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Pune, Mar 13: The Life Transformation Centre (LTC), a unique initiative in higher education, was inaugurated at Boribel in Daund taluka of Pune district. Established in memory of Urmila V. Karad, the revered mother of Dr. Rahul V. Karad – Initiator & Vision, Life Transformation Centre (LTC); who conceptualised the centre. The centre aims to nurture the holistic development of students by reconnecting them with nature, society, and their inner selves through experiential and value-based learning.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several distinguished leaders from government, spirituality, defence, and sports. Among the prominent dignitaries present were spiritual leader Swami Ramdev and Shri Ronjan Sodhi, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardee and international trap shooter. The event was chaired by UNESCO Chair Holder Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad – Founder & Chief Patron, MAEER’s MIT, Pune; President, MIT World Peace University; and Creator of the World Peace Dome.

Video messages were shared by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Dattatray Vithoba Bharne, Minister of Agriculture of Maharashtra; Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Pune; and Chandrakant Patil, Minister of Higher and Technical Education of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, attended the event virtually.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Today’s youth face intense competition, academic pressure, and the distractions of the digital world, often drifting away from the deeper meaning of life. The Life Transformation Centre offers a powerful answer by reconnecting young people with nature, agriculture, discipline, and spirituality. As the son of a farmer, I deeply resonate with the vision of ‘Connecting the Soul to the Soil.’ When young people experience the value of soil, food, and hard work, they develop respect for farmers, nature, and society. This initiative reflects the spirit of experiential learning envisioned in India’s National Education Policy and will help nurture responsible, confident, and nation-building youth for a stronger India.”

Shri Devendra Fadnavis said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the inauguration of the Life Transformation Centre at Boribel, Pune. The land of Maharashtra has long been a source of inspiration for saints, social reformers, and nation builders. From the spiritual legacy of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram Maharaj to the transformative vision of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, this land has upheld the tradition of linking knowledge with service, ethics, and the welfare of society. The Life Transformation Centre, built on the pillars of Agriculture and Nature, Physical Fitness and Sports, Team Building and Leadership, Patriotism and Nation Building, and Spirituality and Peace, will help students develop confidence, discipline, leadership, and compassion.”

Swami Ramdev said, “Today, I feel immense joy to be part of the inauguration of the Life Transformation Centre. Institutions like MIT World Peace University are doing a remarkable job by nurturing not just academic excellence but also character, values, and national responsibility among young people. Educating lakhs of students and guiding them from personal development to nation-building is a great service to society. I come from a humble farming background and understand how powerful education and self-discipline can be in transforming lives. Every young person carries immense potential, but it must be guided by a larger purpose beyond personal success. We should not limit our dreams to jobs or salaries; rather, we should aspire to contribute to society and the nation. Through initiatives like the Life Transformation Centre, students will learn the importance of nature, self-discipline, health, and leadership. I congratulate Dr. Vishwanath Karad, Dr. Rahul Karad, and the entire MIT family for creating such a transformative platform for youth.”

Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Dr. Rahul Karad said, “This initiative has been envisioned as a unique platform where students can reconnect with nature, rural life, and the deeper values of Indian civilization through experiential learning. The centre is built on five pillars—agriculture and nature, spirituality and peace, sports and physical fitness, team building and leadership, and patriotism and nation building. Through this initiative, we aim to shape responsible, self-aware, and socially conscious youth. I believe this centre will serve as a transformative laboratory for education, inspiring students to contribute meaningfully to society and to the vision of a harmonious and sustainable world.”

The programmes at the Life Transformation Centre are structured around five key pillars—Agriculture and Nature, Physical Fitness and Sports, Team Building and Leadership, Patriotism and Nation Building, and Spirituality and Peace. Through these pillars, the centre aims to nurture students’ physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being while instilling a strong sense of responsibility towards society and the nation.

A distinctive aspect of the centre is its emphasis on simplicity and mindful living. In an age dominated by mobile phones, social media, and rising stress levels, the centre promotes the principle of minimalism, encouraging participants to adopt simpler lifestyles, reduce distractions, and focus on meaningful aspects of life.

By integrating nature-based learning, leadership development, and value-driven education, the Life Transformation Centre seeks to create a new paradigm in higher education. The initiative aims to empower young individuals to become responsible citizens and contribute meaningfully towards building a stronger India and a more harmonious world.

Mumbai, Mar 13: Marking the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, the traditional Maharashtrian New Year, Infiniti Mall, Malad invites visitors to celebrate the festive spirit with a vibrant Dhol Tasha Pathak performance. Known for its powerful percussion, synchronized rhythms, and electrifying energy, the performance promises to bring alive the cultural essence and festive fervour associated with the occasion.

A significant symbol of Maharashtrian celebrations, Dhol Tasha Pathak performances are known to create an atmosphere of unity, enthusiasm, and cultural pride. Visitors at Infiniti Mall will witness a lively showcase of skilled performers playing the traditional dhol and tasha drums in perfect rhythm, filling the space with celebratory beats that echo the joy and optimism of the new year.

The performance aims to recreate the spirit of festive processions that are an integral part of Gudi Padwa celebrations across Maharashtra. With the powerful beats, vibrant traditional attire, and synchronized choreography of the performers, the event will offer shoppers and families an immersive cultural experience that celebrates the state’s rich heritage.

Through such festive initiatives, Infiniti Mall continues to create engaging experiences that go beyond shopping, bringing communities together through culture, celebration, and entertainment. The Gudi Padwa celebration offers visitors a chance to pause, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and welcome the new year with positivity and enthusiasm.

Event Highlights

Date: 19th March, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM onwards

Venue: Infiniti Mall, Malad

Visitors are invited to be part of this vibrant celebration, experience the powerful rhythms of Dhol Tasha, and welcome the Maharashtrian New Year with festive energy at Infiniti Mall, Malad.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the global availability of the Galaxy S26 series and the Galaxy Buds4 series. As Samsung’s third generation of AI phones, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 deliver the most intuitive and proactive Galaxy AI experiences yet, helping users accomplish more with fewer steps. Following Galaxy Unpacked, the newly launched Galaxy S26 series has generated exceptional early demand, with initial pre-order figures surpassing previous records and marking a double-digit increase. The premium Galaxy S26 Ultra has quickly become the standout model, selected by more than 70% of pre-order customers worldwide.

 Galaxy S26 Ultra: Where Innovation Leads

Galaxy S26 Ultra brings together Samsung’s most advanced innovation in a single device – powerful performance, an industry-leading camera system, enhanced intuitive Galaxy AI and the world’s first mobile phone with a built-in Privacy Display.

Privacy Display, which has drawn widespread praise since its unveiling, isa breakthrough in display technology that fundamentally changes how privacy can be protected on a phone at a pixel level. Designed for everyday situations, hardware and software are working as one to protect privacy without compromising everyday viewing experiences.

Built for all-day performance, Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers the most powerful performance on a Galaxy S series yet, powered by a customized mobile processor — Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy  with significant gains across the CPU, GPU and NPU to support faster, smoother experiences that keep up throughout the day.s

Galaxy S26 Ultra also features Samsung’s most intuitive and user-friendly AI experience to date. Features like Now Nudge provide proactive and relevant context-aware suggestions, while Now Brief surfaces timely reminders for important events. A choice of agents also help users to complete tasks easier with a single button press or voice prompt.

Galaxy S26 Ultra builds on Samsung’s industry-leading camera system, seamlessly integrating capture, editing and sharing into one intuitive workflow. Nightography video, keeps footage vibrant even in low light, and Super Steady, which comes with a new horizontal lock option for greater stability, even during dynamic movement. Editing is just as easy and straight forward. With the upgraded Photo Assist, users can refine images and express their creativity by simply describing what they want in their own words, while Creative Studio empowers users to easily turn their ideas into polished visuals — from stickers and invitations to personalized wallpapers.

Galaxy Buds4 series: Superior Hi-Fi Sound with Computationally Designed Fit

Users can enhance the capabilities of the Galaxy S26 with the new Galaxy Buds4 series which integrated Samsung’s most advanced audio and wearability innovations together in one seamless experience. The Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds4 deliver superior hi-fi audio and everyday wearability to achieve the best listening experience across the Galaxy Buds series to date.

The Galaxy Buds4 series establishes a new iconic blade design with an engraved pinch control and ultra-sleek ergonomic fit, achieved by analyzing hundreds of millions of global ear data points and running over 10,000 simulations to optimize for all-day wearability and comfort.

Powerful hardware and software innovations on the Galaxy Buds4 Pro such as a wider woofer and an enhanced Adaptive Equalizer and Active Noise Cancellation produce rich full-spectrum sound true to the original recording. With the integration of several AI agents and intuitive hands-free controls, the Galaxy Buds4 series becomes a natural companion to Galaxy S26, extending everyday experiences beyond the phone.

 

Over the decades, Chembur has been home to several iconic landmarks that once defined the suburb’s cultural, recreational and industrial identity. Today, many of these locations are gradually transforming into some of Mumbai’s most sought-after residential addresses, giving rise to a new chapter of premium housing in the micro-market. 

Chembur’s evolution mirrors the larger urban transformation seen across Mumbai where historic and industrial landmarks are being reimagined as lifestyle-driven residential destinations. Locations that were once associated with studios, factories and institutional spaces are now emerging as signature addresses, attracting leading developers and premium residential projects. 

 

One of the most prominent examples is the historic R. K. Studio, which for decades stood as a symbol of Indian cinema. The redevelopment of the studio land has drawn significant attention to the locality, highlighting how legacy land parcels can be repurposed to create modern residential spaces that blend heritage with contemporary living. The iconic Dukes Factory, once synonymous with Chembur’s industrial character, represents the broader shift in land use across the area. As older industrial units gradually made way for redevelopment, several such locations began attracting residential development, unlocking new possibilities for premium housing. 

Similarly, the presence of the prestigious Bombay Presidency Golf Club has played a key role in elevating Chembur’s residential appeal. Homes overlooking or located near the golf course have increasingly become aspirational addresses, offering residents rare green views and a tranquil lifestyle within Mumbai’s dense urban fabric. 

Commenting on the emergence of such landmark-driven residential pockets, Mr. Vijay Choraria, Managing Director, Crest Ventures Limited said “Globally, iconic landmarks often become anchors for premium residential development. In Chembur, locations around the Bombay Presidency Golf Club have evolved into distinctive residential enclaves because they offer a rare lifestyle proposition such as expansive permanent green views, exclusivity and proximity to key parts of the city. Over time, these locations naturally develop into signature addresses that homebuyers strongly associate with prestige and quality living.” 

Leading developers have recognized the potential of these landmark-driven locations and are increasingly investing in the micro-market. City’s Developers such as Godrej Properties, The Wadhwa Group, Rustomjee, House Of Hiranandani and Chandak Group have introduced premium residential developments that are reshaping Chembur’s skyline and elevating its reputation as an upscale residential destination. 

Redevelopment is further accelerating this shift. Many ageing buildings and industrial plots are being transformed into modern residential towers offering upgraded amenities and improved urban planning. 

A spokesperson from Chandak Group said, “Redevelopment has been a major catalyst in Chembur’s transformation. Several older structures and underutilized land parcels are now being reimagined as contemporary residential developments. This process is helping create luxury homes with modern amenities and better open spaces, turning previously industrial or legacy locations into premium residential addresses.”

 Improved connectivity has also strengthened the suburb’s attractiveness. Infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai Monorail, along with easy access to the Eastern Freeway and major arterial roads, have enhanced Chembur’s connectivity with South Mumbai, BKC and Navi Mumbai, making it a convenient residential choice for professionals and business owners. 

As iconic locations continue to be redeveloped and reimagined, Chembur is steadily transitioning into a neighbourhood defined not just by its history, but by its new identity as a cluster of signature residential addresses. The suburb’s transformation demonstrates how legacy landmarks can become the foundation for modern, premium urban living.

 

Hyderabad, Mar 13: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in association with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), organized a seminar on “Emerging Export Opportunities in Food & Agri Products from Telangana – Impact of FTAs” at KLN Prasad Auditorium, Federation House, Hyderabad on Friday.

The seminar was inaugurated by Sri Tummala Nageswara Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Marketing, Co-operation and Handlooms & Textiles, Government of Telangana, who attended as the Chief Guest. Senior officials from DGFT and APEDA, exporters, food processors, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), agri-entrepreneurs and industry representatives also participated in the program.

In his keynote address, Sri Tummala Nageswara Rao highlighted Telangana’s remarkable growth in agriculture over the past few years, noting that the State has emerged as the number one producer of paddy in the country. He emphasized that while production levels have increased significantly, the next priority is to ensure better value realization for farmers through exports, value addition, and food processing.

The Minister stressed the importance of strengthening grading, processing, packaging, branding, and compliance with international quality standards to enable Telangana’s agricultural products to compete successfully in global markets. He noted that the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sri Revanth Reddy, is focusing on the development of food processing infrastructure and agri-based industries.

He highlighted initiatives such as the Mega Food Park being established at Buggapadu in Khammam district, which will provide modern processing facilities, cold storage, logistics support, and value addition opportunities for farmers and food processing industries.

The Minister also pointed out the strong export potential of Telangana’s horticulture sector, including fruits, vegetables, and spices such as turmeric and chilli. With improved supply chains, pack houses, cold storage infrastructure, and logistics networks, these sectors can significantly expand their presence in international markets.

At the same time, he emphasized that while promoting agricultural exports, the interests of Indian farmers must be safeguarded, particularly in the context of international trade agreements and tariff policies affecting agricultural commodities.

Earlier, Sri R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. He highlighted Telangana’s growing role in India’s agricultural export landscape, noting that the State produces around 168 lakh metric tonnes of rice annually and has strong potential in exports of rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, and processed food products.

He emphasized the need to strengthen export infrastructure, including pack houses, integrated cold chain systems, food testing laboratories, and refrigerated logistics networks, to support exporters and ensure compliance with international standards. He also underscored the importance of building export-oriented Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) clusters to integrate farmers with global value chains.

Sri Ravi Kumar also requested the Government to consider the development of integrated agri-export processing and logistics zones in Telangana to support the growing food processing and export ecosystem.

Introducing the seminar, Sri S. Chandra Mohan, Chairman, Agro & Food Processing Committee, FTCCI, said the program aims to provide practical insights into export opportunities, international trade trends, and the implications of Free Trade Agreements for the agri and food processing sectors.

He noted that the seminar would help exporters, food processors, agri-entrepreneurs, and FPOs understand global market requirements, export financing, regulatory compliance, and opportunities arising from evolving global trade dynamics.

Officials from DGFT and APEDA —Mr Akshay SC, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Directorate General of Foreign Trade(DGFT), Govt of India, and RP Naidu, Regional Head of APEDA delivered technical presentations on India’s trade strategy, export procedures, market access, quality standards, and support mechanisms available for agri exporters.

Mr Akshay SC, DGFT explained what is FTA (Free Trade Agreement) and how it helps.

A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a trade agreement between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs (import duties) and trade barriers on goods and services between them he said

The goal of an FTA is to make trade easier, cheaper, and faster between the participating countries, he added.

India has FTAs with many countries or regions. 250 plus participants through DGFT website and familiarised them with registration process.

Naidu of APEDA said APEDA covers about 700+ agricultural and processed food products under its export promotion mandate. Exports of agricultural and processed food products promoted by APEDA reached approximately ₹2.45 lakh crore in the last financial year. Exports of non-basmati rice facilitated by APEDA reached around ₹55,000 crore last year.

Speaking further he added that Nizamabad has developed into an important rice processing hub, with several rice mills approved for exports to the United States. These mills are performing well in global markets and contributing significantly to India’s non-basmati rice exports.

The seminar also featured panel discussions on export finance, quality and compliance requirements, and product-specific export opportunities from Telangana, along with discussions on the role of government support in strengthening the agri-export ecosystem.

The program witnessed active participation from exporters, food processing units, agri-entrepreneurs, logistics providers, consultants, and Farmer Producer Organizations, who engaged in discussions on expanding Telangana’s presence in global agricultural markets.

The seminar concluded with a strong emphasis on collaboration between government agencies, industry bodies, exporters, and farmers to position Telangana as a major hub for agricultural and food product exports.

The half day seminar featured technical sessions. Experts from government agencies and industry shared insights on India’s trade strategy and Free Trade Agreements, product–market mapping under FTAs, export finance and credit facilities, managing export risks through credit insurance, and export documentation and certification for new exporters. A panel discussion on product-specific export opportunities from Telangana and state support brought together representatives from the Department of Industries, Spices Board, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for strengthening the state’s agri-export ecosystem.

Hyderabad, Mar 13: IBO, India’s largest home building retail chain, has launched its flagship summer campaign, ‘Cool Homes, Cooler Prices’, which will run from 1st March to 31st March 2026 across all 40 stores in India. The campaign combines special summer offers on cooling products with assured gifts linked to billing milestones.

During the campaign period, customers will have access to special offers across air conditioners, air coolers, and ceiling fans from leading brands such as Lloyd, Godrej, Voltas, Daikin, Symphony, Bajaj, Havells, Orient Electric, Crompton, V-Guard, and Atomberg. Customers can also avail of cashback on select bank cards and finance options.

Shoppers across home-building categories during the campaign will be eligible for assured gifts including VIP Trolleys, Airfryers, and Soundbars based on their total bill value. Rewards are applicable on cumulative purchases starting at a minimum spend, covering categories such as hardware, electricals, plumbing, sanitaryware, lighting, plywood and laminates, as well as power and hand tools.

IBO currently operates 40 stores across key South Indian markets including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, Warangal, Tumkur, and Tirupur. The store has become the preferred choice for thousands of contractors, architects, interior designers, and individual home builders who rely on ready material availability, transparent shelf pricing, and standardized service support.

IBO offers customers a truly omnichannel experience, allowing them to shop through its physical stores as well as digital touchpoints, including its website and app, offering over 250 leading home-building brands under one roof.