The patient had been admitted with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), one of the most severe forms of heart attack. He was found to have critical blockages involving the left main coronary artery and other major heart vessels. His condition was further complicated by cardiogenic shock, a life-threatening state in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

During emergency angioplasty, the patient developed a life-threatening heart rhythm disturbance, followed by cardiac arrest and profound circulatory collapse. Although
immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) successfully restored his heartbeat, he remained critically unstable. Doctors rapidly escalated support from an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to ECMO.

An IABP is a balloon-based device that supports the heart by rhythmically inflating and deflating in the aorta, thereby improving coronary blood flow and reducing the workload on the heart. However, patients with severe cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest often require a much higher level of support. ECMO circulates blood through an external machine, where it is oxygenated and then pumped back into the body, temporarily taking over much of the work of the heart and lungs. This near-complete circulatory support can sustain blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs even when the heart is unable to pump effectively on its own.

Once his circulation was stabilised, the team led by Dr Babu Ezhumalai successfully restored blood flow through the critically blocked coronary arteries using complex
angioplasty and stent implantation. Despite requiring prolonged intensive care and multidisciplinary support, the patient gradually improved, was successfully weaned off
ECMO, regained mobility and was eventually discharged home in stable condition. Follow-up evaluations showed remarkable recovery of heart function, with his heart’s
pumping capacity improving from complete standstill following cardiac arrest to a normal ejection fraction of 53%, enabling him to return to an active daily life.

In his comments, Dr Babu Ezhumalai said, “Modern heart care is undergoing a significant transformation with the increasing use of advanced Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) technologies during complex and high-risk coronary interventions. Devices such as Impella and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) are helping doctors safely perform life- saving procedures in patients who, until recently, were often considered too sick or too high-

risk for treatment. Many patients who were considered unsuitable for complex coronary intervention can now be treated successfully with modern circulatory support technologies. They increase both the survival and recovery rate of high-risk patients.”

He added: “Advanced Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) devices enable cardiologists to perform complex high-risk angioplasty in patients with severe coronary artery disease, poor heart function, cardiogenic shock, and other life-threatening conditions that previously carried a very poor prognosis. The benefits extend beyond survival alone. By restoring blood flow early and supporting circulation during critical periods, these technologies can allow the heart muscle to recover, resulting in significant improvement in cardiac function and quality of life.”

Hemant Badri, SVP and Head, Supply Chain, AI Transformation, New Business, Customer Experience and ReCommerce, Flipkart Group said, “Reaching 1,000 micro fulfilment centres is an important milestone in our journey, but more importantly, it reflects how consumer adoption of quick commerce is evolving across India. We are seeing strong momentum across Bharat, reinforcing our belief that the next phase of quick commerce growth will be driven by deeper reach, wider selection, and greater accessibility. Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets have recorded 42X scale compared to last year, and we have brought 90 new cities into the Flipkart Minutes network. As we continue to scale, our focus remains on building the infrastructure and ecosystem needed to create long-term value for customers, brands, sellers, farmers, and delivery partners.”

Kunal Gupta, SVP, Head of Flipkart Minutes, said, “What began as a way to fulfil everyday essentials has evolved into a fundamentally new shopping habit for millions of Indians. Customers are not just ordering more; they are ordering differently. Average order value of fruits and vegetables increased by 30%, repeat purchases are up, and demand is spreading well beyond grocery into electronics, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. Order volumes have grown 5X since last year. Beyond the infrastructure, this milestone is about redefining convenience for millions of Indian households across the country.”

Bharat Is Driving the Next Wave of Quick Commerce Growth

Over the past year, Flipkart Minutes expanded into 90+ new cities, with strong demand momentum emerging from markets such as Ambala, Arrah, Bokaro, Darbhanga, Jorhat, Ongole, Purnia, Saharsa, and Tenali. Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets have recorded massive growth with 42X scale as compared to last year. This dual momentum: depth in metros and rapid acceleration in emerging markets, reflects a platform scaling reach and adoption simultaneously rather than trading one for the other.

Gen Z Leading a New Kind of Quick Commerce Behaviour

Gen Z has emerged as Flipkart Minutes fastest-growing cohort and already contributes to 40%+ of the overall customer base, buying across daily essentials and new categories with high frequency and growing loyalty. This generation is approaching quick commerce differently, not just as a grocery top-up but as an on-demand shopping habit that spans beauty, electronics, wellness, and lifestyle. Their engagement is reshaping what quick commerce looks like at scale, pulling the category well beyond its grocery origins.

From Grocery to Gadgets: Expanding What Consumers Buy

Consumer engagement on Flipkart Minutes has deepened alongside the platform’s category expansion. The average order value of fruits and vegetables grew 30%, while repeat purchases increased by over 20%, with demand across 120+ additional categories across electronics, beauty and wellness reflecting growing adoption as consumers increasingly turn to Flipkart Minutes across more occasions and needs.

500+ D2C Brands, 3,000+ Farmers, Jobs creation at scale

Flipkart Minutes has generated employment at scale with opportunities across sourcing, warehousing, operations, and last-mile delivery. The platform works with close to 500 D2C brands, enabling them to access hyperlocal demand and reach new customer segments across the country. Through its Samarth Krishi programme, Flipkart Minutes has empowered 3,000+ farmers via Farmer Produce Organizations (FPO) and farm-to-door fulfillment, connecting agricultural producers directly to consumer markets and strengthening supply chain transparency across the value chain.

Greener Deliveries at Scale

Flipkart doubled its electric vehicle fleet in a year, powering over 10% green deliveries. Twenty percent of customers opted for reusable bags during this period. Combined with route optimization and operational efficiencies, these initiatives are reducing the environmental footprint of quick commerce delivery as the network continues to scale.

The mobile blood donation unit was formally handed over by Rtn. AKS. Er. Muruganandam M (MMM), RI Vice President 2026-27 and RI Director 2025-27, at a function held at Dr. MGR Janaki College, Chennai.

Sponsored by Vara Future LLP, the state-of-the-art van will take blood donation services directly to apartments, educational institutions, corporates, associations, and community groups across Chennai at no cost. The initiative is expected to increase the Centre’s annual blood collection from 3,000 units to nearly 15,000 units, significantly enhancing its life-saving capacity.

The event was attended by Rtn. J Sridhar and Rtn. N S Saravanan, Past District Governers, Rtn. Ravi S (District Governor Nominee Designate), Rtn. Vardhman Jain (Founding Partner, Vara Future LLP), Rtn. Dr. Latha Rajendran, Rtn. Nikhil Raj (President, RCM), Rtn. Anand Stephen (President, RCCL), and other Rotary leaders.

This collaborative initiative reflects Rotary’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and promoting voluntary blood donation to save more lives in the community.

At SRM, Vajpai met with Dr. R. Shivakumar, Chairman – Ramapuram and Trichy, presenting him with a copy of The Unbecoming. He then addressed students and faculty on “Navigating Life in the Age of Algorithms: Attention, Identity and Meaning in a Media-Saturated World,” in a session attended by Dr. S. Thirumagan, Dean – Science and Humanities, and HoD, Dr. Prabhakaran V.

Delving into the core conflict of the digital age, Vajpai drew a sharp distinction between raw intellect and deep wisdom. He explained that intellect is a cognitive function—reliant on memory, thought, and quick recall of the “known”—whereas wisdom requires one to become a “seeker,” stepping into the present moment to experience life beyond familiar patterns. He warned that while technology and AI are remarkable boons that free up our time for objectivity, they operate strictly within the “domain of the known” and cannot access the “unknown” that fuels genuine human growth.

Expanding on the hidden cost of connectivity, Vajpai remarked:

“In an age where algorithms are actively selling us curated identities, the greatest challenge isn’t just managing our screen time, but fiercely safeguarding our self-worth. Digital platforms rob our attention span by dictating who we ‘should’ become, pushing us to seek validation externally. True confidence must originate from within. We must train our attention span—not to reject technology, but to consume it consciously—so that we choose which thoughts to engage with, rather than letting the algorithm manufacture our sense of purpose.”

Understanding Fear, Greed, and Detachment

Drawing from his spiritual exploration, Vajpai introduced the philosophical framework that forms the bedrock of The Unbecoming. He explained that Maya—the illusion that pulls us away from the present moment—operates through two weapons: fear and greed. He described detachment as a superpower—the absence of both—that allows one to be fully fulfilled with their action in the moment.

He further explored the symbiotic relationship between science and spirituality, noting that science rigorously observes and establishes the “known” world, while spirituality dares to venture into the “unknown.” In his view, perfection lies in the union of Shiva (the silent observer, stillness) and Shakti (action, energy)—a balance that allows one to act dynamically while remaining rooted in internal awareness.

Later, at the historic Higginbothams, Vajpai was joined by author and leadership mentor Sriprakash Nadadhur Sridharan for a profound discussion on purpose, identity, and personal growth. The conversation took a candid turn as they addressed one of the most pressing hurdles in modern self-development: the high dropout rate in sustained spiritual practice.

Commenting on this challenge, Vajpai emphasized that meditation is not about achieving a “thoughtless” state—an impossibility in our sensory-overloaded world—but rather the art of resting the five senses to allow pure awareness to emerge. He stressed that training attention through single-object focus helps practitioners manage the constant influx of sensory data, enabling them to consciously decide which thoughts deserve engagement.

Sriprakash added:

“The book invites readers to examine their deep-seated assumptions about success and identity. It underscores that spiritual practice requires consistency, even when immediate results are invisible. True growth happens when we turn our gaze inward, despite external distractions.”

Speaking at the launch, Kartikeya Vajpai said:

“I hope The Unbecoming encourages readers to step off the algorithmic treadmill. It is an invitation to let life reveal its purpose through introspection, rather than chasing externally imposed milestones.”

Featuring forewords by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Swami Sarvapriyananda, The Unbecoming is a reflective exploration of identity, purpose, and self-discovery. Through the evolving relationship between a celebrated cricketer and his mentor, the novel artfully examines ambition, expectations, and the quiet search for meaning in a world saturated with noise.

The store has been designed to accommodate a wider assortment of meat and seafood products and includes facilities for customised cutting and processing. TenderCuts through this new store design places emphasis on freshness, quality and customer satisfaction.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Sasikumar Kallanai, Co-founder & CEO, TenderCuts, said, “The launch of this store is part of our broader expansion strategy. We see continued demand for organized retail meet. This flagship retail further enhances our reach in Chennai and supports our efforts to make fresh meat and seafood products more accessible to consumers. As part of our long-term plans, we intend to open 40 stores by next 8 to 9 months.”

Marking the launch, TenderCuts hosted a unique Thiruvizha-inspired celebration that brought together the spirit of community and local culture. The opening of the Madanandapuram, Porur, destination marks a significant step in TenderCuts’ ongoing mission to bring fresh, high-quality meat and seafood closer to consumers across Chennai.

Chennai, 21 June 2026: Navin’s and Residents Association of Navin’s Starwood Towers, organised a special yoga session for over 150 residents and their families to mark International Yoga Day. The session is led by the Isha Foundation.

Held at the newly developed road near Navin’s Starwood Towers in Medavakkam, the initiative brought together members of the community to participate in a guided yoga session. The programme focused on promoting physical well-being, mindfulness and the importance of integrating healthy practices into everyday life.

The event also provided an opportunity for residents to connect and strengthen community bonds through a shared wellness experience.

Through such initiatives, Navin’s continues to reinforce its commitment to fostering holistic living and nurturing communities that prioritise health, harmony and overall well-being

The launch was inaugurated by the event’s Chief Guest, Dr. K.G. Arunraj, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Tamil Nadu.

OPERATION INFINITY connects robotic surgery infrastructure between GEM Hospitals in Chennai and Coimbatore. This integration enables expert surgeons to provide real-time guidance, share diagnostic feeds, and collaborate dynamically on intricate procedures across distances without delay.

Key highlights of the network include:

• Dual-Console Interconnectivity: Seamless transmission between Chennai and Coimbatore units, allowing for multi-city collaborative operations.
• AI-Driven Engineering: Advanced platforms that assist in stability, predictive analytics, and enhanced precision during delicate gastrointestinal and oncological procedures.
• Expanded Expert Access: Patients in regional hubs gain direct access to the collective expertise of GEM Hospital’s premier surgical teams without the burden of travel.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. C. Palanivelu, Chairman – GEM Hospital said, “By harnessing cutting-edge robotics, high-speed connectivity, and AI-driven surgical platforms, GEM Hospitals continues its commitment to transforming healthcare and improving patient outcomes. This network brings the master surgeon’s hands directly to the patient, regardless of geographic division. We are building a future where premier medical expertise is completely decentralized.”

Dr. P. Senthilnathan, Director – GEM Hospital Chennai, said, “We are stepping into a completely new era in robotic surgery and witnessing history in healthcare unfold. By bridging our centers via ‘OPERATION INFINITY’, we are significantly enhancing surgical precision, safety, and patient care. Furthermore, this interconnected framework opens up unprecedented opportunities for medical training, allowing next-generation surgeons to observe and learn from complex, multi-city collaborations in real time.”

Dr. P. Praveen Raj, CEO and Joint Managing Director – GEM Hospital, added, “This milestone proves that boundaries are a thing of the past in modern clinical care. With ‘OPERATION INFINITY’, we are introducing one network, two cities, and infinite possibilities in surgical care. Linking our major consoles in Chennai and Coimbatore allows us to optimize our clinical talent and ensure uncompromised surgical precision for complex procedures.”

The landmark announcement was made during GEM TECHNOSURG 2026, a prestigious International Conference and Live Demonstrative Workshop hosted in Chennai on the 19th and 20th of June 2026. The conference brought together around 1000 leading surgeons, innovators, and healthcare professionals from across the globe to explore the latest breakthroughs in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Fluorescence-guided surgery.

By integrating multi-city infrastructure into a single, cohesive framework, GEM Hospital demonstrates that geographical limitations are no longer a barrier to receiving top-tier surgical precision.

Originally held on May 3, the exam was canceled due to allegations of a paper leak, which is now under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). NTA assured candidates that genuine messages will come from “NICPEP” for SMS and “no-reply.neet.nta@nic.in” for emails. The official website for downloading admit cards is http://neet.nta.nic.in.

The advisory emphasized that NTA will never ask for payments, share exam papers, or send links for admit cards. Candidates should only trust messages with a blue verified tick from “National Testing Agency.” WhatsApp updates are purely informational and will not request personal details or OTPs.

Students who have already downloaded their admit cards do not need to download them again. The new admit cards are for those who haven’t done so yet, as many have been assigned new test centers. Old admit cards from May 3 are no longer valid.

NTA advised candidates to download and print the new admit card once, only from the official website. Suspicious messages should be reported through designated platforms or cybercrime helplines.

On Thursday, June 18, the U.S. lifted its restrictions on maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports. This move was made public by the U.S. Central Command in a post on X.

Meanwhile, senators are trying to block Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel funds until the Pentagon provides overdue reports, including an investigation into a deadly strike on an elementary school in Iran at the start of the U.S.-Israeli war.

International QSR brands may start as popular symbols from overseas, but it should not take long for the brands to establish an ecosystem that is deeplyrooted in India. Armed with local teams and regional product insights, they build a supply chain across the country, often stitched together over a decade. Today, largescale QSRs have over 90 percent of what is on their trays sourced locally, made possible through partnerships that have matured into capacity at scale.

This kind of scalehelps the wider consumer economy. It makes vendors more confident, reassures farmers with predictability, and creates standards in the industry that competitors end up matching. Consumersexpect that same scale to guarantee consistency.

The menu, even that of an international chain, reflects this. Cosmetic changes to an alien menu can never help QSRs scale up. The commitment to the country’s diverse palate will have to dictate adaptation. The vegetarian backbone, paneer-led options, and potato-based iconic dishes are not minor tweaks at QSRs such as McDonald’s. Rather, they set the tone for global chains to cater to India over the years.

A market that once had no modern cold chain was transformed by QSR-enabled logistics. When international players entered the market in the nineties, the adjustments they made to their menu led to a fullyfunctional supply chain, spanning patty processors, seasoning manufacturers, bakery units, and vegetable farmers, each upgrading to meet world standards because the demand was steady and the guidance clear. Their growth translated into jobs, infrastructure upgrades, and safety certifications that lifted the wider food ecosystem. They raised hygiene and consistency norms across restaurants andcafes.

Having built all that does not mean we can rest on our laurels. Rather, QSRs can use their scale to claim a firstmover advantage in food innovation. Millets and plant-based protein options have already begun shaping mindfulness and environmental footprint expectations across the category. The need is to keep ears to the ground for evolving consumer preferences and look at channeling 5-10 percent of yearly expenditure to push for innovation that plugs customer need gaps.

Today, Indian consumers toggle between indulgence and mindfulness with great ease. They want choice without judgement, an extra-cheese moment one day and a multi-millet bun or protein-forward option the next. Keeping such flexibility in mind, QSRs can blend their expertise with science backed innovation to make indigenous and mindful ingredients accessible, affordable, and delicious. It makes it easier for people to consume even when they are eating out.

With better alignment to national priorities on local manufacturing and indigenous food processing, QSRs can accelerate import substitution without compromising global benchmarks. The Indian food sector has already seen how frugal innovation in a tough market can open export lanes. Plant-based protein slices, for example, may be made for Indian taste but are ready to travel to other markets once scaled.

Scale also brings responsibility particularly in employment and skill creation. The NRAI’s 2024 Food Services Report places the sector at 8.5+ million employees, projected to cross 10.3 million by 2028, making it one of the country’s most employment-intensive service sectors. QSRs are at the heart of that engine, given their density and expansion. A single store can employ dozens, so hundreds of stores turn into pipelines for the right-skilled talent. Tier-2 cities are benefiting the most, with servicesector openings rising at twice the pace of metros.

A QSR restaurant can become someone’s first formal job. The habits learnt here such as punctuality, hygiene, teamwork, and customer fluency carry well into sectors beyond food. We have watched young talent from tribal belts and underserved regions build technical confidence, run teams, and move toward supervisory or logistics roles. Employment at scale allows the industry to contribute to more than the country’s GDP. It helps with a crucial national capability ofskill building.

And the sector’s capacity can grow further. The FPI’s workforce study estimates 1.34 million skilled roles needed across food processing segments through 2030, ie., the upstream ecosystem that feeds QSRs. As QSRs grow, the manufacturing supply chain rises with it.

A brand that wants to grow in India must be shaped by India. The country is asking for localisation at scale, employment that builds dignity, food innovation that respects culture, and experiences that treat customers like participants, not transactions. This is the time for QSR industry in India to show the world what brand-salient localisation based on deep cultural intelligence, operational discipline, and responsibility at scale looks like in practice.