Latest news with #Viswanathan
News18
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- News18
India's Love Affair with Chandeliers: From Haveli Glamour to Modern Homes
Last Updated: Chandeliers in India are no longer just lighting fixtures, they're timeless storytellers that blend heritage with modern elegance. Once a hallmark of regal havelis and grand palaces, chandeliers have gracefully transcended time and trends to become a defining element in modern Indian home décor. From ornate crystal creations dripping with vintage opulence to sleek, minimalist pieces that accentuate contemporary spaces, the evolution of chandeliers in India tells a story of nostalgia, innovation, and enduring beauty. 'Chandeliers have long been icons of class – from gracing the high ceilings of ancient royal havelis to anchoring the ambience of modern interiors, these showstoppers have never gone out of style," says Ashok Viswanathan, Senior VP, Lighting, TISVA. 'What makes their journey fascinating is not just their endurance, but their evolution." Indeed, what was once reserved for grand drawing rooms and banquet halls is now finding pride of place in urban apartments, bedrooms, and even home offices. This shift is reflective of a larger design movement—one that blends heritage sensibilities with modern aesthetics. According to Viswanathan, chandeliers today 'are no longer just ornate fixtures of the past, but expressive design statements that reflect changing lifestyles and personal aesthetics." advetisement In this renaissance of lighting, variety and versatility have become central. Indian consumers are now embracing everything from elaborate, multi-tiered crystal chandeliers that echo bygone eras to fluid, sculptural forms crafted in matte gold and smoked glass that speak to contemporary tastes. 'Designs like the Aria from SLAMP-ITALY, created by Zaha Hadid, bring graceful movement and architectural flair, while CLOVEL from TISVA, handcrafted using authentic Bohemian crystal glass from Spain, merges old-world charm with avant-garde sensibility," he explains. It's not just about looks anymore—today's chandeliers are smarter, more adaptable, and technologically advanced. With dimmable, tunable LEDs and precise colour consistency ensured by SDCM calibration, modern chandeliers offer both aesthetic and functional brilliance. 'They're as smart as they are stunning," emphasizes Viswanathan. 'Whether in a curated living room or an intimate bedroom, they create mood, rhythm, and visual texture." Complementing this technical and design-driven perspective is a more emotional, almost poetic take on India's continued fascination with chandeliers. Prateek Singh of The Black Steel captures the sentiment perfectly, 'India's love for chandeliers is like a cozy embrace from the past, lighting up homes with a touch of magic. They're not just lights, they're the heart of a room." In Indian culture, lighting has always held symbolic significance marking celebrations, invoking warmth, and bringing people together. Chandeliers, with their cascading shimmer and nostalgic grandeur, add that ineffable something to a space. 'For Indians everywhere, chandeliers scream family, festivity, and flair," says Singh. 'Picture a lively wedding or a quiet dinner; they bring that extra glow." More than just decorative accents, chandeliers have become memory-makers. They are often the centerpiece around which special moments unfold, from festive gatherings to quiet evenings. 'Chandeliers weave our stories, our passion for beauty, our knack for making spaces sing," Singh reflects. 'They're not just décor; they're memories in the making, casting a warm, inviting light that feels like home." In today's design landscape, where every element is carefully chosen to reflect personal identity and aesthetic, chandeliers offer a rare blend of tradition and transformation. Whether it's the sculptural sophistication of a contemporary masterpiece or the intricate sparkle of a classic crystal design, the emotional pull remains timeless. Advertisement top videos View All As Viswanathan sums it up, 'Above all, what remains unchanged is their emotional pull – a chandelier still has the power to transform a space, it draws the eye, stirs nostalgia, and often becomes the soul of the room. It's not just about lighting—it's about stirring the soul to create memories in the right atmosphere, and a connection to something enduring yet ever evolving." In India, where past and present often coexist in harmony, chandeliers continue to cast their spell—illuminating not just rooms, but stories, traditions, and the evolving language of beauty. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Watch CNN-News18 here. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : cnn-news18 decor Decor ideas home decor Home decor ideas home decor tips latest news lifestyle news18 Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 02, 2025, 10:52 IST News lifestyle India's Love Affair with Chandeliers: From Haveli Glamour to Modern Homes
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
TVS Supply Chain Solutions narrows net loss by 83% QoQ to ₹3.9 crore in Q4FY25
TVS Supply Chain Solutions narrowed its consolidated net loss by 83.61per cent quarter-on-quarter to ₹3.9 crore in Q4FY25, compared to a consolidated net loss of ₹23.8 crore in Q3FY25. On a year-on-year basis, however, the Chennai-headquartered company swung into a loss in the fiscal fourth quarter that ended March 31, 2025. The company had posted a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹5.4 crore in Q4FY24. For the full fiscal year (FY) 2025, the company's net loss shrank by 83per cent year-on-year to ₹9.7 crore, compared to a net loss of ₹57.7 crore in FY24. TVS Supply Chain Solutions attributed this to its continued cost operational discipline, focused business development initiatives, and 'effective cost optimisation ' activities. The company's revenue from operations remained largely flat on a sequential basis at ₹2,498.8 crore in Q4FY25, compared to ₹2,444.6 crore in Q3FY25. For the full fiscal year, the company's revenue from operations increased by 8.6per cent year-on-year to ₹9,995.7 crore in FY25, up from ₹9,200 crore in FY24. 'We delivered a strong performance this year in a challenging macroeconomic environment. Our consistent focus on deepening engagement with marquee clients has been pivotal in driving our growth,' said Ravi Viswanathan, MD, TVS Supply Chain Solutions. Viswanathan added that the company won ₹1,009 crore of new contracts in FY25, underscoring the effectiveness of the company's business development initiatives. 'Our Global Fortune 500 customer base expanded from 78 to 91, a testament to the trust leading organisations place in our capabilities,' he said. Performance across segments The company operates through two segments: Integrated Supply Chain Solutions (ISCS) and Network Solutions (NS). The NS segment reported revenue of ₹1,078 crore in Q4FY25, up from ₹1,047 crore in the same quarter last year, reflecting a 3 per cent year-on-year growth. For the full year ended March 31, 2025, revenue from the segment reached ₹4,499 crore, representing a robust 13.6 per cent increase over FY24. In the ISCS segment, revenue grew 4.9 per cent in FY25. North America operations remained strong, contributing consistently to the segment's performance. The India portfolio stayed resilient and supported stronger bottom-line margins.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
As we continue to tackle the challenges of antimicrobial resistance, time to factor in newer, emergent issues
In 2020, 58-year-old Viswanathan, recovering from a stroke, sought physiotherapy from an Ayurvedic practitioner, hoping to regain mobility. However, this treatment caused wounds on his leg. As a diabetic with an already weakened immune system this marked the beginning of his battle with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). After a year of battling infections, he was given a last-resort antibiotic that damaged his kidneys. Hospital-acquired infections further complicated his condition, and ultimately, he succumbed to AMR in April 2021. Antibiotics, known to save millions of lives, are now making headlines for the opposite reason. AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria evolve to develop resistance against the very drugs designed to kill them. AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths globally and in India caused 2,97,000 deaths in 2019 based on a report by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Wahington. The public health impact of bacterial AMR has been significant. According to a study published in The Lancet, 1.91 million people could die directly from AMR and 8.22 million deaths associated with AMR could occur globally in 2050. Overuse of antibiotics across sectors A leading cause for AMR is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics across various sectors. While of the total antibiotics produced, around 30% are used to treat humans, the rest are used in livestock, agriculture and aquaculture. In countries like India, selling antibiotics without prescription also contributes on a large scale to resistance. The recent ban on using colistinas a growth promoter in the poultry industry in India has made significant inroads in curbing resistant strains from emerging. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared AMR as one of the top 10 global health threats. A new antibiotic after 30 years In its effort to tackle AMR, Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Wockhardt, with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has launched Nafithromycin marketed as 'Miqnaf' to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP). It is a once-a-day, three-day treatment for CABP with a 97% success rate. It is India's first indigenously-developed antibiotic in its class. It was also the first antibiotic to be developed in the last 30 years, globally. 'Nafithromycin is a part of our overall drug discovery programme which we started about 25 years ago,' said Habil Khorakiwala, founder-chairman, Wockhardt. '[While] Azithromycin and other drugs were there, there was no new drug coming [up] and resistance was developing on [the other] end', he added. The drug was developed over a span of 15 years. With slow progress in research in the field of antibiotics, no new drugs have been developed in the past three decades globally. 'After the initial boom and the 'golden age' of antibiotics (from 1940 to 1960), the field was marked by a sharp decline in new antibiotic approvals for decades,' said Tomislav Mestrovic, affiliate associate professor of Health Metrics Sciences, at IHME, responding to questions via mail. It is no wonder then that with the development of Nafithromycin, India has reached a milestone given it has the highest burden of bacterial infections. Gaps in healthcare system While scientific advancements like Nafithromycin are promising, it is also important for us to recognize the gaps within India's healthcare system that prevent effective treatment against AMR. Vysakh, Mr. Viswanathan's son, a PhD scholar in Poland, said a communication gap exists between medical professionals and the patient's family members. A lapse he believes the medical community also needs to address is the quality of equipment being used. 'Another pitfall that happens is diagnostic issues,' he pointed out. 'It took at least one week to get a proper antibiogram delivered and to figure out [which] bacteria is causing infection and to [administer] the specific antibiotic. So this was a big problem'. He also added that there was an issue of accountability within the system. Vysakh's family's plight is unfortunately a common scenario across the healthcare system. 'Understaffing of healthcare professionals combined with high patient loads makes it difficult to ensure adherence to best stewardship practices,' said Dr. Mestrovic while speaking about the key challenges India faces in implementing effective antimicrobial stewardship across its healthcare network. Apart from these issues, India also faces the added challenge of self-medication by people, selling of antibiotics without prescriptions and lack of a proper regulatory framework. '[In] a lot of low-to-middle income countries you can go to a pharmacy and they will give you an antibiotic without any prescription,' said François Franceschi, head of asset evaluation and development and serious bacterial infections project leader, Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), as he recalled his experience at a pharmacy in Mumbai. Despite antibiotics being prescription drugs in India they are sold over-the-counter, contributing significantly to the resistance problem. 'Part of the action plans that [are] trying to be implemented in many countries is [to] stop letting people buy antibiotics without prescription. That's a big step and that should happen because otherwise, you know, you are fighting a battle that you're going to lose', said Dr. Franceschi. What the government is doing The Indian government is working on multiple fronts to combat AMR including establishing AMR surveillance networks, developing a National Action Plan and promoting public awareness. 'The implementation of the National Action Plan on AMR in 2017 marked a key milestone in aligning the country's efforts with the global strategy, and this is the right path forward,' said Dr. Mestrovic. Promoting public awareness is a key aspect that needs to be addressed from the very beginning. It is not uncommon to see people take antibiotics for a viral fever which is not only ineffective but adds to resistance. 'Public awareness about AMR remains low, leading to patient demand for antibiotics even when not needed which is not characteristic only for India, but much wider,' said Dr. Mestrovic. The pressing need to educate people about the dangers of inappropriately using antibiotics resonates with all the experts in the field. Resistance is a natural phenomenon in microorganisms. But it happens over time, through genetic changes and adaptations. However, the widespread and excessive use of antibiotics across sectors has accelerated the process. It is quite natural to wonder then what the future of the new antibiotics that are being developed looks like. 'Long-term effectiveness of new antibiotics depends not only on scientific advancement, but also on responsible global stewardship from day one,' said Dr. Mestrovic. 'Patient education and public awareness are indispensable in the fight against AMR, especially when we are talking about the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.' Education, innovation and regulation need to progress parallelly to curb AMR. 'I think it's very important that governments recognise that we need to do something now or we are going to be facing a problem that is much bigger in the future,' said Dr. Franceschi. 'We need to be multiple steps ahead of [pathogens]'. The long path ahead Nafithromycin is a start and will be launched in the market for a month in the coming few months. The development of antibiotics is a long and resource-intensive process. With a lack of fundamental research in the field, the development of antibiotics also takes a backseat. 'Many large pharmaceutical companies exited the antibiotic space because the return on investment was too low compared to chronic disease drugs leading to what many called the 'antibiotic innovation gap', said Dr. Mestrovic. Institutions like Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC) and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) and companies like Wockhardt, Orchid Pharma and Bugworks in India are among the few companies that focus on antibiotic development. Given the low return on investment, it is mostly small pharma companies taking on the challenge of developing new antibiotics during this crisis. And the path is not easy, especially when it comes to clinical trial approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). 'We expect the regulators and the government as a whole to have a much better appreciation of fundamental drug research and make more enabling policies for us,' said Dr. Khorakiwala. Accessibility and affordability are other important factors in the development of new antibiotics. Wockhardt's strategy is to price its drugs based on the purchasing power of different countries. For example, the price of a drug in India could be up to 80% less than the price in the United States. 'Accessibility is as important as finding a new drug', added Dr. Khorakiwala. For Vysakh, the issue is deeply personal. His story is a reminder of the harsh reality of AMR - a silent threat unnoticed by many. And his experience sheds light on the challenges families face in healthcare facilities in India. 'I would really love to see two major changes - diagnostics and proper quality control for the equipment used,' he said. He also believes education has to be the first step in this fight against AMR along with stringent regulations around the distribution of antibiotics. Emerging resistance to newer formulations Infectious diseases experts have also flagged emerging resistance to newer drug formulations too, more recently. Abdul Ghafur, founder, AMR Declaration Trust, in a letter to the Drugs Controller General of India cautioned that misuse of newer molecules is leading to initial signs of resistance as reported by The Hindu. Ceftazidime-avibactam. a new and potent antibiotic, he claimed, is losing efficacy due to extensive, irrational, and uncontrolled use. The drug, which was initially registered with the U.S. FDA in 2015 and approved in India three years later, is a last-line antibiotic. It is to be used as targeted therapy for certain carbapenem-resistant gram-negative infections and not prescribed as a broad spectrum antibiotic. Experts say that it is more than ever before, important for the government to lead antibiotic stewardship, at this stage, as newer molecules are finally enter the market. Addressing AMR is no longer optional and tackling it requires a multifaceted approach with a shared sense of responsibility to make a difference. 'Combating AMR is not just a scientific or medical challenge, it is a collective responsibility that requires coordinated action across sectors, as well as sustained investment and empowered communities,' said Dr. Mestrovic. 'We have the right tools, knowledge and innovation to make a difference, but success depends on translating awareness into action at every level – from policymakers and researchers to the medical community and the public.' (Soujanya Padikkal is a freelance content provider based in Hyderabad. Email: souji_padikkal@
Elle
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Geraldine Viswanathan Brings Bold Energy to the Marvelverse
Justin French Pullover, shorts, Sacai. Boots, Ugg x Sacai. Necklace, bracelets, Bulgari. When she was six, Geraldine Viswanathan auditioned for a spot at a performing arts school in her hometown of Newcastle, Australia. The task? Pretend to walk a dog. 'I rocked it,' she says, smiling at the memory. 'They saw the dog. They felt the dog.' Less than two decades later, the actress faced an entirely different challenge: losing her virginity on prom night. In 2018's Blockers , she stole the show as John Cena's sporty, sex-positive daughter, exuding a cool confidence well beyond her years. Her career took off from there—she exposed Hugh Jackman's fraud in the HBO film Bad Education , tempted fate alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi on TBS's Miracle Workers , and unleashed cross-country chaos with her lesbian bestie (played by Drive-Away Dolls . Most recently, in Prime Video's rom-com You're Cordially Invited , she played Will Ferrell's daughter, a pairing that sparked some palpable comedic chemistry. 'He made me laugh so hard,' she says. 'I've had some really great dads.' Viswanathan thrives on pushing herself into uncharted territory with each new role. She's not just showing up and delivering a deadpan punch line—each performance feels like an invitation to watch someone redefine what we think they're capable of. Justin French Blazer, shirt, Bottega Veneta. Earrings, Cartier. Her chameleon talents will be on display soon in 'Oh, Hi!' , a rom-com-gone-wrong directed by Sophie Brooks and co-written with recently rebranded as *The New Avengers in a unique marketing move—where she'll take on the role of Mel, the assistant to Julia Louis-Dreyfus's domineering CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. She thinks the role was meant to be: 'When I was 18, I came to L.A. with my family, and my mom saw a psychic who said I'd be in a superhero movie,' she says. 'I need to get that psychic's number!' Filming the movie was unlike anything she had ever encountered before: 'There was no green screen, and it was the craziest set that I've ever been on, just the sheer number of extras.' And contrary to what some fans might expect from a big-budget franchise, there was no special initiation: 'The most Marvel-y thing I had to do was meet with the security team and get a little badge.' 'Feeling undervalued inspired me to act because I love to do it—not because anybody is asking me to do it.' With precious few women of color taking on leading roles in Hollywood, the space can be frustratingly limited. Viswanathan—born to an Indian father, who's a nuclear medicine specialist, and a Swiss artist mother—is keenly aware of this, having felt her ethnicity was a barrier to getting cast in Australia. 'It was an experience that has defined who I am, especially growing up as the only person of color in a small, white town,' she says. 'Feeling undervalued inspired me to act because I love to do it—not because anybody is asking me to do it. When you approach life that way, it becomes more magnetic.' She's also managed to reach It girl status, recently attending her third Paris Fashion Week, where she sat front row beside fellow Aussie Rose Byrne at the Zimmermann show. 'She's had some of my favorite roles,' Viswanathan gushes. '[Byrne] is so brilliant, cool, kind, and funny—she was killing me.' Justin French Pullover, shorts, Sacai. Boots, Ugg x Sacai. Necklace, bracelets, Bulgari. When it comes to her own viewing habits, Viswanathan gravitates toward ensemble comedies like The Hangover . As for Harry Potter, which stars her Miracle Worker s castmate Radcliffe, she admits, 'I was, like, seven when I went to see the first movie and had to leave the theater because I was was a scene where a troll put a wand up his nose. It was too much for me.' So does that rule out the fantasy genre in the future? If Viswanathan has taught us anything, it's that the unexpected is her baseline—but she's always grounded in an unapologetic authenticity. 'I could see myself going there…it's not my first instinct, because I always try to do things I'd actually want to watch,' she says, before adding wryly: 'And I'm still a little bitch.' Hair by Sami Knight for Rehab; makeup by Alexandra French at Forward Artists; manicure by Jolene Brodeur at The Wall Group; produced by Anthony Federici at Petty Cash Production; photographed at Malibu Creek Ranch. A version of this story appears in the Summer 2025 issue of ELLE. Related Stories
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Govt. must increase spending on education: VIT Chancellor
: Both the Central and State governments should increase the total spending on education to facilitate the enrolment of more students in schools and colleges, said G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT). He was delivering the presidential address at STARS Day 2025 (Support The Advancement of Rural Students), organised by Universal Higher Education Trust of VIT at its campus here. Mr. Viswanathan said lack of adequate spending on education restricted students, especially those in rural areas, from pursuing higher studies as only parents with substantial income could afford their children's higher education. 'In the 2025-26 Union Budget, only 2.5% of the GDP was allocated for education, despite a long-standing demand of 6%,' he said. 'Only around 28% of India's total population pursue higher education as against over 60% in China,' he added. According to him, while at present, per capita income in India stands at $2,700 as against China's $13,100, in 1990, India was ahead of China by over $50. Over the years, India fell behind mainly due to poor fund allocation for education, he said. Meanwhile, 1,014 students in Tamil Nadu have benefitted under the STARS scheme, with around ₹90 crore disbursed since its inception in 2008. On the occasion, Mr. Viswanathan released VIT STARS magazine in the presence of actor Karthi, director T.J. Gnanavel, and VIT vice-presidents Sankar Viswanathan and Sekar Viswanathan.
