In 2024, India crossed 350 million annual air passengers, establishing itself as the third-largest aviation market in the world, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Over the past decade, domestic air passenger traffic has grown steadily at 10-12% each year. To keep pace with this rising demand, major Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, have collectively placed orders for more than 1,700 new aircraft. However, due to global supply chain disruptions, deliveries will take time, pushing airlines to extend the operational life of their current fleets.

An analysis by McKinsey & Company suggests that aircraft retirement rates between 2024 and 2026 will be about 24% lower than in the pre-pandemic years of 2010 to 2019. This extension in aircraft use will likely require more maintenance work, especially on engines and airframes than would have been necessary in a balanced supply-demand environment.

As airlines strive for efficiency by relying more on existing aircraft, the demand for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector will increase.

Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman Sky One

“Delayed retirements will pressure the system, pushing the MRO sector to adopt new strategies. Older aircraft will need more attention, which could drive the adoption of predictive maintenance and cost-effective practices to maintain operational efficiency,” says Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of global aviation company Sky One.

Explaining predictive maintenance, he says, “It relies on sensors, data analytics, and machine learning to anticipate maintenance needs before equipment fails. These systems collect data from aircraft systems, components, and structures and analyse them to detect early signs of wear or malfunction. Maintenance schedules can then be adjusted in real-time based on how the aircraft is used, reducing downtime and cost.“

He says predictive maintenance prevents unexpected failures and improves safety, reliability, and fleet availability. He adds that augmented Reality (AR) further enhances this process by giving technicians real-time data, guided instructions, and remote expert support. This leads to faster, more accurate maintenance and improves safety checks and repair quality. AR also helps streamline complex procedures by connecting technicians with experts instantly.

MRO providers are also turning to drones, robotics, and vision systems to speed up inspections and make them more precise. At the same time, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is being used to handle repetitive backend tasks, reducing manual workload and improving efficiency. In addition, more providers are investing in intelligent enterprise software that helps manage contract planning, maintenance execution, reporting, and invoicing. These systems offer greater accuracy, consistency, and scalability.

The industry expects that by 2028, aircraft retirements will return to normal, supply chains will stabilise, and new aircraft deliveries will accelerate. “By then, the MRO sector is also likely to have transitioned to smarter, more efficient solutions,” concludes Mr Mirchandani.

Quint Digital Limited (QDL), India’s leading media-tech company, is proud to announce that it has signed a franchise agreement with Time Out, the iconic global brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city, to launch Time Out India.

Quint Digital Limited (QDL) announced that it has signed a franchise agreement with Time Out to launch Time Out India

This multi-channel collaboration spans both Time Out Media and the opportunity to bring Time Out Market to India, marking a transformative moment in how Indian audiences and visitors discover and experience the country’s vibrant cities. Through this partnership, QDL and Time Out will bring high-quality, expert content and world-class cultural and culinary offerings to Indian consumers and advertisers.

At the heart of this launch later this year is timeout.com/india alongside social channels as well as video, a digital destination designed to be the ultimate guide to India’s cities. Featuring editorial content curated by local expert journalists, Time Out will share the best things to do, see, and eat across India’s top cities and travel destinations. From food and drink to arts, culture, films, entertainment, and events, Time Out India will be the go-to hub for locals and tourists seeking curated recommendations. This combination of trusted, authentic content and multiple platforms – plus a valuable experience-hungry audience – forms a differentiated proposition for a wide range of advertisers for which the team will be offering bespoke multi-channel campaigns.

Alongside Time Out Media, the agreement also includes the exclusive option for QDL as a franchisee to explore on behalf of and in alignment with Time Out Group opportunities in India to invest in, open and operate Time Out Markets – the food and cultural market that brings the best of the city together under one roof. These Markets – eleven are open around the world in cities such as New York, Chicago, and Dubai with more in the pipeline – combine Time Out’s trusted editorial curation with real-life experiences, showcasing a city’s top chefs, restaurants, mixologists, and cultural talent. These are vibrant venues for exploration, entertainment, and community engagement – and also offer unique advertising opportunities via digital screens within the Markets.

“Urban India, especially its younger, always-curious crowd, is craving something fresh, bold, and out of the box when it comes to lifestyle and food. With Time Out, we’re excited to bring a game-changing experience to the country,” said Ritu Kapur, Managing Director and CEO, QDL. “This partnership blends QDL’s pulse on India’s digital-first youth – and also visitors to our country – with Time Out’s global knack for spotlighting the best in culture, food, and city life,” she added.

“Together, we’ll inspire discovery, spotlight the best of our cities, and offer brands powerful new ways to engage with a discerning, experience-hungry audience,” said Raghav Bahl, Director and Promoter, QDL.

Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group plc added, “We are pleased to partner with Quint Digital to launch Time Out in India across key cities and beyond – one of the world’s most vibrant travel destinations with a rapidly evolving food scene, it presents an incredible opportunity for Time Out’s unique blend of curated content and experiences. With The Quint’s expert team, Time Out India will become the definitive go-to place for the very best of urban culture across key cities.”

“In addition, this is the first time that a franchise partner in one country will not only operate Time Out Media but will also explore Time Out Market opportunities. This partnership comes at a time when we increasingly operate Media and Market – an unmatched digital and real-life model – as one brand to cement Time Out as a unique proposition, both for consumers and commercial partners to connect with this valuable audience. We look forward to celebrating the best of India along with its vibrant cities with our curated content and experiences.”

This partnership represents the coming together of two powerful forces: Time Out’s global expertise in curating city life and QDL’s leadership in digital content, digital publishing technology, and AI-driven social media analytics. After establishing itself in media and tech, QDL is now expanding into lifestyle by adding India’s rapidly growing retail-cum-lifestyle commerce segment to its existing footprint. Together, the two brands aim to build a vibrant, city-focused ecosystem in India – digitally and in-real life.

About Time Out
Time Out Group is a global brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city through Time Out Media and Time Out Market. Time Out launched in London in 1968 to help people discover the exciting new urban cultures that had started up all over the city – today it is the only global brand dedicated to city life. Expert journalists curate and create content about the best things to do, see and eat in over 350 cities in over 50 countries and across a unique multi-platform model spanning both digital and physical channels. Time Out Market is the worlds first editorially curated food and cultural market, bringing a citys best chefs, restaurateurs and unique cultural experiences together under one roof. The portfolio includes eleven open Markets, several new locations with expected opening dates in 2025 and beyond, in addition to a pipeline of further locations in advanced discussions. Time Out Group PLC, listed on AIM, is headquartered in the United Kingdom. Learn more at www.timeout.com.

About Quint Digital Limited
Quint Digital Limited (QDL) is India’s leading digital and media-tech, AI-focused company. QDL creates innovative ideas in the digital space with cutting-edge technology and engaging formats to propel meaningful change. Its conglomerate offers various solutions ranging from news to tech innovations, recently strengthened by the acquisition of ListenFirst Media, a premium social media and digital analytics platform headquartered in New York, which enhances QDL’s capabilities in AI-driven audience insights and engagement strategies. Its flagship platform, The Quint, launched in 2015, delivers trusted, innovative journalism, while Quintype’s AI-powered editorial platform enables seamless content creation for over 300 publishers worldwide. QDL’s suite of brands also includes The News Minute, known for independent journalism from Southern India; Youth Ki Awaaz, a citizen media platform that amplifies the voices of India’s youth; and Kisan India, dedicated to comprehensive coverage of Indian agriculture. Quint Digital Limited is listed on the BSE Limited. Find out more on quintdigital.in.

• This milestone marks a major leap in delivering safer, faster, and more effective heart valve treatment for elderly and high-risk patients, setting high benchmarks for the hospitals Structural Heart Program

• In addition to its excellence in Cardiology, S.L. Raheja Hospital-a quaternary care center in Mumbai-offers advanced care in Oncology, Neurology, Orthopedics, Critical Care, Diabetology, and other specialties, ensuring comprehensive, patient-centered treatment

Clinicians at the Department of Interventional Cardiology and Structural Heart Intervention at S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate have successfully performed 50 Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedures – marking a significant milestone for cardiac care in the Mumbai region. This milestone puts S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim, at the forefront of cardiac care in Mumbai, with one of Mumbai’s most advanced Structural Heart Programs. The milestone was achieved under the leadership of Dr. Haresh Mehta, Director – Interventional Cardiology and Structural Heart Interventions, along with Consultant – Interventional Cardiologists Dr. Kayan Siodia and Dr. Raghav Nagpal.

(L-R) Dr Raghav Nagpal, Dr Haresh Mehta & Dr Kayan Siodia, Interventional Cardiology & Structural Heart Team at S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai – A Fortis Associate

TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a narrowed Aortic Valve that fails to open properly, a condition known as Aortic Stenosis. It can be potentially life-changing for elderly and high-risk patients who are not suitable for open-heart surgery. Among the 50 procedures performed, the team has successfully navigated many complex cases – including bicuspid aortic valves (typically more challenging due to having two cusps instead of three) and extremely narrow femoral arteries, sometimes as small as 4.95 mm. In rare cases where femoral access was not feasible, the team has also performed trans carotid (neck-access) TAVIs with excellent results – demonstrating both technical expertise and adherence to standardized global best practices.

Talking about the benefits of TAVI, Dr. Haresh Mehta, Director – Interventional Cardiology and Structural Heart Interventions, S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate, said, “Severe symptomatic Aortic Stenosis can limit a patient’s life expectancy to just 2-to-5 years. Thus, TAVI, the procedure used to treat this condition, can bring about life-altering changes as it extends life, and also dramatically improves quality of life. Since it is minimally invasive, patients often feel relief within 24 hours of the procedure and are discharged within 48 hours – all without the need for open surgery, sutures, or any long recovery times. While TAVI is a key cardiac procedure, patients also benefit from a range of advanced treatments for other heart conditions, including pacemaker implantation, structural heart interventions, and coronary angioplasties.”

Talking about the milestone, Dr. Kunal Punamiya, CEO, S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate, said, “This momentous achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering cutting-edge cardiac interventions to those who need it the most. With this milestone, we continue to deliver world-class minimally invasive cardiac care that ensures improved outcomes, faster recovery, and enhanced quality of life. Our Structural Heart Program has been designed to provide cutting-edge cardiac therapies under one roof, which includes stenting and Angioplasty, Atherectomy, ICD and Pacemaker implantation, valve repair, and more. Additionally, we are equipped with a state-of-the-art Cath lab to support these advanced procedures.”

This clinical achievement, like many others at S.L. Raheja Hospital Mumbai, reflect the hospital’s unwavering commitment to compassionate care. It’s milestones like these that allow the teams to keep pushing boundaries and touching lives – one patient at a time.

About Fortis Healthcare Limited
Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities, ~4,750 operational beds (including O&M facilities), and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with a global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs over 23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.

To raise awareness and foster discussions on the safety of healthcare workers (HCWs) in emergency departments, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has recently launched the ‘Safe Emergency Seminar‘ series across locations in India.

BD safe emergancy seminar being conducted across India

The emergency departments in hospitals typically demand high efficiency, which, in turn, increases the risk of blood exposure, blood splashes, and needlestick injuries (NSIs). Such incidents can expose healthcare workers to serious diseases like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HIV. The BD Safe Emergency seminar aims to provide a platform to bring together doctors from Emergency departments from across hospitals in each city to convene upon and discuss best practices for healthcare worker safety in high- efficiency demanding environment.

Commenting on the Safe Emergency seminar series, Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia said, “Our Safe Emergency seminar is a concerted effort to bring the spotlight on healthcare worker safety especially in dynamic and high efficiency demanding environments. We are committed to providing a platform for creating awareness and sharing best practices on this pertinent topic. This initiative is part of BDs broader commitment to ensuring the well-being of healthcare professionals and enhancing patient outcomes in alignment with our purpose of advancing the world of health.”

The Safe Emergency seminars organized across cities featured in-depth scientific discussions on the burden of blood exposure, sharp safety, and vascular access in emergency departments. Experts from leading city hospitals shared valuable insights and data on needle stick injuries (NSI), blood exposure and splash thereby reinforcing the need for stringent safety protocols to protect healthcare workers. The discussions were followed by case studies that illustrated real-world scenarios and the effectiveness of various safety measures.

About BD-India
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety, and expand access to health care.

Disclaimer
The image used in this press release is a stock photo and is for illustrative purpose only. The person(s) depicted herein are models. All content herein is protected by copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights, as applicable, owned by or licensed to Becton Dickinson or its affiliates unless otherwise indicated.

ThinkinkPicturez Ltd., a dynamic and fast-growing name in India’s entertainment landscape, is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Chetan Chauhan as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic leadership move comes as the company embarks on a major expansion into regional cinema and high-value content creation across India.

CEO – Chetan Chauhan

Mr. Chauhan brings with him nearly 29 years of distinguished experience in the media and entertainment industry. He has held senior leadership roles at some of India’s most respected organizations including The Times of India Group (BCCL), Mid-Day, Reliance, and Pantaloons, with a strong emphasis on the media and retail sectors.

An influential figure in the Gujarati film industry, Mr. Chauhan has served as a publicist for more than 70 regional film projects. Notably, he was associated with Pan Nalin’s “Last Film Show”, India’s official entry to the Oscars. He is also a visiting faculty member at various mass media colleges and universities in Gujarat, where he teaches Public Relations and Media Studies.

Widely recognized as an influential figure in the Gujarati film industry, Mr. Chauhan’s extensive experience and industry network are expected to unlock new alliances and business opportunities for ThinkinkPicturez. His appointment marks a pivotal moment as the company gears up for large-scale growth and innovation in content production.

Under Mr. Chauhan’s leadership, ThinkinkPicturez is making strategic inroads into regional cinema, with plans to produce content in Gujarati, Marathi, and other Indian languages. The company is currently developing a robust slate of projects valued at over ₹500 crore, positioning itself as a key player in Indias evolving entertainment sector.

In addition to creating high-quality content, ThinkinkPicturez is committed to nurturing creative talent by providing a platform to emerging artists across India. The company’s initiatives aim to foster inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry.

Further reinforcing its commitment to regional development, ThinkinkPicturez is set to engage with the Gujarat Government to seek support in driving employment and economic growth through entertainment projects in the state.

Mr. Chauhan commented, “The entertainment industry in India is growing at an unprecedented pace, as evident from the recent WAVE event in Mumbai. India is poised to become a global hub for entertainment production and ideation. Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister, the country is also emerging as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is set to revolutionize storytelling in unimaginable ways.

At Thinkink Picturez, we are aligning ourselves with this transformation, focusing on regional content and small-town narratives. There are countless untold stories waiting to be shared with the world in the most authentic and relatable ways. We are committed to nurturing fresh talent and promoting regional narratives, with a special emphasis on children’s cinema-an area that has long been overlooked. Our strategic vision includes significant investment in this segment. Meanwhile there are around 6 Hindi feature film pending projects which were announced; company management is working towards the feasibility of each project to be activated soon.

I am honored to take on this role at such a crucial time. ThinkinkPicturez has a bold vision for the future of Indian cinema, especially in regional markets. I look forward to working with our talented teams and partners to create powerful, meaningful content that connects with audiences across the country.”

With a visionary new CEO and a pipeline of impactful projects, ThinkinkPicturez Ltd is poised to redefine the future of entertainment in India.

Art Centrix Space, Vasant Kunj, played host to an intimate and evocative screening of A Song for ERESHA, the latest cinematic creation from acclaimed Bharatanatyam exponent Savitha Sastry and award-winning director AK Srikanth. The special preview, held on the evening of May 21, brought together a discerning audience including members of the media, cultural influencers, and film and performing arts fraternity.

Bharatanatyam Exponent Savitha Sastry in The Song For Eresha

Slated for a theatrical and OTT release across the United States, UK and Canada in August 2025 and later in India, A Song for ERESHA is a landmark production that seamlessly blends classical Indian dance with deeply resonant storytelling. The film follows the complex emotional journey of Eresha, the revered head of a prestigious arts institute, whose unexpected romantic entanglement leads to a dramatic unraveling of the institution she built and of her own inner world.

Crafted in the cinematic style reminiscent of masters like Satyajit Ray and Balu Mahendra, the film has been described as “poetry in motion.” It stars Savitha Sastry in the titular role, and features a predominantly female cast, including over a hundred classical dancers from across India. The film also marks the debut of Bengali actress Mayurakshi Sen, with compelling performances by Mekha Rajan and Arshya Lakshman in key roles.

Adding to the immersive experiences are evocative soundtracks composed by Abhay Nayampally, a Grammy nominee and protg of the legendary Mandolin U. Srinivas. The musical score builds on Nayampally’s collaborative work with global artists like Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra.

Directed and written by AK Srikanth- who received accolades for Slow Rivers (Florence Film Awards 2023) and Colors: White (New York International Film Awards 2021) – A Song for ERESHA is a cinematic tribute to the expressive power of Indian classical arts, both on stage and on screen.

Commenting on the essence of the film, Director AK Srikanth said, “A Song for Eresha isn’t about art or artists- it’s an intense exploration of what it means to be human. It captures the full spectrum of emotion: the joy of triumph, the sting of regret, and the delicate balance between light and darkness, logic and emotion. I envisioned it as visual poetry, brought to life by an extraordinary cast and crew, with the goal of bringing powerful storytelling back to the heart of cinema.“

Reflecting on her role, Savitha Sastry shared, “Portraying Eresha was one of the most exhilarating challenges of my career. The character’s journey through love, passion, and vulnerability pushed me to explore emotional depths I’ve rarely touched on screen.”

The preview screening was a resounding success, sparking engaging conversations among attendees about the film’s emotional depth, artistic execution, and cultural relevance. A Song for ERESHA not only reaffirms Savitha Sastry and AK Srikanth’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Bharatanatyam but also marks a bold step in reimagining traditional Indian art forms for a global audience. As the film prepares for its international release, it promises to leave an indelible mark on both the classical arts and indie cinema landscapes.

Mumbai-based author and screenwriter Riva Razdan returns with her most ambitious work yet – Death of a Gentleman, a psychological thriller set against the glittering but cutthroat backdrop of Mumbai’s high society.

Riva Razdan and her new novel, Death of a Gentleman

With Death of a Gentleman, she expands her storytelling prowess into the realm of psychological suspense. Razdan, known for her romantic-feminist hits Arzu (2021) and The Naani Diaries (2023), takes a thrilling detour from her signature style with this dark and stylish murder mystery. Her previous works are celebrated for their warmth, wit, and empowering narratives.

Earlier works of Riva Razdan – Arzu and The Naani Diaries

In Death of a Gentleman, readers meet Yuvraaj Khanna, a tech entrepreneur poised to take over India’s startup scene. With a billion-dollar valuation for his grocery delivery app and an engagement to the beautiful Sanjanaa Gandhi from Malabar Hill, Yuvraaj seems to have it all until the sudden death of his estranged father throws his life into disarray.

As the investigation deepens, long-buried rivalries, betrayals, and ambition-driven secrets begin to surface. Set in a world where appearances are everything and power is currency, Death of a Gentleman is a gripping exploration of the lengths people will go to protect their status and themselves.

When asked what she would like her readers to take away from this book, Razdan says, “I’d hope that this novel helps them to find a way to get off the hedonistic treadmill that makes one feel like they have to keep up with whoever you last saw on Instagram ‘living their best lives‘. The way to do it is to build a fortress of your own values and a circle of people you trust to protect you as you build a life you love.” With razor-sharp prose, unexpected twists, and an unflinching look at India’s modern-day aristocracy, Razdan’s latest promises to keep readers riveted till the final page.

Death of a Gentleman
Paperback | 360 pages | Released 26 May 2025
Available on Amazon