Through the looking glass

Heels on wheels
Gurugram, The all-new BMW M 1000 XR was launched in India. Priced at INR 45,00,000 ex-showroom, the M 1000 XR Competition variant boasts a sporty Blackstorm metallic/M Motorsport color scheme. This high-performance motorcycle features a modified water-cooled 4-cylinder engine with 201 hp, 113 Nm torque, and a top speed of 278 km/h, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds. The M 1000 XR includes advanced features such as a 6.5-inch TFT display, adaptive turning light, multiple riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control, and Brake Slide Assist. The M Competition Package adds carbon fiber elements, M Carbon wheels, and a lighter build. In addition, BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport Shadow Edition has also been launched in India is available at an ex-showroom price of INR 74,90,000.
Going green
Mumbai, The third edition of Vegan India Conference by Vegan First, India’s leading plant-based media and community platform recently concluded in Mumbai. The event brought together over 1200 delegates, 50 speakers, and 60 exhibitors. Prominent past speakers include Maneka Gandhi, musician Moby, and filmmaker Keegan Kuhn. The two-day conference featured five conclaves focusing on food, fashion, beauty, health, and sustainability.
Aqua elegance
Miss World and actor Manushi Chhillar recently launched her swimwear brand ‘Dweep’ offering diverse range and designs. “Debuting into the entrepreneurial world through Dweep is another big step in my journey,” said the actor at the launch. On the work front, Manushi will be seen in Tehran alongside John Abraham.
Dubai calling
Abu Dhabi, Ayushmann Khurrana has become quite a face for several national and international initiatives. The actor will now be a part of Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District. The district will open in 2025 with some of the noted individuals becoming the face of it. The video released by the organizers sees Oprah Winfrey, Idris Elba Obe, and Ayushmann Khurrana representing India. “Art and culture unites society across time, place, geography and language to connect us across generations. As an artist, it is extremely important to evoke emotions, share thoughts and inspire change,” stated the actor.
‘Paani’ on set?
Mumbai, Award-winning filmmaker Shekhar Kapur recently visited the NYU Abu Dhabi Water Research Center. Ever since the news of his visit came out, the fans have been speculating about his much awaited film Paani that he was supposed to make with the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. As of now, the filmmaker is gearing up for the sequel to his 1983 film Masoom, titled Masoom…The Next Generation.
Wipro appoints Sanjeev Jain as COO.
New Delhi, Wipro, a leading IT services company, has appointed Sanjeev Jain as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Jain joined the company in 2023 and has since led various key functions including talent supply chain, gig work platform, talent skilling, and business resilience. Jain has previously worked with Kyndryl Holdings, IBM, Cognizant, and GE.
West meets east
Mumbai, Globally acclaimed Candlelight concert is set for its India tour with shows in Mumbai, Delhi, and Faridabad. From iconic movie soundtracks and contemporary tributes to Coldplay to the timeless classical compositions by Mozart and Chopin, Candlelight Concerts offered Indian music connoisseurs. Starting from June 2 in Mumbai, the tour will conclude on August 10 in Faridabad. The concerts are a series of original music concerts aimed at democratizing access to classical music by allowing people all over the world to enjoy live music performances in an intimate setting illuminated by thousands of candles.
Sweet delights
Mumbai, The perfect ice cream flavour doesn’t exist… Enter Naturals’ PSG ice cream – the perfect flavour for a scorching summer, comprising summer-special fruits including Pineapple, Strawberry, and Guava from South India, Mahabaleshwar, and Allahabad, respectively. An indulgent fix for moods of all kinds, it’s a quintessential flavour for the season, as it is equal parts sweet and tangy; and all parts delicious. This dolled-up ice cream flavour with hues of green, red and pink will be available in all Naturals’ outlets for just two months.
Fashion forward
New Delhi, SU.RE (Sustainable Resolution), an initiative by Reliance Brands, United
Nations India, Ministry of Textiles, the Government of India, and the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India has partnered with the British Council to reinforce sustainability within India’s apparel sector. This strategic collaboration not only empowers SU.RE signatories to transform into sustainable brands but also serves as a conduit for collaboration with like-minded partners in the UK, Denmark and beyond.
SU.RE was launched in 2019 as the Indian apparel industry’s largest voluntary commitment to sustainability. It’s the first Indian industry-led initiative with 16 of the largest brands as signatories.
Escape here
New Delhi, Stotrak Hotels, an amalgamated experiential hotel chain with a presence in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, announces summer retreats with attractive offers and travel experiences ahead of the summer holidays. The hospitality group has curated exclusive summer packages across their range of destinations in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. The resorts offering summer getaways are Sukoon – A Wellness Resort and Spa, Dakpathar, Uttarakhand, Hotel Luxury Inn in Mussoorie, Hotel Spice in Selaqui, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, The Nangal Resort in Udaipurwati, Takhat Villa by Stotrak in Kumbhalgarh, and The Earth Resort in Ranthambore presenting a luxury escape with its private cottage/villa package at Rs. 8,500 per room plus taxes for a two-night stay, comprising breakfast, dinner, a welcome drink, evening cultural experiences.
Desert calling
Abu Dhabi, The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) recently reaffirmed that Saadiyat Cultural District, along with its cultural institutions, is on track for completion in 2025. Saadiyat Cultural District is a global platform, emanating from a rich cultural heritage, celebrating traditions, and advancing equitable culture.Once completed, the diversity of Saadiyat Cultural District’s institutions will make the district one of the most unique cultural platforms. It is already the home of Louvre Abu Dhabi – the first universal museum in the Arab world – showcasing artworks from different cultures side by side and telling a story of human connections.
— Compiled by Rashmeet Kaur Chawla