Prominent Experts Converge to Advance Aerodynamics and Foster Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The two-day review meeting of the Aerodynamics Panel of the Aeronautical Research and Development Board (AR&DB), DRDO was inaugurated on 25th August 2025 at the Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, hosted by the Department of Space Engineering and Rocketry. Dr. Priyank Kumar, Head of the Department and Institute Coordinator, welcomed the panel members.  

In the inaugural address, Dr. G. Balu, Distinguished Scientist and Chairman of the Aerodynamics Panel, spoke on the critical role of aerodynamics in advancing defence technologies and its integration with allied disciplines. 

Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice Chancellor, BIT Mesra, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and urged the Institute to contribute more focussed research towards national defence priorities.  

Dr. S. K. Pandey, Secretary, AR&DB, outlined the Board’s vision, highlighted thrust areas of research, and informed about potential funding opportunities for academia and research institutions. As part of the proceedings, a book on Physics authored by Dr. B. D. Dwary was unveiled. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sudip Das, Registrar, BIT Mesra. The panel will continue its deliberations over the next two days, reviewing ongoing projects and identifying future research directions. 

Pre-bookings to open on 6th October on the Škoda Auto India website

Škoda Auto India is set to reignite the passion of driving enthusiasts with the return of a legend, the Octavia RS. Pre-bookings for the all-new Octavia RS will open on 6th October 2025, marking the comeback of Škoda Auto’s most iconic performance sedan. The global icon will be available in India as a Fully-Built Unit (FBU), in limited volumes. With this launch, Škoda Auto India promises to deliver unmatched driving dynamics, bold design, and the unmistakable RS spirit, all in a true performance machine built for the purists.

Commenting on the return of the Octavia RS, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “Earlier this year, we promised that a global icon would return to India. Today, I’m proud to announce that we’ve delivered on that promise with the Octavia RS. This badge carries an unmatched legacy, one that has sparked passion among enthusiasts across the globe for over two decades. With the all-new Octavia RS launch in India, we’re not just bringing back a car. We’re bringing back an emotion. A legend that continues to define performance, aspiration, and the true spirit of driving.”

Pre-booking the Icon

With its return in 2025, the all-new Octavia RS once again takes its place as an aspirational icon, being sharper, bolder, and more exclusive than ever. Pre-bookings for the Octavia RS will open on October 6, 2025, exclusively on the official website, for a limited duration.

The RS Badge

The RS badge, short for Rally Sport, has stood for performance, precision, and driving thrill across generations. Born from Škoda’s rallying success, RS models have become a symbol of motorsport-inspired engineering on the road. In India, the Octavia RS first arrived in 2004 as the country’s first turbocharged petrol engine passenger car, instantly building a cult following among enthusiasts. Since then, every generation of the RS has commanded an almost fanatical appeal, blending European engineering with everyday versatility and driving excitement.

The return of an Italian rider is a significant step for the Italian Team Aprilia Racing

 Marco Bezzecchi has signed a multiple-year contract to race with Aprilia Racing beginning from 2025. This is an important step for the manufacturer from Noale, with a full-time Italian rider once again in the top class, after Lorenzo Savadori’s MotoGP début in 2020.

The return of an Italian rider is a significant step for the Italian Team Aprilia Racing. The 2025 line-up will have Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín Almoguera as teammates, a duo ready to establish Aprilia at the top of the MotoGP standings.

From his 2022 MotoGP début, Marco has shown great talent and fierce determination, qualities which allowed him to achieve 3 wins, 9 podium finishes, and 4 pole positions, not to mention winning over the hearts of Italian fans.

“Welcome aboard to one of the best Italian talents, who has demonstrated his worth from his début in the lower categories and especially last year in MotoGP, with outstanding performances and even breakaway victories. We can’t wait to embrace Bez in Noale; the Italian bike and Italian rider duo are extremely exciting, but even more so is the rider pair which will be formed with Jorge. We are really happy with our line-up for 2025, Martín and Bezzecchi were our first choices for their age, talent, grit, and determination. With them we can write a new and important chapter in the history of Aprilia Racing”.

HPCL Launches ‘Onam Fest 2025’ Campaign in Kerala

Exciting Rewards and Strategic Partnership with Suzuki Motorcycles to Delight Customers This Festive Season

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) has rolled out its ‘Onam Fest 2025’ campaign across Kerala, adding festive excitement for fuel customers in the state.

The campaign was inaugurated at Kumar Service Station, Kalamaserry, in the presence of senior HPCL officials and Suzuki Motorcycles India Pvt Ltd. It offers assured gifts, lucky draws, and the opportunity to win exciting grand prizes, including popular Suzuki motorcycles — the Gixxer SF and Avenis.

As part of HPCL’s continued efforts to engage with customers beyond fuel dispensing, this initiative aims to enhance the overall retail experience during the state’s most celebrated festival.

To be eligible, two-wheeler customers need to purchase ₹250 or more of Power fuel or ₹300 or more of Normal MS. Four-wheeler customers qualify with purchases of ₹1000 or more for Power fuel and ₹1500 or more for Normal fuel.

All eligible participants receive assured gifts and stand a chance to win attractive prizes through a lucky draw, including home appliances, cookware, electronics, and two Suzuki motorcycles as bumper prizes.

Customers can participate by scanning the QR code displayed at HPCL outlets or by sending an SMS with the SAP code of the fuel station to 9222200320.

Strengthening the campaign is HPCL’s partnership with Suzuki Motorcycles India Pvt. Ltd., under which select Suzuki motorcycle models will be displayed at HPCL retail outlets across Kerala. This collaboration offers customers additional touchpoints to engage with the brand while availing Onam Fest benefits.

With attractive rewards and a seamless participation process, the Onam Fest 2025 campaign promises to make every fuel stop more festive and rewarding for customers across Kerala.

ICAI announced the results of CA Final Examinations held in Nov’24

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) announced the result of the Chartered Accountant Final Examination held in November 2024. In the November final examinations, 11,500 students successfully qualified as Chartered Accountant. The exam was held across 443 Centers.

On this occasion, CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President, ICAI congratulated the toppers and all the students who successfully cleared the CA examination. He said, “Clearing one of the toughest examinations in the country is a big achievement. Earning the prefix CA. is not just a professional milestone, but a powerful testament to your unwavering determination, sacrifice and hard work. As you embark on your professional journey, remember that success is not a destination but a continuous pursuit of learning, innovation, and adaptability. This accomplishment marks the beginning of a promising and transformative chapter in your lives—keep aiming higher and achieving greater, keeping progress and pride of your nation at the forefront”

He further highlighted that this year, students have outperformed achieving exceptionally remarkable results. Over 31,946 students successfully passed the CA Final exam this year, showcasing a notable increase in participation and a growing interest among youth in pursuing a career in Chartered Accountancy.

The results and the details of marks of the Final Examination is hosted on the website www.icai.nic.in . For accessing the result at the above mentioned website, the student shall have to enter his/her Registration No. or PIN No. along with his/her Roll Number.

The result analysis of the Chartered Accountants Final Examination is mentioned below:

  Group (s) No. of candidates appeared No. of candidates passed % of pass
I Group I 66987 11253 16.8
II Group II 49459 10566 21.36
III Both Groups 30763 4134 13.44

The above details are also attached at Annexure – A

Top three rank holders of Final Examination on All India Basis

  All India Topper First Rank All India Second Rank All India Third Rank
Name HERAMB MAHESHWARI RISHAB OSTWAL R RIYA KUNJANKUMAR SHAH KINJAL AJMERA
City HYDERABAD – I TIRUPATI AHMEDABAD – II KOLKATA – IV
Roll No. 639751 692795 601205 657929
Marks 508 508 501 493
Percentage % 84.67 84.67 83.50 82.17

The above details are also attached at Annexure – B

Dr. Pavan Yadav, Lead Consultant : Incentive Spirometer for lung health maintenance

An incentive spirometer is a medical device used to help patients improve the functioning of their lungs. It’s particularly useful in situations where lung capacity and function may be impaired, such as after surgery or during prolonged bed rest. The device consists of a breathing tube, an air chamber, and sometimes, a visual indicator to provide feedback and encouragement to the user.

Whom is it Recommended For?

Incentive spirometry is often recommended for patients who have recently undergone surgeries, especially abdominal or chest surgeries, to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. It’s also beneficial for patients with lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or asthma, as it aids in keeping the lungs active and free from fluid accumulation.

How Does an Incentive Spirometer Work?

The device operates on a simple principle: it encourages the patient to take slow, deep breaths. By inhaling through the device, the patient lifts a piston or ball inside the chamber. This action helps the user gauge their inhalation efforts and encourages them to inhale deeply and slowly, thereby expanding the lungs and improving the respiratory muscles.

Does it Help Keep Your Lungs Healthy?

Yes, regular use of an incentive spirometer can have several benefits for lung health. It aids in clearing any accumulation of secretions in the lungs, improves pulmonary function, reduces the risk of atelectasis (collapse of part or all of a lung), and enhances oxygenation. For postoperative patients, it’s a vital tool in preventing lung infections like pneumonia.

Are There Any Cons to Using an Incentive Spirometer?

Generally, incentive spirometry is considered safe. However, incorrect use can lead to problems such as hyperventilation, dizziness, or shortness of breath. It’s crucial that the device is used as directed by a healthcare professional. Patients with certain conditions like pneumothorax (collapsed lung) should not use the device unless advised by a doctor.

Proper Way to Use an Incentive Spirometer :

Sit or Stand Upright: Proper posture is crucial for effective lung expansion.

Breathe Out Normally: Before using the device, exhale normally.

Seal Your Lips Around the Mouthpiece: Ensure a tight seal to prevent air leakage.

Inhale Slowly and Deeply: Inhale through the mouthpiece, raising the piston or ball in the chamber.

Hold Your Breath: After a deep inhalation, hold your breath for about 5 seconds, or as instructed, to allow the lungs to fully expand.

Exhale Slowly: Remove the mouthpiece and exhale normally.

Repeat: Perform the exercises as prescribed, Incentive spirometry, while seemingly straightforward, plays a significant role in respiratory care, especially in recovery and rehabilitation settings. It empowers patients to actively participate in their healing and lung health maintenance.

Ramaiah Memorial Hospital Announces the Launch of its Comprehensive State-of-the-art Ramaiah Stroke Center

Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, one of Karnataka’s leading private hospitals, has launched its Ramaiah Stroke Center, a state-of-the-art, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary 24/7 stroke management unit with a Neurointensive Care Unit within its hospital premises. The Ramaiah Stroke Center was launched in the presence of Dr. SC Nagendra Swamy, President – Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Dr. Madan S Gaekwad, Chief Operating Officer – Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Dr. Aruna D Ramesh, HOD & Senior Consultant – Department of Accident & Emergency, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Dr. Sunil V Furtado, HOD & Senior Consultant – Department of Neurosurgery, Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Dr. Mahendra JV, HOD & Senior Consultant – Department of Neurology, Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, and the other staff members. 

Stroke ranks as the third leading cause of death and the sixth leading cause of disability in India. Also referred to as a brain attack, a stroke can happen to anyone at any time. However, the effects of stroke are not similar for everyone and are based on the severity and the number of strokes that the person suffers. Depending on the earliest signs of stroke, the effects and the damages caused are determined and it is, therefore, crucial to get immediate treatment. While reaching the nearby hospital within the Golden Hour of 4.5 hours from the time of stroke may save the affected person’s life, a comprehensive stroke center ensures that the patient is given the right treatment from the moment he arrives and is completely cured and back on his feet.

Sharing his opinion on the necessity of setting up a comprehensive stroke center in the neighborhood, Dr. SC Nagendra Swamy, President – Ramaiah Memorial Hospital said, “The incidence of stroke is on the rise in our country at 138 per 100,000 population. A recent research study by The Lancet South East Asia revealed the need for an immediate and long-term stroke surveillance framework to address the increasing burden of stroke in India. The quintessential challenge, however, remains that of setting up a comprehensive stroke care center that is easily accessible in times of emergency. I am pleased that, we at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital are announcing the launch of our multidisciplinary, all-encompassing Ramaiah Stroke Centre that is designed to run 24/7 and cater to every patient suffering a stroke and ensure that, at every step the patient will be protected and taken care of with utmost precautionary measures.”

The purpose of Ramaiah Stroke Center is to ensure that every incidence of death and disability due to stroke is profoundly reduced through the specialized multidisciplinary approach of timely diagnosis, administering immediate treatments through medical and surgical interventions as needed, thereby preventing complications, rehabilitation, and secondary prevention. A dedicated 6-bed Stroke ICU has been set up within the Neuro ICU to ensure that every stroke patient can benefit from the highest standard of clinical and rehabilitation care provided.

Explaining the importance of following the Stroke Code Protocol in the event of treating a stroke, Dr Aruna D Ramesh, HOD & Senior Consultant – Department of Accident & Emergency, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, said, “When it comes to stroke management, the Stroke Code protocol is initiated within the Golden Window Period of 4.5 hours when a patient is suspected of having a stroke. We, at Ramaiah Stroke Center, follow the recommended standards of stroke care of 8 Ds of the Stroke Code including Detection (recognition of symptoms at their early onset), Dispatch (rapidly calling emergency services to transport the patient to a medical facility with pre-notification), Delivery (ensuring that the patient is delivered to the Ramaiah Stroke Center wherein the stroke team is alerted and kept ready), Door (time taken for the patient to arrive at the hospital and get the rapid response team to quickly assess the patient using neurological assessment mechanism to determine the type and severity of the stroke), Diagnosis (quickly gathering necessary medical information and performing imaging tests like CT scan to confirm the type of stroke), Decision (making swift decisions about the best treatment options based on theRamaiah Memorial Hospital Announces the Launch of its Comprehensive State-of-the-art Ramaiah Stroke Center

Philips Smart Wi-Fi Plug – Transforming your ordinary appliances into smart devices – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has announced the launch of its Philips Smart Wi-Fi Plug that can help you upgrade your ordinary appliances into smart devices effortlessly. Simply plug in your appliance into the smart plug and control them remotely using the WiZ app on your smartphone or with voice control (Amazon Alexa/Google Home).

The Philips SMART WI FI Plug is designed to seamlessly integrate into your smart home ecosystem and make your everyday life simpler and smarter. You can now control your devices from anywhere in the world, so even if you forget to switch off your air conditioner after leaving home, you can now check and switch it off remotely using the WiZ app.

It also lets you monitor the energy consumption of your devices and set schedules to turn them on and off at set times of the day. So now you can switch on your geyser without getting out of your bed in the morning and catch those extra minutes of sleep.

The Philips Smart Wi-Fi Plug enables you to upgrade your appliances to smart, without the extra cost and hassle of buying smart appliances. Now bring convenience, safety, and smart control into your home and experience the ease of scheduling, remote control, and energy savings in a stylish and reliable package.

Unveiling Radisson Blu Resort, Kumbhalgarh: A spectacular retreat in the heart of Rajasthan – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to unveil Radisson Blu Resort, Kumbhalgarh in the heart of Rajasthan’s best-kept secret. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli Range, this exquisite resort is poised to redefine the region’s hospitality landscape by delivering a comfortable and stylish experience to guests backed by the Group’s unparalleled service standards.

Radisson Blu Resort, Kumbhalgarh showcases a perfect blend of luxury and serenity in a breathtaking natural setting. The resort’s architecture pays homage to the rich heritage of Rajasthan, seamlessly combining traditional elements with modern design to create a truly captivating ambiance. Set in a spectacular location with a mountainous backdrop, the resort is accessible from Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur and Udaipur City Junction Train Station within two hours.

Radisson Blu Resort, Kumbhalgarh is located in proximity to the illustrious Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architectural splendor. The resort’s strategic location ensures convenient access to other prominent attractions, including the revered Ranakpur Jain Temple and the captivating wildlife of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Just a 2-hour drive away from Udaipur, life at Radisson Blu Resort, Kumbhalgarh is all about the simple pleasures – waking up to warm sunshine, strolling through lush gardens, savouring local culinary delights, and exploring tales of bravery with guided treks and trails to sites undiscovered.

“We are thrilled to unveil Radisson Blu Resort Kumbhalgarh, a true gem in our growing portfolio. With its captivating setting, thoughtful amenities, and Rajasthan’s warm hospitality, we are confident that Radisson Blu Resort, Kumbhalgarh will become a preferred destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. Radisson Hotel Group, in the past 25 years of operations in India, has become a part of the country’s social fabric. We derive deep inspiration from this and will continue to add more such magnificent hotels to our portfolio that are an embodiment of India’s rich heritage.” said Zubin Saxena, Managing Director & Area Senior Vice President – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group