Samsung Launches Bespoke AI Refrigerator Series With AI Features Redefining Smart Cooling

* Bespoke AI Refrigerator series combines cutting-edge AI technology with stylish designs. Features like AI Energy Mode, Twin Cooling Plus™, Smart Forward, and Wi-Fi-enabled SmartThings integration, ensure energy efficiency, enhanced freshness, and seamless control over refrigeration functions.

* Available in the 300L-350L capacity range, the series comes with Samsung's 20-year warranty on the Digital Inverter Compressor, promising durability and reliability for Indian consumers.

Samsung, India's largest consumer electronics brand, today launched its latest Bespoke AI Refrigerator series in the 330L & 350L capacity range. This new range combines advanced AI-driven features like AI Energy Mode, AI Home Care and Smart Forward with elegant designs and versatile storage options. Aimed at addressing the unique needs of Indian consumers, the series offers a harmonious blend of functionality, style, and innovation at a starting price of INR 56990.

The new Bespoke AI Refrigerators provide smart energy management, improved freshness retention, and active fresh filter, which eliminates upto 99.9% of harmful bacteria, all of which is wrapped in a sleek and customizable exterior. With its durable and energy-efficient Digital Inverter Compressor, backed by a 20-year warranty, the series is poised to redefine modern refrigeration in India.

“Our Bespoke AI Refrigerator series offer consumers a perfect balance of technology, design, and convenience. From AI-driven energy optimization to innovative cooling and hygiene solutions, this series caters to the evolving lifestyles of Indian families. With stylish finishes and advanced features like Smart Forward, AI Home care, Twin Cooling Plus™ and Convertible 5-in-1 Modes, we aim to empower our customers with appliances that redefine everyday living,” said Ghufran Alam ,Senior Director, Digital Appliances, Samsung India.

Design, Capacity, Price, and Availability

Available in Real Stainless, Luxe Black, Elegant Inox, and Black Matt, these refrigerators are designed to seamlessly integrate with contemporary home interiors in capacities of 330L and 350L at a starting price of INR 56990. This caters to diverse household needs with availability at leading retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and Samsung’s official website.

AI Energy Mode:

The AI Energy Mode leverages advanced AI algorithms to optimize energy consumption by analyzing the refrigerator’s usage patterns. This intelligent system identifies peak and off-peak hours of usage, adjusting energy requirements accordingly to achieve up to 10% energy savings. By reducing unnecessary energy usage, it not only ensures cost efficiency for households but also supports sustainable living by lowering carbon footprints. This feature is particularly beneficial for environmentally conscious consumers seeking to balance performance with responsibility.

SmartThings Home Care:

SmartThings Home Care offers a seamless integration of real-time monitoring and diagnostics, allowing users to ensure their refrigerator operates at peak efficiency. By comparing past and current performance data, this feature detects potential issues early, minimizing disruptions. Additionally, it provides users with proactive maintenance tips via the SmartThings app, enabling them to extend the lifespan of their refrigerator while ensuring consistent cooling performance. This tool exemplifies Samsung’s commitment to convenience and advanced home care solutions.

Smart Forward:

Designed to enhance the interconnected smart home ecosystem, Smart Forward ensures uninterrupted operation by transferring tasks seamlessly between connected devices. For example, in a multi-appliance setup, the refrigerator can communicate with other devices to adjust cooling requirements based on usage. This feature is ideal for users who rely on an integrated home automation system, as it enhances convenience and ensures that every device operates harmoniously for a smarter lifestyle.

Wi-Fi Enabled Convenience:

The Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerators redefine convenience by empowering users to control and monitor their appliance remotely via the SmartThings app. Whether it is adjusting the temperature, activating Power Cool or Power Freeze modes, or receiving maintenance notifications, users can manage their refrigerator from anywhere. For instance, while grocery shopping; users can remotely lower the temperature to store perishable items immediately upon returning home. This feature exemplifies modern convenience tailored to dynamic lifestyles.

Convertible 5-in-1 Modes:

The Convertible 5-in-1 Modes provide unparalleled flexibility, making these refrigerators suitable for the diverse needs of Indian households. The five modes that range from Normal, Seasonal, Extra Fridge, Vacation, and Home Alone, cater to specific situations. This adaptability ensures optimal energy savings and maximum utility.

Twin Cooling Plus™:

The Twin Cooling Plus™ technology is designed to enhance freshness retention and prevent odor mixing. By using two independent evaporators and fans, it maintains separate cooling environments for the fridge and freezer compartments. This results in up to two times longer freshness, with up to 70% moisture retention for fruits and vegetables. By isolating odors, it preserves the natural flavors of stored items. This feature is a game-changer for households looking for prolonged freshness and hygienic storage.

Active Fresh Filter+:

The Active Fresh Filter+ system employs advanced activated carbon filtration to maintain clean and hygienic air circulation inside the refrigerator. It eliminates up to 99.99% of bacteria and neutralizes odors, ensuring a sterile environment for food storage. Additionally, it continuously sterilizes and deodorizes the air, offering peace of mind to users who prioritize health and hygiene.

Power Cool and Power Freeze:

The Power Cool and Power Freeze functions are designed for rapid cooling and freezing needs. Power Cool lowers the fridge temperature quickly, ideal for chilling beverages or fresh produce on demand. Power Freeze accelerates ice-making and freezing of food items, making it perfect for parties or impromptu gatherings. Together, these features provide quick solutions for busy lifestyles that require efficient refrigeration.

Digital Inverter Compressor:

The Digital Inverter Compressor ensures consistent and energy-efficient cooling by automatically adjusting its speed in response to cooling demands. This minimizes wear and tear, reducing noise and power consumption. With a 20-year warranty, the compressor offers unmatched durability and reliability, making it an investment in long-term performance and peace of mind.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN.

Apollo Hospitals Celebrates Landmark 25,000 Transplant Milestone, Launches "Perfect Match" Campaign For Critical Organ Shortage

Apollo Hospitals, Asia's foremost integrated healthcare services provider, today announced a landmark achievement of 25,000 successful organ transplants across its hospital network. This remarkable milestone puts the spotlight on Apollo Hospitals’ unwavering commitment to saving lives and transforming healthcare through innovation, expertise, and compassionate care. The 25,000 transplants are not just a numerical accomplishment but reflect the hope, resilience of patients and the donor families and the dedication of the Apollo Hospitals transplant team.

Building upon this legacy of excellence, Apollo Hospitals also launched the "Perfect Match" Campaign, a comprehensive initiative to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donors, dispel common myths surrounding organ donation, and inspire individuals to register as potential donors. The campaign has made a beginning in addressing the widening gap between the number of patients awaiting life-saving transplants and the availability of suitable organs.

The "Perfect Match" Campaign included  a variety of outreach activities, including community health talks, educational workshops, online resources, and partnerships with patient advocacy groups. Dr. Ravichand Siddachari, Sr Consultant HPB, Liver and Pancreas Transplant at Apollo Hospitals, led an engaging and informative session with residents of the Rainbow Vistas community in Hyderabad. During the session, Dr. Siddachari addressed key questions about transplant eligibility, the organ donation process, and the profound impact that organ donation can have on individuals and families facing life-threatening illnesses.

"Reaching 25,000 transplants is a commendable achievement, but it also serves as a reminder of the immense need that exists," said Dr. Ravichand Siddachari. "Every day, patients are added to the transplant waiting list, and sadly, many do not receive the organ they need in time. Through the 'Perfect Match' Campaign, we have endeavoured to empower individuals to make informed decisions about organ donation and to become part of a life-saving movement."

V. Tejesvi Rao, CEO-Telangana Region, Apollo Hospitals underlined the importance of public awareness and education, "Apollo Hospitals has always been committed to advancing the field of organ transplantation in India. With the 'Perfect Match' Campaign, we have taken a small but significant step forward in our efforts to increase organ donation rates and ensure that more patients have the opportunity to receive the transplants they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

Dr. Ravindra Babu, Director Medical Services-Telangana Region, Apollo Hospitals said “Our team is deeply committed to providing world-class care to transplant patients. The ‘Perfect Match’ campaign is another step towards fulfilling our mission to make organ transplantation accessible to all patients who need it. We encourage everyone eligible to register to become an organ donor.”

Apollo Hospitals has been a pioneer in organ transplantation in India, establishing itself as a Center of Excellence for a wide range of transplant procedures. The hospital's multidisciplinary transplant teams comprise highly skilled surgeons, physicians, nurses, and support staff who are dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centred care.

Apollo Hospitals offers comprehensive transplant services including heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, cornea, small bowel, and bone marrow transplants. Dedicated transplant units with specialized equipment and highly trained staff provide optimal care for transplant patients. Transplants are performed for both adult and paediatric patients, with specialized care tailored to the unique needs of each age group. Apollo Hospitals utilizes cutting-edge surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches, to improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times. Advanced immunosuppression protocols prevent organ rejection and ensure long-term graft survival.

State-of-the-art facilities include dedicated transplant centers in Jubilee Hills, Kakinada and Vizag, with dedicated state-of-the-art laboratories, operation theatres (OTs), and transplant intensive care units (ICUs), ensuring unparalleled diagnostic precision, seamless surgeries, and 24/7 critical care. The OTs are maintained following strict infection control protocols. Apollo’s transplant ICUs are supported by advanced tools such as ventilators, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), multi-parameter monitors and more.

Apollo Hospitals also has extensive experience in performing living donor transplants, ensuring that patients have access to this life-saving option. It actively participates in national and regional organ sharing networks, working to maximize the availability of deceased donor organs for transplant. Apollo Hospitals is actively involved in research and innovation in the field of organ transplantation, contributing to advancements in surgical techniques, immunosuppression strategies, and patient management.

The Heart Transplant program offers hope for patients with end-stage heart diseases such as congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and coronary heart disease. For those not immediately eligible for a heart transplant, circulatory support, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), is provided until a donor organ is available.

Apollo Hospitals takes immense pride in being the first hospital chain to pioneer lung transplants in India. The program also conducts combined Heart and Lung Transplantation, typically recommended for those with complex congenital heart defects.

Over 4,600 liver transplants, including 500 pediatric cases from more than 50 countries have been performed at Appollo. Organs can be procured from either living donors (Live Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT)) or deceased donors (Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation (DDLT)). In LDLT, the team works closely with donors and recipients throughout treatment to ensure the highest standards of care.

The Kidney Transplant Program offers extensive services including swap kidney transplants, ABO-compatible and incompatible renal transplants. The Apollo Cancer Centre’s Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program is known for launching the region’s first Outpatient Bone Marrow Transplant Program, providing significant benefits such as a 50% reduction in costs, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient well-being. The Corneal Transplant program at Apollo Hospitals utilizes cutting-edge technologies like the FEMTO LDV Z8 laser machine.

Apollo Hospitals is committed to continuing its leadership in organ transplantation and to working towards a future where every patient in need receives the life-saving transplant they deserve.

D. K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Inaugurates A New Axis Bank Branch In Karnataka

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, inaugurated a new branch in Dodda Alahalli, Karnataka. The new branch was inaugurated by the honorable Chief Guest – Shri. D. K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, in the presence of senior officials from Axis Bank - Ms. Baishakhi Banerjee, Regional Branch Banking Head- South 1 and Mr. Rajesh R. Menon, Circle Head- Bangalore.

The new branch is located on the Ground Floor, Survey No 482 /B, Kanakapura Main Road, Dodda Alahalli Gram Panchayat, Kanakapura Taluk, Ramanagara District, Karnataka- 562117.

This new rural branch will offer a wide array of asset products and banking services such as personal banking, digital banking, loan products (personal, gold, home, vehicle, working capital, term, etc.), insurance facilities to cater to the diverse banking requirements of the unbanked and underbanked population. This expansion reinforces the Bank's commitment to provide convenience and accessibility of banking facilities to all segments of customers.

Commenting on the branch inauguration, Ms. Arnika Dixit, President & Head – Branch Banking, Axis Bank said, “With the inauguration of this new branch, Axis Bank is committed to strengthening its relationship with local customers and businesses, providing them access to a bouquet of smart and customised financial solutions. Our distinctive solutions reflect our ability to combine digital capabilities with human touch, ensuring that we give the best of both worlds to our customers. We see immense potential of development in this area and as one of the largest banks of the country, we would like to invest more to cater to the specific needs and requirements of the people in this region.”

Through this branch, Axis Bank will equip its customers with cutting-edge technology and empower them to adopt digital payment solutions in their daily transactions with ease. Axis Bank has been offering the essential infrastructure nationwide to facilitate the cashless transaction ecosystem.

Axis Bank has a total of 352 branches and 1212 ATMs in Karnataka.

About Axis Bank:

Axis Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture, and Retail Businesses. With its 5,706 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 14,476 ATMs across the country as on 31st December 2024. The network of Axis Bank spreads across 3,122 centres, enabling the Bank to reach out to a large cross-section of customers with an array of products and services. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge, Axis Pension Fund and Axis Bank Foundation.

For further information on Axis Bank, please refer to the website: https://www.axisbank.com 

Unleash Your Creativity At Watson's Indiranagar: Sip, Paint & Unwind This Valentine's Weekend

This Valentine's weekend, get ready to unleash your inner artist at Watson's Indiranagar! Shilton Hospitality presents "Sip, Paint & Unwind," a unique event that combines creativity, good vibes, and great company.

Join us on February 16th, 12 PM onwards, for a fun-filled afternoon of painting, sipping, and socializing. No experience is needed, just bring your imagination! Our expert artists will guide you through a painting session, while you enjoy delicious food and drinks.

"We're excited to host this unique event at Watson's Indiranagar," said Mr. Rajanish Babu, COO, Shilton Hospitality. "Our goal is to provide a platform for people to unwind, express their creativity, and have a great time with friends and family."

The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, with:

- Expert guidance from our artists

- Delicious food and drinks

- A relaxed and creative atmosphere

- Take-home your masterpiece!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to unleash your creativity and have a blast! Book your spot now, as spots are filling up fast!

*Event Details:*

- Date: February 16th

- Time: 12 PM onwards

- Venue: Watson's, Indiranagar

- RSVP: Book your spot now!

For more information call: Avani Sharma (Artisfaction) - +91 87622 76676

England Wins IIHM’s Young Chef Olympiad; India-UAE Lift Dr. Suborno Bose Challenge Trophy

* World’s largest collaborative competition for young chefs concludes with a grand closing ceremony in Kolkata

Kamran Taylor, a young chef from England, was crowned champion at the world’s largest competition for young chefs, the IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad, which featured participants from 50 countries.

In a glittering Grand Finale of the 11th edition of YCO, contested by the top ten teams after the first two rounds, Armenia’s Arsen Armenakyan secured the Silver, while Yves Gabriel Cabrera Po from the Philippines won the Bronze Trophy.

The 11th edition of the Young Chef Olympiad was organized by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London.

The host country, India, made the nation proud as Chef Aliakbar Mustafa Rampurawala from IIHM Bangalore won the prestigious Dr. Suborno Bose Culinary International Challenge Prize, along with UAE’s Jasmin Ali Maher Lutfi Jarrar. This unique category featured 28 teams, which were not placed in either the Grand Finale or the Plate rounds. They were divided into 14 pairs, representing two countries each, in a spirit of culinary collaboration.

The Plate Trophy, contested by teams ranked between 11 and 20 after the first round, was proudly lifted by South Korea’s Shi-Hyun An.

The YCO Champion, Plate Trophy winner, and Dr. Suborno Bose International Culinary Challenge recipients were chosen after two rounds of intense competition showcasing the best culinary talents from around the world.

Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the Young Chef Olympiad, said, “The world of culinary arts is united under the grand Kolkata sky. Culinary diplomacy means this. In a united world of young chefs, it’s the best way to make the world happy and sustainable through food. Only in India can you achieve something like this. This year, YCO felt like a family, and we had a new venue for the opening ceremony in Goa, on the banks of the Arabian Sea.”

Prof David Foskett OBE, Chairman of the Jury for YCO said, “YCO is a grand celebration of friendship, Unity and Passion. It depicts the unifying power of food in a world of conflict. YCO can happen only in India, under the visionary leadership of Dr Bose, who does again and again and again.

Padmashri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor remarked, “YCO is surely about compassion. But when you do it for 11 years, you multiply the compassion. YCO is also about competition with collaboration. Dr Bose is not only a lovable madman with a golden jacket, but he is a man of steel.” 

Dr. Bose also highlighted IIHM’s efforts in integrating AI into hospitality and hospitality education. He announced IIHM’s Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration on AI in Hospitality with 50 countries, promoting inclusivity, human touch, and sustainability.

On a magical night in Kolkata, everyone emerged as winners, as the united world of young chefs celebrated their roles as ambassadors of culinary diplomacy, dancing into the night amidst a swirl of colours and cultures.

University Of Glasgow Announces New Postgraduate Study With Biocon Work Placement During Delegation Visit To India

University of Glasgow has launched an innovative and exciting new postgraduate study programme with Indian biopharmaceutical giant Biocon.

Postgraduates studying for a new MSc in Industrial Biotechnology will benefit from a six-week work placement at Biocon facilities in Bengaluru.

Starting in September 2025, six students will receive industry training at the sites of Biocon and its contract research and development subsidiary, Syngene. Students’ travel costs will be covered within the degree, and a stipend will be provided by Biocon. India is a major strategic partner for the University of Glasgow and students from the country are the institution’s second largest international population.

The announcement comes as a delegation from the University travelled to Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi to engage with potential students and meet key partners and stakeholders to discuss current and future collaborations across teaching and research.

During their visit, members of the University of Glasgow delegation also agreed on an ongoing collaboration with the Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB). With SRB the University has developed a 60 credit Post Graduate Certificate. This is the first step in a long-term partnership with the final aim being the development of a full Masters Programme for staff at the SGB and for students at Glasgow.

While in India, leading members of the University also held meetings to discuss and agree increased collaborations with Shrimad Rajchandra Mission in Dharampur and OPJindal Global University (JGU), Delhi.

University of Glasgow Deputy Vice Chancellor, Rachel Sandison said: “The University of Glasgow has very close ties with India, and we are proud of the partnerships and relationships we have developed over many years. “We are honoured that Indian students are the second largest international population at our University, with more than a thousand students currently choosing to learn and research with us.

“India is, and always will be, a major strategic partner for Glasgow and that is why I am delighted that we continue to develop successful relationships across business and academia. Giving students the remarkable opportunity to work and study with incredible organisations like Biocon and the SGB provides a unique experience  to become genuine world changers” 

The University of Glasgow has been changing the world since 1451. It is placed 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities.

Its people have always been at the forefront of innovation, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland, 10 Fellows of the Royal Society and 11 Fellows of the British Academy.

It is committed to tackling the most pressing global challenges facing humanity and the natural world. It is delivering against the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030.It is the first European university to declare it would divest from fossil fuels by 2024 and the first in Scotland to declare a climate emergency.

Vedanta IOK’s Multi-Specialty Mega Health Camp Benefits 25 Villages

Vedanta IOK’s, in collaboration with, Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Community Health Centre, Sirigere & Medihelp Foundation organized a ‘Multi-specialty Mega Health Camp’, at Community Health Centre, Sirigere.The health camp benefitted community members from around 25 villages.

The health camp, organised under Sesa Goa’s Project ‘Aarogya’, provided specialty services including Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, ENT, Dental, General Medicine, Paediatrics, and Gynaecologist. BP & Sugar Tests were also carried out for the visiting community members. Advise pertaining to medical conditions and lifestyle diseases such as Anaemia, Hypertension, Diabetes, knee and body pain, varicose veins, thyroid etc.

Manjappa, an 83-year-old person, hailing from Muthugduru village, Chitradurga, said, “I have been suffering from knee pain and body ache, and so I decided to visit the Multi-specialty Mega Health camp, organised by Vedanta – Iron Ore Karnataka at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Sirigere. The doctors from Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital provided me with very good treatment and gave me the required medications. The camp was very beneficial for all the community members including me, for whom it is difficult to travel to Chitradurga city for treatment. The health camp was easily accessible to us, as it was organised in a nearby location. Thank you, Vedanta IOK, for the health camp!”

Dr Pavithra, MBBS, Community Health Centre (CHC), Sirigere, said, “Vedanta IOK has been constantly helping CHC, Sirigere, by conducting Multi-specialty Mega Health Camps, once in three months, in collaboration with the Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga. The company has provided us a lot of assistance, during the COVID times. They conduct regular health awareness sessions on diseases such as Malaria, Tuberculosis, Cervical cancer, Menstrual health awareness session, and so on. Vedanta’s Mobile Health Unit (MHU) benefits community members in the remotest villages of Chitradurga, by providing services twice a week, and treating patients suffering from non-communicable diseases such as hypertensions & Diabetes mellitus.”

Mr. Shrishaila Gouda, CEO – Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka said, “We are glad to have created an impact in the lives of over 330 people across villages, through the health camp. This camp reflects our deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities in which we operate. By bringing together a diverse team of medical specialists, we aim to provide comprehensive healthcare services that are often inaccessible in rural areas. We are proud to play a role in enhancing the quality of life for residents through this significant endeavour.”

Under Project ‘Aarogya’, over 100 health awareness camps have been organised in FY ’24. Other initiatives include, Mobile Health Unit (MHU), which provides services to the remotest villages in Chitradurga, medical equipment distribution, contribution of >800 units of blood through the blood donation drives, cancer awareness sessions,  cancer, Malaria, Anti-tobacco awareness sessions, Menstrual Health and Hygiene, and so on.

The initiative, organised under Vedanta Sesa Goa’s Project ‘Aarogya’, benefitted over 50 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM), equipping them with tools vital to enhancing their critical roles in healthcare delivery, and was held at Taluka Health Office, Chitradurga.