InstaPill Partners With Aché To Expand Access To Advanced Oral Dispersing Tablet Solutions Across Latin America

Collaboration to introduce lyophilized ODT-based prescription medicines for Brazil and other key markets

Key Highlights:

· InstaPill enters into an agreement with Aché Laboratórios Farmacêuticos S.A. to co-develop Oral Dispersing Tablets

· Partnership leverages InstaPill’s proprietary lyophilized oral dispersing tablet (ODT) platform.

· Marks InstaPill’s first collaboration in Latin America, expanding access to advanced drug delivery solutions.

InstaPill Private Limited (InstaPill) today announced its strategic partnership with Aché Laboratórios Farmacêuticos S.A. (Aché) to co-develop the first of several prescription pharmaceutical products using InstaPill’s proprietary lyophilized oral dispersing tablet (ODT) platform for the Brazilian and other Latin American markets.

Commenting on the partnership, Ankit Gupta, CEO of InstaPill, stated: “We are extremely pleased with our maiden partnership with Aché, which pairs InstaPill’s core technical capabilities in oral lyophilizates with Aché’s leading go-to-market expertise. This represents a significant step forward in our mission to expand InstaPill’s unique technology throughout Latin America.”

About InstaPill Private Limited

InstaPill is a globally recognized CDMO specializing in orally disintegrating tablets using our proprietary InstaPill® technology platform. Our facility in Bengaluru, India, houses experienced pharma professionals who have successfully developed and manufactured products registered and distributed in over 50 countries, and has installed capacity of 300 million tablets. With a commitment to innovation and compliance, InstaPill’s facilities have GMP approvals from the US-FDA, EU, Health Canada, MHRA, and TGA regulatory authorities.

From early formulation through regulatory approvals and commercial supply, our integrated services are designed to reduce time to market, enhance product performance, and ensure consistent quality at scale.

For more details visit: https://insta-pill.com/about-us/

About Aché Laboratórios Farmacêuticos S.A.

Aché is a Brazilian pharmaceutical company founded nearly 60 years ago with a mission to improve people's lives. A leader in the prescription market in Brazil, Aché's portfolio also includes solutions in generic medicines and over-the-counter (OTC) products. This success is driven by a commitment to excellence and a focus on investments in in-house research and development (R&D), partnerships for open innovation, and in-licensed products.

Aché is recognized as a top-of-mind company and a brand of choice among Brazilian healthcare professionals, with over 350 brands and 900 drug presentations across more than 150 therapeutic categories and 30 medical specialties. Today, Aché's products reach 20 countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, in addition to its home base in Brazil. For details visit:

https://www.ache.com.br/en/about-us/

Hiriyara Habba 2025: Bengaluru To Celebrate The Spirit, Strength And Wisdom Of Senior Citizens On November 23

Bengaluru is set to host the much-awaited Hiriyara Habba – The Elder’s Festival on Sunday November 23, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Institute of Management Off MG Road, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. As one of the flagship celebrations dedicated to honouring senior citizens, the festival continues to spotlight the talents, wisdom, and invaluable contributions of elders from across Bengaluru and neighbouring regions.

Designed as a joyful and inclusive experience, Hiriyara Habba brings together seniors for a day filled with cultural showcases, traditional games, art displays, thought-provoking discussions and community interactions. What sets this festival apart is its participatory spirit—seniors take centre stage as performers, stall owners, volunteers and organisers, reaffirming that aging is a phase of creativity, engagement and renewed purpose.

Expanded Offerings for 2025

This year’s edition introduces an enriched line-up of programmes shaped around the evolving needs of older adults:

Digital Literacy & Cybersecurity Workshops
To empower seniors to navigate technology with confidence and safety, reducing digital vulnerabilities.

Comprehensive Health Screenings & Wellness Assessments
Offered by partner institutions including Khyaal, Cadabams, Aster DM and Sodexo, these services help seniors proactively monitor and manage their well-being.

Legal Consultation & Advisory Services
Covering estate planning, property rights, continuity planning, elder abuse prevention and safe caregiving practices—ensuring seniors understand and access essential legal protections.

These additions strengthen the festival’s mission of enabling seniors to lead secure, independent and well-informed lives.

A Day of Celebration, Connection and Community Joy

Hiriyara Habba remains a cherished space where seniors and their families can enjoy a lively, meaningful day together. From music and cultural performances to traditional games and senior-led stalls, the festival is designed to spark laughter, nostalgia and heartfelt connections. It encourages seniors to reconnect with old friends, make new ones and enjoy moments that celebrate simplicity, joy and community belonging.

Sharing their thoughts on the occasion here is what they opine: “Community and social engagement are vital for cognitive health,” said Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairperson of Vayah Vikas. “Decades of brain research show that mentally stimulating social environments play a significant role in maintaining cognitive resilience as individuals age.”

Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Health and founding member of Vayah Vikas, added, “Awareness and preventive health are essential for seniors to enjoy not just a longer life but a healthier and more independent one. Early detection and regular monitoring can transform outcomes for older adults.”

Building Intergenerational Bonds

A hallmark of Hiriyara Habba is its strong emphasis on intergenerational engagement. Families, youth volunteers, students and community organisations participate alongside seniors, fostering shared learning, empathy and respect. The festival reinforces that the well-being of elders flourishes when families and communities walk the journey together.

Hiriyara Habba 2025 promises to be a vibrant gathering that honours the spirit of aging with dignity, creativity and community. All are invited to join in celebrating the elders who continue to enrich society with their wisdom, experiences and warmth.

https://vayah-vikas.org/

Joyce Kurian, Head of CRM and Partnerships

Phone: 96119 11966

The Black Friday Sale: Up To 70% Off Across Fashion, Beauty, Footwear, Accessories

Food & Entertainment Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru
Mark Your Calendars from November 28th - 30th, 2025 for irresistible deals and offers at your favourite brands.

The Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru is all set to bring back the much-awaited Black Friday Sale from November 28th to 30th, 2025, promising an elevated shopping experience for its shoppers.

The four-day sale will feature irresistible offers from some of the most sought-after brands across fashion, beauty, accessories, footwear, and entertainment. With exclusive deals and new-season collections, the mall will come alive as a hub of style, sophistication, and indulgence, setting the tone for the festive shopping season ahead.

The sale offers discounts of up to 70% across a wide range of popular international and national brands spanning diverse categories. More than a seasonal promotion, the Black Friday Sale at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru reflects the mall’s commitment to providing a dynamic shopping experience curated for its target audience that includes both millennials and Gen Z. Many Styles, One Destination – only at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru.

Event Details:

Date: 28th - 30th November 2025

Venue: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

Bollywood Superstars Shah Rukh Khan And Salman Khan Attend Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi’s VIP Opening

The fan-favourite celebrities were seen touring Abu Dhabi’s newest cultural landmark ahead of its grand opening

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, the latest addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District, marked its much-anticipated grand opening with an exclusive VIP preview on Thursday evening, bringing together global talent, cultural leaders and special guests for a first look inside the region’s newest landmark.

Ahead of the official public opening on 22 November 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan were spotted exploring the museum and enjoying an exclusive first look at its collections and dynamic exhibits. The actors experienced the immersive displays that bring natural history to life and encountered key highlights such as 67-million-year-old “Stan”, one of the best-preserved examples of a fossilised T. rex skeleton ever discovered.

The VIP opening also welcomed an exciting lineup of international celebrities from across film, television, music, art, and culture. Leading the red carpet were Abu Dhabi resident and global TV icon Steve Harvey; acclaimed special-effects designer and MythBusters star Adam Savage; and rising Hollywood talents David Iacono and Audrina Miranda, stars of the recent Jurassic World movie. Joining them were award-winning producer and entrepreneur Swizz Beatz; celebrated actors Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy) and Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian); Tunisian-Italian model and cultural icon Afef Jnifen; and a host of other distinguished guests.

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, the largest institution of its kind in the Middle East, has a special focus on the natural history of the Emirates and the wider region. Galleries take visitors back in time to seven million years ago, when the Arabian climate was very different, giving life to a green and lush savannah-like landscape roamed by now-extinct animals, including a giant elephant with four tusks, which is also on display for visitors to discover.

The galleries feature extraordinary exhibits which bring nature’s greatest stories to life, including awe-inspiring glimpses into the age of dinosaurs. The world’s first-ever display of a sauropod dinosaur herd can be found in the museum’s atrium, with five different species of these long-necked giants standing majestically to greet visitors as they enter. Deeper into the galleries, another world-first awaits: a display featuring Tyrannosaurus rexes locked in battle over the carcass of a Triceratops, which is the first time two fossil T. rexes have been exhibited in such a dynamic scene.

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi joins a growing community of world-class institutions on Saadiyat Island, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the upcoming Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Together, these institutions define the Saadiyat Cultural District as a global destination for culture, creativity, and cross-disciplinary exchange, a place where art, science, and heritage are brought together to shape future generations.

Book your tickets for Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi now at nhmad.ae

For high resolution photo assets, as well as video link of both the superstars talking about the Natural History Museum, please visit - https://bit.ly/SRKSalmanNHM

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae/

Celebrate Return Of Karavalli’s Iconic AquaFest At Vivanta, Residency Road, Bengaluru

Karavalli at Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road, is bringing back its much-celebrated AquaFest, an annual seafood extravaganza, from November 16th to 30th, 2025. A tribute to India’s vibrant coastal belt, this edition promises a delectable journey through the traditional flavours of Mangalore, Coorg, Kerala, and Goa.

Karavalli has been known for bringing new recipes sourced from various regions. Through meticulous research and thoughtful planning these dishes are replicated with a passion to offer new flavours and aromas to our patrons. Guests can indulge in an à la carte menu featuring over fifteen varied seafood creations alongside Karavalli’s signature coastal classics. Highlights include Tiger Prawns with Coriander and Saffron (Cameron Cilantro), Pomfret Recheado, Octopus Chilli Fry, Bhatkal Seafood Biryani, and more — each prepared using age-old recipes, authentic spices, and regional ingredients sourced from their original origins.

Set amid cascading greenery and warm coastal charm, Karavalli’s West Coast Seafood Grill adds to the experience, allowing guests to interact with chefs and witness fresh catches cooked over wood and charcoal fires.

Dates: November 16–30, 2025
Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Venue: Karavalli, Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road
Meal Period: Lunch & Dinner
Pricing: À la carte

Savour the spirit of the coast this November as AquaFest 2025 returns to celebrate the flavours, aromas, and traditions of India’s western shoreline at Karavalli.

Meghalaya Concludes Another Grand Cherry Blossom Festival, Marks A New High For India’s Concert Economy & Cultural Tourism Landscape

~The Script, Jason Derulo, Aqua, Diplo, Tyga, Nora Fatehi and key global artists electrify Shillong’s biggest autumn celebration ~

~ A moving tribute to late icon Zubeen Garg unites thousands in an emotional finale ~

Meghalaya’s iconic Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025, the centrepiece of the State’s autumn cultural calendar and one of India’s most visually spectacular festivals, concluded with overwhelming public participation, star-powered performances, and an impressive showcase of the region’s cultural and creative dynamism. Over two days, thousands of visitors from across India and abroad gathered in Shillong to experience a celebration that blended global superstars with deep-rooted local artistry, reaffirming Meghalaya’s arrival on the national stage as a prime destination for music tourism, cultural experiences, and nature-led travel.

The festival was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, who articulated the State’s long-term vision to build Cherry Blossom Festival into one of the most defining cultural celebrations in India. Addressing the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, he said, “This is one of the biggest festivals in the entire country. With your help, we will make it the biggest and the best and that is the target that we have. Festivals like these are truly important for our tourism sector. We’ll be working much harder in the future to ensure that our tourists get even better experience.” His remarks set the tone for a festival that not only dazzled audiences but also showcased Meghalaya’s larger strategy of nurturing a strong concert economy backed by local talent, global collaborations and community participation.

Nora Fatehi, The Script, Jason Derulo, Aqua and Diplo Light Up India’s Autumn Capital

Day 1 began with a surge of energy as Nora Fatehi took over the stage with her signature performance style, bringing her electrifying flair to the festival’s opening night. The atmosphere rose to a new high when Irish rock icons The Script delivered their chart-topping hits, moving seamlessly from the anthemic “Superheroes” to an emotional moment where frontman Danny O’Donoghue performed with a fan onstage. As the night progressed, international pop sensation Jason Derulo, accompanied by Les Twins, transformed the stadium into a massive wave of music and light through synced LED wristbands that made the audience part of the spectacle. Day 2 continued the momentum as Danish pop legends Aqua turned the venue into a vibrant dance party with infectious nostalgia, setting the stage for a grand closing performance by three-time Grammy winner Diplo, who powered Shillong into an ecstatic finale with his signature global electronic sound.

An Emotional Chorus for Zubeen Garg Resonates Across the Stadium

One of the festival’s most powerful moments came during the moving tribute to the late icon Zubeen Garg, whose legacy continues to define the musical spirit of the Northeast. The performance of “Mayabini” by Zublee Baruah, Prabin Borah, Priyanka Bharali and Arupjyoti Baruah brought the entire stadium together in a shared moment of remembrance, with thousands singing in unison. The tribute stood out not only for its emotional weight but also for symbolising how deeply Meghalaya’s festivals are intertwined with the cultural heartbeat of the region and the enduring contributions of artists who shaped its musical identity.

Beyond the main arena, Shillong came alive with multiple cultural experiences that added depth to the festival. A key highlight was the Japan Arena at the iconic Ward’s Lake, which returned for the second year as an immersive celebration of Japanese culture. As Japan’s Sakura traditions found a natural autumn parallel in Meghalaya’s landscape, the arena hosted Sumi-e and Shodo demonstrations, origami workshops, cosplay theatre, anime-led language sessions by the Japan Foundation, discussions on creative economy and visual storytelling, culinary showcases by Chef Santosh, and musical performances by Meghalaya-born artist Amo Daring. Visitors experienced a rare cultural convergence that reinforced the festival’s international appeal and Meghalaya’s evolving global collaborations.

The festival also mirrored the success of the CM Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), a pioneering model that nurtures local artists, provides structured pathways for growth, and unites emerging regional musicians with global icons on the same stage. Over the years, the Cherry Blossom Festival has welcomed artists such as Akon, Clean Bandit, Ne-Yo, Boney M, and this year’s roster added Jason Derulo, Tyga, Aqua and Diplo to its growing list. By creating a strong concert economy supported by tourism, talent development and world-class event infrastructure, Meghalaya continues to position itself as one of India’s most innovative cultural destinations.

This year’s festival also arrived at a time when Meghalaya’s tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth. With more than 1.6 million visitors recorded in FY 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic figures, and tourism contributing 7.7 percent to the State’s Gross Value Added, Meghalaya is rapidly gaining national attention as a nature-driven and culture-rich destination. The government’s commitment to sustainable tourism through the CM Homestay Mission, the Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme, the Tourist Buddies programme and the multilingual OneConnect helpline has made travel more accessible, community-led and visitor-friendly. With over 300 tourist sites, more than a thousand waterfalls, India’s cleanest river at Dawki, the world’s longest sandstone cave, and living root bridges found nowhere else in the world, Meghalaya continues to strengthen its identity as the leading eco-tourism destination of the Northeast.

As the final beats faded and the cherry blossom–draped city returned to its natural rhythm, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 stood out not only as a two-day celebration of music and culture but as a defining statement of Meghalaya’s ambition to become a global cultural hub. From world-renowned performers to heartfelt local tributes, and from international cultural exchanges to the vibrancy of its tourism offerings, the festival reaffirmed Meghalaya’s place at the forefront of India’s cultural and tourism map, inspiring travellers, music lovers and storytellers across the country.

Bengaluru Hosts Shiprocket SHIVIR 2025 Inaugural Edition: Unlocking AI Power And KPMG’s Latest Commerce Trends

● Robust Growth Drives Direct-to-Consumer Market Towards the Landmark $100 Billion Milestone, Expanding Footprint of Indian Brands

● Quick Commerce Emerges as a $5 Billion National Phenomenon with Rapid Consumer Adoption

Shiprocket, India’s leading ecommerce enablement platform, hosted the inaugural Bengaluru edition of its flagship summit, SHIVIR 2025, today at The Ritz-Carlton. Centred on the theme ‘Bharat 2.0: AI, Tech & The Future of Intelligent Commerce,’ this edition marks Shiprocket’s strategic expansion into southern India—positioning Bengaluru as a pivotal hub for future-ready commerce and digital innovation.

As part of the event, Shiprocket in partnership with KPMG India unveiled a new report that highlights Bengaluru’s central role in shaping India’s commerce and technology landscape. Recognised as the country’s startup capital, the city reflects a powerful convergence of AI adoption, quick commerce growth, and deep digital engagement. Its dynamic tech ecosystem and digitally savvy consumers continue to accelerate India’s $125 billion retail economy.

“In today’s rapidly evolving commerce landscape, true innovation is about more than just technology, it’s about empowering every entrepreneur, big or small, in every corner of the country, to seize new opportunities and build sustainable growth. The Shiprocket-KPMG report captures the remarkable momentum driven by AI and digital adoption across India, with Bangalore standing out as a vibrant epicenter of creativity and technological advancement. It highlights how intelligent commerce is no longer a distant vision but a present reality, transforming the way businesses operate from inventory management to personalized customer experiences. At Shiprocket, we are committed to democratizing the complex and delivering smart, accessible tools that enable sellers everywhere, not just to keep pace, but to lead confidently in this new age of AI-powered commerce.” said Saahil Goel, MD & CEO of Shiprocket.

Key Insights from the Shiprocket–KPMG Report:

Digital Transformation Accelerates in Bharat

● India’s internet users reached 969 million by March 2025, growing 9% year-on-year.

● Rural India accounts for 488 million users (55% of total).

● Growth driven by expanded internet penetration is fueling retail innovation.

Explosive Growth of the Direct-to-Consumer Market

● D2C market grew from $11.6 billion in 2016 to $80 billion in 2024.

● Expected to cross $100 billion by 2025.

● Over 11,000 active D2C brands driving innovation and consumer choice

AI is Revolutionizing Commerce

● Demand forecasting accuracy exceeds 90%, reducing stockouts by 40% and excess inventory by 25%.

● Warehouse automation delivers up to 99.9% order accuracy and cuts operational costs by 20%.

● Personalized marketing boosts sales for 96% of marketers, with 44% seeing significant uplift.

● AI-enabled vernacular commerce impacts 98% of India's internet users accessing regional languages.

Quick Commerce Establishes National Footprint

● Quick commerce market projected to grow 75-85% in 2025, reaching $5 billion GMV.

● 53% of users place more than five monthly orders on quick commerce platforms.

● 6-8% of sales are impulse purchases.

● Daily online shopping penetration jumped from 33% to 87%

Rural Digital Revolution

● Rural internet users represent 55% of total internet users.

● Women make up 47% of internet users, signaling improved gender parity.

● Traditional kirana stores are adopting digital platforms, creating hybrid "phygital" retail models

India’s Advanced Digital Payments Ecosystem

● UPI accounts for 84% of retail digital payment volume.

● UPI transactions grew 59.2% year-over-year in FY 2024-25, totaling 11,761 crore.

● Despite digital growth, 105 million Indians continue to prefer Cash-on-Delivery

Enterprise AI Adoption Leading Globally

● 59% of Indian enterprises with 1,000+ employees have deployed AI.

● 70% of companies allocate over 5% of their IT budget to AI initiatives.

● AI talent concentration grew 263% between 2016 and 2023.

The Three Pillars of Intelligent Commerce

● Omnichannel Integration: 77% of shoppers use both online and offline channels

● Personalized Experiences: 81% of consumers prefer brands offering personalized experiences.

● AI-Led Operations: AI drives inventory, marketing, and customer support operations.

Market Outlook and Growth Projections

● D2C Market: $100 billion by 2025 with over 11,000 brands.

● Quick Commerce: $5 billion GMV with 75-85% projected growth.

● E-Retail Market: Estimated at $125 billion with 220 million online shoppers.

● Warehouse Automation: Market anticipated to reach $2 billion annually by 2026.

This structured summary synthesizes the key findings of the Shiprocket-KPMG report, showcasing India’s commerce transformation driven by AI, digital inclusivity, and evolving consumer behavior.

In line with the report, Shiprocket showcased its AI-powered Tech Stack through live demos at SHIVIR Bengaluru 2025, highlighting tools designed to simplify commerce operations for sellers. Shiprocket Copilot, a multilingual voice-enabled assistant, enables merchants to manage shipments and track orders through natural conversations. Trends AI provides real-time insights by responding to data-driven queries on product performance and demand patterns. Radar offers end-to-end supply chain visibility and flags stressed zones to support smarter courier decisions. Sense Voice APIs deliver seamless speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities, strengthening multilingual voice interactions. Additionally, the One Logistics Gateway API unifies multiple logistics services into a single, streamlined platform. Together, these innovations demonstrate how Shiprocket is enabling entrepreneurs to automate logistics, optimise operations, and elevate customer experiences.

About Shiprocket:

Shiprocket Limited, India’s leading eCommerce enablement platform on a mission to empower the businesses of Bharat to scale their ventures by unleashing the true power of eCommerce. The platform supports sellers at every step of their digital growth journey, creating a seamless operating system. With a robust stack of technology integrations, Shiprocket enables shipping, fulfilment, customer communication, marketing tools, and commerce infrastructure for MSMEs, D2C brands, and social commerce retailers across India.

About KPMG in India:

KPMG entities in India are professional services firm(s). These Indian member firms are affiliated with KPMG International Limited. KPMG was established in India in August 1993. Our professionals leverage a global network of firms and are well-versed in local laws, regulations, markets, and competition. KPMG has offices across India in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Vadodara and Vijayawada. KPMG entities in India offer services to national and international clients across sectors. We strive to provide rapid, performance-based, industry-focused and technology-enabled services, which reflect a shared knowledge of global and local industries and our experience of the Indian business environment.