Second edition of Ease of Doing Redevelopment creates a platform for direct interaction, expert guidance and greater awareness around redevelopment

Navi Mumbai, September 29, 2026: CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR successfully hosted the second edition of Ease of Doing Redevelopment (EODR) 2.0 at Hall A, CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, bringing together 35+ developers, 1,567 housing societies and 2,400+ visitors from across Navi Mumbai and the wider Navi Mumbai & Raigad (NMR) region.

The one-day exhibition focused on creating a direct platform for housing societies to interact with developers, industry professionals and experts and gain a better understanding of the redevelopment process. The initiative builds on the first edition, which saw participation from approximately 800–1,000 housing societies and led to conversations that eventually contributed to around 25 redevelopment projects being launched over the following year.

Redevelopment represents an important opportunity for housing societies and property owners to evaluate the future of their existing homes and communities. The exhibition featured panel discussions, expert consultations and direct developer-society interactions, covering aspects such as project feasibility, development models, commercial considerations and the technical, legal and financial dimensions of redevelopment. The platform also enabled developers to understand the specific requirements of individual housing societies, recognising that redevelopment cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

Mr. Sumit Ahluwalia, President, CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR, said: “EODR 2.0 is about bringing greater awareness and transparency to the redevelopment process. As Navi Mumbai and Raigad continue to evolve, redevelopment presents an opportunity to renew ageing housing communities and create better living environments. Our objective is to give society members access to the right information and expertise so that they can understand the possibilities, evaluate the challenges and take informed decisions. We believe education has to be the starting point of redevelopment, and EODR is an effort to create that foundation through dialogue and collaboration.”

Mr. Vicky Thomas, Vice President, CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR, said: “Every housing society has its own circumstances, and redevelopment cannot be approached through a standard template. The building profile, land potential, financial considerations and expectations of residents all need to be understood before a proposal takes shape. EODR 2.0 brings together the technical, financial, legal and development expertise required to help societies understand these aspects. The aim is to make the redevelopment process easier to navigate by helping communities understand what they can expect and what they should evaluate.”

Mr. Jitesh Agrawal, Immediate Past President, CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR, said: “Last year, we hosted EODR 1.0, and the response encouraged us to build a larger platform this year. EODR 2.0 gives housing societies an opportunity to meet leading developers in Navi Mumbai and interact with them one-on-one, something that can otherwise be difficult to facilitate. The platform also brings experts and industry professionals into these conversations, helping societies understand the process and the practical steps involved in taking a redevelopment proposal forward. The growth from the first edition reflects the need for such a platform in the region.”

Mr. Akash More, President Elect, CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR, said: “The role of the Youth Wing is to create an open platform where meaningful redevelopment conversations can take place. We encourage society representatives to use EODR to ask difficult questions, understand technical capabilities and compare financial terms before taking the next step. At the same time, participating developers have an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities, build trust and establish long-term relationships with communities. The future of Navi Mumbai will be shaped through collective participation, and initiatives like EODR can help bring the different parts of the ecosystem onto one platform.”

Mr. Amit Haware, Advisor, CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR, said: “Redevelopment is not simply about replacing an old building with a new one; it is about creating a better future for the community that owns and lives in that property. Society members need to look beyond the area being offered and evaluate a developer’s credibility, track record and ability to handle challenges through the redevelopment journey. There is also a need to understand the development potential of the property, the economics involved and the options available before making a decision. Trust becomes particularly important in redevelopment because, unlike a conventional project, the entire community is part of the ownership and the process has to work for all its members.”

With participation from developers and housing societies across various nodes of Navi Mumbai and NMR, EODR 2.0 expanded the scale of the platform while continuing its focus on transparency, awareness and collaborative redevelopment. A key focus of EODR 2.0 was the need for housing societies to understand their redevelopment potential and project economics before taking a decision. This is particularly relevant for older societies, many of which were constructed 40–50 years ago under very different property values, development norms and infrastructure conditions

About CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR

CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR is a platform representing young real estate professionals and developers in the Navi Mumbai and Raigad region. The association works towards promoting professionalism, innovation, collaboration and the progressive development of the real estate sector.

Through initiatives such as EODR, CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR seeks to facilitate greater awareness and constructive dialogue between the development community and property owners, particularly on issues that have a long-term impact on the region’s housing and urban landscape.

Pune : India's foremost Pilates expert and celebrity fitness instructor, Yasmin Karachiwala, has inaugurated her new studio, Yasmin Karachiwala Body Image (YKBI), in Pune. Opened in partnership with Muscle Bar, a calisthenics gym, the studio brings together two complementary approaches to strength, mobility, and mindful movement under one roof.

With over three decades of experience, Yasmin Karachiwala has played a defining role in shaping India's contemporary fitness landscape. Recognized as the country's first BASI-certified Pilates instructor, she has trained some of India's most celebrated personalities, including Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Ananya Panday, and Hrithik Roshan. She is also the author of acclaimed fitness titles such as The Perfect 10: 10-Minute Workouts You Can Do Anywhere and co-author of Sculpt and Shape: The Pilates Way.

“We are delighted to partner with Muscle Bar to bring YKBI to Pune and make Pilates more accessible to the community in this city. What makes it so effective is its versatility. It can benefit everyone from children to senior citizens, from desk-job professionals to homemakers and elite athletes,” said Yasmin Karachiwala at the launch. “Pilates is not about how much you can do, but how well you can move. It builds strength with control, improves mobility and creates a deeper understanding of your body. I have seen how the right Pilates practice can transform the way we train and recover.”

“When we started Musclebar in 2019, our focus was building an Open air gym with calisthenics and functional fitness as prime focus. Over the years, our vision has evolved into a space where people can find different forms of training and recovery patterns. Pilates was a very natural addition to that vision, and partnering with Yasmin Karachiwala’s Body Image allows us to bring it to Sopanbaug with the right expertise and experience. For us, this launch is another step towards building a complete fitness ecosystem for everyone, regardless of their age, fitness level or preferred way of training,” said Murtaza Fakhruddin Nasir, Co-founder of Musclebar and Musclebar sports club at the launch.

Yasmin Karachiwala's Body Image Pune studio offers a wide range of classes, including mat, reformer, chair, tower, mixed equipment, and small equipment sessions, recommended based on what will benefit each client most. The studio is equipped with Reformers, Chairs, and Towers, along with small equipment such as magic circles, strength straps, power pods, and booty bands.

To welcome new members, YKBI Pune is offering an exclusive introductory package: a single session for Rs 999, 4 sessions for Rs 2,999 (valid for 10 days), or 7 sessions for Rs 4,999 (valid for 20 days). 

The partnership with Muscle Bar gives Pune's fitness community a space where Pilates and calisthenics complement each other, helping members build strength, control, and body awareness. With YKBI, Pune, it's time to move, breathe, and embrace a stronger, more balanced you.

Address: H.No. 6, Tara Baug, Sr. No. 65, 112-2, Sopan Baug, Ghorpadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411001

Timings: Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 8 pm

For membership enquiries, contact: 8657737578

The agreement was exchanged at the sixth Research, Industry, Start-up and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Conclave 2026 at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology campus in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The collaboration is intended to develop process and refining technologies for mineral values recovered from waste-derived and other non-primary resources.

RMPL and CSIR-IMMT will work on research, process development and technology advancement in a field that has gained attention as India seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities in critical-mineral processing and advanced materials. Secondary sources can offer an additional route to mineral recovery alongside conventional primary resources.

The MoU was among the agreements announced during the two-day conclave, which brought together CSIR laboratories, industry representatives, start-ups, investors and policymakers. CSIR-NIScPR listed Revanta Minerals, Bhubaneswar, among the CSIR-IMMT MoU exchanges for joint technology development at the event.

The exchange took place in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space. He is also Vice-President of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, was also present at the conclave. She delivered the welcome address at the inaugural programme.

RISE Conclave 2026 was organised jointly by CSIR-IMMT, CSIR-IICB, CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute and CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute. The programme was structured around four areas: minerals, medicine, materials and machines. CSIR-IMMT, based in Bhubaneswar, works across mineral processing, beneficiation, extraction and materials technologies.

For RMPL, the agreement provides a framework for linking industrial requirements with laboratory research in critical-mineral refining. The joint work is expected to move from research and process development towards technology applications for recovery and refining from secondary sources.

India's building materials sector is witnessing a decisive shift toward window and door systems built specifically to withstand the country's demanding weather patterns. SIMTA Astrix, a name associated with engineered uPVC solutions, is drawing attention to its multi-chamber uPVC profile range, designed to address the heat, humidity, monsoon intensity, and coastal exposure that define much of India's climate map.

The Climate Challenge

India's geography presents an unusually wide range of environmental stress factors within a single market — scorching summer heat in the north and west, sustained humidity across coastal belts, heavy monsoon rainfall, and salt-laden air in seaside regions. Conventional window and door materials often degrade prematurely under this combination of conditions, leading to warping, discoloration, and reduced structural performance. This has pushed developers and homeowners to seek out upvc profile manufacturers who engineer specifically for tropical and sub-tropical use cases rather than adapting profiles designed for temperate markets.

Tropical-Ready Design

Central to SIMTA Astrix's approach is a rich Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) dosage within its uPVC formulation. TiO2 acts as a stabiliser against UV degradation, helping the profile resist yellowing, brittleness, and surface breakdown even in regions with prolonged, intense sun exposure. This makes the profiles suitable for installations in severe and harsh climatic zones where lower-grade uPVC would typically deteriorate within a few seasons.

The Multi-Chamber Advantage

The profile's multi-chamber construction is engineered to do more than provide structural rigidity. Each internal chamber contributes to thermal and acoustic insulation, trapping air pockets that reduce heat transfer and dampen external noise — a particularly valuable feature for homes near busy roads or in dense urban clusters. This chambered design allows the profile to perform consistently even under the extreme temperature swings common across Indian summers and winters.

Built to Handle Heat

Profiles in this range are designed to retain their shape and structural performance under intense sun exposure, resisting the sagging, bowing, or softening that can affect inferior uPVC or traditional aluminium and wood-frame systems over time.
 

Moisture and Drainage Management

Monsoon-heavy regions demand more than water resistance at the surface — they require systems that actively manage water ingress. SIMTA Astrix profiles incorporate gradient drainage design, which channels moisture out of the profile cavity rather than allowing it to pool internally, reducing the risk of mould, corrosion, and long-term structural compromise.

Engineered Wind Resilience

With a wind-load capability rated at 3000 Pa, the profiles are built to support taller and wider window and door apertures — a requirement increasingly common in modern residential towers and coastal properties exposed to high wind pressure.

Corrosion and Termite Resistance

Unlike wood-based framing systems, these uPVC profiles are inherently resistant to termite infestation and corrosion, translating into significantly lower long-term maintenance requirements for homeowners and developers alike.

Energy Efficiency Benefits

By reducing heat transfer into interior spaces, the profiles help ease the load on air-conditioning systems, contributing to lower energy consumption — a factor of growing importance as energy costs and sustainability expectations rise across Indian real estate.

Regional Suitability

The profile range is positioned as fit for a broad spread of Indian environments, including coastal belts, metro high-rise developments, and general tropical regions, addressing the demand among architects and developers researching thebest upvc windows in India for climate-resilient, low-maintenance fenestration solutions.

Validated Through Testing

SIMTA Astrix states that its profiles undergo a battery of validation tests, including Charpy impact testing for structural toughness, heat aging tests for long-term thermal stability, and heat reversion tests to confirm dimensional stability under sustained temperature exposure — collectively supporting the profiles' claimed climate readiness.

About SIMTA Astrix
SIMTA Astrix develops multi-chamber uPVC profile systems engineered for Indian climatic conditions, serving architects, builders, and homeowners seeking durable, energy-efficient window and door solutions.

Bikaner, September 29, 2026: Papadmalji Agro Foods Limited, a Bikaner-based organised papad manufacturer, has opened its SME Initial Public Offering (IPO) for subscription today. The issue will close on October 1, 2026, with the equity shares proposed to be listed on the NSE Emerge platform.

As per the issue structure, the IPO comprises a total issue size of 28,03,200 equity shares of face value of Rs. 10 each. The IPO comprises a fresh issue of up to 25,72,800 equity shares and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to 2,30,400 equity shares by India Customer Insight Fund. The price band has been fixed at Rs. 69 to Rs. 72 per share. Kreo Capital Pvt. Ltd. is the Book Running Lead Manager to the issue, while MAS Services Ltd. is acting as the Registrar to the Issue.

For the financial year ended March 31, 2026, Papadmalji Agro Foods Limited reported revenue of Rs. 33.53 crore and EBITDA of Rs. 8.44 crore, with a PAT of Rs. 5.21 crore. The company’s revenue increased from Rs. 24.99 crore in FY23 to Rs. 33.53 crore in FY26, while PAT expanded more than 20 times during the same period based on their marketing strategies and operational efficiency. 

Papadmalji Agro Foods Limited has the backing of private equity investment from India Customer Insight Fund, a SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), backed by seasoned investors including KLB Capital Advisors LLP (Mr. Kishore Biyani), Mr. Akash Manek Bhansali, ADIC Diversified Investment Fund, Ageless Capital & Finance Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Haresh Chawla and Mr. Santosh Desai.

The net proceeds from the fresh issue will be utilised towards setting up a new manufacturing facility at Bachhasar, Bikaner, including building construction, plant and machinery and a 250 kW rooftop solar system; and repayment or prepayment of bank borrowings.

Papadmalji Agro Foods Limited has built a brand portfolio focusing on Vishal, Rozana, and Zhakaas, covering handmade and machine-made papads, rice papads or Khichiya, vrat special products, moongodi and ready-to-fry products. 

The company operates two strategically located manufacturing facilities in Bikaner. Its Gharsisar unit is certified under ISO 22000:2018 and is equipped with facilities for material handling, automated rolling and drying lines and packaging operations. The company’s second facility, commissioned in 2022, manufactures Rice Papad (Khichiya).

Papadmalji Agro Foods combines traditional hand-rolling practices with semi-automated and automated manufacturing processes. Its hand-rolled papad production follows a “Batara-Batari” model, under which Batara supervisors oversee teams of skilled women, or Bataris, who undertake production from their homes, encouraging women empowerment. The company currently has established Bataras supervising skilled women through this home-based employment model, supporting flexible employment while continuing traditional papad-making practices.

The company has established a pan-India distribution network across general trade, modern trade, quick-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels. As of March 31, 2026, it serviced 8,710 retail outlets through 76 distributors and 30 wholesalers in the general trade channel, in addition to its modern trade presence. Its modern trade partners include Reliance Retail, DMart, Walmart, Lulu Hypermarket, LOTS Wholesale, Aadhar Supermarket and Galaxy Cloud Kitchens.

The company’s products are also listed on Swiggy Instamart for quick-commerce delivery, while its own e-commerce storefront, papadmalji.com, serves customers across India.

Papadmalji Agro Foods Limited has also established an overseas presence, with its products available in select Middle Eastern markets, including the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, through merchant exporter Masala King Exports Trading Pvt. Ltd. The company also undertakes few white-label manufacturing for client brands with overseas availability in select Middle Eastern markets.

About Papadmalji Agro Foods Limited

Papadmalji Agro Foods Limited is a Bikaner, Rajasthan-based food company engaged in the in-house manufacturing of handmade papads, machine-made papads, machine-made ready-to-fry papads, rice papads (Khichiya), vrat special papads and moongodi. The Company also undertakes white-label manufacturing of handmade papads for clients, wherein products are manufactured by the Company and marketed under clients’ respective brand names and packaging.

The Company traces its origins to 2012, when Jai Agarwal founded Vishal Nankeen Bhandar in Bikaner to manufacture and sell handmade papads using traditional methods. The Papadmalji brand was registered as a device mark in 2017 and Papadmalji Agro Foods Private Limited was incorporated in December 2017. The Company converted into a public limited company in January 2025.

Papadmalji Agro Foods operates five brands — Vishal, Rozana, Papadmalji, Diamond and Zhakaas — spanning handmade and machine-made papads, rice papads, vrat special products, moongodi and ready-to-fry products. The Company combines traditional hand-rolling practices with semi-automated and automated manufacturing processes and has a network of women artisans engaged in hand-rolling papads.

The Company's products are distributed through general trade, modern trade, quick-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels, with availability in select Middle Eastern markets through an independent merchant exporter.

Registered Office:
Opposite Manav Bharti School, Rani Bazar Industrial Area Road, Gharsisar, Bikaner – 334001, Rajasthan, India

Website: www.papadmalji.com

PUNE, September 2026: For 200 years, jewellery has been part of Chandukaka Saraf’s story. Today, the brand is looking at how the next generation wants to wear it.

With a journey that began in Baramati in 1827, Chandukaka Saraf has built its identity around trust, craftsmanship and relationships across generations. As the brand enters its 200th year, it is turning its attention to a generation that is changing the way jewellery is discovered, styled and experienced, ensuring that its 200-year jewellery legacy continues to evolve with changing customer preferences.

From Tradition to Self-Expression

For Gen Z, jewellery is increasingly becoming a form of self-expression rather than something reserved only for weddings or traditional occasions. Lightweight designs, contemporary gold jewellery, diamonds and sterling silver jewellery are finding space in everyday wardrobes, allowing customers to choose pieces that reflect their personality, lifestyle and individual sense of style.

This shift is creating an opportunity for established jewellery houses to bring their heritage into a more contemporary conversation, one where jewellery can mark a first salary, a personal achievement, a birthday, a friendship or simply a moment when someone wants to celebrate themselves.

A 200-Year Legacy, Reimagined for a New Generation

Samyak Kishorkumar Shah, Managing Director, Chandukaka Saraf, believes the future lies in making the brand’s heritage relevant to changing customer expectations.

“The way people connect with jewellery is changing, especially among the younger generation. Gen Z wants jewellery that feels personal, versatile and relevant to their lifestyle. They may wear a piece to celebrate a milestone, complete an everyday look or simply express who they are. For us, this is an exciting opportunity to take the trust built over 200 years and make it meaningful for a new generation,” said Shah.

Jewellery That Fits the Way Gen Z Lives

Chandukaka Saraf is responding to this evolution through a growing focus on contemporary jewellery that can move across occasions. The brand’s new diamond and sterling silver collections bring a more modern dimension to its portfolio, offering designs that complement both everyday looks and special occasions.

The growing interest in versatile jewellery also reflects a broader change in consumer behaviour. Younger customers are looking beyond conventional categories and exploring pieces that can be layered, mixed and styled in their own way. For them, jewellery is less about following a fixed occasion and more about creating a personal style.

Celebrate Pre-Diwali with Gold Rate Protection

The upcoming festive season is another area where Chandukaka Saraf is responding to changing customer needs. Through its Pre-Diwali Gold Rate Protection initiative, customers can book their jewellery by paying just 10% in advance and avail the applicable benefit of a lower gold rate, subject to the terms and conditions of the offer.

“For many families, festive jewellery is something they plan for well in advance. At the same time, younger customers are looking for flexibility and value when making important purchases. With our Pre-Diwali initiative, we want customers to be able to plan their jewellery purchase with greater confidence while enjoying the applicable benefit of the gold rate protection offer,” Shah added.

Where Heritage Meets Contemporary Jewellery

The brand sees Gen Z not as a departure from its heritage, but as the next generation to carry that heritage forward. The combination of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design allows Chandukaka Saraf to speak to customers who appreciate the trust and familiarity of an established jewellery house while looking for designs that fit their present-day lifestyle.

“We don’t see tradition and modernity as opposites. Our heritage gives us a strong foundation, but it is our ability to understand changing customers that will shape our next chapter. Gen Z is asking us to think differently about how jewellery is designed, styled and experienced, and we want to be part of that conversation,” said Shah.

Taking the Chandukaka Saraf Experience to the Next Generation

The brand’s expansion across Maharashtra is also part of its broader effort to make the Chandukaka Saraf experience more accessible to evolving customer communities. Chakan and Talegaon Dabhade are among the locations forming part of this expansion, bringing the brand closer to customers in growing markets around Pune.

The expansion reflects the brand’s larger ambition: to combine the familiarity of a 200-year legacy with the accessibility, design choices and customer experience expected by today’s generation.

200 Years Behind Us. A New Generation Ahead.

As Chandukaka Saraf enters its 200th year, its story is no longer only about preserving the past. It is about understanding how the next generation wants to celebrate, express and wear jewellery, and building a future around those changing expectations.

“The first 200 years belong to the generations who built this trust with us. What comes next is something we want to build together with our customers. If the next generation wants to wear jewellery differently, we want to listen, evolve and give them the freedom to make it their own,” Shah concluded.

About Chandukaka Saraf

Founded in Baramati in 1827, Chandukaka Saraf is a jewellery brand with a 200-year legacy of trust and craftsmanship. The brand offers gold, diamond, silver, bridal and contemporary jewellery and continues to expand its presence across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Led by Managing Director Samyak Kishorkumar Shah, Chandukaka Saraf is focused on balancing its heritage with evolving customer preferences and contemporary jewellery trends. For more information, visit https://chandukakasaraf.in/.

In a significant step towards driving financial independence and expanding career horizons for young women, the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Government of Maharashtra) is organising a premier, women-centric career advancement drive at the SNDT Women’s University, under the celebrated "Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Rojgar Mahakumbh" initiative. The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Rojgar Mahakumbh is a statewide employment initiative of the Government of Maharashtra, bringing job seekers and employers together to create direct pathways to jobs, skills and career opportunities.
 

Scheduled for Tuesday, 29^th September 2026, at the iconic SNDT Women’s University campus in Churchgate, Mumbai, this specialised job fair marks a key milestone within the state-wide Seva Pakhwada celebrations honouring Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The initiative is being spearheaded under the vision and leadership of Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde,  Smt. Sunetra Ajit Pawar and Skill Development Minister Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
 

Redefining the Blueprint of Women's Workforce Participation

This job fair isn't just about standard corporate recruitment; it is a layered ecosystem designed to tackle the unique challenges women face when entering the modern corporate workspace. More than just bridging the gap between talent and top-tier corporations, the event integrates targeted pre- and post-placement mentoring, resume-building, soft-skills boot-camps and career counseling to foster holistic development.
 

In light of evolving global markets, special emphasis is being placed on training and opportunities within emerging tech fields, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tech, alongside traditional cornerstones like logistics, manufacturing, retail and hospitality.
 

Commenting on the state-wide deployment of the job fairs, Hon'ble Skill Development Minister Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha remarked, “Employment is our shared social responsibility and our focus is to take career development avenues directly to the grassroots level. We are giving our youth, the exact technical expertise, digital fluency and confidence required to lead modern corporate spaces. Our department's extensive state-wide network of a thousand job fairs ensures that geography is no longer a barrier to economic independence. We strongly urge the business ecosystem to step forward, register and actively participate in hiring this immense pool of skilled talent.”
 

Emphasising the transformative impact of this mega-drive, Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor of HSNC University, Mumbai and holding additional charge as Vice Chancellor, SNDT University, shared an inspiring vision for the participating candidates: “True empowerment happens when opportunity meets preparation. This special placement drive is a definitive step toward dismantling barriers and creating an equitable platform where our young women can directly connect with global industry front-runners. At HSNC University and SNDT Women’s University, we have always believed that nurturing female talent is central to building a progressive, self-reliant nation. We urge every single eligible student to register, step forward and claim their space in shaping the future economy.”
 

Dr. Bagla further added “The workforce of tomorrow demands agility, digital fluency and strong leadership. This Rozgar Mahakumbh is a powerful launchpad, a historic movement to transform corporate landscapes with skilled, resilient and visionary leaders.”
 

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Reporting Time: 09:30 AM (Attendees are requested to be seated in the auditorium strictly by 10:00 AM)

Registration & Breakfast: 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Venue: SNDT Women's University, Nathibai Thackersey Road, Churchgate, Mumbai - 400020

Official Digital Registration Link: https://forms.gle/SE2HRaYkwpr98yhe8

Candidates must register immediately via this official link
 

 A Multi-Layered Economic Catalyst

While the immediate focus of the drive is providing immediate corporate placements to registered female graduates and job seekers, the broader vision of the Rojgar Mahakumbh initiative is to spark deep economic ripples. By bringing down physical barriers and connecting local talent pools with domestic & international placement agencies, the event provides local youth with exposure to both domestic corporate giants and global employment pathways.
 

With over 1,000 job fairs planned state-wide across districts, talukas and rural hubs, the Maharashtra government aims to break the concentration of corporate opportunities in Tier-1 cities, taking career development avenues directly to the grassroots level, including ITIs, skill development centers and local colleges.

Pune : Abhijeet Dies & Tools Pvt. Ltd., India, and INEVO S.r.l., Italy, today formally signed off on their strategic Joint Venture, Abhinevo Technologies Private Limited, marking a significant step in India–Italy industrial and technology collaboration. The new venture will focus on developing, engineering, manufacturing and commercialising advanced moulds, tooling and manufacturing technology solutions, initially targeting the automotive and plastics-processing industries.

The Joint Venture brings together Abhijeet’s more than four decades of experience in tooling, engineering and plastics manufacturing with INEVO’s European expertise in high-precision injection mould technology, advanced surface applications and next-generation automotive manufacturing solutions.

The partnership aims to progressively localise sophisticated manufacturing technologies in India and create an integrated capability covering the complete manufacturing value chain — from product and process engineering, tool design and simulation to tool manufacturing, trials, validation, industrialisation and production support.

The formal sign-off ceremony in Pune marks the beginning of a structured, long-term collaboration focused on technology development, capability building and manufacturing localisation in India.

Mr. Jayamurugan Thangavel, CEO, Abhijeet Group, said, “This Joint Venture marks an important step towards technology-led manufacturing. By combining INEVO’s specialised European technology with Abhijeet’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities, we aim to build advanced capability in India and create a platform serving Indian and global customers.”

Mr. Abhijeet Raut, Director, Abhijeet Dies & Tools Pvt. Ltd., said, “The real value of this partnership will be in taking advanced technologies from concept to industrialisation. Through Abhinevo, we aim to give customers access to sophisticated tooling and manufacturing solutions with closer engineering collaboration, faster development and globally benchmarked quality—converting technology into robust, repeatable and commercially viable manufacturing solutions.”

INEVO, which became an independent company in 2020 following the spin-off of the mould division of INglass, has tooling heritage dating back to 1987. The company specialises in sophisticated injection moulds and plastic processing technologies, with capabilities spanning multi-material and multi-colour moulding, automotive lighting tooling, In-Mould Decoration (IMD), In-Mould Labelling (IML), injection on decorative and functional foils and advanced surface technologies.

INEVO has an international customer base and reports an export share of more than 80%, with more than 100 injection tools produced annually.

Mr. Roberto Fagarazzi, Managing Director – Sales, INEVO S.r.l., said, “India is becoming increasingly important in the global automotive manufacturing landscape, and customers are looking for greater localisation without compromising technology, quality or manufacturing performance. We see a strong opportunity to bring INEVO’s experience in advanced moulds, multi-material technologies, smart surfaces and industrialisation closer to this market.”

“Abhijeet has a strong tooling and manufacturing foundation, engineering resources and an established automotive presence. The combination of INEVO’s specialized technology with Abhijeet’s manufacturing expertise creates a strong platform for long-term development. Our ambition is to develop solutions together in India, build local technical competence and progressively create opportunities that can serve customers both in India and internationally,” he added.

The initial technology focus of Abhinevo Technologies will include 2K and multi-component mould technology, PUR-based advanced surface technologies, IMD, IML, In-Mould Coating, functional and decorative film integration, advanced mould engineering, process simulation and optimisation and other high-precision tooling solutions.

The technologies are expected to support applications such as automotive interiors and exteriors, decorative and functional components, smart surfaces and other complex plastic components. Depending on the application, advanced processes can enable greater design flexibility, functional integration, improved surface quality, dimensional consistency, process repeatability and reduced secondary operations.

The Joint Venture is also expected to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem by bringing specialised technology and engineering capabilities closer to domestic automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. By developing advanced tooling and process capabilities locally, the partnership aims to support shorter development cycles, faster trials and modifications, greater localisation and improved access to globally benchmarked manufacturing solutions.

Crescendo Worldwide played a key role in facilitating the partnership journey between Abhijeet Dies & Tools Pvt. Ltd. and INEVO S.r.l. Starting in early 2025, Crescendo Worldwide worked closely with Abhijeet to identify and engage with potential international technology partners, conducted discussions with multiple prospective companies on Abhijeet’s behalf, and facilitated introductions and business engagements. Crescendo Worldwide also coordinated visits and meetings with potential partners, supporting the evaluation and development of the collaboration. Following these engagements, Crescendo facilitated the introduction and subsequent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Abhijeet Dies & Tools and INEVO in India in June 2025. The collaboration subsequently progressed towards the establishment of Abhinevo Technologies Private Limited, with the Joint Venture formally signed in September 2026.

Mr. Luigi Cover, CEO, INEVO S.r.l., along with Mr. Roberto Fagarazzi, MD, Mr. Andreas Popp, MD, INEVO GmbH, Mr. Nikhil Raut, Director, and Mr. Abhijeet Raut, Director, along with senior representatives of Abhijeet Dies & Tools, attended the occasion.

The organisers sincerely thank Ms. Palak Sahni from the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), New Delhi, for joining the ceremony virtually and witnessing the formal signing of this significant India–Italy Joint Venture.

Representatives of Crescendo Worldwide, including Mrs. Jalpa Jadhav and Mr. Makrand Kolekar, are also associated with the partnership and attended the occasion.

Mr. Nikhil Raut, Director, Abhijeet Dies & Tools Pvt. Ltd., said, “This partnership is more than a business agreement. It brings together two companies, cultures and capabilities with a shared ambition to create something meaningful and long-lasting, built on trust, teamwork and mutual respect.”

He added, “The true success of Abhinevo will be measured by what our teams create together, the value we deliver to customers and the trust we build over the years ahead.” The JV intends to progressively serve Indian and international markets.

Mumbai, India, 28th September 2026 :   ESDS Software Solution Limited  unveiled Swaraj Sethu, The Unified DevSecOps Platform, engineered in India to bring the software delivery lifecycle together in a single, secure and governed workspace.

Designed for enterprises seeking greater control over their applications, infrastructure and data, Swaraj Sethu brings source control, CI/CD, Kubernetes operations, infrastructure-as-code, configuration management, secrets management, observability and security into one platform.

Ready for deployment, Swaraj Sethu expands the Swaraj ecosystem with a unified DevSecOps platform, complementing Swaraj Cloud, ESDS’s AI Autonomous Architect Cloud Platform, across the software development and delivery lifecycle.

One platform across the DevSecOps lifecycle

Enterprise technology teams operate across multiple environments for development, deployment, infrastructure, monitoring and security. Managing these fragmented environments can create complexity across access management, integrations, governance and day-to-day operations.

Swaraj Sethu brings these capabilities together through a unified workspace, enabling teams to manage application delivery and infrastructure operations through a common platform.

The platform combines source control and CI/CD, multi-cluster Kubernetes operations, infrastructure-as-code, configuration automation, log management, metrics and observability, along with integrated security controls.

Built for enterprise environments, Sethu supports multi-tenancy, granular role-based access, context switching across tenants and environments, single sign-on, secrets management and comprehensive audit trails. With 88+ granular RBAC permissions, organisations can establish precise access controls across teams, projects and operational environments.

Security is embedded across the delivery lifecycle through capabilities including vulnerability scanning, container image signing, software bill of materials generation and infrastructure-as-code security scanning.

Built for regulated and security-sensitive environments

Swaraj Sethu has been designed with the security, governance and data-residency requirements of regulated enterprises at its core.

The platform is designed to support enterprise compliance requirements and is backed by ESDS’s established ISO-certified operational and security environment, providing a strong foundation for organisations operating in security-sensitive and regulated sectors.

Its provider-agnostic architecture also enables deployment across geographies, making Sethu relevant to enterprises where data residency, security, infrastructure control and operational governance are strategic priorities.

“The world is entering a multi-trillion-dollar technology investment cycle driven by AI, with global AI spending projected to reach US$4.7 trillion by 2029 . AI infrastructure alone is expected to become a trillion-dollar market by the end of the decade, as countries invest aggressively in GPUs, accelerated computing, AI factories and next-generation data centres - the physical infrastructure powering this transformation.

India is moving decisively in the same direction, with over US$200 billion in AI investments expected over the next two years and national AI compute capacity expanding rapidly.

AI is transforming the other side of the equation just as rapidly: the speed and scale at which software is created . The applications, agents and digital services created on top of this infrastructure will need to be built, secured, deployed and governed at unprecedented speed. The systems that take software from development to production cannot remain fragmented. 

This is the larger thinking behind SWARAJ Sethu – A unified DevSecOps platform . As software development accelerates, the DevSecOps layer must evolve from fragmented toolchains into a unified engineering environment built for greater speed, security and control. SWARAJ Sethu is our development to this transition, bringing source control, CI/CD, Kubernetes operations, infrastructure as code, configuration management, observability, security and governance together on one unified platform.

SWARAJ Sethu also becomes part of the larger SWARAJ Cloud ecosystem we have built, which now brings together 52+ services spanning cloud, compute, AI, security, operations and enterprise technology.

As India builds AI-ready infrastructure and high-performance compute at scale, it must simultaneously build the sovereign platforms required to turn that compute into production-scale innovation. SWARAJ Sethu is another step towards building that complete technology ecosystem for India.”

Piyush Somani, Managing Director & Chairman, ESDS Software Solution Limited

Extending the Swaraj ecosystem

Swaraj Sethu integrates natively with Swaraj Cloud, enabling enterprises to connect their cloud infrastructure with DevSecOps operations within the Swaraj ecosystem.

Single sign-on, user provisioning, project linking and role synchronisation enable a connected experience for Swaraj Cloud customers, with further integration capabilities planned across the platform.

The integration creates a common technology environment for managing infrastructure and software delivery.

“ Digital sovereignty is emerging as one of the defining priorities of the technology era. The shift towards sovereign platforms increasingly reflects a fundamental priority for enterprises - putting control over their data and digital environments back at the centre of their technology strategy.

SWARAJ Sethu - A unified DevSecOps platform , is built around this larger thinking. By bringing the DevSecOps stack together on one platform, SWARAJ Sethu addresses the fragmentation created by multiple tools while strengthening the larger SWARAJ Cloud ecosystem we have built. It extends the principles of integration and control deeper into the software lifecycle.

SWARAJ Sethu becomes an important addition to our growing IT ecosystem. With 52+ services across the ecosystem, we have created an integrated, indigenous technology environment that gives organisations greater freedom to innovate while retaining greater control over their digital operations. For us, sovereign technology is ultimately about that balance - enabling innovation without giving away the control that should remain with the organisation.”

Komal Somani, Whole Time Director, ESDS Software Solution Limited

Swaraj Sethu is available through two deployment models.

The self-hosted Product deployment enables regulated enterprises, including organisations across BFSI, government, PSUs and other sensitive sectors, to run the platform on customer-managed Kubernetes infrastructure, including isolated and air-gapped environments.

The SaaS deployment through Swaraj Cloud enables enterprises to access Sethu through ESDS-managed infrastructure as part of the Swaraj ecosystem.

India will remain the initial go-to-market focus, while the platform’s provider-agnostic architecture provides the foundation to address enterprises in other regulated markets with similar data-residency and compliance requirements.

Swaraj Sethu is The Unified DevSecOps Platform engineered by ESDS Software Solution Limited in India. It brings software development, CI/CD, Kubernetes operations, infrastructure-as-code, configuration management, observability, secrets management and security into a unified workspace.

Designed for enterprise and regulated environments, Swaraj Sethu combines multi-tenancy, granular access controls, context switching, security capabilities and auditability with deployment flexibility across customer-managed infrastructure and Swaraj Cloud.
 

About ESDS Software Solution Limited

ESDS Software Solution Limited is an India-based AI-enabled Cloud & End-to-End IT Service Provider. The Company delivers cloud services, dedicated hosting, disaster recovery, AI factories, DevSecOps, managed services and cybersecurity solutions to enterprises, BFSI institutions, government organisations and public-sector customers.

Headquartered in Nashik, Maharashtra, ESDS operates Tier-III data-centre infrastructure and offers Swaraj Cloud, its AI Autonomous Architect Cloud Platform, alongside a portfolio of enterprise technology and managed-services solutions.

For more information, visit www.esds.co.in.

Noida, 28 September, 2026 : Education company PhysicsWallah(PW) today announced PW Shiksha Mahotsav, a special three-day event dedicated to making quality learning resources more accessible to students. The inaugural edition will be held from 1st to 4th October 2026 on the PW Store, offering a wide array of PW books at the lowest prices of the year, with discounts of up to 98% and prices starting at ₹9, ₹29, ₹49.

PW Shiksha Mahotsav will bring together books across key exam categories including JEE, NEET, UPSC, SSC, Banking, GATE, Railway and other competitive exams. This gives students and parents the chance to buy essential study material required for preparation at deeply discounted rates.

Going beyond a regular online sale, PW Shiksha Mahotsav transforms the PW studio into a live, multi-category “Shiksha Mela”. Category-specific stalls will showcase books, deals and live interactions, all integrated into the PW Store, so students can explore, engage and shop in one seamless experience. This marks the first-of-its-kind, student-first education festival that students and parents can look forward to every year.

Talking about the launch, Pankaj Sijairya - Chief Content Officer, PhysicsWallah(PW), said,” PW Shiksha Mahotsav is our way of enabling access to our learning resources, ensuring students can avail the books they need to prepare without barriers. Cost should never stand between a student and their dreams, which is why we’ve built this event covering significant exam categories so that quality study material remains within reach for everyone. Beyond an online sale, this serves as an education festival where students can engage with deals, interactions and content across all major exam categories.”

At its core, PW Shiksha Mahotsav is about standing with students on their journey and helping them focus on what truly matters, that is, learning, growing and achieving their goals. Students and parents can explore the full range of offers and category-wise deals on the PW Store during the event.

To know more about PW Shiksha Mahotsav and avail discounts, visit: https://store.pw.live/shiksha-mahotsav

About PhysicsWallah Limited (PW)

PhysicsWallah Limited (PW), an education platform, was founded in 2020 by Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari. Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, PW aims to facilitate education through online, offline, and hybrid platforms. Initially launched as a YouTube channel in 2014, PW now offers education to students through its native app, tech-enabled offline and hybrid centers, and YouTube channels. PW’s offerings span various educational segments, including test preparation, a skilling vertical, coaching for higher education, and facilitating education abroad, with programs available in multiple vernacular languages. PhysicsWallah Limited was listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and BSE Limited (Bombay Stock Exchange) on November 18, 2025.

ISB Hyderabad and SCMHRD (Symbiosis) conduct special sessions; IIM Ahmedabad alumni decode the changing landscape of MBA and the CAT exam

Jaipur: Surepath Edtech successfully organised the Go MBA Summit on Saturday, 26 September, at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. The one-day summit was attended by more than 450 students, with around 30 MBA colleges from across the country participating to counsel and guide aspirants on a wide range of MBA programmes and career pathways.

A key highlight of the summit was the special sessions conducted by two of India's premier business schools, the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, and the Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD). The sessions gave students first-hand insight into admission processes, programme structures and the career opportunities these institutions offer.

Several expert trainers for MBA entrance examinations were also invited to speak on the various sections of CAT and other management entrance tests, sharing preparation strategies, time-management techniques and practical tips to help students approach the exams with confidence. The session by CAT trainer Mr. Nikhil Sharma was the most appreciated by students, who found his approach to the exam especially practical and insightful.

IIM Ahmedabad alumni Mr. Dhruva Sareen and Mr. Rajeev Roy addressed the gathering on the changing scenario of MBA education and the evolving pattern of the CAT exam, helping students understand what today's leading B-schools and recruiters look for.

Senior business leaders such as Mr. V.M. Bansal former IAS officer, also interacted with the students, sharing his experiences and perspectives on the various aspects of success in academics, careers and life.

English Language trainer from Surepath Nikhil Sharma and his session was the most appreciated by students. Students found his approach practical and insightful. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kapil Dixit, Founder, Surepath Edtech, said, “Such sessions are conducted to give the students of Jaipur city exposure to leading institutions and experts, and to create awareness about the various courses available to them. Our aim is to help young aspirants make informed decisions about their higher education and careers.”

The summit received an enthusiastic response from students and parents alike, reflecting the growing interest in management education among the youth of Jaipur and Rajasthan.

Sharmila, bearing USN: 1KN22CD052, has earned one of the university's top ranks through outstanding academic performance, adding another milestone to KNSIT's growing legacy of excellence in engineering education.

A moment of pride for KNSIT

The institution congratulated Sharmila on her exceptional accomplishment, with the Management, Principal, Head of Department, and faculty extending their best wishes for her future endeavors. The achievement reflects the dedication of both the student and the academic ecosystem that nurtures excellence at KNSIT.

"Your hard work builds a brighter future." — KNS Institute of Technology

About KNSIT

K.N.S. Institute of Technology is a NAAC A Grade accredited engineering institution in Bengaluru, recognized for its commitment to knowledge, skills, and academic excellence. The university rank secured by Sharmila A stands as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and reinforces KNSIT's vision of developing future-ready professionals.

Congratulations to Ms. Sharmila A on this outstanding achievement!

Colombo, Sri Lanka | 28 September 2026 : The inaugural WedTalks Forum by Platinum World Grroup (PWG), concluded in Colombo following a six-day FAM programme that brought leading wedding industry professionals from India and the UAE to experience Sri Lanka's hospitality, destinations and potential as an international wedding and celebrations market.

Building on the conversations, industry insights and destination experiences generated through the Forum and FAM programme, PWG has developed a strategic White Paper titled “Elevating Sri Lanka as a Global Destination for Weddings & Celebrations.” The five-year proposal outlines a potential public-private framework to strengthen Sri Lanka's international wedding tourism ecosystem and target approximately 300–400 qualifying international weddings and celebrations annually that would add USD 125-150 Mn to the Sri Lanka economy, as the market matures.

The White Paper will be presented by Sushill Waddhwa, Founder & CMD, Platinum World Grroup, along with Ajai Vir Singh, Founder of Colombo Fashion  Week, to Hon. Governor Hanif Yusoof and subsequently shared with relevant Government and tourism stakeholders for discussion on potential implementation.

“WedTalks was created to turn conversations into business and destinations into opportunities. The Forum and FAM have allowed international planners to experience Sri Lanka first-hand and engage directly with its hospitality and destination ecosystem. We have now taken those insights and converted them into a practical five-year roadmap. Our next step is to present it to the Government and work with the relevant stakeholders to explore how this opportunity can be developed for Sri Lanka,” said Sushill Waddhwa, Founder & CMD, Platinum World Grroup

“Sri Lanka presents an extraordinary opportunity to create unforgettable wedding experiences. The strong growth we are seeing from the Indian wedding market demonstrates the potential of this sector. I congratulate Mr. Sushill Waddhwa on the debut of WedTalks Forum by Platinum World Grroup and for bringing this conversation to Colombo Fashion Week and Sri Lanka, creating a platform that connects creativity, design, hospitality and destination tourism.”
— Hon. Governor Hanif Yusoof

From Industry Dialogue to a Destination Roadmap

The proposed framework focuses on international market development, recurring FAM programmes, planner mobilisation, destination readiness, India and GCC market activation, improved facilitation for large celebrations, local supplier participation and measurable mechanisms to track wedding business, room nights, visitor spend and wider economic impact.

The initiative builds on the inaugural WedTalks Forum by Platinum World Grroup at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Colombo, presented alongside Colombo Fashion Week, and the accompanying FAM programme, which included experiences and engagements with leading hospitality partners including Shangri-La Colombo, Shangri-La Hambantota, Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa, Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort and Cinnamon Bentota Beach with Aitken Spence Travels supporting travel logistics.

“Colombo has demonstrated how fashion can become a powerful platform for the wedding industry and destination tourism. WedTalks has created an important bridge between these two worlds and brought international wedding professionals into the Sri Lankan ecosystem,” said Ajai Vir Singh, Founder, Colombo Fashion Week.

“Hosting WedTalks has provided an opportunity to showcase Colombo and Sri Lanka to an international community of planners and industry leaders. The combination of fashion, weddings and hospitality creates a compelling platform for the destination,” said Kamal Munasinghe, SVP – Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams.

WedTalks Forum's long-term vision is to take this model to other international Fashion Weeks, Bridal Fashion Weeks and Film Festivals, connecting global wedding demand with hotels, destinations, policymakers, fashion and Wedding Industry leaders.

The next phase will see PWG present its White Paper to the Government and engage with relevant stakeholders on the opportunities, priorities and potential implementation framework outlined in the proposal.

ENDS

Media & Business Enquiries

Platinum World Grroup
Email: info@platinumworld.net
WhatsApp: +91 98339 02290
Website: www.platinumworld.net

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 28th September 2026: Shrimathi Devkunvar Nanalal Bhatt (SDNB) Vaishnav College for Women, as it celebrates its 59th year, has launched its Agentic AI Campus initiative, becoming the first college in Tamil Nadu to adopt Gemini Enterprise alongside Digital Campus on Google Cloud – Agentic Premier Tier. The initiative was launched at an event held at the college on Wednesday, 23rd September 2026, marking a step towards building an AI-first campus and preparing students and faculty for an evolving workplace.

The occasion included the formal handover of the certificate to Nimish Tolia, Secretary and Managing Trustee, SDNB Vaishnav College for Women, by Navisha Prabhakar, Regional Head – Education, South & West, Google Cloud, in the presence of Arun Kumar, Director, Ankercloud; Vineet Parameswaran, Country Head – Strategic Partnerships, Google Cloud; Satyen Makhija, Partner – Engineering, AI & Data, Deloitte; Deb Banerjee, Partner, Deloitte; Kamlesh Vyas, Partner, Deloitte; Tarun R. Kodnani, DoyenAI; and Dr. K. Kanthimathi, Principal, SDNB Vaishnav College for Women.

The initiative aims to equip students and faculty with practical AI skills that can support teaching, learning, academic exploration and career readiness. It comes as higher education institutions increasingly explore how artificial intelligence can be integrated into education while preparing students for an evolving workplace.

Gemini Enterprise is Google Cloud’s AI platform for organisations, enabling users to access information across connected institutional resources, work with an AI assistant and use AI agents to support tasks and workflows. These agents can assist with multi-step activities, extending the use of AI beyond simply answering questions.

Nimish Tolia, Secretary and Managing Trustee, SDNB Vaishnav College for Women, said: As the SDNB Vaishnav College celebrates its 59th year, we are proud to begin our next institutional journey towards building an AI-first campus. We have always evolved with the times while remaining committed to empowering women through education. Today, we are embracing AI as an enabler of learning, innovation and opportunity. For us, an AI-first campus is not about replacing human intelligence, but about amplifying human potential. We want our faculty to teach with AI, our students to think critically with AI, and our institution to use AI to strengthen education, industry connections and administration. Our aim is to prepare our students not just to use the technology of the future, but to have the confidence to shape it. With this initiative, in collaboration with Google, Deloitte and Ankercloud, we hope to build a strong ecosystem and establish SDNB Vaishnav College as a centre of excellence in AI.”

Navisha Prabhakar, Regional Head – Education, South & West, Google Cloud, added: “We are delighted to partner with SDNB Vaishnav College for Women as it takes its first step towards becoming an AI-first campus. This is more than a technology programme; it is about preparing students and faculty for a future where AI will play an important role in education and the workplace. SDNB Vaishnav College has a strong legacy of empowering women through education, and we are happy to support the next step of empowering them through AI. Through this initiative, students and faculty will have opportunities to use AI for learning, teaching, research and innovation. We hope to help students move beyond being AI users and become confident AI builders and innovators. We congratulate the entire SDNB family on this important milestone and look forward to supporting them on this journey.”

Satyen Makhija, Partner – Engineering, AI & Data, Deloitte, said: “This initiative by SDNB Vaishnav College for Women will help drive the democratisation of AI across students, faculty, administrative staff and ecosystem partners. In addition, Deloitte is delivering hackathons and AI enablement programmes for students to upskill them, thereby preparing them for the workplace of the future.”

Vineet Parameswaran, Country Head – Strategic Partnerships, Google Cloud, said: “We are on the cusp of the Fourth Industrial Revolution powered by AI. Today, AI presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for students, faculty and administrators to be a part of this change, in keeping with the Hon. PM’s Viksit Bharat vision. As the College increasingly looks to leverage AI to drive innovation, improve student success and optimise campus operations, the Deloitte and Google partnership together provides a secure, scalable and future-ready platform to support these strategic goals.”

Arun Kumar, Director, Ankercloud, added: "As a Premier Google Cloud Partner, Ankercloud is proud to join hands with Deloitte to bring this initiative to life at SDNB Vaishnav College for Women. Empowering women with AI skills is key to building an inclusive, future-ready workforce. From deploying the platform to training students and faculty, we are committed to equipping every woman on this campus to lead, innovate and shape the AI-powered future of Viksit Bharat."

At SDNB Vaishnav College for Women, the initiative will explore potential applications of AI in areas such as preparing learning materials, supporting academic research and exploration, helping students understand concepts, and assisting with routine administrative activities. The implementation will be aligned with the institution’s academic priorities and responsible-use practices.

A key focus of the initiative is to encourage greater participation of women in an increasingly AI-driven economy. By providing students across disciplines with opportunities to engage with emerging technologies, the college aims to build confidence and develop skills relevant to employment, higher education and entrepreneurship. Faculty enablement and hands-on exploration will also form an important part of the initiative, helping identify practical applications of AI within the academic environment. The adoption will emphasise responsible use and academic integrity, encouraging students to critically evaluate AI-generated information and use AI as a tool to strengthen their own learning and understanding.

As part of the initiative, SDNB Vaishnav College for Women has partnered with Deloitte, Ankercloud and DoyenAI for consulting, technology and adoption support.

For More Information:
Address: SDNB Vaishnav College for Women, Vaishnava College Road, Shanthi Nagar, Chromepet, Chennai, 600 044
Website: www.sdnbvc.edu.in

Mumbai, India – September 28, 2026 : Pocket HRMS, a leading AI-powered HRMS and payroll software in India, has been recognised as an ‘Aspirant’ in Everest Group's Human Capital Management (HCM) Platforms Mid-market PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2026, available at https://www.everestgrp.com/report/egr-2026-24-r-8424/

Everest Group's PEAK Matrix® is a research framework that rates HCM providers on two things: market impact, which measures the impact a provider creates in the market, and vision and capability, which measures its ability to deliver products successfully. The 2026 mid-market assessment covers 23 HCM platform providers from around the world, with only a handful of Indian solutions.

For Pocket HRMS, this puts a platform designed around Indian SMEs’ workforce and compliance needs on the same global benchmark as some of the largest names in HCM.

"Being assessed by Everest Group next to global HCM leaders is an important milestone for us," said Jitendra Somani, co-founder of Pocket HRMS. He added, "Indian businesses deal with payroll and compliance rules that change often and differ from state to state. We built Pocket HRMS to handle that out of the box, so HR teams spend less time on manual work and more time on their people. This assessment gives us an independent benchmark and a clear view of where we need to grow next."

Built for India's mid-market

Mid-sized companies in India are growing fast, across several states and legal entities. They need robust payroll software and compliance tools without the cost and long rollouts of large enterprise suites. Pocket HRMS was developed to cater to these organisations. The platform covers the entire employee lifecycle with:

Reflecting on his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and his continuing community work, Sood shared lessons from working directly with people in need of support. He encouraged students to understand the needs around them and find their own ways of giving back to society.

Actor and humanitarian Sonu Sood at Galgotias University during his visit for the Rotaract Club’s Installation and Pinning Ceremony and App Fair 2026

Speaking about his experience at Galgotias University and the opportunities available to its students, Sood said, “I would have loved to study at a university like Galgotias.” He also participated in a fireside chat with students.

The ceremony marked the transition to the Rotaract Club’s leadership for 2026–27, with the outgoing team handing over responsibilities to the incoming leadership. The programme included the Four-Way Test, Change of Guard and Collaring Ceremony, oath-taking, and installation of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Sonu Sood’s work during COVID and his continued engagement with communities since then gives students a powerful example of service in action. Through Rotaract, our students have an opportunity to step outside the classroom, understand the needs around them and contribute in ways that are practical and sustained.”

The newly installed team will lead the Club’s activities and community-service initiatives for the 2026-27 term.

Sonu Sood Interacts with Student Developers at App Fair 2026

Following the ceremony, Sood visited the iOS Development Centre at Galgotias University, where App Fair 2026 showcased student-developed applications. He viewed live demonstrations and spoke with students about the ideas behind their apps, their development journeys and the problems they aimed to solve.

The showcase builds on the University’s iOS Student Developer Program, powered by Apple and Infosys. According to the University, students across three cohorts have launched 84 applications on the App Store, with more than 20 additional apps in development and three student-led startups emerging from the programme.

Apple has also featured Galgotias University on its global website, apple.co/galgotias, highlighting how students turn ideas into working applications through practical learning, faculty guidance and industry mentorship. The feature includes student developer Sharon Bruce and her app, Artistica, alongside insights from Dr. Dhruv Galgotia on preparing students for a changing technology landscape.

In a separate student story, Apple highlights Galgotias student Karan Kumar’s journey in developing Sakhi, a women’s health app. These stories reflect how students are applying technology to needs they recognise in everyday life, connecting with the spirit of community service at the heart of Sood’s visit.

Watch the Apple feature: apple.co/galgotias

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact.

In the QS World University Rankings 2027 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 16th among private universities and 46th among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings.

Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,500 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, IBM, Accenture, Microsoft and byteXL, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.

Mysuru, 28 September : Vega Group, a real estate development company focused on thoughtfully planned spaces, has announced the launch of Vega Adonia, a premium plotted development in Vijayanagar, Mysuru, conceived as an exclusive, low-density residential enclave that brings together considered urban planning, premium detailing and lifestyle-oriented amenities for homebuyers and long-term investors seeking a well-connected address in the city.

Located in Vijayanagar 4th Stage, Vega Adonia has been designed as more than a conventional plotted development, comprising 30 premium villa plots across two exclusive phases, with an emphasis on spacious movement, landscaped open areas, pedestrian-friendly pathways and community-oriented spaces that collectively shape a more intentional way of living.

The project is MUDA and RERA approved, with RERA registration number PRM/KA/RERA/1268/378/PR/181025/008183, offering buyers greater transparency and regulatory assurance.

Speaking about the launch, A.V. Sachin Raju ,Director – Finance & Legal, Vega Group said, “With Vega Adonia, our intention was to move beyond the traditional idea of plotted development and create a community where planning, design and everyday living come together. Mysuru is evolving rapidly while retaining its character and quality of life, and we believe the city needs developments that respond to this growth without compromising on thoughtful planning. Vega Adonia has been designed around this philosophy offering residents the flexibility to create their own homes within a carefully planned and low-density community.”

Designed around the way people live, Vega Adonia’s master planning places emphasis on a hierarchy of roads and pedestrian movement, with 9.15-metre and 12-metre driveways, dedicated pedestrian pathways and landscaped areas integrated across the development. A premium entrance portal with controlled access, accent paving, curated planting and green pockets further define a distinct sense of arrival, while the overall layout prioritises openness, movement and community interaction.

The development also incorporates a range of lifestyle and community amenities, including a landscaped courtyard, jogging track, pedestrian promenades, children’s play area, meditation corner, senior citizen space, party lawn, barbecue area, skating rink and multipurpose court, creating multiple touchpoints for recreation, wellness and social engagement within the community.

With underground utilities and drainage, LED lighting systems, controlled entry and 24/7 security infrastructure, Vega Adonia has been planned to combine aesthetics with the functional requirements of a contemporary residential community, ensuring both convenience and long-term resilience.

Situated in Vijayanagar, one of Mysuru’s established residential zones, Vega Adonia offers connectivity to key parts of the city, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, IT parks and the airport. As Mysuru continues to witness infrastructure development and growing interest from homebuyers and investors, the project is positioned to cater to those looking for the flexibility of building a customised home while benefiting from the structure and security of a gated community.

Unlike ready-built residences, plotted developments allow homeowners to determine the design, scale and functionality of their future homes according to evolving needs, and Vega Adonia brings this flexibility together with the advantages of professionally planned community infrastructure. In this context, A.V. Nitin Raju, Director- Designs & Development, Vega Group  added, “The idea behind Vega Adonia is rooted in creating lasting value through good planning and design. Every element from the road hierarchy and pedestrian promenades to the landscaped spaces and material palette has been considered to create an environment that feels premium without being excessive. We see this as a development that can grow with its residents and remain relevant for years to come.”

Vega Adonia reflects Vega Group’s broader approach to creating spaces that balance design, functionality, sustainability and long-term usability, incorporating premium materials such as granite, concrete and modular pavers, while its green pockets and pedestrian-oriented planning encourage a more community-focused way of living. For buyers, the project offers the opportunity to own a plot in a limited, gated community and eventually customize a home around their individual lifestyle, while for investors, its location, planned infrastructure and limited inventory position it as a proposition designed with long-term value in mind.

About Vega group:

The Vega Group is a Bengaluru-based diversified real estate development enterprise specializing in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects that seamlessly blend aesthetics, sustainability, and uncompromising quality. Founded in 2000 by Srinivas Raju, Nithin Raju, and Sachin Raju, the Group has consistently championed eco-conscious planning and community-centric design philosophies that place people and purpose at the heart of every development.

For more information contact:
Kannika Shembekar
8446650899 | kannika@moshimoshi.in
Website: https://vegagroups.com/

Gwalior, India, 28 September 2026 : The festive season arrives late this year. An extra lunar month has pushed Sharad Navratri to October 11 to 19, Durga Puja to October 17 to 19, Dussehra to October 20 and Diwali to Sunday, November 8, giving festive shoppers one of the longest run-ups in years.

iTokri.com, India's largest curated direct-to-consumer platform for handmade textiles and handicrafts, opens the season with its festive range organized by a principle it has held since 2012: the technique is the collection.

Where conventional festive retail groups products under labels like "festive wear" or "occasion wear," iTokri's shelves are named for the craft itself, and each one is stocked in depth. As of this release, the Bandhani shelf alone holds more than 3,000 pieces in stock, the Chanderi silk shelf more than 2,700, Kalamkari block printing more than 3,800, and the saree catalog more than 2,500, alongside dedicated in-stock ranges for Navratri jewellery and festive home decor. Every product page names the technique, the region, and the material.

The festive lineup runs on the crafts the calendar itself calls for:

● Bandhani, tied and dyed in Kutch, Saurashtra and Rajasthan, where artisans knot thousands of tiny points into the cloth before it touches the dye bath; a single stole can carry four to five thousand knots. Its colour-forward patterning belongs to Navratri's nine nights.

● Chanderi, the sheer silk-and-cotton weave from Chanderi town in Madhya Pradesh that old trade records praised as woven air; the classic proof of a fine Chanderi is that it passes through a ring. Suited to daytime pujas and functions where lightness matters.

● Jamdani, Bengal's fine figured weave, a sari of weddings and festivals that is kept and handed down rather than worn out. Durga Puja falls October 17 to 19 this year, and iTokri's dedicated Durga Puja saree shelf carries Jamdani and handwoven Bengal sarees alongside the pan-Indian festive range.

● Tussar, the wild silk led by Jharkhand's forest belts, its natural gold colour and slubbed texture the aesthetic identity of the fabric rather than a flaw. Its weight suits the evening events and winter weddings that follow Diwali.

● Kalamkari, from Andhra Pradesh in its two distinct traditions: hand-painted narrative cloth from Srikalahasti, and block-printed florals from Pedana. Festive gifting with a story literally drawn on the fabric.

● Chikankari, Lucknow's white-on-white hand embroidery, the quieter counterpoint for a season that does not always want brocade.

Banarasi, the canonical bridal brocade of Varanasi, for the wedding season that opens as the festive one closes.

"Festive shopping in India still defaults to 'something nice in silk.' We organize the season the other way around. When a customer shops for Navratri on iTokri, she finds Bandhani from Jetpur and Jamnagar, named as Bandhani, priced by the work in it. When Durga Puja comes, the Jamdani and handwoven sarees of Bengal are on their own Durga Puja shelf, not folded into a generic festive rack," said Nitin Pamnani, co-founder, iTokri.com. "The technique is the collection. That is what makes each piece different, and the artisan who made it is the designer, named on the page."

 The festive range is live now at itokri.com, with new products added through the season; the platform adds around 500 new products every week across its catalog of 100,000+ listings. For international festive gifting, iTokri advises ordering by around October 16 for the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe and Australia, and by around October 21 for the UAE, Singapore and Malaysia; domestic orders are advised by around November 2 for delivery before Diwali. Every order ships from Gwalior with a handwritten note, and the season runs, as everything at iTokri has since 2012, without a single price cut.

About iTokri.com

iTokri.com is India's largest curated D2C platform for authentic handmade textiles and handicrafts. Founded in 2012 by Nitin and Jia Pamnani in Gwalior, the platform works directly with 10,000+ artisan-creators across 500+ craft clusters, listing 100,000+ products spanning handwoven fabrics, block-printed textiles, sarees, dupattas, stoles, home textiles, and craft supplies. iTokri ships to 125+ countries and adds around 500 new products every week. The artisan is the designer.

Media Contact:

iTokri.com

Email: press@itokri.com

Website: https://itokri.com/

What happens when a University brings its young singers, dancers, actors, writers, artists and performers on to one common stage? At HSNC University, Mumbai, the answer is Yuvaantar 2026, the University's inaugural edition of Inter-Collegiate Youth Festival, set to bring together student talent from across its growing academic community on 2^nd & 3^rd October 2026.
 

Conceived as the University's flagship cultural festival, Yuvaantar is designed to be more than a competition. It seeks to create a shared cultural platform where students from different constituent institutions can meet, perform, create, collaborate and compete, while discovering possibilities beyond the classroom.
 

The festival comes at an important moment in HSNC University's own journey. Established in June 2020 through the coming together of three of South Mumbai’s premier colleges H.R. College, K.C College and Bombay Teachers’ Training College (BTTC), the University has, in six years, expanded its academic and institutional footprint. This year, five more colleges (R.D. National College, K.C Law College, Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, K M Kundnani College of Pharmacy and MMK College) joined the University, adding another dimension to an ecosystem that today spans eight professional Schools, a wide range of academic programmes and more than 14,000 students.
 

For HSNC University Vice Chancellor Col. Prof. Hemlata K. Bagla, who has recently also taken additional charge as Vice Chancellor, SNDT University, this expanding ecosystem must also create opportunities for students to express themselves beyond conventional academic spaces.
 

“When a student steps onto a stage, they are not stepping away from education; they are extending it. Every performance demands preparation, discipline, courage and collaboration, qualities that shape a young person long after the applause has ended. Yuvaantar is our way of giving that learning a stage, while celebrating the extraordinary creative energy within our University,” Dr. Bagla explained.
 

Yuvaantar brings together five broad areas of creative expression, Music, Dance, Literary Arts, Theatre and Fine Arts, giving students multiple avenues to showcase their abilities. From vocal and instrumental performance, classical and folk traditions, and literary expression to theatre, painting, poster making, clay modelling, installation and other visual forms, the festival is designed to reflect the diversity of student talent across the University.
 

The spirit of Yuvaantar is captured in its distinctive logo, where five vibrant, petal-like forms come together around a central youthful figure, a visual metaphor for talent taking shape, finding expression and coming together as one. Each form carries the visual language of one of the festival's five creative worlds: music, dance, theatre, literary arts and fine arts. At the centre, the young figure reaches upward, suggesting aspiration, movement and the transformation of potential into possibility, while the surrounding forms converge into a single whole, reflecting the festival's larger idea of bringing diverse talents and artistic expressions together on one University platform.
 

The logo's visual journey from the individual to the collective mirrors Yuvaantar itself: many talents, many forms of expression, one shared stage. The first curtain-raiser for the festival came on 14^th August 2026 at K.C. College during ‘Gauravam 2026’, the University's achievers' felicitation and ranking ceremony, where the grand announcement of Yuvaantar was made.
 

But the youth festival's larger ambition lies beyond the competition itself. Yuvaantar is intended to provide students with an experience of preparation, performance and participation, learning to work with others, respond to feedback, manage pressure, take creative risks and handle both success and disappointment with grace. The festival manual describes this as a space for “self-discovery, artistic exploration, collaboration, discipline and transformation.”
 

The festival also creates a pathway towards wider cultural platforms. Yuvaantar serves as the University's platform for identifying and nurturing students who may go on to represent HSNC University at the Maharashtra State Inter-University Youth Festival (Indradhanushya), subject to applicable eligibility requirements, University procedures and State Youth Festival rules.
 

For a State Public University that has grown rapidly in its academic and institutional reach, Yuvaantar also represents something less tangible but equally important: the opportunity to build a sense of belonging across campuses. A student who walks onto the stage as a representative of one constituent institution does so as part of a larger University community. In that sense, the festival brings together not only different art forms, but also different campuses, traditions, interests and ideas.
 

The name Yuvaantar itself captures that spirit, bringing together Yuva, associated with youth, vitality and potential, and Antar, signifying the inner self, creativity, imagination and transformation. The festival's tagline, “Transforming Young Talent into Cultural Excellence,” reflects its larger purpose: to give students the space to move from potential to performance, participation to confidence, and individual talent to collective cultural expression.
 

As the countdown to October begins, Yuvaantar is poised to put the University's young talent where it belongs, in the spotlight, on one stage and in front of an audience ready to see what they can create.
 

Press Relations- Ms. Maya M

PR Head, HSNC University, Mumbai

Email: maya.m@hsncu.edu.in

Phone: +91- 8655962503/ 04

Your Weekend OTT Binge with Dev Anand’s evergreen movies

Mumbai, 26 September 2026: Generations came and went, but the charm of Dev Anand has remained timeless. Ultra Play and Ultra Media and Entertainment are celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved and evergreen star Dev Anand, by showcasing his celebrated films on the occasion of his 103^rd Birth Anniversary on 26^th September.

On this occasion, audiences will get an opportunity to revisit the work of the legendary actor, producer and filmmaker. It is an attempt to introduce his distinctive acting style, unforgettable performances and musical legacy to the new generation of cinema connoisseurs.

The curated selection will include some of Dev Anand’s most iconic films, like Asli Naqli, Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Guide, CID, Hum Dono, Jaali Note, Manzil, The Return of the Jewel Thief, Taxi Driver, Warrant and Baarish.

Mr. Sushilkumar Agrawal, Founder & CEO, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, said “Dev Anand was more than an evergreen star; he represented a spirit of youth, style and storytelling that continues to connect with audiences even today. This is an excellent opportunity for his fans to create new memories with the classic Dev Anand movies and for a new generation to discover the magic of his cinemas.

Movies like Guide (1965), which is widely regarded as one of Dev Anand’s most memorable performances, follows Raju, a tourist guide whose life takes an unexpected journey through love, ambition, failure and redemption. The film Its music, storytelling and performances have ensured its place among the most remembered films of Hindi cinema.

The Return of Jewel Thief (1967) brings together mystery, glamour and suspense, with Dev Anand in one of his most stylish screen appearances. From its iconic music to its intricate plot, the film remains a celebrated example of the sophisticated thrillers of its era.

CID (1956) showcased Dev Anand in a crime thriller that combined suspense, romance and memorable music. The film also became an important milestone in the actor’s career and remains closely associated with the stylish noir-inspired cinema of the 1950s.

Taxi Driver (1954), is a prominent examples of the early years of Dev Anand’s career, when his distinctive screen personality began establishing him as one of Hindi cinema’s leading stars.

Hum Dono (1961), is a 1961 film produced by Dev Anand. The film is set in India during the period of World War II, where he plays a happy go lucky guy who gets posted in Burma during World War II, where he meets Major Verma who is his lookalike.  It is a emotional roller coaster, which take the viewers on a ride through human emotions and the impact war has on the psychology.

Beyond acting, Dev Anand’s contribution extended to filmmaking and production. Through his production house, he helped create a body of work that encouraged experimentation and introduced new voices and perspectives to Hindi cinema.

Pune, September 26, 2026: Filmmaker and screenwriter Yogesh Deshpande has been honoured with the National Film Award for Best Screenplay (Adapted) for the feature Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke at the 72nd National Film Awards. The award was presented by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.

The recognition marks a significant milestone in Yogesh’s filmmaking journey, acknowledging his screenplay for the musical biographical film based on the life and legacy of legendary musician Sudhir Phadke. 

Speaking about the recognition, Yogesh Deshpande said, “Receiving the National Film Award for Best Screenplay is an honour that is difficult to put into words. Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke was a deeply meaningful journey, because telling the story of an artist of Sudhir Phadke’s stature came with both responsibility and immense creative opportunity. This award is a recognition of the collective effort behind the film and of the power of stories rooted in our culture and artistic legacy. I am deeply grateful to everyone who trusted me with this story and supported its journey.”

Yogesh’s journey to this national recognition has been shaped by over two decades of work across advertising and cinema. Beginning his career in advertising in 2000, he has written and directed over 100 ad films, developing a strong foundation in visual storytelling and brand communication. He is also the founder of RedefineZ Productions, a Pune-based production house.

He transitioned into feature filmmaking with 66 Sadashiv, before taking on the ambitious musical biopic Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke. The film was noted for its musical authenticity, featuring original songs recorded by legendary voices including Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosale, Sudhir Phadke and Kishore Kumar. It was released across five countries and received critical acclaim and international recognition.

The National Film Award comes at an important point in Yogesh’s career as he prepares for his upcoming Marathi directorial feature ‘Thumbz Up’. Currently in pre-production, the film is set against the landscapes of Konkan and explores the human impact of the digital divide through a strong female protagonist. The project represents the next step in Yogesh’s creative journey, which continues to bring together culturally rooted storytelling, contemporary themes and an emphasis on human emotion.

With the National Film Award for Best Screenplay, Yogesh’s journey from advertising to cinema gains a significant national milestone, further establishing his voice as a filmmaker committed to stories that connect cultural identity with contemporary audiences.

Prof. Dr. Jaran Maluleem, Vice President for International Affairs, Krirk University, signed the LOI on behalf of the Bangkok-based institution.

The two universities intend to explore joint and collaborative academic programmes, curriculum development, and knowledge exchange. Proposed research cooperation includes joint initiatives, collaborative publications, and access to shared research facilities. Student exchange, credit transfer, faculty training, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership development are also identified as potential areas of collaboration.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University said, “Our engagement with Krirk University strengthens our connections with Thailand and builds on the academic relationships we are developing across Japan, Vietnam, France, and the United Kingdom. We want these relationships to translate into wider access to global classrooms, shared research, and experiences that prepare our students to contribute confidently across cultures.”

The Thailand engagement follows significant developments in Galgotias University’s ties with Japan. The University recently hosted a 200-member delegation from Yamanashi Prefecture, led by Governor Kotaro Nagasaki. The visit included an MoU with the Yamanashi Prefectural Government and an LOI with the University of Yamanashi, establishing a foundation for cooperation in talent mobility and clean-energy research. Discussions explored green hydrogen, student and researcher exchanges, healthcare education, and workforce development.

In Vietnam, Galgotias University has strengthened its engagement with UEF (Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance) and HUTECH (Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology). Engagement with UEF has highlighted shared interests in innovation, applied research, and faculty development, while the MoU with HUTECH provides a foundation for student and faculty exchange, joint research, and stronger industry connections.

In France, the University’s engagement with YNOV Campus supports international study opportunities through Indo–French dual-campus master’s programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Computer Science. These programmes are structured around one year at Galgotias University in India and one year at YNOV Campus in France, connecting specialised technical education with international academic experience.

The University’s international engagement also extends to Girton College, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Under an MoU between Galgotias University and Girton College, 16 Galgotias students were selected for a two-week summer programme focused on Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship in 2026, with their participation fully sponsored by Galgotias University. The initiative demonstrates how institutional relationships can translate into supported international learning opportunities for students.

Together, these engagements connect student mobility, faculty development, applied research, and specialised study across different academic environments. The LOI with Krirk University extends this engagement in Southeast Asia and creates a basis for the two institutions to identify shared priorities and develop mutually agreed activities.

The summit also featured the felicitation of Mr. Bahl by ET in recognition of his contribution to the healthcare industry. He was presented with a memento as a mark of appreciation.

A notable highlight of the event was Mr. Bahl’s interaction with Mr. Sonam Wangchuk , along with several other distinguished personalities from diverse fields. The conversations provided an opportunity for meaningful exchange of ideas and perspectives beyond the healthcare sector.

Mr. Bahl’s participation in the ET Healthcare Leaders’ Summit 2026 as a Jury Member and his role in recognising excellence across 20 nominations marked a significant professional engagement, bringing together his extensive healthcare experience with a platform dedicated to acknowledging leadership and contribution in the industry.

Urbanland Products LLP has successfully delivered a premium outdoor chair and table set for a resort in Goa, strengthening its claim as a complete outdoor solutions partner rather than a conventional furniture manufacturer. The installation was designed to blend with the resort’s relaxed yet sophisticated hospitality setting, combining visual appeal with the durability required for heat, humidity, rain and coastal exposure. From design and material selection through manufacturing, delivery and installation, the company handled the assignment as one integrated project.

The work came with a clear commercial constraint. The client wanted a premium outdoor look on a tight budget, which forced a careful conversation on materials rather than a simple cut in specification. Urbanland recommended aluminium over cheaper alternatives, arguing that a lower-cost option might look similar on day one but would not hold its finish, strength or outdoor performance over time. That approach produced a set that looked premium, suited the resort environment and was built for long-term use. For the company, the exercise underlined a simple idea: value engineering is not about reducing cost for its own sake, but about finding the right solution within the client’s vision without compromising the final outcome.

The delivery has also sharpened Urbanland’s reading of Goa as a market. With a dense cluster of resorts, hotels, cafés, restaurants and other hospitality businesses, the state offers substantial room for quality outdoor furniture made for Indian conditions. Commenting on the project, Raj Shekhar, Founder and Managing Director said, “This Goa project will definitely open new windows for us. Goa is a huge market with a dense concentration of resorts, hotels, cafés, restaurants and hospitality businesses that need quality outdoor furniture built for Indian conditions. We have already been received well in Maharashtra. With this delivery, Goa begins a new chapter for Urbanland. Value engineering, for us, is not about simply cutting cost. It is about finding the right solution within the client’s vision without compromising the final outcome.”

That chapter sits inside a wider offering. Urbanland supplies seating, planters, pergolas, gazebos, shelters, poolside furniture, dustbins and bollards, supported by CAD drawings, specifications, material guidance and on-site execution. Its materials; WPC, aluminium and galvanised steel, are chosen for demanding outdoor environments. The Goa resort project is therefore both a completed delivery and a statement of intent: designed in India, made for the outdoors, and built for lasting experiences.

Mumbai, 24 September 2026 : IDFC FIRST Bank has completed the integration of its payment gateway for Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) collections, enabling taxpayers across India to pay Direct Taxes through multiple digital and physical channels.

To make Direct Tax payments simple and convenient, taxpayers can choose from multiple payment options, including UPI, credit cards, debit cards, and IDFC FIRST Bank's Retail and Corporate Internet Banking platforms. Those who prefer offline payments can visit any IDFC FIRST Bank branch and pay via cheque, demand draft, or cash. Additionally, customers of other banks can also make Direct Tax payments seamlessly through IDFC FIRST Bank's payment gateway, using the internet banking facilities of their respective banks

The integration is designed to make tax payments simpler and more convenient for taxpayers, irrespective of their banking relationship. Customers can also easily access and download challans and payment confirmations.

Mr. Shirish Bhandari, Head - Retail Liabilities, Cards & Payments, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, "Customers today expect flexibility and choice in how they make payments. With this integration, taxpayers can use their preferred payment mode- whether UPI, internet banking, debit cards or credit cards,  through a secure and seamless platform. This is another step in our commitment to building customer-friendly digital banking solutions."

As one of the private sector banks authorised to collect Direct Tax payments on behalf of CBDT, IDFC FIRST Bank continues to strengthen its digital payments infrastructure and provide banking solutions that support the evolving needs of individuals and businesses.

Steps to pay Direct Taxes through IDFC FIRST Bank:

1. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal: Income Tax e-Filing Portal

2. Create a challan and select "Payment Gateway"

3. Choose IDFC FIRST Bank as the payment option

4. Select the preferred payment mode, such as UPI, Credit Card, Debit Card, or Internet Banking, and complete the payment

5. Download or print the paid challan for future reference

For more information, visit IDFC FIRST Bank Tax Payment Services

About the Bank

1. Vision: To build a world-class Bank in India, founded with principles of Ethical, Digital, and Social Good Banking.

2. Scale: IDFC FIRST Bank is one of India’s fast-growing private banks, building its UI, UX, and tech stack like a fintech. As of June 30, 2026, the Bank has a customer business of Rs. 6,04,776 crore including deposits and loans, with YoY growth of around 20%.

3. Scope: We are a universal Bank offering complete range of services, including Retail, MSME, Rural, Startups, Corporate Banking, Cash Management, Credit Cards, Wealth Management, Deposits, Government Banking, Working Capital, Trade Finance, and Treasury solutions.

4. Ethical Banking: We are committed to doing right even when customers are not watching. We have simplified descriptions, calculations, and legal jargon to avoid confusing customers.

5. Digital Banking: The Bank's modern technology stack delivers high-quality services across all channels like mobile, branch, internet banking, call centers and relationship managers. Built on cloud-native, API-led, microservices architecture, supported with data, analytics, AI, and fine aesthetics, we strive to deliver fintech-grade experiences on banking platform.

7. Social Good: We have served over 40 million customers in inclusive banking, including 3.6 million women entrepreneurs, 7.5 million lifestyle improvement loans, 2 million livelihood loans, 300,000+ SMEs, 2.7 lakh water and sanitation loans, and 2.5 lakh electric vehicles. Our ESG credentials are strong and steadily improving.

8. Customer Friendly Banking: We make banking easy by having a customer first approach. We have waived fees on 36 essential savings account services which are commonly charged in the market, the first and only bank in India to do so. We create “pull” products that customers actively seek out.

8. Governance: We adhere to regulatory guidelines in letter and spirit and actively work with regulators to make things better. We take pride in maintaining highest levels of corporate governance

9. Shareholders: We are building a well-diversified universal banking portfolio designed to deliver consistent ROE of 16%+.

10. Employees: IDFC FIRST Bank is designed to be a happy place to work, with cutting-edge roles, meaningful growth opportunities, and a culture of meritocracy. Compensation is healthy, efforts are recognized, and employees experience the pride and excitement of creating a world-class Bank in India.

A Day of Dialogue and Commitment

The summit opened with welcome remarks from CPR Co-Founder Krishna Kottapalli, followed by lamp lighting by spiritual teacher and author Sri M, Founder of The Satsang Foundation, who also addressed the gathering. This was followed by the opening keynote address from Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, physician, former IAS officer, and Founder & President of the Foundation for Democratic Reforms and Loksatta Party. The summit closed with a keynote address from Dr. P.V. Ramesh, former National and International Civil Servant and former Principal Health Secretary of Andhra Pradesh/Telangana.

Over the course of the afternoon, four panels brought together practitioners, investors, and policymakers to translate dialogue into actionable next steps:

●      Panel 1 — Designing Scalable Care Infrastructure for Tier 2 & Tier 3 India

●      Panel 2 — Digital Health Implementation: What Works, What Fails, What Scales

●      Panel 3 — Funding the Future of Healthcare: CSR, Public-Private Partnerships & Ecosystem Collaboration

●      Panel 4 — Integrating the Ecosystem for Long-Term Clinical Outcomes

A key moment of the evening was a live testimonial shared by a patient treated at Maa Sharda Hospital in Vikarabad, a hospital partner that has benefited from CPR's fundraising efforts. The testimonial underscored the direct impact of CPR's work on patients and their families, reaffirming the organization's mission.

Looking Ahead: Four Regions, Four Hospitals

As the next chapter of this work, CPR is launching a two-year initiative to strengthen critical care infrastructure across four hospitals in four regions — MAA Sharda Hospital in Vikarabad, Telangana; St. Ann's Hospital in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh; Swaasthya Hospital in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh; and Cantonment Hospital in Pune, Maharashtra. Plans include upgrading operating theatres and diagnostic equipment, expanding bed capacity, establishing NICU and PICU units, and forging partnerships with organizations such as Rangaraya Hospital and Bajaj Finserv — supporting a fundraising goal of ₹10 crore over the next two years.

Leadership Perspective

“CPR is a journey of social consciousness, empathy, and compassion — an attempt to address the fundamental human right to healthcare in a society where care for everyone is a must,” said Dr. Satya Garimella, Co-Founder of CPR and cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist at Baptist Health Floyd in Louisville, USA. “It stands for hope during the most daunting times in a patient’s life — a hope that should never be denied because of social or financial hierarchy. We started with the hope of touching one life, and today we have been fortunate enough to touch more than 10,000.”

“The future of healthcare cannot be a conversation restricted to one segment. It requires partnership and collaboration across fields — from hospitals to academic institutions, and from government to private insurers to industry,” said Krishna Kottapalli, Co-Founder of CPR and healthcare entrepreneur. “Everyone in this room is a key stakeholder. We are doing our part to move the needle, but it is your ideas and actions that will truly shape the healthcare system in India.”

Gold Sponsors

India Health Forward 2047 was made possible with the support of its Gold Sponsors, Cohere Health and Dr. Arun Kaithi, Psychiatrist, USA, whose partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable, patient-centered healthcare systems in India.

About Compassionate Patient Response (CPR)

Compassionate Patient Response, Inc. (CPR) is a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization co-founded by Dr. Satya Garimella and Krishna Kottapalli during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its mission is to strengthen critical care outcomes in India by equipping hospitals with ICUs and building strong clinical and nursing teams, supported through CSR funds and philanthropy. Guided by its core values of diligence, compassion, integrity, and sustainability, CPR identifies hospitals in need and mobilizes resources to donate critical care infrastructure. To date, CPR has raised more than $1.5 million, established 11 ICUs across 4 states, and impacted more than 10,000 lives.

For more information, visit www.cpricucare.org.

Hyderabad:  With an initiative to enhance joyful learning during a visit to the iconic Statue of Equality, 4Point2 Technologies, a technology company specialising in  AR,VR, MR, XR and immersive digital experiences , is bringing together technology, heritage and storytelling at one of the city’s prominent spiritual and learning centres.

Preserving Traditional Folk Lore, Reimagining Storytelling - A First-of-Its-Kind Immersive Experience.

For generations, Bharat’s folk lore, traditions and tales of its history were passed down by word of mouth from grandparents and parents to children. In today’s fast-changing world, this traditional chain of storytelling is becoming less accessible.

Recognising this gap, 4Point2 Technologies is introducing its flagship  AR products , combining merchandise with immersive digital storytelling to bring cultural narratives to life through interactive sessions on personal devices. The objective is to create a contemporary medium through which the  right stories and facts of ancient history, their significance and the values behind them  can be experienced by today’s generation and carried forward for generations to come.

The immersive experience was inaugurated on  22 September 2026  in the presence of spiritual leaders and dignitaries HH Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, Chairman, Statue of Equality; HH Ahobila Jeeyar Swamiji, Chief Patron, Statue of Equality; Sriman T. Ramesh Gupta, President, Statue of Equality; and Shri K. V. Chowdary, President, Divya Saketham, who graced the inauguration .

The programme also featured key speakers from 4Point2 Technologies and its advisory leadership  K. Shiva Kumar , Founder,  Chairman & Managing Director , 4Point2 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.;  Dr. Subramanyam Sharma G , Grandson of Late Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan & Late Shri V. V. Giri |  Chief Mentor , 4Point2 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.;  Apoorva ,  Director , 4Point2 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.;  Yashwanth Kumar , CEO, 4Point2 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.;  Madhu Chander , CTO, 4Point2 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

The initiative is aimed at demonstrating how emerging technologies can help tourism destinations move beyond conventional sightseeing and create more interactive, informative and engaging experiences for visitors.

Where Technology Meets a 1,000-Year Legacy

The Statue of Equality is dedicated to  Sri Ramanujacharya , the 11th-century saint, philosopher and social reformer whose teachings emphasised equality and inclusion.

Standing at  216 feet, the monument is among the world’s tallest metallic statues in a sitting posture. Made of Panchaloha, a traditional five-metal alloy comprising gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc , the statue forms the centerpiece of a much larger spiritual and cultural destination.

The Statue of Equality project was conceptualised by and actualised under the guidance of  His Holiness Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji to gratefully commemorate Sri Ramanujacharya’s  legacy and take his message of equality to audiences across the world.

The complex also houses the  108 Divya Desams , which are sacred Vishnu temples, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the architectural and spiritual traditions associated with these important centres which exemplified that all souls are equal in the eyes of the Supreme. These Divya Desams were glorified in the songs of Alwars, the Tamil poet saints. They were a source of inspiration for Sri Ramanujacharya in becoming the Icon of Equality.

Another significant attraction is  Swarna Ramanuja , a gold deity of Sri Ramanujacharya installed for daily worship and made with approximately  120 kg of gold. Portraying the profound significance of Sri Ramanujacharya’s 120-year journey on this earth.

Beyond the Monument: A Story of Service

The wider institutional ecosystem associated with the destination encompasses initiatives in food, education, healthcare and social inclusion. Visitors are provided prasadam, while the institution has undertaken initiatives aimed at supporting education and healthcare.

A particularly distinctive dimension is its engagement with persons who are visually challenged, including opportunities for training, participation and employment. People associated with these initiatives can be seen performing various roles within the campus, making inclusion part of the everyday visitor experience.

Residential facilities are also provided to people, including priests and their families, associated with the temple and its activities.

This combination of spirituality, service and inclusion adds a human dimension to what is otherwise a monumental architectural and technological story.

Why Reality, Why Now?

Although AR, VR, MR, XR has existed for more than a decade, 4Point2 Technologies believes its relevance to tourism lies in moving from technology demonstration to  experience creation.

The company combines AR, VR, MR, XR with content, creativity and storytelling to provide contextual information and interactive experiences around physical destinations.

Experiencing Rituals Beyond the Moment of Darshan

Temple rituals are deeply rooted in tradition, but many take place during specific hours, making it difficult for every devotee to witness them in person. Through its  VR Darshan experience , 4Point2 Technologies brings these sacred moments closer to devotees through immersive 360° experiences—from early-morning rituals and Abhishekam to Alankaram, Aarthi and other occasional rituals.

Captured entirely from  real temple environments and real rituals, with no VFX, CGI or digitally recreated visuals , VR Darshan preserves the authenticity of these sacred practices. It does not replace physical Darshan, but extends the experience—enabling devotees to witness, revisit and share these moments beyond the temple’s physical boundaries and timings.

K. Shiva Kumar, Chairman, MD & Founder, 4Point2 Technologies , said, “Tourism is no longer only about seeing a destination. Visitors increasingly want to understand the story behind what they see. AR, VR, MR, XR gives us an opportunity to create that additional layer of discovery. The Statue of Equality has an extraordinary story spanning spirituality, philosophy, architecture and social service, and technology can help present that story in a format that today's audiences connect with.”

He further added, “Our objective is not to replace the physical experience. It is to enhance it.”

A New Opportunity for Heritage Tourism

The Hyderabad initiative comes as tourism destinations increasingly look at technology to enhance visitor experiences and attract younger, digitally engaged audiences.

The company believes that India's vast heritage landscape offers significant opportunities for technology-backed interpretation – from monuments and temples to museums, historical sites and cultural destinations.

The Statue of Equality therefore becomes both a visitor experience and a demonstration of how Bharat’s traditional heritage can be presented through contemporary technology.

The initiative marks 4Point2 Technologies' entry into Hyderabad and its continued expansion into technology-backed experiential solutions, with a focus on helping destinations become more interactive, accessible and engaging for the next generation of visitors.

About 4Point2 Technologies

4Point2 Technologies is a technology company specialising in  AR, VR, MR, XR, immersive experiences, customised applications, custom publishing and digital solutions .

Shri Kumar Shiva Kumar , Founder, Chairman & Managing Director of  4Point2 Technologies , is an entrepreneur and technology business leader with over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship, business strategy and technology-driven ventures. An MBA in Marketing, he founded 4Point2 Technologies in 2004 with a vision to harness emerging technologies to create innovative and immersive experiences.

Under his leadership, 4Point2 Technologies has developed expertise in  Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, Extended Reality and experiential digital solutions , with a focus on integrating technology, creativity and storytelling.

His vision is centred on using immersive technologies to create meaningful experiences, connect audiences with culture and heritage, and make knowledge more engaging and accessible to future generations.

For further information, please contact:

K. Shiva Kumar

MD & Founder, 4Point2 Technologies

M: 91489 88344

https://4point2tech.com/

Mumbai, 24^th September 2026: Mother’s Recipe has launched its new Bombay Sandwich Chutney, inspired by one of Mumbai’s most loved street-food favourites. From neighbourhood sandwich stalls to evening chai breaks during the monsoon, the Bombay sandwich has long been part of the city’s food culture. The new chutney brings home the fresh and tangy flavour that gives the sandwich its unmistakable taste.

 Pune, September 24, 2026: Aishwaryam Group, one of Pune and PCMC’s established real estate developers, has recorded over 400 bookings within six months at Aishwaryam Anand, its large-format, lifestyle-led residential development in the Moshi–Chikhali belt. The project witnessed a further acceleration in sales momentum, recording its highest monthly sales of over 110 units, underscoring the strong homebuyer response in one of PCMC’s rapidly evolving residential corridors.

Aishwaryam Anand was among the largest residential launches in Pune and PCMC during the first half of 2026, with 995 units comprising 673 1 BHK homes, 288 2 BHK homes and 34 commercial shops, according to MahaRERA-based market data. This scale places the development among the most significant new housing additions to the Pune–PCMC market during the period.

The milestone assumes significance at a time when residential buying decisions are being influenced not merely by price but by a combination of developer credibility, connectivity, established social infrastructure, practical configurations and long-term value. Aishwaryam Anand is part of the 30-acre Aishwaryam District, an established development ecosystem in the Moshi–Chikhali corridor. As the final residential phase within the district, Aishwaryam Anand brings together the Group’s 17-plus years of experience, customer insights and deep knowledge of the PCMC real estate market. The strong response is a testament to the company’s experience, expertise and understanding of evolving homebuyer expectations.

Satish Agarwal, Managing Director, Aishwaryam Group, said, “Crossing 400 bookings within six months is important to us not merely as a sales milestone but also as an indication of the trust that homebuyers continue to place in Aishwaryam. What is particularly encouraging is the pace at which the latest 110-plus homes were sold. August emerged as the strongest month for Aishwaryam Anand since its launch, with the project witnessing an exceptional surge in consumer interest and conversions.

Today’s buyer is informed, value-conscious and willing to make a decision when the product, location, pricing and developer track record come together. Aishwaryam Anand was conceived around the real needs of families, and the response reinforces our belief that there continues to be substantial demand for thoughtfully designed homes in PCMC. For Aishwaryam Group, the strong absorption at Aishwaryam Anand represents more than the performance of an individual project. It demonstrates the strength of the brand’s core housing franchise, even as the company expands into larger, more premium and diversified developments across Pune and PCMC.”

A larger story of PCMC’s housing demand

The response to Aishwaryam Anand also reflects the continuing evolution of the Moshi–Chikhali belt from a value-led residential destination into a more established urban catchment, supported by employment centres, schools, healthcare facilities, retail infrastructure and improving connectivity. The project benefits from its location within the larger Aishwaryam District, offering access to Dehu–Alandi Road, educational institutions and the surrounding industrial and employment ecosystem.

Aishwaryam Anand offers thoughtfully planned 1 and 2 BHK residences with carpet areas of approximately 400 sq. ft. and 590 sq. ft., respectively. Designed around efficient space utilisation and practical family living, the project offers more than 40 lifestyle amenities and functional layouts based on the principle of “no wasted space”. The development spans approximately 2.9 acres and comprises four towers rising to 24 and 25 storeys, supported by six levels of parking and a well-structured ecosystem catering to different age groups. Amenities include dedicated children’s spaces, senior citizen areas, fitness zones, a swimming pool, an indoor gymnasium, yoga and meditation areas, community spaces and recreational facilities.

Narendra Agarwal, Director, Aishwaryam Group, said, “The success of Aishwaryam Anand tells us something important about the next phase of PCMC’s residential market. Homebuyers are no longer looking at affordability in isolation. They want a complete ecosystem comprising connectivity, amenities, security and community infrastructure, along with the confidence that their home will continue to deliver value over the long term.

Our focus has therefore evolved from simply creating housing to building well-planned communities. The 400-plus bookings at Aishwaryam Anand, including the recent sale of over 110 homes within a single month, validate that approach. Through this project, we are addressing demand from first-time homebuyers, young families and value-conscious buyers.”

From smart homes to a diversified real estate platform

The success of Aishwaryam Anand comes at a time when Aishwaryam Group itself is undergoing a significant transformation. Since beginning its journey in 2008, the Group has built its reputation by addressing the housing aspirations of first-time and value-conscious homebuyers in Pune and PCMC.

The Group’s portfolio now extends from smart and mid-segment housing to premium residences. A major marker of this transition has been its entry into premium and branded residences developed in association with Fashion TV. The Group is a pioneer in bringing branded premium residences to PCMC.

Over the years, Aishwaryam Group has steadily expanded across residential and commercial real estate and today has a presence spanning residential development, commercial development, plotted development, infrastructure and education. This evolution represents Aishwaryam’s broader strategy of serving consumers across different stages of their homeownership journey—from a family’s first home to larger, premium and lifestyle-led residences.

About Aishwaryam Group

Established in 2008, Aishwaryam Group is a Pune- and PCMC-focused real estate developer with over 17 years of experience, 50-plus projects, more than 6 million sq. ft. of development and over 7,500 families served. The Group has also sold more than 300 commercial units, reflecting its growing presence beyond residential development. From its roots in value-driven housing, Aishwaryam has evolved into a diversified development platform spanning premium residential housing, commercial developments, plotted developments, infrastructure and education. Its residential portfolio ranges from 1 BHK homes for first-time buyers to premium 2, 3 and 4 BHK residences across Pune and PCMC.

Its current residential portfolio includes Aishwaryam Anand, F Premium, F Signature and 57 Elevate. F Premium, premium and branded residences developed in association with Fashion TV is located at Tathawade, a 10-acre development comprising seven towers with 2, 3 and 4 BHK residences, signalling the developer’s expansion beyond its traditional value-driven and mid-income base into aspirational premium housing.

At the same time, the Group is expanding its commercial presence through projects such as Aishwaryam One Chikhali, Aishwaryam One Moshi and Aishwaryam One Akurdi, alongside premium office and retail developments. Its broader portfolio also encompasses infrastructure and education. The Group’s education footprint includes Delhi Public School in Hinjawadi and Pune East.

The Group has built a growing footprint across Moshi, Chikhali, Wakad, Tathawade, Nigdi and other key Pune–PCMC micro-markets, with future expansion planned across Punawale, Pradhikaran, Akurdi, Hinjawadi, Kasarwadi, Ravet, Moshi, Chikhali, Balewadi, Kharadi, Parandwadi and Gahunje. The company remains focused on quality construction, practical design and long-term value across established and emerging locations.

Aishwaryam’s development philosophy is anchored in trust, innovation, customer satisfaction, high value, pride and stakeholder delight to create spaces in which people, businesses and communities can thrive.

For further information: www.aishwaryam.com

Exploring the mythological origins behind visarjan reveals how ancient texts bridge the gap between divine stories and our daily lives.

1. The Mythological Origins of Ganesha: Why We Worship Him First

To understand who Ganesha truly is and why he holds such a supreme place in our hearts, we must look at the purity of his character. He is not just the deity of intellect but is the epitome of an innocent, loving child who possessed unwavering trust in his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, no matter the circumstances.

A. The Epitome of Pure Devotion: Trusting Beyond Circumstances

• Even when faced with intense cosmic tests such as the fierce moment when his head was separated and replaced, Ganesha never harbored doubt or resentment towards his father. He accepted every situation with absolute grace, even choosing a tiny, restless mouse as his divine vahana. He taught us that true greatness does not lie in demanding luxury, but in boundless surrender and deep, unquestioning faith in one's parents.

• Wisdom beyond the Physical World: This boundless devotion was also reflected in how he perceived the universe. When challenged to race around the entire Prithvi while Kaartike flew off on his peacock to cover physical boundaries, Ganesha looked at his parents with profound sight. Recognizing that his mother and father represent the source of all creation, he simply walked around Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seven times. By honoring them, he proved that his parents encompass the entire universe, showing us that true wisdom lies in perception, respect, and deep reverence for our elders.

B. The Journey Back to Kailash

According to the Puranas, during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha leaves his celestial abode on Mount Kailash to visit his devotees on Earth, bringing prosperity, wisdom and joy. After ten days of being hosted like a beloved royal guest, he begins his journey back to his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The returning of Lord Ganesha teaches us about cosmic balance. In Hindu philosophy, creation (Shrishti) and dissolution (Pralaya) are two sides of the same coin. Just as energy cannot be destroyed, only transformed the formless divine energy that entered our homes returns to the infinite universe.

C. The Legend of Sage Ved Vyas and the Mahabharata

Another famous story connects the ten day festival to the writing of the great epic, the Mahabharata. According to the tradition, when Sage Ved Vyas requested Lord Ganesha to write the epic, Ganesha agreed with one condition that Ved Vyas must dictate it without a single pause. For ten straight days and nights, Ganesha wrote continuously without stopping to rest.

Because of this intense, non-stop mental and physical work, Ganesha's body temperature became dangerously high. To cool him down, Sage Ved Vyas coated his body with a special mud and immersed him in water on the tenth day to refresh him. The legends established the tradition of using clay idols and concluding the worship with the water immersion.

2. Translating Mythology into Daily Life: How to Implement These Lessons

Mythology is meant to be lived, not just read. Here is how we can bring the profound wisdom of Ganesha and Visarjan into our everyday routines:

Lesson 1: Embracing the Silence (True Spirit of Visarjan)

●       According to the Scriptures: For ten days, there is boundless celebration, drums, chants and festive noise. But the very moment Ganesha departs, a deep, heavy silence takes over the surroundings.

●       In Everyday Life: That sudden quiet after Visarjan is not an empty void, it is an invitation to turn inward. When the loud celebrations of life fade, use that stillness to look deep within your soul (atma-saar). Let the departure of Bappa be a reminder to wash away your inner ego (ego visarjan), embrace true humility, and listen to the profound peace that remains.

Lesson 2: Practicing Graceful Detachment (The Lesson of Letting Go)

●       According to the Scriptures: We willingly immerse the form we loved and worshipped for ten days, knowing that form is temporary.

●       In Everyday Life: We often suffer because we cling too tightly to jobs, relationships, phases of life, or past expectations. Visarjan teaches us that love can remain eternal even when physical forms or circumstances change. When a chapter of your life closes can be a job, a relationship, or a phase let it go with gratitude rather than bitterness, trusting that new beginnings await.

Lesson 3: Balancing Hard Work with Higher Wisdom

●       According to Scriptures: Ganesha is the giver of Buddhi (wisdom) and Siddhi (success). Yet, even when writing the massive epic of the Mahabharata, He did not take shortcuts, he worked tirelessly day and night.

●        In Daily Life: People often view Ganesha as a quick fix for removing obstacles without putting in the effort. The scriptures remind us that Ganesha clears the path so that we can walk on it. Implement this by bringing diligence, ethics, and hard work to your goals, trusting that true wisdom comes through discipline (sadhana), not luck.

Lesson 4: Recognizing the Divine within Everyday Elements

●       According to Scriptures: The clay idol dissolves back into the water, symbolizing that “we come from earth and return to earth”.

●       In Everyday Life: This teaches us environmental mindfulness and humility. It reminds us that we are made of the five basic elements of nature. Respecting our environment, practicing sustainability and staying grounded in our behavior are practical ways to honor this teaching daily.

Lesson 5: The Power of Listening and Focus

●       According to Scriptures: Ganesha’s large elephant ears symbolize active, deep listening, while his small eyes represent intense focus and single-minded concentration.

●       In Everyday Life: In a noisy world full of distractions, practice being a “listener” before a speaker. Filter out the unnecessary chatter of opinions around you, keep your focus sharp on your core values, and respond to life's challenges with a calm, expansive intellect rather than impulsive reactions.

A Beautiful Ending and a New Beginning

When the festival ends, the grand music stops, and the waters grow still, the real spiritual journey begins. Bappa goes back home, leaving behind a silence. It is in the quiet moment that we look inward, dissolve our ego, and honor the true roots of our existence - our parents, our environment, and our inner truth.

Though the sacred clay dissolves and returns to the silent earth, the timeless lessons remain gently etched within our souls, a quiet promise to walk through life with an open, softened heart, eagerly waiting for Bappa to return and grace our homes once again.

Ganpati Bappa Morya, Agle baras tu jaldi aa!

Connect n Enquire with the author

AUTHOR: KARISHMA

With 20 years of experience in the region, City One has built its philosophy around quality, transparency and a customer-first approach. The company describes its vision as redefining urban living through innovative, sustainable, and vibrant communities, with thoughtfully designed spaces where people can live, work, and thrive. Its emphasis on intelligent project layouts and optimum space utilisation reflects a practical understanding of what contemporary homebuyers increasingly expect from residential development. 

That philosophy is visible in City One’s presence across some of PCMC’s prominent residential corridors. Its developments across PCMC include City One Vezdaa in Ravet, City One Vieorra in Kiwale, V-One Heartland in Akurdi and City One Panache 2.0 in Pradhikaran. The brand’s delivered projects further strengthen this presence across Dehu Road, Kiwale, Ravet, Ravet Nx, Pradhikaran and Mamurdi. Rather than approaching these locations with a single template, the brand positions each development around its setting, audience and evolving lifestyle needs. .

For City One, modern living begins with the way a home is planned. The developer’s design philosophy centres on “zero wastage, full utilisation", with layouts created to make better use of available space. Contemporary specifications, lifestyle amenities and community-oriented environments complement this focus. At City One Vezdaa, for instance, the amenity mix includes a clubhouse, swimming pool, multipurpose court, children’s play area, senior citizen zone, golf simulator and co-working space, illustrating how residential projects are increasingly expected to serve multiple dimensions of daily life.

Location is another important part of the brand’s development strategy. Ravet, Kiwale, Akurdi and Pradhikaran highlight how PCMC continues to evolve through better connectivity, stronger infrastructure and expanding residential development. By developing across these micro-markets, City One is contributing to a wider residential landscape in which convenience and lifestyle are becoming closely interconnected.

What makes this approach particularly relevant is the changing definition of luxury. For many urban families, luxury today is not limited to elaborate finishes. It can also mean a spacious layout, less wasted area, privacy, access to recreation, places to work closer to home and everyday essentials within practical reach. City One’s projects respond to this shift by treating planning, amenities, location and design as connected parts of the same living experience.

The company also places integrity, commitment to quality, customer centricity, innovation, sustainability and financial responsibility among its stated values. In a sector where purchasing a home is often one of a family’s most significant decisions, these principles form an important part of the developer’s positioning and long-term relationship with its customers.

As expectations rise, the developer is focusing on communities that remain relevant beyond the moment of purchase. Thoughtful architecture, efficient planning and lifestyle infrastructure are intended to work together, helping residents experience greater ease across different stages of life. This balance between aspiration and everyday practicality gives the brand direction as it expands its footprint.

As Pune and PCMC continue expanding, the next chapter of urban living will be shaped not simply by taller buildings or larger developments, but by how intelligently homes respond to the people who inhabit them. City One’s growing portfolio reflects this broader transition: from constructing residences to creating environments designed around modern aspirations.

For homebuyers exploring thoughtfully planned residences across Pune and PCMC, City One’s developments offer an opportunity to experience its approach firsthand. Visit the official City One website (https://city1.co.in/) to explore its current projects, locations and residential offerings, and discover a home designed for the way urban life is moving forward.

New Delhi, September 24th, 2026 : Ai+ Smartphone in a landmark moment today has announced its partnership with the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the upcoming India tour of New Zealand spanning across T20Is, ODIs and Tests which will feature a total of 12 matches starting October 22,2026.

The partnership comes at a significant moment in India-New Zealand sporting relations, with 2026 marking 100 years of sporting ties between the two countries. The India tour forms a key part of New Zealand’s ‘100 Years of Unity through Sport’ celebrations, which bring together multiple sporting disciplines across the year.

As a part of the partnership Ai+ Smartphone will have an integrated presence across the series, giving the brand an opportunity to engage with cricket audiences across all three formats and throughout the 12-match tour. The association brings together AI+’s focus on technology and performance with one of the most anticipated international cricket properties of the New Zealand summer.

For Ai+ Smartphone, the partnership builds on the brand’s ambition to create stronger connections with consumers through high-relevance cultural and sporting platforms. Cricket, with its deep audience connection in India and its ability to bring together technology, entertainment and shared experiences, provides a natural extension of the brand’s communication platform.

Archi Gogoi, Head of Brand, Marketing & Growth, Ai+ Smartphone, said, “Cricket is more than a sport in India; it is a shared cultural experience that brings together audiences across generations and geographies. Our partnership with New Zealand Cricket around India’s 12-match tour gives Ai+ an opportunity to participate in one of the most anticipated sporting moments of the year while building relevance for the brand beyond the smartphone category. Technology and sport share a common language of performance, innovation and constant evolution, and this partnership allows us to bring that connection to life in a meaningful way. The significance of this tour is further amplified by the 100-year celebration of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, making it an exciting platform for Ai+ to engage with audiences across both markets.”

Lokesh Sharma, Managing Director, TCM said, “This partnership brings together a fast-growing consumer technology brand and one of the most significant bilateral tours on the international calendar. Our role with New Zealand Cricket has always been to build relevant commercial partnerships around its cricket, and we are pleased to have enabled AI+ Smartphones’ association with this series. The scale of the tour, combined with the centenary year, makes it an especially strong platform.”

Geoff Allott, CEO, New Zealand Cricket, said, “India’s tour is one of the major highlights of our home season, and with 12 matches across three formats, it gives our partners a strong and sustained platform. We are pleased to welcome AI+ Smartphone as the ‘Powered By’ Partner and look forward to working together across what will be a significant series for New Zealand Cricket.”

Beginning October 22, 2026, India will take on the BLACKCAPS across five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, with matches being played across five major centres in New Zealand. With 12 matches, the tour is the largest inbound international tour in New Zealand Cricket’s history by match count.

The tour’s opening match will be played in Christchurch on October 22 with the first of two T20Is at Hagley Oval, before moving through Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga for the remainder of the white-ball series. The two-Test series will conclude the tour, with the second Test scheduled at Hagley Oval from November 27 to December 1.

The partnership has been stitched by TCM Sports, New Zealand Cricket’s exclusive naming-rights and on-ground partner. TCM has been associated with NZC since 2019, working with the board on commercial partnerships and sponsorship opportunities around its international cricket properties. The association adds another high-impact sporting platform to Ai+ Smartphone’s growing brand journey as it continues to build relevance with consumers through technology, culture and shared experiences.

Founded by Vidit Soni, Pawfence offers a herbal, scent-based way to help people protect their homes, vehicles and shared spaces without hurting street dogs.

For many people, street-dog conflicts are more than a small inconvenience. Torn two-wheeler seats, damaged vehicle covers, repeated urine marking, dogs blocking entrances and groups gathering in parking areas can make everyday spaces difficult to use. The problem can become expensive, unhygienic and frightening, especially for children, senior citizens and people who are uncomfortable around dogs.

Yet the available choices are often extreme: use spikes and physical barriers, chase the dogs away, try unsafe substances or simply continue living with the problem.

Vidit Soni, founder of Pawfence, saw the need for a practical middle path. Pawfence is a herbal, scent-based spray that is applied to the space, not directly to the animal. launched on June 24, 2026, it helps create boundaries around vehicles, homes, gardens, parking areas and entrances, discouraging dogs from entering or repeatedly marking those places without physically harming them.

This led Vidit to develop Pawfence, a herbal, scent-based dog-repellent spray

Pawfence is applied to the space instead of being sprayed directly on dogs. It can be used around vehicles, entrances, parking areas, gardens, boundary walls and other places where people want to discourage dogs from entering.

Its scent helps create a boundary that dogs are discouraged from crossing.

Backed by veterinary experience:

Vidit comes from a family with a long history in veterinary healthcare.

His family-run company, Salutri Remedies, was established in 2008. The family behind the company has more than four decades of experience in veterinary health and animal-care products.

With a background in pharmacy and strategic marketing, Vidit brings an understanding of both product development and consumer needs to the brand. His education helped him understand both product development and the needs of customers. He saw a gap between animal welfare and a common problem faced by homeowners, vehicle owners, housing societies, schools and businesses.

50+ formulations tested:

Work on Pawfence began in May 2024.

The team developed and tested more than 50 formulations before arriving at the final product. The aim was to create a practical solution that could discourage dogs from entering selected spaces without using physical force or cruel methods.

After nearly two years of development and testing, Pawfence was officially launched in June 2026.

Three months after its launch, the young brand is working to bring attention to a kinder way of managing everyday problems involving street dogs.

The idea behind the product is captured in the brand’s line:

“Because care means clear boundaries.”

Aiming for co-existence:

Pawfence’s larger goal goes beyond selling a dog-repellent spray. The company wants to help people and street dogs live around each other with less conflict.

As Indian cities grow, people and street dogs continue to share roads, neighbourhoods and public spaces. Pawfence aims to offer kinder and more practical ways to manage these shared areas.

“We believe people should be able to protect their spaces without harming the dogs around them,” says Vidit.

The brand is still in its early stages, but it is supported by years of veterinary experience and an understanding of an everyday Indian problem.

Pawfence aims to become a bridge of coexistence between humans and the street dogs of India. Its message is simple: a boundary can protect a space without becoming a battle.

Five-Day Miss Urvashi Season 5 Grand Finale Concludes Successfully in Jaipur

Jaipur: The five-day grand edition of Miss Urvashi Season 5 – 2026, a national-level beauty pageant, concluded successfully at The Trade International, Ajmer Road, Jaipur. Contestants from different cities across India participated in the pageant and showcased their talent, confidence, personality, communication skills, and stage presence.

At the grand finale, Akshra Negi from Shimla was crowned Miss Urvashi 2026. Her performance across the various competition rounds showcased confidence, personality, communication skills, and strong stage presence.

Miss Urvashi Season 5 – 2026 Winners

Miss Urvashi 2026: Akshra Negi – Shimla

Miss Urvashi International Winner 2026: Kirti Rastogi – Meerut

Miss Urvashi Rajasthan 2026: Swati Nayak – Jaipur

First Runner-Up: Priya Maurya – Lucknow

Second Runner-Up: Anjana Yadav – Noida

Five-Day Pageant Featuring Multiple Competition Rounds

The five-day event featured a series of activities and competition rounds, including grooming sessions, professional photoshoots, talent round, personality and communication rounds, fashion and stage rounds, rehearsals, and the grand finale.

Contestants were evaluated on various aspects including confidence, personality, communication skills, talent, stage presence, creativity, presentation, and overall performance.

Former Miss Urvashi Winners on the Jury Panel

The jury panel for Miss Urvashi Season 5 included former Miss Urvashi winners Ritika Choudhary, Utkarsha, and Mamta Khichi. The jury evaluated contestants throughout the various stages of the competition.

Organized by Elite Production House

Miss Urvashi Season 5 – 2026 was organized by Elite Production House, with Virendra Agarwal, Founder of Elite Production House, playing a key role in the planning, management, and successful execution of the event.

Speaking about the event, Virendra Agarwal said that such platforms provide talented women from across the country with opportunities to showcase their talent, personality, confidence, and individuality, while creating greater exposure to the fashion and beauty industry.

Rachna Choudhary, Director – Miss Urvashi, played an important role in guiding the contestants and overseeing the various grooming, training, and competition stages throughout the five-day event.

According to the organizers, Miss Urvashi aims to provide a prestigious platform for emerging talent from across India and create opportunities for contestants to develop their confidence, personality, presentation skills, and professional exposure in the fashion and beauty industry.

The idea at the heart of Anahat is very simple: every garment carries a story. With art and design at the forefront, the label revives forgotten narratives of Indian culture through collaborations with diverse artists and storytellers.

Starting with well-known mythologist and illustrator Devdutt Pattanaik creations, it has collections, weaving ancient lore into contemporary silhouettes. Committed to conscious craftsmanship, each piece is made with 100% natural origin fabrics and shipped in plastic-free packaging, ensuring that cultural reverence extends to the environment.

Nowhere is that clearer than in the brand’s newest chapter, led by a camp-collar shirt, Kadali Vana. Illustrated by Devdutt Pattanaik, its print rises from the hem like a banana grove closing in, fronds arching overhead. The tale it carries is of Bhima, mightiest of the Pandavas, humbled when he cannot so much as lift Hanuman’s tail — and of the banana tree itself: cut it open and you find no wood, only sheath folded over sheaths, a form that gives completely and quietly regenerates. Strength has its limits; some things are meant to be walked into, not conquered.

Navagunjara-The Form Beyond Knowing, the composite creature of nine animals that Arjuna meets in exile is the next inspiration. Rooster head, elephant trunk, peacock neck, serpent tail-not chaos, but a deeper order. “You are allowed to be many things at once,” the design insists: a thousand-year-old myth speaking fluently to modern questions of identity add to it the new Khusur Pusur (Gossip), the latest of the label’s folk-art-led pieces.

If the new collection is where Anahat experiments, its hero designs are where it has established deep traction. There is Durga, third eye and crown ablaze in colour against black — Shakti as resilience and empowerment. There is the Divine Protector, Hanuman, who carries Rama and Sita within his very being — a meditation on devotion and surrender. And there is Warrior & Guide, one of the brand’s definitive bestsellers that has sold out twice, capturing the sacred dialogue and moral compass between Arjuna and Krishna on the battlefield.

“In an age of borrowed aesthetics, here is an Indian brand wearing its own stories, and inviting a new generation to do the same. For its makers, the mission runs deeper than apparel. Anahat sees itself as an expanding platform for traditional Indian artists — a way for age-old crafts to find modern life on cloth.” said Sandeep Rana, Co-founder, Anahat.

About Anahat

Anahat connects directly with its audience through its digital flagship at www.anahat.co.in, an engaged Instagram community (@thisisanahat), and ground-level cultural spaces, including curated pop-ups and artisan showcases such as the 11:11 flea market.

Established in 2023 by three Indian mythology enthusiasts, Chetan Kumar, Sandeep Rana & Sulakshana Chemudupati, Anahat captures the essence of Indian mythology and art on the vibrant canvas of fashion. Selling across India to an already dedicated community of patrons, the brand is winning over a generation that wants its heritage worn lightly, authentically, and daily – wear India on your sleeves!

Supports Bridge Green’s U.S. and India scale-up and Hartree’s position in U.S. battery recycling 

New York – 23 September 2026 : Bridge Green Upcycle (“Bridge Green”), an urban-mining company recovering critical materials from End of Life & scrap lithium-ion batteries, and Hartree Partners (“Hartree”), a global energy and commodities trading firm, today announced they have entered into a lithium carbonate commercial agreement with an initial eight year term valued at an estimated value $500 million to $1 billion at current market conditions. Hartree receives exclusive marketing rights for lithium carbonate produced by Bridge Green during the term. Hartree  will purchase and market approximately 10,000 metric tons per year across all grades produced at Bridge  Green facilities. The parties can renew the agreement for an additional seven years. 

The agreement coincides with an equity investment by Hartree in Bridge Green’s bridge financing round to fund Bridge Green’s planned expansion of battery recycling and critical-mineral refining. Together, the transactions reflect Hartree’s confidence in Bridge Green’s technology, management team and its ability to  scale domestic production of critical materials. 

Bridge Green's Founder & CEO, Balki Iyer, said: “This agreement marks a defining milestone and a  significant step towards developing a circular supply chain for Bridge Green. The scale and long term commitment by Hartree following a rigorous evaluation process, provides strong validation of our technology and business model. More importantly, this accelerates deployment to support the  domestic need for critical minerals.” 

Hartree’s Head of Battery and Critical Minerals, Landon Berns, said: “Critical minerals are a key pillar of Hartree's growth strategy, and securing domestic supply and returning recovered materials to  productive use are core parts of our approach.” 

The agreement comes as governments treat lithium as a strategic commodity and seek more resilient supply chains for energy, manufacturing, technology, and defense. The U.S. remains import-reliant for more than  50% of its lithium supply, according to U.S. Geological Survey 2026 data. In February, the U.S. government  announced Project Vault, a proposed $12 billion public-private Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve; Hartree  was selected as a supplier, and this marketing agreement forms part of Hartree’s effort to build that supply  portfolio. On August 27, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security enacted a one year export ban on battery-recycling material, including black mass, requiring recyclers to allocate monthly  volumes to U.S.-based counterparties, in an effort to retain critical minerals within the domestic supply chain.  Against this backdrop, the agreement helps position Hartree to secure domestic access to lithium and build  out a more resilient domestic critical mineral supply chain. 

Bridge Green commissioned Circularity Center India in the second quarter of 2026, with nameplate capacity  of approximately 7,200 metric tons per year of lithium-ion battery input. Proceeds from Bridge Green's  upcoming Series A are intended to fund its planned fully integrated commercial refining facilities in the U.S.  and India, with Hartree serving as the downstream marketing channel as they come online. The first lithium  carbonate volumes under the Hartree agreement are projected in 2028. 

About Bridge Green

Bridge Green Upcycle is an urban-mining company transforming waste into value, beginning with lithium-ion batteries. Bridge Green provides high quality critical minerals and second life Battery Systems through  proprietary digital and materials technologies, by combining advanced recovery process, battery-health intelligence software and second-life BESS solutions to support a circular battery economy and more  resilient critical-mineral supply. 

About Hartree Partners 

Hartree Partners, LP is a leading global merchant commodities firm facilitating the flow of energy, metals,  agriculture, and environmental products across the full commodity supply chain, connecting producers and  consumers. Hartree was founded in 1997 and is jointly owned by senior management and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, LP, and employs around 5,000 individuals worldwide. 

Media contact: marcomm@bridgegreenupcycle.com or hartree@fgsglobal.com 

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding planned facilities, production timing, policy measures, and estimated contract value, which are subject to change. The $500 million to $1 billion range is  illustrative at current market conditions and depends on delivered volumes and prevailing prices; it is not a  guarantee of revenue.

NEW DELHI: Conversations about fashion often begin with the finished garment. Akshat Bhutra, Director of Inthing Apparels, wants greater attention paid to the decisions that come before it - the choice of fabric, the precision of a pattern, the skill of an operator and the standards that guide production.

These are the decisions, he believes, through which manufacturers can make responsibility a practical part of doing business.

“A customer experiences our decisions every time they wear a garment,” says Bhutra. “Whether it fits comfortably, whether the seams hold, whether it keeps its shape after washing - these things begin with us. We should take ownership of that.”

Building on Inthing Apparels’ roots in textiles and denim, Bhutra’s vision for the company’s next phase connects commercial ambition with closer attention to materials, product performance and workforce development.

His approach begins early in the manufacturing process. A fit issue resolved during sampling can prevent the same mistake from travelling through an entire production run. A carefully planned cutting layout can make better use of fabric. Clear specifications can help teams get the work right the first time.

For Bhutra, these practical details deserve a place in the wider conversation about responsible fashion. They influence what a factory consumes, what it discards and what ultimately reaches the customer.

“When fabric is wasted or a garment has to be remade, we lose more than material,” he says. “We lose time, energy and someone’s effort. Better planning is one of the most useful places to begin.”

That attention extends to the life of the finished product. Bhutra wants durability to carry greater weight in product development, with fabric selection, construction and finishing considered together. The aim is to create garments that continue to perform through regular wear and care.

People are equally central to his outlook. He identifies skill development, respectful working environments and opportunities for women to progress as priorities he wants to advance within the business.

“I want women to have a clear path from entering the workforce to building expertise, taking responsibility and leading teams,” Bhutra says. “The opportunity to join should come with the opportunity to grow.”

He sees technology supporting that ambition by helping teams work more precisely, recognise problems earlier and make informed production decisions. Experienced workers, in his view, remain essential to translating machinery and systems into consistent quality.

As he considers wider markets for Inthing Apparels, Bhutra wants the company’s growth to be supported by the same disciplines: dependable products, capable people and an honest understanding of where improvement is needed.

His vision places a clear expectation on the next chapter of the business: greater scale should bring greater attention to how the work gets done.

https://www.instagram.com/inthingapparels?stkn=dHByMTh3amYyZXZh

https://www.linkedin.com/company/inthingapparels/

Inthing | Denim & Apparel Manufacturing https://inthingapparels.com/ 

About Inthing Apparels

Inthing Apparels is a garment manufacturing company with roots in textiles and denim. Its capabilities span material selection, product development, garment construction, production, finishing and quality control.

New Delhi, September 23, 2026 : Creativity and emerging talent took centre stage at Razzmatazz Mega Event 2026, the flagship student celebration organised by CKPL Group, which operates five Arena Animation centres across Delhi-NCR at South Ex, Preet Vihar, Pitampura, Noida Sector 18 and Noida Sector 62. Held on September 19, the day-long event brought together over 900  participants, faculty, industry professionals and alumni to celebrate creativity and showcase emerging talent from the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem.

The event featured student participation across 17 creative categories, spanning the key stages of the AVGC production pipelines -  Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production. Students showcased their artistic abilities, technical skills, imagination and understanding of contemporary creative technologies through their entries and creative projects. Over 40+ winners were recognized with prestigious Razzmatazz trophies across the participating categories.  Among the key highlights were story telling reels using AI, AI driven brand launch campaigns,3D environment using UNREAL and others, which demonstrated the breadth of creative talent and technical capabilities developed by students through their training.

A key highlight of Razzmatazz Mega Event 2026 was its strong focus on industry exposure and career-oriented learning. The event featured Mr. Aditya Tuknait, Creative Director, Sunovatech India Pvt Ltd, along with accomplished Arena Animation alumni working with top tier institutions.

Through interactive sessions and knowledge-sharing, the industry experts and alumni provided students with insights into the evolving AVGC landscape, emerging technologies, changing career opportunities and the skills required to build successful careers in today's creative industries. The interactions also enabled students to understand how the skills developed through their training can be applied to real-world creative projects and professional environments.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director & Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited, said, “Razzmatazz has grown significantly from the vision with which it was conceptualised nearly a decade ago. What makes the event particularly meaningful is seeing our students move from learning concepts in the classroom to applying their creativity, technical skills and imagination to create something of their own. This year's participation across 17 categories, along with the interaction with industry professionals and alumni, reinforces the importance of giving young creators platforms where they can experiment, learn, compete and gain confidence.”

A Decade of Razzmatazz: From an Idea to a Creative Tradition:

The concept of Razzmatazz was envisioned by Mr. Akshansh Khosla Business Partner of Arena Animation South Extension, Preet Vihar, Pitampura, Noida sector 18 and 62,  around a decade ago, with the objective of creating a platform where students could showcase their creative work, interact with industry professionals and receive recognition for their achievements. Over the years, the initiative has evolved into an integral part of the Arena Animation student experience, encouraging students to experiment with new ideas, collaborate with peers and transform creative concepts into finished works, while giving them an opportunity to experience healthy competition and industry engagement.

Mr. Akshansh Khosla, Business Partner & Director, CKPL Group, said, “When Razzmatazz was conceptualised, the idea was to create more than just a competition. We wanted students to have a platform where their creativity could be seen, appreciated, and challenged, while also giving them an opportunity to learn from professionals who are shaping the industry. Seeing the initiative evolve over the years and witnessing the enthusiasm and quality of work presented by students at this year's event has been extremely encouraging. As the creative industry continues to transform with technology, platforms like Razzmatazz will remain important in nurturing curiosity, experimentation and the confidence to create.”

 Celebrating Talent Beyond the Classroom:

The event also featured energetic dance performances by the participating Arena Animation centres, adding an element of entertainment and celebration to the proceedings. The performances brought together students and faculty in an environment that celebrated creativity in its many forms. Beyond the competition, Razzmatazz reinforced the importance of developing qualities such as confidence, collaboration, presentation, experimentation and creative expression alongside technical proficiency.

A Strong Student and Alumni Community:

 Razzmatazz Mega Event 2026 also provided an opportunity for current students to connect with the wider Arena Animation community, including alumni who have progressed into professional roles across the creative industry. Notable Alumni included Mr. Yash Kumar, 3D Artist at DAM Studioz, Mr. Pranav Gauba - Video Editor at Deeceeline, Ms. Dikshita, 3D Artist at Sparrow Interactive Pvt.Ltd., Mr. Mukesh, Head of Video Production and Editing at News Books among many others who shared their professional journeys and experiences with students, offering perspectives on transitioning from creative education to careers in animation, VFX, gaming, design and other emerging digital domains.

Representing Aptech Limited, Mr. Shajan Samuel, Senior Vice President & National Head, Arena Animation, attended Razzmatazz Mega Event 2026, highlighting the importance of industry engagement and student-focused platforms in preparing aspiring creative professionals for the rapidly evolving AVGC sector.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Creators:

Razzmatazz Mega Event 2026 highlighted the value of platforms that enable students to take their creative learning beyond the classroom. By combining competition, industry interaction, recognition and entertainment, the event gave students an opportunity to showcase their capabilities while gaining a deeper understanding of the professional creative ecosystem. As the AVGC industry continues to evolve with new technologies and creative workflows, initiatives such as Razzmatazz provide young creators with opportunities to learn, experiment, innovate and build the confidence to pursue careers in India's expanding creative economy.

CKPL Group’s Legacy in Creative Education:

CKPL Group has built a long-standing presence in professional and technology-oriented education in Delhi-NCR. Computer Kids Private Limited (CKPL) was incorporated on May 22, 1996, with the organisation's journey in technology and multimedia education dating back to the 1990s, when multimedia was an emerging field in India. Over the years, the group's training ecosystem has evolved alongside the growth of the digital creative industry, encompassing areas such as multimedia, animation, VFX, gaming and digital creative technologies. today, CKPL Group operates five Arena Animation centres across Delhi-NCR - South Ex, Preet Vihar, Pitampura, Noida Sector 18 and Noida Sector 62. The group has trained more than 35,000 students and has a team of 125+ trained and qualified academic and administrative professionals. Its training ecosystem has continued to evolve with the industry, with contemporary areas including 3D animation, VFX, gaming, Artificial Intelligence-assisted creative workflows, UI/UX, XR and digital media.

ABOUT ARENA ANIMATION:

Arena Animation is a pioneer, trendsetter, and global leader in Media & Entertainment education. Since its inception in 1996, Arena Animation has trained over 4,50,000 students globally through its extensive network of centers.

Arena Animation offers industry-relevant courses in Animation, VFX, Gaming, Digital, AR/VR, and Multimedia, empowering students to build global careers in the rapidly evolving creative industries. The curriculum is supported by top-tier faculty, global partnerships, and cutting-edge learning tools. Arena Animation’s students are placed in leading studios and companies such as DNEG, Rockstar Games, Zebu Animation, Green Gold Animation, ILM, NY VFXWALA, Network 18, Digitoonz, and more across the Media & Entertainment landscape.

PRESS CONTACT

Srinidhi Iyer, Corporate Communications, Aptech Limited

srinidhi.iyer@aptech.co.in

For further information, please visit: https://arena-multimedia.com/

At the heart of the campaign is Joy Personal Care’s Honey & Almonds Deep Nourishing Body Lotion, enriched with honey and 100% pure almond oil to nourish and soften the skin. With this association, JOY brings a familiar and contemporary face to its lotion and cream portfolio with Tamannaah, as it strengthens its presence in everyday skincare. With over two decades in films and popular culture, the pan India star has built a strong connect with audiences through her versatility and individuality, making her a natural fit for the brand.

Sunil Agarwal, Co-founder & Chairman, Joy Personal Care (RSH Global), said, “JOY has evolved from a homegrown skincare brand into a larger personal care player while staying true to what consumers value. Our association with Tamannaah marks an important step as we strengthen our presence in the lotion and cream category and bring our proposition to a new generation of consumers. Honey & Almonds Body Lotion has been an important part of the brand’s lotion portfolio and this association gives us an opportunity to build on its strong equity while bringing a fresh perspective to the category. Our focus remains on creating products that combine quality, relevance and affordability for Indian consumers.”

Poulomi Roy, Chief Marketing Officer, Joy Personal Care (RSH Global), said, “Beauty has often been presented to women through a narrow lens, telling them how they should look and what they should aspire to be. ‘Beautiful by Nature’ challenges that thinking and reminds women that they do not need to fit a certain mould to feel beautiful. Tamannaah brings this thought to life through her individuality, journey and ability to stay true to herself while evolving through the years.”

Talking about her association with the brand Tamannaah Bhatia added, “What I have always loved about beauty is that it can mean something different to each of us. Over the years, I have learnt to embrace that thought and enjoy the journey rather than chase an idea of perfection. That is what drew me to Joy Personal Care, and I am excited to bring this thought to life with the brand.”

The partnership also reflects Joy Personal Care’s ‘Beautiful by Nature’ philosophy, which looks beyond conventional definitions of beauty and celebrates what makes every woman unique. The brand believes that beauty is not about conforming to a predefined ideal, but about feeling comfortable in one’s own skin and expressing oneself with confidence.

About Joy Personal Care

Joy Personal Care, from the house of RSH Global, is an Indian skincare brand offering a diverse range of skin care products, including face washes, body lotions, face creams, shower gels, face serums, sunscreens, and more. Shah Rukh Khan has been the brand ambassador for JOY’s face wash range for the past two years.

The brand has also collaborated with renowned celebrities such as Sanya Malhotra, Medha Shankr, Mimi Chakraborty, Kriti Sanon, Anushka Sharma, Disha Patani, Bharti Singh, Mouni Roy, and Mithila Palkar.

Joy Personal Care has been an Associate Sponsor of Kolkata Knight Riders for the fifth consecutive year in the world’s biggest and most popular cricket league — IPL. The brand also has associations with Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants, further strengthening its presence across key cricketing arenas.

Gurugram, Haryana : Emperium Group, one of Haryana’s most trusted real estate developers, today  reaffirmed its commitment to women's safety as a non-negotiable standard woven into the planning,  design, and operation of every project in its portfolio. From residential communities to commercial  developments, safety infrastructure for women is being treated not as an added amenity, but as a  foundational requirement.

The announcement comes as buyers, particularly families and independent women professionals,  increasingly weigh safety infrastructure alongside location and amenities when choosing where to live and  work. Emperium's approach addresses this shift with three pillars built into every project:

●        Prime Locations: Every Emperium project is situated at a prime location within the city, reducing  isolated commutes and keeping residents closer to well-populated, well-lit surroundings.

●        Niche Surveillance: Targeted camera and monitoring coverage at the points that matter most. Entry  and exit gates, basements and parking areas, staircases, and isolated walkways rather than blanket  coverage that misses vulnerable spots.

●        24x7 Security Presence: Trained security personnel are stationed across every property around the  clock, ensuring a visible and active presence well beyond the main gate.

“At Emperium, safety is not a feature we add on, it is a standard we build in from day one.  Every project we deliver, across every city we enter, reflects that principle. When we design  a community, the well-being of the women and families who will call it home is at the center  of that design, not an afterthought.”

— Ravi Saund, Founding Director, Emperium Group

This standard is being implemented uniformly across Emperium's project portfolio, spanning residential  and mixed-use developments in Gurugram, Panipat, Yamunanagar & Karnal, further beyond as the  company continues to scale its footprint.

About Emperium Group

Emperium Group is Haryana’s one of the most trusted realty brands, building residential, commercial &  industrial categories with 15+ projects across Haryana, with a focus on design-led communities, modern  amenities, and resident safety and well-being.

New Delhi, September 22, 2026:  The  Creative Economy Forum (CEF) Season 4 , themed  “Rise of Creative Bharat,”  concluded in New Delhi after bringing together policymakers, international institutions, entrepreneurs and industry leaders for two days of discussions around the future of India’s creative economy.

Held on  September 18–19, 2026, at the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, New Delhi , the forum explored the intersection of creativity, enterprise, technology, intellectual property, culture and global markets through knowledge sessions, policy dialogues, fireside conversations, panels, spotlight sessions and a closed-door roundtable.

Beat of Life Entertainment (BLE)  was associated with the fourth season of the forum as its Digital Media Partner, supporting the event’s digital visibility and amplification.

Creative Leaders, Policymakers and Industry Voices Come Together

CEF Season 4 opened with an inaugural session titled “The Rise of Creative India,” featuring  Supriya Suri, Founder of Creative Economy Forum; Dr. Tim Curtis, Director & Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia; and Leena Singh, Co-Founder, Ashima Leena . The opening conversation focused on building a stronger and more globally connected creative economy for India.

Across the two days, the forum brought together voices from live entertainment, media, fashion, public arts, cultural infrastructure, technology, intellectual property and emerging creative businesses.

Day One featured industry and policy leaders including  Harindra Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, Percept; Anil Makhija, COO – Live Entertainment & Venues, BookMyShow; Shri Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary, Broadcasting, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting; Deepak Choudhary, President – EEMA and Founder & MD, Eva Live & Eventfaqs Media; and Aayushman Sinha, Founder & CEO, Represent , among others.

The programme also highlighted emerging creative businesses and entrepreneurship. Sessions featured  PeekTV co-founders Priyanshi Sharma and Vedanta Agarwal , while  Yajur Sindhwani, Vice President – Growth, Madverse , represented the independent-artist entrepreneurship ecosystem. Discussions around fashion, public arts and cultural infrastructure included voices such as  Harpreet Narula, Leena Singh, Sanjay Nigam, Sana Rezwan, Feroz Gujral, Saba Ali, Abhishek Singh and Shaili Chopra .

International Participation and Creative Diplomacy

International collaboration was another significant part of CEF Season 4.

The cultural diplomacy programme included  H.E. Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil; H.E. Hanisha Jairam, Ambassador of Suriname; H.E. Chandradath Singh, High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago; Mashudubele Sedula Mamabolo, Counsellor Political (Multilateral), South Africa High Commission, New Delhi; and Yougan Tamang, Press Secretary to HCM, Government of Sikkim .

Moderated by  Manish Chand , the discussion explored creative capital, international collaboration and the role of culture in global engagement.

AI, Creative IP and the Business of Entertainment

Day Two shifted attention towards  India’s creative intellectual property, global cultural positioning, artificial intelligence and screen entertainment .

The programme featured  Sourabh Pateriya, Founder & CEO, Soundverse; Jitendra Mishra; Sanjay Gupta of Raj Comics; Siddharth Jain; Shri Ateesh Kumar Singh; HH Yuvraj Yeshwantrao Holkar of Indore; Rajiv Arora; and Karishma Swali , alongside creative-technology voices including  Anurag Tiwari, CV Rao and Rahul Regulapati .

A conversation on human-AI collaboration was moderated by  Uday Pratap Singh, Senior Editor, NewsX .

The business behind screen successes and challenges was also discussed in a session featuring  Vicky Bahri, Aparna Purohit and Rohit Dalmia , moderated by  Rajeev Masand .

Beat of Life Entertainment Supports CEF Season 4 as Digital Media Partner

As  Digital Media Partner , Beat of Life Entertainment supported the forum through digital promotion, social media amplification and editorial coverage around CEF Season 4.

BLE’s association with the forum reflects the company’s broader effort to strengthen its engagement with India’s media, entertainment, digital and creative-business ecosystem.

The  Beat of Life Entertainment team was also present at the event on September 19 , capturing photographs and moments from the forum as part of its media association.

Speaking about the collaboration, Piyush Sagar, Founder of Beat of Life Entertainment , said:

“India’s creative industry is expanding far beyond traditional entertainment and media. Platforms like the Creative Economy Forum bring different parts of this ecosystem together. For Beat of Life Entertainment, being associated with CEF Season 4 as Digital Media Partner was an opportunity to support these conversations through digital media while also connecting with the wider creative industry.”

Founded in  2015 , Beat of Life Entertainment works across media, entertainment, digital content, advertising and brand communication. The association with CEF Season 4 adds to BLE’s efforts to build collaborations and expand its presence within the wider creative economy.

CEF Season 4 Culminates with CGVI Awards

The two-day forum concluded with the  Creative Global Voice of India Awards (CGVI) , preceded by an exclusive  Black-Tie Red-Carpet Reception . According to CEF, the awards marked the culmination of the gathering and its focus on recognising creative businesses and institutions from across India.

Reflecting on the fourth season,  Supriya Suri, Founder, Creative Economy Forum , said that CEF Season 4 brought together conversations spanning finance and technology, talent and intellectual property, culture and international markets, while creating a space for creative leaders, policymakers and institutions to exchange ideas about building a more connected and globally competitive creative economy.

With Season 4 concluded, CEF continues its effort to strengthen dialogue and collaboration across India’s creative industries, placing creativity, culture and innovation within the country’s broader growth story.

The Vietnam National Archery Team chose Galgotias University for a three-week training camp from September 1-20, 2026, as part of its preparations for the Asian Games

The Vietnamese contingent comprised five archers and two coaches. The male archers were Dang Cong Duc, Tran Xuan Huong and Nguyen Van Day, while Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao and Le Thuy Phuong Nhi were part of the women’s team. The delegation was accompanied by coaches Mr Richpal Singh Salaria and Mr Do Van Duy.

The training camp adds to a series of major sporting engagements at Galgotias University in recent months.

Earlier this year, the University hosted the National Coaching Camp for India’s Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Teams as they prepared for international competitions, including the Asia Pacific Lacrosse Sixes Championship 2026 in Australia. The camp was held from 17 June to 1 July and came after both the Indian men’s and women’s teams won Gold Medals at the Asian Lacrosse Games 2026 in Riyadh. The development assumes added significance with Lacrosse Sixes set to feature at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.

Galgotias University students have also delivered significant results in international competition. At the inaugural World Yogasana Championship 2026 held at EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, three students representing India secured five Gold Medals in a championship featuring 522 athletes from 79 countries.

Ritu Mondal, a first-year BA Economics student, won Gold in Traditional Individual and Traditional Group categories. Riya, a first-year BA English student, secured Gold in the Supine Individual Senior category, while Deepa Lodhi, a first-year BA English student, won Gold Medals in Artistic Pair and Artistic Group.

Dr Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “We are delighted to welcome the Vietnam National Archery Team to Galgotias University. When international athletes choose our campus for their preparation, it reinforces our commitment to building an environment where high-performance sport can grow alongside academics. From hosting India’s national lacrosse teams to seeing our own students win five Gold Medals at the inaugural World Yogasana Championship, we are working to create opportunities for athletes to train, compete and perform at the highest level. We wish the Vietnamese team every success in their preparation for the Asian Games.”

The presence of the Vietnam National Archery Team also brings an important international dimension to the University’s sporting ecosystem, giving students and athletes an opportunity to engage with elite competitors and coaches from another country.

Galgotias University remains committed to strengthening sporting infrastructure, athlete development and opportunities for national and international sporting engagement, while encouraging students to pursue excellence both in the classroom and on the field.

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact.

In the QS World University Rankings 2027 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 16th among private universities and 46th among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings.

Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,500 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, IBM, Accenture, Microsoft and byteXL, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.

With the rapid advancements in AI, technologies like RASP, SIM SWAP, and SMV, while effective, do not hold strong ground against the evolving fraud landscape. To add an additional layer of assurance and security, Surepass is launching our DeepID behavioural intelligence to ensure a tamper-resistant ecosystem to prevent fraud and can guarantee integrity of the operating device.

Fraudsters can pass verification checks with verified credentials; DeepID detects the unusual behavioural pattern and helps determine whether a user is genuine or a fraud with a real-time risk signal.

Understand the Behaviour Behind Every Session

A verified identity does not always mean that a genuine user is behind the session. DeepID Behaviour brings behavioural intelligence into fraud detection by analysing real-time interactions and activity patterns to understand how users behave across digital sessions.

The solution creates a behaviour profile from signals including touch interaction, typing and key press patterns, session speed, device movement and orientation, copy-paste activity, autofill behaviour, screen sharing, and other in-session interactions. These signals help identify activity that differs from expected user behaviour.

DeepID Behaviour helps risk teams in early identification of account takeover, Bot and automated activity, in-session abuse, and behaviour anomalies.

From Signal to Risk Response

By combining behavioural intelligence with continuous device security posture & intelligence, Surepass helps businesses detect suspicious activity earlier, enrich risk decisions, and determine when a session requires additional verification or investigation. This provides a proactive and intelligent approach to fraud detection and risk management.

Built for Seamless Risk Operations

DeepID Behaviour integrates with existing systems through one-click SDK integration, making it easy for businesses to add real-time behavioural intelligence to their risk workflows. Teams can quickly identify suspicious activity, trigger additional verification, and respond to high-risk sessions without disturbing legitimate users.

Quote from our Tech Lead/ VP

“A verified identity is simply not the whole story in modern fraud defense,” said Deepak Raj, Vice President - Tech at Surepass. “Attackers steal, buy, or bypass valid credentials, making identity checks look entirely legitimate on paper. DeepID Behaviour gives risk teams the critical context and intelligence they have been missing, flagging suspicious activity instantly so security teams can investigate activity that needs additional investigation.”

Founded in 2019, Surepass is a digital verification and compliance platform helping businesses simplify onboarding and compliance processes. Its solutions cover identity, business, document, biometric, KYC, income, and financial data verification. Surepass serves 3,000+ enterprises and processes 30 million+ verifications monthly. Its platform offers 400+ verification APIs. Alongside its verification solutions, it offers DeepID, which adds device intelligence, behaviour analysis, and fraud detection capabilities to identify risky devices and suspicious activity. Learn More: https://surepass.io

In my last article, I mentioned a hard truth every parent eventually confronts: Sometimes our ‘easy’ child is not always happy, they are just surviving, wearing compliance like a shield because they are terrified of losing our approval. Every parent aspires to raise a confident, independent child capable of navigating life's inevitable ups and downs. Yet, amidst the rush of busy schedules and daily stress, it's remarkably easy to slip into micro-managing every detail of our child's lives.

To understand why some children grow up feeling helpless while others thrive with genuine inner strength, we can look to a profound psychological framework:  the Locus of Control.

What is Locus of Control? 

In psychological terms, the locus of control defines where an individual believes their power originates: 

·       An External Locus (Feeling Helpless):  This occurs when a child believes that outcomes are dictated entirely by external forces such as strict rules, luck, or parental demands. These children typically conform only under pressure or out of fear of punishment in their own lives.

·       An Internal Locus (Feeling Empowered):  This develops when  a child learns that their own choices, efforts, and agency directly shape their outcomes.  They recognize that mistakes serve as valuable feedback to resolve challenges independently.

Operating a household through rigid control and constant supervision fosters an external locus. Children stop trusting their internal compass and learn to wait for external direction. Conversely, cultivating a secure and supportive environment fosters an internal locus, building durable, lifelong self-reliance.

CORE STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS 

1.      Shift from Control to Connection 

Micromanaging schedules and milestones often comes from our own anxiety rather than what your child actually needs. Instead, try giving them room to make minor mistakes and face natural consequences so they can build true resilience and learn how to solve problems on their own. 

2.      Prioritize Emotional Attunement 

Children cannot learn how to calm down if their distress is brushed aside or met with demands for instant obedience. When your child feels overwhelmed, pause before trying to fix it and acknowledge their feelings first like saying, “I can see you are really frustrated right now” because guidance works best once they feel truly heard.

3.      Nurture Internal Motivation over Compliance

When a child's sense of safety depends entirely on “getting it right “, they develop a fragile self-worth that relies solely on applause from others. Instead, spark their curiosity by asking open-ended questions like, “How do you feel about how that turned out?” to help them value their own efforts over external approval.

4.      Break Unhealthy Generational Cycles 

We are heavily influenced by how we were raised, often defaulting without realizing it to strictness or emotional distance. By taking a moment to reflect on your own triggers, you can respond with awareness instead of inherited stress, creating a much healthier relationship with your child.

THE STUBBORN LOOP: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GENTLE CORRECTION FAILS? 

Let's be honest for a moment. You take a deep breath, you manage your anxiety, you validate their feelings, and you try to guide them calmly and the child still refuses to listen, or makes the exact same mistake for the fifth time today.

When a child gets stuck in this stubborn cycle, it is easy to think that this gentle parenting stuff doesn't work, I need to get strict! But before you lose your temper, look at what is really happening: 

• The Overload Trap:  When a child repeats a mistake over and over, it usually isn't to make you mad. It is a sign that their brain is overwhelmed. They are having an emotional traffic jam and literally cannot process your correction right then.

• The Control Struggle:  If a child feels pushed around or pressured all day, stubbornness becomes their only way to protect themselves. By digging their heels in, they are desperately trying to get back a little bit of control over their world.

HOW TO BREAK THE LOOP:

1.      Stop Repeating Yourself:  If explaining something five times didn't work, saying it a sixth time in a louder voice won't help either. Break the cycle by changing things up. Step away for two minutes or hit the pause button for example ‘I think we both are stuck, let's close the books, get some water and start fresh again in a few minutes’.

2.      Let Natural Consequences Teach Them:  If they keep making the same mistakes even after you warned them, stop rushing in to save them. Let reality do the teaching. Experiencing the minor, safe result of their own mistakes teaches the brain much faster than a long lecture ever will.

3.      Offer Small Choices: Ask yourself honestly:  ‘Are  they fighting the task itself, or are they just fighting against feeling controlled and pushed around all the time?’ Sometimes, giving them a tiny bit of control breaks the stubborn spell instantly. For example, try asking ‘Do you want to finish work with a blue pencil or a red one?’

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE: A REAL WORLD EXAMPLE

Let’s be honest a few household battlegrounds test our patience quite like  Homework Time.  It is the ultimate testing ground where our desire for control clashes with our child's growing independence. Here is how you can flip the script from a nightly power struggle into a master class in confidence.

1.      Step Back From Micromanaging

Instead of hovering over their desk like an anxious helicopter, releasing every shaky stroke and intercepting every mistake, which accidentally sends the message that they are completely helpless without you, try setting the stage and handing over the control. Let them know the boundaries for example ‘Homework time will be 4 pm to 5 pm you choose which subject to tackle first’. When small mistakes happen, fight the urge to jump in and save them so they can learn from trying things on their own.

2.      Validate Feelings Before Correcting

Instead of losing your temper or demanding instant focus the second they complain about a hard assignment, which only makes them more stressed, pause and address their feelings first. Once they calm down, guide them gently.

3.      Praise Effort, Not Just the Grade

Instead of shouting and rewarding for an A+ which makes their self-worth depend only on shiny grades and leaves them afraid of failing, try helping them feel proud of their own hard work. Ask them, “How do you feel about the effort you put into this?” This will teach them to measure success by their own personal growth instead of a score on a paper.

4.      Check Your Own Anxiety

Instead of stressing out over a messy assignment because you worry, it means you are a bad parent or that your child will fall behind, take a deep breath and change your mindset. Remind yourself that a messy, imperfect project is just a way for them to learn, not a test of your parenting. Giving them space is not lazy parenting, it is the best way to help them grow independent.

Shifting how we handle daily friction points like homework is more than just a way to survive the afternoon rush, it is an investment in your child's core character. When we step back from micromanaging, validate their emotions, and celebrate their hard work rather than just their grades, we teach them a powerful truth: they are capable, resilient, and entirely equipped to navigate life on their own feet. True confidence isn't something we hand to them, it's something they build from the inside out. 

AUTHOR: KARISHMA

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

●      Retirement ambition is being redefined: 7 out of 10 urban Indians aspire to retire before the traditional retirement age if financially prepared, with 1 in 2 wanting to achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) before 50.

●      But the reality closer to retirement is stark: 82% of Gen X+(aged 45 +) feel they may never be able to retire from work/business as they would need a steady regular income, while 91% of respondents aged 45+ regret not starting retirement investments earlier.

●      The corpus gap remains significant: urban Indians have accumulated just 28% of their target retirement corpus on average; only 11% believe their corpus will last their lifetime, while 39% believe it may not last even five years.

●      Gen Z could be changing the retirement trajectory: 62% have already started investing for retirement, while Gen Z believes retirement planning should begin at an average age of 29. Overall, 1 in 2 urban Indians believes planning should begin with the first paycheque.

●      The ₹1 crore retirement benchmark is losing conviction: the proportion believing ₹1 crore or less is sufficient to retire comfortably has declined from 77% to 70%, falling to 51% among respondents with household income above ₹15 lakhs. Retirement readiness is broadening beyond metro cities: Tier II cities’ Bharosa Talks IRIS score has climbed from 44 to 48, while in metro cities it remains at 50, signalling a narrowing preparedness gap.

●      Overall retirement preparedness remains resilient: the Bharosa Talks IRIS score stands at 49 in 2026, compared with 48 in 2025 and 44 in 2022, supported by improving financial confidence while health and emotional preparedness remain broadly steady.

New Delhi : Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (“Axis Max Life” / “Company”) today unveiled the findings of the sixth edition of its annual Bharosa Talks India Retirement Index Study (IRIS 6.0), conducted in partnership with Kantar. The study reveals a fundamental shift in how urban India is imagining retirement: Indians increasingly want to retire earlier and are beginning to think about retirement sooner, but the financial journey from aspiration to preparedness remains substantial.

India’s overall retirement preparedness remained resilient this year, with the Bharosa Talks IRIS 6.0 score of 49 in 2026, compared with 48 in 2025 and 44 in 2022. Financial preparedness score improved marginally to 52 from 51, health preparedness score remained unchanged at 46, while emotional preparedness score stood at 57 compared with 58 last year.

The sixth edition of Bharosa Talks IRIS finds that 7 out of 10 urban Indians would like to retire before the traditional retirement age of 58–60 if their financial needs are fully taken care of. Half of those who want to retire, aim to achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) before the age of 50. However, respondents have accumulated only 28% of their target retirement corpus on average, highlighting the distance between retirement ambition and financial readiness for retirement.

Sumit Madan, MD & CEO, Axis Max Life Insurance, said, “One of the clearest messages from Bharosa Talks IRIS 6.0 is that retirement remains a financial challenge for many Indians. The finding that 82% of Gen X+ respondents expect to continue working for a steady income highlights a critical reality: retirement is not about reaching a certain age, but about having the financial freedom to choose what comes next. True retirement readiness should empower individuals to work because they want to, not because they need to. Encouragingly, younger Indians are beginning their retirement journey much earlier, signalling a welcome shift from reactive planning to proactive preparation. The task ahead is to convert this intent into sustained action across finances, health and emotional wellbeing, because a secure retirement is ultimately about independence, choice and peace of mind.”

Soumya Mohanty, Managing Director & Chief Client Officer, South Asia, Kantar, said, “ Bharosa Talks IRIS 6.0 shows retirement planning evolving across generations and geographies. Younger Indians are starting the retirement planning process earlier. Health is also becoming an important part of retirement preparation, with 59% claiming to undertake regular or occasional health check-up. Additionally, out of those who regularly take part in physical activities, 44% engage daily. Tier II cities have also strengthened their retirement preparedness, pointing to a broader retirement conversation across urban India.”

KEY FINDINGS FROM INDIA RETIREMENT INDEX STUDY 6.0

Retirement planning gets younger as FIRE gains ground

The retirement conversation is beginning earlier. One in two urban Indians believes retirement planning should start with the first paycheque, while the average age at which respondents believe they should start thinking about retirement savings is 31 years. This falls to 29 years among Gen Z, compared with 31 years among Millennials and 34 years among Gen X+.

This mindset is translating into early action among younger Indians: 62% of Gen Z respondents have already started investing for retirement, compared with 70% of Millennials and 75% of Gen X+

Indians know their ‘retirement number’, but reaching it remains a challenge

While 61% knows the corpus they would require to sustain their current lifestyle during retirement, confidence in its adequacy remains limited. Only 11% believe their retirement corpus will last their lifetime, while 39% believe it will not last even five years.

The perception of what constitutes an adequate corpus is also changing. The proportion believing ₹1 crore or less is sufficient for a comfortable retirement declined seven percentage points, from 77% in 2025 to 70% in 2026. The belief is particularly lower among respondents earning a household income of more than ₹15 lakh annually, at 51%, and among metro residents, at 63%.

The accumulation challenge becomes more pronounced closer to retirement. Respondents have accumulated 28% of their target corpus on average, with Gen X+ at 29%. Among Gen X+ respondents, 91% regret not starting retirement investments earlier.

Healthy ageing emerges as an integral part of retirement preparedness

Health remains central to how Indians think about retirement. 75% expect to remain healthy and fit during their retirement years. Today, 52% claim to have purchased health insurance, and out of those who regularly take part in physical activities, 44% engage daily. Additionally, 21% use wearable devices to track their health.

Retirement preparedness also carries a strong social dimension. 87% expect to live with their children during retirement, reinforcing the continuing importance of India’s family-centric retirement model. At the same time, belief in having family and social support during retirement has declined from 87% to 84%.

Tier II Cities of India closes the gap; East continues to lead

Tier II cities recorded the strongest improvement among city tiers, with their Bharosa Talks IRIS score rising from 44 in 2025 to 48 in 2026, supported by an improvement in health preparedness. Metros remained at a Bharosa Talks IRIS score of 50, while Tier I cities stood at 48.

Regionally, East continues to lead with a Bharosa Talks IRIS 6.0 score of 52, followed by West and South at 49 and North at 47 respectively. South registered an improvement in health preparedness, rising to 47 from 43 in 2025.

Women demonstrate a balanced approach to retirement

Women recorded a Bharosa Talks IRIS 6.0 score of 49, at par with men, supported by comparable financial, emotional and health preparedness.. 62% of women know the corpus they require for retirement, 52% have claimed to have health insurance and 41% actively engage in physical activities. Further, 30% believe their retirement corpus will last more than 10 years.

Read more about the India Retirement Index Study at - <Website Link>

About Bharosa Talks, India Retirement Index Study

Conducted in partnership with Kantar, Bharosa Talks India Retirement Index Study (IRIS) enters its sixth edition this year, marking an important milestone in retirement research in India. Over six consecutive years, Bharosa Talks IRIS edition has tracked the nation's retirement preparedness, making it India’s one of the most consistent retirement-focused consumer study.  The relative stability of this year's findings reinforces key long-term trends and provides a robust benchmark for understanding how Indians are planning for life after work.

Bharosa Talks Platform is Axis Max Life Insurance’s thought leadership platform dedicated to exploring the meaning of trust (Bharosa) in contemporary India. Through its flagship studies, India Protection Quotient (IPQ) and India Retirement Index Study (IRIS), and the Bharosa Talks Podcast featuring experts, industry leaders and celebrities from diverse fields, the platform fosters meaningful conversations on the factors shaping Indians' confidence, security and future aspirations.

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com)

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (the “Company”), formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a subsidiary of Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) with Axis Bank Limited and its affiliates also being shareholders of the Company. Axis Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party partners. The Company has built its operations on a need-based sales process, a customer centric engagement model and trained human capital. As per audited financials for FY2025-26, Axis Max Life recorded a gross written premium of INR 38,877 crore.

IRDAI Registration. No – 104

Company Identification Number - U74899HR2000PLC143012

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.axismaxlife.com

About Kantar

Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business. We deliver the intelligence needed to power brand growth.

We provide the signals that help organisations act quickly and confidently. We empower brands to make effective marketing decisions based on predictive evidence. And we help them craft powerful growth strategies rooted in the connection between consumers, brands and enterprise value.

All this is powered by our uniquely robust human and synthetic data, our unrivalled IP, our AI-native platform and the team of global brand experts that bring this all together.

To know more, visit www.kantar.com

Commenting on the development, Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara Limited, said, “Our entry into Delhi-NCR marks an important new chapter in Puravankara’s growth journey. NCR is one of India’s largest and most dynamic real estate markets, and we have been deliberate in identifying the right opportunity to establish our presence here. Greater Noida offers the combination of scale, infrastructure momentum and long-term demand that we look for when entering a new geography. With a ₹5,200 crore development opportunity, this is a meaningful first step towards building a strong presence in NCR while remaining disciplined in our approach to capital deployment and growth.”

The land parcel is located in Greater Noida. Planned as an integrated industrial and urban ecosystem, the township benefits from access to key regional infrastructure, including the Yamuna Expressway. The development of Noida International Airport at Jewar is also expected to further strengthen connectivity and support economic and employment growth across the region.

Rajat Rastogi, CEO-West & Commercial Assets, Puravankara Limited, said, “Greater Noida presents a compelling opportunity for Puravankara to establish its presence in NCR at a meaningful scale. The region is seeing strong infrastructure-led growth, expanding economic activity and improving connectivity, creating a favourable environment for long-term residential demand. We see this project as an opportunity to bring a differentiated Puravankara offering to the market, backed by thoughtful design, quality and disciplined execution.”

He further added, “As we build our presence in North India, we will continue to evaluate opportunities across Delhi-NCR that meet our development, return and capital-efficiency criteria. Our focus will be on creating a strong and sustainable pipeline while bringing the Puravankara experience to homebuyers in this market.”

The acquisition marks Puravankara’s maiden entry into Delhi-NCR and is its largest land transaction in FY27 so far. Including this acquisition, the company’s FY27 business development across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru spans approximately 10.74 million sq. ft. of saleable area and an estimated GDV of Rs 14,100 crore.

Puravankara continues to pursue a mix of outright acquisitions, joint development agreements and other capital-efficient structures to strengthen its development pipeline across established markets while selectively expanding into new growth geographies.

The Delhi-NCR entry comes close on the heels of Puravankara’s Rs 2,600 crore redevelopment win in Goregaon West, Mumbai, underscoring the company’s continued momentum in expanding its development pipeline across key markets.

●      The Hyderabad opening marks the eighth LEGO® Certified Store in India and the fourth launch in 2026, following its first Certified Store in Mumbai and two in Bengaluru earlier this year.

●      Located at Inorbit Mall, the store brings exclusive LEGO sets, immersive play and locally inspired elements to fans in the city, with a LEGO mosaic of over 49,000 bricks celebrating Hyderabad.

●      The grand opening welcomed special guests, including actor Rana Daggubati.

Hyderabad, 22 September 2026: The LEGO Group today opened the doors to Hyderabad’s first-ever LEGO Certified Store at Inorbit Mall, bringing its iconic world of creativity and play to the city of pearls. Launched in collaboration with the Ample Group, the 3,500 sq. ft. store offers a space for Hyderabad’s growing community of LEGO fans to come together and enjoy the unique LEGO experience of playful learning and discovery. Featuring more than 750 LEGO sets and life-size builds inspired by the city, the store is the LEGO Group’s eighth Certified Store in India and its fourth opening in 2026.

Renowned Indian actor, producer and entrepreneur, known for his roles across Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films, Rana Daggubati kicked off the launch by unveiling the store, and a special LEGO mosaic. Capturing Hyderabad not just as a city, but as a feeling, master builder Ritam Bhatnagar created the mosaic using 49,200 LEGO® bricks. Featuring some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and cultural symbols, from the Charminar and Hussain Sagar lake to an Irani chai stall, the 7 ft by 5 ft mosaic brings together the sights and experiences that reflect the spirit of Hyderabad. The celebrations also included engaging activities and building challenges for fans and families.

A store inspired by Hyderabad’s love for blockbusters

As an innovation hub, home to the thriving Telugu film industry and some of Indian cinema’s biggest blockbusters, Hyderabad has been a city where creativity takes center stage. That spirit inspires Hyderabad’s first LEGO Certified Store, bringing the LEGO experience to a city known for its love of films that capture the imagination. Locally inspired details and surprises throughout the store bring its connection to Hyderabad to life. The store will offer LEGO fans in Hyderabad access to 250 sets, including new launches, such as LEGO® Art Gustav Klimt – The Kiss, The Ministry of Magic™ – Collectors' Edition, LEGO® Technic™ Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear, and more, alongside a grand Pick-a-Brick wall, play tables, and Build-a-Mini stations.

Bhavana Mandon, Country Manager, LEGO India, said, “Hyderabad’s cultural richness and vibrance make it a melting pot for creative ideas. Over the years, people and families in the city have grown into a community that actively seeks meaningful experiences to connect and enjoy together, making it a natural home for our new LEGO Certified Store. As we open our eighth store in India with our longstanding partner, the Ample Group, we’re excited to bring fans in Hyderabad closer to the joy of building together.”

Rajesh Narang, Founder & CEO, Ample Group, said, “Our partnership with the LEGO Group may be relatively recent, but the pace of expansion has been remarkable. In a short span, we have expanded the LEGO®️ retail experience to a new city, with Hyderabad marking another important milestone in this journey. With Ample’s overall retail network spanning the country through partnerships with leading global brands, we remain focused on building strong, experience-led destinations for some of the world’s most loved brands.”

Speaking at the launch, Rana Daggubati said, “It’s exciting to finally have a LEGO Certified Store here in Hyderabad. LEGO sets are something you can enjoy at any age, and I know my family and I are going to have a great time exploring the store together. It’s always nice to see something new and fun come to Hyderabad, and I’m happy to be part of the opening.”

Rajneesh Mahajan, CEO of Inorbit Malls (India) Pvt. Ltd. added, “Bringing The LEGO Group to Hyderabad for the first time is a significant moment for us at Inorbit, because we have always believed that a strong retail destination should bring consumers closer to the brands and experiences they value, while also introducing them to something new. Our approach has always been consumer-first, and we look at what can add relevance, excitement, and discovery to their experience at our malls. The brand with its strong global legacy and ability to inspire creativity across generations, fits naturally into that vision. We are delighted to bring this much-loved global brand to Hyderabad for the first time and give the city a new way to experience play, right here at Inorbit.”

A blockbuster day of play

The opening celebrations brought together families, fans and creators for exciting LEGO-themed games and competitions, with popular creators joining families for building challenges. From a Hyderabad inspired Legacy Wall, LEGO-themed Spin Challenge to a brick pit and LEGO displays, the launch gave fans a glimpse of the worlds created by diverse LEGO sets waiting behind the store's iconic red-and-yellow doors.

About the LEGO Group:

The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine.

 The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words Leg Godt, which mean “Play Well”.

 Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. Its products are now sold in more than 120 countries worldwide. For more information: www.LEGO.com.

Mumbai, 21 September 2026 : The Water Stewardship Dialogue 2026 brought together senior leaders from industry, government, civil society, technical institutions and the development sector in Mumbai today, placing collective action at the centre of India’s evolving water stewardship agenda.

Convened around the theme “One Basin. Many Futures. Built Together.”, the Dialogue examined a growing imperative for corporate India: building water resilience  requires shared intelligence, aligned investment and sustained collaboration across institutions. Businesses, communities, agriculture, ecosystems and public systems ultimately depend upon the same watersheds.

The programme moved from the business case for water resilience to collective stewardship, institutional mechanisms, alignment with government priorities and collaboration for India’s water future. It brought together representatives from Diageo India, The Coca-Cola Company, Arvind Limited, L'Oréal India, Government of Maharashtra, civil society organisations and a wider group of corporate and ecosystem partners.

The Dialogue also marked the second anniversary of The Godavari Initiative (TGI), which has evolved over the past two years from an ambitious proposition into one of India’s prominent basin-level collective action platforms.

Two years of building the architecture for collective action

TGI was established around a simple premise: water must be addressed at the scale at which it functions, the basin, rather than only through individual projects.

Conceived in alignment with the basin-level collective action principles advanced globally by the United Nations Global Compact CEO Water Mandate and the Water Resilience Coalition, TGI has brought together corporations, government institutions, non-profits, think tanks, technical organisations and ecosystem enablers around a shared objective: strengthening source sustainability and securing a more resilient future for the Godavari.

The initiative began with the support of Diageo India as Basin Champion, enabling TGI to build the foundations required for long-term collective action. These included research and basin intelligence, evidence-led programme design, stakeholder mobilisation, resilience-building interventions, institutional engagement and the development of a dedicated TGI secretariat.

Over two years, the initiative has built an expanding ecosystem of partners and developed its Impact Aggregator, designed to bring interventions, organisations and evidence into a common basin-level view. TGI has also engaged IUCN India to strengthen standardisation around Nature-based Solutions and integrated frameworks such as RECAP4NDC to improve alignment between landscape interventions and wider national climate and resilience priorities.

Its work with government departments and basin institutions has sought to connect public priorities, corporate capabilities, technical knowledge and credible field delivery within a common architecture.

“At Diageo, we increasingly view water stewardship through the lens of collective action and the impact it can create. The Godavari Initiative is a strong example of this approach. Going forward, we aim to strengthen this spirit of collaboration and work closely with the government and our partners to understand and address the priorities of the Godavari River Basin”
Devashish Dasgupta, Corporate Relations Director, Diageo India

From Maharashtra to the wider Godavari basin

TGI is now extending its engagement beyond Maharashtra into Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, reflecting the hydrological reality that a river basin cannot be approached through administrative boundaries alone.

The next phase will focus on deeper on-ground action, stronger government convergence, basin intelligence, Nature-based Solutions, collaborative investment pathways and measurable outcomes across priority landscapes.

At the same time, the experience of building TGI is increasingly informing other basin-level collective action efforts across India. The ambition is not to replicate one programme geography by geography, but to demonstrate that the underlying architecture of collective action can be adapted elsewhere: shared intelligence, common priorities, aligned capital, credible field delivery, government convergence and shared evidence.

TGI’s stated long-term ambition is to develop a working, scalable and replicable collective action model for river basins across India.

The Coca-Cola Foundation joins the next phase

As TGI moves from institution-building towards a deeper action phase, The Coca-Cola Foundation will step forward as the next Basin Champion, building on the foundation established with Diageo India and supporting the initiative as it expands its geography, partnerships and ambition.

The development was announced during the partnerships segment of the Water Stewardship Dialogue, which was structured around the practice and institutionalisation of collective stewardship and the need to move from fragmented interventions towards convergence.
 The transition is intended to reflect the philosophy at the heart of TGI itself: institutional leadership may evolve, but the collective purpose remains constant.

“Healthy watersheds are critical to local communities. That’s why The Coca-Cola Foundation supports nature-based solutions that help protect water resources, restore landscapes and strengthen community resilience, ”
 Carlos Pagoaga, President, The Coca-Cola Foundation

Government participation remains central to that model. The Dialogue included perspectives from the Godavari River Management Board and the Soil and Water Conservation Department, Government of Maharashtra, reinforcing the importance of aligning corporate and philanthropic resources with public priorities and basin-level institutions.

“NGOs should come together with the government to work towards better outcomes for the people of Maharashtra. The Godavari Initiative and CSRBOX are doing wonderful work in Maharashtra. ”
Shri. Jitendra Papalkar IAS Ji, Secretary Soil and Water Conservation, Government of Maharashtra

Building an institution for the long term

The two-year milestone also marks the reconstitution of The Godavari Initiative as an independent not-for-profit institution with its own Board and governance architecture, giving the initiative the institutional continuity and neutrality required for a long-term basin agenda.

This evolution is designed to ensure that TGI remains larger than any individual partner, funding cycle or project portfolio, while providing a common platform through which successive corporate partners, governments, technical organisations, non-profits and communities can contribute.

The Water Stewardship Dialogue closed on a proposition increasingly relevant to corporate India: site-level efficiency remains important, but lasting water security depends upon the resilience of the basin around it. The event’s own framing captured the distinction succinctly: site efficiency protects a plant; basin resilience protects the conditions around it.

For TGI, the next chapter is therefore less about adding projects and more about converting two years of institutional architecture into collective consequence at scale.

About The Godavari Initiative

The Godavari Initiative is a basin-level collective action platform working towards source sustainability and a resilient future for the Godavari. It brings together businesses, governments, non-profits, technical institutions, think tanks, communities and ecosystem partners around evidence-led, collaborative action. TGI is expanding its engagement from Maharashtra into Telangana and Andhra Pradesh while developing its experience as a reference model for basin-level collective action across India.

Built around the business philosophy of JK Lakshmi Cement - ‘Soch Karo Buland’, the award recognizes those individuals whose resilience, innovation and determination have translated into meaningful societal changes.

The winners will be recognized across three core domains - Environment Champions, Builders of Public Infrastructure and Women Empowerment - with three award sub-categories under each domain. The Environment Champions category will recognize contributions to Climate Action & Renewable Energy, Water Conservation & Management, and Biodiversity & Ecosystem Preservation; Builders of Public Infrastructure will honour contributions to Public Health Infrastructure, Educational & Digital Infrastructure, and Rural & Urban Development; while Women Empowerment will recognize Women Entrepreneurs & Innovators, Social Transformation, and Women in Education, Health & Skills. In addition, one distinguished individual will receive the Unstoppables Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a lifetime of service, leadership and impact.

Mrs. Vinita Singhania, Chairperson and Managing Director, JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd., said, “The Unstoppables Awards are a celebration of individuals who refuse to be defined by the challenges before them. Their stories remind us that meaningful change often begins with an individual’s courage to think different and act with purpose. Through these awards, we want to recognize and amplify such resilient actions and inspire more people to believe in what is possible. This is the spirit of ‘Soch Karo Buland’ to think beyond limitations and create a positive impact that goes beyond self.”

The credibility of The Unstoppables Awards is further consolidated by distinguished grand jury members, bringing together expertise from the domains of public service, environmental action, social impact, law enforcement, corporate leadership and purpose-driven media. The jury comprises:

●      Rajendra Singh - Water Conservationist and environmentalist, popularly known as the ‘Waterman of India’

●      Poonam Bamba - Former Judge, High Court of Delhi and Chairperson, Police Complaints Authority, Delhi

●      Divyanshu Upadhyay - Social entrepreneur and Secretary, Hope Welfare Trust

●      Swami Prem Parivartan (Peepal Baba) - Founder, Give Me Trees Trust

●      Supriya Sahu, IAS - Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner, Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute, Government of Tamil Nadu

●      Chhaya Sharma, IPS - Director of Training, Bureau of Police Research & Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India

●      Vinita Singhania - Chairperson and Managing Director, JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd.

●      Dr. Arun Shukla - President and Director, JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd.

●      Atashi Singhania – Director at JK Revasu Pvt. Ltd.

●      Narayanan Radhakrishnan - CEO, The Better India

The initiative has been designed around a structured nomination and evaluation framework to promote credibility, inclusiveness and transparency in the recognition process. Through the awards, JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd. aims to create a platform that goes beyond recognition, one that celebrates resilience, highlights stories of impact and inspires a culture of purposeful action.

The Unstoppables Awards are a reflection of JK Lakshmi Cement’s broader commitment to creating value beyond its core business and supporting initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient India.

About JK Lakshmi Cement Limited

JK Lakshmi Cement Limited is a part of the prestigious JK Organization which is over hundred and forty years old and boasts operations in India and abroad with a leadership presence in the fields of tyre, cement, paper, power transmissions, sealing solutions, dairy products and textiles.

JK Lakshmi Cement is a renowned and well-established name in the Indian Cement industry for four decades and has an annual turnover of over Rs 6000 crores. The Company has a formidable presence in Northern, Western and Eastern India's cement markets.

Having started in 1982, the Company has modern and fully computerized, integrated cement plants at Jaykaypuram, in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, at Dabok, in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan and at Ahiwara, in the Durg district of Chhattisgarh. The Company also has four split location grinding units at - Kalol and Surat in Gujarat, Jhamri in the Jhajjar district of Haryana and Cuttack in Odisha. The present combined capacity of the Company is 18 Million Tonnes per annum.

The Company has also introduced a portfolio of Smart Business Solution (SBS) products such as JK Lakshmi Concrete - Ready Mix Concrete (RMC), JK Lakshmi Gypsum Plaster, JK Lakshmi Wall Putty, JK Lakshmi Primer, JK Lakshmi Adhesives and JK Lakshmi Fly Ash Blocks.

JK Lakshmi Cement has set a vision of reaching a cement capacity of 30 Million Tonnes by 2030.

For media queries:

Adfactors PR

Nikita Gupta | nikita.gupta@adfactorspr.com | 8130462182

JK Lakshmi Cement

Abhik Bhargava | abhikb@lc.jkmail.com | 9958005924

Bengaluru, 21 September 2026: IIM Bangalore has launched the General Management for Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP), an eight-month blended programme delivered through IIMBx, the Institute's digital learning arm. The inaugural cohort commences 30 September 2026.

ELP is built for the transition that stalls more careers than any other — the move from doing the work to leading it. It is open to graduates with minimum 50% marks in any discipline and 5–8 years of work experience.

The programme runs across five themes: Leadership, Financial Acumen, Value through Customers, Strategic Thinking and Innovation, and Data-Driven Decision Making. Ten faculty-led courses cover people management, leadership communication, finance and accounting, marketing, strategy, innovation, decision sciences, and AI and digital strategy — taught by core IIMB faculty, the same professors who teach the Institute's flagship MBA.

Three elements anchor the programme: a faculty-guided Action Learning Project applying each theme to a live problem inside the participant's own organisation; The Arena, a live business simulation; and three campus immersion modules at IIM Bangalore.

Prof. Shainesh G, Programme Director, IIM Bangalore, said: "The hardest part of becoming a manager isn't learning finance or strategy — it's learning to deliver results through people and teams. This programme through its rigorous approach builds the business acumen and skills necessary to transition from a manager or an Individual contributor to a successful leader.”

Participants who complete the programme receive a certificate issued by IIMBx and Affiliate Alumni Status from IIM Bangalore.

Applications: online.iimbx.edu.in

About IIM Bangalore

The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is a leading graduate school of management in Asia. Under the IIM Act of 2017, IIMB is an Institute of National Importance.IIMB’s vision is to be a global, renowned academic institution fostering excellence in management, innovation and entrepreneurship for business, government and society.

About IIMBx

Established in 2014, IIMBx is the digital learning initiative of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, an Institute of National Importance. It extends IIMB’s high-quality management education beyond the campus, delivering technology-enabled learning via IIMBx, SWAYAM, and edX. Today, IIMBx offers 160+ courses across 12 domains, 7+ flagship  programmes, and a growing portfolio of microprogrammes. It has recorded more than 5 million enrolments worldwide to date.

To know more: https://online.iimbx.edu.in/iim-bangalore-certificate-in-general-management-for-emerging-leaders-programme

Measuring 5 feet (151 cm) in length, the GCB is designed for those seeking an authentic Grand Piano experience while balancing practical considerations such as space and budget.

Mr. Ryoji Maruyama, Sales Unit Head, Yamaha Music India, said, “The GCB represents an important addition to Yamaha’s Grand Piano portfolio. Designed and crafted in Japan, it brings together the touch, tone and craftsmanship that Yamaha Grand Pianos are known for in a more compact format. With its design philosophy rooted in Yamaha’s renowned CX Series and the expertise of the skilled craftspeople at our Kakegawa Factory, the GCB offers an authentic Grand Piano experience for musicians and aspiring piano owners.”

The GCB is also Yamaha’s first Grand Piano of its size to feature the Tone Collector, helping create a rich and lingering resonance. Its rim construction uses lamination techniques from the GC and CX Series, supporting a sustained and richer sound. The piano also features a sliding music desk, allowing for a comfortable playing position, natural posture and improved visibility of the musical score. Designed with long-term quality in mind, the GCB features a frame crafted using Yamaha’s advanced V-Pro technology (Vacuum Shield Mold Process) at its Iwata Foundry, supporting the extraordinary string tension of the instrument.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rehan Siddiqui, General Manager, MI-Sales & Marketing Division, Yamaha Music India, said, “Many musicians and piano enthusiasts aspire to own a Grand Piano, but factors such as space and accessibility can often influence that decision. The GCB has been designed keeping these considerations in mind, offering the experience of a Made-in-Japan Yamaha Grand Piano in a compact size. We believe it will appeal to aspiring Grand Piano owners, musicians looking to upgrade from an Upright Piano and those who want to bring the elegance and musical experience of a Grand Piano into their homes.”

Key features of the Yamaha GCB Grand Piano include:

●      Compact 5-feet (151 cm) Baby Grand design, making it Yamaha’s most compact Grand Piano made in Japan

●      CX Series-inspired design and action for an authentic Yamaha Grand Piano playing experience

●      Tone Collector for rich, sustained and lingering resonance

●      Thicker rim construction using GC and CX Series lamination techniques for a fuller sound

●      Expert regulation and voicing by skilled craftspeople at Yamaha’s Kakegawa Factory

●      Sliding Music Desk for a comfortable playing position, natural posture and improved score visibility

●      V-Pro (Vacuum Shield Mold Process) cast frame designed to support extraordinary string tension

The new Yamaha GCB is available in Polished Ebony and is priced at ₹11,09,990, bringing a new Made-in-Japan Grand Piano option to Yamaha’s piano portfolio in India.

Additionally, Yamaha Music India has also announced a new Polished White finish for its B Series Upright Pianos. The new colour variant will be available for the B30, B20 and B10, priced at ₹529,990, ₹409,990 and ₹339,990, respectively.

Learn more about GCB Grand Piano here: https://in.yamaha.com/en/musical-instruments/pianos/products/grand-pianos/gc-series/gcb/#d3220382

Sometimes, the most powerful statement is just two letters: “NO”. At HSNC University’s Nasha Mukt Bharat programme, that word rang out from a packed auditorium as students came together to take a collective pledge against drug-abuse in the presence of Maharashtra Governor and HSNC University Chancellor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma. The programme, organised jointly by HSNC University, Mumbai and Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, also saw the launch of NoToDrugs.in portal by  Governor Shri Varma.

The programme was also graced by Mr. Anil Harish, Provost, HSNC University; Shri S. Ramamoorthy, IAS, Joint Secretary to the Governor of Maharashtra; Ms. Seema Singh, Founder, Meghashrey Foundation; Dr. Sumedh Chavan, Trustee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Seva Bhavi Trust; actor Ravi Dubey; Dr. Bhagwan Balani, Registrar, HSNC University and Prof. Tejashree Shanbag, Principal, K.C. College.

The programme went beyond a conventional awareness campaign and opened up a more difficult conversation: How does addiction begin? Why do young people sometimes find it difficult to say no? And what responsibility do we have when someone around us is already struggling?

In an address blending personal anecdotes with a direct message to the young audience, Mr. Anil Harish spoke about how addiction can sometimes begin almost casually: with a friend's suggestion, curiosity, a dare, peer pressure or simply the reluctance to be the one person in a group who says no. Drawing on deeply personal examples of young people whose lives and families were devastated by addiction, he underlined how a seemingly small choice can eventually take control of a person’s future.

He then shared an unexpectedly memorable anecdote from his own life. When someone offered tobacco at a gathering, his response was a four-letter word: “SURE.” Fortunately, his experiment ended with him throwing up rather than developing an addiction. But the experience carried a larger lesson: sometimes the pressure to say “yes” can overpower the instinct to pause and consider the consequences. “Yes” has a place in life, he told the students, but we must also learn when to say “no”. Mr. Anil Harish then put a question to the students: What would you say if someone offered you drugs? The auditorium answered with one emphatic word: “NO!”

Addressing the students, Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma highlighted three interconnected dimensions of the drug problem supply, demand and rehabilitation. While enforcement agencies and authorities have an important role in tackling the supply of drugs, he emphasised that society has a significant role to play in stopping demand and supporting rehabilitation. His message to the young audience was particularly direct: “Drug is not cool; it is cruel.”

He challenged the increasingly familiar response of treating addiction as somebody else's problem. “It's his life” or “it's her life”, he said, cannot become an excuse for indifference. “No person can live in isolation.” Addiction may affect an individual, but its consequences can travel through families, friendships, neighbourhoods and communities.

The Governor therefore urged students to rethink what it means to “interfere”. Reaching out to someone battling addiction, he said, is not interference, it is help. If someone is caught in substance abuse, that person may be “crying out for help” and young people have the ability to notice, reach out and stand by them.

His appeal was therefore not simply to speak about change, but to become part of it. “It is not about giving speeches; it is standing by someone,” he told the students, urging them to build awareness within their circles and help create the support systems that increasingly matter in a rapidly changing society.

Shri Varma also pointed to the weakening of traditional support structures and the need to recreate that sense of community through friends, relatives, acquaintances and social networks. The underlying message was clear: a healthier society cannot be built by individuals living in isolation from one another.

Giving the campaign a digital dimension, Governor Shri Varma launched the NoToDrugs.in portal, providing a dedicated platform to carry the message of a drug-free India beyond the auditorium, even as he administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge to the students present. The combination of a digital platform and a physical, collective commitment underscored the need to carry the message beyond a single event and into the everyday spaces where young people live, study and interact.

Emphasising the importance of youth-led choices, Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University said “A drug-free India cannot be built through awareness alone; it must be built through the choices young people make every day. When a young person chooses to say no, that is not merely a refusal, it is a choice for health, dignity, ambition and a future with possibilities.” Dr. Bagla has been the driving force and has supported the entire ‘Say No To Drugs’ campaign at HSNC University.

“A University prepares students for more than examinations and careers. It also gives them the knowledge, confidence and support to navigate the choices that come with adulthood. In that sense, the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge is as much about education as it is about awareness,” Dr. Bagla said.

The program builds on HSNC University's sustained youth-focused engagement towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat. Since June, students have participated in digital Poster Making, Slogan Writing & Reel Making competitions, followed by a ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ (Drug-Free Youth for Developed India) awareness programme in July which brought together students for interactive discussions on addiction, its impact on physical and mental health, recovery and the importance of seeking support. This was followed by the live screening of the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s address on the Drug-Free Mumbai Campaign in July, where students were encouraged to recognise their individual and collective responsibility towards building a drug-free society. In August, HSNC University hosted the Mumbai city district-level competition which saw 116 participants across eight categories, using poetry, theatre, music, dance and digital media to turn awareness into youth-led social action.

The event was held as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Press Relations- Ms. Maya M

PR Head, HSNC University, Mumbai

Email: maya.m@hsncu.edu.in

Phone: +91- 8655962503/ 04

Navi Mumbai,19^th September 2026 : CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR is set to host the second edition of Ease of Doing Redevelopment (EODR) 2.0 in Navi Mumbai & Raigad (NMR) on Sunday, 27th September 2026, at Hall A, CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Navi Mumbai, from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The initiative was addressed by Sumit Ahluwalia, President; Vicky Thomas, Vice President; Jitesh Agrawal, Immediate Past President; Tejas Patil, Treasurer; Akash More, President Elect; Dharmin Jasani, Event Convenor; Amit Haware, Advisor; Zeeshan Naik; Arjun Thesia; and Anmol Mehta, who shared their perspectives on redevelopment and the objectives of EODR 2.0. The one-day exhibition will bring together 40+ developers from across Navi Mumbai, with more than 1,500 housing societies expected to visit from various nodes of Navi Mumbai and the wider NMR region. The initiative builds upon the participation of approximately 800–1,000 housing societies in the previous edition, while expanding developer representation to facilitate greater interaction and choice for societies.

Redevelopment represents an important opportunity for housing societies and property owners to consider the future of their existing homes and communities. However, the process also involves several stages of evaluation, consultation and collective decision-making.With transparency, awareness and collaborative redevelopment as its central theme, EODR 2.0 aims to create a platform where society representatives and property owners can gain a better understanding of redevelopment, interact directly with developers and seek guidance from relevant experts.

The exhibition will feature panel discussions and expert consultations, providing visitors with an opportunity to discuss various aspects of redevelopment and understand the considerations involved in taking the process forward.The second edition of EODR reflects the belief of CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR that awareness around redevelopment needs to be an ongoing process.

Housing societies do not become eligible for redevelopment at the same time. As different communities reach the relevant stage in their lifecycle, property owners require access to timely information and an understanding of the opportunities and considerations associated with redevelopment.EODR 2.0 therefore seeks to maintain this conversation year after year, helping property owners become more informed about the redevelopment process and encouraging constructive engagement between societies, developers and professionals.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sumit Ahluwalia, President, CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR, said:“EODR 2.0 is a continuation of our endeavour to build awareness around redevelopment across Navi Mumbai and Raigad. Redevelopment is a significant decision for property owners and communities, and it is important that societies have access to information, understand their options and engage in the process with greater clarity. Through EODR, we want to create a platform that encourages transparency, awareness and collaboration, while bringing societies and developers closer together. As more societies become eligible for redevelopment every year, we believe this conversation needs to continue every year as well.”

With more than 40 developers participating, EODR 2.0 expands the representation of the development community across Navi Mumbai and Raigad.The increased participation is intended to provide housing societies with greater opportunities to interact with developers, understand different approaches to redevelopment and initiate meaningful conversations based on their individual requirements.

The exhibition will also provide access to expert consultations and panel discussions, allowing society representatives to explore questions and considerations that may arise during the redevelopment journey.The initiative is designed to bring the conversation closer to property owners and communities, while encouraging a more informed and collaborative approach to redevelopment.

Key Highlights of EODR 2.0

●      40+ developers participating from across Navi Mumbai

●      1,500+ housing societies expected to visit

●      Participation from societies across various nodes of Navi Mumbai and NMR

●      Direct interaction between housing societies and developers

●      Panel discussions covering important aspects of redevelopment

●      Expert consultations for society representatives and property owners

●      Focus on transparency, awareness and collaborative redevelopment

●      Expanded scale following participation from approximately 800–1,000 societies in the previous edition

The press launch will also feature perspectives from members of CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR, highlighting the importance of awareness, professional engagement and collaboration in shaping the future of redevelopment across Navi Mumbai and Raigad.

About CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR

CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR is a platform representing young real estate professionals and developers in the Navi Mumbai and Raigad region. The association works towards promoting professionalism, innovation, collaboration and the progressive development of the real estate sector.

Through initiatives such as EODR, CREDAI MCHI YOUTH NMR seeks to facilitate greater awareness and constructive dialogue between the development community and property owners, particularly on issues that have a long-term impact on the region’s housing and urban landscape.

Jaipur. Punit Nehra of Pilani, Jhunjhunu has won the title of Mr. Rajasthan 2026 – Season 5, which the organisers describe as the state's biggest male pageant. The grand finale was held on September 13, 2026, at Hotel Trade International on Ajmer Road, Jaipur, and brought a three-day event to a close.

The pageant was organised by Infinity Takeovers Production House under the direction of Show Director Anup Choudhary. Around 3,000 young men from across Rajasthan auditioned this year, and only 33 made it to the finalist list. That works out to a selection rate of about one percent, which shows how much of the contest was decided before the finale began.

Over the three days, the finalists were assessed on far more than their looks on the ramp. The rounds included Talent, Fitness, Question & Answer, Self Styling, Swimwear, Professional Shoots, Walk, Trunk and Traditional. Together they tested skill, physical conditioning, communication and how well each contestant could present himself.

Behind Punit Nehra on the podium, Shailesh Joshi of Jodhpur finished as 1st Runner-Up, Shankar Meena of Jaipur as 2nd Runner-Up, Jitendra Choudhary of Nagaur as 3rd Runner-Up and Mehant Kumar of Jaipur as 4th Runner-Up. The top five come from four different districts, so the podium was not dominated by any one city.

Nehra is also active on social media as a content creator and influencer. He makes blogs and videos on motivation, daily life and personal experiences, aimed at delivering a positive message to young viewers. His win reflects a wider pattern in which creators from smaller towns, who build an audience online first, are now moving onto larger stages such as pageants.

Speaking about the purpose of the event, Anup Choudhary said professional platforms where young men in Rajasthan can showcase their talent, personality and confidence at scale are still few. He said Mr. Rajasthan was built to fill that gap. In his words, it is not merely a title contest but an effort to give direction to the dreams of young people.

The fact that the pageant has reached its fifth season suggests it has become a recurring platform rather than a one-time event. The organisers say the platform can open doors in modelling, films and the wider entertainment industry, and that winners get a chance to represent Rajasthan at the national level. As the new title-holder, Nehra will now carry that responsibility, and how far these opportunities take him will become clearer in the months ahead.

Mumbai, September 2026 : What started with a playful take on wine seltzers has grown into a brand built around real fermented fruit, honest flavour and an unpretentious approach to drinking. With its first range establishing a growing community of consumers, Tipsy Tabby is now taking that foundation into its next phase.

For Partner Akshay Kasbekar, the move is a natural evolution of the brand, driven by changing drinking habits and the opportunity to create for more occasions.

“Tipsy Tabby didn’t set out to be a one-product brand. We built the base range first to earn trust, understand what people enjoy and establish what Tipsy Tabby stands for. The next chapter is about taking that foundation forward and creating a house of drinks that can show up across different occasions and intensities. It’s evolution, not reinvention,” says Akshay Kasbekar, Partner, Tipsy Tabby.

As younger consumers move beyond traditional categories and increasingly choose drinks based on the moment, Tipsy Tabby sees an opportunity to build a brand that can move with them. Its playful, slightly mischievous personality remains at the heart of this evolution, with a focus on making drinking well feel accessible, fun and free from the usual rules.

The upcoming launch of Strong marks the first step in this next chapter. A 15% ABV ready-to-drink wine in Tipsy Tabby’s signature 330ml bottle, Strong brings greater intensity to the brand while retaining its fruit-forward identity and introducing a distinct flavour direction.

Designed for occasions when the night calls for something with more presence, Strong expands the ways consumers can experience Tipsy Tabby, from celebrations and house gatherings to bigger nights out.

For the brand, this is more than a new product. It is the beginning of a larger vision to build a house of drinks that stays true to the same real, fun and unpretentious spirit across different occasions and intensities.

With Strong, Tipsy Tabby is taking its next step forward without losing what made people reach for it in the first place.

Shares of Continental Securities Ltd (BSE: 538868) have emerged as a strong breakout candidate, trading near Rs 23.60 and closing in on its 52-week high of Rs 24.80 hit on September 11. The stock is up 58.07% year-to-date and has gained nearly 50% in the last one month, backed by a sharp surge in volumes.

The rally comes at a time when India's NBFC sector is witnessing robust growth. According to RBI data, NBFC credit grew 14.4% year-on-year in June 2026 to Rs 57.8 trillion, up from 11.1% a year earlier, and accelerated to 14.9% in July 2026. Retail loans remain the key driver, growing 21.4% YoY in July compared to 13.7% last year, while gold loans surged 69.3%.

Blue-chip peers are also in strong form. Bajaj Finance and Shriram Finance reported 20% AUM growth in Q1FY27, with Nomura preferring both names on resilient growth and stable asset quality. Shriram Finance reported a 40.9% YoY rise in standalone net profit in Q4FY26, outpacing Bajaj Finance.

Against this backdrop, microcap NBFCs like Continental Securities are seeing catch-up buying. Founded in 1990, the Jaipur-based company is engaged in finance and investment activities, offering gold loans, personal loans and loans against property to small borrowers. It has a market capitalisation of around Rs 74.94 crore.

On fundamentals, the company remains small but profitable. For Q1 FY27 (June 2026 quarter), it reported revenue of Rs 1.19 crore and net profit of Rs 0.70 crore, and has declared a dividend of Rs 0.05.

Technically, the stock was consolidating in the Rs 13-15 range till May 2026 before breaking out in late August with heavy volumes. A sustained close above Rs 24.80 would confirm a fresh 52-week breakout. 

Investors should note that microcap stocks carry higher volatility and liquidity risk. This is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.

 Disclaimer : This content is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice, a recommendation, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. This article is Partner Content. Readers should consult a SEBI-registered investment adviser before making any investment decision. Sangri Network and its publisher, Sangri Internet Pvt. Ltd., accept no liability for decisions made on the basis of this content.

The second edition of the Jindal Policy Conclave will bring together 30 distinguished voices at O.P. Jindal Global University to discuss the role of India’s youth in governance, democratic participation, economic development, institutional reform, and India’s global engagement.

“Congratulations to O.P. Jindal Global University for creating a platform that brings together law, public policy, governance and young minds who will shape the future of our country. You belong to the most exciting generation in Indian history as you will be the future leaders of the country. The Government of India has taken several initiatives that demonstrate how policy can translate national priorities into programmes of action,” the Minister further said.

In a wide-ranging speech on law, policy and the creative economy, the Minister added, “Future lawyers must understand not only statutes and judgments, but also technology, innovation, culture, and business models. Under the changing nature of work, future entrepreneurs must understand not only markets and finance but also storytelling, design, policy, artificial intelligence and the trust that builds lasting brands. Future journalists must understand not only facts and headlines, but also digital platforms, algorithms, ethics and misinformation.”

In his welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, said, “I am deeply grateful to Dr L. Murugan, who is a distinguished parliamentarian, currently serving as both the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, for his inaugural address at the Jindal Policy Conclave 2026. He has had a very long and outstanding career, holding various positions of power and responsibility both within the state of Tamil Nadu and at the national level. In the context of the Policy Conclave, we must remember that universities are institutions which are expected to speak truth to power and also be able to deeply engage in addressing the big challenges of our time. I want to pay tribute to the alumni of the Jindal School of Government and Public Policy and students from other schools who have come together to organise the Conclave.”

The Jindal Policy Conclave (JPC) 2026, a student-led public policy conference hosted by the Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP), O.P. Jindal Global University, is being held on 18–19 September 2026 at the university’s Sonipat campus. The second edition has brought together 30 policymakers, parliamentarians, academics, civil servants, journalists, and practitioners for two days of dialogue on issues shaping a young India.

Over two days, the Conclave will feature seven thematic panels addressing federalism and regionalism; the agrarian economy and agricultural reform; defence and military manufacturing; free speech and press freedom; artificial intelligence and misinformation; jobs and employment; youth democratic participation; and women’s safety, participation, and lived realities.

Prof. R. Sudarshan, Dean, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, delivered the opening remarks and said, “Dr L. Murugan has emerged as a key architect of India’s creative economy. He also launched five major knowledge reports which demonstrate how data-backed research can guide industry strategy and help evidence-based policymaking.”

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Lobsang Sangay, Lecturer of Law at Harvard Law School and Former President of the Central Tibetan Administration. He said that young people should contribute to society without any fear of disappointment or failure. “Young Indians already belong to a 5,000-year-old rich cultural heritage. They should pursue their goals without worrying about results as the hard work itself will lead to success.”

Other distinguished speakers will include Admiral (Retd.) Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, former 26th Chief of the Naval Staff; Smt. Iqra Choudhary, Member of Parliament from the Kairana Lok Sabha Constituency; Smt. Kanta Singh, Deputy Country Head, UN Women India and Smt. Priyanka Chaturvedi, former Member of Parliament and visiting faculty at JSGP. Shri T. L. Satyaprakash, a 2002-batch Haryana-cadre IAS officer, will deliver the Valedictory Address.

The build-up to JPC 2026 included several pre-Conclave engagements. An interactive session with Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Jha, Member of the Rajya Sabha representing Bihar and National Spokesperson of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, examined structural gaps in India’s education system and the case for viewing education as a democratic project. The discussion covered educational inequality, merit, institutional accountability, public investment, youth unemployment, and democratic participation, with Prof. Jha emphasising that students are not merely the future but active participants in the present.

In collaboration with the India Chapter of the Hertie School of Public Policy in Germany and the Jindal Institute for Haryana Studies, JPC also conducted a 90-minute policy roundtable on ‘Leveraging the Potential of Solar Power in Haryana’, using Sonipat as an anchor case. In addition, it hosted a pan-India policy case competition examining why expanded formal credit has not necessarily translated into growth for Indian micro and small enterprises.

Through its two-day programme, JPC 2026 seeks to sustain dialogue between established and emerging voices, placing representation, education, employment, democratic participation, and institutional accountability at the centre of the policy discourse.

Mumbai, September 19, 2026 : VENUS Safety & Health Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s established Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) manufacturers, has received a strong response to its V-90 V Mask, which has been designed to address the need for respiratory protection that combines protection, comfort and usability. Developed for demanding industrial environments, the mask focuses on fit, breathing comfort, durability and heat management for workers who may require respiratory protection through extended working hours.

Across sectors such as construction, automobile, engineering and mining, workers routinely operate in environments where dust, particulate matter, heat and long working hours make respiratory protection critical. While providing respiratory protection is an important aspect of workplace safety, ensuring that workers can wear the equipment comfortably and consistently through demanding shifts is equally important.

The V-90 V Mask has been designed with these workplace realities in mind. Its convex cup-shaped design provides a better facial fit while offering greater breathing space, particularly for workers who may need to wear respiratory protection for extended shifts of eight to ten hours. The mask features latex-free textile elastic straps, with braided textile elastic designed to resist deformation under high temperatures and repeated usage.

The V-90 V Mask also features a dual-shell design that adds durability for repeat and extended use while helping reduce the accumulation of dust and stains on the mask surface. Another key feature is VENUS Safety & Health’s Stay Cool Butterfly Vent Valve, designed to reduce exhalation heat and fogging. This is particularly relevant in industrial environments where workers may already be exposed to elevated temperatures and physical exertion.

According to Mahesh Kudav, Managing Director, VENUS Safety & Health Pvt. Ltd., the response to the V-90 V Mask reinforces the importance of designing PPE around the practical requirements of workers.

“Respiratory protection should go beyond being a compliance requirement. For PPE to serve its purpose effectively, workers must be able to use it correctly and consistently through demanding work environments. At VENUS Safety & Health, our focus has therefore been on combining protection with practical design, comfort, and durability. The V-90 V Mask reflects this philosophy. Innovation in safety must make protection easier for workers to adopt as part of their everyday working lives.”

The V-90 V Mask carries IS 9473 and CE 0121 approvals and is suitable for applications across automobile, construction, engineering, mining and other industrial sectors.

The product’s focus on comfort and usability comes as occupational safety increasingly moves beyond statutory compliance, with organisations paying greater attention to employee wellbeing, productivity, ESG considerations and global manufacturing standards. For PPE manufacturers, this requires product development to consider not only protection standards, but also ergonomics, climatic conditions, duration of usage and worker behaviour.

The company’s innovations include the Stay Cool Butterfly Vent Valve and Twist N Click filter system, along with collaborations with institutions including IITs and DRDO. These efforts reflect its focus on developing safety solutions aligned with evolving industrial requirements.

As India’s manufacturing and infrastructure ecosystem continues to expand, the V-90 V Mask reflects VENUS Safety & Health’s approach to developing respiratory protection around the person who wears it, with a focus on protection, comfort and consistent usability in demanding workplace conditions.

About VENUS Safety & Health Pvt. Ltd.

Founded in 1986, VENUS Safety & Health Pvt. Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of PPE and advanced air filtration solutions. Headquartered in Navi Mumbai, the company operates seven state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and exports to more than 32 countries worldwide. Known for quality, reliability, and innovation, VENUS collaborates with leading institutions and complies with national and international safety standards to deliver certified, high-performance protection solutions across industries.

For further information on the company: https://venusohs.com/

Bengaluru, India, September 19, 2026 : Pocket FM, a Pocket Entertainment company, today announced the launch of Sherpa by Pocket FM, its fiction creation platform built around Narrative Intelligence, an approach to AI storytelling designed to understand, develop and maintain complex fictional worlds as they evolve over hundreds of episodes.

Generative AI has made it remarkably easy to generate text, but generating text and creating a great story are very different problems. Long-form fiction requires characters who evolve without losing who they are, relationships that remember their history, conflicts and storylines that can disappear and return dozens of episodes later, and narrative decisions that remain consistent across hundreds of thousands of words. A creator is not simply writing the next paragraph or episode, they are building and managing an entire world. Sherpa by Pocket FM is built for solving exactly this problem.

Rather than relying on a single model responding to a series of prompts, Sherpa by Pocket FM brings together specialized models and agents that work across the fiction creation process, from ideation and research to story planning, writing, evaluation and long-term narrative memory. At its core is a living understanding of the story world that grows as the story develops, allowing Sherpa by Pocket FM to reason across characters, settings, conflicts, relationships and events rather than treating every episode as an isolated piece of text.

“We believe the next breakthrough in generative AI for entertainment isn’t simply going to come from models that can write better sentences. It will come from systems that understand stories,” said Prateek Dixit, Co-Founder of Pocket FM. “That is what we are building with Sherpa by Pocket FM. Narrative Intelligence means understanding the world a creator is building, reasoning about where the story could go and maintaining that understanding as the story grows, while keeping the creator in control of the vision and the decisions that shape it.”

Building Narrative Intelligence

Sherpa by Pocket FM approaches fiction as a hierarchy, building an understanding of the story from its characters and world to larger narrative arcs, episodes and individual scenes. A story begins with an idea and expands into its characters, themes, setting and conflicts before developing into larger story arcs, sequences, episodes and scenes. Different parts of the platform are designed to work across those layers. Its Ideation Agent develops and expands story concepts, the Planning Agent works across story structure and sequences, the Research Agent brings relevant factual and contextual knowledge into the story, and the prose agent develops scenes and episodes. A Feedback Agent evaluates story quality and recommends revisions, while the Narrative World Model maintains long-term story memory as the fictional universe evolves.

Together, these systems allow Sherpa by Pocket FM to address one of the hardest problems in long-form storytelling: something that happened 50 or 100 episodes ago may still fundamentally affect what should happen next. Characters need to remember what they know, relationships need to reflect what they have been through, unresolved conflicts need to remain unresolved until the right moment, and the rules of the world cannot simply change because a new episode is being written. The creator remains at the center of this process, setting the vision and making the important creative decisions while Sherpa by Pocket FM helps plan, generate, evaluate and maintain the growing complexity of the story.

Built on How Audiences Actually Experience Stories

Sherpa by Pocket FM is being developed inside an entertainment ecosystem that gives Pocket FM a distinct advantage. The company can learn not only from stories themselves, but also from how audiences experience those stories over time. Pocket FM  has more than 770,000 titles and 550,000 creators, alongside more than 5.5 billion hours of playtime with minute-by-minute engagement and retention data and more than 1.4 million hours of high-quality text and voice content across millions of story arcs.

That creates a continuous learning loop between creation and consumption. More stories create richer audience signals, those signals can help improve models and evaluation systems, better storytelling can drive stronger engagement and more creator success, and that in turn brings more creators and stories into the ecosystem. As foundation models become increasingly capable, Pocket FM believes this understanding of how audiences actually experience long-form stories will become increasingly important. The challenge is no longer simply generating the next sentence; it is understanding what makes someone care enough about a story to come back for the next episode, and then the next hundred.

“Sherpa by Pocket FM is powered by our custom proprietary models, which feed off our rich data flywheel and continuously improve as more content is created and consumed,” said Vasu Sharma, Head of AI at Pocket FM. “This gives a single creator access to storytelling capabilities that previously required entire studios, specialized teams and massive production budgets. With the right tools, one creator can increasingly build and scale an entire fictional universe.”

Scaling a New Generation of Storytellers

Sherpa by Pocket FM is already changing the scale at which stories can be created across Pocket FM, with annualized content production growing 75x to more than 2.5 million hours, alongside a 10x increase in the number of blockbuster titles. For creators, this means being able to go from an initial idea to a structured fictional universe, build long-running stories faster and ultimately adapt successful intellectual property across languages, markets and formats.

“Every writer begins with a story, but between that first thought and the finished book lie many difficulties such as false starts, lost ideas, and long stretches when the words do not come. Sherpa can help a writer through some of these obstacles, offering a little guidance when the journey becomes difficult. It does not take the place of the writer; it helps the writer keep going. And when a writer can keep going, there is a greater chance that more stories will find their way into the world,” said Ajit Kumar, author of Brahmyodha : The Destroyer and an early Sherpa user, whose story had received 275.2 million plays on Pocket FM as of August 2026.

Sherpa by Pocket FM is part of Pocket Entertainment’s larger ambition to change who gets to create entertainment. The creator economy gave individuals access to global distribution. Pocket FM believes AI can now give those same individuals access to creative capabilities that were previously difficult to access at scale. With Sherpa by Pocket FM, a creator anywhere in the world can begin with an idea, build it into a complex long-form story and ultimately take that story to a global audience.

Pocket Entertainment’s long-term ambition is to enable a billion creators to create a billion stories for a billion people.

About Pocket Entertainment

Pocket Entertainment is the world’s leading AI entertainment platform building products that help creators create, produce, distribute and monetize entertainment at global scale. Its portfolio includes Pocket FM, the leading AI audio drama platform, and Pocket Saga, its AI microdrama platform. Founded in India in 2018 by Rohan Nayak, Nishanth KS and Prateek Dixit, Pocket Entertainment combines human creativity and AI to make audio and video entertainment creation faster and more accessible, enabling creators to develop high-quality entertainment, reach audiences across languages and geographies, and scale successful IP globally.

Pocket Entertainment is building a future of hyper-personalized entertainment, where individual creators can build global blockbusters that once required large studios, teams and budgets. Pocket Entertainment is headquartered in Bengaluru and Culver City, California, with offices in San Francisco, Berlin and Mumbai.

About Pocket FM

Pocket FM is the leading AI audio drama, shaping a new category of serialized entertainment for audiences around the world. With more than 250 million listeners across 20+ countries, Pocket FM combines human creativity and AI with audience insights to help more than 550,000 creators develop stories, produce audio, adapt content across languages and scale successful IP for global audiences. Pocket FM has built a rapidly growing library of more than 770,000 audio series, creating an entertainment ecosystem where creators can bring their ideas to life and reach audiences around the world. Pocket FM is headquartered in Bengaluru and Culver City, California, and is operated by parent company Pocket Entertainment.

Enables customers to make international spends without any forex markup charges

Mumbai : As part of its customer-first philosophy, IDFC FIRST Bank has become the first bank in India to offer Zero Forex Markup on all existing and new credit card customers, with no conditions attached.

The benefit is available automatically to all cardholders. Customers do not need to apply for a new card, upgrade their existing card, or meet any spending threshold. Their current IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card now comes with Zero Forex Markup, with no conditions attached.

Key benefits to customers:

1. Meaningful savings on international spends: A transaction of ₹1,00,000 typically attracts forex markup charges of 3.5% plus GST, increasing the bill by about ₹4,130. With Zero Forex Markup, IDFC FIRST Bank customers avoid these charges entirely.

2. Reward Points continue: Customers will continue to earn Reward Points or Cashback as applicable on international transactions as per the features of their respective cards.

3. No separate forex card required: Customers often purchase forex cards solely to avoid forex markup charges. With this feature, their existing IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card effectively serves the same purpose.

4. Relevant for modern global spending: International transactions today include not only travel, but also e-commerce purchases, subscriptions, streaming services, software, education payments and business expenses, making this benefit valuable for travelers, students, professionals and businesses alike.

1. Vision: To build a world-class Bank in India, founded with principles of Ethical, Digital, and Social Good Banking.

Shravan Gupta and the Beginning of MGF’s Real Estate Journey

The MGF Group traces its origins to 1930, when it was established as Motor and General Finance. The group initially built its business around automobile financing and financial services.

MGF’s transition into real estate began in 1997 with the establishment of MGF Developments Ltd. According to the company’s account, the move represented an important diversification of the group into residential, commercial, retail and hospitality development.

For Shravan Gupta, this diversification created an opportunity to participate in the rapidly developing urban property market in India.

Creating Modern Retail and Commercial Spaces

One of MGF’s notable areas of development has been retail real estate. The group developed shopping destinations in markets including Delhi, Gurgaon and Jaipur. Projects associated with MGF include The Metropolitan, The Metropolis, Megacity Mall, City Square Mall and MGF Metropolitan Mall.

The company states that MGF Developments created more than five million square feet of retail space, alongside residential and commercial developments.

These projects reflected the changing nature of Indian cities, where shopping centres increasingly became destinations combining retail, entertainment, food and leisure.

The Emaar-MGF Partnership

A major milestone in MGF’s real estate journey came through its partnership with Dubai-based Emaar Properties. In 2005, MGF Developments entered into a joint venture with Emaar, resulting in Emaar MGF.

The partnership brought together MGF’s understanding of the Indian market and Emaar’s international real estate experience. MGF’s official account describes the venture as a significant milestone in the development of India's real estate industry and foreign investment in the sector.

Shravan Gupta subsequently served as Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emaar MGF Land until June 2016, according to his executive profile.

A Broader Approach to Real Estate

Real estate today is no longer simply about constructing buildings. Buyers and investors increasingly consider location, connectivity, amenities, sustainability, community infrastructure and long-term value when making property decisions.

This changing environment has encouraged developers to think beyond individual buildings and focus on complete environments. Residential communities, commercial centres and retail destinations are increasingly planned around the way people live, work and spend their leisure time.

This broader perspective is relevant to the evolution of MGF’s real estate activities, which have covered multiple segments of the property market. MGF states that its real estate operations span residential, commercial, retail and hospitality sectors.

Shravan Gupta’s Role in the Real Estate Story

Shravan Gupta’s professional career has included both financial services and real estate. His experience with the MGF Group preceded his leadership role at Emaar MGF, giving him exposure to both the financial and development sides of the property business.

His tenure at Emaar MGF was particularly significant in the period when the joint venture was expanding its presence in India's property market. His executive profile records more than 15 years of experience across real estate and financial services and identifies his involvement with MGF Developments and other group companies.

What Makes Real Estate a Long-Term Solution?

A successful real estate strategy requires more than acquiring land and constructing property. It involves understanding market demand, infrastructure, demographics, financing, regulations and changing lifestyles.

For developers and investors, some of the most important considerations include:

●        Strategic location and connectivity

●        Quality of construction and design

●        Reliable infrastructure

●        Sustainable development practices

●        Strong community amenities

●        Long-term demand

●        Regulatory compliance

●        Responsible financial planning

These factors have become increasingly important as India's cities expand and consumers become more informed about property investments.

The Future of Indian Real Estate

India's continuing urbanisation is expected to create opportunities across residential, commercial and mixed-use real estate. At the same time, buyers are increasingly interested in energy efficiency, environmentally responsible construction, better amenities and technology-enabled communities.

The next phase of Indian real estate is therefore likely to be defined by a combination of innovation, sustainability and customer-focused development.

For businesses such as MGF, the experience of operating across different real estate segments provides a foundation for adapting to these changing market expectations.

Conclusion

The story of Shravan Gupta and the MGF Group illustrates how a business that began in financial services expanded into the real estate sector as India's cities and consumer markets evolved.

MGF's entry into real estate in 1997, its development of retail and commercial properties, and its subsequent partnership with Emaar represent important chapters in the group's property journey.

Today, the idea of a “real estate solution” goes beyond simply building properties. It is about creating spaces that respond to the changing needs of residents, businesses, investors and communities. As Indian real estate continues to mature, experience, adaptability and a long-term approach will remain important factors in shaping the industry's future.

– Norwegian Aura™ Will Also Feature a Bold Mix of Immersive Theater, Live Music and Late-Night Entertainment with the Debut of “ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed™,” The Vinyl Republic™, and the Return of LunaTique: Pop Circus™– 

MIAMI :   Norwegian Cruise Line®  , the industry leader in delivering freedom and choice in experiences with uncompromising hospitality, today unveiled the entertainment lineup for the highly anticipated debut of Norwegian Aura™  in May 2027, including the headlining production “Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston.”

Developed in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, the new original production celebrates one of the most acclaimed and bestselling artists of all time. With more than 220 million records sold worldwide, seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, six Grammy Awards and a legacy that continues to inspire generations, Houston's music will come to life through a contemporary concert experience created exclusively for NCL.

Norwegian Aura's lineup will also feature "ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed™," a new original illusion spectacular blending acrobatics and visual effects; “The Vinyl Republic™,” NCL's newest live music collective that expands beyond the theater; and the return of the adults-only nightlife favorite “LunaTique: Pop Circus™,” creating entertainment experiences for every guest from day to night.

"Every new ship is an opportunity for Norwegian Cruise Line to push the boundaries of what entertainment at sea can be, and with 'Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston,' we're building on the incredible momentum we've seen from our Vegas residency-inspired productions celebrating some of music's most iconic artists," said Bryan White, vice president of entertainment production at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "Following the success of our Prince and Elton John productions on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, respectively, this new show reimagines Whitney's legendary catalog through contemporary arrangements, dynamic storytelling, stunning visuals and powerful live performances. Together with original experiences like ‘ILLUMINOX’ and ‘The Vinyl Republic,’ we’ve created a collection of entertainment that transforms every venue into a destination and every evening into something unforgettable."

Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston – A New Original Production Honoring One of Music’s Most Iconic Voices

Developed in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and music publishing company Primary Wave Music, the production reimagines Houston's artistry through contemporary arrangements, dynamic storytelling and immersive stagecraft. Inspired by the glamour, confidence and star power that made Houston a global phenomenon, the show pays tribute to one of the most iconic voices ever recorded, transforming beloved songs into a vibrant concert experience that feels both timeless and entirely new. Guests will enjoy iconic hits including “It’s Not Right, But It’s OK,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” the nine-times RIAA certified platinum dance-pop anthem, also named Best Pop Song of All Time by Billboard magazine in 2023.

Staged in the three-story Aura Theatre & Club, the 45-minute production combines live vocals, a live band, stunning visuals and performances extending beyond the main stage to create an immersive experience.

"We are thrilled to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line to present 'Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston' for the debut of the Norwegian Aura in May 2027,” said Pat Houston, executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and president of the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. “Whitney enjoyed cruises. Her fans and supporters will have a nostalgic experience enjoying the extraordinary artistry and live music of Whitney Houston, performed by worldclass musicians while sailing on the high seas.”

Breathtaking Acrobatics, Live Music That Spans Generations and Endless Nightlife

Beyond the headline production, Norwegian Aura will feature a collection of original entertainment designed exclusively for the ship to deliver multigenerational experiences.

“ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed™” combines grand-scale illusions, acrobatics, original music and visual effects in a fast-paced theatrical production that invites audiences into a world where the impossible becomes reality. Inspired by the joy of curiosity and the thrill of the unexpected, the 45-minute production will take guests through a fast-moving journey full of surprise and wonder in the Aura Theater & Club.

Music comes alive aboard Norwegian Aura with “The Vinyl Republic™,” NCL's newest live music collective inspired by the legacy of vinyl records. Spanning genres from country and rock to funk, blues and pop, the band delivers high-energy performances where no two shows are ever the same.

The collective headlines two signature experiences in the Aura Theatre & Club: "The Vinyl Republic's Journey Through Rock," celebrating Journey's greatest hits and the arena rock era, and "The Vinyl Republic's Kickin' It Country™," a lively, late-night country party featuring today's biggest hits and interactive line dancing.

Beyond the theater, The Vinyl Republic brings live music throughout the ship, from the Penrose Atrium to Improv at Sea, creating fresh, engaging performances that transform every venue into a unique concert experience.

Returning favorite “LunaTique: Pop Circus™” expands its adults-only blend of cabaret, circus artistry and immersive nightlife to the Aura Theatre & Club following its successful debut aboard Norwegian Luna™. This immersive theatrical experience, featuring new acts and new music, is available for an additional cost and includes tantalizing cocktails paired with each performance, offering a late-night alternative that is equal parts live entertainment and cocktail party.

Guests will also enjoy signature experiences including “Aura FIRST NIGHT™,” a welcome showcase introducing the ship's entertainment lineup, and “Latin LIVE!™,” an energetic poolside celebration featuring live percussionists, dynamic vocalists, vibrant dance performances and the biggest Latin dance hits to keep guests moving all night long.

Together, these experiences reflect NCL's continued commitment to delivering world-class entertainment at sea through innovative productions and unforgettable live performances.

Norwegian Aura Inaugural Season from Miami

Prior to homeporting in Miami for her inaugural season in June 2027, Norwegian Aura will sail a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste, Italy to Barcelona, Spain on May 21, 2027 with calls to Valletta, Malta; as well as Salerno and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. This will be followed by a 13-day transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to Miami, from which she will commence her season of Caribbean cruises from Miami. From June 2027 through October 2027, Norwegian Aura will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages with calls to quintessential island destinations, including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and the Brand’s newly enhanced private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, featuring the all-new Great Tides Waterpark. In winter 2027/28, Norwegian Aura will offer seven-day Western Caribbean voyages taking guests to lush, tropical destinations like Roatan (Islas de la Bahia), Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; as well as Harvest Caye , NCL’s resort-style private destination off the Belizean coast.

For more information about Norwegian Aura and NCL's award-winning fleet, visit www.ncl.com .

Be Younique – Open Learning Center (BY OLC) is a Human Design–based learning space where children grow through alignment with their natural design—at their own pace, in their own way. Human Design forms the foundation of how we understand the child: their natural way of engaging, responding, making decisions, using their energy, and moving through life. Learning begins with understanding the child, not with imposing a structure upon them.

At BY OLC, its believed that every child has their own way of thinking, learning, developing, and experiencing the world. When this individuality is recognised rather than corrected, learning can unfold as a natural and joyful process. Our role is not to fit the child into a predefined path, but to create an environment where the child can discover and develop their own.

The learning journey therefore unfolds in five stages: Settling In and Deconditioning, Exploration (Response/Interaction), Recognition of Design, Focused Development, and Pathway Option. Each stage allows the child to move at their own pace, with experience preceding structure and recognition preceding direction.

Settling In and Deconditioning creates space to loosen learned habits, comparison, pressure, and external expectations. Exploration allows children to engage with life through their natural way of interacting—responding, initiating, waiting for recognition, or observing their environment. Recognition of Design develops through lived experience, as children begin to notice their own patterns, energy, decision-making style, and rhythms. Focused Development allows structure to emerge from the child’s design and natural consistency, rather than from age, grade, or a predetermined curriculum.

The fifth stage, Pathway Option, is an optional interface with formal systems. This is where an academic pathway such as NIOS can become relevant—not as a milestone, expectation, or destination, but as a bridge available when the child and family choose to engage with formal certification. Certification is simply one possible outcome; it is not the purpose of the learning journey.

Founder Dr Yogeshwar Kasture says: “At the heart of BY OLC is a simple trust: nothing about the child needs to be fixed. The child leads the pace. There are no imposed timelines, no comparison-driven learning, and no need to prepare for a system before the child is ready to engage with it. Structure exists to support the child, never to control them.”

This reflects what Be Younique stands for more broadly: creating spaces where individuals can recognise their own nature and live from it, without distortion. Through Human Design, we invite recognition rather than correction, trust in the body’s intelligence rather than reliance on mental authority, and alignment with what is naturally true within each individual.

BY OLC therefore does not seek to take every child toward the same destination. It creates the environment, holds the space, and walks alongside the child—so that each child can recognise, experience, and develop their own way of being and learning.

If parents feel that they want to explore this kind of learning they can get in touch with Dr Yogeshwar Gajanan Kasture on 9270219622 or can visit their website https://beyounique.life/

The launch was held in association with Van Vivaha, Concepts & Cuisines by Fio, RR Enterprises, and Womncom and was supported by Amrish Pershad Designs, Weddings by Nutshell, Jaspreet Gulati and Gemmines. The occasion brought together members of the literary, cultural and creative communities to celebrate the author and her latest work.

Published by Nu Voice and distributed by Penguin Random House, Meera Krishan Ki Sangeeti is a compilation of lyrical compositions, with each composition telling a distinct story. Dedicated to her mother, Meera, and her father, Krishan, the book reflects Dr. Vaadera’s emotional connection with her parents and her desire to preserve their memories through words and music.

The collection brings together lyrics and musical compositions, allowing every piece to emerge as an individual narrative. Through the book, Dr. Vaadera explores the relationship between music, memories and human emotions, creating a work that resonates with the themes of love, family and legacy.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vanndana Vaadera said, “This book is very close to my heart. It is my tribute to my parents, Meera and Krishan, and an attempt to preserve their memories through the language of music and storytelling.”

The launch event celebrated the creative journey behind the book and its unique approach to combining lyrical storytelling with music. Guests and members of the creative fraternity came together to mark the occasion and engage with the author and her work.

With Meera Krishan Ki Sangeeti, Dr. Vanndana Vaadera presents more than a collection of compositions—it is an emotional journey that honors family, memories, and the timeless connection between music and storytelling.

About the Book

Meera Krishan Ki Sangeeti is a collection of lyrical compositions Dr. Vanndana Vaadera, dedicated to her parents, Meera and Krishan. Each composition tells a story, bringing together music, emotion, and memories in a heartfelt celebration of love, relationships, and legacy.

http://www.drvanndanavaaderaacademy.com/

In this historic debut, JGBS has also emerged as the No. 1 private university business school in India for its MBA programme. The significance of this achievement becomes even more evident in the larger context of India’s expanding presence in global management education.

The QS Global MBA Rankings 2027 feature 19 India-based MBA providers, with five institutions making their debut this year. Leading this new cohort is O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), making its historic first entry in the rankings in the 171–180 global band.

The achievement assumes particular significance as JGBS is only in the 16th year of its institutional journey, making its entry into the world’s Top 200 a remarkable recognition of the School’s growing national and global standing in management education. Notably, in its very first appearance in the rankings, JGBS has been ranked ahead of several of India’s long-established management institutions, including IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore, IIM Lucknow and IIM Udaipur.

JGU has also secured the 23rd position in Asia among 81 MBA programmes, including a strong 16th position in Asia for Employability.

The QS Global MBA Rankings evaluate programmes across five key dimensions—Employability, Thought Leadership, Diversity, Value for Money, and Alumni Outcomes.

Commenting on the historic milestone, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University, said,  “JGBS entering the world’s Top 200 business schools in its very first appearance in the QS Global MBA Rankings is a historic moment for JGU. For a business school that is only in the 16th year of its institutional journey, this is an extraordinary achievement. I would like to express our deepest gratitude to our Chancellor, Mr. Naveen Jindal, whose vision, enduring support and commitment to building a world-class university in India have enabled us to pursue excellence with ambition and purpose. This recognition belongs to our faculty, students, alumni and colleagues whose collective efforts have built JGBS into the institution it is today.”

Prof. Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean, Academic Governance & Student Life, O.P. Jindal Global University, said, “This ranking is an important affirmation of the academic standards and institutional systems that JGBS and JGU have steadily built over the years. Our focus on rigorous academic governance, continuous benchmarking and international standards has been central to strengthening the quality and global standing of the University. This recognition encourages us to raise those standards even further.”

Prof. Mayank Dhaundiyal, Dean, Jindal Global Business School, O.P. Jindal Global University, said, “This achievement is a proud moment for the entire JGBS community. We have worked to build a business school that combines rigorous academics and research with industry engagement, experiential learning and a genuinely global outlook. Most importantly, this recognition strengthens the value of the education and opportunities we create for our students and inspires us to pursue even greater excellence in the years ahead.”

The recognition in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2027 represents another important milestone in JGBS’s journey of institution-building. The School has steadily strengthened its research ecosystem, international collaborations, industry engagement, student experience and opportunities for global learning and academic exchange.

An important milestone in this journey has been the achievement of AACSB accreditation, reflecting JGBS’s commitment to internationally recognised standards of business education. Together with its growing research impact, global partnerships and graduate outcomes, this has enabled JGBS to build a distinctive identity in management and business education in India and internationally.

The achievement also reflects the collective contribution of faculty members, students, alumni, academic leadership and professional teams across JGBS and JGU. The academic accomplishments and research of its faculty, the achievements and leadership of its students, the growing impact of its alumni and the confidence placed in its graduates by employers have collectively contributed to the School’s growing national and global reputation.

With its historic debut among the Top 200 business schools in the world, JGBS marks a new chapter in its journey towards building globally recognised management education and preparing future-ready leaders for a rapidly changing and increasingly interconnected world.

JGU’s continued performance across global and national rankings reflects its commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, research and transformative education.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, September 17, 2026 : With the UK's September 2026 - 2027 intake under way, Unlimit Mobile — the international connectivity brand operated by Zetexa Global, an India-based travel ancillary and licensed telecom infrastructure company — is offering Indian students a UK mobile number that is purchased, verified and activated before they leave India, removing one of the most common friction points in the first week abroad.

Students arriving in the United Kingdom typically face a circular set of requirements: opening a bank account calls for a UK mobile number; a UK pay-monthly mobile contract calls for a UK address and credit history; and a tenancy agreement calls for a bank account. With no UK credit file on arrival, most students are declined for contract plans and fall back on premium-priced starter SIMs bought at airport kiosks, which they replace within weeks.

Unlimit Mobile's UK plans are prepaid and require no credit check. Students check coverage, select a plan, pay and complete a digital eKYC verification online from India; the eSIM then installs by QR code in about two minutes. Physical SIM cards can be shipped to any home address in India before departure, existing UK numbers can be ported in using a PAC code, and the service works on any carrier-unlocked, eSIM-compatible handset, so no new phone is required. Plans run on the Vodafone UK network with 4G LTE and 5G coverage across major cities and university towns.

"The first week of a student's course is an administrative week, and almost all of it runs through a phone number they do not yet have," said Amit Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Zetexa Global. "Landing with a live UK number means the bank application starts on day one rather than the first free weekday, and everything behind it — accommodation, enrolment, part-time work — unblocks in sequence."

All UK plans carry unlimited local calls and SMS, with high-speed data allowances sized for online classes, streaming and navigation; hotspot and tethering on compatible handsets, so a single plan can also cover a laptop in halls where Wi-Fi is unreliable; no 12- or 24-month tie-in and no exit penalty; pricing from £0.39 per day; and 24/7 support across time zones. Groups of five students purchasing together pay half price for the first month, while referrals earn £10, £25 or £45 depending on the plan length purchased. Purchase, renewal and top-ups are managed through the Unlimit Mobile app on iOS and Android.

"Because the process is entirely online, it is independent of the departure airport," said Srujan Yeleti, Founder & COO, Zetexa Global. "A student flying out of Kochi, Lucknow or Ahmedabad on a connecting itinerary sets up on exactly the same terms as one flying direct from Delhi or Mumbai."

Longer UK plans additionally draw on Zetexa Global's travel ancillary stack, carrying airport meet-and-greet assistance for visiting parents, lounge access in the event of a flight delay, eligibility for the Unlimit Mobile scholarship and internship programmes, and a multi-year rate lock — extending a single connectivity purchase across the duration of a student's course.

About Unlimit Mobile
Unlimit Mobile is a global connectivity brand under Zetexa Global, built for international students, travellers and newcomers relocating to the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. It offers prepaid eSIMs, physical SIM cards and virtual phone numbers with no contracts, no credit checks and instant activation.

About Zetexa Global
Zetexa Global is an India-based travel ancillary and licensed telecom infrastructure company holding telecom licences across the FCC (USA), CRTC (Canada) and DoT (India), with a UK subsidiary, Zetexa Limited. Its consumer brands are ZetSIM, a travel eSIM covering 180+ countries, and Unlimit Mobile. Its B2B platform offers white-label, API, reseller and SDK connectivity products to travel, fintech and mobility partners.

Media contact: Unlimit Mobile | unlimitmobile.com | zetexa.com

Commenting on the development, Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara Limited, said, “Redevelopment is an important pillar of our Mumbai growth strategy and allows us to participate in some of the city’s most established and sought-after neighbourhoods. Our eighth redevelopment project reflects the momentum we have built in Mumbai and the confidence homebuyers are placing in our brand. We see a significant opportunity to build a scaled and sustainable redevelopment platform in the city, backed by disciplined capital allocation, strong execution and a long-term approach to value creation.”

Located in the western suburbs, Goregaon West is a well-established residential market with strong connectivity to key business districts and social infrastructure. The project further expands Puravankara’s footprint in one of Mumbai’s important residential corridors.

Rajat Rastogi, CEO-West & Commercial Assets, Puravankara Limited, added, “Mumbai’s redevelopment opportunity is about more than adding new supply; it is about reimagining some of the city’s most established neighbourhoods. With projects across marquee locations including Breach Candy, Pali Hill, Lokhandwala, Malabar Hill, Cuffe Parade and now Goregaon West, we are steadily expanding our presence across the city as we rebuild Mumbai’s skyline. Our approach is anchored in the Puravankara way of life: thoughtful design, quality, transparency and a strong focus on the people and communities we build for. With this addition, our Mumbai redevelopment portfolio alone represents a potential GDV of approximately ₹17,500 crore.”

Over the past three years, Puravankara has steadily expanded its Mumbai redevelopment portfolio across locations including Breach Candy, Pali Hill, Lokhandwala, Chembur, Malabar Hill and Cuffe Parade. The Goregaon West project adds another established residential micro-market to this portfolio and underscores the company’s continued focus on redevelopment as a key growth engine in Mumbai.

●      HARTING India showcases connectivity, Innovations at ELECTRONICA 2026

Bengaluru, 16 September 2026  :  HARTING India, a global leader in industrial connectivity solutions, is proud to announce its participation in Electronica India 2026, taking place from 16-18 September 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru. Visitors can meet HARTING at Hall 5, Booth C91, where the company will showcase its latest connectivity technologies designed to accelerate the future of automation, transportation, energy, and digital transformation.

As Indian industries continue to advance toward smart manufacturing, renewable energy adoption, and intelligent mobility, HARTING remains committed to delivering robust, reliable, and sustainable connectivity solutions that drive innovation and industrial growth.

●      Han® Modular – Latest developments in Modular side along with Han® Easy Frames, flexible connector solutions enabling customized and efficient system integration.

●      Connectivity for Automation & KAVACH System – Powering the shift towards sustainable energy and transport solutions.

●      Miniaturization & High-Performance Interfaces – Compact Solutions that meet the demand for lightweight yet powerful designs.

●      Han® MPC & ICC20 – Built for Performance.

●      Har-flex® - Compact PCB connectivity solutions enabling miniaturization, flexibility, and high-performance interconnections for modern electronic devices and systems.

Electronica India is the premier platform for showcasing electronics and connectivity innovations, and we are excited to engage with industry leaders, customers, and partners. “Our solutions are enabling Indian Industries to embrace digitization, sustainability, and efficiency, which aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global, manufacturing hub” said Mr. Jacob Chandy – Managing Director – HARTING India Pvt Ltd.

HARTING experts will be available at the booth to demonstrate products applications, share technical expertise, and discuss how the company’s connectivity portfolio can support diverse industries including machinery, railways, energy, and automotive. 

About HARTING:

The HARTING Technology Group is a leading global provider of industrial connectivity. Around 6,000 employees are active across the globe in 42 sales companies, 14 production facilities and seven R&D sites. HARTING connectivity solutions are used to transmit "data and power" in numerous industrial sectors. Among others, in transportation, electromobility, renewable energy production, automation and mechanical engineering. In the 2025/26 business year the family owned and managed company generated sales of EUR 940 million.

About HARTING India

HARTING in India was set up in April 2005. The company began its India operations with a full-fledged office headquartered in Chennai, India in Oct 2005. The company is registered under Indian Companies Act. In addition to Chennai Headquarter, HARTING India has sales offices located in Bengaluru, Pune and Noida.

HARTING India seeks to enhance the country's Industrial capability and competitiveness to become a Global Player in terms of Technology and Markets, by providing the latest technology and innovative Interconnection solutions. With its vast experience and global reach, HARTING will be the most preferred partner for Interconnection solutions in India in the field of Factory Automation, Machinery, Energy, Transportation, Event Management Technology, Infrastructure and Medical technology. HARTING India is also an associate member of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, VDMA and the CII.

Meet us at Electronica India 2026: Hall 5, Booth C91, Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

For Chandukaka Saraf Jewels, the festival provides a natural connection between Lord Ganesha, auspicious beginnings, family traditions, prosperity and gold jewellery. Jewellery is traditionally associated with important family occasions and celebrations, making the category particularly relevant during the festive season.

Chandukaka Saraf Jewels has positioned itself around a heritage dating back to 1827, describing itself as a jewellery brand built on trust, transparency and generations of customer relationships. The company is currently celebrating its 200-year legacy. This heritage can be particularly powerful during Ganesh Chaturthi because the festival itself represents the continuity of Maharashtrian traditions across generations.

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of Pune's most celebrated and culturally significant festivals, bringing together millions of devotees, families, communities, and visitors in an atmosphere of faith, tradition, celebration, and togetherness. 2026 Ganesh Chaturthi provides an excellent opportunity for Chandukaka Saraf Jewels to build a strong and memorable brand presence across Pune city by associating with prominent Ganpati mandals and becoming an integral part of the city's festive celebrations. Through a strategically planned Ganpati Mandal Marketing and Branding Campaign, Chandukaka Saraf Jewels can create extensive visibility across key locations while establishing a strong emotional connection with consumers through the shared values of tradition, auspiciousness, trust, and celebration. The campaign includes branding across selected high-footfall Ganpati mandals like Hirabagh Mandal, Khajina Vihir and Shri SevaMitra Mandal, covering major areas like Shivaji Road, Bajirao Road, Shaniwar Wada, Sadashiv Peth,Shivajinagar gaothan and Tilak Road, as well as a wider network of neighbourhood mandals, ensuring that the brand reaches diverse audiences across Pune city. Prominent branding opportunities can include welcome archways, running mandaps, hoardings, and a building wrap at Kadam Jahagirdar Building, opposite Dagdusheth Mandir, Shivaji Road – locations where devotees and visitors spend considerable time around the city.

The branding can be designed with an elegant jewellery-inspired visual identity, combining the festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi with the premium branding of Chandukaka Saraf Jewels.

Strategic coverage can focus on major areas of Pune city and surroundings as well as residential areas, helping the brand connect with both existing customers and potential new audiences coming from all across Maharashtra.

The objective of the campaign is to go beyond conventional logo placement and create a meaningful, premium, and culturally relevant brand experience. By combining the immense reach of Pune's Ganpati mandals with creative branding, experiential marketing, digital engagement, and community participation, Chandukaka Saraf Jewels can establish a distinctive presence during Ganesh Chaturthi and strengthen its association with trust, tradition, celebration, and timeless values.

This city-wide campaign can provide repeated visibility, strong consumer engagement, enhanced brand recall, and valuable goodwill making Ganesh Chaturthi an ideal platform for Chandukaka Saraf Jewels to celebrate Pune, connect with its people, and reinforce its position as a trusted name in jewellery for generations to come.

Hyderabad, September 16, 2026 : The Indian School of Business (ISB) recently hosted its flagship annual leadership conclave, the ISB Leadership Summit (ILS) 2026, at its Hyderabad Campus.  Organised jointly by the Post Graduate Programme (PGP), PGP YL and PGP MAX classes of 2027, the summit brought together an array of global corporate leaders, industry pioneers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who shared invaluable insights with ISB students, preparing them to lead and define the next chapter of India's growth.

Aligning with the Summit theme, ‘India Unbound: Defining Tomorrow’s Leadership,’ keynote speaker Raamdeo Agrawal, Chairman & Co-founder of Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, shared his perspectives on India’s emergence as a multi-trillion-dollar economy and the unprecedented wealth creation opportunity it presents. Drawing on over four decades of investing experience, he underlined that India is entering a new era of financialisation, where expanding capital markets, rising household participation in equities, and entrepreneurial growth will redefine the country’s economic landscape.

He also emphasised that the next generation of leaders will benefit not merely from India’s GDP growth, but from its accelerating creation of financial wealth. He urged students to cultivate curiosity, disciplined learning, and long-term thinking, encouraging them to view the capital markets as one of the most powerful platforms for creating value and shaping India’s growth story.

At the 23rd edition of the ISB Leadership Summit, Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB, emphasised the unprecedented scale of opportunity ahead for the nation and the vital role of adaptive leadership.

Reflecting on ISB’s 25-year journey, Dean Pillutla said the school’s story began with an ambitious idea: to create a world-class management institution in India. Twenty-five years later, he noted, that vision has become a reality. He added that ISB’s founders recognised that resources and technology alone cannot drive progress and what matters is the leadership to put them to work effectively and create lasting impact. This idea remains relevant today as India works to address challenges such as climate change and inclusive growth.

He further noted that technology is only part of the equation. Referencing Nobel Laureate Daron Acemoglu, he pointed out that technology’s impact depends on how people and leaders choose to use it and how its benefits reach society.

Other sessions explored pressing business and societal challenges, including agility in evolving markets, entrepreneurial resilience, institutional innovation, technology, finance, space, law, and the changing consumer landscape. Speakers included Dr. Vasudevan Gnana Gandhi, Padma Shri Awardee and Senior Vice President – Propulsion, Skyroot Aerospace; Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, Padma Shri Awardee, renowned Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer; Lt. Gen. Anil Puri, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, SM, Former Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs and Administrative Member, Armed Forces Tribunal; Vikas Divyakirti, Founder, Drishti IAS; Gaurav Gupta, Founder, Gabit, Vivek Gambhir, Venture Partner, Lightspeed India,  Former CEO, Godrej Consumer Products & boAt Lifestyle, Nigar Shaji, ISRO scientist and Project Director, Aditya-L1; Tapan Mishra, former Director, Space Applications Centre, ISRO; and Raju Ramachandran, former Additional Solicitor General of India and Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, among other distinguished leaders, entrepreneurs, experts and ISB alumni.

The Summit also featured a Women in Leadership panel, ‘Her Own Way: Ambition, Identity & Building on Your Own Terms,’ featuring Anuja Chauhan, Author; Shubhika Sharma, Founder, Papa Don’t Preach; Varija Bajaj, Entrepreneur and Founder, Varija Lifestyles and Priyanshi Sharma, Co-Founder of Peek TV. The Sports Panel, ‘Winning Beyond the Scoreboard: Leadership, Teams & the New Indian Sporting Ecosystem,’ featured Ambati Rayudu, Former Indian Cricketer; and Joy Bhattacharjya, CEO, Prime Volleyball League and former Team Director, Kolkata Knight Riders.

Through a series of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, and interactive sessions, the ISB Leadership Summit 2026 provided a platform for meaningful dialogue between established trailblazers and aspiring professionals. Participants concluded the day equipped with the foresight, adaptability, and resilience needed to lead effectively in an increasingly complex and unbound world, ready to shape the country’s next chapter of growth and global influence.

About the Indian School of Business (ISB)

The Indian School of Business (ISB) is India’s highest-ranked business school and features in the top league of several global business school rankings. A vibrant pool of research-oriented resident faculty, robust academic partnerships, a thriving alumni network, the backing of an influential board, and the guidance of the industry’s thought leadership have enabled ISB to fast emerge and consolidate itself as a premier global business school that grooms future leaders for India and the world.

Gurugram, Sep 16 , 2026 : Arena Animation, a leading institute in animation, gaming, visual effects, and digital media education and a training brand of Aptech Limited, recently hosted its Alumni Meet at Holiday Inn, Sector 36, in Gurugram. The event brought together alumni and partners, creating a vibrant platform to celebrate achievements, exchange industry insights, and strengthen community connections.

The event witnessed participation from over 100 attendees, including distinguished alumni who are now contributing across leading studios and organisations in the AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) and creative industries. The gathering served as a platform to celebrate their journeys and inspire the next generation of creative professionals.

Notable alumni in physical & virtual attendance included Mr. Gurmeet Singh,  Director of the Movie, Mirzapur, Ms. Anjali Dutta, Vice President, Tech Mahindra, Mr. Mukund Sagar Vasishta, Director - Client Relations, Lakshya Digital, Ms. Nancy Kapoor, Design Head, Vedanta Oil & Gas, Mr. Vikas Saini, Sr. Art Director, Aristocrat Technologies, Mr. Sachin Yadav, Creative Director, Mastercard and Ms Priyanka Kapoor, Partner, Neovation, among many others, reflecting both creative excellence and entrepreneurial mindset fostered at Arena Animation.

The event was also attended by Mr. Shajan Samuel Sr. Vice President & National Sales Head, Arena Animation, Aptech Ltd. Following the successful establishment of alumni chapters in Indore, Vadodara, Nashik, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Siliguri, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Aligarh, Ahmedabad, Jaipur & Pune, Arena Animation is expanding its alumni network with the launch of its 14th chapter in Gurugram. With more than 1500 alumni engaged across multiple chapters, the initiative continues to strengthen professional connections, celebrate alumni achievements, and nurture a thriving community of creative professionals. As part of this initiative, the brand will host similar meets across metro and non-metro cities, aimed at recognising the achievements of its alumni and fostering stronger connections within its growing creative network.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director & Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited said, “It is inspiring to see our alumni from Gurugram successfully building ventures leading creative enterprises making meaningful contributions across leading studios and creative organisations. As Arena Animation marked 30 years, this milestone is not only a reflection of our legacy, but of the strong industry network we have cultivated over time. The Gurugram Alumni Meet celebrates these achievements while reinforcing our commitment to nurturing talent, strengthening alumni connections, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem that inspires the next generation of creative professionals.”

Mr. Nitesh Jawarani,  Business Partner & Centre Director, Arena Animation, Gurugram, Sector 14, said, “After three decades of being associated with Aptech & Arena Animation, it is truly special for us to host our first Alumni Meet of this scale and bring together the very people who have been an integral part of our journey. Our alumni are the living testament to what we have built over the years -  from students who once walked through our doors to professionals who have gone on to create successful careers worldwide. This gathering is much more than a reunion; it is a celebration of the relationships, opportunities and shared experiences that have shaped our journey.”

Mrs. Preeti Jawarani, Academics Director, Arena Animation, Gurugram, Sector 14, said, “Arena Animation, Gurugram has consistently placed strong emphasis on career-oriented education and quality placements, helping its students build successful careers in the animation, VFX, gaming, multimedia and creative industries. Over the past three decades, its shining placement record stands as a testament to this sustained focus on employability, industry readiness and nurturing talent that meets professional standards.”

Spread across 5000 sq ft, self-owned premises, Arena Animation, Gurugram provides its students with an environment that goes well beyond computer-based learning, with dedicated space for professional shoots, creative workshops, collaborative activities and alumni interactions fostering a vibrant creative community.

Continuing its legacy of shaping India’s creative ecosystem, Arena Animation also launched a slew of innovative and future ready training programs including AI in Video Editing, AI in Motion Graphics & Design.  The celebration also highlighted Arena Animation's continued focus on strengthening industry-academia collaboration, encouraging original intellectual property creation through initiatives such as Arena Animation Originals, integrating emerging technologies into learning, and developing globally competitive creative professionals.

The Alumni Meet also enabled engaging discussions around emerging technologies, evolving career pathways, and industry expectations. Alumni shared their professional journeys and insights, offering valuable guidance to aspiring creators on navigating a dynamic and competitive creative ecosystem.

With Gurugram being a key hub for creative arts, culture, heritage and storytelling, the event further reinforces Arena Animation’s role in nurturing talent that contributes to both national and global creative industries.

ABOUT ARENA ANIMATION:

Arena Animation is a pioneer, trendsetter, and global leader in Media & Entertainment education. Since its inception in 1996, Arena Animation has trained over 4,50,000 students globally through its extensive network of centers.

Arena Animation offers industry-relevant courses in Animation, VFX, Gaming, Digital, AR/VR, and Multimedia, empowering students to build global careers in the rapidly evolving creative industries. The curriculum is supported by top-tier faculty, global partnerships, and cutting-edge learning tools. Arena Animation’s students are placed in leading studios and companies such as DNEG, Rockstar Games, Zebu Animation, Green Gold Animation, ILM, NY VFXWALA, Network 18, Digitoonz, and more across the Media & Entertainment landscape.

The call center will be operated in partnership with a customer experience management provider and will give customers a single, reliable point of contact for product queries, service requests, and support, available in both English and Hindi.

As musical instruments and audio equipment become long-term companions for musicians, students, and enthusiasts alike, the ownership experience extends well beyond the point of purchase. Prompt servicing, reliable guidance, and easy access to assistance directly shape how customers experience a brand over time. With this in mind, Yamaha Music India has made after-sales service a core pillar of its customer strategy, ensuring that product queries, service request, or troubleshooting needs are met with the same standard of care that defines its instruments and audio equipment.

Key details:

●      Channels: Phone and email support

●      Languages: English and Hindi

●      Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

●      Product coverage: Musical Instruments (MI) and Audio Products

●      Contact number: +91 85273 23300

"After-sales service is not an afterthought for us, it is an extension of the promise we make when a customer chooses Yamaha. This call center allows us to be more accessible and responsive, so that support is never far away for anyone who owns a Yamaha product," said Mr. Yusuke Honda, General Manager, CX Division, Yamaha Music India.

With the launch of this call center, Yamaha Music India reaffirms its commitment to building lasting relationships with its customers and setting a new benchmark for after-sales care in India's musical instruments and audio industry.

Held under the theme "Advancing Sustainability through Chemistry", the one-day forum served as a national platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange on some of India's most pressing sustainability challenges, including climate action, energy transition, circularity, sustainable manufacturing and environmental stewardship.

India is at a pivotal stage in its sustainability journey. Achieving national goals in areas such as clean energy, resource efficiency and sustainable industrial growth will require science-led innovation and stronger partnerships across academia, industry, government and the wider research ecosystem. Chemistry and the chemical sciences are expected to play a central role in enabling these solutions, from developing sustainable materials and advancing green chemistry to supporting cleaner manufacturing processes and resource-efficient technologies.

The India Sustainability Forum 2026 aims to strengthen connections between research and real-world impact by fostering collaboration, supporting innovation and encouraging engagement between scientific and industrial communities.

Dr Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director, RSC India and South Asia, said: "India has an extraordinary opportunity to lead the way in developing science-driven solutions for sustainability. Through the India Sustainability Forum, we aim to bring together diverse stakeholders to share knowledge, build partnerships and accelerate the translation of research into meaningful societal and environmental impact."

The forum featured keynote addresses and expert panel discussions involving distinguished leaders from government, academia and industry. Speakers include representatives from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, CSIR-NCL, INFLIBNET Centre, Shiv Nadar University, JNCASR, IIT Bombay, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company, Pidilite Industries, Praj Industries, and several other leading institutions.

Key discussions focused on:

●        Translating laboratory research into industrial sustainability solutions

●        Advancing sustainable innovation through academia-industry collaboration

●        Green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing