Category: News

New Delhi, Feb 26: With India’s elderly population projected to reach nearly 20% of the total population by 2050—and the 60+ segment growing the fastest—Pacific OneHealth has recently launched its flagship Senior Care+ Membership Programme at a time when experts describe a demographic shift of historic proportions. National datasets such as LASI reveal that nearly 45% of elders suffer from hypertension, 11% from diabetes, 24% struggle with daily activities, and 27% report unmet healthcare needs—underlining the urgent need for integrated, community‑driven elder care systems.

Against this backdrop, Senior Care+ has been designed as a comprehensive, dignity-led model that integrates preventive screening, geriatric assessment, home care, teleconsultation, physiotherapy, remote monitoring, and emergency support, moving beyond episodic treatment toward holistic ageing support.

Mr Saket Bansal, Founder & Executive Director, Pacific OneHealth says,

“India is ageing faster than our healthcare systems are adapting. Senior Care+ is our response to this reality. It is not a product—it is a promise. A promise that elder care must be proactive, personalised, and rooted in dignity. We are integrating preventive screening, home-based services, teleconsultation, and emergency support into one seamless membership model so that elders experience continuity—not fragmentation—of care. The future of healthcare lies in neighbourhood hospitals that combine technology with compassion. Senior Care+ is our step toward building that ecosystem.”

Dr. G. S. Grewal, Former President, Delhi Medical Association; Director, Senior Care+ program, Pacific OneHealth describes what India is experiencing, and says,

 “A tsunami of elderly widows, with women over 75 living nearly four years longer than men. Many grew up believing their role was only to serve, making it difficult to now demand rights. Studies show 45–55% of elders face neglect or abuse, often subtle, such as delayed medicines or postponed doctor visits. Elder care has shifted from dependence to participation, institutionalisation to ageing at home, and medical treatment alone to holistic wellness. Senior Care+ integrates social health, geriatric syndromes, caregiver training, and shared decision‑making, celebrating ageing as wisdom with dignity and joy.”

Pacific OneHealth’s Senior Care+ offers an annual membership that delivers comprehensive elder‑focused services, including geriatric assessments, an 87‑parameter premium health check‑up, home visits by trained health executives, remote nurse monitoring, GP consultations at home and centre, teleconsultations, physiotherapy and nutrition consults, second opinions, and a digital health vault. Members also receive ambulance and emergency support, priority access with a dedicated GRO‑W coordinator, premium lounge facilities, and discounts across diagnostics, pharmacy, physiotherapy, home care, and family add‑ons.

Dr. Swadeep Srivastava, Co-Founder & President, Pacific OneHealth, says,

“The need to support elders who once supported us, stressing that health in later years is a shared responsibility. Beyond medicines, elders require companionship, dignity, and reassurance. Senior Care+ addresses neglected pillars—social health and geriatric syndromes—through comprehensive assessments, OPD and home services, teleconsultation, remote monitoring, and caregiver support. The program builds an ecosystem where age signifies experience, not limitation, preserving self‑respect and ensuring hospitals feel like homes of compassionate care.”

The launch of Pacific OneHealth Senior Care+ Membership Programme happened at the HEAL OneHealth Connect Series, alongside a panel discussion on ‘Rehumanizing Elder Care: Bridging the Empathy Gap with Smart, Neighbourhood Hospitals.’ Prof. (Dr.) Nimesh G. Desai, Former Director, IHBAS, Dr. Aijaz Ilmi, Head – Preventive Medicine, Pacific OneHealth, and Dr. Vikrant Bhardwaj, Director – Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Pacific OneHealth participated in the engaging discussion.

The panellists emphasised that elder care must move from institutional dependency to neighbourhood-based, empathy-driven ecosystems that support “ageing at home.”

Feb 26: Renowned spiritual figure Radhe Maa will celebrate her birthday on March 3, 2026, with a large devotional gathering and seva initiative at Devipada Maidan, Borivali (East). The event, scheduled from 4:00 PM onwards, is expected to witness the presence of devotees from across Mumbai and beyond.

Over the years, Radhe Maa has been associated with multiple charitable and humanitarian initiatives,from Covid pandemic times to help indian government particularly in Punjab. During the devastating Punjab floods of 2025, she extended support to affected families by arranging medicines, relief aid, and basic necessities. She also contributed towards rebuilding homes and assisting displaced villagers, helping many families regain stability after losing shelter and belongings in the disaster.

Her charitable trust has been actively working for the welfare of underprivileged children by supporting education, while also providing pension assistance to several elderly and economically challenged families. In Mumbai, she has initiated a dialysis centre offering free treatment, aimed at supporting patients who cannot afford regular medical care.

Followers describe her work as a blend of spirituality and service, emphasising compassion, social upliftment, and community welfare. Devotees often regard her as a maternal figure who shoulders the responsibility of helping the needy while promoting faith, hope, and positivity.

The birthday celebration will include devotional programs, blessings, and updates on ongoing welfare initiatives. Organisers have invited devotees and well-wishers to attend the gathering and participate in the celebrations.

Event Details:

Date: March 3, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM onwards

Venue: Devipada Maidan, opposite Devipada Metro Station, Borivali, Mumbai – 400066

Odisha’s 2026–27 state budget has placed renewed emphasis on cultural preservation, with major announcements centered on heritage conservation, museum development and digitization initiatives. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, while presenting the budget in the state Assembly, proposed the establishment of a world-class Shree Jagannath Museum and Library in Puri, reinforcing the government’s stated priority of preserving and propagating Jagannath culture.

A World-Class Museum in Puri

• The proposed museum in Puri will complement the historic Shree Jagannath Temple, one of India’s most revered 12th-century shrines. With an allocation of ₹1,000 crore for initiatives linked to Jagannath culture, the project aims to:
• Create a global-standard museum and research library
• Digitally connect devotees through the ‘Samarpan’ digital hundi platform
• Restore the spiritual and architectural heritage of the Gundicha Temple
• Undertake conservation work at Emar Mutt, Pramod Udyan and Raghunandan Library
• Prepare a detailed inventory of the Ratna Bhandar ornaments

This initiative signals a broader shift toward integrating heritage conservation with tourism development and digital accessibility.

Condition of Odisha’s Existing Museums

Odisha houses several state-managed museums that preserve its rich maritime, tribal, artistic and archaeological heritage. However, many institutions face infrastructural and modernization challenges.

1. Odisha State Museum, Bhubaneswar

The Odisha State Museum holds valuable collections of palm-leaf manuscripts, sculptures, inscriptions, coins and folk art. While it remains a key cultural institution, sections of the museum require upgraded galleries, improved lighting, climate control systems and digital cataloguing facilities. The budget allocation of ₹10 crore for maintenance of galleries is a step toward modernization.

2. Odisha State Maritime Museum, Cuttack

Located at Jobra in Cuttack, the Odisha State Maritime Museum highlights Odisha’s ancient maritime trade links across Southeast Asia. Recent maintenance activities, including work on its aquarium facility, indicate ongoing infrastructural needs. Although operational, the museum requires technological upgrades, interactive displays and enhanced visitor services to meet contemporary standards.

3. District and Thematic Museums

Several district-level and thematic museums across Odisha face common issues:

• Limited funding for upkeep
• Shortage of trained museum professionals
• Lack of digitization of collections
• Minimal public engagement and outreach programs

Central Scheme for Museum Development: Objectives and Scope

The broader national scheme for museum development aligns closely with Odisha’s current initiatives. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance for:

Objectives

• Setting up new museums at regional, state and district levels
• Strengthening and modernizing existing museums
• Digitizing art objects and creating online catalogues
• Capacity building and training of museum professionals

Scope

Financial assistance covers museums managed by Central and State Governments, societies, autonomous bodies and trusts. The scope includes:

• Museums with collections of antiquities, numismatics, paintings, ethnology, textiles and crafts
• Online Virtual Museums
• Theme-based museums
• Virtual Experiential Museums (VEM)
• Projects of National Importance

Monitoring Mechanism

Museums receiving assistance must report annual visitor footfall for five years after project completion. A Project Monitoring Committee under the Ministry periodically reviews progress to ensure effective implementation.

Steps Toward New Museums in Odisha

The proposal for a Shree Jagannath Museum reflects a strategic cultural vision. Discussions around new museums in Odisha increasingly focus on:

1. Digitization and Virtual Access
2. Creating online archives and virtual walkthroughs to attract global audiences.
3. Experiential and Theme-Based Museums
4. Developing immersive storytelling spaces around Jagannath culture, maritime history and tribal heritage.
5. Capacity Building
6. Training curators, conservators and archivists in modern museum management practices.
7. Public-Private Partnerships
8. Involving trusts, academic institutions and autonomous bodies to strengthen governance and funding.
9. Tourism Integration
10. Linking museums with pilgrimage and heritage circuits to boost visitor engagement and revenue.

The Way Forward

Odisha stands at a critical juncture in cultural infrastructure development. While existing museums preserve invaluable heritage, many require modernization to remain relevant and engaging. The proposed Jagannath Museum in Puri could serve as a benchmark for future museum projects in the state—combining tradition, technology and tourism.

If effectively implemented, the new initiatives may transform Odisha into a leading cultural hub, where heritage preservation coexists with digital innovation and global outreach.

Kota, Feb 26: GAIL India Limited continues its commitment to community well-being through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives with the distribution of Poshan Kits to pregnant and lactating women at Kota, Rajasthan, on 24 February, 2026. The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Om Birla, Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha and Member of Parliament, Kota.

The inaugural ceremony held at Kota marked a significant step towards strengthening maternal health, supporting safe pregnancies, and improving nutritional outcomes for newborns. The mega distribution event was graced by Shri Om Birla, Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Sandeep Kumar Gupta, CMD, GAIL, along with other officials from GAIL and esteemed dignitaries from the District Administration.

Each Poshan Kit has been curated based on recommendations from nutritionists to ensure essential dietary support for mothers during pregnancy and lactation. The initiative underscores GAIL’s continued commitment to enhancing community health and combating malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable and inclusive development.

Koppal, Karnataka, Feb 25: Mukand Sumi Special Steel Limited continues to advance its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable community development through a series of impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives conducted in and around its Koppal plant. The company has implemented programs that focus on women empowerment, accessible healthcare and the holistic development of children, positively impacting numerous families across nearby villages.

As part of its women empowerment initiatives, Mukand Sumi Special Steel Limited organised structured awareness and skill development programs aimed at fostering self-reliance and confidence among women. Workshops such as flower-making using corn husks encouraged creativity while equipping participants with livelihood-oriented skills rooted in sustainable practices. These initiatives, supported by local Gram Panchayat participation, have helped women build capabilities, explore income-generating opportunities and strengthen their role within their families and communities. By promoting confidence and independence, the programs are contributing to stronger and more resilient village ecosystems.

Extending its care beyond the workplace, Mukand Sumi Special Steel Limited organised a Free Multi-Speciality Health Check-Up Camp at Bhagyanagar, Koppal, benefiting nearly 600+ community members including school children. The camp offered consultations in general medicine, eye care, dental services, women’s health, orthopaedics, Echo, ECG, and cervical cancer screening. By making quality healthcare services accessible at the community level, the initiative reinforced the importance of preventive care and early diagnosis, particularly for underserved populations. Senior company officials visited the camp, reaffirming the organisation’s continued focus on community wellbeing.

The company’s CSR efforts have also significantly enriched the lives of young students through educational and engagement initiatives designed to foster creativity, awareness and life skills. Children participated in clay workshops, painting and drawing sessions, and singing workshops that introduced them to folk, solo and group music forms. These activities created joyful learning environments that encouraged imagination, confidence and self-expression. 

In addition, Mukand Sumi Special Steel Limited conducted a Safe Touch Awareness Program for school children, helping them understand personal safety and appropriate boundaries in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner. Firefighting training sessions at Kanakapura Government School further equipped students with essential emergency response knowledge, covering fire safety practices and raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse. These initiatives have empowered children with critical life skills, fostering awareness, preparedness and responsible citizenship at an early age.

Speaking about these initiatives, Mr. Vipul Mashruwala, President, Mukand Sumi Special Steel Limited, said,

“At Mukand Sumi Special Steel Limited, we believe that sustainable progress is built on the strength of the communities around us. Our CSR initiatives in Koppal reflect our deep commitment to empowering women, nurturing young minds and improving access to healthcare. When communities grow stronger, more confident and healthier, we collectively move towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

Mr. Vipul Mashruwala further added,

“Our engagement with the villages around our plant is driven by responsibility and compassion. Whether it is equipping women with skills for self-reliance, providing health support to families, or instilling confidence and safety awareness in children, each initiative is designed to create lasting and meaningful impact. We remain committed to walking alongside our communities in their journey of growth.”

Through its continued focus on education, women empowerment and healthcare, Mukand Sumi Special Steel Limited is playing an active role in shaping brighter futures for young students and enabling women to become catalysts of change within their communities. These sustained efforts reaffirm the company’s belief that true industrial growth must go hand in hand with social progress and shared prosperity.

This Women’s Day, celebrate mindful self-care with a simple yet sensorial skincare ritual from Dusky India—thoughtfully designed for women who balance it all and still make time for themselves. Rooted in clean, contemporary skincare, the brand blends plant-powered actives with everyday rituals, making this duo a meaningful gift that prioritises both results and well-being.

Moondew Mogra Toner sets the tone for refreshed, balanced skin. This lightweight, non-sticky face mist gently rebalances the skin, refines pores, and uplifts the senses with the calming aroma of mogra (jasmine). Infused with rose water, mogra essential oil, green bamboo powder, aloe vera juice, and glycerin, it helps control excess oil, soothe irritation, and boost hydration without stripping moisture. Suitable for all skin types, especially oily and combination skin, it preps the skin beautifully for the next steps in your routine.

Follow it with Glow Getter – Gotukola Face Serum, a fast-absorbing, nutrient-rich elixir powered by Ayurvedic Gotukola oil and a blend of rosehip, argan, hempseed, grapeseed, and cucumber seed oils. The serum deeply hydrates, strengthens the skin barrier, improves elasticity, and restores natural radiance while calming the skin with a subtle natural citrus aroma.

Together, these two products create an effortless AM–PM ritual that leaves skin feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and visibly healthier—making it a perfect Women’s Day gift for women on the go who believe in conscious, feel-good skincare.

BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C., Feb. 21 — Burnout, uncertainty, and a growing sense of disconnection have fueled a surge in spiritual curiosity — particularly practices that promise inner alignment rather than external fixes. In The Akashic Way: Living Through the Lens of the Akashic Records, three-time Emmy Award-winning director and advanced Akashic Records practitioner Mary Madeiras explores why so many people are searching inward for clarity, affirmation, and healing.

After decades spent shaping stories for millions of viewers, Madeiras now invites readers into a different kind of narrative — one rooted in the Akashic Records, a quantum divine field believed to contain the energetic imprint of every soul’s journey through time. Rather than offering another roadmap for self-improvement, The Akashic Way reframes healing as an act of remembering and reconnecting with the deeper truth of who we are and why we are here.

“We can actually access our own journey — our own soul’s imprint — for every incarnation,” Madeiras explained.

Drawing from her own Akashic experiences and client sessions, Madeiras shows how working within the Records consistently creates alignment — emotionally, spiritually, and energetically. “It’s like having a conversation with the higher, divine aspect of yourself,” she said. “And when we’re aligned, the world becomes more aligned.” The result, she believes, is clarity, affirmation, and self-empowerment — tools urgently needed in a fragmented, fast-moving world.

The Akashic Way touches upon the many challenges that pull people away from connecting with their intuition and inner love — relationship struggles, traumas, unresolved patterns, and health issues. Madeiras shows how anyone can access this deeper guidance to create meaningful change and awaken that inner love. Her personal Akashic exchanges — woven with messages for humanity — offer readers the opportunity to reflect on their life’s purpose. The wisdom from the Akashic Realm is a profound tool for rediscovering purpose, trusting intuition, and learning to live through love and intention.

As Madeiras writes, “I titled this book The Akashic Way because I believe that living life through the Akashic Records is a path back to ourselves — a way to remember who we are, why we chose to come here, and what we are here to do. When we view our life through our own Akashic lens, we experience self-empowerment in the most profound way.”

The Akashic Way: Living Through the Lens of the Akashic Records

Publisher: Precocity Press

ISBN-13: 979-8993115092 (Paperback)

ISBN-13: 979-8993115047 (Kindle)

Feb 21: Bulandshahr: In a gesture rooted in social responsibility and deep spiritual devotion, Kapil Sharma, founder of Archon Group, along with his father Momraj Sharma, has constructed a grand new temple at Shankar Farm on the Jadol Canal in Gram Panchayat Kakarai, Bulandshahr.

The temple was officially inaugurated on February 20 through a traditional pran pratishtha (idol consecration) ceremony in accordance with the Vedic ritual. The event was attended by hundreds of followers of Kakarai and surrounding towns to observe the most impressive ceremony that consisted of mantras, havan and other religious rituals that gave the whole region a spiritual experience.

The new temple has idols of the Shiva family, Radha- Krishna, Ram- Lakshman, Maa Sita, Maa Durga and Lord Hanuman. Before the consecration, there was a colorful Kalash Yatra and a big procession, which was implemented throughout the village, and the women attended it in large numbers, contributing to the devotion.

A native of Bulandshahr (currently a renowned industrialist with his location being Ahmedabad) Kapil Sharma spoke of the temple as a simple form of paying a debt of gratitude to the town of his birth. The initiative also indicates how committed the family is towards spiritual values but also community development and social harmony.

After the rituals, a community feast (bhandara) was arranged, during which the villagers and the devotees attended the feast in huge numbers. The people in Kakarai praised the work done by Kapil Sharma and Momraj Sharma labeling the temple as an eternal beacon of beliefs, community and cultural identity

The locals assume that the temple shall be a spiritual and cultural center to the generations to come as a way of boosting the principles of devotion, unity and social accountability in the area.

Mumbai Feb 20: Toscano, an Italian restaurant chain that has mastered the art of winning diners with its Tuscan-inspired flavours, is rapidly scaling its presence across Mumbai. After establishing a stronghold in Navi Mumbai, Andheri and recently Nariman Point, the brand is now prepping for its 4th outlet in Mumbai, this time at Malad. 

Toscano masterfully translates the regional traditions and culinary philosophy of Tuscany for the modern diner. By balancing a refined aesthetic with a deeply comforting soul, the brand offers an experience that ranges from artisanal sourdough pizzas to sophisticated multi-course meals, all complemented by a premier beverage program

Over the years, Toscano has grown into a trusted name for enjoying sourdough pizzas, fresh creamy pastas and warm hospitality, no matter which location you pick. Their consistent flavours, standard of quality and excellence has taken them to a pan-India presence with over 20 outlets across cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Delhi.

Talking about the steady expansion in Mumbai, Rohit Tokhi, Toscano COO says,

“They say Mumbai never sleeps, but we’d like to think it at least pauses for a great Pasta or Risotto. Opening our fourth home in Malad is about meeting our guests exactly where they live and play. We’ve brought the same obsessive dedication to Italian tradition, just recalibrated for this vibrant city energy. Consider this your new neighborhood living room with much better concoctions and a kitchen that treats every pizza like a masterpiece.” 

Coming to their menu, it leans into indulgence. Thin crispy crusts, a beloved Spaghetti Aglio Olio, the Insalata di Formaggio di capra e pere (goat cheese and roasted pears), Chicken di Toscano stuffed with spinach and ricotta is a signature dish that has become a favourite across their national locations. Complete your meal with desserts like the house-special Tiramisu or Kahlua Mousse, another crowd favourite. 

You enjoy all of this in a warm ambiance, with golden lights glowing over the soft burgundy seating and olive green accents. The cozy space feels intimate yet unhurried. You bond over long conversations, or have a leisurely family meal where nobody’s rushing to leave. The service is fine, the food is premium, and the overall experience is one to remember. So no more long drives towards town, as Toscano is now closer in the suburbs.