DPS, New Town, Kolkata Wins National Finals Of Aqua Regia - The School Quiz 2024

Triumphant Institute of Management Education Pvt. Ltd. (T.I.M.E) a prominent test-preparation institution in India and its law entrance coaching division - CLATPrep, organized the National Finals of the 2024 edition of 'Aqua Regia - The School Quiz' for students. The event took place at the Dharmaram College Auditorium, Christ University, Bangalore. Previously conducted as 'Aqua Regia- The Science Quiz', the quiz has been recognized by Guinness World Records in 2007 as the largest quiz ever conducted.

In a thrilling conclusion to the National Finals, the team of Aaron John Pradeep and Sayudh Ray from Delhi Public School, New Town, Kolkata were crowned the champions, outshining all the other teams from across India who had made it to the National Finals. The team of Darshan Ravi and Aayush Bharadwaj of Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Mylapore, Chennai and Mayank Kumar and Bhavyman Sharma representing Army Public School, Bolarum, Hyderabad emerged as the 1st and 2nd runner-up teams respectively. The winners were felicitated by Manek N. Daruvala and P. Viswanath, the esteemed founder-directors of T.I.M.E. and by Mr. Thomas George, Centre Director at T.I.M.E. Bangalore.

Recently, the Bangalore City Finals witnessed an impressive turnout, with 450 students forming 225 teams representing their schools after qualifying through the preliminary school-level written rounds conducted in the garden city. The winners of the Bangalore City Finals went on to compete with teams from Cochin, Trivandrum and Mangalore for the Bangalore Regional Finals. The winners of the Regional Finals representing the best of talent from Karnataka and Kerala earned their place on the prestigious national stage. In recognition of their outstanding performance, the members of the winning team were presented with laptops for each winner and the runner up teams were presented with Mobile Phones for each Winner. The quiz master for this exciting event was Bharat C. Jain, who guided the competition with expertise and flair.

Mr. Thomas George, Centre Director at T.I.M.E said, “Concluding the quiz, we celebrate not just a victory, but the incredible journey of young minds at the National Finals of Aqua Regia - The School Quiz. Congratulations to winners for their outstanding achievement! This event is a testament to the passion and dedication of students from all corners of India, uniting participants from all over India in a shared love for learning. Aqua Regia is more than just a quiz; it’s about building friendships, sparking curiosity, and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. We are immensely proud to be part of this vibrant community that nurtures talent and fosters a lifelong love for knowledge!"

Aqua Regia is open to students from grades IX, X,XI and XII across all streams and is taking place in over 50 cities and towns nationwide, including major locations like Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata. Since its launch in 2006, this quiz has attracted participation from more than 2.6 million students across India. More than 1.5 lakhs of students from around 900 schools across the country have participated in the 2024 edition of 'Aqua Regia – The School Quiz'.

About T.I.M.E.

Advanced Educational Activities Pvt. Ltd. (AEAPL), operating under the brand name T.I.M.E., is India’s leading test-prep institute with a pan-India presence and is headquartered in Hyderabad. From its entrepreneurial roots in 1992, T.I.M.E. today has 192 offices located in 93 towns and cities across the country. It has trained over 26 lakh students for various courses since its inception.

T.I.M.E. is today acknowledged as a multi-location, multi-programmme training specialist run on corporate lines and offers a wide range of programmes not only for national and state-level entrance exams like CAT, MAT, Bank PO and Clerical exams, SSC CGLE, CLAT, IPM, CUET, MAH-CET, JEE MAIN and JEE ADVANCED but also for international exams like GMAT and GRE.

PGIM India Mutual Fund Launches PGIM India Healthcare Fund

PGIM India Mutual Fund today announced the launch of PGIM India Healthcare Fund, an open ended equity scheme investing across equity and equity related securities of healthcare and pharmaceutical companies. The fund is benchmarked against BSE Healthcare TRI.

The New Fund Offer (NFO) opens for subscription on November 19, 2024 and closes on December 03, 2024. The scheme re-opens for continuous sale and repurchase on December 11, 2024.

“PGIM India Healthcare Fund provides a compelling opportunity for investors to capitalize on India’s burgeoning healthcare sector which benefits from low cost, innovation, growing awareness for health insurance, rising FDI inflows and growing medical tourism and more. We believe the best investment one can make is in one’s own health. The next best investment is protecting yourself and your family with  health/life insurance and investing into healthcare as a segment which is a structural theme,” said Ajit Menon, CEO, PGIM India Asset Management.   

“We expect healthcare sector to be a structural beneficiary of the India growth story. The sector is likely to witness multiple tailwinds like stable and growing domestic demand, strong pricing power, superior exports potential due to India's competitive advantage and China +1 strategy being pursued by global pharma," said Vinay Paharia, CIO, PGIM India Asset Management.

The scheme will invest a minimum of 80% in stocks of pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, up to 20% in other equities, debt and money market (up to 20%), REITs & InvITs (up to 10%) and foreign securities including overseas ETFs up to 20%).

The fund may consider investing in various sectors within the healthcare industry, including healthcare services and healthcare manufacturing. Healthcare services include, pharmacy, diagnostics, hospitals and health insurance. Healthcare manufacturing encompasses CRAMS (Contract Research and Manufacturing Services), medical devices, specialty chemicals, formulations and API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient), among others.

“The Healthcare sector has a relatively less elastic demand, which results in superior pricing power, especially in an inflationary environment. This provides an opportunity to an investor to compound capital over long periods of time,” says Anandha Padmanabhan Anjeneyan, Senior Fund Manager - Equities, PGIM India PGIM India Asset Management.  

The portfolio will be built utilizing a combination of top-down and bottom-up portfolio construction

process, focusing on the fundamentals of each stock, including quality of management.

The equity portion of the scheme will be managed by Anandha Padmanabhan Anjeneyan, Vivek Sharma, and Utsav Mehta while the debt portion will be managed by Puneet Pal.   

What makes Healthcare an evergreen theme?

·         A multi decadal structural theme to benefit from rising FDI inflows and government expenditure.

·         Benefit from increased government spending which is projected to reach 2.5% of the country's GDP by 2025. (Source: www.ibef.org)

·         Benefit from rising demand for medical services due to ageing population, greater health awareness and increased government spending.  

·         Emerging trends like AI based diagnostics, med-tech, telemedicine, shift towards preventive healthcare, medical tourism and more bodes well for the sector.

·         Participate in a theme which is relatively immune to economic downturns. 

·         Diversified investment opportunity within healthcare and ancillary sectors. 

·         Benefit from rising income levels and a changing attitude towards preventive healthcare.

Key Features

Minimum Application Amount

·         Initial Purchase/Switch-in: Minimum of Rs. 5,000 and in multiples of Re. 1 thereafter.

·         Additional Purchase:  Minimum of Rs. 1,000 and in multiples of Re. 1 thereafter.

·         Redemption: Rs. 1,000 and in multiples of Re. 1 or account balance whichever is lower.

·         SIPs: Minimum no. of 5 instalments and minimum amount per instalment - Rs. 1,000/- each and in multiples of Rs.1 thereafter.

Exit Load

For each purchase of units through Lumpsum/switch?in/Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) and Systematic Transfer Plan (STP):

·         Within 90 days from date of allotment of units : 0.50%.

·         Beyond 90 days from date of allotment of units : NIL

The entire exit load (net of Goods and Services tax), charged, if any, shall be credited to the scheme.

Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

About PGIM India Mutual Fund:

PGIM India Mutual Fund is a wholly owned business of PGIM, the global investment management business of the US based Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI). PGIM India Asset Management is the full service investment manager of PGIM India Mutual Fund, offering a broad range of equity and fixed income solutions to retail and institutional investors throughout the country. We manage 23 open-ended funds as of November 2024. In addition to managing our investors assets through domestic Mutual Funds, we also offer Offshore Funds, Portfolio Management Services and Alternatives. The fund house leverages the strength and stability of PGIM’s more than 145-year legacy to build on its decade long history in India.

Headquartered in Mumbai, PGIM India Mutual Fund has a presence in 29 cities across the country including branches in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune. PGIM India Mutual Fund brings a rich blend of global resources, intellectual acumen and local investment expertise and is committed to designing superior and meaningful, wealth-building solutions for our investors. PGIM India provides unique training and educational programs for building exceptional capabilities and best business practices for its business associates. For more information, please visit www.pgimindiamf.com

About PGIM

PGIM is the global asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a leading global investment manager with more than US$1.33 trillion in assets under management as of 6/31/24. With offices in 19 countries, PGIM’s businesses offer a range of investment solutions for retail and institutional investors around the world across a broad range of asset classes, including public fixed income, private fixed income, fundamental equity, quantitative equity, real estate and alternatives. For more information about PGIM, visit pgim.com.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) of the United States is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential   plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom, or with Prudential Assurance Company, a subsidiary of M&G plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom. For more information  visit news.prudential.com.  

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Marks “Namma Kannada Habba 2024” With A Splendid Celebration Of Karnataka's Vibrant Diversity And Heritage

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) hosted the Namma Kannada Habba 2024, a grand celebration themed “Diversity,” showcasing Karnataka's vibrant culture, traditions, and heritage. This year’s theme underscored the company’s remarkable progress in promoting gender diversity, with the proportion of women employees increasing from 2% to 10% over the past year. A notable highlight was the announcement of TKM’s exclusive all-women team set to participate in the Global Toyota Ekiden Marathon 2024, reflecting the company’s commitment to fostering equitable opportunities and empowering women in the workplace.

Further reinforcing its dedication to inclusivity, Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director & CEO of TKM, and Regional CEO for India, Middle East, East Asia, and Oceania for Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan, announced plans to gradually integrate specially-abled individuals into the workforce. This initiative aligns with TKM’s broader vision to build a workplace where diversity and inclusivity drive innovation and growth, making it a truly progressive and community-focused organization.

The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished Chief Guest—Mr. Sriimurali, a renowned Kannada actor celebrated for his impactful contributions to the Kannada film industry. His participation added a unique blend of inspiration and cinematic brilliance to the occasion. The dignitary lauded Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s unwavering dedication to celebrating and strengthening its bond with the local community, reflecting the true cultural spirit of the event.

The ’Namma Kannada Habba’ festival featured traditional art forms, music, dance, and cuisine, showcasing the state's diversity. Further, local artisans, women entrepreneurs, performers, and cultural ambassadors were invited to participate, emphasizing the rich heritage of Karnataka.

A standout moment was a cross-cultural musical performance by employees, their families, and Japanese expatriates, symbolizing Toyota’s inclusive and collaborative work environment. The celebration also featured a captivating Kannada book exhibition and Karnataka’s cultural evolution, with artifacts and installations offering attendees an immersive journey into the state’s rich history and traditions.

A new initiative, the “Toyota Chaithanya Puraskara,” was introduced to recognize and motivate local community members who have made significant contributions to society. During the Kannada Habba, nine distinguished personalities from the Ramangara and Channapatana taluks were honored with this award. The recipients were:

Mr. Surendra N from Nijiyappanadoddi for integration of technology in agriculture

Mr. Nanjundaswamy from Aralukuppedoddi for promoting millets

Mr. R. Shashi Sibanahalli, honored for his contributions in dairy farming and multi-cropping

Mr. Jayakumar from Komanahalli, recognized for adopting integrated farming system

Mr. Chethan Kumar TC from Talavadi, recognized for his work in horticulture

Mr. Partha Sarathi from Kyasapura, for his contribution to Folk Art

Mr. Kempegowda A M from Belekere, for his work in Ranga Bhoomi

Mr. Renuka Prasad from Ijooru, for his dedication to Yakshagana

Mr. Chikkaveeraiah from Bannikuppe, for his efforts in Community Development, Education, and Child Welfare.

Present at the occasion, Mr. G. Shankara - Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Namma Kannada Habba is much more than a celebration; it is a reflection of Toyota Kirloskar Motor's unwavering commitment to engaging with the community that has so warmly welcomed us over the years. By honouring local heroes through the Toyota Chethana Puraskara and showcasing the local culture, folk forms, women entrepreneurs, talent of artisans and performers, we aim to create a meaningful and enduring impact that resonates with the values of Karnataka. This year's theme of ‘Diversity’ further underscores our belief that embracing different perspectives and backgrounds is essential for building a strong, inclusive future. We are deeply humbled by the participation and enthusiasm of everyone involved and remain steadfast in our dedication to supporting Karnataka’s cultural and social development for years to come.”

Senior leadership from Toyota Kirloskar Motor also joined the festivities, led by Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, Chairman and Managing Director & CEO, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Regional CEO for India, Middle East, East Asia, and Oceania for Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan. He was accompanied by Mr. Swapnesh R Maru, Deputy Managing Director overseeing Corporate Planning, Finance, Administration, and Manufacturing, and Mr. Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy Managing Director responsible for Sales, Service, Used Cars, and the Lexus portfolio. Their active participation highlighted Toyota’s deep respect for the cultural fabric of Karnataka and the pivotal role of Kannada Habba in strengthening ties with the local community. Adding to the vibrancy of the celebrations, Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura delivered a heartfelt speech in Kannada, which won the admiration of everyone present and underscored Toyota’s genuine commitment to embracing and celebrating local traditions.

Over the years, Kannada Habba has evolved into more than just an annual event—it is a heartfelt expression of TKM’s dedication to giving back to society, honouring regional traditions, and fostering a sense of unity and pride among the people of Karnataka. By celebrating Kannada Habba year after year, TKM underscores its deep-rooted respect for the cultural fabric of the state and its steadfast belief in creating meaningful, lasting impacts that enrich lives and strengthen communities.

Tata Power, Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corp Forge Partnership To Develop 5,000 MW Of Clean Energy Projects In Landmark Collaboration

~The largest partnership between leading power companies in Bhutan and India for a clean energy landscape

~Tapping Bhutan's immense hydro potential to make the Indian subcontinent a clean energy powerhouse

~ To strengthen energy security and accelerate the energy transition in the region, supporting India’s 500 GW clean energy target

~Projects encompass 2,000 MW of hydro, 2,500 MW of pumped storage, and 500 MW of solar capacities ensuring round-the-clock energy supply to Bhutan and India

In a landmark move to strengthen Regional energy security and support the clean energy transition, Tata Power Company Ltd (Tata Power), one of India’s largest integrated power companies, has entered into a strategic partnership with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC), a subsidiary of Druk Holding and Investments Limited, sole generation utility of Bhutan, to collaborate and develop at least 5,000 MW of clean energy generation capacity in Bhutan.

This is in keeping with Bhutan’s vision for its energy sector which is to take its overall generation capacity to 25,000 MW by 2040 for its energy security and regional energy integration. Bhutan plans to achieve this target through diversification in its energy portfolio beyond traditional hydropower, which would include solar and geothermal energy.  This will extend to diversifying project structuring and financing through such strategic partnerships.

With the support of the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of India, this marks the largest partnership between two of the leading power companies of the two nations in Asia's clean energy sector. Both companies have a stellar track record in the energy sector and a long-standing relationship having worked together for over 15 years.

This strategic partnership signifies Tata Power's pre-eminence as the most preferred clean energy partner not only in India but also as a regional leader. This partnership will help unleash Bhutan’s great potential for hydropower and its important role in ensuring energy security in the region.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today at Thimphu in Bhutan between Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, MD – DGPC and Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD - Tata Power, in the esteemed presence of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay; Minister for Energy & Natural Resources, Lyonpo Gem Tshering; Chairman - Tata Sons, Mr N. Chandrasekaran; Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Mr Sudhakar Dalela; and other senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan, Embassy of India, DGPC and Tata Power.

Through the collaboration, at least 5,000 MW of renewable energy projects; including 4,500 MW of hydropower comprising the 1,125 MW Dorjilung HEP; 740 MW Gongri Reservoir; 1,800 MW Jeri Pumped Storage; and 364 MW Chamkharchhu IV will be developed in phases together. Another 500 MW of Solar projects will be developed by Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power.

As a precursor to this collaboration, Tata Power recently acquired a 40% stake for Nu/INR 8.30 billion in the 600 MW Khorlochhu Hydroelectric Project where an investment of over Nu/INR 69 billion will be made to develop the project.

Tata Power has had a long-standing relationship with DGPC since 2008 when the two companies joined forces to successfully develop the 126 MW Dagachhu Hydropower Plant as the first Public Private Partnership in Bhutan’s hydropower sector. 

Tata Power also has a transmission project of a 1,200 km long Tala transmission line that evacuates clean power from Bhutan to India.

Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said, “Tata Power's partnership with Druk Green Power Corporation reinforces our credentials as the most preferred clean energy partner in the region. Together, we are building 5000 MW of clean energy capacity that will help harness Bhutan's hydropower potential and support both countries' growing energy demands with reliable and round-the-clock clean energy supply. Together we are shaping a new energy era."

Tata Power has emerged as a leader in the renewable energy space, with a robust clean and green portfolio crossing 12.9 GW (6.4 GW operational, 6.5 GW under construction) which constitutes 42% of its total capacity, and is well-positioned to expand this to 70% by 2030. Tata Power has over 100 years of experience in hydropower generation and is emerging as a key player in pumped hydro storage projects. The Company is committed to supporting India’s successful energy transition.

Mr. Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, MD, DGPC said, “This strategic partnership with Tata Power is in keeping with Bhutan’s aspirations to maximize benefits to the people of Bhutan through fast-tracking the harnessing of its huge renewable energy resources for its economic development and long-term energy security. Bhutan places a lot of confidence in Tata Power and the partnership to deliver on these expectations.”

With Bhutan's economy projected to grow by 7.2% in FY25, the country's energy requirements are bound to increase. Largely driven by hydropower—a vital part of Bhutan's economy, capitalizing on this national asset will ensure that its growing power demands are met while also ensuring economic benefits including green job creation and infrastructure development.

Bhutan’s hydropower generation which peaks during the monsoon months complements India’s demand patterns that also peak in the summer months. More importantly, Bhutan sees its hydropower as critical in ensuring round-the-clock availability of power with India’s huge investments in renewables such as solar and wind and the plans to further accelerate investments in these renewables over the next two decades. With the recent agreement reached for Bangladesh to import power from Nepal through India, there are also growing opportunities for regional energy integration that would boost investments in Bhutan’s hydropower.

Nature’s Basket Opens Bangalore’s Largest Artisan Pantry Store; Its First And Fourth Nationwide, With Bollywood Star Karisma Kapoor

Nature’s Basket, India’s leading premium grocery retailer and part of the RPSG Group, proudly unveiled its first flagship Artisan Pantry store in Bangalore today. Inaugurated by Bollywood icon Karisma Kapoor, the new 10,500 sq. ft. gourmet destination stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to bringing curated culinary experiences to life. This marks the ninth store in Bangalore and the 35th nationwide. Nature's Basket continues to strengthen its presence as a pioneer in luxury grocery retail across the country.

The Bangalore flagship store sets a new benchmark in luxury retail, offering an immersive and unparalleled shopping experience that combines global sophistication with local artistry. Unique to this store are several first-in-class features designed to captivate every shopper’s interest, including a Live Kombucha Bar with refreshing kombucha on tap, a Vegan Patisserie offering decadent plant-based desserts, a Live Cookie Corner with warm cookies baked fresh, Live Kunafa & Baklava showcasing authentic Middle Eastern treats, a Millet Café serving wholesome millet creations, and an Organic Snacking Counter with tasty, premium snacks. The indulgence continues with a luxurious Soft-serve corner and the Gelato Atelier, offering international flavors that redefine dessert cravings.

Enhancing its gourmet offerings, the store boasts the widest range of cheese in the country, featuring rare and exotic cheeses from over 50 countries, delivered in an unimaginable time gap for a truly global and flavorful experience. An exotic fruits and vegetables section brings global freshness to Bangalore, including items making their debut in India. The truffle bar celebration showcases luxurious culinary creations for true connoisseurs. Adding to the elegance, the store also features fresh flowers, potted herbs

To elevate the experience, the store offers an exclusive selection of premium cigars and a meticulously curated range of bar accessories, designed to satisfy the refined tastes of our distinguished guests. Additionally, an expansive collection of premium wines and liquors is available, carefully crafted for the discerning aficionado.

Shashwat Goenka, Chairman of Spencer’s Retail and Nature’s Basket, commented, “The opening of our first flagship Artisan Pantry store in Bangalore represents a significant strategic milestone for Nature’s Basket. This flagship store responds directly to Bangalore’s growing appetite for premium, curated culinary experiences. By blending the best of global gourmet offerings with local preferences, we are confident that this flagship will not only elevate Bangalore’s retail landscape but also set new benchmarks in the premium grocery sector. Our commitment to expanding Nature’s Basket’s footprint with such innovative concepts is part of our larger vision to redefine luxury retail in India.”

Returning for another launch, Karisma Kapoor expresses her excitement “I love how it brings together the finest ingredients from around the world. It’s an honor to inaugurate this beautiful flagship store in Bangalore and share this incredible experience with the city’s passionate food lovers.”

The store’s focus sections include the Spice Souk, Salt Bar, and Honey Bar, alongside experiential zones such as The Good Food Café, Chef’s Table, and Nibb’s Chocolate Factory, which features custom chocolate creations. From gourmet connoisseurs to health-conscious shoppers, the flagship store offers something extraordinary for everyone, creating an environment where food lovers can truly “taste the world.”

Nature’s Basket’s expansion into Bangalore with its first flagship store reflects its commitment to creating exceptional culinary experiences, pushing boundaries, and offering its patrons the very best in gourmet retail.

Masters of Marriott Bonvoy And Culinary Culture Present ‘The Power Play’ - A Celebration Of Culinary Excellence With India’s Leading Chefs

 

* In collaboration with top culinary connoisseurs, these exclusive, limited-seating dinners will take place at The Ritz-Carlton hotels in Pune and Bengaluru.

Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, and Culinary Culture, are set to announce ‘The Power Play’; an experiential dining showcase that elevates multi-cultural cuisines in collaboration with India’s leading chefs. The limited-seating five-course degustation menu, combining authentic regional flavours will take place at The Ritz Carlton, Pune on 30th November followed by The Ritz-Carlton, Bengaluru on 7th December, 2024.

These exclusive dinners promise a symphony of flavours, with each chef crafting a single course that embodies their distinctive cuisine and signature culinary artistry. Guests will be treated to an extraordinary lineup, featuring the culinary brilliance of six maestros. Here’s a glimpse into the visionaries behind this gastronomic journey:

Chef Doma Wang, The Blue Poppy, Kolkata- Celebrated for her mastery of Tibetan cuisine, brings the heart and soul of the Himalayas to your plate.

Chef Mythrayie Iyer, Farmlore, Bengaluru - Takes diners on a culinary journey across India, championing its vast and diverse palette with her creative flair and farm to table approach.

Chef Vanshika Bhatia, Omo Café, Gurgaon - Infuses her dishes with the elegance and finesse of European flavors, blending tradition with innovation.

Chef Pooja Dhingra, Founder of Le 15 - Elevates the art of pastry with her signature creations that are as indulgent as they are unforgettable.

Adding a unique twist, Chef Seefah Ketchaiyo, Seefah, Mumbai- Will infuse the Pune event with the vibrant and authentic essence of Thai cuisine. Meanwhile, Chef Nooresha Kably, Izumi, Mumbai- Will delight guests in Bengaluru with her inventive take on Japanese dishes, bringing a modern twist to classic flavours.

As a prelude to the dinners, Masters of Marriott Bonvoy and Culinary Culture will host exclusive fireside chats with the Chefs in both cities. In the company of culinary experts, connoisseurs and influential guests, the discussion will engage the culinary maestros in conversations around the diversity and rising culinary talent in the industry, and the growing appetite for multi-cultural cuisine among Indians. This will be followed by exclusive dinners at The Ritz-Carlton Pune on 30th November, and The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore on 7th December. Guests can join the waitlist for these exclusive experiences using the links

In anticipation of these exquisite dining experiences, Khushnooma Kapadia – Vice President of Marketing, South Asia, Marriott International- "India’s rich culinary heritage reflects its vibrant cultural diversity, and as a nation, we are constantly redefining our food preferences. Through Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, we strive to bring innovative dining experiences to life by collaborating with trailblazers in the culinary world. This initiative, in collaboration with Culinary Culture, celebrates the extraordinary talent of six master chefs from India, offering Marriott Bonvoy members an exclusive opportunity to indulge in a unique blend of traditional and contemporary flavours. By spotlighting these immensely talented chefs, we hope to inspire the next generation of women in hospitality while setting a new benchmark for culinary excellence."

Raaj Sanghvi, CEO, Culinary Culture adds, “It’s an incredible honour to unite the talent and creativity of some of India’s most exceptional chefs, each flying in from across the country to collaborate for this unique 10 hand experience. Over the years, in partnership with Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, we’ve had the privilege of bringing some of the world’s finest chefs to India. However, this event, celebrating the brilliance of our own top culinary maestros, holds an especially meaningful place and we hope to take it around the country going forward.”

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott Bonvoy app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

About Culinary Culture

Culinary Culture stands out as the leading authority on food in India. Founded by Vir Sanghvi and Sameer Sain, and guided by CEO Raaj Sanghvi, it represents a comprehensive movement that covers every aspect of the culinary scene in the country. As the nation's sole authoritative and independent rating organization, Culinary Culture introduced The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings, awarding Ultimate Stars to India's top restaurants. Through its popular IPs, It also celebrates the outstanding chefs of India and pays homage to the vibrant street food vendors across the country. Culinary Culture is renowned for its global Culinary Exchanges, inviting world-renowned chefs to showcase their skills in India while sending talented Indian chefs to cook at some of the world's best restaurants. Past events have featured culinary icons such as Massimo Bottura, Mauro Colagreco, Daniel Humm, Virgilio Martinez, Alain Ducasse and Dani Garcia, among others.

Instagram: @CulinaryCultureCo | Website: www.CulinaryCulture.co

Manipal Institute of Virology Recognized As ICMR Collaborating Center of Excellence: A Achievement In Biomedical Research And Public Health

In a groundbreaking achievement for India’s scientific and healthcare communities, the Manipal Institute of Virology (MIV) has been recognized as an ICMR Collaborating Center of Excellence (ICMR-CCoE) by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This prestigious designation underscores MIV’s leadership in virology research, its advanced diagnostic capabilities, and its pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations at both national and international levels. The recognition cements MIV’s status as a critical contributor to strengthening India’s biomedical research ecosystem and addressing the nation’s pressing public health challenges.

The recognition as an ICMR-CCoE is a testament to MIV’s outstanding contributions to the field of virology, particularly in the study of emerging infectious diseases, viral diagnostics, and vaccine development. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay, Professor and Director of MIV, the Institute has achieved remarkable milestones in research, diagnostics, and collaboration. Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal "Manipal Institute of Virology's recognition as an ICMR Collaborating Center of Excellence is a momentous achievement that underscores our commitment to advancing biomedical research and public health. This distinction reflects the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our team, and reinforces Manipal Academy of Higher Education's leadership in shaping the future of medical research and healthcare solutions. We are proud to contribute to global health advancements and look forward to fostering collaborations that will have a lasting impact on society”

"Being recognized as an ICMR Collaborating Center of Excellence is a significant milestone for the Manipal Institute of Virology. This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing virology research, strengthening diagnostic capabilities, and addressing public health challenges through collaboration and innovation. As we step into this new role, we aim to contribute even more effectively to India’s health research ecosystem, foster global partnerships, and train the next generation of scientists to tackle emerging infectious diseases and other critical health issues. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future”, said Dr. Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay.

One of the key advantages of being designated an ICMR-CCoE is the opportunity for expanded collaborations. MIV has a long history of partnering with leading research institutions, healthcare organizations, and universities across India and abroad. These partnerships have driven its research agenda and ensured that its findings are both scientifically rigorous and aligned with public health needs.

Through its expertise in virology, MIV will play a critical role in disease surveillance, outbreak management, and vaccine development, particularly for diseases like influenza, hepatitis, and other viral infections that pose significant threats to public health. By providing evidence-based research, the Institute will support the development of national health policies and strategies tailored to India’s unique epidemiological landscape.

With the ICMR-CCoE recognition, the Manipal Institute of Virology is positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s status as a global leader in biomedical research. This milestone highlights India’s growing prominence in the global health landscape and reaffirms the country’s commitment to addressing both national and international health challenges.

As MIV continues its work in virology research, public health, and scientific collaboration, the Institute is set to make lasting contributions to the global fight against infectious diseases, ensuring a healthier future for all.