothly slow down action-packed moments for a more detailed look. Super HDR reveals lifelike previews before the shutter is ever pressed.

Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy that delivers remarkable NPU improvement for incredibly efficient AI processing. In all three Galaxy S24 models, 1-120 Hz adaptive refresh rates improve performance efficiency.

Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 1.9 times larger vapor chamber, improving device surface temperature while also maximizing sustained performance power. Ray tracing enables life-like visuals with superior shadow and reflection effect. Galaxy S24 reaches 2600nit peak brightness, making it the brightest Galaxy smartphone ever. Corning® Gorilla® Armor on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is optically enhanced for superior durability.

Galaxy S24+ comes with a 6.7-inch and Galaxy S24 has a 6.2-inch display. Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch flatter display, optimized not just for viewing but also for productivity. Galaxy S24+ now supports the same level of QHD+ found on Galaxy S24 Ultra. Galaxy S24 Ultra is the first-ever Galaxy phone to feature a titanium frame, enhancing device durability and longevity.

Galaxy S24 series is secured by Samsung Knox for safeguarding critical information and protection against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection. Galaxy S24 users have full controllability over how much they allow their data to enhance AI experiences, through Advanced Intelligence settings, which can disable online processing of data for AI features.

Galaxy S24 series continues Samsung’s commitment to extending the product lifecycle, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates to help users reliably experience the optimized performance of their Galaxy devices for even longer.

viaDOTS Launches The ‘Saver Rides’ Feature In A Bid To Address Surge Hour Dilemmas

* The app-based ride-hailing startup also maintains a flat rate throughout the day, providing riders with a consistent and transparent fare system, regardless of the time or demand

In a bid to address the rising concerns associated with hailing an affordable cab in the city, viaDOTS, India’s first ever app-based digital meter taxi has launched the ‘saver rides’ feature. This innovative offering allows riders to navigate the city at a reduced cost, with a 15% decrease in the already competitive base fare, surpassing other ride-hailing platforms – providing an affordable and convenient transportation solution.

With an effective pricing strategy, the Bengaluru-based platform has set a competitive base price of 100 INR for the initial 4 kilometers, followed by a reasonable rate of INR 20 per kilometer thereafter. This disruptive pricing model aims to address the prevailing cost concerns associated with ride-hailing services in the tech city of India, making viaDOTS an attractive and cost-effective choice for commuters.

The app-based ride-hailing startup also maintains a flat rate throughout the day. Unlike many other cab aggregators, viaDOTS refrains from implementing surge pricing measures even during peak hours – providing riders with a consistent and transparent fare system, regardless of the time or demand.

“We are thrilled to introduce the ‘saver rides’ feature to our users in Bangalore," said Vyshak Simha, CEO of viaDOTS. “At viaDOTS, our aim is to redefine the transportation landscape by providing an affordable, accessible, and reliable option for commuters. Our flat-fare structure also reflects our commitment towards building a cab ecosystem where the rider and driver community have the freedom to access convenient and affordable mobility around the clock.”

Launched in December 2023, viaDOTS has already onboarded over 8,000 drivers in Bengaluru and plans to expand its footprint to cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Indore, and Mysuru. The viaDOTS app, available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, offers a user-friendly interface, real-time tracking, and a seamless ride-booking experience. Users can now enjoy the benefits of the saver rides feature, making their daily commute more budget-friendly without compromising on quality or convenience.

About viaDOTS:

viaDOTS is a ride-hailing SaaS platform which primarily focuses on empowering the driver community via its Digital Meter Taxi Model. viaDOTS is just not disrupting the ride-hailing industry, but it aims to revolutionize it with a unique twist. Our proprietary Driver Operated Transport Service (DOTS) software is designed to create smoother, more efficient rides for both Riders and Drivers.

With transparency at the helm of our organization, hidden costs and surge charges are a thing of the past. viaDOTS ensures fair pricing, collectively set by the taxi community, to ensure that every ride is pocket-friendly and secure. Through its ideology of Driver-Entrepreneurship, the platform allows the driver community to be truly independent business owners, taking charge of how they want to operate their business.

Marriott Saw Record 560 New Hotels & Residential Projects In Asia Pacific Excluding China

* 2023 marked a terrific year for Marriott International in the Asia Pacific Excluding China region with over 80 deals signed, adding approximately 18,000 rooms in the pipeline for this region

Following the recent announcement by Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) of its strong global net rooms growth and record year of organic signings in 2023, the company highlighted the remarkable surge in hotel and residences openings and signings in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region, particularly in key travel markets such as Japan, India, and Vietnam. At the close of 2023, Marriott set a milestone in APEC with over 60 properties added to its portfolio during the year, bringing the company’s presence in the APEC region to more than 560 operating hotels and residences, and exceeding 10 percent net rooms growth compared to 2022. The company also sealed a record of over 80 deals signed across 13 markets, representing approximately 18,000 rooms.

As tourism recovers in APEC and the travel landscape evolves, Marriott has continued to focus on strategically providing the best-in-class offerings to owners, franchisees, and guests. At the end of 2023, Marriott’s APEC development pipeline stood at over 320 hotels with over 69,000 rooms, showcasing the company's dedication to providing world renowned brands and diverse experiences, aligning with the evolving preferences of travelers across the region.

Luxury continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of Marriott, and 25 percent of Marriott’s global luxury rooms pipeline is represented in APEC.  In 2023, 15 percent of the deals signed in APEC were in the luxury segment. A record nine luxury hotels were opened in the region in 2023 — including The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne— Marriott’s 1,000th hotel in the Asia Pacific region. The JW Marriott Goa debuted the brand in Goa and was the company’s 150th hotel to open in South Asia, and added The Singapore EDITION, the first EDITION in Southeast Asia.

“With our record year of growth at Marriott International in APEC, we remain committed to meeting the demands of modern travelers underscored by our diverse portfolio of brands and strategic presence in new destinations,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Marriott International, APEC. “2023 has positioned us as a thriving and desirable region in the global landscape.  I am excited about our momentum as we focus on being where our customers want us to be and connecting people through the power of travel.”

Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott’s award-winning travel program— has helped fuel interest in the company’s regional portfolio. In APEC, the Marriott Bonvoy membership base has surged by 50 percent since 2019. This momentum is attributed to the unique and unforgettable experiences the program offers, including exclusive access to prestigious events like the Australian Open and Formula 1. Beyond hotel stays, Marriott Bonvoy continues to re-define the regional travel landscape with strategic partnerships with Singapore Airlines, Rakuten and co-branded credit cards in Japan, Korea, and India. The company's commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, coupled with the strength of Marriott Bonvoy, positions Marriott as a leader in shaping the future of travel and hospitality across the APEC region.

For more information on Marriott's latest developments and brand news, visit the Marriott News Center at news.marriott.com.