Nethradhama In Collaboration With Karnataka And Bangalore Ophthalmology Societies To Conduct Phaco Festival 2026

* India’s Premier International Ophthalmology Conference

* The 10th edition of the immersive three-day conference will take place from January 16 to 18, 2026, in Bengaluru, featuring global faculty, 3D deferred live surgeries, masterclasses, and hands-on labs

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, a pioneering institution in eye care, in collaboration with the Karnataka Ophthalmology Society (KOS) and the Bangalore Ophthalmology Society (BOS), will conduct one of India’s most prominent and highly regarded ophthalmology conferences, Phaco Festival 2026. The three-day conference, scheduled from January 16 to 18, 2026, at Nethradhama Hospitals and Conrad Bengaluru, will be conducted on the theme “Ophthalmic Innovation and Surgical Excellence.” Since its inception in 2001, the Phaco Festival has emerged as a benchmark forum for advanced surgical training and continuing ophthalmic education in India, providing ophthalmologists across the globe with structured opportunities for upskilling and exposure to emerging technologies.

The 10th edition of its flagship biennial conference will serve as a leading platform for ophthalmic innovation, surgical skill enhancement, and global clinical collaboration, bringing together national and international experts for high-impact scientific engagement.

Phaco Festival 2026 will feature a comprehensive and immersive academic experience, including 3D deferred live surgeries, wetlabs, drylabs, masterclasses, upskilling courses, clinical debates, and case-based learning sessions led by nationally and internationally acclaimed faculty. Designed as an intensive surgical learning platform, the conference integrates hospital-based hands-on training with conference-led scientific sessions to support capacity building in ophthalmic care.

A dedicated technology showcase will bring together leading ophthalmic device manufacturers, IOL innovators, digital workflow solution providers, and laser technology companies, serving as a launch platform where global partners will debut innovations expected to influence future surgical practice.

Speaking about the upcoming edition, Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and CMD of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital and Organizing Chairman of Phaco Festival, said, “As we conduct the 10th edition of the Phaco Festival, our focus remains on strengthening ophthalmic education through practical surgical training. This year’s programme offers structured exposure to new techniques, and hands-on learning that will help clinicians improve surgical precision and efficiency. I am confident that delegates, especially young ophthalmologists, will benefit from the 3D deferred live surgeries, the diverse faculty, and the opportunity to learn directly from experts redefining the future of eye care.”

Dr. Supriya Sri Ganesh, Executive Director of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, added, “Phaco Festival has always been designed as a platform where learning, collaboration, and innovation converge. The 2026 edition builds on this vision with a comprehensive curriculum that brings together hands-on training, masterclasses, clinical debates, and technology showcases. Our focus remains rooted in fostering patient-centric excellence by equipping clinicians with practical skills and evidence-based insights that strengthen surgical outcomes. We look forward to hosting a dynamic exchange of ideas as national and international experts come together to elevate the standards of ophthalmic practice.”

The conference will feature;
Day 1: Wetlabs, Drylabs & Skill Development, Skill Transfer Courses, and Decode by Ophthalpreneurs (a curated learning module for young ophthalmic innovators)
Day 2: Core Scientific Programme, Masterclasses, Live Podcast, Clinical Debates, Dissecting Complex Cases, YOSI Sessions, Panel Discussions, and Gala Dinner (cultural networking evening)
Day 3: Surgical Excellence, 3D deferred live surgeries by national and international faculty, Inauguration Ceremony and Ophthalmology PG Quiz

Registrations for Phaco Festival 2026 are now open, and interested delegates may register by visiting Phaco Festival official website for further details and enrollment.

Whistling Woods International – IIM Mumbai Set Up High-Impact Advisory Board For Their MBA In Media & Entertainment

Whistling Woods International (WWI) & Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai), proudly announces the formation of a prestigious Advisory Board for its upcoming MBA in Media & Entertainment.

Comprising distinguished industry leaders, the Advisory Board represents a wide spectrum of stalwarts from India’s M&E industry covering all areas from Cinema, Sports, TV, OTT, Animation, Games, Music, Events, Media & Communication. This powerhouse collective will guide the programme’s curriculum development, industry integration, and strategic direction - ensuring it stays at the cutting edge of industry trends and global best practices.

Meghna Ghai Puri, President, Whistling Woods International, delightfully commented on the formation of the advisory board, “We are honoured to have assembled an Advisory Board of such exceptional calibre and diversity. These industry titans represent the very best of Indian media and entertainment. Their collective insights will be instrumental in shaping a world-class MBA programme that prepares the next generation of leaders for this dynamic sector.”

Prof Manoj Tiwari, Director of IIM Mumbai added, “The Advisory Board’s composition reflects the comprehensive nature of the MBA in Media & Entertainment programme. With leaders from every major vertical, students will gain unparalleled exposure to real-world challenges, emerging opportunities, and best practices across the media and entertainment landscape.”

Advisory Board Members

Shashikanth Someshwar, CEO, Weber Shandwick

Ashish Saksena, COO, BookMyShow

Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions

Ajit Andhare, COO, Producer, Viacom18 Studios

Ashish Pherwani, Partner – Media & Entertainment, Ernst & Young

Ashish Kulkarni, Founder, Punnaryug Artvision

Atul Churamani, MD, Turnkey Music and Publishing Private Limited

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder, Nodwin Gaming

Dinesh Vijan, Founder, Maddock Films

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO India SA, SVP Strategy, Africa, M. East & Asia, Universal Music Group

Gaurav Gandhi, VP, Amazon Prime Video – APAC & ANZ

Keitan Yadav, COO, Red Chillies VFX

Manvendra Shukul, CEO, Lakshya Digital, India Head - Keywords Studios

Nitish Mittersain, CEO & MD, Nazara Technologies

Prashant Khanna, Head - Sports & Live Experiences Production Technology & Services, JioStar

Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & MD, Green Gold Animation PVT LTD

Rajan Navani, Chairman & MD, Jetline Group of Companies & CEO, Jetsynthesys

Roshan Abbas, Founder, Kommune India

Sameer Nair, MD, Applause Entertainment

Samit Garg, Co- Founder & MD, E Factor Experiences

Vinit Karnik, MD, WPP Media

The newly formed Advisory Board will meet regularly to provide strategic guidance, facilitate industry collaborations, mentor students, and ensure that the programme remains responsive to the rapidly evolving media and entertainment industry.

To know more, visit:https://www.whistlingwoods.net/programmes/mba-in-media-entertainment/

Samsung Innovation Campus Certifies 450 Youth In AI And Coding At NSIC Hyderabad

Programme strengthens future-tech talent pipeline as Samsung advances India’s digital skilling mission

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, certified 450 students in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Coding & Programming under its flagship skilling initiative, Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC), at the NSIC Technical Service Centre, Hyderabad, reinforcing its commitment to building a future-ready digital workforce in India.

Samsung Innovation Campus is Samsung’s global skilling programme aimed at equipping youth with advanced, industry-relevant technology skills through structured training, hands-on learning and project-based outcomes, enhancing employability in the digital economy.

Hyderabad emerges as a future-tech skilling hub

The certificate felicitation ceremony was graced by Mr. Rajivnath, Centre Head, NSIC Hyderabad, who congratulated the students and highlighted the importance of sustained investments in youth skilling to support India’s digital transformation.

Of the 450 students certified at NSIC Hyderabad this year, 100 completed advanced training in Artificial Intelligence, while 350 were trained in Coding & Programming, following a structured curriculum focused on practical application and industry relevance.

Strengthening India’s future-ready workforce

The Hyderabad programme is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to skill 20,000 youth across India in 2025 under Samsung Innovation Campus. Aligned with the Government of India’s Skill India and Digital India initiatives, SIC aims to bridge critical skill gaps and foster a culture of technology-led innovation across the country.

The programme places strong emphasis on inclusivity, with 42% women participation nationally, and active outreach to tier-2, tier-3 and semi-urban regions, ensuring equitable access to high-quality technology education.

By expanding access to in-demand digital skills and nurturing job-ready talent, Samsung Innovation Campus continues to strengthen India’s future-tech talent pipeline and support the country’s journey towards a digitally empowered economy.

Samsung Newsroom India: https://news.samsung.com/in/samsung-innovation-campus-certifies-450-youth-in-ai-and-coding-at-nsic-hyderabad

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, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in/

ABD Maestro Launches AODH IRISH Whiskey, Entering One Of The Fastest Growing Segments In India

 

ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits subsidiary of Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD), today launched AODH IRISH Whiskey in India, making a strong entry into the one of the fastest growing segments in the country. ABD Maestro, co-founded by Superstar Ranveer Singh, who also serves as its creative partner is focused on creating world-class brands for both Indian and global audiences.

 

Defined by taste. Crafted for stories.

 

AODH is ‘flame’ in Irish, symbolising warmth, brotherhood, continuity, and enduring stories. Crafted using a signature triple distillation, the whiskey brings to you a bright gold hue with subtle coppery glints and exceptional clarity. On the nose, it reveals notes of vanilla cream, light honey, and toffee from ex-bourbon cask maturation, leading to a smooth and silky palate with an elegant, lasting finish.

 

Bikram Basu, Managing Director, ABD Maestro, said “A truly authentic Irish expression, AODH Irish Whiskey carries centuries of distilling heritage, while resonating with contemporary palates. AODH is a strategic step forward as we shape the super-premium spirit’s portfolio. Irish whiskey has seen strong growth in recent years and a super-premium, quality product, indexed justifiably higher than the current market players should attract the knowledgeable and discerning”.

 

India has quickly emerged as a key growth market for Irish Whiskey, with exports to the country growing by 57% and India now ranking as the world’s fifth-largest market for the category according to the Drinks Ireland ‘Spirits 2024 Annual Report’. This growth signals the trend for Indian consumers towards premium, authentic products and create an alternate global provenance other than Scotch. The addition of AODH Irish Whiskey underscores ABD Maestro’s agile thinking and future-ready portfolio strategy, reinforcing its commitment to bringing world-class, premium spirits.

 

Launched in Haryana, and to be followed immediately in Maharashtra at a MRP of ₹3,950 (750ml), AODH Irish Whiskey will subsequently expand to Goa, West Bengal, Karnataka, Delhi and key markets of North India.

 

About ABD Maestro Private Limited

ABD Maestro Private Limited is a new super-premium and luxury spirits brand company and a subsidiary of ABD. The ABD Maestro portfolio include Arthaus Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Zoya Special Batch Gin and its flavours, Rangeela Contemporary Indian Vodka, Yello Designer Whisky, Woodburns Contemporary Indian Malt Whisky, Pumori Small Batch Gin and Pink Gin, Segredo Aldeia Café and White Rums. Through its partnership with Roust Corporation, the company has introduced Russian Standard Vodka to India in three distinct segments: Original, Gold, and Platinum.

Volume Up, Vibes On: Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Sets The Countdown With ARGY

Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru is set to ring in the New Year with Sunburn Arena NYE ft. ARGY on 31st December, from 7:00 PM onwards. As Bengaluru counts down to 2026, the evening promises a high-energy celebration led by ARGY, one of the most respected names in the global electronic music scene.

Known for his distinctive blend of progressive house and trance, ARGY will take the stage with an electrifying set enhanced by immersive production and striking visuals. Guests can look forward to a night of non-stop music, next-level audiovisual experiences, a spectacular midnight fireworks display, and an exclusive VVIP offering designed to elevate the celebration.

Renowned for his hypnotic sound and commanding stage presence, ARGY is expected to build momentum through the night, reaching his peak as the clock strikes midnight. The event brings together music, entertainment, and shared moments, offering audiences a memorable way to welcome the New Year.

With Sunburn Arena NYE, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru continues its focus on curating premium lifestyle and entertainment experiences. By hosting this New Year’s Eve celebration, the mall reinforces its position as a leading destination for large-format events, where international entertainment meets the city’s vibrant community.

Event Details:

Event: Sunburn NYE 2025 With Argy

When: 31st December 2025; 7PM onwards

Where: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

How to Book: Link

Titan Enters Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Segment With beYon

Titan’s upcoming store in Mumbai marks its first foray into sustainable luxury jewellery beyond watches and accessories

Titan Company is making its debut in the lab-grown diamond jewellery segment with the unveiling of its first exclusive store, “beYon – from the House of Titan”, in Mumbai on 29 December 2025, the company said in a regulatory filing.

The move marks the company’s strategic push into sustainable and luxury jewellery, expanding its portfolio beyond watches, perfumes, sarees and handbags to cater to the growing demand for environmentally conscious and ethically sourced jewellery in India.

The store will showcase a curated collection of lab-grown diamond pieces, reflecting Titan’s initial foray into this emerging category. The Tata-owned company also plans to open additional outlets in Mumbai and Delhi in the near future. “This move reflects Titan’s strategy to diversify its product offerings and tap into the growing interest in sustainable and lab-grown luxury jewellery in India,” the company said.

Titan’s jewellery portfolio already includes established brands such as Tanishq, Mia, Zoya, and CaratLane.

In the September quarter, Titan’s jewellery division remained a key driver of overall performance. Total income (excluding bullion and digi-gold) rose 21 per cent year-on-year to Rs 14,092 crore. The domestic jewellery business, encompassing Tanishq, Mia, and Zoya, grew 18 per cent to Rs 12,460 crore, while CaratLane, Titan’s online-first jewellery brand, recorded 32 per cent growth to Rs 1,072 crore.

On profitability, the domestic jewellery segment reported EBIT of Rs 1,381 crore, translating to an 11.1 per cent margin, while CaratLane posted EBIT of Rs 109 crore (10.1 per cent margin). Titan’s international business, though smaller in scale, generated Rs 16 crore in EBIT at a 2.8 per cent margin.

Artificial Limbs Provided Help To Restore Mobility For The Needy In Bengaluru

The Karnataka Marwari Samaj, Bengaluru, successfully organized a Free Artificial Limb Distribution Camp. Under this service initiative, more than 124 needy beneficiaries were provided with artificial limbs, helping restore mobility, confidence, and a sense of self-reliance in their lives.

The program commenced with a welcome address by the Samaj Secretary, Mr. Mohit Tulsyan, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting and Ganesh Vandana, formally marking the beginning of the event.

On this occasion, Mr. Umesh Kumar, IPS, Director General of Police (DGP), Karnataka, graced the event as the Chief Guest.The event was further honored by the presence of Senior BJP Leader Mr. N. R. Ramesh and renowned ENT Surgeon Dr. Alok Banka as Guests of Honour.

The program was smoothly conducted jointly by Mrs. Sushma Chandgothia, President of the Women’s Wing, and Mrs. Vandana Tulsyan, Vice President of the Women’s Wing. They expressed gratitude to all the guests, donors, volunteers, and supporting organizations for their valuable contributions.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Praveen Tulsyan, President of Karnataka Marwari Samaj, stated that “this artificial limb camp, continuously organized for the past 17 years, is one of the Samaj’s most significant service initiatives and a true reflection of its commitment to humanity.”

At the conclusion of the event, volunteers who played a key role in making the camp successful were felicitated.

Finally, Mr. Rakesh Jindal, Treasurer of the Samaj, delivered the vote of thanks, marking the formal conclusion of the program