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Trust, Governance and Innovation Take Centre Stage at 12th G. Ramachandran Memorial Lecture

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Chennai: The 12th G. Ramachandran Memorial Lecture brought together leading voices from India’s banking and economic policy landscape, underscoring the critical role of trust, governance, and innovation in shaping the future of the financial sector. The event featured eminent speakers including J. Swaminathan, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India; C. Rangarajan, former Governor of the RBI and Chairman of the Madras School of Economics; V. N. Shiva Shankar, Senior Vice President of the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and N. R. Bhanumurthy, Director of the Madras School of Economics. Delivering the keynote address, J. Swaminathan described banking as a continuous journey of learning, evolving from frontline customer engagement to broader supervisory responsibilities. He emphasized that while operational experience builds foundational understanding, the role of a regulator requires a wider, system-level perspective rooted in public interest. Characterising banks a...

RETICON 2026 Brings Global Retina Experts Together in Chennai

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Chennai, May 3, 2026: The 16th edition of RETICON, the flagship scientific conference of Dr Agarwal’s Retina Foundation, was held in Chennai on Sunday, attracting over 1,000 participants from India and abroad. The one-day event brought together vitreoretinal specialists, general ophthalmologists, clinicians, researchers, and postgraduate students to deliberate on the latest advancements in retina care. The conference focused on cutting-edge developments in the diagnosis and management of vitreoretinal disorders, offering a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Experts shared insights into emerging technologies and innovative treatment approaches shaping the future of ophthalmology. RETICON 2026 was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. C. Sridhar, Vice Chancellor of Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, in the presence of Prof. Dr. Amar Agarwal, Chairman, Dr. Ashvin Agarwal, Chief Clinical Officer, and Dr. Manoj Khatri, Director of Vitreo-Retinal Services at...

MARC Salon Furniture Expands South India Presence with Chennai Showroom Launch

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Chennai, 02 May 2026: Strengthening its footprint in South India, MARC Salon Furniture, one of India’s leading manufacturers of salon furniture and equipment, has announced the launch of its first showroom in Chennai. The new facility, which opened on April 25, 2026, marks the company’s 11th showroom nationwide and underscores its strategic expansion into high-growth regional markets. Located at Egmore Town beside the Radisson Hotel, the showroom was inaugurated through an exclusive sundowner event attended by industry professionals and business partners. Designed as an immersive experience centre, the space reflects MARC’s focus on innovation, accessibility, and customer-centric solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the salon industry. With an already established presence in cities such as Hyderabad, Kochi, and Bengaluru, the Chennai debut is a significant step in MARC’s South India growth strategy. The region has emerged as a key market for premium and design-led salon infrastr...

Tanishq Jewellery Launches New Store in Chennai | Expands Retail Presence in Tamil Nadu

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Chennai, May 1, 2026: Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the Titan Company Limited, has inaugurated its new store in West Tambaram, marking a significant expansion in Tamil Nadu. With this launch, the brand reaches its 66th store in the state and 24th outlet in Chennai, reinforcing its strong foothold in one of its key markets. (L to R) Narasimhan Y L, Circle Business Head, Jewellery, TN & Kerala;  Arun Narayan, CEO – Jewellery Division, Titan Company Ltd;  Dinesh Kumar, Circle Business Manager The new showroom, located at West Tambaram, was formally inaugurated at 12:30 PM by Arun Narayan, CEO – Jewellery Division, Titan Company Ltd, along with Narasimhan Y L, in the presence of company representatives and patrons. Launch Youtube Video link ЁЯСЗ  Spread across an expansive 8,000 sq. ft., the store at GST Road offers a contemporary and immersive retail environment, reflecting Tanishq’s focus on design excellence and customer-centricity. The outlet show...

City Union Bank Announces Leadership Transition; Vijay Anandh To Take Over As MD & CEO From May 1

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Chennai, April 29, 2026: City Union Bank (CUB) has announced a significant leadership transition, with Vijay Anandh set to assume charge as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from May 1, 2026. He succeeds Dr. N. Kamakodi, who concludes a distinguished 15-year tenure leading the bank. (L to R) Dr. N. Kamakodi; R.  Vijay Anandh Mr. Anandh brings nearly three decades of banking experience to the role. He joined CUB in 2023 as Executive President and was elevated to Executive Director in 2024. Prior to this, he served as Business & Collections Head for Retail Assets at RBL Bank. Press meet Youtube Video link ЁЯСЗ  Speaking on his new role, Mr. Anandh emphasized continuity and stability. “We are not looking to bring in any drastic changes to a system that has seen robust growth over the last 15 years. Trust, ease of banking, and customer service will remain the bank’s core priorities,” he said, adding that the institution will continue strengthening its presence in MSM...

Apollo Diagnostics Central Reference Laboratory CRL Completes 8.6 Million Tests in First Year, Sets New Benchmark

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Chennai, April 30, 2026: Apollo Diagnostics today marked the first anniversary of its Digi-Smart Central Reference Laboratory (CRL) in Chennai, celebrating a year of rapid growth and technological advancement that has reshaped the region’s diagnostic ecosystem. (L to R) - Dr. Madhu Sasidhar President and CEO, Apollo Hospitals group, Dr. Mamta Soni Chief Apollo Central Reference Laboratory,   Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman & Founder , Apollo Hospitals Group, Mr. Sriram Iyer , Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Health and Lifestyle , Dr Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy - CEO Chennai Region during  1st year Journey Book unveiling Since its inauguration in April 2025, the facility has emerged as South and Southeast Asia’s fourth-largest integrated laboratory, highlighting a significant leap in diagnostic capabilities. Built on a digital-first framework powered by automation and Lean Six Sigma principles, the CRL has enhanced precision, efficiency, and scalability in medical testing. Event...

Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (VBJ) Opens All-New Flagship Showroom on Anna Salai, Expands Legacy Footprint

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Chennai, April 30, 2026: Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (VBJ), one of India’s most trusted heirloom jewellery brands, has inaugurated its all-new flagship showroom on Anna Salai, marking a significant milestone in its 125-year legacy. Located adjacent to its original store, the new showroom underscores the brand’s enduring association with the city and its continued growth. Strategically positioned along one of Chennai’s most prominent commercial corridors, the showroom stands out as the only major jewellery retail presence across this stretch of Anna Salai. Spread over 14,000 sq. ft., the flagship has been designed as a multi-level retail destination with a clear zoning approach to enhance customer experience. Inauguration Youtube Video link ЁЯСЗ  The ground floor showcases gold, precious and jadau jewellery, offering ease of access and seamless movement for customers. The first floor is dedicated to diamond, solitaire and platinum collections, providing a more refined environment for co...

Indian Bank Posts Strong FY26 Performance with ₹12,156 Crore Profit; Asset Quality, Digital Growth and Returns Improve

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Chennai, April 30, 2026: Indian Bank MD & CEO, Binod Kumar today announced Q4 F Y 25-26 Results (Financial Results for the Quarter and Full Year ended 31st March 2026). He said that the Bank has achieved a robust financial performance for the quarter and full year ended March 31, 2026, underpinned by steady growth in business, improved asset quality, and enhanced profitability.  The Bank’s total business registered a healthy growth of 12.79% year-on-year, driven by strong credit expansion across Retail, Agriculture, MSME and Corporate segments. Credit sanctions witnessed a sharp surge of 62%, reflecting broad-based demand across sectors. Press meet Youtube Video link ЁЯСЗ  For FY26, the Bank posted a net profit of ₹12,156 crore, marking an 11.33% increase over the previous year. Quarterly net profit for March 2026 stood at ₹3,103 crore, up 4.97% year-on-year and 1.37% sequentially. Operating profit for the March quarter rose 5.32% to ₹5,286 crore, while Net Interest Income (...

MGM Healthcare Malar Achieves India First with Dual Minimally Invasive Cardiac Procedures Without Surgery

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Chennai, April 29, 2026: In a landmark advancement for cardiac care in India, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, has successfully performed the country’s first combined minimally invasive cardiac procedures—Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) along with the implantation of a dual chamber leadless pacemaker—in a single patient, entirely without open-heart surgery. The breakthrough procedure was carried out on a 75-year-old woman with a prior history of bypass surgery, who presented with severe breathlessness affecting her daily life. She had also experienced multiple episodes of loss of consciousness over three months, pointing to a serious cardiac condition. Detailed diagnostic evaluation, including a CT aortogram, revealed severe aortic stenosis—a critical narrowing of the heart’s main valve—and a 2:1 atrioventricular (AV) block, a condition that disrupts the heart’s electrical signaling. The coexistence of these conditions, combined with her age and surgical history, placed the ...

Silent Symptoms Mask Rare Tumor: Rainbow Children’s Hospital Doctors Save 10-Year-Old with Complex Surgery

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Chennai, April 29, 2026: What initially appeared to be routine, recurrent chest infections in a 10-year-old boy turned into a life-threatening medical condition, underscoring the dangers of silent symptoms in pediatric illnesses. Doctors at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Chennai, successfully diagnosed and removed a rare 900-gram mediastinal germ cell tumor that had occupied a significant portion of the child’s chest. The young patient had been experiencing repeated respiratory infections, which masked the severity of the underlying condition. A detailed evaluation by a multidisciplinary team led to an ultrasound-guided biopsy, confirming a mediastinal germ cell tumor. Alarmingly, the child’s alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were recorded at 2,68,000—far above the normal range—indicating malignancy. Press meet Youtube Video link ЁЯСЗ  The child underwent five cycles of chemotherapy over three months in an effort to shrink the tumor. However, the mass continued to occupy over 75% of the c...

Nyle++ Signals a Shift to Hybrid Haircare as CavinKare Unveils Serum and Chia Seed Gel Shampoos

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Chennai, April 28, 2026: CavinKare Pvt. Ltd. has expanded its haircare portfolio with the launch of Nyle++, a new, innovation-led range under its Nyle haircare brand franchise, aimed at redefining daily routines through high-performance, multi-benefit formulations. The launch introduces two first-of-their-kind formats—Serum Shampoo and Chia Seed Gel Shampoo—marking the brand’s entry into hybrid haircare solutions designed for modern consumers seeking both efficiency and results. Positioned as a next-generation upgrade, Nyle++ reflects a dual promise: performance-driven outcomes and an elevated sensorial experience. The brand explains the “++” as a combination of enhanced efficacy and indulgent textures, fragrances, and wash experiences tailored to evolving consumer preferences. The Serum Shampoo, infused with macadamia nut oil serum, is engineered to deliver smooth, glass-shine hair in a single wash, effectively eliminating the need for additional post-wash serums. This streamlined app...

SRM Easwari Engineering College Launches India’s First ABB Global Excellence Center for Robotics

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Chennai, April 28, 2026: SRM Easwari Engineering College has inaugurated India’s first Global Excellence Center for Robotics, established in collaboration with Switzerland-based ABB Robotics, marking a major milestone in advanced engineering education and industry-academia partnership. The state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in India and only the third such centre globally set up by ABB Robotics. Designed as a hub for cutting-edge innovation, the centre houses AI-enabled robotic systems and intelligent automation labs, including 3D pin picking, palletising, spot and arc welding cells, service and maintenance units, and VR-based digital simulation environments. Inauguration Youtube Video Link ЁЯСЗ  The ABB Robotics–SRM Easwari Global Excellence Center integrates advanced domains such as autonomous mobile robots, generative AI, vision systems, IoT, PLC automation, digital twin technologies, and smart manufacturing solutions, offering students exposure to next-generation ...

DRA Homes Partners with Slate Technologies to Bring AI-Led construction intelligence platform to India

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Chennai, April 28, 2026: Chennai-based real estate developer DRA has announced a strategic partnership with California-headquartered Slate Technologies Inc. to deploy its advanced construction intelligence platform, Slate AI, across ongoing and future projects. The move marks a first-of-its-kind adoption of AI-driven construction management in India’s real estate sector. (L to R) Senthil Kumar, Global Head of AI at Slate Technologies;  Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director of DRA; Santosh Kumar, DRA With construction projects becoming increasingly complex, the integration of Slate AI is expected to shift execution practices from traditional reporting methods to proactive, data-driven decision-making. The platform is designed to enhance project visibility, improve agility and reduce execution risks, enabling developers to deliver projects faster while maintaining high quality standards. Press meet Youtube Video link ЁЯСЗ  As part of the collaboration, DRA will implement AI across mu...

Johnson Lifts Takes Majority Stake in Toshiba Johnson Elevators India, Signals New Growth Phase

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Chennai, April 27, 2026: In a significant development for India’s vertical mobility sector, Johnson Lifts Pvt. Ltd. (JLPL) has acquired a majority shareholding in Toshiba Johnson Elevators (India) Pvt. Ltd., strengthening its long-standing partnership with Japan’s Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation. (L to R) Wilfred Martin Clarence – MD, Toshiba Johnson Elevators India Pvt. Ltd; Yohan John – Director, Toshiba Johnson Elevators India Pvt. Ltd; Vignesh – CFO, Toshiba Johnson Elevators India Pvt. Ltd  The move marks a key milestone in the 14-year collaboration between JLPL and TELC, reinforcing their shared commitment to delivering advanced elevator and escalator solutions to the fast-growing Indian market. TELC will continue as a strategic partner, ensuring the continued supply of technology, products, and technical expertise under the Toshiba brand. Press meet Youtube Video link ЁЯСЗ  With the revised structure, TJEI will assume full legal and operational...

RenewX 2026 Opens in Chennai, Celebrating a Decade of Driving India’s Clean Energy Transition

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Chennai, April 27, 2026: RenewX 2026, South India’s leading renewable energy sourcing expo, opened to an impressive start at the Chennai Trade Centre on Monday, marking a significant milestone in India’s clean energy journey. Organised by Informa Markets in India, the 10th edition of the event is themed “A Decade of Impact – A Future of Abundance.” The landmark edition brings together over 200 leading brands, more than 50 distinguished speakers, and is expected to attract upwards of 8,000 industry professionals, reaffirming its status as a key marketplace for solar, energy storage, bio-energy, smart grids, and emerging clean technologies. The inauguration witnessed the presence of prominent industry leaders and global representatives, including Neha Thomas, Silai Zaki, P. Sivakumar, Yogesh Mudras, and Rajneesh Khattar. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Yogesh Mudras highlighted India’s pivotal moment in its energy transition, pointing to the country’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of ...

VGP Group Celebrates 50-Year Legacy with Grand Launch of ‘VGP Waghoba’ at Phoenix Palladium

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Chennai, April 26: Marking a significant milestone in its five-decade journey, the VGP Group has unveiled its flagship experiential entertainment destination, VGP Waghoba, at Phoenix Palladium Chennai. Positioned as a next-generation social hub, the venue promises to redefine urban leisure by blending dining, gaming, and immersive social experiences under one roof. VGP Ravidas, Managing Director  The launch signals a strategic evolution for the Group, long regarded as a pioneer in Chennai’s leisure landscape. With VGP Waghoba, the company steps decisively into the premium, experience-led segment of the entertainment industry, aligning itself with shifting consumer preferences that favour interactive and multi-sensory engagements. Launch Youtube Video link ЁЯСЗ  Built around the philosophy of “Eat • Play • Vibe,” VGP Waghoba goes beyond conventional entertainment formats. The space integrates premium gastronomy with high-energy recreational offerings, creating a seamless environm...

CMDA & DTCP Registered Engineers Welfare Association Urge CMDA to Delegate Powers, Seek Faster Building Approvals

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Chennai, April 25, 2026: Office-bearers of the CMDA & DTCP Registered Engineers Welfare Association (All Local Bodies), including Founder State President A. Balasubramani, President B. Manoharan and State Honorary Secretary P.S.J. Palanirajan, addressed a press conference today at Chennai Press Club, calling for reforms to streamline planning approvals and decentralise powers under the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). The association said it had submitted a formal representation seeking enhanced delegation of powers to the Greater Chennai Corporation and other local bodies to ensure quicker and more efficient clearances for building projects. Press meet Youtube Video link ЁЯСЗ  Emphasising the urgency of reform, the office-bearers referred to the evolution of urban governance—from the formation of the Corporation of Madras in 1688 to the establishment of CMDA in 1975—and pointed out that rapid urban growth now necessitated greater decentralisation. Among the key...