Marriott Bonvoy Unveils A Heartwarming Christmas Activation At Mumbai International Airport (T2)

This Christmas, Marriott Bonvoy brought the magic of the festive season to Mumbai International Airport, Terminal 2, with a heartwarming activation designed to surprise and delight arriving passengers. The immersive experience transformed the arrivals conveyor belt area into a moment of joy, gifting and emotional connection during the peak holiday travel period.

As passengers arrived, they were welcomed by a dedicated airline conveyor belt featuring personalized Christmas hampers, each thoughtfully tagged with the traveler’s seat number – adding an authentic and meaningful personal touch.

Brand ushers guided guests through the experience, while a live Christmas choir and Santa meet-and-greet filled the space with festive cheer, turning a typically routine arrival into an uplifting celebration.

The activation reflects Marriott Bonvoy’s commitment to celebrating the spirit of giving and creating emotionally resonant experiences that extend beyond hotel stays. By reimagining an everyday travel touchpoint, the brand reinforced its belief that hospitality isn’t limited to destinations – it’s present throughout the journey.

Sharing her experience of the activation, Namrata Seth, Actor and Digital Content Creator said, “I was completely delighted by the surprise that awaited me at the airport. Watching beautifully curated Christmas hampers arrive on the conveyor belt felt joyful and festive in the most unexpected way. Marriott Bonvoy truly transformed a routine arrival into a celebratory moment, bringing in the spirit of Christmas the moment you land from your travels.”

As part of the festive season, Marriott Bonvoy’s Celebrate Christmas with Marriott Bonvoy collection features a curated range of handcrafted Christmas offerings, including festive cakes, cookies, hampers and interactive DIY treats. Thoughtfully created by Marriott’s culinary teams across India, the collection is designed for gifting, sharing and celebrating the warmth of the season – bringing the same spirit of care and craftsmanship seen at the airport experience into homes and celebrations.

The Christmas collection is available across participating Marriott hotels in India throughout the festive season.

With this distinctive airport activation, Marriott Bonvoy continues to elevate consumer engagement by meeting travelers where they are – transforming routine moments into heartfelt memories and reaffirming its role as a brand that celebrates journeys as much as destinations.

Samsung SmartThings Becomes The Industry’s First To Support Matter Cameras

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that its smart home platform, SmartThings, now supports Matter 1.5—the global smart home standard—making it the first in the industry to support Matter-compatible cameras.

Starting later this month, Samsung will roll out SmartThings updates to expand its existing list of Matter devices, including lights, door locks, switches, and various sensors, by adding cameras. With this update, SmartThings will become the smart home platform with the broadest support for Matter devices.

“Samsung aims to ensure that products and services built on different brands and protocols deliver a unified experience through SmartThings,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings Team at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to expand our support for industry standards, including Matter, and further strengthen collaboration to drive new customer experiences.”

Enhanced Security and Safety with Matter 1.5 Camera Support

Matter 1.5, announced by the Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA) in November, adds camera support as well as enhanced features for closure operations, including blinds, awnings, and garage doors—along with improved energy management.

The industry is particularly focused on the inclusion of a camera standard, as cameras are an essential part of any smart home ecosystem. Matter 1.5 supports a wide range of camera use cases including indoor and outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, and more. It also includes features such as live video streaming, two-way communication, motion detection, event history, and pan-tilt-zoom controls.

Expanded User Choice and Enhanced Developer Convenience

With SmartThings supporting the standard, camera manufacturers can now launch Matter-based cameras that seamlessly integrate with SmartThings without the need to customize separate API (Application Programming Interface).

Samsung has collaborated with leading global IoT device makers, including Aqara, Eve, and Ulticam, to develop Matter cameras, and these products are expected to roll out starting in March 2026.

SmartThings has already partnered with Aqara, Arlo, Hue, Ring, and others to provide a wide array of smart home camera experiences across various protocols and connection methods. With this update, users will have even more options, as Matter cameras can now be integrated easily into the SmartThings ecosystem.

Integrating cameras with SmartThings helps users build a safe and convenient smart home tailored to their lifestyle. This integration enables essential functions such as monitoring the home environment while away, checking on the well-being of pets, and configuring customized routines by connecting with smart doorbells.

Strengthening Industry Leadership with the Broadest Support for Matter Devices

Samsung SmartThings continues to expand its global partnerships under an open-platform strategy. Through the WWST (Works With SmartThings) certification program, SmartThings now supports more than 4,700 models from over 390 partner brands. By rapidly adopting the Matter standard, Samsung has also helped bring 58 Matter device types into users’ everyday lives.

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,  visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in.

Reema Transport Boosts Pharma Supply Chain Efficiency With Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles

For over four decades, Reema Transport Pvt. Ltd. (RTPL) has been a trusted name in road logistics and it has served as a key partner in India’s temperature-controlled logistics ecosystem supporting the pharmaceutical sector with reliable, compliant and technology-driven services. With a fleet of up to 175 vehicles, RTPL operates across western, central and southern India, serving leading domestic and multinational pharmaceutical companies as well as clients in FMCG, confectionery and engineering goods.

RTPL has earned a leadership position in the cold chain segment through its strong operational discipline, process excellence and commitment to continuous innovation. The company maintains stringent oversight of its network with robust SOPs, comprehensive contingency planning and the integration of advanced monitoring technologies. Real-time temperature tracking, automated alerts and digital control systems ensure that every consignment is delivered within the required temperature range and timelines, with utmost safety and transparency. This approach enables RTPL to seamlessly manage time-sensitive pharma loads across major corridors such as Mumbai–Goa and crucial southern routes including Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Strengthening its cold chain capabilities further, RTPL recently expanded its fleet with fully built reefer trucks from Tata Motors Ltd., India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer. The new additions include six Tata LPT 1816 units and two units each of Tata LPT 1112 and LPT 710, all equipped with advanced reefer bodies and FMS-enabled monitoring systems. Built on Tata’s trusted LPT platform, these vehicles offer superior fuel efficiency, extended service intervals, high gradability and ergonomic walk-through cabins making them ideal for long-haul pharmaceutical movement.

Beyond technology and infrastructure, RTPL ensures regular training, safety workshops and hands-on skill-building sessions so that its drivers are fully equipped to handle sensitive pharma consignments with precision and care.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Dilip Naik, Managing Director and Mr. Ashok Kothari, Chairman, Reema Transport Pvt. Ltd., said, “Our cold chain operations rely on partners who ensure reliability, efficiency and compliance at every stage. Tata Motors’ dependable vehicles, along with their extensive service and support network, give us the confidence to manage critical pharmaceutical consignments across the country. This partnership strengthens our ability to consistently deliver time-sensitive, temperature-controlled logistics that exceed client expectations and support the nation’s healthcare supply chain.”

As demand for precision-driven cold chain solutions continues to grow, the collaboration between Tata Motors Ltd and RTPL underscores how advanced technology, strong processes and a people-first approach can enhance supply chain resilience and support India’s expanding healthcare and pharmaceutical needs.

NFO Alert: SUD Life Launches The GIFT City – SUD Life GIFT Global Opportunity Maximizer Fund

Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (SUD Life) has announced the launch of the new fund ‘SUD Life GIFT Global Opportunity Maximizer Fund’ and SUD Life GIFT India Focused Fund in its life insurance plan SUD Life International Wealth Creator, offering policyholders and individuals access to global wealth creation opportunities through GIFT City.

SUD Life Global Opportunity Maximizer Fund, fund provides diversified exposure across international markets and asset classes. While its core allocation is centred on equities, fund managers will have the flexibility to invest in commodities, enabling participation in both cyclical and structural growth trends. By tapping into developed and emerging economies, the fund aims to capture opportunities across themes and sectors to give back better dollar-denominated returns.

“This product is tailored for individuals with higher-risk appetite who are looking for dynamic diversification across geographies, asset classes, and sectors,” said Ram Kamal Samanta, Chief Investment Officer, SUD Life.

SUD Life Global Opportunity Maximizer Fund that’s available under SUD Life International Wealth Creator Plan, offers NRIs, PIOs, OCIs and Resident Indians (RIs) globally diversified wealth building opportunities, besides comprehensive protection solution.

This plan enables policyholders to invest in various specialised international funds - SUD Life GIFT Global Opportunity Maximizer Fund, SUD Life GIFT India Focused Fund, SUD Life GIFT US Equity Fund, SUD Life GIFT Global Equity Fund, SUD Life GIFT US Treasuries Fund, SUD Life GIFT EM Treasury Fund, and the SUD Life GIFT Commodities Fund - each designed to match evolving financial goals and risk profiles.

Nethradhama Launches Karnataka’s First Mobile Unit For Bladeless Eye Surgery; Deploys Ziemer Z8 Neo Technology

· A first in Karnataka, the mobile FEMTO surgery unit is designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge eye care and regional accessibility

· With over 900 successful procedures during the pilot, the rotational deployment ensures world-class eye care reaches Bengaluru, Mysuru, and beyond—at scale and without cost inflation

In a major leap for precision eye surgery in Karnataka, Nethradhama Superspeciality Eye Hospital has launched the Ziemer Z8 Neo, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose femtosecond laser system, now being delivered across multiple centres within the city through a custom-engineered mobile unit. This strategic deployment ensures that patients across all Nethradhama branches can benefit from bladeless, high-precision procedures without the need to centralise care at a single location.

The Ziemer Z8 Neo is often described as the Swiss army knife of ophthalmic lasers. It is used to perform bladeless eye surgeries that are gentle, precise, and quick to heal. These include FEMTO-assisted cataract surgery, vision correction procedures like CLEAR and LASIK to reduce dependence on glasses, and treatments for conditions such as keratoconus or damaged corneas. All of these are performed using laser pulses instead of blades, making the procedures safer, less invasive, and more comfortable for patients.

“Patients today expect precision and fast recovery, and the Z8 Neo allows us to deliver just that. Whether it’s a young professional looking for a quick, bladeless alternative to glasses, or a senior wanting a safer, more precise cataract surgery, the Z8 Neo meets a wide range of vision needs,” said Dr Supriya Sriganesh, Executive Director, Nethradhama.

With patients actively seeking the best available technology, bladeless surgeries are increasingly preferred for their accuracy, comfort, and minimal downtime. The Z8 Neo’s ability to integrate with premium intraocular lenses and advanced planning software ensures patients experience high-definition vision with reduced dependence on glasses.

“We were among the earliest adopters of Femtosecond laser technology in India,” said Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director, Nethradhama. “From introducing the state’s first Catalys platform for bladeless cataract surgery to pioneering SMILE in South India, innovation has always been part of our DNA. With the Z8 Neo, we have elevated this further, not just by upgrading our in-centre capabilities, but also by mobilising the technology itself. Our specially engineered van, with climate and shock control, allows us to rotate the machine between five centres, including three in Bengaluru, one in Mysuru, and one outreach site. This model makes it possible for patients across centres to access cutting-edge treatment without compromising on precision or outcomes.”

During the pilot phase, over 600 cataract surgeries and nearly 300 corneal and refractive procedures have already been successfully completed using the Z8 Neo, including bladeless LASIK and the increasingly popular CLEAR technique. Thanks to its enhanced software engine and robust performance, most patients report clear vision by Day 1 and return to full visual function within a week.

The mobile deployment of the Z8 Neo enables decentralised delivery of premium procedures, offering an approach that balances technological excellence with cost-efficiency. Instead of installing a unit at every branch, Nethradhama’s rotational model allows for weekly procedures at each location, offering consistent care while reducing infrastructure overheads.

Nethradhama plans to expand this mobile FEMTO model further, making it accessible to more centres across southern India and continuing its legacy of bringing global-standard technology to local care.

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology, MAHE

Exhibition of the works of the 7th semester students of the undergraduate programme at Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bengaluru, 20-21 December 2025

‘Prologue: Make new Worlds’ is an exhibition of works by emerging designers and artists that sow the seeds for newer worlds across healthcare, education, sustainability, urban development and many other diverse creative contexts.

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology (SMI) invites you to its winter exhibition at the Venkatappa Art Gallery on December 20&21, 2025. We Welcome you to a public showcase of the visions and dreams of our final year students from all 11 courses at the Undergraduate Professional Program (UGPP) in SMI. With short films, animations, products, publications, digital platforms, systems

‘Prologue – Make New Worlds’ also marks three decades of Srishti’s practice as a cultural institution. It is one of the leading Art & Design educational institutions in the country and is a major cultural proponent in Bangalore. Our alumni aren’t just global cultural practitioners but have also enriched the creative ecosystem of India significantly. With this event, we invite the city to come and celebrate with us.

“Creativity has grown beyond beautification and aesthetics, it is found in systems, processes and services present in all aspects of our everyday life, neighbourhoods, cities and economies.” Says Dr. Arindam Das, Director SMI. “Art and Design is no longer peripheral, but they are at the centre of the new worlds that we are making.”

The 7th Semester is an important juncture in the 4 year UGPP journey. After 3 years of studio, workshops and short term ateliers, the learner has an opportunity to immerse for a full semester in a context. They push and pull between learning tools, methods, media and contexts of their choice before their final semester.

“For us, education is not just about preparing for a career, it is about nurturing the ability to shape the future.” Says Ramesh Kalkur, Associate director (Academics), SMI “The future, therefore, is not something to arrive at. It is something we create, a future that builds new opportunities, strengthens communities, and fosters deeper connections with the world.”

“Prologue : Make New Worlds” celebrates how art and design help us see the world and ourselves in new ways. It is a testament to diversity, authenticity and an enquiry that begins within and then moves outwards. Introspection begins from within, where they experiment with materials, senses, everyday objects, and spaces we all know—like home and the city around us—to learn by trying, making, and even failing. Looking outwards, students explore language, data, urban systems, ecology, health, technology, and community narratives to imagine empathetic, efficient, and sustainable futures for us. Each project invites us to ask questions, notice hidden stories, challenge ideas, and dream boldly.

Bhima Gold Announces “Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival”- A Diamond Campaign To Capitalise On Festive NRI Footfall

A premium December showcase offering exclusive diamond collections, NRI-focused benefits, and exceptional value across all Bhima stores from 8th December 2025 to 11th January 2026.

Bhima Gold, India’s iconic jewellery house and one of the country’s most trusted names in purity, today announced the launch of its “Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival”, a seasonal retail initiative that coincides with the annual return of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to India during the festive and holiday period. This campaign, now a bi-annual tradition at Bhima, is designed to position the brand as the most compelling destination for premium diamond jewellery purchases in December - a month that historically records significantly higher interest in diamond jewellery among visiting NRIs.

The campaign began on December 8, 2025, and will run across all Bhima stores till January 11, 2026. To mark the occasion, Bhima will unveil exclusive diamond collections, distinctive designs crafted for contemporary tastes, and exquisite solitaires that bring together global styling and deep Indian heritage influences. Alongside the curated product assortment, Bhima will introduce special December-only buying advantages. These will include compelling offers on select diamond ranges, attractive pricing structures, and purchase values specially tailored for international shoppers.

On Diamond Jewellery purchases -

- Get FREE 24-karat Gold Bar plus Rs. 10000 worth of jewellery, ON EVERY CARAT.

- Up to 100% OFF on making charges

Additional privileges for loyal diamond customers will also be unveiled, including -Get Rs 5000 extra per carat on exchange of your old Bhima Diamond jewellery, with a view to elevate the shopping experience for long-standing Bhima patrons and NRI families who have been loyal to the brand for multiple generations.

Bhima’s diamond credibility rests firmly on its hallmark purity practices, certified solitaires, transparent valuation standards, and ethical procurement methods. As the NRI-dominated diamond buying period arrives, the brand is reinforcing these assurances through enhanced documentation protocols, valuation transparency, and additional customer support for international buyers with International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), guaranteeing their authenticity and quality.

The brand remains equally committed to diamond design innovation. New collections - inspired by contemporary styling, wedding trends, fusion aesthetics, and modern heirloom concepts - will debut through the campaign. For international visitors looking to purchase for weddings, upcoming family ceremonies, or self-gifting, Bhima’s diamond lines offer both aspirational beauty and long-term value.

The December “Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival” reflects Bhima’s evolution as a category leader and its belief that diamonds are not merely ornaments, but emotional markers of identity, success, and personal storytelling. Reinforced by a century-long foundation of purity and trust, the campaign underscores Bhima’s intention to expand its diamond share and strengthen its relationship with the global Indian consumer.

This exclusive festive offer is available only from 8th December 2025 to 11th January 2026 at all Bhima stores.