The contest began on an intense note, with both teams trading points in a closely fought opening set. Haryana Hurricanes pushed the Marathas all the way, but Emperia held their nerve in the crucial moments to clinch the set 22-20 and take an early lead.

Having gained the upper hand, the Marathas raised their level in the second set. They found greater rhythm in their play, tightened their defence and converted key attacking opportunities to register a comfortable 21-12 win, moving one set away from the final.

Haryana looked to stage a fightback in the third set, but Emperia maintained their composure and continued to put pressure on their opponents. The Marathas closed out the set 21-18 to complete a straight-sets victory and confirm their place in the final.

Shubham Choudhary was named Player of the Match for his performance, while his teammate Nikhil Choudhary received the Impact Player award for his contribution to the team's win.

Speaking after the match, Shubham Choudhary said, “It feels great to reach the final. Haryana Hurricanes put up a strong fight, especially in the first set, and we knew we had to stay focused and make the most of our opportunities. The team showed great belief and worked together throughout the match. We are happy with the win, but our job is not finished yet. We will prepare well for the final against Delhi Dynamites and give everything we have to win the title.”

The Marathas will now turn their attention to Friday's final against Delhi Dynamites, where both teams will compete for the inaugural VCL title.

21st October, 2026: Marking 25 years of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s public life and journey of governance, Seva Sankalp – Rashtranirman Ke 25 Saal, convened by Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), extends the spirit of service and nation-building through a series of youth-focused initiatives. From encouraging students to articulate their vision for India to promoting creativity, innovation and community service, the programmes seek to connect the milestone with the aspirations of the generation that will shape the country’s next chapter and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Spanning a school-level competition, a creative engagement around government schemes, an innovation-focused programme and a blood donation camp, the initiatives reflect a broader effort to connect the milestone with the generation that will shape India’s next chapter. The focus is on encouraging young people to think about the country they want to build and recognise the many ways in which they can contribute to its progress.

One of the most striking examples of this engagement was ‘Mere Sapno Ka Bharat’ at St. Joseph School, Jalandhar, Punjab, where nearly 2,500 students participated in elocution and painting competitions. Asked to imagine the India of their dreams, students expressed their aspirations through speeches and artwork, touching upon cleaner surroundings, better education, equality, opportunity, kindness, innovation and national pride. The scale of participation made the initiative a significant platform for young voices to articulate their vision for the country.

Reflecting on the students’ response, Dr Mittal said, “For me, that is where Viksit Bharat becomes real; in the dreams of children who are beginning to imagine their own role in shaping it.”

The campaign also brought national development themes into the realm of creative expression through ‘Seva Ke Rang, Rashtra Ke Sang’, a rangoli initiative centred on the vision of public welfare and progress reflected in government schemes. By using a familiar art form to engage participants with larger national priorities, the activity connected cultural expression with awareness of the country’s development journey.

Complementing these efforts, the Innovation Challenge, also referred to as the Innovation Marathon in the event list, added an ideas-driven dimension to Seva Sankalp. The initiative brought innovation and problem-solving into the conversation around nation-building, highlighting the importance of encouraging young minds to engage with challenges and think about solutions that can contribute to India’s future.

Other youth-focused engagements under Seva Sankalp, including Aashirwad Ka Dhaaga, have also contributed to the initiative’s broader effort to connect young people with the vision of nation-building.

The fourth initiative took the spirit of service from ideas to direct action. A blood donation camp at Lovely Professional University (LPU) encouraged participation in a life-saving cause, reinforcing the message that contributing to society can begin with a simple but meaningful act. It extended Seva Sankalp’s emphasis on public responsibility into a practical expression of community service.

Reflecting on the broader purpose of these initiatives, Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal said, “Nation-building is a collective effort that begins with the ideas and aspirations of young people and grows through their willingness to contribute to society. Whether through creativity, innovation or acts of service, every effort can play a role in shaping a stronger Bharat. Through Seva Sankalp, the aim is to encourage this spirit of participation and shared responsibility as India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Together, these initiatives give a people-led dimension to Seva Sankalp – Rashtranirman Ke 25 Saal. While the 25-year milestone reflects on a significant journey of public service under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the programmes also turn attention towards the aspirations and responsibilities of the generation that will carry India forward.

For Dr Mittal, the larger significance lies in creating avenues through which national development becomes something young people can engage with directly—whether by expressing their vision for India, understanding development priorities, exploring new ideas or contributing to a cause that serves others. As the country looks towards Viksit Bharat 2047, these initiatives place participation and a sense of shared responsibility at the centre of the journey ahead.

Start with the right age category

Junior tournaments group children by age so that a six-year-old isn’t paired against a fifteen-year-old. The championship uses four categories: Under 8, Under 10, Under 12 and Under 16. Under 8 means younger than eight, so five-, six- and seven-year-olds are welcome. Check each event’s rules for how age is counted on the day before you register.

What to practise in the weeks before

A few habits help more than memorising openings. Play full games at a slower pace than casual play, ideally with a clock, so the child gets used to thinking under time pressure. Practise the basic checkmates and simple endgames until they feel automatic. Ten or fifteen minutes of puzzles a day works better than one long weekend session.

Explain the touch-move rule too. Most tournaments follow it: a piece you touch has to be moved. Young players often lose their first game over a hand that wandered, not over a bad plan.

What tournament day looks like

City qualifiers are held at community venues such as malls and halls. Registered families are added to a WhatsApp group for their city, and that group carries the date, time, venue and pairings. Arbiters oversee play, and families are welcome to come along. In Kolkata alone, hundreds of parents and siblings turned up.

Arrive early, carry water and a light snack, and let your child settle in before the first round. Ask the organisers where parents may sit, since most events keep the playing area clear.

How to talk about results

After the game, ask what your child enjoyed before you ask who won. Pick one game and look at it together. Where did they think longest? Which move would they change? A lost game that gets reviewed teaches more than a quick win that nobody discusses. Every child at the championship receives a medal and a digital certificate for taking part, so the day can be remembered for more than the scoreboard.

Meeting players who have made it

Qualifiers often welcome chief guests from chess and public life, which gives young players a look at what long-term commitment to the game can lead to. Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua visited Kolkata, International Master Akshat Khamparia Jabalpur and Grandmaster Tej Kumar Mysuru. In Thiruvananthapuram the guests were International Master Gautham Krishna and Woman Candidate Master Anupam Sreekumar, who have both represented India at youth world level. Pune welcomed Mr. Rajendra Konde, Vice President of the Maharashtra Chess Association, and Mr. Jayant Gokhale, FIDE Trainer. Mr. Unnikrishnan BK, Senior Vice President of Asianet News Network, joined the Kochi edition, and Hon’ble Mr. Satinder Pannu, Civil Judge, the one in Gwalior.

After the first tournament

A first event doesn’t have to be the last. In the championship, the top player in each category at a city qualifier goes on to the zonal championship for their region, and the top player in each category at the four zonals reaches the National Grand Finale in Mumbai on 13 December 2026. Cash prizes of ₹29,000 are awarded at every city edition, and the national prize pool is ₹10,00,000.

Where to find the next qualifier

Upcoming qualifiers include Bhopal, Patna, Ranchi, Indore, Goa, Ahmedabad and Coimbatore. City dates, venues, entry details, which vary by city, and registration are available at primeengage.in/chess. Photos and updates are shared on Instagram at @chess_with_primeengage.

About the Prime Engage Jr. Chess Championship

The Prime Engage Jr. Chess Championship is a national junior chess championship organised by Prime Engage, co-founded by Mr. Nilesh Kapile and Mr. Rahul Singhania. It follows a City Qualifier, Zonal Championship and National Grand Finale pathway across four age categories.

The 3^rd edition will showcase automotive components, accessories, spare parts, ancillaries, aftermarket and auto styling products, services and solutions in front of the automobile OEMs catering to 2/3/4-wheelers from the passenger and commercial vehicle segments. Industry leaders like TATA Motors, Bajaj, TVS, Hyundai, Mercedes Benz and many more will be participating as attendees to explore new solutions, as showcased by over 180+ suppliers participating from across India.

“Pune is home to India’s key automobile OEMs and deeply connected to the automotive ecosystem extending across Maharashtra and Gujarat, making it an obvious choice for the trade show, after Chennai. We look forward to industry’s participation and attendance at this pivotal event,” shares Mr. Anuj Mathur, Managing Director of Future Market Events, the organiser of Auto Components Show & Auto Aftermarket Show.  

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), a key supporting partner of the shows, also shared its delight: “We are pleased to support the Auto Components Show and the Auto Aftermarket Show, taking place in Pune. We are confident the event will add value to all participants coming from across India,” remarked Dr. Atul R. Thakare on behalf of ARAI.

Leading players such as Simco Auto Electricals, Elofic Industries, Hilux Auto Electricals, Airpro Fragrances, Applied Auto Parts, RDS Raghu Udyog, Paragon Tapes, Pelican Automobile Spares, R E Components, Satnam Auto Parts India and many others have already confirmed their presence at the upcoming shows. Altogether, the twin shows will bring together 160+ exhibitors showcasing automotive components, spare parts, lubricants & oil, wheels and tires, aftermarket accessories and spares, vehicle care & maintenance products, services and solutions.

“The response has been overwhelming, and automotive industry is ready to gather in Pune for its first comprehensive exhibition catering to the entire value chain in automotive sector. We look forward to welcoming the players to Auto Components Show and Auto Aftermarket Show in Pune!” concluded Mr. Mathur.

Visit Auto Components Show and Auto Aftermarket Show from 27-29 November 2026 at PIECC, Moshi, Pune. Learn more at www.autocomponentsshow.com and www.autoaftermarketshow.com

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 21: Mr. Prakash Ghosh, Chairman of LMET International School, Domkol, and Ms. Mompy Roy Gupta, the institution’s Administrator, received the “Most Promising CBSE School in Murshidabad” award on behalf of the school at the LaunchPad Excellence Awards 2026.

The ceremony, organised by Teams Applaud, was held on October 14 at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. Actress Esha Deol attended the event as the chief guest. Mr. Ghosh and Ms. Gupta represented LMET International School, accepting the recognition on behalf of the institution and its wider school community.

The award recognises the school’s focus on academic development, innovation and holistic learning. Based in Domkol, LMET International School serves students in Murshidabad and seeks to offer an education that is progressive, inclusive and oriented towards the future.

As Chairman, Mr. Ghosh has led the school with a vision that places student development at the centre of its educational aims. The institution’s approach extends beyond classroom instruction, encouraging learners to build knowledge, confidence and the abilities needed to meet future challenges. Its emphasis on holistic learning reflects the belief that education should support students’ academic progress as well as their broader personal growth.

Ms. Gupta’s contribution as Administrator supports the school’s day-to-day functioning and educational objectives. Her presence alongside Mr. Ghosh at the ceremony underscored the shared leadership behind LMET International School’s work. Together, they accepted the honour on behalf of the institution’s students, educators and staff.

The LaunchPad Excellence Awards 2026 celebrated achievement and brought together opportunities for networking, media coverage and recognition. The occasion provided a platform to acknowledge people and organisations working towards progress in their respective fields. Esha Deol’s presence as chief guest added prominence to the ceremony.

Recognition also reflects the efforts of the people who make learning possible each day. Teachers guide students through their academic journeys, while administrators and school leaders work to sustain an environment where learning can flourish. The award therefore represents not only the institution’s leadership, but also the collective contribution of its school community.

LMET International School’s stated priorities include academic development, innovation and a learning environment that responds to students’ changing needs. By bringing these aims together, the school aspires to prepare young learners for opportunities and responsibilities in the years ahead.

The “Most Promising CBSE School in Murshidabad” distinction marks a significant moment for LMET International School and its representatives. For Mr. Ghosh and Ms. Gupta, receiving the award was an opportunity to acknowledge the school’s progress and the work of everyone involved in its educational mission. The recognition encourages the institution to continue promoting learning that is ambitious, inclusive, and relevant to the future.

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New Delhi [India], October 21: An Indian Innovation Bringing Social Connectivity, Entertainment and Interactive Digital Experiences Together

INDIA | VIBE U — OFFICIAL LAUNCH COMING SOON

India’s technology and digital innovation landscape is preparing for an exciting new development with VibeU, an ambitious social-era platform being developed and implemented under the vision of R&D Ideal Bridge. Designed to bring multiple digital experiences together, VibeU aims to create a unified destination for social connectivity, entertainment, interactive communities and next-generation digital engagement.

The initiative reflects R&D Ideal Bridge’s broader commitment to technology innovation, product development and building digital solutions with the potential to reach audiences across India and international markets.

R&D Ideal Bridge: The Organisation Behind the Innovation

R&D Ideal Bridge is bringing its technology and innovation vision to life through VibeU, a project designed to explore a new approach to social networking and digital entertainment.

In today’s digital environment, users frequently depend on separate platforms for watching videos, sharing content, communicating with friends and participating in online communities. VibeU aims to bring multiple forms of engagement together within one integrated ecosystem.

Through this initiative, R&D Ideal Bridge seeks to demonstrate its ambition to develop technology-driven products that respond to evolving user expectations and emerging opportunities in the digital economy.

VibeU represents an important project in this journey, combining a broader product vision with a dedicated leadership and development team.

VibeU: A New Vision for the Social Era

Established platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook have transformed how people consume content, communicate and build online communities. VibeU aims to introduce a complementary approach by exploring multiple digital experiences within a single platform.

Its planned ecosystem includes social interaction, content discovery and sharing, interactive virtual rooms, watch-together experiences, AI-powered conversations and creator engagement.

The objective is to make digital participation more connected, interactive and community-oriented.

Rather than positioning itself solely as a conventional social networking application, VibeU aims to explore how communication, entertainment and virtual experiences can work together in one environment.

Dr. Devi Santosh Kumar Karakavalasa: Driving Project Development

Dr. Devi Santosh Kumar Karakavalasa, Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer of VibeU, associated with R&D Ideal Bridge, has played a key role in developing the project and shaping its product vision.

His contribution reflects a focus on product innovation, strategic planning and the development of an integrated digital experience designed for the evolving needs of modern users.

Through his involvement with R&D Ideal Bridge, the VibeU initiative connects the organisation’s technology and business ambitions with a new digital product concept.

The project aims to establish a platform where users can discover content, participate in interactive communities and explore new forms of online engagement.

Meet the VibeU Leadership Team

VibeU is supported by a leadership team combining entrepreneurship, management, marketing and research-and-development responsibilities.

* Dr. Raju Akurathi — Founder & CEO: Leading the founding vision and overall strategic direction of VibeU.

* Dr. Gayathri Devi Karakavalasa — Co-Founder: Contributing to the founding team and the platform’s development journey.

* Dr. Devi Santosh Kumar Karakavalasa — Managing Director & CMO: Associated with project development, product vision, strategy and marketing.

* Dr. Kiran Kumar Vaddi — Managing Director & Marketing Head: Contributing to management and marketing initiatives; also identified as an International Human Rights and Public Safety Officer.

* Dr. Arcot Bhargavi — Board Director & R&D Director: Contributing to leadership and research-and-development initiatives; also identified as an International Human Rights and Public Safety Officer.

Together, the leadership team aims to take VibeU from its development stage toward a scalable digital platform with wider market ambitions.

One Platform, Multiple Digital Experiences

VibeU is being designed around the idea that digital platforms can become more participatory and interconnected.

Its planned features include:

Social Connectivity: Digital spaces for users to interact and build communities.

Interactive Rooms: Virtual environments where users can connect and share experiences.

Content and Entertainment: Features for discovering and sharing content, subject to applicable rights and permissions.

AI-Powered Conversations: Planned interactive experiences designed to encourage more engaging digital communication.

Creator and Community Engagement: An ecosystem intended to explore opportunities for creators and users to participate in shared digital experiences.

These features reflect VibeU’s ambition to create a connected digital environment while establishing its own identity in a competitive market.

R&D Ideal Bridge and VibeU: One Vision, Two Important Names

R&D Ideal Bridge represents the organisation behind the initiative, while VibeU is the social-era platform being developed and implemented through the project.

This distinction is central to the story: R&D Ideal Bridge is the organisation driving the initiative, and VibeU is the platform intended to bring that vision to users.

The initiative also highlights the role of Indian technology entrepreneurs in exploring new digital products and developing platforms with potential applications beyond domestic markets.

As VibeU moves toward launch, product execution, user experience, privacy, security, content governance and community trust will be essential to its long-term growth.

Official Launch Coming Soon

With VibeU preparing for its upcoming launch, further details regarding availability, product features and rollout are expected to be announced through official company communications.

The initiative marks an ambitious step in R&D Ideal Bridge’s technology development journey and introduces VibeU as a platform seeking to bring social connectivity, entertainment and interactive experiences together.

Whether VibeU can establish a distinctive position in the competitive social-media landscape will depend on the experience it delivers, the communities it builds and the value it creates for its users.

R&D Ideal Bridge — Building Ideas into Digital Innovation.

VibeU — Connect. Experience. Belong.

VibeU: Coming Soon.

For media and business enquiries: R&D Ideal Bridge PVT LTD

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An exhibition bringing together the legacy of Indian modern masters and the evolving voices of contemporary art

New Delhi [India], October 21: Artvista Art Gallery, Mumbai, is set to present ‘Legacy & Beyond – II: From Established Masters to Contemporary Voice’, a major exhibition celebrating the richness, diversity, and evolving dimensions of Indian art. Curated by Mrs. Kirti Kumar Gaikwad, the exhibition will be held from 21 to 25 October 2026 at LTC Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi, and will be open to the public.

Building on the dialogue between artistic heritage and contemporary expression, the exhibition brings together an expansive selection of sculpture, modern art, and contemporary works. It aims to create a meaningful encounter between the masters who shaped India’s modern artistic identity and artists whose practices continue to challenge conventions and explore new creative directions.

At the heart of Legacy & Beyond – II is the belief that art is a continuous conversation between the past, present, and future. Through diverse artistic styles, materials, forms, and visual narratives, the exhibition explores how cultural memory and established traditions inform contemporary aesthetics. Sculpture adds a tactile and spatial dimension to this dialogue, while paintings offer varied perspectives on identity, society, nature, and the human experience.

The exhibition features an impressive roster of renowned artists, including Jamini Roy, Ramkinkar Baij, A. A. Raiba, Somnath Hore, Ganesh Pyne, Ratan Sah, Datta Bansode, Ram Kumbhar, Yashwant Shirwadkar, Sujata Achrekar, Kumar Gaikwad, Kappari Kishan, Meenu Goyal, Neeta Singh, Vibha Singh, Jiban Krishna Thakur, Saumya Satsangi, Anurag Anand, Kiran Hotkar, Kanta Singh, Sumanto Chaudhary, and many others. Their works reflect the breadth of Indian artistic expression, spanning influential modernist movements and distinctive contemporary approaches.

Speaking through its curatorial vision, Mrs. Kirti Kumar Gaikwad seeks to encourage viewers to look beyond the surface of an artwork and engage with the ideas, histories, emotions, and creative processes that shape it. The exhibition also underscores the importance of fostering connections between artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts, strengthening appreciation for India’s artistic heritage while creating space for future possibilities.

For Artvista Art Gallery, Legacy & Beyond – II represents more than an exhibition; it is an invitation to experience art as a living legacy – one that continues to evolve with every generation of artists. By bringing established masters and contemporary voices into a shared space, the gallery hopes to inspire fresh perspectives, meaningful conversations, and a deeper engagement with the visual arts.

Open to art lovers, collectors, students, and the general public, the exhibition promises an enriching cultural experience in the heart of New Delhi.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition: Legacy & Beyond – II: From Established Masters to Contemporary Voice
Organised by: Artvista Art Gallery, Mumbai
Curator: Mrs. Kirti Kumar Gaikwad
Venue: LTC Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi
Dates: 21–25 October 2026
Entry: Open to the public

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Suniel Shetty and Vishal Narendra Mangal, Founder, Tungsten Fitness Club

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 21: Expanding its footprint into Maharashtra’s cultural and IT hub, premium fitness chain Tungsten Fitness Club formally launched its brand-new centre in Wanowrie today. The high-profile evening launch was headlined by veteran Bollywood actor and fitness icon Suniel Shetty, who inaugurated the facility amidst an audience of fitness enthusiasts, investors, and invited patrons.

The grand opening commenced with a traditional welcome ceremony, followed by an interactive address where Suniel Shetty cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare the facility open. Engaging games and fitness challenges kept the gathering energized before attendees were taken on a walkthrough of the setup.

The Wanowrie outpost marks the gym chain’s strategic foray outside Navi Mumbai, where it already operates five round-the-clock centres across Nerul, Sanpada, Ghansoli, Ulwe, and Vashi. Known for its 24/7 operational model that caters to corporate professionals and shift workers alike, the brand brings its holistic training philosophy to Pune.

Fitted with premium imported European equipment, the Wanowrie facility covers dedicated zones for heavy strength training, functional workouts, and conditioning. The centre is set to roll out a diverse roster of group workouts including CrossFit, mixed martial arts, Zumba, and yoga, alongside tailored one-on-one personal training regimens. For post-workout recovery, the new hub features a dedicated recovery zone equipped specifically with steam and ice bath facilities.

Speaking at the launch, Vishal Narendra Mangal, Founder, Tungsten Fitness Club highlighted Pune’s rapidly growing appetite for structured wellness spaces. He says “Our aim at TFC has always been to make premium fitness feel approachable and consistent for members, not intimidating. Suniel Shetty’s presence at our Wanowrie launch means a lot to us, especially as he visited TFC back in 2024 and has seen how far we have come. Pune is an important market for us, and we want this centre to become a place where members train regularly and stay motivated.”

The launch concluded with exclusive on-spot membership privileges rolled out for early sign-ups, drawing strong interest from local residents looking for round-the-clock, full-spectrum training facilities in the neighbourhood.

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 21: Travelling with a long-term medical condition needs a little more planning than an ordinary trip. Medicines, prescriptions and doctor advice matter, but travel cover also deserves attention. A pre-existing condition can affect what is payable if a medical problem occurs during the journey.

HDFC ERGO advises travellers to understand the policy wording before departure, especially the sections on existing illnesses, emergency treatment, evacuation, exclusions and claims. Clear information at the start can make the policy easier to use during a medical emergency.

Pre-Existing Disease Coverage

A pre-existing disease is a health condition that existed before the travel policy began. Under travel insurance India policies, treatment linked to such a condition may not be covered automatically. HDFC ERGO states that its standard travel cover may exclude expenses related to pre-existing diseases.

Certain travel products, however, can include an extension for declared pre-existing conditions when that benefit appears in the policy certificate, and the condition has been accepted beforehand. The exact cover therefore depends on the policy issued to you.

Medical Emergency Coverage

A medical emergency during a trip can involve sudden illness, injury or a condition that needs urgent treatment. HDFC ERGO travel insurance can include benefits for emergency medical expenses, hospital care, out-patient treatment, ambulance costs and related medical support, subject to policy terms.

This does not mean every health issue will be payable. The cause of the emergency, applicable exclusions and the benefits shown in your policy documents will decide whether the expense falls within cover.

Policy Exclusions and Limitations

Exclusions explain what the policy does not pay for, while limitations show where cover is restricted. These sections matter even more when you already have a medical condition. Treatment for an excluded pre-existing disease, routine follow-up care, planned treatment during the trip or expenses outside the stated benefit may not be covered.

Other general exclusions can also apply. Reading the policy wording and certificate before departure helps you understand where the cover starts and where it stops.

Disclosure of Medical History

Share complete details about any existing medical condition while taking the policy. This includes ongoing treatment, regular medicines and recent medical advice.

The medical information shared while taking HDFC ERGO travel insurance becomes an important part of the policy. Correct details can help avoid confusion if a medical emergency occurs during the trip or a claim is made later.

Coverage for Medical Evacuation

A serious medical situation may require transport to a hospital that can provide suitable treatment. HDFC ERGO provides emergency medical evacuation benefits under applicable travel cover, subject to policy conditions. Depending on the product, this may involve transport to an appropriate hospital when emergency care is needed.

Medical repatriation is a separate benefit and can involve transport back to the country of residence following an emergency. Any pre-existing disease exclusion or specific extension can still affect whether the related expense is payable.

Hospitalisation and Treatment Expenses

Hospitalisation abroad can involve several types of medical costs. Depending on the policy, eligible expenses may include hospital treatment, room charges, out-patient care, prescriptions, ambulance services or other covered medical expenses.

Medical records and supporting bills may be required for relevant claims. Cover depends on the available benefits, policy wording and reason for treatment. A hospital admission by itself does not make every expense payable, so the treatment must fall within the scope of the policy.

Waiting Periods and Sub-Limits

Some travel insurance benefits may come with waiting periods, sub-limits, deductibles or other conditions stated in the policy certificate. A sub-limit places a separate cap on a particular benefit within the overall cover. For a pre-existing disease extension under applicable products, the certificate may specify a cumulative sub-limit for certain medical benefits.

The certificate is important because it shows the cover actually issued to you. Do not assume that the full medical sum insured applies to every type of treatment or condition.

Claim Documentation Requirements

Medical claims need clear supporting records. HDFC ERGO may ask for the policy number, medical reports, diagnosis details, prescriptions, hospital certificates, invoices and bills. For an illness-related claim, information about when symptoms started and when a doctor was consulted may also be required.

Medical evacuation claims can need treatment records and expense documents as well. Keeping these papers together during the trip can make it easier to explain what happened and provide the documents requested during claim processing.

Conclusion

Travelling with a pre-existing medical condition does not have to make insurance confusing. The important part is knowing what your specific policy includes, what it excludes and whether a special pre-existing disease benefit applies. Clear medical disclosure and attention to the policy certificate can help you understand the available cover. Keep your health records and travel documents accessible, and know the applicable conditions before departure so you have a clearer idea of what support may be available during the journey.

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New Delhi [India], October 21: For students aspiring to study at Ashoka University, securing admission involves more than strong school grades. The university’s undergraduate admissions process evaluates academic performance, intellectual curiosity, written communication, aptitude and the ability to articulate ideas. Understanding each component early can help applicants prepare more strategically and present a stronger case for admission.

With applications for the 2027 undergraduate intake open, here is what students and parents need to know about Ashoka’s admissions process, assessment requirements and preparation options.

Understanding the Ashoka University Application Process

Ashoka follows a holistic admissions approach, considering applicants in the context of their academic backgrounds, interests, achievements and potential. The application includes academic records, personal essays and details of extracurricular and other engagements.

Unlike many university applications, Ashoka does not require Letters of Recommendation (LORs) as a standard component of its current undergraduate application process. Students should therefore focus on making their own essays, academic record and documented experiences count.

The process also includes mandatory admissions assessments, followed by a personal interview for shortlisted candidates. The assessments comprise the Ashoka Aptitude Assessment (AAA) or the Ashoka Mathematics Challenge (AMC), alongside the mandatory On-the-Spot Essay (OSE).

AAA, AMC or SAT: Which Assessment Should You Choose?

Understanding the differences between these assessments is an important part of preparing for Ashoka.

Ashoka Aptitude Assessment (AAA)

The AAA evaluates critical thinking, logical reasoning and quantitative problem-solving. Unlike school examinations that tend to follow familiar syllabi and question patterns, the assessment can present students with unfamiliar reasoning problems that require them to analyse information and apply concepts.

This unpredictability can make preparation challenging. Students need to develop the ability to approach unfamiliar questions logically rather than depend entirely on memorised methods or repeated practice of predictable question types.

Ashoka Mathematics Challenge (AMC)

The AMC is intended for applicants who are certain they want to major in Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science at Ashoka. It tests conceptual mathematical understanding, quantitative reasoning, logical thinking and problem-solving. Its quantitative demands are comparable to the level of challenge students may encounter in competitive entrance examinations such as JEE Main.

The AMC is not a general alternative for every applicant. Students should understand the intended major requirements and scholarship conditions before choosing this route.

Is the SAT Mandatory?

No. The SAT is optional for Ashoka undergraduate applicants. However, students who have taken the test may submit their scores as an additional indicator of academic aptitude.

SAT preparation often follows a more structured syllabus and familiar question formats. The AAA, by comparison, requires students to become comfortable with reasoning-based questions and less predictable problem types. Students should consider their strengths, preparation time and overall application strategy before deciding whether to take the SAT.

The SAT does not replace Ashoka’s mandatory admissions assessments. Applicants should check the current admissions guidelines to understand the requirements applicable to their chosen round.

Why the On-the-Spot Essay Matters

The OSE is a mandatory 30-minute assessment in which students choose one of two prompts and write an essay without external resources. It evaluates how effectively they engage with a topic, construct an argument, think critically and communicate their ideas.

For students accustomed to structured school essays, the OSE can be a significant adjustment. CBSE and state board students, in particular, may benefit from practising open-ended prompts that require independent thinking rather than reproducing familiar formats.

Strong preparation involves learning to interpret prompts accurately, develop a clear position, organise supporting arguments and express ideas within a limited timeframe. Students should practise regularly while retaining their own voice and perspective.

The Personal Interview: Presenting Your Profile

Shortlisted applicants must also attend a personal interview. This is an opportunity for the admissions panel to understand the student’s interests, motivations, experiences and suitability for Ashoka’s academic environment.

Students should be prepared to discuss their application honestly, explain their academic interests and reflect on experiences that have shaped their goals. A strong interview requires more than rehearsed answers. It calls for clarity, self-awareness and the ability to engage thoughtfully in conversation.

How Jamboree Can Help You Prepare

Preparing for Ashoka requires attention to both the admissions process and the specific skills assessed at each stage. Jamboree offers the UG India Entrance Prepprogram for undergraduate admissions in India, to help students approach their applications with a structured strategy.

For students preparing for the AAA and other Indian university entrance assessments, Jamboree also offers specialised test preparation, including support for the Ashoka Aptitude Assessment. Preparation can focus on reasoning skills, unfamiliar question formats, timed practice and strategies for approaching the OSE.

The objective is to help students understand the requirements, identify areas for improvement and prepare with greater confidence. Starting early gives applicants more time to strengthen their assessment skills and approach the application process in a considered way.

Start Your Ashoka Application with a Clear Plan

Ashoka’s admissions process rewards more than academic performance alone. Students need to understand the assessment requirements, prepare for unfamiliar question formats and communicate their interests and ideas effectively.

With a clear preparation plan and the right guidance, applicants can approach each stage with a better understanding of what is expected and how to present their strengths.

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New Delhi [India], October 21: After addressing academic pressure, digital habits, teenage confidence, and parent-child communication through five workshops this year, education consultants eduVelocity Global is shifting its focus to children’s physical and mental well-being, with a new parenting workshop scheduled for November 29, 2026.

Titled “Healthy Bodies, Happy Minds”, the upcoming session will feature Dr Malini Dave (a Toronto-based practicing pediatrician and past president of the Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario) as the key speaker, bringing attention to an aspect of children’s development that often receives less consideration amid academic expectations and the pursuit of examination results.

The workshop marks the sixth session in eduVelocity’s parenting engagement series this year, which has progressively expanded its focus from academic performance to the broader challenges faced by children, teenagers and their families.

The latest initiative comes against the backdrop of growing conversations around the need to balance academic achievement with children’s emotional health, physical well-being and personal development.

While examination scores and educational outcomes remain major priorities for Indian families, issues such as confidence, communication, digital exposure and emotional stress have increasingly become important parts of parenting discussions.

The November session is expected to take this conversation forward by placing the connection between healthy bodies and healthy minds at the centre of the programme.

The upcoming workshop follows “Parenting Beyond Pressure”, held on September 26, which focused on the expectations and comparisons that can shape children’s confidence and relationships with their parents.

In its communication ahead of that session, eduVelocity’s Founder and Managing Partner Mr. Vinu Warrier emphasised the need to “Motivate without comparing. Guide without controlling. Expect without overwhelming.” The message reflected the organisation’s approach to encouraging parents to support children’s development without allowing academic competition and expectations to dominate family relationships.

Earlier, the July 25 workshop, “Confidence Code: Helping Teens Build Self-Esteem”, addressed the importance of building confidence among adolescents.

On May 30, the organisation conducted “Connected Conversations: Strengthening Parent-Child Communication”, focusing on communication as an important element in maintaining stronger relationships between parents and children.

The March 29 session, “Beyond Grades: Unlocking Every Child’s Hidden Potential”, sought tmove the conversation beyond conventional academic assessments and encourage parents to recognise children’s individual strengths, abilities and interests.

The series began on January 31 with “Raising Digitally Smart Teens”, addressing the challenges of parenting in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

Together, these workshops have covered a range of issues extending beyond classroom performance, from managing digital exposure and academic expectations to supporting self-esteem and improving communication at home.

The November 29 programme will broaden that agenda further by bringing children’s overall health into the discussion.

The shift is significant as parents face the challenge of supporting academic progress without overlooking other aspects of their children’s development.

With Dr Dave leading the upcoming session, eduVelocity’s latest workshop will continue its year-long engagement with parents, this time focusing on how physical and emotional well-being fit into the larger picture of raising healthy, confident children.

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New Delhi [India], October 21: Celebrating the indomitable spirit of ‘Jeetne ka DUM’, Sonalika Tractors has created a new world record by etching the largest inscription of Hindi word ‘दम’ into the earth. Using its renowned and future ready Gold series tractors, India’s No. 1 tractor export brand Sonalika ploughed the inscription measuring 125 feet in height, 272 feet in width and spanning 34,000 square feet in an agri field in Sikandrabad, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. For farmers, DUM is the strength to begin each season with hope and this inspired Sonalika to take an everyday symbol of determination and give it an extraordinary form on the very soil where it comes alive. 

Sonalika Gold Series tractors is the latest innovative tractor series by Sonalika that developed at its World’s No.1 integrated tractor manufacturing plant that is powered by robots and automation for high quality tractors. To achieve the record feat, two Dumdaar tractors were used – Sonalika Gold DI 745 III and Sonalika Gold DI 55 III. Both tractors were paired together with 10-foot rotavators to demonstrate immense power and capability in the field. The Sonalika Gold Series boasts features such as the biggest 3-cylinder 3532cc E3.5 engine in its class, multi-speed driveline (16F+4R/12F+3R), and Jet Line hand throttle technology. These features reflect Sonalika’s strong commitment to empowering farmers with the ‘Jeetne Ka Dum,’ enabling them to surpass even their own previous records in the field.

Sharing his views on this record achievement, Mr Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, International Tractors Limited, said, “‘दम’ carries the empowering spirit of every farmer who begins each season with courage to pursue what once seemed unimaginable. For 30 glorious years, this spirit has driven us every day to think beyond the ordinary and keep surpassing ourselves. Today, we are proud to have given it a scale that has earned a place in the world record books. What fills me with deeper pride is that we created this record on the very soil where our purpose comes alive every day. The largest inscription of the Hindi word ‘दम’ into an agricultural field in Uttar Pradesh is a reflection of our Gold series DUM. 

From the world’s largest integrated tractor manufacturing plant in Hoshiarpur to the fields of India, the farmer’s DUM inspires our ambition, shapes our innovation and drives us to turn bold dreams into reality and there is no limit to what we can achieve together. This is ‘Khud Se Jeetne Ka DUM”.

About Sonalika Tractors:
Founded in 1996, Sonalika Tractors is the No.1  tractor export brand from India and one of the leading tractor brands in the country. Guided by its philosophy of ‘Jeetne Ka Dum’, Sonalika has grown from Hoshiarpur, Punjab into an impossible Indian success story that is globally respected with a presence across 150+ countries. 

Sonalika operates the world’s largest integrated tractor manufacturing plant that delivers high-performance tractors engineered for diverse farming applications and conditions. The company is a proud Fortune 500 India organisation among India’s largest 500 companies, recognised for its manufacturing excellence, technology leadership, and farmer-first approach. The brand continues to be the pioneer in the tractor industry to introduce price transparency for farmers by publicly announcing tractor prices and service costs on its website.

Sonalika is celebrating 30 glorious years in 2026 of empowering farmers, strengthening rural prosperity, and amplifying India’s leadership in global farm mechanisation landscape.

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Pune (Maharashtra) [India], October 21: OPPO has announced the launch of the OPPO F35 Series 5G, bringing its Group Selfie Expert camera experience, everyday-use features and festive purchase benefits to consumers across Pune, South Maharashtra and Goa.

Designed for consumers who enjoy capturing and sharing moments with friends and family, the OPPO F35 Series features a 50MP Ultra-Wide Natural Selfie Camera with a 100° field of view. The wider view is designed to fit more people and more of the surrounding scene into a single frame, making group photography more convenient during family gatherings, college outings, travel and festive celebrations.

The launch marks another chapter in the F Series’ 10-year journey in India. From introducing the “Selfie Expert” experience with the first-generation F1 to evolving into the “Group Selfie Expert” with the F35 Series, the portfolio has grown alongside changing ways of capturing, creating and sharing moments. OPPO says more than 30 million F Series smartphones have been sold in India over the past decade.

Beyond photography, the OPPO F35 Series brings together features designed for extended everyday use. Both the OPPO F35 Pro 5G and OPPO F35 5G feature a 6-year durable 8,000mAh battery and 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge. The battery is designed to retain more than 80% of its original capacity after up to 1,800 charge cycles. The series also includes IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K water and dust resistance ratings, Rainstorm Touch and Military-Grade Shock Resistance, designed to offer added confidence during everyday use.

The OPPO F35 Pro 5G further enhances the experience with a 17.22cm 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED Ultra-Bright Display, a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide rear camera and 4K video recording on both front and rear cameras. The OPPO F35 5G features a 16.69cm FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED Ultra-Bright Display and a 50MP main rear camera. The series runs on ColorOS 16, with AI-powered tools such as AI Recording, AI Ultra-Clear Documents, AI Call Guard and One-Tap Security Guard designed to support everyday productivity and convenience.

The OPPO F35 Pro 5G is available in 6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB configurations, priced at ₹45,999, ₹49,999 and ₹54,999 respectively. The OPPO F35 5G is available in 6GB+128GB and 8GB+128GB configurations, priced at ₹38,999 and ₹42,999 respectively. Availability of variants may differ by retail channel.

During the festive season, eligible consumers can avail themselves of up to 10% instant cashback, No-Cost EMI options, up to 10% exchange bonus and zero-down-payment schemes. Additional festive offers may be available on select OPPO products and services. All offers are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

The festive offer also extends to OPPO’s Enco audio portfolio. Consumers purchasing an eligible OPPO smartphone can avail themselves of the OPPO Enco Buds3 Pro+ at 50% off. The OPPO Enco Air5 Pro is available at ₹4,499, offering a flat ₹500 discount on its MOP of ₹4,999. These audio offers are valid from 1 October to 30 November 2026, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Maharashtra remains an important market for OPPO. The company has 59 exclusive service centres across the state, providing consumers with dedicated after-sales support. Consumers across Pune, South Maharashtra and Goa can visit participating OPPO retail outlets to experience the F35 Series, explore the available variants and understand the offers applicable to their preferred device. With its focus on group photography, everyday usability and festive value, the OPPO F35 Series offers consumers more reasons to explore an upgrade this season.

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NOFEEZ lets homeowners list properties and connect with buyers or tenants with no listing, lead-generation, brokerage, commission or subscription fees.

New Delhi [India], October 21: Listing a property should not mean paying to advertise it, paying to access potential customers, or losing part of a deal to brokerage. NOFEEZ is built around a simple proposition: make property discovery free for users, with no brokerage, commission, or subscription fees under its stated offering.

The live property platform allows homeowners to list their properties directly through the application at no cost and receive leads from prospective buyers or tenants without paying a lead-generation fee. By bringing property owners and property seekers closer together, NOFEEZ aims to reduce the costs and complications traditionally associated with renting, selling, or finding a home.

For homeowners, that means free property listings, free leads, and no brokerage to pay to the platform. The goal is to help owners promote their properties and connect with interested people without the usual listing or lead-access charges. NOFEEZ also emphasises user verification to support more trustworthy interactions.

Beyond Listings: AI-Powered Property Discovery

NOFEEZ also aims to make property research easier through AI-powered insights and a unified property discovery experience. Users can explore properties across geographical boundaries and access relevant information about property prices, nearby amenities, neighbourhood safety indicators, crime statistics, estimated investment returns, and applicable documentation requirements, subject to data availability.

The objective is to help users make more informed decisions without having to navigate multiple information sources independently. Property prices, safety indicators, ROI estimates and legal requirements can vary by location and should be independently verified before a transaction.

A Free Vastu-Check Feature

NOFEEZ has introduced a Vastu-check feature that users can access free of cost, giving property seekers another consideration to explore when evaluating a potential home.

Available on Android and iOS

The NOFEEZ application is live and available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, making it accessible to Android and iPhone users.

A Free-First Approach to Property

NOFEEZ’s homeowner-first model is built around reducing the costs of property discovery. Its stated offering includes free property listings, free leads for homeowners, zero brokerage, zero commission and zero subscription fees. The platform aims to connect owners and property seekers directly, while bringing AI-assisted property intelligence and international property discovery into one digital experience.

For homeowners, the message is clear: list for free, receive leads for free, and keep brokerage out of the equation. For buyers and tenants, the platform aims to provide a more direct way to discover property opportunities.

About NOFEEZ

NOFEEZ is a technology-driven property platform focused on direct property discovery, a no-brokerage model, and

AI-assisted real estate insights. Its stated offering includes free property listings and leads for homeowners, zero brokerage, zero commission, and zero subscription fees, alongside a free Vastu-check feature.

Website: Nofeez.com
Available on: Google Play Store and Apple App Store

Media Contact: AIO Media Agency
Phone: 9993490919

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Tatarstan IT Park MoU Opens New Avenues for India–Russia AI & Cloud Collaboration

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], October 21: BharathCloud, India’s sovereign AI cloud service provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the High-Technology Technopark “IT-Park” in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, to facilitate AI & Cloud collaboration, Investment, and business partnerships between India and Russia.

The MoU was signed at the II Russia-India Business Forum “TIME”: Russia-India Mutual Efficiency Business Forum 2026, which brought together businesses and industry players to discuss cooperation opportunities in areas such as AI & Cloud investment. The MoU establishes a framework for both organisations to explore joint ventures, facilitate cross-border business partnerships, and identify digital infrastructure collaboration opportunities, including tailored AI and cloud infrastructure solutions to support businesses of all sizes across diverse industries.

Rahul Takkallapally, Co-Founder, BharathCloud, was invited by the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan to attend the forum’s “IT Bridge: Technologies Connecting Russia and India” session, which focused on AI & Cloud collaboration opportunities between Russia and India.

As per the MoU, the organisations will identify potential to link up businesses from both markets, support existing IT Park resident companies, and hold industry events, training programmes, workshops and business delegations to encourage knowledge exchange. Discussions on infrastructure support, expert assistance and collaboration projects may also be held as per the framework. BharathCloud is also proposing the concept of cloud embassies to strengthen the cross-border digital infrastructure.

Rahul Takkallapally, Co-Founder, BharathCloud said, “As businesses look at opportunities beyond their home markets, access to the right AI & Cloud ecosystem and local business networks becomes important. This MoU gives us a platform to engage with partners in Tatarstan, understand areas of mutual interest and explore how Indian and Russian technology companies can work together on future opportunities.”

Ruslan Vlasov, Director, High-Technology Technopark ‘IT-Park’, Kazan, said, “India and Russia have opportunities to deepen cooperation in technology and digital infrastructure. With this MoU, we want to foster stronger linkages between the business ecosystems of both countries, assist firms in exploring each other’s markets and provide a stepping stone towards engaging in future joint projects.”

As part of the collaboration, Bharath Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA) also participated in the MoU, bringing together industry stakeholders to explore opportunities for AI & Cloud collaboration and business partnerships between India and Russia.

The MoU is set to create new channels for business between Tatarstan and India to establish contacts, exchange experience, and create new growth potential. Creating a bridge between industry networks and business on both sides will help to strengthen cooperation and lay the foundation for AI & Cloud collaboration and digital infrastructure.

About BharathCloud

BharathCloud is a Hyderabad-based sovereign AI cloud services provider delivering secure, scalable, and AI-driven solutions to businesses and startups globally. BharathCloud offers end-to-end cloud and digital transformation solutions, including IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, AI/ML, HPC, and innovative platforms offering AI-powered smart storage and Bharat Big Bucket(B3), KaaS (Kubernetes-as-a-Service). Its enterprise-grade infrastructure ensures high performance, multi-location backups, disaster recovery, and compliance with global standards such as ISO 27001, TPN, and HIPAA.

For more information, visit www.bharathcloud.com

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The Pune firm, registered in 2021, helps investors and families recover old shares and dividends. It says it has now helped recover more than ₹150 crore.

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], October 21: Most financial firms compete for fresh money. Clearclaim Ventures Pvt. Ltd. works with money that already exists but has lost track of its owner. The Pune company helps investors and families recover old shares, unclaimed dividends and related assets, and it has built that work into a business with a defined set of services, three co-founders and a client base it puts in the hundreds.

A market created by unclaimed dividends

The opportunity comes from how Indian company law treats dormant holdings. Under Section 124(6) of the Companies Act, 2013, shares on which dividends stay unpaid or unclaimed for seven consecutive years must be transferred by the company to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), which the Central Government established. The holdings are not lost for good. Any person whose shares or dividends have been transferred can apply to the IEPF Authority through the online Form IEPF-5, and the application is then verified with the company concerned.

The pool is large. Business Today reported in April 2026 that nearly ₹2.2 lakh crore of unclaimed financial assets sits across banks, provident funds, insurers and market investments as of December 2025, including ₹89,004 crore in equity shares and dividends held by the IEPF Authority. A second report in the same publication counted those shares across 1,671 companies.

Claiming is mostly a documentation exercise. The work can involve tracing shareholder records, establishing succession, completing paperwork and, in many cases, converting paper shares into demat form before an IEPF claim is filed. That is the gap Clearclaim has chosen to fill.

Seven services, one common thread

The company’s profile lists seven services: recovery of old shares and dividends, IEPF claims, duplicate certificates for lost or forgotten shares, transfer of shares after a shareholder’s death, conversion of physical shares to demat form, provident fund transfers, withdrawals and claims, and nominee claims on bank accounts, lockers, mutual funds and insurance. Each deals with an asset that its owner, or the owner’s family, can no longer easily reach.

Leadership and structure

Shrikant Pandore, co-founder and chief executive, sets the company’s strategic direction and oversees its operations and resources. Co-founder and chief operating officer Hardik Manek heads the operations team and handles the day-to-day processing of claims.

The profile also names a qualified team of twenty-five professionals and an advisory group drawn from accounting, law, banking, investing and technology.

“Our goal is to take a very complicated process and make it simple for investors,” Shrikant says.

Mr. Hardik Manek Co- Founder of Clearclaim describes the operating priority in similar terms. “Our focus is on customer success,” he says. “Maintaining transparency and efficiency builds trust with clients who come to us after years of confusion and frustration.”

The company says it uses artificial intelligence across claim processing, gives clients a written service agreement on stamp paper and offers a full refund if a claim is not settled. These are the company’s own descriptions of its terms.

Scale and results

The company’s 2024 profile reported work with more than 300 companies, more than 500 clients and more than 1,000 DEMAT and IEPF claims filed, with over ₹50 crore of shares and dividends recovered. In a statement issued in September 2026, Pandore said the firm had assisted 1250+ of clients and helped recover more than ₹150 crore. Both sets of figures come from the company.

What comes next

Clearclaim says it documents each recovery from start to finish and runs awareness work on the fraud risks that surround unclaimed assets. It also says it plans to expand that awareness work, engage with financial institutions and use technology to make the recovery process more transparent.

The market it serves is still growing. The Business Today analysis said the number of shares held by the IEPF has risen about 17 percent a year, and their value about 26 percent a year. For a company whose raw material is dormant wealth, that is the number that matters most.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

57 Chitkara University researchers earn recognition among the world’s Top 2% Scientists in the prestigious Stanford University–Elsevier report

The Stanford–Elsevier report identifies influential researchers across disciplines based on standardised citation indicators and research impact. The inclusion of 57 Chitkara University researchers in this global recognition highlights the contributions of its academic and research community to the advancement of scholarship and innovation.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-Founder, Chitkara University, said, “Research is not simply about expanding the boundaries of knowledge; it is about using that knowledge to address meaningful questions, solve real-world challenges, and contribute to society. The recognition of 57 of our researchers among the world’s top 2% scientists is a proud moment for Chitkara University. It reflects the dedication of our faculty, the strength of our academic environment, and our belief that meaningful research must create an impact beyond the university. We remain committed to nurturing a culture where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are challenged, and discoveries translate into progress for communities and the world.”

At Chitkara University, research is viewed as an integral part of academic growth and institutional development. The University continues to encourage faculty members and researchers to pursue rigorous inquiry, collaborate across disciplines and engage with emerging challenges in science, technology, healthcare, business and other fields.

The recognition also celebrates the individual commitment, intellectual curiosity and sustained efforts of the researchers whose work contributes to the global body of knowledge. Their achievements strengthen the University's research ecosystem and inspire the next generation of scholars to pursue questions that can lead to meaningful discoveries and lasting change.

Congratulating all 57 researchers on this achievement, Chitkara University reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research excellence, supporting innovation and building an academic environment where knowledge creates value for society.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality and emerging technology fields. For Class 11 and 12 students planning higher education, the University provides industry-aligned programs designed to combine academic excellence with practical exposure.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities and global collaborations, supported by modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange and collaborative research opportunities.

Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad.

For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in

New Delhi [India], October 21: A technology-led approach to kitchen forecasting highlights the connection between agricultural effort, commercial efficiency, and responsible food management.

Food begins its journey long before it reaches a kitchen. Seeds are cultivated, crops are nurtured, and farmers work through changing weather conditions, water constraints, and the physical demands of agricultural production. Every ingredient carries the effort and resources required to bring it from the soil to the marketplace.

Yet, somewhere between production and consumption, a considerable challenge emerges: food that could have been consumed may end up being discarded.

In commercial catering, the problem can begin with something as ordinary as preparing extra meals to meet uncertain demand. Kitchens must be ready for changing customer numbers, fluctuating requirements, and the practical pressures of service. Preparing additional food may appear to be a precaution, but repeated overproduction can create surplus that is difficult to use before it becomes waste.

Focus Prism is approaching this challenge through data analytics and precision inventory forecasting, seeking to improve how commercial kitchens plan, purchase, and manage food.

The Hidden Cost of Kitchen Guesswork

Food preparation involves several connected decisions. Kitchens need to estimate the number of meals required, determine ingredient quantities, manage portion sizes, and coordinate purchasing with operational schedules. When these decisions rely heavily on assumptions, even small forecasting errors can affect the amount of food prepared and the ingredients left unused.

For large-scale caterers and industrial kitchens, the challenge is particularly relevant because food management involves multiple ingredients, recipes, and preparation requirements. Without a structured understanding of demand, purchasing and production decisions can become disconnected from actual needs.

The consequences extend beyond the kitchen. Wasted food represents a loss of the agricultural labour, water, energy, transportation, and other resources associated with its production and movement through the supply chain.

This makes food waste more than an operational inconvenience. It raises questions about how businesses value ingredients and how effectively they connect consumption requirements with the resources used to meet them.

Bringing Greater Precision to Food Management

Focus Prism’s approach centres on applying structured data analytics and forecasting tools to commercial kitchen operations. The aim is to replace guesswork with a more informed process for estimating requirements and managing resources.

Its smart forecasting model focuses on areas such as real-time traceability, recipe mapping, portion management, and purchasing parameters. Together, these functions address several practical aspects of food-service planning.

Recipe mapping can help structure ingredient requirements, while portion management brings attention to how food quantities are planned and served. Purchasing parameters, meanwhile, support more organised decisions about the ingredients a kitchen needs.

When these elements are considered together, catering operators have a framework for making food-related decisions with greater precision. The intention is to help kitchens better align purchasing and preparation with anticipated demand instead of routinely producing additional quantities without sufficient information.

Data intelligence does not remove every uncertainty associated with catering. Customer requirements can change, and kitchen teams must continue to respond to real-world conditions. However, a structured forecasting process offers a way to make planning more deliberate and reduce dependence on assumptions alone.

Respecting the Effort Behind Every Ingredient

The human dimension of food waste is central to the issue. Agricultural production requires sustained effort, and farmers often work under environmental conditions that are difficult to predict or control. Weather variability, water scarcity, and labour demands can all influence the process of bringing food to market.

When edible surplus is discarded after this effort, the loss extends beyond the value of the food itself.

Mr. Subramaniam, Chairman of Focus Prism, has emphasised this connection between food waste and agricultural labour. He observes that food waste reflects a disconnect from the human effort involved in producing it and that data intelligence can help restore greater respect for each ingredient.

This perspective places food management within a wider conversation about responsible resource use. It encourages commercial operators to consider not only the immediate cost of ingredients but also the effort and resources represented by the food they handle.

Sustainability Begins with Everyday Decisions

For hospitality businesses, sustainability does not always begin with a large-scale transformation. It can also emerge through improvements in routine decisions, including how ingredients are purchased, how portions are planned, and how expected demand is assessed.

Forecasting and inventory management can support these efforts by introducing greater structure into daily operations. Better-informed purchasing decisions may help kitchens avoid unnecessary stock, while improved preparation planning can support more appropriate food quantities.

These measures also connect environmental responsibility with commercial efficiency. Using ingredients more effectively can help businesses examine avoidable losses while maintaining the practical requirements of their operations.

The value of this approach lies in integrating sustainability into normal business processes rather than treating it as an entirely separate activity.

Connecting the Beginning and End of the Food Journey

The journey from soil to plate involves farmers, suppliers, distributors, kitchen teams, and consumers. Each stage plays a role in determining how food is handled and ultimately used.

Reducing waste at the catering stage cannot address every challenge across the food supply chain, but it offers an important opportunity to improve how prepared food and ingredients are managed.

Focus Prism’s data-driven initiative brings attention to this opportunity by linking forecasting, inventory planning, and food responsibility. Its approach highlights how technology can help commercial kitchens examine established practices and work towards more precise resource management.

Ultimately, the broader lesson is straightforward: food should be valued not only when it is purchased or served, but throughout its journey from production to consumption. By encouraging better planning and more informed decisions, data intelligence can become a useful part of the effort to reduce avoidable waste and build more responsible catering operations.

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Thousands of revellers dance to traditional and contemporary garba music late into the night

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], October 21: ‘The Garbo’, the Navratri festival organised by ‘Lalkaar News’ near Ognaj in Ahmedabad, concluded on a grand note, bringing together traditional and contemporary cultural elements. Thousands of revellers danced to garba rhythms late into the night amid an atmosphere of devotion to the Goddess and festive enthusiasm. Several prominent political leaders, senior police officers and well-known personalities from the film and music industries also attended the festival.

Prominent dignitaries attend ‘The Garbo’

Gujarat BJP general secretary Prashant Korat, Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda, BJP MLAs CJ Chavda and Alpesh Thakor, former state BJP general secretary Pradipsinh Vaghela, BJP spokesperson Jayrajsinh Parmar, Congress chief spokesperson Manish Doshi, AMC Standing Committee chairman Kamlesh Patel, BJP leaders Amrushi Khambhalia, Dinesh Sharma, Dr. Shraddha Rajput and Jayraj Ahir, Congress spokesperson Hemang Raval, BJP in-charge Hardiksinh Dodia, Gujarat Mahila Congress president Sonal Patel, Gujarat Brahm Samaj vice-president Rakesh Pathak, councillor Nayan Brahmbhatt and City BJP vice president Bhaskar Bhatt, were among the guests who attended the event.

Senior police officials, including Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, Joint Commissioner of Police Neeraj Badgujar, Deputy Commissioner of Police Harshad Patel, and ACB Joint Director Pravin Mal, also graced the celebrations.

Popular Gujarati film actors Hitu Kanodia, Mona Thiba and Makarand Shukla attended the festival, along with well-known folk singer Farida Mir and singer Dev Pagli. Devanshi Joshi of Jamawat News and Dikshit Thakrar and Kisan Kantelia of News Room attended and also covered the festival.

Warm welcome and musical celebrations

The team of Lalkaar News extended a warm welcome to guests with bouquets and mementoes. Performances featuring traditional and contemporary garba songs by well-known artistes kept the revellers dancing late into the night. The organisers had arranged for security, ample parking and smooth management of the event to ensure convenience for guests and participants.

At the conclusion of the festival, Narendrasinh Jadav, Ritesh Shah and Jitu Bandhaniya expressed their gratitude to the dignitaries, artistes, revellers, associates and police administration for their support on behalf of the Lalkaar News team.

“The Garbo festival achieved a historic and grand success because of your wholehearted cooperation, affection and encouragement. On behalf of the entire Lalkaar team, we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone. We will continue to engage with people through events that celebrate and showcase Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage,” they said.

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Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 20: Suryadev TMT telecasted its brand advertisement along with the much-awaited blockbuster Jailer 2 in theatres across Chennai.

Staying true to its belief that dealers are family, Suryadev TMT hosted an exclusive special show for over 700 people, including all Chennai dealers and their families, at PVR and AGS Cinemas.

The event was a grand celebration of the long-standing relationship and trust shared between Suryadev TMT and its dealer network.

Mr. Naman Agarwal, Chief Marketing Officer, Suryadev TMT, said:

“At Suryadev TMT, we don’t just consider our dealers as business partners, we consider them as our family. This special show of Jailer 2 is a small token of our gratitude for their continuous trust and support in making Suryadev TMT a strong brand. We are happy to grow stronger together.”

The entire event management, theatre bulk booking, and on-screen advertising were successfully conceptualized and executed by Phoenix Ads.

Please visit for more Information: https://suryadev.in/

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FarmSanta by NutriSource Opens a New Chapter in Agriculture Through Digital Technology

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 21: With the aim of making digital technology more accessible, effective and affordable for agriculture and rural livelihoods, FarmSanta by NutriSource was officially launched at a grand event held at Novotel, Kolkata. Built around the vision of “Digital Empowerment of Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods,” FarmSanta aims to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem supporting farmers throughout their farming journey, from soil to market.

Positioning itself as Eastern India’s First Digital Agritech Platform, FarmSanta seeks to bring modern agricultural information, technology, advisory services and market-related solutions closer to farmers through a single, collaborative platform.

The launch event was attended by prominent political, administrative, cultural and agricultural personalities, including Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education, Government of India, and actress Rituparna Sengupta, FarmSanta’s brand ambassador.

Dr. Sukanta Majumdar Highlights Agriculture’s Importance

Dr. Sukanta Majumdar attended the event as the Guest of Honour. His support for the FarmSanta initiative and its vision of integrating technology, agriculture and rural development was highlighted during the programme.

Speaking about agriculture’s significance, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar said, “Agriculture is the backbone of India. Without agriculture, there is no culture.”

Highlighting the deep connection between agriculture, the Indian economy, society and culture, he emphasised its critical role in the country’s overall development. He also highlighted the potential of technology-driven initiatives such as FarmSanta to bring modern knowledge, information and services closer to farmers.

By enabling access to relevant agricultural resources, digital platforms can help farmers make informed decisions, address cultivation-related challenges and adopt modern farming practices. Such initiatives can also contribute to empowering farmers and strengthening rural livelihoods.

An Integrated Digital Solution for Farmers: From Advisory to Market

FarmSanta is envisioned not merely as an information-based application but as a collaborative digital platform designed to support farmers throughout their entire agricultural journey.

The platform aims to integrate five key stages of farming: Advisory, Diagnosis, Solution, Delivery and Market. From understanding soil conditions and selecting suitable crops to identifying crop diseases, accessing agricultural solutions and obtaining necessary inputs, FarmSanta aims to simplify the farming process through digital technology.

The platform also seeks to connect farmers with potential market opportunities, helping bridge the gap between agricultural production and market access.

Agriculture Minister Shri Dudh Kumar Mondal highlighted the importance of technology-driven agricultural services such as FarmSanta in helping farmers access information related to cultivation. This includes guidance on suitable and potentially profitable crops for different seasons, protecting crops from pests and diseases, and identifying appropriate agricultural practices and solutions.

By bringing such information closer to farmers, FarmSanta aims to support informed decision-making and encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices.

Upload an Image of an Affected Crop and Receive Guidance

One of FarmSanta’s key features is its proposed technology-enabled crop diagnosis facility. According to Murari M. Rakshit, founder associated with the FarmSanta initiative, farmers will be able to upload photographs of crops affected by pests or diseases through the FarmSanta application.

Using modern technology, the platform will attempt to identify the nature of the problem and provide possible solutions based on guidance from experienced agricultural experts.

This approach aims to help farmers access timely guidance when challenges arise in their fields, enabling them to take informed steps towards protecting their crops and addressing potential agricultural losses.

FarmSanta Can Become a New Avenue for Farmers’ Aspirations: Rituparna Sengupta

FarmSanta brand ambassador and actress Rituparna Sengupta highlighted the platform’s potential to address the aspirations of farmers and people associated with agriculture.

She said, “Just as Santa Claus is associated with fulfilling wishes, FarmSanta has the potential to help fulfil many aspirations of farmers and people associated with agriculture.”

She also highlighted that FarmSanta would be available as a free-to-download application for farmers, providing access to information and guidance on a range of agricultural challenges.

From understanding the agricultural inputs required for particular crops to addressing pest and disease attacks and exploring potential avenues for selling agricultural produce, FarmSanta aims to provide relevant information and support through digital technology.

Building a Collaborative Agricultural Ecosystem

A key aspect of FarmSanta is its focus on collaboration. The platform aims to bring together farmers, farmer-grade partners, service providers, regulatory bodies, government agencies, and other stakeholders involved in the agricultural ecosystem.

Rather than operating as an isolated service, FarmSanta seeks to create a connected digital environment where farmers can access expertise, services, solutions and market opportunities, while service providers and other stakeholders contribute to strengthening the agricultural value chain.

This collaborative approach aims to establish stronger connections between agricultural information, advisory services, diagnosis, solutions, service delivery and market linkages.

From Soil to Market: Supporting the Complete Farming Journey

The core vision of FarmSanta by NutriSource is to bring the farmer’s complete journey into an integrated digital ecosystem. From soil preparation and agricultural advisory to diagnosis, solutions, service delivery and market connectivity, the platform aims to support farmers at every stage.

By making digital technology more accessible, providing relevant information and services, and building a collaborative network connecting farmers, experts, government bodies, service providers and markets, FarmSanta aims to open a new digital chapter in Indian agriculture.

Through its focus on digital empowerment, agricultural innovation and rural livelihoods, FarmSanta seeks to create opportunities for a more connected, informed and technology-enabled farming community.

New Delhi [India], October 21: Fairglobe Infra Private Limited has commenced its journey in the real estate advisory sector with the incorporation of the company and the establishment of its first office in Gurugram, Haryana. Founded by real estate strategist Sourabh Jain, the company aims to provide tailored property advisory services to high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), ultra-high-net-worth individuals (Ultra-HNIs), family offices, industrialists, corporate leaders, and non-resident Indian (NRI) investors across Delhi-NCR.

With its focus on research-led property evaluation and personalised guidance, Fairglobe Infra seeks to help clients assess premium real estate opportunities according to their individual financial objectives, investment horizons, and property preferences. Its guiding philosophy, “Assets. Insight. Access.”, reflects its intention to combine property opportunities with market knowledge and client-focused advisory services.

As Gurugram continues to attract attention from luxury homebuyers and property investors, making informed decisions about high-value real estate requires consideration of multiple factors. These include location, developer credibility, infrastructure development, project specifications, rental potential, documentation, and possible resale opportunities. Fairglobe Infra aims to bring a structured approach to these considerations.

Combining Developer Relationships with Market Research

Fairglobe Infra Private Limited focuses on property opportunities across luxury residential, commercial, retail, and strategic land segments. Its stated developer relationships include DLF, M3M India, Emaar India, Godrej Properties, and Elan Group, providing a range of developments for clients to explore, subject to project availability and applicable arrangements.

The company’s advisory approach emphasises evaluating the suitability of individual properties rather than relying exclusively on developer reputation or promotional claims. Factors such as project progress, applicable approvals, surrounding infrastructure, property specifications, ownership requirements, and future market demand can all influence a purchase decision.

Fairglobe Infra also aims to help clients understand the differences between residential property ownership, commercial real estate investment, and strategic land acquisition. Each category involves distinct financial considerations, ownership responsibilities, and risk factors.

Evaluating Gurugram’s Key Real Estate Corridors

Location-specific research is an important part of the company’s advisory framework. Fairglobe Infra focuses on prominent real estate micro-markets, including Golf Course Road, Golf Course Extension Road, Southern Peripheral Road (SPR), Dwarka Expressway, and New Gurugram.

These areas offer different property formats and market characteristics. Buyers may consider established premium residential locations, contemporary housing developments, commercial spaces, or properties in developing infrastructure corridors, depending on their requirements.

The company aims to assess relevant factors such as connectivity, nearby employment centres, development activity, prevailing property prices, rental demand, and applicable regulatory requirements. This approach is intended to help clients compare opportunities more systematically while recognising that capital appreciation and rental returns are not guaranteed.

A Bespoke Approach to Different Investment Objectives

Fairglobe Infra’s advisory activities cover four principal areas: luxury residential properties, Grade-A commercial and retail assets, growth-corridor investment opportunities, and strategic land acquisitions.

For residential buyers, the company aims to assist in evaluating premium apartments, larger family residences, penthouses, and branded residential developments. Commercial property assessments may include office spaces, retail assets, lease arrangements, occupancy, and rental sustainability.

For investors considering developing corridors, the advisory process can include reviewing infrastructure developments, connectivity, project progress, and potential resale demand. Strategic land transactions require additional attention to land title, permitted use, approvals, access, and development feasibility.

The objective is to help clients assess property opportunities in the context of their financial goals rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

Leadership Focused on Informed Decisions

Under the leadership of founder Sourabh Jain, Fairglobe Infra Private Limited aims to build long-term client relationships through personalised guidance and an emphasis on informed decision-making.

“Every investor approaches real estate with different priorities, whether the objective is acquiring a family residence, evaluating commercial income, or considering a long-term land opportunity. Our aim is to understand those objectives, assess relevant market and property fundamentals, and help clients make decisions with greater clarity,” said Sourabh Jain, Founder of Fairglobe Infra Private Limited.

Establishing a Foundation in Delhi-NCR

The establishment of its first office in Gurugram marks the beginning of Fairglobe Infra Private Limited’s operations in the real estate advisory sector. With Gurugram and Delhi-NCR as its initial focus markets, the company aims to develop its advisory practice around market research, client requirements, and property-specific evaluation.

Looking ahead, Fairglobe Infra intends to explore opportunities in other major Indian property markets, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Goa, while developing advisory connections for NRIs and international clients interested in Indian real estate.

Through its focus on research, transparency, and personalised guidance, Fairglobe Infra Private Limited seeks to establish a considered approach to luxury property advisory and investment planning.

Media and Client Inquiries: Fairglobe Infra Private Limited
Website: https://www.fairglobeinfra.com

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New Delhi [India], October 21: With the festive season approaching, kitchens across India are preparing for increased cooking and meal preparation. From slicing vegetables and fruits to preparing meat and other ingredients, a good-quality kitchen knife can make everyday kitchen work easier. KAI India, the Indian subsidiary of Japan’s leading kitchen and beauty tools brand KAI, offers the Shun Sora Santoku Knife, a high-performance kitchen essential known for its sharpness, strength and precision. With its versatile functionality and reliable performance, the knife is a valuable addition to every modern kitchen.

Designed for slicing, dicing and mincing, the Shun Sora Santoku Knife helps users cut vegetables, fruits, meat and other ingredients with greater precision. The hollow-ground indentations along the blade help food release more easily during cutting, reducing sticking and making preparation smoother.

The knife features a composite blade with a high-performance VG10 cutting core and a Japanese 420J stainless steel upper layer. Enriched with vanadium and cobalt, VG10 steel is known for its strength, hardness and ability to retain its edge over time. The blade is hand-sharpened to a precise 16-degree angle to support clean and accurate cutting, while the polymer blend handle offers a comfortable and secure grip during use.

“Festive cooking brings increased activity into the kitchen, and having the right knife can make the process more convenient. In Japan, a blade is more than a tool; it represents a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship. The Shun Sora Santoku Knife reflects KAI’s commitment to bringing together this heritage with thoughtful design and modern technology. Our aim is to offer Indian consumers reliable kitchen tools that support their everyday cooking needs,” said Chandan Biswal, Head of Marketing and E-commerce, KAI India.

Japanese blade-making has a long-standing history, from renowned samurai swords to contemporary culinary cutlery. Seki City has been at the heart of Japan’s cutlery industry since the 13th century and continues to be known for its blade-making heritage. KAI, the maker of Shun fine cutlery, was founded in Seki in 1908.

Inspired by ancient Japanese traditions, Shun’s skilled artisans continue to handcraft each knife in its Seki City facilities. Every knife involves at least 100 individual steps before completion. Traditional craftsmanship is combined with premium materials and modern technology to create precision-made cutlery for professional chefs and home cooks around the world.

The name ‘Shun’ comes from the Japanese culinary tradition of appreciating the exact moment when an ingredient is at its best—whether a fruit is perfectly ripe, a vegetable is at its peak or meat is at its most flavourful. The name reflects the importance of seasonal, mindful eating and Shun’s focus on precision cutting.

The KAI Shun Sora Santoku Knife is available at ₹14,000 through www.kaiindiaonline.com and other leading e-commerce platforms. Handcrafted in Japan, the knife is designed for everyday kitchen use and festive meal preparation.

Founded in Seki, Japan, in 1908, KAI Group is globally recognised for its high-quality grooming, beauty and kitchenware products. Combining refined craftsmanship with practical innovation, KAI has built a strong legacy in blade making and everyday utility products.

In India, KAI has established a 30,000-square-metre manufacturing facility in Neemrana, Rajasthan, bringing its Japanese heritage and advanced technology to Indian consumers. The company offers a wide range of premium kitchenware, beauty and personal grooming products, supported by strong research and development and a commitment to quality and innovation.

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Gurugram (Haryana) [India], October 20: Every entrepreneurial journey has a starting point, but not every journey follows a straight line. For Ajeet Singh, the path from a small village in Alwar, Rajasthan, to building a premium fitness and wellness business in Gurugram has been defined by professional reinvention, calculated risks and an evolving understanding of what consumers expect from modern businesses.

Born in 1992, Singh grew up studying in government schools before pursuing a degree in Computer Science engineering. In 2012, he began his career as a software developer with a monthly salary of ₹5,500. It was his first step into the professional world, but not the final destination.

His interest in building something of his own soon took him beyond conventional employment. He started a small IT company and later explored hospitality through Plattos Air Bar in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. Each experience exposed him to a different side of entrepreneurship, helping him understand the importance of execution, customer expectations and the ability to adapt.

In 2022, Singh channelled his entrepreneurial experience into a new venture: 7 Ocean: The Fitness Club. Starting with a facility on MG Road, he set out to create a fitness destination that could offer more than the conventional gym experience.

The idea was grounded in an observation about consumer behaviour. Fitness memberships may begin with ambitious expectations, but the environment, service and overall experience ultimately influence whether people remain engaged with their routines. Singh saw an opportunity to build a brand where the experience itself could become a reason for members to return.

That philosophy has shaped 7 Ocean’s development as a premium fitness and wellness destination. In 2026, the brand expanded into Sector 61, Gurugram, marking a new phase in its growth and its ambition to establish a wider presence across Delhi-NCR.

For Singh, the long-term opportunity lies in the convergence of fitness, wellness and longevity. He sees potential in a model that makes wellbeing a more engaging part of everyday life, supported by an environment where members feel comfortable, motivated and connected.

The journey so far has also been one of learning across industries. His background in technology and hospitality, along with his wider business interests, has given him exposure to different approaches to problem-solving and customer experience.

Yet the larger ambition goes beyond individual facilities. Singh aims to develop 7 Ocean into a more comprehensive wellness ecosystem, responding to consumers who increasingly view fitness as part of a broader lifestyle rather than an occasional activity.

His story is a reminder that entrepreneurial growth is not always determined by where someone begins. It can also be shaped by the ability to recognise opportunities, move beyond familiar territory and turn experience into a new direction.

For Ajeet Singh, the next chapter is about building on that foundation—and continuing to develop a business around the idea that better wellbeing should be accessible through a more considered everyday experience.

About Ajeet Singh and 7 Ocean

Ajeet Singh is an entrepreneur and the founder of 7 Ocean: The Fitness Club, established in 2022. The brand operates in the premium fitness and wellness space, with a presence on MG Road and in Sector 61, Gurugram, and a vision to bring fitness, wellness and lifestyle together.

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New Delhi [India], October 20: AARVIHA CREATIONS is all set to create a new cinematic world that brings together Indian mythology, mysterious secrets, and futuristic technology. As the production house’s first film, ‘The Prompt War – Rise of Mahaveer’ was announced on the occasion of Dussehra. The title poster released on this special occasion has already created strong curiosity about the film’s world and concept.

The film aims to give audiences a completely new experience through a story world built around Artificial Intelligence (AI). Without revealing any major details about the story, the first poster has opened the door to several questions and theories about the film’s unique concept.

The subtitle ‘Rise of Mahaveer’ has further increased curiosity about the film’s key character and the mystery behind him.

Produced under the leadership of Naresh Goud, the film is directed by debutant filmmaker Prasanna Kothvala and G.C. Sekhar is making his debut as the music director.

With young talent, a fresh and innovative story, and the use of AI technology, the film is being created on a grand scale. The team is planning to release the movie worldwide in Summer 2027.

The film is planned to release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. It is also reported to be made in a 3D version.

The film combines mythology and mystery with a futuristic world. What kind of stunning visual experience ‘The Prompt War – Rise of Mahaveer’ will bring to the big screen is something audiences will have to wait and see as more details are revealed.

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There is a moment in most interviews when the guest becomes conscious of the camera. In the latest episode of The Saurabh Nigam Show, featuring Paras Sareen and Sahil Juneja, those moments appear surprisingly few.

Instead, the conversation frequently has the energy of three friends sitting together after work — talking business one minute, pulling each other’s leg the next and occasionally allowing the discussion to travel somewhere completely unexpected.

At the centre of the episode is Paras’ entrepreneurial journey, including his experience in retail and association with Chai Leela. But rather than presenting his story as a conventional tale of ambition and success, the discussion unfolds through anecdotes, observations and humour.

Sahil brings another personality into the equation, ensuring the conversation never settles into the predictable rhythm of question and answer.

Holding it together is Saurabh Nigam, whose hosting style is noticeably informal.

Instead of attempting to dominate the conversation with elaborate questions, Saurabh relies considerably on listening and reacting. His humour frequently comes through in spontaneous one-liners and expressions rather than prepared punchlines.

It creates an interesting dynamic: the guests appear comfortable enough to joke with the host rather than simply respond to him.

That distinction gives the episode much of its charm.

There are serious conversations about business and ambition, but they rarely become heavy. There is humour, but it doesn’t reduce the discussion to comedy. And while Saurabh remains visibly in control of the conversation, he doesn’t seem anxious to constantly remind the audience that he is the host.

For a relatively young podcast, that confidence is notable.

In an increasingly crowded Indian podcast landscape, where long-form interviews often follow remarkably similar templates, The Saurabh Nigam Show appears to be discovering its personality through something deceptively simple — chemistry.

With Paras and Sahil at the table, the formula works.

The business story provides the substance. The humour provides the entertainment. And Saurabh’s relaxed presence makes the two sit comfortably together.

By Hiteshbhai Mansukhbhai Bhuva, Managing Director, Liotech Industries Limited

New Delhi [India], October 20: A few years ago, a dealer in eastern India approached a hardware manufacturer with a requirement for three products. The manufacturer could supply only two, forcing the dealer to source the third from another supplier. This meant managing two invoices, two deliveries and two separate points of contact in case of any issue. The dealer was not being difficult; this was simply how India’s architectural hardware trade had traditionally operated. For decades, the fragmented nature of the industry was accepted as a normal part of doing business.

However, this presents a significant opportunity for change. India’s market for hinges, bolts, latches and door fittings is growing, estimated at approximately US$3.96 billion in 2026 by Mordor Intelligence and projected to reach US$6.31 billion by 2031. Much of the market continues to be served by small manufacturers specialising in a limited number of products and catering to specific regions. While these businesses are efficient within their niches, buyers are often left to coordinate multiple suppliers. For a builder fitting out hundreds of apartments, managing procurement across several hardware vendors adds unnecessary complexity.

Recognising this gap, the company adopted a strategy focused on product range rather than concentrating on volume in a single category. It developed nine product categories, with more than 150 specifications, sizes and finishes within each, manufactured at its facility in Shapar and marketed under its own brand rather than through job-work arrangements for other labels.

This approach, however, comes with its own challenges. Job work can generate relatively immediate revenue, whereas building a brand requires sustained investment in marketing, product development and inventory. Instead of focusing on a few fast-moving products, the company must maintain stock across a wider assortment while also managing returns and distribution requirements.

Working capital remains a critical consideration. The business typically maintains around one-and-a-half to two months of inventory and extends credit of up to 45 days to distributors. Over the last three years, its EBITDA margin has remained largely within the 15–16% range, standing at 14.25% in FY26, while revenue grew 72% to ₹70.09 crore. Although a broader product range does not necessarily translate into higher profitability per rupee, it can strengthen customer relationships and make the company more difficult to replace. Customers accustomed to sourcing a comprehensive range from one supplier would need to return to coordinating with multiple vendors if they switched.

Recent regulatory developments are also reshaping the industry. Since 1 July 2025, hinges manufactured, sold, imported or stocked in India have been subject to the applicable BIS marking requirements under a Quality Control Order issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in March 2025. The government has also introduced a minimum import price for certain imported cabinet hinges. While such measures can increase compliance costs, they may also strengthen the importance of product testing, documentation and traceability. Manufacturers that have already invested in quality systems could be better positioned as compliance becomes an increasingly important part of the market.

Regulatory compliance presents challenges for smaller manufacturers, who must invest in testing, certification and documentation. Improved access to working capital and compliance support from banks and industry associations will be crucial to help these businesses meet quality standards and sustain growth.

This is a broader challenge facing manufacturers across India’s architectural hardware industry. The opportunity often lies in fulfilling existing demand rather than creating an entirely new market. The company currently has orders exceeding its manufacturing capacity, prompting investment in new machinery and plans to expand vertically at its existing 12,632-square-foot facility. The key challenge is financing the period between purchasing raw materials, manufacturing products, expanding the product range and receiving payments from customers.

India has a strong metalworking base, particularly in Rajkot, but the opportunity lies in building trusted brands with a comprehensive product range. As the hardware industry evolves, manufacturers focusing on quality, product diversity, efficient distribution and working-capital management will be better positioned to strengthen customer relationships and compete beyond price alone.

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Dubai [UAE], October 19: Dubai has plenty to offer once you step away from the shopping bags and observation decks. A desert dinner, a morning on the water or a meal shaped by Emirati traditions can give your holiday a different rhythm. These experiences let you spend time enjoying a place rather than simply photographing it.

For visitors and UAE residents planning a short break, the real question is how to spend that time well. Start with experiences that match your interests, then build the journey around them.

Why The Cooler Season Opens Up More Possibilities

Dubai’s outdoor travel season broadly runs from October to April, when cooler conditions make activities outside more comfortable. Desert outings, terrace dining and days by the coast become easier to fit into a holiday.

Still, the season does not remove the need for planning. Check the forecast before boat trips or mountain activities. Carry sunscreen during the day and a light layer for an evening outdoors. Reserve experiences with limited capacity before arranging the rest of your schedule.

For each booking, request a final price in AED and check cancellation terms. A quoted rate may cover only the core activity. Transfers, meals or other additions can change the total, so a written breakdown helps you decide where to spend your available holiday budget.

Enjoy The Desert At A Slower Pace

A premium desert outing can focus on wildlife, local traditions and dinner under the stars. It does not have to centre on fast drives over dunes.

Platinum Heritage, for example, offers experiences connected to Emirati culture and the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Its different collections show why checking the actual itinerary matters more than booking a package labelled “luxury”.

Ask whether the excursion includes a private vehicle, a shared camp or a separate dining area. These details affect how personal the evening feels.

• Confirm the time spent travelling and the time spent at camp.
• Tell the operator about dietary requirements before arrival.
• Ask whether wildlife viewing, cultural activities or astronomy are included.

Keep the following morning relaxed if the outing finishes late.

Make Time For A Private Yacht Experience

A yacht charter offers space to enjoy the coastline with your own group. You can talk over lunch, celebrate an occasion or simply spend an afternoon away from busy streets. Dubai Harbour and Dubai Marina are departure points for various yacht experiences.

A private charter means reserving the vessel for your group. A shared cruise means booking places alongside other passengers. Both can be enjoyable, but they offer different levels of privacy.

Before paying, confirm the boat, boarding location, trip duration and passenger limit. Ask what the price covers, including crew, refreshments and catering. Discuss swimming stops in advance; the captain must decide whether conditions and locations are suitable.

Leave some flexibility in your plans because weather can affect departure times and routes.

Let Food Become Part Of The Experience

Dubai’s dining scene rewards a little curiosity. A tasting menu brings several smaller courses in a planned sequence, while a chef’s counter can let you watch the kitchen at work. These formats suit travellers who enjoy understanding how a meal comes together.

For a connection to the UAE, consider contemporary Emirati dining. Gerbou combines Emirati dishes with locally sourced ingredients and interiors that celebrate local craftsmanship.

Another option is a hosted meal at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding in Al Fahidi. Emirati presenters explain customs while guests share traditional food.

Choose the setting that interests you, then check the menu format, expected duration and dress code. Tell the venue about allergies when booking rather than waiting until service begins.

Give Yourself A Proper Wellness Break

A spa visit works best when you leave enough time to enjoy it. Squeezing a treatment between two appointments can turn a relaxing afternoon into another deadline.

Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray offers a Turkish hammam alongside other spa services. A hammam is a bathing experience that may include warmth, cleansing and exfoliation, depending on the treatment booked.

Read the package details carefully. A treatment reservation does not automatically mean every hotel facility is included. Confirm access to relaxation areas, pools or other amenities, and ask how early to arrive.

Keep the rest of the afternoon open for a quiet meal or some uninterrupted rest.

Spend A Day In Hatta

Hatta adds mountains and outdoor activity to a Dubai itinerary. Kayaking, hiking and mountain biking offer ways to engage with the landscape rather than view it through a car window.

Choose one main activity and allow time to enjoy it. A kayaking session followed by lunch can make a satisfying day without adding several demanding stops.

Check current operating times, equipment arrangements and any age restrictions before travelling. For hiking, match the route to your fitness and experience. Wear suitable shoes and carry drinking water.

An overnight stay can make the pace more comfortable, especially if you want an early start outdoors the next morning.

Make The Journeys Comfortable

Transport deserves attention when your plans include a marina departure, a restaurant reservation and a trip outside the city. Travellers who rent a luxury car in Dubai can enjoy comfortable journeys between these experiences, with room and luggage capacity depending on the vehicle.

Check the exact model, included mileage, deposit, insurance terms and charges for fuel, parking and Salik tolls. Confirm the provider’s driving licence requirements before payment.

A chauffeured vehicle may suit an evening with several stops. For desert excursions, ask whether transfers are already included so you avoid paying twice.

Build A Holiday With Room To Enjoy It

Choose a few experiences that deserve your time. Pair an active morning with a restful afternoon, and leave space between fixed bookings. Dubai’s premium experiences become more rewarding when you can settle into them. The aim is to return with memories of a meal, a conversation or an afternoon outdoors that you actually had time to enjoy.

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The founder was trying to travel to another city. Buses were crowded, and the remaining seats were not comfortable for a long journey. While waiting, a person suggested a shared cab outside the bus stand. It seemed like a practical alternative, particularly after an exhausting day.

But the cab had its own problem. Although a few passengers were already seated, the driver explained that the vehicle would depart only after more seats were filled. Minutes became an hour. Some passengers grew tired of waiting and left. The driver returned to the bus stand to look for new travellers.

The founder noticed an everyday mismatch: passengers were searching for transport, while drivers were searching for passengers. Both sides wanted the same journey to happen, yet neither had an easy way to connect in advance.

That experience led to the idea behind ROAMIX: what if travellers could discover intercity rides before arriving at a bus stand? What if drivers could publish their planned routes and available seats, allowing interested passengers to find suitable journeys earlier?

Turning a real-world problem into a platform

ROAMIX Technologies Private Limited was conceived around this practical challenge. Based on a vision rooted in Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh, the company is developing a platform intended to connect passengers with driver partners travelling on compatible intercity routes.

The approach is straightforward. Driver partners can publish planned trips and seat availability through the ROAMIX Driver app. Passengers can use the ROAMIX app to explore available rides and booking options. Availability depends on the routes and trips posted by participating partners.

The platform is designed for people travelling between cities for work, family visits, personal commitments and other journeys. It also aims to help driver partners make better use of available seats rather than relying solely on finding travellers at departure points.

A young company with a long-term vision

ROAMIX is beginning its journey with a focus on Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Its wider ambition is to make intercity travel easier to plan and to support more convenient connections between passengers and driver partners as its network grows.

The startup does not claim that technology can eliminate every travel delay. Its proposition is more specific: better visibility of planned trips and available seats may help travellers make informed decisions before starting a journey.

Behind the platform is a team of technology professionals, with development support from SAGIAM, its technology partner. The company views feedback from passengers and driver partners as an important part of refining the experience.

The founder’s original midnight journey may have been delayed, but the question it raised continues to guide the startup: why should travellers and drivers wait to find each other when they could connect before the journey begins?

ROAMIX describes its mission in three words: Travel Further. Together.

About ROAMIX: ROAMIX Technologies Private Limited is an Indian mobility technology startup focused on intercity ride discovery and driver-partner connectivity. Website: www.roamix.in. Technology partner: SAGIAM (www.sagiam.tech).

Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds crosses 100 Store Milestone this Dussehra, Targets 200 Stores in 2027

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 19: Limelight Diamonds, India’s leading LGD jewellery brand, has crossed the milestone of 100 stores across 45 cities in India this Dussehra, marking a significant chapter in its growth journey and reflecting on its ambition to make the brilliance of lab-grown diamonds more accessible to Indian consumers.

The announcement coincides with Dussehra, a festival that symbolises positivity, progress and new beginnings. For Limelight, the occasion marks both the celebration of a significant achievement and the beginning of an ambitious new chapter. It reflects the brand’s commitment to building a new jewellery category in India, bringing together design, innovation, transparency and a contemporary retail experience.

With stores spanning major metros as well as emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, Limelight’s journey reflects the changing preferences of India’s modern jewellery buyers and increasing interest towards LGD jewellery for various occasions.

Commenting on the achievement, Pooja Madhavan, Founder & Managing Director, said: “Crossing 100 stores across 45 cities is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at Limelight. This milestone is a reflection of the potential of the LGD sector in India and the opportunity to redefine how India experiences diamond jewellery. What excites me most is that our journey has just begun. Having established a strong foundation in India, we are now looking at opportunities beyond our borders. Our ambition is to build Limelight into a globally recognised jewellery brand and take India to the world.”

The brand is already looking ahead to its next phase of growth, with an ambitious target of reaching 200 stores in 2027. This expansion reflects the brand’s confidence in the growing acceptance of LGD jewellery in India and its commitment to transforming the category into accessible luxury and offering informed diamond choices to an ever-growing community of consumers.

Speaking about the expansion, Karamjyot Chawla, Director – Retail Expansion said:

“Crossing the 100-store milestone is a significant achievement in Limelight’s retail expansion journey. Our focus is not merely on increasing the number of stores, but on establishing Limelight as a trusted diamond jewellery destination in every market we enter. With a growing nationwide footprint and a strong expansion pipeline, we are now preparing for the next phase of growth, including opportunities in international markets.”

With continued retail expansion in India and international expansion on the horizon, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds is moving forward with a clear ambition: to be the largest LGD retailer that champions the ‘Make in India’ vision for LGDs and establishes the category as a mainstream part of the jewellery culture not just in India but globally.

About Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds

Headquartered in Mumbai, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds is India’s largest and most trusted lab grown diamond jewellery brand, specialising in pure CVD lab grown diamonds. Limelight has been a pioneer in building the lab grown diamond category in India, offering consumers exceptional brilliance, purity and contemporary design.

Over the past few years, the brand has witnessed rapid nationwide expansion and today boasts the widest retail footprint for lab grown diamond jewellery in India, with 100+ exclusive brand outlets across 45+ cities. Limelight’s collections span solitaires, everyday fine jewellery and statement pieces, catering to modern Indian consumers. With a strong focus on retail excellence, design innovation and consumer education, Limelight continues to lead the growth of the lab grown diamond jewellery segment in India.

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The platform brings strategy discovery, customisation, automated execution and trade monitoring into a single interface. users can explore available strategies, review their objectives, risk profile and margin requirements, and choose to subscribe based on their individual preferences and risk considerations.

For users looking to build their own strategies, the platform offers a strategy builder with configurable indicators, entry and exit conditions, execution parameters and position sizing. Users can define parameters such as trading direction, operating hours and trading days, and configure target, stop-loss and trailing stop-loss mechanisms in line with their strategy requirements.

Risk management is integrated into the platform through configurable controls at both strategy and account levels. Users can set maximum profit and loss thresholds, limit the number of trades for a strategy, and pause individual strategies or stop algorithmic trading through a dedicated stop control. The platform also provides a consolidated view of open positions, pending orders, trade history, execution details and strategy signals, enabling users to monitor activity and execution status.

Ready-made strategies include exchange-registered black-box strategies offered by SEBI-registered Research Analysts, while customised strategies are built using exchange-registered white-box indicators. Strategy information, applicable disclosures and consent requirements are presented as part of the subscription process.

Commenting on the launch, Anurag Misra, Chief Technology Officer, Bajaj Financial Securities Limited, said, "With this launch, we are expanding the range of tools available to users to participate in the markets with greater flexibility and control. By bringing ready-made strategies and custom strategy-building capabilities alongside risk management and trade monitoring, we aim to make rule-based trading more accessible, with clear visibility of their strategies' activity and execution. Our focus remains on building technology-led solutions with transparency and informed decision-making at the core of the experience."

The launch marks another step in Bajaj Broking's continued investment in its digital trading capabilities, supporting a more structured approach to market participation.

Pooja Gor-hosted Journey of Legacy, created by Manish KR, explores the vision, decisions and personal journeys behind educational institutions.

New Delhi [India], October 19: Every lasting legacy begins with a vision. But behind the institutions that shape generations are individuals whose ambition, determination and leadership turn that vision into reality. Exploring these remarkable personal journeys is Journey of Legacy, a new documentary series created and produced by Manish KR, Founder and CEO of Tanza Talks, and hosted by actress Pooja Gor, now streaming on JioHotstar.

Moving beyond conventional institutional profiles, Journey of Legacy brings the chairman’s story to the forefront. Through personal conversations, the series explores what inspired these leaders to build, guide and transform educational institutions, the challenges they encountered along the way, and the defining decisions that shaped their journeys.

For Manish KR, the project represents a new chapter in his journey as a storyteller and entrepreneur. His interest in bringing people and their experiences to audiences developed through community building, event organising and conversations with personalities from diverse fields. This eventually led to the creation of Tanza Talks, a storytelling platform that has featured over 200 personalities, including entrepreneurs, actors, educators, spiritual leaders and other prominent figures.

Over the years, Manish discovered that the most compelling stories often extend beyond public achievements. They lie in the struggles, sacrifices, uncertainties and personal convictions that shape a person’s journey. With Journey of Legacy, he brings this approach to educational institution chairmen, exploring the individuals behind the decisions and visions that have influenced generations of students.

“An institution’s story begins with a person who believes in an idea and has the determination to bring it to life. We wanted to understand the chairman’s journey—the vision that inspired him, the challenges he faced and the decisions that shaped his legacy. Through Journey of Legacy, we hope to bring these personal experiences to audiences and inspire young people to think about the impact they want to create,” said Manish KR.

Hosted by Pooja Gor, the documentary series offers audiences an opportunity to discover the people behind educational legacies. Her conversations explore the motivations, experiences and leadership philosophies of the chairmen, bringing a personal dimension to stories that are often understood through institutional milestones and achievements.

At its heart, Journey of Legacy is about the connection between leadership and the lives it influences. It examines how a chairman’s vision can create opportunities, shape educational communities and contribute to the aspirations of generations. The series seeks to understand not only what these leaders have built, but also what inspired them and what they hope their work will mean for the future.

The series features educational institutions including DIT University in Dehradun, Bennett University in Greater Noida, LNCT in Bhopal, SAGE University, Quantum University in Roorkee and Vivekananda Global University in Jaipur. Through the stories of their respective chairmen, Journey of Legacy offers a glimpse into the personal journeys and leadership perspectives behind these educational legacies.

For Manish, sharing these experiences with younger audiences is an important part of the series’ purpose.

“Young people often see the achievements of an institution without knowing the journey of the person who helped build it. Understanding the vision, perseverance and responsibility behind those achievements can be incredibly inspiring. We want viewers to see that creating a meaningful legacy is not just about personal success; it is about the opportunities you create and the lives you influence,” he added.

The project also marks Tanza Talks’ expansion into cinematic, long-form documentary filmmaking. Having developed its foundation through interviews, conversations and digital storytelling, the platform is now creating documentaries that preserve meaningful personal histories and bring them to wider audiences.

Manish’s broader vision is to establish Tanza Talks as a global storytelling platform, documenting the journeys of educational leaders, entrepreneurs, family businesses and individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on society.

By bringing together Pooja Gor’s on-screen presence and Tanza Talks’ approach to personal storytelling, Journey of Legacy invites viewers to look beyond familiar achievements and discover the people, experiences and decisions that shaped them.

Ultimately, the series celebrates the power of vision, leadership and perseverance. Because a chairman’s true legacy is not only what he builds, but the generations he inspires and the future he helps make possible.

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Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], October 19: Anuradha, Mrs. Globe 2025, attended The Sheri Affair Ahmedabad as a Celebrity Guest, bringing grace, glamour and festive spirit to one of the city’s much-awaited Navratri celebrations.

Anuradha became the first Indian to win the Mrs. Globe title in its 29-year history, earning international recognition and bringing pride to the country. Beyond her pageant journey, she continues to inspire women through her advocacy for women’s financial independence.

At The Sheri Affair Ahmedabad, Anuradha embraced the vibrant spirit of Navratri, celebrating the city’s deep-rooted love for Garba. From her festive look to her moments on the dance floor, she reflected the perfect blend of contemporary glamour and traditional Indian culture.

The occasion marked the sixth year of The Sheri Affair, founded by Sam Modi and Niti Pancholi. This year’s theme, Safed Amdavad, brought an all-white aesthetic to the celebrations, creating a distinctive setting for the evening.

For Anuradha, the experience was an opportunity to connect with Ahmedabad’s festive energy and be part of a celebration that brings people together through music, dance and devotion. Her presence as a Celebrity Guest added another memorable moment to her journey beyond the international pageant stage.

As Mrs. Globe 2025, Anuradha continues to represent Indian women on a global platform, carrying forward a journey defined by ambition, purpose and the desire to inspire women to believe in themselves and their potential.

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New Delhi [India], October 19: Delhi-based artist Rachna Aggarwal is set to present Beyond the Spectrum, her second solo exhibition, at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, from October 22 to 24, 2026. The exhibition follows her debut solo presentation, Nature’s Spectrum, at Bikaner House, marking the next chapter in her evolving engagement with colour, nature and emotional expression.

With a background that spans business and interior design, Aggarwal’s journey to the canvas has been unconventional. After completing her BBA from NMIMS University, Mumbai, followed by a diploma in Interior Design from Pearl Academy, she found herself drawn increasingly towards art as a medium through which she could explore emotion, memory and personal expression.

In Beyond the Spectrum, Aggarwal moves beyond simply observing nature to exploring its emotional resonance. Her contemporary, semi-abstract works unfold through fluid forms, energetic gestures, layered textures and vibrant bursts of colour. Rather than offering a fixed interpretation, the paintings leave space for viewers to bring their own memories, emotions and experiences to the work.

The exhibition reflects Aggarwal’s belief that art can become a quiet space for introspection a place where feelings that are difficult to articulate can find expression through colour and movement.

With Beyond the Spectrum, Rachna Aggarwal invites audiences to look beyond the visible and experience nature not merely as a subject, but as an emotional language one that connects the external world with the landscapes within.

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Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 19: Is journalism and mass communication a good career? Yes, but not in the way most guides describe. The field has grown far past the TV reporter image. At AAFT Noida, graduates move into newsrooms, digital media, PR and content roles, and the BJMC course at AAFT Noida (a three-year BA in Journalism and Mass Communication) opens all these lanes after 12th, not just one.

Journalism today is bigger than the evening news. It runs across TV, print, digital, radio and brand media. So the honest answer to the career question is layered. Some graduates report the news. Many others build careers around it.

AAFT Noida, the Asian Academy of Film & Television’s campus at Noida Film City in Delhi NCR, offers the three-year BA in Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) and the MA in Journalism and Mass Communication through its School of Mass Communication. Admissions for the 2027 batch are now open.

Is Journalism and Mass Communication a Good Career After 12th?

Yes. Digital media is now India’s largest media segment, and news, brands and agencies all need trained communicators. That makes journalism and mass communication a strong, modern choice after 12th, especially for students ready to work across digital, video, audio and brand media.

Pay in the media depends on the portfolio more than the degree. Freshers usually start on modest salaries, and those who build strong digital, video or PR work move up faster.

The latest industry data shows where the growth is:

• India’s media and entertainment sector grew 9% to ₹2.78 trillion in 2025 and is forecast to reach ₹3.3 trillion by 2028 (FICCI-EY 2026).
• Digital media crossed ₹1 trillion in 2025 and is now the largest segment, ahead of television (FICCI-EY 2026).
• Advertising grew about 13% to ₹1.5 trillion in 2025, and digital took 63% of that spend (FICCI-EY 2026).
• Brands, agencies and startups now hire journalism graduates for content, PR and social media work, well beyond newsrooms.

Where Do Journalism Graduates Work Today?

Most graduates no longer start in a single TV newsroom. They join digital news desks, video teams, PR agencies, brand content teams, podcasts and creator businesses.

The reason is where the money goes. In 2025, digital advertising rose 26% to ₹947 billion, according to the FICCI-EY 2026 report. Jobs follow that spend, so digital, video and verification skills now count as much as classic reporting.

What Jobs and Salary Can You Expect?

Pay grows with your skills and your portfolio. These roles are the common paths after a journalism and mass communication degree.

Senior editors and communication leads usually earn ₹10 LPA and above. These are industry estimates, not guaranteed outcomes.

What Tools and Specialisations Can You Master in a BJMC Course?

A BJMC course is not only about theory. You also master the tools that real media teams use every day. You then pick a specialisation that fits your strengths. This is where a journalism degree turns into a career direction.

The tools you learn to use include:

· Video and broadcast. Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve for video editing and news packages.

· Audio production. Multi-track recording and podcast editing tools for radio and audio.

· Design and graphics. Adobe Photoshop and Canva for visual storytelling and social creatives.

· Digital publishing. WordPress and content management systems used by real news sites.

· Social and analytics. Social scheduling, SEO basics and analytics tools that track reach.

· AI-assisted media. AI tools for research, transcription, captions and faster first drafts.

Within the course, you can also lean into a specialisation:

· Broadcast journalism. News anchoring, field reporting and live production for TV and OTT.

· Digital journalism. Reporting, writing and content strategy for news sites and brands.

· Public relations. Media relations, brand messaging and campaign communication.

· Radio and podcasting. Show production, scripting and independent audio storytelling.

· Film and media research. Documentary, media research and long-form storytelling for film and OTT.

You do not have to pick a lane on day one. The early terms build shared skills across all of them. As your interest sharpens, you focus on your projects and internship. So the course lets you test directions before you commit.

Which Journalism Degree Should You Choose — BA or MA?

AAFT Noida offers a clear route at both levels, so you can choose by your goal and your stage. The BA builds strong foundations across news, digital, PR and broadcast. The MA is for deeper reporting, media strategy and leadership roles. Students from any stream can apply.

If you are starting right after 12th, the BA is the natural entry point. If you already hold a degree, the two-year MA in Journalism and Mass Communication sharpens your edge for advanced reporting, media strategy and leadership roles. Both routes give you studio time, real projects and a portfolio.

Eligibility is a 10+2 pass with 50% marks, or 45% for reserved categories. Admission is through the AAFT Global Entrance Test (GET). PG applicants need a bachelor’s degree.

What Does a Journalism and Mass Communication Course Cover?

The course covers the full craft of media work. You learn news reporting, writing and editing first. Then you move to digital journalism, TV production and radio. You also study PR, advertising, media laws and ethics.

Camera work, lighting, video editing and documentary making are part of it. So are content creation, media research and event coverage. Each subject maps to a real career direction. So you can shape a focus as you learn.

The course also keeps pace with how media now works. You study data-led reporting, mobile journalism and social-first video. You learn to verify sources and spot misinformation, a core newsroom skill today. AI tools for transcription, captions and research are taught alongside those verification habits.

How AAFT Noida Trains You for Real Newsrooms?

AAFT Noida follows a 70:30 practical model. That means most of your time is spent doing real media work. You report, shoot, edit and present, not just read theory.

Students work through newsroom simulations and studio projects. The campus has TV studios, radio labs and editing suites. A live campus channel and OB van add real field practice. So you build a portfolio before you graduate.

Learning does not stop at the campus gate. Students cover real events, festivals and press interactions during the course. Guest sessions bring in editors, anchors and PR leaders from the industry. Internships then turn classroom skills into real newsroom experience.

Why Choose AAFT Noida for Journalism?

Location is a real advantage here. The campus sits in the Delhi-NCR belt, a major hub for news, digital and PR. So students are close to the newsrooms and agencies that hire. That access shows up in guest talks, internships and live coverage.

The teaching model is built around doing, not just watching. You work across TV, radio, print and digital in one course. You also join a large alumni network across Indian media. So you graduate with a portfolio, contacts and a clear direction.

Who Will Teach You?

The School of Mass Communication is led by working media professionals. You learn from people who have built real careers in news.

· Industry Dean. Faye D’Souza is one of India’s best-known independent journalists.

· Joint Dean. Dr. Syed Nawaz Ahmad brings over 19 years in media and academia, with newsroom and radio experience.

· HOD. Harinder Kumar leads the department with deep newsroom and teaching experience.

The wider faculty includes Geeta Chaudhary, Lubna Fatima, Mehak Zaidi and Anoop Ray. All are active in media and communication practice. So you learn current methods, not dated ones.

In Their Own Words

Akshay Marwah, CEO, AAFT Noida, said: “Students often ask if journalism is still a good career. Our answer is simple. It is, and it now offers more paths than ever. Our graduates work in newsrooms, digital teams, PR and content roles. We train them for all of it, not just one job. That is the career pathway we care about.”

Where Do AAFT Noida’s Media Graduates Get Placed?

The media hires on your body of work, not just your marks. According to AAFT, its graduates have joined news organisations including Aaj Tak, Zee News, News Nation, WION and Dainik Jagran, as well as digital desks, PR teams and audio roles. The Career Resource Cell supports students with reel reviews, mock interviews and industry referrals.

Internships often act as the first step into a full-time role. Many students convert a strong internship into a job offer. Others move into PR, brand content or the creator economy after graduating. So the paths stay open, whichever lane you choose.

More detail on the programs is on the AAFT School of Mass Communication page.

How to Apply for the 2027 Journalism Programs?

Applying is a short, four-step process. Start early, as seats for 2027 are limited.

1. Register online for the AAFT Global Entrance Test (GET).

2. Check eligibility: a 10+2 pass with 50% marks, or 45% for reserved categories.

3. Choose the BA or the MA; the MA route needs a bachelor’s degree.

4. Sit the GET, then confirm your seat early at admissions.aaft.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is journalism still a good career with AI?

Yes. AI speeds up transcription and first drafts, but reporting, verification and judgement remain human skills that employers hire for.

What is the difference between journalism and mass communication?

Journalism focuses on news. Mass communication also covers PR, advertising, corporate communication and content.

Can I apply from the science or commerce stream?

Yes. Students from any stream can apply.

How long are the BA and MA courses?

The BA in Journalism and Mass Communication is three years and the MA is two years.

About the School of Mass Communication at AAFT Noida

AAFT Noida’s School of Mass Communication trains reporters, anchors and communicators for a fast-changing media world. It sits within an institute that carries a 33-year legacy in India’s media and entertainment education.

The Delhi-NCR location is a real edge here. It puts students close to national newsrooms, agencies and studios. Teaching is led by working editors, anchors and media practitioners. A 37,000-strong alumni network now works across the creative industries.

The aim stays steady. AAFT Noida wants graduates who can lead across news, digital and PR.

For Admission and Media Inquiries, Contact:

AAFT Noida

FC-14/15, Sector-16A, Noida Film City, Uttar Pradesh, India

Phone: 08062911638 / 08062911639 / 09811014536

Email: help@aaft.com

Website: www.aaft.com

Sources: FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Report 2026 (March 2026). Salary ranges are industry estimates, not promised outcomes.

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Starring Mayur Chauhan and Deeksha Joshi, the popular Gujarati blockbuster brings its unique blend of romance, comedy and social themes to audiences on JOJO App.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], October 19: The popular Gujarati romantic comedy Karsandas Pay & Use is set to stream on JOJO App from October 22, giving Gujarati cinema lovers another opportunity to enjoy the much-loved film from the comfort of their homes.

Directed by Krishnadev Yagnik and produced by Nilay Chotai and Vaishal Shah, Karsandas Pay & Use won audiences over with its unconventional premise, relatable characters and entertaining take on love, ambition and social perceptions.

The film follows Tilok, played by Mayur Chauhan, who runs a public pay-and-use toilet business alongside his younger brother Sundar, played by Hemang Shah. Tilok falls in love with Jaya, portrayed by Deeksha Joshi, the daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver, Chinubha. However, Jaya’s father disapproves of Tilok’s profession, creating an obstacle in their relationship. Determined to prove his worth, Tilok sets out to build his business and win the family’s acceptance. What follows is a heartwarming journey that blends romance, humour and a message about dignity of labour and social judgment.

Commenting on the film’s availability on JOJO App, Dhruvin Shah, Founder and Managing Director of JOJO, said, “At JOJO, our focus is on making Gujarati entertainment accessible to audiences across the world. Karsandas Pay & Use is a landmark film that combines an unconventional subject with humour, romance and a meaningful social message. Bringing films like this to JOJO helps us connect Gujarati stories with audiences across generations and geographies.”

The film features Mayur Chauhan, Deeksha Joshi, Hemang Shah and Chetan Daiya in key roles. Its music is composed by Kedar and Bhargav, with lyrics by Bhargav Purohit.

With a growing library of Gujarati films, web series, nataks and original content, JOJO continues to expand access to Gujarati entertainment for audiences in India and around the world.

Watch Karsandas Pay & Use on JOJO App from October 22. Download the JOJO App and enjoy Gujarati entertainment anytime, anywhere.

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New Delhi [India], October 19: Kyptec LifeStyle®, an Indian consumer audio brand operating under BalaJi MicroTechnologies Pvt. Ltd., part of the B.B. Group of Companies, continues to strengthen its presence in India’s personal audio market through Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Earbuds. Designed for consumers who value clear wireless communication, powerful sound reproduction, comfortable listening and dependable battery performance, these true wireless earbuds combine Environmental Noise Cancellation, four built in microphones, large 13mm audio drivers, low latency functionality and up to 40 hours of advertised total playtime in a compact, lightweight design.

As wireless communication becomes an important part of everyday life, consumers increasingly expect their audio devices to support professional conversations, online meetings, music, mobile entertainment and travel without compromising convenience. For buyers exploring wireless earbuds, Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Wireless Earbuds bring together practical calling features, premium bass performance, extended battery endurance and portable construction. The product is particularly relevant for individuals who regularly switch between telephone conversations, music streaming, online communication and entertainment throughout the day.

With consumers paying greater attention to microphone performance, sound quality, comfort and connectivity, Kyptec LifeStyle® continues to focus on audio products designed around everyday requirements. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Bluetooth Earphones reflect this approach by combining communication oriented ENC technology with larger audio drivers and convenient wireless functionality, offering an accessible personal audio solution for modern lifestyles.

Environmental Noise Cancellation for Clear Calling and Everyday Communication

Clear voice communication has become an important consideration when selecting modern earphones, particularly for individuals who frequently make telephone calls while commuting, working or travelling. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Earbuds incorporate Environmental Noise Cancellation technology designed to help reduce unwanted background sounds captured by the microphones during voice conversations.

For consumers considering Bluetooth earbuds for professional calls, online meetings and everyday communication, microphone performance can be just as important as music playback. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Wireless Earbuds combine ENC technology with a four microphone configuration intended to improve voice pickup and support clearer communication across different listening environments.

Unlike Active Noise Cancellation, which is primarily designed to reduce external sounds heard by the listener, Environmental Noise Cancellation focuses on processing microphone input to help make speech more distinguishable during calls. This distinction is important for consumers comparing different noise reduction technologies, as ENC does not provide the same listening experience as dedicated Hybrid ANC headphones or earbuds.

Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Bluetooth Earphones are designed to support conversations in everyday environments where fans, surrounding activity, traffic and other ambient sounds may affect communication. Actual voice clarity depends on microphone positioning, background noise characteristics, network conditions and the communication application being used. The technology provides practical support for consumers who want compact earphones capable of handling regular voice communication without requiring a separate headset.

Powerful 13mm Audio Drivers for Deep Bass and Immersive Music

Sound reproduction remains one of the most important factors influencing the purchase of personal audio devices. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Earbuds incorporate large 13mm audio drivers designed to deliver powerful bass, clear vocals and an engaging listening experience across different types of music and digital entertainment.

The driver configuration supports listeners who enjoy energetic music, strong rhythm sections and impactful low frequency sound. From contemporary pop and electronic music to Bollywood soundtracks, hip hop and streaming entertainment, Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Wireless Earbuds are positioned to provide a rich audio experience within a compact true wireless design.

Consumers comparing bass earbuds often consider the balance between low frequency performance, vocal clarity, wearing comfort and overall sound presentation. While driver size alone does not determine audio quality, the 13mm configuration is an important part of the product’s sound design. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Bluetooth Earphones combine this larger driver arrangement with wireless connectivity and a lightweight structure, making them suitable for music, podcasts, films and everyday entertainment.

The earbuds are designed for listeners who want enjoyable sound reproduction without carrying larger headphones. Their compact construction offers convenient portability, while their bass oriented sound characteristics make them relevant to consumers who prefer an engaging personal listening experience throughout the day.

Four Built In Microphones for Professional Calls and Personal Conversations

Wireless earphones are increasingly used for business discussions, remote working, online education and personal communication. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Earbuds feature a quad microphone arrangement intended to support voice pickup and clarity during everyday telephone calls and digital conversations.

The four built in microphones work alongside the product’s ENC functionality, allowing users to move between music, incoming calls and online meetings without changing audio devices. This versatility is particularly useful for professionals who frequently communicate through smartphones, students participating in online classes and individuals who prefer hands free calling while managing daily activities.

For consumers researching earbuds with mic functionality, microphone configuration, comfort and dependable wireless connectivity are important considerations. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Wireless Earbuds bring these capabilities together in a portable audio product designed for both communication and entertainment. Their compact format makes them convenient for carrying during travel, workplace activities and everyday movement.

Although actual calling performance varies with network quality, surrounding conditions and microphone positioning, the combination of multiple microphones and Environmental Noise Cancellation provides a useful feature for consumers who place particular importance on voice communication.

Low Latency Connectivity for Gaming, Videos and Digital Entertainment

Audio timing contributes significantly to the enjoyment of films, online videos and mobile gaming. When sound is noticeably delayed in relation to the picture, the experience can become distracting, particularly during fast moving scenes and interactive entertainment.

Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Bluetooth Earphones incorporate low latency functionality intended to reduce the delay between audio playback and compatible video content. This feature is relevant for consumers who regularly use their smartphones or tablets for watching films, streaming online videos and enjoying casual mobile games.

For individuals comparing gaming earbuds, sound quality and audio timing are both important factors. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Earbuds combine their 13mm audio drivers with low latency functionality, allowing the product to support different entertainment preferences without being limited to music listening alone.

Actual latency depends on device compatibility, application requirements, wireless conditions and supported operating modes. Nevertheless, the combination of portable design, engaging bass performance and wireless audio functionality makes these earphones relevant to consumers seeking one convenient device for multiple digital activities.

Up to 40 Hours of Battery Life with Convenient Charging

Battery endurance is an important consideration for consumers who rely on wireless audio throughout the day. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Wireless Earbuds offer up to 40 hours of advertised total playtime, helping reduce the need for frequent charging during music listening, communication and entertainment activities.

The product also offers an advertised charging time of approximately 1.5 hours, supporting convenient battery replenishment between listening sessions. Its compact charging arrangement contributes to portability, making the earphones suitable for individuals who travel regularly or move between home, office, college and other locations.

Consumers seeking earbuds with long battery life often consider the overall convenience of extended playback alongside sound quality, microphone performance and comfort. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Earbuds combine their advertised battery capability with ENC calling functionality, 13mm drivers and wireless connectivity to support different everyday listening requirements.

Actual playback duration varies according to listening volume, calling activity, connectivity conditions and other operating factors. The advertised duration represents the product’s stated maximum under suitable conditions rather than guaranteed continuous listening time from a single earbud charge.

Lightweight Design, Wireless Freedom and Everyday Comfort

Portability and comfort remain important factors for consumers who use wireless audio devices during commuting, travelling, working and leisure activities. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Bluetooth Earphones feature a lightweight in ear design intended to provide comfortable listening while remaining convenient to carry throughout the day.

The compact construction offers an alternative to larger over ear headphones for consumers who prefer audio devices that can be carried easily in a pocket, handbag or travel accessory. This convenience is particularly relevant for individuals who frequently make calls, listen to music while commuting or use personal audio during everyday activities.

Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Wireless Earbuds support connectivity with compatible smartphones, tablets, laptops and other Bluetooth enabled devices, with an advertised wireless transmission range of up to 10 metres under suitable conditions. Their wireless design removes the inconvenience of a physical audio cable, allowing users greater freedom of movement during compatible listening and communication activities.

As TWS earbuds become a familiar part of everyday personal technology, consumers increasingly value products that combine compact construction, comfortable wearability, practical battery performance and reliable communication features. Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Earbuds address these expectations through their combination of ENC technology, multiple microphones, powerful sound and portable wireless convenience.

Strengthening the KyptecLifeStyle® Wireless Audio Portfolio

Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Earbuds form an important part of the brand’s established wireless audio portfolio, which includes additional true wireless earbuds and Bluetooth headphones addressing different consumer preferences. The model is particularly focused on Environmental Noise Cancellation, quad microphone communication, powerful 13mm audio drivers, low latency functionality and extended battery performance.

Under the leadership of Nitin Aggarwal, Co-Founder & CEO, and Sweta Aggarwal, Co-Founder & CMO, Kyptec LifeStyle® continues to develop its brand identity around practical technology, contemporary design, customer requirements and long term business development. Supported by BalaJi MicroTechnologies Pvt. Ltd. and the wider B.B. Group of Companies, the brand remains focused on strengthening its presence in India’s competitive consumer audio market.

Through Kyptec LifeStyle® 640 Wireless Earbuds, the company reinforces its commitment to combining useful audio technologies with accessible everyday functionality. The product reflects the brand’s understanding that modern consumers expect their earphones to provide clear communication, enjoyable music playback, dependable battery performance and convenient wireless connectivity within a single compact device.

About KyptecLifeStyle®

Kyptec LifeStyle® is an Indian consumer audio brand operating under BalaJi MicroTechnologies Pvt. Ltd., a unit of the B.B. Group of Companies, headquartered in New Delhi, India. Co-founded by Nitin Aggarwal and Sweta Aggarwal, the brand offers a portfolio of wireless headphones, Bluetooth earphones and true wireless earbuds incorporating ANC, Hybrid ANC, ENC, low latency connectivity and extended battery performance. Kyptec LifeStyle® focuses on combining contemporary design, functional technology and accessible premium audio experiences for modern consumers.

CONTACT US

KyptecLifeStyle®

C/o BalaJi MicroTechnologies Pvt. Ltd.

(A Unit of B.B. Group of Companies)

C-79, Upper Ground Floor, DDA Sheds,

Okhla Industrial Area, Okhla Phase 1, New Delhi 110020, India

Email: support@kyptec-lifestyle.com

Mobile / WhatsApp: +91-9319255113

Official Website: www.kyptec-lifestyle.com

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With Esha Deol as Chief Guest and founder Mr Ajit sharing his industry expertise, Skyline Estate Agents champions a forward-looking vision that encourages Indian investors to think beyond borders.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 19: In a significant step towards encouraging a more global outlook on property investment, Skyline Estate Agents proudly participated in Launch Pad 2026, presented by Teams Applaud at the Taj Hotel, Santacruz, Mumbai. Featuring Bollywood personality Esha Deol as the Chief Guest, the event celebrated ambition, innovation and the possibilities that emerge when investors begin to think beyond traditional boundaries.

For Skyline Estate Agents, the event represented more than a launch. It reflected a vision to help Indian investors broaden their horizons, understand international property markets and consider opportunities that align with their long-term financial and lifestyle aspirations.

Opening Doors to a World of Opportunity

India’s property market continues to attract investors seeking stability, wealth creation and long-term value. However, investment opportunities are no longer confined to one’s home city or country. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, international real estate is gaining attention among Indian buyers exploring diversification, overseas living, rental income and future family opportunities.

A key highlight of the occasion was Mr Ajit, Founder of Skyline Estate Agents, who personally addressed the audience and shared valuable insights drawn from his two decades of experience across finance and real estate. As a UK-regulated adviser, his professional background has shaped his understanding of property markets, financial considerations and the importance of making informed investment decisions.

Through his address, Mr Ajit emphasised the importance of looking beyond familiar markets, understanding international opportunities and approaching investment with a long-term perspective.His contribution reinforced the central message of the event: think globally, invest intelligently and plan for the future.

International property investment requires informed decision-making, an understanding of local regulations, careful financial planning and awareness of market-specific risks. By encouraging investors to consider these factors, Skyline Estate Agents aims to make exploring global opportunities a more informed and accessible journey.

A Memorable Occasion with Esha Deol

The presence of Esha Deol as Chief Guest added distinction to Launch Pad 2026, bringing additional visibility to an occasion centred on ambition, progress and new possibilities.

Hosted at Mumbai’s Taj Hotel, the event brought the Launch Pad vision into focus, creating a platform to communicate the importance of innovation and forward-thinking approaches in today’s changing investment landscape.

For Skyline Estate Agents, being associated with this occasion reinforced its commitment to building awareness around property opportunities and helping clients look towards the future with confidence.

A Successful Step Towards a Bigger Vision

The significance of Launch Pad 2026 extends beyond the event itself. Its wider message encourages investors to challenge conventional thinking, ask better questions and explore opportunities they may not previously have considered.

For Indian investors, looking internationally can mean discovering different property markets, understanding alternative investment strategies and evaluating how overseas assets might fit into a diversified portfolio. Every opportunity, however, must be assessed on its own merits, with due diligence and professional advice at the centre of the decision-making process.

Skyline Estate Agents sees this shift in perspective as an important part of the future of property investment. Its ambition is to connect aspiration with information, helping clients move from simply considering possibilities to making well-informed choices.

The Future Is Global

Launch Pad 2026 marks an important milestone in Skyline Estate Agents’ continuing journey to promote a more ambitious, informed and internationally minded approach to property investment.

With Mr Ajit’s industry experience and the company’s forward-looking vision, Skyline Estate Agents is encouraging a new conversation about what property ownership can mean in a connected world.

The message from Mumbai is simple: the future belongs to investors who look ahead, think strategically and remain open to global possibilities.

For Skyline Estate Agents, this is more than a philosophy. It is a vision to help open doors to opportunities that reach beyond borders. 

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Bitcoin bulls are chasing $175,000, but fears of more fighting with Iran are giving traders another reason to worry. Oil surged last week, putting fresh pressure on prices and hopes of cheaper borrowing. Bitcoin’s big target is still months away, while the next bad headline is never far off.

The panic does not end the hunt for the next breakout. Patient investors have time to look beyond the biggest coins and find projects before their first listing. AlphaPepe has already raised over $3.1 million at that stage, with a working swap platform and another exchange partnership announcement coming this week.

Bitcoin’s Recovery Is Still a Waiting Game

Siebert Financial analyst Brian Vieten sees Bitcoin moving beyond $175,000 over the next few quarters. He points to growing institutional ownership and more ways for investors to borrow against their holdings without selling. His forecast gives Bitcoin buyers a reason to look beyond the latest market scare.

But the road remains rough. Oil touched $110 on Friday as Middle East tensions grew, then eased on Monday. Attacks on shipping and threats to supply kept fears of another energy price jump alive.

For investors chasing bigger gains, waiting for Bitcoin to recover is only one route. The other is finding a project before its first exchange trade, while its community and product are still growing. AlphaPepe’s presale offers that earlier entry at $0.03402.

AlphaPepe Puts an Exchange Behind the Token

A meme brings attention. A useful product gives people a reason to return after the first rush fades. AlphaPepe combines the frog with AlphaSwap, its AI DEX, which is already live in Early Access.

An ex-Shibarium developer is behind the exchange. AlphaPepe is also building tools that let traders find tokens and prepare swaps through AI conversations, with Auto-Trade registration already open. The exchange is growing before ALPE reaches its first public listing.

ALPE-powered access and trading credits are being built into those advanced tools. Under that model, traders use the ecosystem and need the token for access to its features. Growth in the product creates a route toward demand beyond the initial presale.

BNB shows why exchange tokens attract early buyers. It launched before Binance opened for trading, starting with fee benefits before expanding across a much wider ecosystem. AlphaPepe is pursuing its own version of that model around ALPE and AlphaSwap.

The presale offers entry while that relationship is taking shape. More than 12,600 holders have already joined, with over 100 new holders arriving daily. AlphaPepe is building its community before the first exchange chart brings a new audience.

This Week’s Exchange Reveal Adds to the Gains Hunt

Four CEX partnerships have already been announced, with another partnership announcement coming this week. Binance is the main name being watched ahead of the reveal. A major exchange partner would bring AlphaPepe closer to a much wider pool of traders.

Exchange access and product use serve different parts of the growth story. Listings help new buyers find ALPE. AlphaSwap’s expanding tools give the ecosystem a reason to keep attracting users after launch.

The listing price starts at $0.08, compared with the current $0.03402 presale price. Once reached, that would value a $1,000 allocation at roughly $2,352. The entry comes before the next partner reveal and before public trading begins.

AlphaSwap’s rollout, growing ALPE utility and the push toward a Binance listing drive AlphaPepe’s 300x forecast. This is where a $500 entry becomes $150,000.

AlphaPepe’s route toward that forecast runs through its exchange rollout and AlphaSwap’s growth. The presale is the early position in that bet. Buyers are entering before the market has put a public trading price on the token.

Fewer Than 40 Bonus Crates Remain

There is also an offer running down before the next exchange announcement. Fewer than 40 Limited Bonus AlphaLabs mystery crates remain, offering up to 300% extra tokens.

Those extra tokens increase the allocation from the start. The remaining crates put a clear limit on the offer while ALPE is still available at its current presale price. Once the final crates are taken, that opportunity is gone.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s $175,000 forecast gives investors a big recovery target, but Iran fears and expensive oil keep testing their patience. AlphaPepe offers an earlier bet, with AlphaSwap Early Access live, ex-Shibarium experience behind the DEX and over $3.1 million raised.

The current entry is $0.03402, this week’s exchange announcement is approaching, and fewer than 40 bonus crates remain.

VISIT ALPHAPEPE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FAQs

Who expects Bitcoin above $175,000?
Siebert Financial analyst Brian Vieten projects that level over the next few quarters.

What would a 300x AlphaPepe gain mean?
A $500 allocation would be worth $150,000 before fees.

What bonus remains available?
Fewer than 40 Limited Bonus AlphaLabs mystery crates remain, offering up to 300% extra tokens.

Disclaimer: Trading cryptocurrencies/digital assets carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. You should be aware of all the risks associated with cryptocurrency/digital asset trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, or other information contained on this website is provided as general market commentary, and does not constitute investment advice. The website or its publishers will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to, any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information.The above content is published as received and has not been edited by the channel staff. The channel holds no responsibility for its content.

From amusement parks to go-karting, parents across India can now discover and book real-world play for children of every age in one place

Gurugram (Haryana) [India], October 19: Finding something for children to do on a weekend should not take an evening of searching. ActivityKidz, the discovery and booking platform for activities for children, is now live in 20 cities across India, helping 2 lakh plus parents every month find active, real-world things to do with their children.

For most parents, planning a day out still means scrolling social feeds, asking in school group chats, and calling venues to check timings and prices. ActivityKidz brings it all into one place, with accurate details, reviews, and booking in a few taps, across play zones, amusement parks, escape rooms, arcades, live events, seasonal workshops, and birthday parties.

Play on the platform is not limited to the youngest children. Older kids and teens head to go-karting tracks, bowling alleys, laser tag arenas, and escape rooms, and more parents are joining in rather than waiting on the sidelines. Trampoline parks, climbing walls, and snow parks have become places where whole families play together.

“Play is the whole point,” said Suraj Kedia, founder of ActivityKidz. “In a world that pulls children toward screens, we want active, real-world play to be the simpler choice for every family, and that means making it easy to find, wherever you live.”

Families in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Kolkata, as well as cities including Jaipur, Indore, Bhopal, Amritsar, and Chandigarh, can choose from more than 500 ticketed entertainment and activity venues. Partner venues include leading family entertainment brands such as Jus Jumpin, Funky Monkeys, SkyJumper, Tooney Tales, Bounce Inc, Fun Block, HopUp, Paradox Museum, Climb Central, and Snow World. The majority of bookings come from parents who find ActivityKidz on their own, through search or word of mouth.

About ActivityKidz

ActivityKidz is a two-sided marketplace for discovering and booking activities for children and teens across India. Founded in 2024 and operated by CurioQuest Technologies Private Limited, Gurugram, the platform brings play zones, amusement parks, trampoline parks, escape rooms, arcades, go-karting, bowling, laser tag, live events, seasonal workshops, birthday parties, and after-school classes onto one trusted site, so parents can compare options and book with confidence. ActivityKidz serves 2 lakh plus parents every month across 20 cities, including eight metros, with most bookings coming from parents who find the platform on their own. It works with more than 500 ticketed entertainment and activity venues at no upfront cost to partners. The company is bootstrapped and has not raised external funding.

Learn more at activitykidz.com.

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Mr. Avinash V. unveiled the trophy and Dr. Anand V, unveiled the jerseys in the presence of Dr. S. K. Rao, Dr. M. Veeraraghavan,, Dr. R. Prabhu, Dr. Harish Kumar and captains

Chief guest and cricketer Mr. Avinash Vaidya unveiled the championship trophy and Dr. Anand Venugopal, COO, MAHE, unveiled the team jerseys in the presence of Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu, Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru Campus, Dr. Harish Kumar S., Director-Corporate Relations, corporate leaders and captains of the participating teams. 

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Avinash Vaidya said, “Cricket builds teamwork, discipline, leadership and the ability to perform under pressure, qualities that are equally important in the workplace. By bringing corporate teams together through this championship, MAHE has created a meaningful platform that goes beyond competition to strengthen professional relationships, encourage collaboration and build lasting connections through sport.”

Dr. Sharath K. Rao said, “Institutions and industries grow when they engage with each other consistently and work towards shared goals. The MAHE CCC provides a platform for the corporate community and the university to come together in a spirit of teamwork and collaboration. We hope this engagement will strengthen our existing relationships and lead to meaningful, long-term associations.”

Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan said, “Corporate leaders across sectors bring different experiences, perspectives and approaches to solving real-world challenges. The CCC creates an informal setting for these perspectives to come together, allowing conversations and ideas to develop beyond conventional boardrooms. For MAHE Bengaluru, the value of this initiative lies in creating a vibrant space where the university and the corporate community can exchange ideas and discover areas of shared interest.”

The championship features teams from prominent organisations across technology, healthcare, consulting and financial services. Participating organisations include ARM, Bosch, Carelon, EY, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, JPMorganChase, KPMG, LinkedIn, Manipal Hospitals, Microland, Microsoft, Novo Nordisk, Salesforce, Thomson Reuters and Unisys.

The championship will follow the T20 white-ball format, with weekend matches scheduled at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus. The teams are divided into four pools, with each team playing three league matches. The tournament will feature 27 matches, including two semi-finals and the final.

The concluding phase will be held at MIT Sports Park, MAHE Manipal. The semi-finals are scheduled for December 5, followed by the final under lights on December 6.

Team and individual performances will be recognised throughout the championship. Awards will be presented to the winner and runner-up, along with honours for Man of the Match in each fixture, Man of the Series, Best Batsman and Best Bowler.

Through the championship, MAHE aims to bring competitive sport and corporate-academic engagement together. The initiative gives corporate professionals, team representatives and the university community an opportunity to build relationships and explore common interests beyond conventional institutional settings.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

Honour highlights TestGrid’s focus on AI testing that teams can inspect, govern, and trust

New Delhi [India], October 19: TestGrid has been recognised for “AI Excellence in Quality Engineering” at the Outlook Business Spotlight Achievers Awards 2026, held in New Delhi on 28 September.

The Achievers Awards celebrate businesses, startups, institutions, and leaders contributing through innovation, leadership, excellence, and purpose.

The 2026 ceremony brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, business leaders, and other industry participants from across India.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in software development, quality engineering has to keep pace without giving up visibility or control.

TestGrid’s approach focuses on applying AI across the testing lifecycle while keeping execution grounded in real testing environments.

TestGrid ONE, TestGrid’s AI operating system for quality engineering, combines agentic test creation and maintenance with the infrastructure those tests execute on, including real mobile devices and browsers across dedicated cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.

CoTester, TestGrid’s AI testing agent, converts requirements and specifications into executable tests, runs them across real devices and browsers, and uses AgentRx, its self-healing execution layer, to adapt tests when application interfaces change.

CoTester also keeps human review part of the workflow. Teams can refine generated steps, approve critical checkpoints, and trace outcomes through execution evidence.

“AI in quality engineering only matters if teams can trust what it does,” said Harry Rao, Founder and CEO of TestGrid. “That means giving teams visibility into how tests are created, what changes during execution, and where human approval is required. This recognition reflects the work our customers, partners, and team have done to make AI dependable in real testing environments.”

Earlier this year, TestGrid won “Best Use of AI” at the India Digital Enabler Awards 2026, powered by Entrepreneur India.

Founded in 2015 and bootstrapped, TestGrid supports more than 20 Fortune 100 enterprises. To schedule a demo or explore the platform, visit testgrid.io.

About TestGrid

TestGrid is an AI-native testing company trusted by Fortune 100 enterprises.

TestGrid ONE is the AI operating system that runs quality engineering. It pairs agentic test creation and maintenance with the infrastructure those tests execute on: real mobile devices and browsers, deployed on-premises, in a dedicated cloud, or in a hybrid model.

Its test coverage spans web, mobile, APIs, performance, visual, and audio, along with packaged enterprise applications including Salesforce, SAP, ServiceNow, and Microsoft Dynamics.

Media Contact

Harry Rao

Founder & CEO, TestGrid

harry@testgrid.io

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New Delhi [India], October 19: Vitiligo is a common skin condition. For people with vitiligo, white patches appear on the skin. Skin color differences affect confidence levels. Unnecessary attention, social behavior, and misunderstanding may affect people’s self-respect. As awareness grows about skin health, people are moving towards natural, thoughtful, and consistent solutions. Rather than relying on quick fixes.

Vitiligo is known as a chronic skin condition. It occurs due to the loss of melanocyte cells. The cells help in the production of pigment. A balanced pigment maintains natural skin color. Modern research shows that autoimmune conditions, oxidative stress, and genetic disorders are common factors. These play a crucial role in the occurrence of this condition. Vitiligo is neither contagious nor a source of social stigma. It cannot be spread through touching, eating, close contact, or poor hygiene. 

Today’s generations have a good understanding of wellness approaches. They are focusing on stabilizing skin through natural ways. Modern dermatologists are exploring Ayurvedic wisdom, an ancient and long-lasting approach. It can be used to combat skin discoloration.  

Bringing Traditional Herbal Wisdom Into Modern Skin Care

In Ayurveda, vitiligo is recognized as Shivtra or Kailasa. According to the 2026 Vitiligo Drug Market and Analysis report, the global vitiligo treatment market is estimated at around USD 309.6. The report highlights the rising demand for non-segmental vitiligo treatment. It is approximately about 88.6 million in the market.

International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research explained differences between classical herbs and modern dermatology. It highlighted how both can work after identifying the individual body’s mechanisms.

Today, scientists are still finding effective evidence for using herbal vitiligo cream. They searched for herbs that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These are effective in treating vitiligo. Applying it consistently may repigment the skin.

Now, Ayurveda skin care becomes a part of an everyday wellness routine. It’s a supporter, not a replacement. It’s a complementary approach that can be chosen with consciousness. 

Zolence Vitiligo Cream: A Gentle Herbal Approach to Skin Care

A large population is showing growing interest in natural herbs for everyday skincare. Zolence Vitiligo Cream is crafted with an Ayurvedic formulation. It is a topical option for people who are seeking to apply it to affected areas. 

The formula and ingredients in this product by Zolence give it a creamy texture. A natural formulation nourishes and improves skin pigmentation. 

The cream not only focuses on reducing white patches. It also works to calm irritation and hydrate the skin cells. It encourages the consumer to build a routine to maintain their real tone. 

For those who are looking for herbal approaches, Zolence Vitiligo Care offers the product in capsule and vitiligo-care kit formats. It is a wider option for consumers after consulting with qualified healthcare professionals.    

Small Changes, Better Skin: Easy Habits for Daily Care 

Vitiligo is not a single cream; it’s a complete skincare product. It begins with a consistent skincare routine. Use cleansing, applying, and moisturizing to soften skin texture. Avoid excessive sun exposure and protect the skin from rashes and irritation. Follow these routines to regain its original color. Eating nutrient-dense foods, prioritizing sleep, enough hydration, and managing stress may enhance holistic well-being. 

Most important points: not every white patch is a sign of vitiligo. Consult a dermatologist for confirmation and get appropriate treatment. If you are searching for herbal products, discuss them with medical professionals beforehand. 

A Smarter, More Informed Approach to Vitiligo Care 

Zolence reveals the growing popularity, bringing traditional Ayurvedic wisdom into Modern wellness.

If you are exploring a mindful approach for skin health. It emphasizes authentic ingredients, a persistent routine, and informed choices. 

Mahalaxmi Sansthan Ayurveda Private Limited aims to represent traditional Ayurvedic knowledge for today’s audience. This makes it easy to understand, accessible, and relevant for everyday skincare. It provides quality, transparency, and comprehensive wellness for the long term. 

Under the leadership of Krishan Mohan Singh, CEO of Mahalaxmi Sansthan Ayurveda Private Limited, says, “Our vision is to connect timeless wisdom with modern needs”. 

Rediscover a brand that offers thoughtful products, clear information, and provides remarkable outcomes. These are simple steps to revive long-lasting skin health. 

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Ritu Chopra, Speech Therapist

New Delhi [India], October 19: A child’s clear speech is not a gift of nature alone; it is built, sound by sound, by the people who love that child most.

Picture a three-year-old running in, eyes shining, asking for “loti” when she means roti. The whole family melts and repeats it.

No one is doing anything wrong; everyone is simply enjoying innocence. Yet that tender moment, repeated a hundred times, can plant a habit that follows the child into the classroom and beyond.

The Charm Trap: When Pampering Locks In a Mistake

A child learns language the way a sapling grows: by leaning towards the light. For a young child, that light is the face of a parent, a grandparent or a teacher.

When the mispronounced word earns laughter and applause, the child concludes: this is the right way to say it. When he says it correctly, the reaction is ordinary, so he may return to the “wrong” version that makes everyone smile.

Think of the playful line on Indian wedding cards: “Mere mama ki shaadi mein jalool aana.” Charming on a card, but “jalool” is not a word.

A child’s early speech is like wet cement. Smooth a footprint today and it costs nothing; leave it for a few weeks and you need a chisel. Every affectionate repetition of a mistake is a footprint left to set.

One Sound, a Whole Chain

Hindi sounds come in families. K, kh, g, gh are made at the back of the tongue; t, th, d, dh near the teeth. A child who cannot produce k usually struggles with its neighbours too: kahani becomes “tahani”, kursi becomes “tursi”, ghar becomes “dhar”.

It is like a loose thread in a sweater: pull it and the whole row unravels. The encouraging part is the reverse. Fix the root sound, and a whole row of words straightens itself out.

Mother Understands; the World Does Not

At home, a mother becomes a fluent translator. She knows “mamm” means water and “tela” means kela.

But the translator only helps while she is in the room. In a playgroup or at school, other children don’t understand; some laugh. The child, once the star of the family, may grow shy and withdrawn.

The clearest alarm rings during school dictation. A child writes what he speaks, not what the teacher says. If he says “taam” for kaam, he writes “taam”; he cannot write a sound he has never produced.

The lesson: don’t wait for the notebook. Listen to your child the way a stranger would.

How Clear Speech Is Rebuilt

1. Test precisely. Parents usually believe the child has trouble with one sound; a careful assessment almost always finds more.

2. Follow nature’s order. Lip sounds first (pa, ba, ma), then tongue-tip sounds (ta, da, na), then back-of-the-tongue sounds (ka, ga).

3. Place the tongue correctly. Every sound has a home in the mouth; the child learns where the tongue should sit and how it should move.

4. Move from sound to word to sentence. A sound learnt alone is like a cricketer who only plays in the nets; it must be tested in a real match.

5. Practise until it is permanent. The goal is speech so well practised that the child could not say it wrongly even if he tried.

Don’t Spoil Your Own Language

A child is a mirror, not a filter. Whatever language we give, correctly or carelessly, the child reflects back. Children are recording long before they are replying, so the discipline lies with us: complete words and correct pronunciation, every day.

A simple shift in practice

When your child says “tela” instead of kela, don’t repeat the mistake and don’t scold. Smile, and calmly echo the correct form: “Haan, kela! Tumhe kela chahiye?” The child hears love and the right word at the same time.

Myths Versus Reality

Stammering (hesitating on or repeating words) can appear at any age. Mispronunciation usually begins at the very start, because the child follows the pattern the family set.

In some homes, a child is fed food a crow has pecked, in the belief that it will make him talk clearly. It does nothing for speech and can carry infection, making the child ill. Comfort rituals are not treatment.

Acceptance: The Seed Does Not Sprout Overnight

Some children produce a missing sound within the first minute of guidance, but turning it into a lasting habit takes time, depending on how many sounds are affected. A gardener who digs up a seed every morning to check its progress will never see it grow. Trust the process and celebrate small wins.

Your Words Become Their Voice

• Enjoy the innocence, but don’t echo the error.

• Speak in full, correct words yourself.

• Listen like a stranger, and take unclear speech seriously.

• Seek a proper assessment early, before dictation reveals the problem.

• Replace rituals with practice at home.

A clear voice brings confidence in the classroom, ease among friends and courage to express ideas. That voice is built at the dinner table, on a grandparent’s lap and in a hundred small daily conversations. Our love gives children the wish to speak; our words give them the way to speak well.

Give Your Child the Gift of Clear Speech

Every child deserves to be heard, understood and confident. If your child’s speech is unclear or certain sounds are difficult to pronounce, don’t wait for the problem to affect their confidence or learning.

Seek a professional speech assessment and take the first step towards clearer communication. With the right guidance, consistent practice and family support, your child can develop speech skills that last a lifetime.

Take the first step today. Connect with Ritu Chopra, Speech Therapist, for guidance and support.

Website: https://MySpeechTherapist.in
 Email: DrChopra1954@gmail.com
WhatsApp (Message Only): +91 98185 35551

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Top civic, police and university officials join the celebrations; Team Amba adds cinematic glamour to the evening

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], October 19: Gujarat Media Club, in association with BharatKool, organised a grand Garba Festival on Saturday at Atal Kalam Auditorium, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, celebrating the spirit of Navratri, Gujarati culture and community togetherness.

The festival was inaugurated with Mataji’s Aarti by Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Shri Anupam Singh Gehlot, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Shri Banchhanidhi Pani and Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Shri Jagdish Joshi, setting a devotional and festive tone for the evening.

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished personalities, including former Central Information Commissioner of India and senior journalist Shri Uday Mahurkar, Gujarat Police IG Shri Saurabh, Gandhinagar Range IG Shri Virendra Yadav, and other prominent citizens, media professionals and their family members.

Team Amba Steals the Spotlight

One of the major highlights of the evening was the presence of artists from the Gujarati film Amba, who attended the festival as part of the film’s promotional activities. Their appearance added a special attraction to the celebration, drawing enthusiastic attention from the audience and creating a memorable connection between Gujarati cinema and the state’s vibrant cultural traditions.

The festival transformed the university campus into a lively celebration of devotion, traditional music, Garba and Gujarati pride, bringing together members of the media fraternity, public representatives, senior officials and cultural enthusiasts.

Celebrating Tradition and Community

Speaking about the initiative, Gujarat Media Club President Shri Nirnay Kapoor said that, as in previous years, the club had organised the Garba Festival to mark the auspicious occasion of Navratri and bring members of the media fraternity and their families together through Gujarat’s rich cultural traditions.

The collaboration between Gujarat Media Club and BharatKool reflected a shared commitment to promoting Gujarati heritage, encouraging community participation and creating meaningful cultural experiences.

The successful celebration reaffirmed the enduring popularity of Garba as an expression of Gujarat’s identity, devotion and collective spirit.

About BharatKool

BharatKool is a cultural initiative founded by Malhar Dave, focused on celebrating India’s cultural heritage, promoting traditional art forms and bringing communities together through meaningful cultural events.

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How improving connectivity, employment corridors, and established social infrastructure are reshaping the suburb’s residential appeal.

New Delhi [India], October 19: For much of the past two decades, Mumbai’s western suburbs have evolved along a northward growth corridor, with established neighbourhoods such as Andheri shaping the region’s residential and commercial landscape. Further north, Kandivali East was traditionally perceived as a practical, family-oriented residential market. That perception is evolving, as improving connectivity, a maturing social ecosystem and the changing geography of employment reshape its position within Western Mumbai’s housing market.

This transformation is not the result of any single infrastructure project or development, but rather the cumulative impact of improving connectivity, an expanding employment landscape and a well-established residential ecosystem. Together, these factors are strengthening the locality’s appeal and reinforcing its underlying growth potential.

A commute that has been redrawn

In Mumbai, connectivity is ultimately measured in minutes, not kilometres. Kandivali East benefits from access to the Western Express Highway and Metro Line 7, which runs along the western suburban corridor between Andheri and Dahisar. Together, these transport networks provide commuters with road and metro options, while the suburban railway network continues to connect the neighbourhood to Mumbai’s wider employment and activity centres through Kandivali station.

A further set of infrastructure projects could strengthen these connectivity advantages over time. The Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel, being constructed beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park, is designed to establish a more direct road connection between the eastern and western suburbs, reducing dependence on the congested Ghodbunder Road route. The Versova–Dahisar Coastal Road corridor and its planned extension towards Bhayandar are intended to improve north–south movement along Mumbai’s western edge. Meanwhile, the Goregaon–Mulund Link Road is being developed to improve east–west connectivity across the suburbs.

These projects are at different stages of development, and their eventual impact will depend on execution and commissioning. As connectivity improves, well-connected residential neighbourhoods such as Kandivali East could benefit from easier access to employment centres and other parts of the metropolitan region.

Following the office market

Where people work increasingly influences where they choose to live. Mumbai’s commercial office market continues to witness significant activity across established business districts such as Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Andheri and Goregaon. For professionals working in these hubs, Kandivali East offers a residential base with access to the western suburban transport network, alongside established social infrastructure and a range of housing options.

This connectivity also supports the locality’s rental appeal. According to 99acres, estimated rental yields in Kandivali East are around 3%–3.5%. Actual yields vary by project, property configuration, purchase price and prevailing rents, but the figure provides an indication of the rental market’s potential to attract working professionals and families seeking established residential neighbourhoods.

The wider employment landscape adds context to this demand. According to Knight Frank, Mumbai recorded approximately 9.8 million sq. ft. of office leasing in 2025, making it the city’s second-strongest year for office leasing in more than a decade. Global Capability Centres (GCCs), along with demand from other occupier segments, contributed to the market’s activity.

The momentum continued into 2026. Cushman & Wakefield reported approximately 10.7 million sq. ft. of office leasing in Mumbai during the first half of the year, representing an increase of around 30% year-on-year. This reflects sustained occupier activity and the importance of Mumbai’s established and emerging commercial corridors.

While city-wide leasing trends do not directly translate into housing demand in any single micro-market, they reinforce the importance of residential locations that offer convenient access to employment. As business districts evolve and commuting patterns change, neighbourhoods across the western suburbs could benefit from the convergence of employment, transport connectivity and housing demand.

A neighbourhood that already works

What distinguishes Kandivali East from many emerging residential markets is the maturity of its social infrastructure. The neighbourhood is served by established educational institutions, including Gundecha Education Academy, Oxford International School, Ryan International School, Oberoi International School and Chatrabhuj Narsee School. Healthcare facilities include Smruti Hospital, Life Line Medicare Hospital, Seven Star Multi-speciality Hospital and Sanjeevani Hospital.

Retail and leisure destinations, including Sky City Mall and Oberoi Mall, complement the area’s everyday conveniences, alongside restaurants, banks and other essential services. Together, these amenities give Kandivali East the convenience and completeness of an established residential neighbourhood.

The locality also benefits from its proximity to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, one of Mumbai’s most significant protected green spaces. In a dense urban environment, access to natural landscapes and open spaces adds another dimension to residential liveability, particularly for families looking to balance city connectivity with a more open living environment.

These existing fundamentals are important. While infrastructure can improve accessibility and new development can introduce contemporary housing options, an established social ecosystem provides a level of everyday convenience that emerging locations may take years to build.

What the numbers indicate

Kandivali East’s residential market performance reflects the broader evolution of the western suburbs. According to 99acres, average residential values in the locality have increased by approximately 29% over the five-year period covered by its data. Individual projects and property configurations, however, can experience different levels of appreciation depending on their location, amenities, supply and demand.

The reported increase points to an upward price trend, but its sustainability will depend on the strength of end-user demand, future infrastructure delivery and broader market conditions. Connectivity and social infrastructure can support residential values over time, although neither guarantees a uniform rate of appreciation across a locality.

For homebuyers, this makes it important to look beyond headline price movements and assess the fundamentals of individual developments, including location, accessibility, construction quality, amenities and the long-term liveability of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Redevelopment and the next phase

Redevelopment could become an important contributor to Kandivali East’s next phase of evolution. Replacing ageing housing stock with contemporary residential communities can create opportunities to improve the quality of the built environment, introduce modern amenities and make more efficient use of urban land.

The pace and impact of this transition will depend on project approvals, implementation, resident participation and market demand. Where redevelopment progresses successfully, it could add a new dimension to the locality’s residential offering, complementing its established neighbourhoods and existing infrastructure.

The larger opportunity lies in the combination of old and new: a residential market with established schools, healthcare, retail and transport access, alongside the potential for newer developments to offer contemporary design, amenities and improved living environments.

As Mumbai’s residential growth continues to evolve, the western suburbs that combine connectivity, social infrastructure and sustained end-user demand are well positioned to remain relevant to homebuyers. Kandivali East’s next phase will depend on how effectively infrastructure improvements, redevelopment and changing housing preferences translate into a better residential experience.

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“A doctoral degree is not just a qualification. It is an opportunity to learn something new, discover new ideas and make a positive difference to society. Remember, a good researcher does not simply ask what is already known. A good researcher tries to discover what more can be done.”

Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, was the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony of the doctoral programmes at WPU-GOA.

Dr. Rahul V. Karad, Managing Trustee, MAEER’s MIT, and Executive President, MAEER’s MIT, WPU-GOA and MIT World Peace University, was also present on the occasion.

With a focus on improving research, innovation and scholarship, WPU-GOA inaugurated its doctoral programmes at a ceremony attended by experts from academia, scientific research, government and industry. The other guests present on the occasion included Prof. Suresh Garimella, President, University of Arizona; Dr. Samir Kamat, Chairman, DRDO; Prof. Satish Tripathi, Chancellor, Governing Board, WPU-GOA, and President Emeritus at the University at Buffalo; and Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Rajya Sabha.

Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, said: “I would like to see our state again equally recognized for its academic institutions, research and innovations.

I urge the scholars to let Goa itself be your laboratory. Our coast, rivers and the Western Ghat biodiversity … our language, culture and our living heritage of the Konkani and Goan tradition.

WPU Goa has the opportunity to become an important part of the state higher education landscape and to contribute to the wider national efforts to expand research and innovation.”

The inauguration of the doctoral programmes reflects WPU-GOA’s vision of nurturing research scholars, encouraging interdisciplinary inquiry and creating opportunities for academic engagement. Through its doctoral programmes, the university aims to provide a platform for research, critical thinking and innovation, while encouraging scholars to explore solutions to challenges and contribute to their respective fields.

Dr. Samir Kamat, Chairman, DRDO, shared his insights on: “Problems that face the society today cannot be solved by people with expertise only in one domain. You need to solve these problems by forming teams with expertise in different domains”

Prof. Satish Tripathi, Chancellor, Governing Board, WPU-GOA, and President Emeritus at the University at Buffalo, said: “Nature does not create a problem to be solved by electrical engineers, or environmentalists, or computer scientists. The real problems are solved in a transdisciplinary fashion”

Dr. Rahul V. Karad, Managing Trustee, MAEER’s MIT, and Executive President, MAEER’s MIT, WPU-GOA and MIT World Peace University, said: “Any university, the foundation is how and what way they can identify the problems of the society. It is not just a degree-giving machine. Education systems are so important for any nation or any society to grow. We should also have competition in private institutions, but there should be collaborative competition, by learning from each other.”

The programme featured addresses by Prof. Suresh Garimella, President, University of Arizona, and Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Rajya Sabha, who shared their perspectives on global higher education, research and institutional collaboration. Their participation highlighted the importance of academic and institutional partnerships in advancing research excellence and translating knowledge into meaningful outcomes.

Prof. Suresh Garimella, President, University of Arizona, said: “I feel honoured that I’ve been part of this grand, innovative and, I believe, very successful experiment that Rahul Karad has started. The World Peace University in Goa, with its transdisciplinary approach, is quite unique – it’s unique in the world”

Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Rajya Sabha, said: “Goa is one of the highly literate states in India. This is a matter of pride for us. But our journey in education must not stop with literacy and degrees. We must also encourage innovation, research and the ability to find solutions to real problems.”

The event recognised excellence in scientific research through the presentation of the Dr. Mashelkar Awards to five scientist-researchers. The awards acknowledged the contributions of researchers and highlighted the importance of scientific inquiry, innovation and research with meaningful impact.

*This article is part of Hindustan Times’ promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.

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Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], October 19: On the auspicious occasion of the seventh night of Navratri, Gujarat Media Club (GMC), in association with BharatKool, organised a grand Special Invitee Garba Night at Atal Kalam Bhavan on the Gujarat University campus. The event witnessed the special presence of the star cast and creative team of the much-anticipated Gujarati film Amba, along with senior civic and police officials and other distinguished guests from Ahmedabad.

‘Amba Ramva Aave’ Creates a Spiritually Charged Atmosphere

The screening of visuals from ‘Amba Ramva Aave’, an ancient-style Garba from the upcoming Gujarati film Amba that has been gaining significant attention on social media, created a deeply devotional atmosphere at the venue. On the seventh night of Navratri, the soulful presentation of this traditional Garba moved the audience, creating memorable moments filled with devotion and spiritual fervour.

Guests and devotees expressed their feelings, observing that in today’s fast-paced generation, traditional Garba offers a unique sense of inner peace and spiritual energy.

The music for ‘Amba Ramva Aave’ has been composed by Kedar-Bhargav, the lyrics have been penned by Milind Gadhvi, and the song has been melodiously rendered by singer Vratini Purohit.

Distinguished Dignitaries Participate in Maa Amba’s Aarti

The occasion was marked by a devotional Aarti performed in honour of Maa Amba by members of the film team and distinguished dignitaries.

Among those present were Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Shri Banchhanidhi Pani (IAS), Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner Shri Anupam Singh Gehlot (IPS), Gujarat University In-Charge Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Jagdish Joshi, Gujarat Police IG Shri Saurabh Tolambiya (IPS), Gandhinagar IG Shri Virendra Singh Yadav (IPS), former Director of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC), Dr. Vineet Mishra, and senior journalist and former Gujarat Media Club President Shri Uday Mahurkar.

‘Amba’ Filmmakers and Cast Share Their Experiences

The special occasion also featured the presence of Amba director Vijaygiri Bava, writer Ram Mori, lyricist Parth Tarpara, and actress Reeva Rachh, who gained recognition through the film Lalo and plays a leading role in Amba. The filmmakers and cast shared their experiences and insights about the film with the gathering.

The evening beautifully brought together devotion, Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage, and the magic of cinema. The Special Garba Night organised by Gujarat Media Club in association with BharatKool became a memorable celebration of faith, tradition, and community spirit for everyone present.

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New Delhi [India], October 19: Outer Woods, a Made-in-India brand known for its practical cooling solutions, is expanding its presence in the portable cooling segment with one of the widest ranges of gel packs designed for everyday, travel, beverage, and storage needs. With more than 2 lakh products sold, the brand continues to develop reusable and convenient cooling solutions for Indian consumers.

Outer Woods’ gel pack range is designed around key requirements such as long-lasting cooling, reusability, non-toxic materials, leak resistance, multipurpose use, and travel-friendly designs. The products are suitable for consumers looking for convenient cooling options at home, while travelling, or during outdoor activities.

Wide Range of Cooling Solutions

The brand offers a diverse selection of gel packs designed for different applications. Its range includes Cold Gel Packs, Hot and Cold Gel Packs, Ice Packs for Beverages, and Insulin Cooling Gel Packs, providing customers with multiple options based on their specific cooling requirements.

The reusable nature of these products makes them suitable for repeated use, offering a practical alternative for consumers who regularly need portable cooling. Their compact and travel-friendly formats also make them convenient to carry in cooler bags, lunch bags, beverage coolers, and other storage solutions.

Designed for Long-Lasting and Convenient Cooling

Outer Woods focuses on developing gel packs that provide reliable cooling performance while remaining easy to handle and reuse. The products are designed to be leak resistant and suitable for multiple everyday applications.

From keeping beverages cool during outdoor activities to supporting temperature management for specific travel requirements, the multipurpose design of Outer Woods gel packs allows consumers to use them across different situations. The availability of both cold and hot-and-cold formats further expands their everyday utility.

A Made-in-India Brand with Growing Customer Reach

Outer Woods is a Made-in-India brand that has built a strong presence in India’s cooling products market. With more than 2 lakh products sold, the brand has gained recognition among customers seeking practical and reusable cooling solutions.

Outer Woods is also recognized as the Most Loved Brand on Amazon and positions itself as India’s No. 1 Cooler Bag Brand. Its growing product portfolio reflects its focus on creating convenient cooling products for everyday Indian consumers.

Cooling Solutions for Everyday Needs

As demand for portable and reusable cooling products continues to grow, Outer Woods aims to offer products that combine functionality with convenience. Its wide gel pack range gives customers the flexibility to choose products according to their specific requirements, whether for beverages, travel, storage, or other cooling applications.

With a focus on long-lasting cooling, reusable designs, non-toxic materials, leak resistance, and multipurpose functionality, Outer Woods continues to strengthen its position in the portable cooling segment.

For more information, visit www.outerwoods.in.

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In four years, Hampton By IC’s has evolved from an 18-room boutique hotel into a 50-room hospitality destination, building its identity around service, guest experience and its strategic Noida Expressway location.

Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 19: A hotel stay is often measured by familiar parameters—location, rooms, amenities and convenience. But for many travellers, what ultimately stays with them is something less tangible: how they were treated during their stay.

For Hampton By IC’s, this understanding has become an important part of its hospitality philosophy.

Over the past four years, the brand has welcomed thousands of guests, built a growing corporate clientele, received strong guest feedback and ratings, and hosted business events, celebrations and social functions. What began as an 18-room boutique hotel has progressively grown into a 50-room hospitality destination, reflecting both the confidence of its guests and the changing requirements of the market.

Hospitality Beyond the Room

Personalisation is increasingly becoming an important differentiator in hospitality.

While technology has made hotel operations more efficient and standardised many aspects of the guest journey, meaningful hospitality still depends on human interaction.

At Hampton By IC’s, this philosophy is reflected particularly in its approach to in-room hospitality and attention to individual guest requirements.

What makes this particularly relevant to Hampton is the combination of boutique-scale personalisation with the ability to serve a broader mix of corporate, business and social requirements. The property has evolved beyond being simply a place to stay, becoming a destination where guests can stay, meet, conduct business and celebrate.

The objective is not simply to deliver a defined checklist of services, but to understand the guest and make the experience more comfortable and personal.

Listening to the Guest

A strong service culture cannot be built only through internal processes. It also evolves through listening to guests.

Guest feedback and reviews provide Hampton By IC’s with an important window into what visitors value during their stay.

Over four years, this feedback has been reflected in strong guest ratings and positive reviews, while the growth of the guest and corporate base has provided the brand with a broader understanding of evolving expectations.

This creates a continuous cycle:

Listen → Understand → Improve → Deliver

For Hampton By IC’s, guest satisfaction is therefore not simply an outcome to measure; it is part of the process through which the brand continues to evolve.

From Hospitality to Relationships

The growth of Hampton By IC’s’ corporate clientele has further strengthened the importance of relationship-driven hospitality.

Its location along the Noida Expressway adds another dimension to this positioning. The Expressway connects a fast-growing corporate and commercial corridor, making the location relevant to business travellers, organisations and professionals looking for convenient hospitality close to their work and business destinations.

Business travellers often have different expectations from leisure guests. They value efficiency and convenience, but they also appreciate familiarity, responsiveness and a smooth experience—particularly when their stays become frequent.

For Hampton By IC’s, this has created an opportunity to build its identity around both accessibility and personalised service—bringing together the convenience expected by corporate guests with the more personal experience associated with boutique hospitality.

People Are the Experience

Facilities can be built. Rooms can be designed. Technology can be implemented.

But service is ultimately delivered by people.

This makes the team behind the guest experience an integral part of Hampton By IC’s’ identity.

Creating a strong service culture requires employees to understand that hospitality is not limited to responding when a guest asks for something. It is also about anticipating requirements, paying attention to details and creating an environment where guests feel comfortable approaching the team.

This people-first approach is central to what Hampton By IC’s is building as a brand: a hospitality experience that feels attentive and personal even as the property grows.

An Independent Approach to Hospitality

Hampton By IC’s’ journey also highlights an important aspect of independent hospitality: the ability to build a service philosophy around the property and its guests rather than relying solely on a standardised model.

The brand’s foundation is influenced by the values of Interior Craft—particularly its long-standing emphasis on quality, attention to detail and customer-centricity—but Hampton By IC’s has translated these principles into its own hospitality environment.

The result is a hospitality identity that is distinctly Hampton: boutique in character, personalised in service, connected to the business ecosystem around the Noida Expressway, and increasingly capable of serving multiple guest occasions under one destination.

Building the Culture as the Brand Grows

As Hampton By IC’s has expanded from 18 rooms to approximately 50 rooms, maintaining personalised hospitality while scaling operations becomes an increasingly important challenge.

This expansion is also one of the clearest milestones of the brand’s four-year journey. The move from 18 rooms to a 50-room hospitality destination has followed the growth of the guest base, corporate requirements and the property’s ability to serve a wider range of occasions.

Growth can bring greater operational complexity. The challenge is to ensure that expansion does not dilute the experience that helped build the brand’s reputation in the first place.

The next phase is therefore not growth for its own sake. It is about expanding the hospitality offering in response to guest trust, market requirements and the opportunities emerging around its Noida Expressway location—while protecting the service culture that has shaped the brand over its first four years.

The Experience Guests Remember

A successful hotel stay may begin with a booking, but the relationship with a guest is built through every interaction that follows.

For Hampton By IC’s, the larger ambition is to make those interactions meaningful.

Four years of operations have given Hampton By IC’s more than a timeline; they have given the brand a foundation—thousands of guest experiences, a growing corporate clientele, strong guest feedback, a wider events and hospitality offering, and a journey from 18 rooms to a 50-room destination.

The brand now enters its next chapter with a clearer identity: hospitality built around personalised service, guest satisfaction, business accessibility and the ability to evolve with the needs of its market.

Its expansion is a natural continuation of that journey—driven by growth, guest trust and changing requirements, rather than simply by adding capacity.

As the brand enters its next phase of growth, its service philosophy remains rooted in a simple idea:

“Hospitality is not just about where a guest stays. It is about how the guest feels while they are there.”

For Hampton By IC’s, the next chapter is about taking what it has built over four years and turning that foundation into a stronger, more distinctive hospitality brand—while continuing to make every stay, meeting and occasion feel genuinely personal.

About Hampton by IC’s

Hampton by IC’s in Sector 132, Noida is a lavish boutique hotel that provides contemporary hospitality services to business people, families, social events, and corporate functions.

Plot No. 5, Near Home Care Lifestyle, Rohillapur, Block B, Sector 132, Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 201304

Phone: +91 120 3254835 | +91 7669247617

Email: info@hamptonbyics.in

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New Delhi [India], October 16: Rotary Club Delhi Akshar is preparing to bring the festive spirit of Gujarat to East Delhi with its four-day Navratri 2026 – Gujarati Garba & Dandiya Nights, scheduled from October 16 to 19 at Aureate Banquet Hall, Yamuna Sports Complex, East Delhi-92.

The celebration will take place every evening from 8 pm to midnight, offering attendees an opportunity to participate in traditional Garba and Dandiya festivities. With the theme “Dance, Connect, Give Back,” the event aims to combine cultural celebration with a message of togetherness, social participation, and community service.

The programme will feature music and a disc jockey, with an air-conditioned venue and valet parking facilities for visitors. The celebrations will also feature Maha Aarti at 8:00 PM and 11:30 PM each day, adding a traditional devotional element to the four-day Navratri programme. The organisers aim to create an engaging festive environment where participants can enjoy the traditions of Navratri while connecting with others in the community.

Early-booking tickets are priced at ₹1,000 per person, per day and are available through District by Zomato and BookMyShow.

Speaking about the upcoming event, CA Radhey Shyam Bansal, President, Rotary Club Delhi Akshar, said, “Our cultural traditions have a unique way of bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging. Through this Navratri celebration, we want to offer people a space to enjoy the joy of Garba and Dandiya while encouraging stronger community bonds. The message ‘Dance, Connect, Give Back’ reflects the idea that the happiness we experience during celebrations can also inspire us to make a positive contribution to society.”

The event is being led by Rotary Club Delhi Akshar, with its office bearers and Sanyojaks overseeing the initiative. The team comprises President CA Radhey Shyam Bansal, Secretary CA Uma Shanker Goel, Treasurer Ram Sahay Bansal, and Sanyojaks Sunil Malhotra and Amit Gupta (Vrinda Papers Pvt. Ltd.).

Amit Gupta, a member of the Rotary Club Delhi Akshar organising team, said, “Festivals play an important role in strengthening community bonds and preserving our cultural traditions. Through these Garba and Dandiya Nights, we hope to create a welcoming space for people to celebrate together, build meaningful connections and embrace the spirit of giving back to society.”

The event is sponsored by Vrinda Papers Pvt. Ltd., with TS Publication serving as the media partner.

Event Information

• Name: Navratri 2026 – Gujarati Garba & Dandiya Nights
• Dates: October 16, 17, 18 and 19, 2026
• Time: 8 pm to midnight
• Maha Aarti at 8:00 PM and 11:30 PM each day
• Location: Aureate Banquet Hall, Yamuna Sports Complex, East Delhi-92
• Early-booking ticket: ₹1,000 per person, per day
• Booking information: District — https://tinyurl.com/akshar-district | BookMyShow — https://tinyurl.com/akshar-bms
• Organiser: Rotary Club Delhi Akshar
• Media Partner: TS Publication
• Event Sponsor: Vrinda Papers Pvt. Ltd.

About Rotary Club Delhi Akshar

Rotary Club Delhi Akshar conducts community-oriented initiatives and promotes fellowship and service through its activities. Through its Navratri celebration, the club seeks to combine cultural participation with its broader emphasis on community engagement and support for its service projects.

Media Contact

Name: Jayesh Jayant
Organisation: TS Publication
Phone: +91 62008 97566
Email: jayesh@truthandsocialmedia.com

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MINI’s entry into Lucknow responds to the growing appetite for distinctive luxury mobility in Uttar Pradesh and brings the brand’s expressive design, individual character and engaging driving experience closer to customers in the region.

Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “Lucknow is an important luxury market, with customers increasingly seeking brands that reflect their individuality and aspirations. Since 2012, BMW has shaped this market through a compelling portfolio, exceptional experiences and a strong local presence. We lead the luxury electric vehicle segment in Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the growing preference for progressive, sustainable mobility and the strength of our electric portfolio. MINI with its unmistakable style, spirited performance and distinctive character, is a natural fit for Lucknow’s refined taste and appreciation for self-expression. Together with Speed Motorwagen, we are strengthening the power of choice by bringing BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad under one roof, supported by personalised attention and seamless ownership support.”

Mr. Divij Narain, Dealer Principal, Speed Motorwagen said, “The arrival of MINI marks a significant milestone for Speed Motorwagen and discerning automotive enthusiasts in Lucknow. Alongside BMW’s progressive luxury and BMW Motorrad’s spirit of freedom and adventure, MINI adds a distinctive new dimension to our portfolio. Our team is committed to bringing each brand to life through thoughtfully curated product discovery, expert consultation and comprehensive aftersales care. We look forward to nurturing passionate communities across all three brands and ensuring every customer interaction is as memorable and individual as the mobility experience they choose.”

MINI

MINI is defined by an unmistakable blend of iconic design, inventive thinking and spirited performance. Its story began with Sir Alec Issigonis, whose revolutionary design for the original Mini combined compact exterior dimensions with a remarkably clever use of interior space - an ingenious, convention-defying philosophy that continues to inspire the brand today. From its characteristic proportions and distinctive details to its highly individual possibilities for personalisation, every MINI is designed to stand out and express the personality of its driver. Behind the wheel, the brand’s legendary go-kart feeling brings agile handling, direct responses and an engaging sense of connection to every journey. Beyond the car, MINI creates expressive experiences where owners and enthusiasts come together through drives, lifestyle events and cultural collaborations, turning shared interests into a vibrant sense of community.

The MINI family offers a distinctive choice for every lifestyle: the MINI Cooper S is the iconic urban original with spirited performance; the MINI Convertible brings open-top driving fun; the MINI Countryman C combines everyday versatility with unmistakable MINI character; the all-electric MINI Countryman E delivers spacious,  emission-free mobility; the MINI SE ALL4 pairs electric performance with all-wheel-drive confidence; and the MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 brings the performance-focused John Cooper Works spirit to the brand’s most versatile model.

MINI has 18 sales touchpoints in 17 cities - Bird Automotive & Deutsche Motoren (Delhi NCR), Infinity Cars (Mumbai & Navi Mumbai), Krishna Automobiles (Chandigarh), KUN Exclusive (Chennai, Hyderabad & Bengaluru), Bavaria Motors (Pune), EVM Autokraft (Kochi), Gallops Autohaus (Ahmedabad), OSL Prestige (Kolkata), Speed Motorwagen (Lucknow), Titanium Autos (Guwahati & Ranchi), Eminent Cars (Surat) and Sanghi Classic (Jaipur & Jodhpur). MINI service is integrated with larger BMW Group India aftersales network and is available at 51 touchpoints across 36 cities.

Speed Motorwagen – Lucknow

Speed Motorwagen is located at Faizabad Road, Khand-2, Matiyari, Chinhat, Semra, Uttar Pradesh 226028. The Retail.NEXT facility represents BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad in a immersive format under one roof. The integrated location combines new vehicle sales, BMW Premium Selection (BPS), lifestyle and accessories, and comprehensive aftersales support to offer customers a seamless experience.

The BMW and MINI showroom spans 12,142 sq. ft., complemented by a 2,088 sq. ft. BMW Premium Selection area. The display accommodates eight BMW vehicles, three BPS vehicles and two MINI vehicles. A dedicated Luxury Class Lounge and lifestyle area create a refined setting for customers to explore the Group’s luxury portfolio and personalise their choices.

The facility also boasts a 17,035 sq. ft. service workshop that offers excellent aftersales experience and convenience. The workshop is equipped with three vehicle reception bays, eight mechanical and electrical bays and two programming bays, enabling efficient consultation followed by diagnostics, maintenance and repair.

BMW Motorrad section reflects the new retail brand experience and is spread across 2,100 sq. ft. and displays 11 motorcycles. In addition to the sales area, the dealership includes a 2,700 sq. ft. fully equipped workshop with four service bays, ensuring that customers receive top-notch maintenance and repair services. The facility also features a dedicated lifestyle area where customers can explore a range of BMW Motorrad gear, garments, and accessories.

Retail.NEXT

BMW Group’s Retail.NEXT transformation redefines the automotive retail experience in the luxury automotive segment. It reinforces a seamless experience for everyone, regardless of their sales or service needs. It blends digital innovation with personalized service, offering a dynamic and engaging environment. The layout features open spaces with minimalist design elements, allowing for an intuitive flow through the showroom. High-tech digital interfaces are integrated throughout the facility, enabling prospects to explore vehicle features, customize their preferences, and receive tailored recommendations.

Retail.NEXT puts visitors and vehicles at centerstage along the ‘Central Customer Walkway’. The ‘one floor’ and ‘one ceiling’ bring BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad, Sales and Service, New and BMW Premium Selection (BPS) - pre-owned cars all present on one consistent flooring with no separation between business areas. A dedicated single entry for sales and service ensures a clear entry point, making it easier to navigate the dealership seamlessly to address sales or service queries.

After expanding to more than 25 experience centres, founder Avinash Kumar Bhatt is steering Khyati Contech towards brand licensing, manufacturing operations and distribution in a strategic shift aimed at building a more scalable construction materials business.

New Delhi [India], October 17: When Avinash Kumar Bhatt entered the construction materials market, the focus was on making building products more accessible to customers through a trading business and a network of experience centres. The journey, however, would lead to a broader question: how could the business grow beyond retail expansion and build a more sustainable operating model?

That question is now central to the next phase of Khyati Contech Private Limited.

The company began under the Khyati Infra Mart brand and subsequently expanded to more than 25 experience centres, bringing different construction materials under one roof. The initiative gave the business direct exposure to customer requirements, dealer relationships and the practical challenges of serving a fragmented market.

But rapid retail expansion also brought operational complexities. High operating costs and supply constraints prompted the company to reassess its strategy.

Rather than relying primarily on opening more outlets, Bhatt shifted the company’s focus towards a model built around brand licensing, manufacturing and distribution.

The change represents more than a new sales strategy. It signals an effort to develop a business that connects products and brands with manufacturing capabilities and a distribution network capable of reaching a wider market.

From Experience Centres to Manufacturing
The experience-centre phase played an important role in shaping Khyati Contech’s understanding of the construction materials industry. It offered first-hand insights into customer demand, product availability, supply-chain limitations and the economics of operating a physical retail network.

The experience also highlighted the importance of balancing expansion with cost discipline and reliable supply.

The company subsequently began moving beyond a predominantly trading-led approach. Under its evolving model, Khyati Contech obtains licences for brands, works with manufacturing units under agreed arrangements to produce products under the respective brands, and distributes those products through its market network.

The company says manufacturing units across its brand portfolio operate within its control framework. Its stated objective is to coordinate manufacturing and distribution more closely, supporting product availability and a more organised route to market.

The approach places Khyati Contech across several stages of the construction materials value chain, from licensed brands and manufacturing operations to distribution.

For the company, the challenge ahead is to translate this structure into dependable supply, efficient operations and sustainable commercial growth.

Four Brand Initiatives Across Construction Materials
Khyati Contech’s portfolio includes initiatives across TMT steel, MS and GI pipes, and PVC pipes. Its key brand associations include Jindal Steel Tubes Ltd., the DS Jindal Group and the Yash Birla Group.

JSTL TMT Bars
The JSTL TMT portfolio includes JSTL 550 SHD and JSTL 550 SD, with JSTL 550 D also planned as part of the range. The brand is associated with Jindal Steel Tubes Ltd., a DS Jindal Group company.

The company announced its first commercial dispatch of JSTL TMT from Giridih, Jharkhand, on July 25, 2026, through Lall Steels Pvt. Ltd., its authorised manufacturing partner.

The dispatch marked a milestone in the commercial development of the JSTL TMT initiative and its manufacturing arrangements.

Jindal MS and GI Pipes
The company’s portfolio also includes Jindal MS and GI Pipes, broadening its presence in steel products used in construction, infrastructure and industrial applications.

Birla King TMT
The Birla King initiative, associated with the Yash Birla Group, includes Birla King 550 SD and Birla King 550 XHD TMT Bars.

The addition of these products expands the company’s steel portfolio and supports its strategy of developing a multi-brand presence in the construction materials market.

Jindal PVC
The Jindal PVC initiative, associated with the DS Jindal Group, extends the portfolio into PVC pipes and related building materials.

Taken together, these initiatives reflect a broader strategy to serve multiple construction materials categories through brand associations, manufacturing arrangements and distribution.

The commercial scope of each association is defined by its relevant licensing and business agreements.

A Connected Model: Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution
At the centre of Khyati Contech’s strategy is the connection between three business functions.

Brand licensing provides the framework for manufacturing and marketing products under the respective brands.

Manufacturing operations turn those arrangements into physical products through the company’s manufacturing network and agreed production structures.

Distribution connects finished products with dealers, distributors, retailers and customers.

The company aims to coordinate these functions rather than treat them as separate activities. In practice, the model requires effective production planning, dependable supply, appropriate logistics and strong relationships with distribution partners.

Manufacturing oversight is an important part of the company’s stated approach. Its longer-term performance will depend on how effectively that oversight translates into operational consistency and market availability.

As the network develops, verified information on operational manufacturing units, commissioning facilities, production capacity and dispatch volumes will be important measures of progress.

Avinash Kumar Bhatt’s Approach: Learning and Adapting
For Bhatt, the shift reflects lessons learned during the company’s expansion into experience centres.

The earlier phase brought the company closer to the market but also exposed the challenges of scaling a physical retail model. The decision to pursue manufacturing and distribution represents an effort to apply that experience to a different business structure.

In entrepreneurship, expansion can create opportunities, but it can also reveal where an operating model needs to change. Khyati Contech’s next phase is built around that reassessment.

“We started by understanding the market from the ground up. Building experience centres taught us what customers need and where the supply chain faces challenges. Today, we are applying those lessons to a different model—one that brings brand licensing, manufacturing and distribution together. Our focus is on building a business that can grow sustainably over the long term.”

The emphasis is on building from experience rather than simply increasing the company’s physical footprint.

Distribution as the Link Between Manufacturing and Market Demand
Manufacturing alone does not guarantee market reach. Products must be available at the right time, supplied efficiently and supported by dependable relationships with channel partners.

Khyati Contech is developing its distribution network to connect its manufacturing activities with the wider construction materials market. This approach is intended to extend market access without making company-operated experience centres the primary driver of expansion.

The priorities include improving coordination between manufacturing and demand, strengthening dealer and distributor relationships, managing logistics and maintaining commercial discipline across product categories.

The company’s ability to execute these functions will be central to building a business that can grow without losing sight of operational efficiency.

The Road Ahead
India’s construction and infrastructure sectors depend on a diverse network of manufacturers, distributors, dealers, retailers, contractors and building professionals. Serving this market requires reliable product availability, efficient distribution and the ability to respond to demand across different regions.

Khyati Contech aims to strengthen its position by bringing brand licensing, manufacturing operations and distribution into a more coordinated business strategy.

Its longer-term ambition is to develop a scalable, multi-brand construction materials enterprise with a broader market reach and a stronger operational foundation.

The next stage will require disciplined execution, effective manufacturing oversight, sustainable operating economics and durable relationships with channel partners. The company’s progress will be measured not simply by the number of brands or manufacturing locations associated with it, but by its ability to turn those capabilities into consistent supply and lasting commercial value.

Building Beyond the Trading Model
Khyati Contech’s journey—from construction materials trading to more than 25 experience centres and then towards manufacturing and distribution—reflects an evolving approach to entrepreneurship.

The experience-centre phase helped the company understand the market. Its subsequent strategic shift has placed greater emphasis on licensed brands, manufacturing operations and distribution.

With initiatives spanning JSTL TMT Bars, Jindal MS and GI Pipes, Birla King TMT and Jindal PVC, the company is pursuing a wider role across the construction materials value chain.

For Avinash Kumar Bhatt, the next chapter is about applying the lessons of the past to build a business designed for the future.

Beyond trading, Khyati Contech is focusing on connecting brand licensing, manufacturing and distribution to build a scalable construction materials business.

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Gurugram (Haryana) [India], October 17: Samidha Welfare Foundation celebrated the second edition of Samidha Utsav 2026 – ‘Parwaaz: Udaan Se Aage’ on 10 October at The Tulip Clubhouse, Gurugram. The event celebrated the resilience, aspirations and voices of young girls through powerful cultural performances and community recognition.

The event was graced by the presence of Mr Sachin Gawri and Mr Shantanu Gambhir, Founders and Directors of Samidha Welfare Foundation, whose vision, commitment and continued support have been instrumental in shaping the Foundation into a meaningful platform for education and empowerment. Their belief in creating opportunities for underserved girls has laid a strong foundation for Samidha’s growth and impact. The celebration was also attended by distinguished guests Ms Vinita Malik (Veteran Television Actress), Ms Kalpana Sharma (former Additional Secretary at Lok Sabha and Member of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry), Ms Mini Khanna (Principal, Greenfields School), Mr Shiv Kumar Kohli (Former Self-Defence Instructor associated with Delhi Police), and Dr Shobha Kulshreshtha (Retired IFS Officer). Their presence reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in advancing the cause of girl empowerment.

At the heart of Samidha’s journey stands Ms Karishma Sethi, Head of Operations, whose vision, compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication have played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing the Foundation. From supporting just 16 girls in 2021 to nearly 100 today, she has been instrumental in building an environment where girls receive not only education but also mentorship, emotional support, confidence and opportunities for holistic development.

Samidha Utsav is celebrated annually to provide girls with a platform to express themselves, showcase their growth and achievements, and raise their voices on issues that shape their lives and futures. It also recognises the collective efforts of educators, mentors, volunteers and supporters who contribute to their empowerment.

The evening featured seven cultural performances, of which four stood out for their powerful commentary on violence and injustice against women. Through ‘Maa Kali’, ‘Main Tujhko Nahi Chhodungi’, ‘Goddess Walk’ and a psychological horror act depicting a killer, the girls explored themes of sexual violence, abuse, murder, oppression and female rage.

Through expressive dance, theatre and storytelling, the young performers conveyed their anguish and disappointment at the continuing atrocities against women. More importantly, their performances reflected the kind of future they aspire to inhabit — one where girls and women can live with safety, dignity, freedom and equality, without fear of violence or discrimination. These performances transformed the stage into a powerful medium for social reflection and the voices of young girls.

In her keynote address, Ms Karishma Sethi reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing confident, independent and socially aware young women. Ms Neha Thureja, Chief Impact Officer, delivered the Welcome Address, while the programme was anchored by Ms Ratika Mehra from Doordarshan.

The celebration also honoured students, educators, mentors and social contributors through various awards, including Vidya Saarthi and Sahyog Saarthi. A special highlight was the Samidha Sitara 2026 Award presented to Ranjana Sahu, with the ceremonial crown passed on by Usha Katariya, the 2025 recipient of the Samidha Sitara Crown. Another significant recognition was the Samidha Shakti Award presented to Ms Bhawna Arora, acknowledging her unwavering dedication, commitment and invaluable contribution to the Foundation. Her consistent efforts in supporting the girls and strengthening the Centre’s day-to-day functioning reflect the spirit of service and responsibility that drives Samidha’s mission.

The Foundation acknowledged Ms Sandali M. Redhu of Sandalism Events, the Event Partner, for sponsoring the audio-visual arrangements, and Ms Anjali Chauhan of VLCC, the Grooming Partner, for providing makeup support for the children’s cultural performances.

Samidha Utsav 2026 reaffirmed that empowerment is not merely about educating girls, but also about listening to their voices, acknowledging their concerns and enabling them to envision and build a better society.

About Samidha Welfare Foundation: A Gurugram-based Section 8 non-profit organisation dedicated to the education, empowerment and holistic development of girls from underserved communities.

Media Contact: info@samidha.life

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Left to Right: Prakash Upadhyay, Senior Business Manager – SAARC & Middle East; Mayank Srivastava, Director, CPS Global; and Joseph Bernard Hernandez, Assistant Director – Michigan English Test (MET).

New Delhi [India], October 16: CPS Global is expanding its international testing portfolio with the inclusion of the Michigan English Test (MET), offered by Michigan Language Assessment (MLA). The development brings another English proficiency testing option to candidates across India pursuing international education, professional registration and overseas career opportunities. It also reflects the growing importance of accessible, internationally recognised assessments for individuals navigating academic and professional pathways beyond their home country.

The association was highlighted during a visit to CPS Global by Joseph Bernard Hernandez, Assistant Director – Michigan English Test (MET), and Prakash Upadhyay, Senior Business Manager – SAARC & Middle East. Their visit marked an important engagement between the organisations, with a shared focus on expanding awareness of English proficiency testing and helping candidates understand the assessment options available for their intended goals.

Michigan Language Assessment is a collaboration between the University of Michigan and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, bringing together decades of experience in English language education and assessment. Its Michigan English Test evaluates all four core language skills—Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking—providing a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s English proficiency. For individuals applying to international institutions or pursuing professional opportunities overseas, demonstrating proficiency across these skills can be an important part of meeting the relevant requirements.

MET has recognition across academic and professional settings internationally. It is accepted by more than 35 U.S. state boards of nursing, subject to the requirements of the respective boards, and is approved by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs for eligible visa purposes. This makes the test an option worth exploring for candidates whose professional or immigration pathways recognise the assessment. Acceptance and score requirements can vary, however, so applicants should verify the current criteria with their intended institution, licensing authority or relevant immigration department before booking.

The assessment also offers practical features that can help candidates manage their application timelines. According to information provided by Michigan Language Assessment, results are typically available within five days. Flexible scheduling provides additional convenience for people balancing examination requirements with work or study commitments. The availability of single-section retakes, subject to applicable conditions, can also allow candidates to focus on improving a particular skill rather than repeating the entire assessment. Candidates should check the current scheduling options, retake policies and fees before registering.

CPS Global, a New Delhi-based organisation providing test administration, assessment support and examination services for candidates across India, continues to strengthen its presence in the international testing ecosystem. The inclusion of MET broadens the assessment options available through its portfolio and supports candidates seeking suitable testing pathways for academic, professional and eligible visa-related purposes. The organisation’s role extends beyond the examination itself to helping candidates navigate the practical considerations involved in selecting and accessing an appropriate assessment.

As international education and professional mobility create opportunities across countries, choosing the right English proficiency test has become an important part of the application journey. Candidates need to look beyond the familiarity of a test name and establish whether it meets the requirements of their intended destination. Understanding the examination format, confirming acceptance and allowing adequate preparation time can help them approach the process with greater clarity.

Through its association with Michigan Language Assessment, CPS Global aims to support candidates in accessing relevant testing services and making informed decisions about their English proficiency requirements. The development underscores the value of collaboration between assessment organisations and testing service providers in connecting candidates with opportunities that match their academic and professional ambitions.

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Indians have always bought gold. What is changing in 2026 is how they buy it, and why.

New Delhi [India], October 17: August showed the shift clearly. Domestic gold prices rose 12% during the month to ₹1,58,854 per 10 grams, closely tracking a 13% jump in the global benchmark to US$4,386 an ounce, one of gold’s strongest monthly gains in nearly three decades. Yet jewellery counters did not see the rush you might expect. The money went to exchanges and apps instead.

The numbers behind the shift

Gold ETFs attracted net inflows of ₹2,596.70 crore in August, up from ₹1,559 crore in July, making it the third straight month of positive flows. Total gold ETF assets in India rose to roughly ₹1.91 lakh crore, backed by 121.3 tonnes of the metal. Year-to-date inflows into Indian gold ETFs stand at US$4.22 billion.

Digital gold is growing even faster. Purchases averaged around ₹2,500 crore a month from June to August, and August buying was up 110% from a year earlier. Trading activity picked up too. Average daily gold futures turnover on MCX climbed 38% month on month to about ₹29,500 crore, the highest in five months.

Physical demand, meanwhile, is cooling. India’s gold imports fell to US$2.3 billion in August, down 45% from July and 58% from a year earlier. Domestic prices are trading below import parity, with the discount widening to US$78 an ounce by 11 September, helped in part by customers exchanging old jewellery for new pieces.

The Indian household is not buying less gold. It is buying gold in a different form: units instead of ornaments, holdings instead of making charges.

Why the shift makes sense

Commenting on the shift, Mr. Dinesh Kumar Gurusamy, Founder & CEO, AETRAM GROUP OF COMPANIES said, “Jewellery carries costs that quietly eat into returns: making charges, GST, purity concerns and deductions at resale. A gold ETF unit trades on NSE and BSE, sits in the same demat account as your equities, and can be bought in small quantities. Pricing is transparent and liquidity is exchange-grade. There is portfolio logic as well. Financial planners treat gold as a stabiliser that can cushion a portfolio when equities turn volatile, not as a growth engine.”

The warning signs investors should not ignore

The same data carries a caution. Only about 4,000 new gold ETF folios were opened in August, against an average of around 3.3 lakh a month between January and July, taking total folios to 12.54 million. Existing investors are adding. New ones are hesitating.

That hesitation may be sensible. Wealth managers have flagged recency bias, pointing out that a similar rush into gold followed its January 2026 peak of about ₹1.75 lakh per 10 grams. Prices have already eased. Domestic gold was down 4.6% in September as of the 11th, as expectations around US Federal Reserve policy shifted. Anyone who bought at the August top is, for now, below cost.

Gold pays no dividend or interest. Its returns come entirely from price movement, and prices move in both directions.

A practical framework for Indian investors

Allocation over timing. Treat gold as a fixed share of the portfolio and rebalance periodically, rather than buying in bursts after sharp rallies.

Choose the regulated route. Gold ETFs and gold mutual funds fall under SEBI oversight. Digital gold sold through apps does not, so investors should understand who holds the metal and how redemption works.

Stagger entries. Systematic purchases smooth out swings like the one seen between August and September.

Separate consumption from investment. Buying jewellery for a wedding is a family decision. Buying gold to build wealth is a financial one, and the instruments should be different.

The road ahead

The World Gold Council expects demand to improve through the festive and wedding season, though elevated prices and volatility may keep discretionary buying in check. US interest rates, the dollar and central bank purchases will keep driving global prices, and for Indian investors the rupee adds another variable.

The direction of travel, however, is clear. Gold is moving steadily from the locker into the demat account. Investors who treat it as a hedge rather than a bet stand to benefit most from that shift.

About Aetram Trades

Aetram Trades Private Limited is a Chennai-headquartered brokerage firm offering trading and investment services across Indian financial markets. The company is registered with SEBI (Registration No. INZ000309838) & is also a SEBI Registered Research Analyst (Registration No. INH000024222). The company is also a member of NSE (90356), BSE (6832) and MCX (57110). It is registered with AMFI under ARN-281894. Aetram Trades is a member of MCX and is not a member of NCDEX.

Registered office: No. 113-134, Unit No. 308, 3rd Floor, Beta Wing, Raheja Towers, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002.

Website: www.aetramtrades.in

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Brokerage and charges are subject to change and are applicable as per the schedule published on the company website. Currency derivatives are permitted for hedging purposes only, as per prevailing regulatory guidelines.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 17: EBITDA margin expands to 15.6% and PAT up 41.2% YoY; FY27 outlook revised upward to 15–18% revenue growth and 13.8–14.3% EBITDA margin.

Onward Technologies Limited (BSE: 517536; NSE: ONWARDTEC), a pure-play digital engineering and ER&D services partner, announced its financial results for the second quarter and half year ended September 30, 2026.

The Company delivered its best performance this quarter in Q2 FY27, with total revenue of ₹171.2 crore, reflecting YoY growth of 22.2%. EBITDA stood at ₹26.6 crore, up 33.7% YoY, with an EBITDA margin of 15.6%. The improved performance reflects progress in operational efficiency, offshore execution and strategic customer engagements, supported by a healthy pipeline of opportunities across its key engineering verticals. Building on its Q2 performance, H1 execution and business visibility for the second half of the year, the Company now upgrades its FY27 revenue growth of 15%-18% and EBITDA margin at 13.8%-14.3%

Financial Highlights:

Key Financial Highlights – Q2 FY27

• Strong Q2 growth: Total revenue increased by 22.2% YoY to ₹171.2 Crores, and EBITDA rose by 33.7% YoY to ₹26.6 Crores.
• Improved Profitability: Better utilisation, productivity, offshore execution and operating leverage supported profitability during the quarter.
• Healthy H1 performance: H1 revenue grew by 16.9% YoY while EBITDA grew by 21.4% YoY.
• PAT growth: Q2 PAT increase by 41.2% YoY.
• Full year outlook: Revising full year revenue growth outlook to 15%-18% and EBITDA around 13.8%-14.3%

Key Business Highlights

• Strategic Account Expansion: Secured a multi-year contract renewal valued at ₹44.46 crore
• Data centre Engineering: The Company continues to develop opportunities in engineering solutions for AI-driven data centre infrastructure, including power management, cooling and electrical systems.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Jigar Mehta, Managing Director, Onward Technologies, said:

“Q2 FY27 represents a significant step forward in both scale and profitability for Onward Technologies. Our performance was driven by deeper engagement with strategic customers, improved utilization, higher productivity, operating leverage, and disciplined offshore execution. We are also seeing encouraging traction across Digital Engineering, AI-led transformation initiatives across our existing customer base in USA and Europe.

Our strong Q2 performance, coupled with a healthy first half and strong business visibility, reinforces our confidence in delivering sustainable growth over the next three years. During H1 FY27, we added 432 net new employees, taking our global workforce to 2,917 professionals, strengthening our ability to support larger and more strategic customer engagements globally.

As we enter the second half of FY27, our focus remains on delivery-led growth, improving revenue productivity, expanding wallet share within existing accounts, and driving operational excellence through greater automation, AI adoption, and offshore leverage. We remain committed to creating long-term value for our customers, employees, and shareholders through disciplined execution and profitable growth.”

Financial Strength and Shareholder Returns

• The Company maintained a healthy debt free balance sheet, with net cash of ₹97.1 crore as of September 30, 2026. Onward Technologies has paid dividends for 11 consecutive years, reflecting its continued focus on financial discipline and shareholder returns.

About Onward Technologies Limited

Onward Technologies Limited (BSE: 517536 | NSE: ONWARDTEC) is a pure-play digital engineering and engineering research & development (ER&D) services company serving global clients. Headquartered in Mumbai, India, the Company works closely with customers across North America and Europe, supporting product development and engineering initiatives across sectors such as Industrial Equipment, Off-Highway, Energy, Data Centers, Automotive, Rail Transportation, Healthcare and Life Sciences. With over 2,900 professionals, Onward Technologies operates through its 12 global offices and India-based delivery centers, providing scalable offshore delivery, domain expertise and integrated engineering solutions to its customers. More information at www.onwardgroup.com

For Further Information, Please Contact: investors@onwardgroup.com

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: Potato flakes offer a convenient way to prepare popular potato-based dishes without the time spent peeling, boiling, and mashing fresh potatoes. From aloo tikki and stuffed parathas to street food snacks, soups, and bulk catering, they help simplify kitchen preparation while delivering consistent texture.

Why a jar of potato flakes changes your prep time

Ask any home cook or a line chef what eats up the most time in a potato dish, and the answer is rarely the cooking itself. It is the peeling, the boiling, the draining, and the mashing that happens before a single spice goes in. Instant potato flakes skip all four steps. Add hot water, stir, and you have a smooth mash ready to shape, stuff, or fry within a minute. For a home in Aligarh cooking dinner after a long day, or a cloud kitchen firing fifty orders an hour, that saved time adds up fast.

Shree Aahar makes its flakes from potatoes alone, with no preservatives or artificial colour mixed in, so the dishes below taste like they came from a pot of freshly mashed potatoes, not a packet.

Aloo tikki and cutlets in minutes

Tikki is where potato flakes show their real advantage. Rehydrate the flakes with hot water, let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then mix in boiled peas, chopped coriander, ginger, and a pinch of chaat masala. Shape into rounds and shallow fry until the crust turns deep gold. Because the flakes rehydrate to a uniform texture, every tikki holds together on the tawa instead of crumbling at the edges, which matters if you are frying a full batch for a family gathering.

Cutlets follow the same base. Fold in grated carrot or paneer, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry. Restaurants running a busy counter often prefer this route because the mash is ready the moment an order comes in, rather than sitting half-mashed in a bowl from the morning prep.

Paratha and roll fillings without the mash

A stuffed paratha needs a filling that is dry enough to fold into dough without tearing it. Potato flakes rehydrated with slightly less water than usual give exactly that texture. Mix in ajwain, green chilli, and a squeeze of lemon, then stuff and roll as usual. Kathi rolls and frankies use the same filling wrapped in a rumali roti with onions and a drizzle of chutney.

For a Sunday breakfast table, this is one less pot to wash. There is no need to boil a batch of potatoes the night before and store them in the fridge, since a fresh batch of flakes comes together right when it is needed.

Vada, bonda and street style snacks

Batata vada is a Maharashtrian staple that lives or dies on how well the potato filling holds its shape once dipped in besan batter and dropped in hot oil. A stiff, well-seasoned flake mash, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric, gives a filling that stays intact through frying. The same base works for aloo bonda, and for stuffing inside a crisp samosa shell when time is short before a big order.

Street food vendors and small eateries running high volumes often keep a bucket of prepared flake mash ready through service hours, topping it up as needed rather than managing pots of boiling potatoes on a busy stove.

Soups and gravies that need body

Beyond snacks, a spoon or two of dry potato flakes works as a thickener in soups, stews, and thick gravies. Stir the flakes directly into a simmering vegetable soup or a mixed vegetable curry, and they dissolve into the liquid, adding body without changing the flavour of the dish. This trick comes from Western kitchens that have used potato flakes as a binding agent for decades, and it works just as well in an Indian kitchen making a hearty winter shorba.

Party trays and bulk cooking for events

Caterers preparing for a wedding or a corporate lunch face a different problem. Consistency across a large batch matters more than almost anything else. Boiling and mashing a hundred kilos of potatoes by hand introduces variation, some batches lumpy, some watery. Flakes rehydrate the same way every time, batch after batch, which keeps every tray of tikki or every tub of mash uniform, whether it is served at noon or at eight in the evening. This is also why Shree Aahar sells a 20 kilogram bulk pack built specifically for restaurants and cloud kitchens that need this kind of volume without variation.

Shree Aahar potato flakes are made in Aligarh by Shivashrit Foods and are already trusted for bulk supply by names such as Haldiram, Bikanervala, and Bikaji. Pick up a trial pack to test these recipes at home, or visit the website www.shreeaahar.com for restaurant and bulk order pricing.

For Order:  https://www.shreeaahar.com/

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Independent health and wellness platform strengthens its coverage across nutrition, preventive health, fitness, natural wellness, healthy ageing, and everyday lifestyle topics for Indian readers

New Delhi [India], October 17: HealthZeet.com, an independent health and wellness information platform, is expanding its library of evidence-informed content to help Indian readers better understand health, nutrition, fitness, preventive care, natural wellness, and everyday lifestyle choices.

As interest in healthier living continues to grow, consumers are increasingly searching online for information about nutrition, exercise, supplements, traditional remedies, healthy ageing, sleep, stress management, digestive health, metabolic health, and preventive wellbeing. At the same time, the enormous volume of health information available online can make it difficult for readers to distinguish useful guidance from exaggerated claims, incomplete explanations, and wellness trends that may lack sufficient evidence.

HealthZeet aims to address this challenge by making health and wellness information clearer, more practical, and easier to understand.

Making Health Information More Accessible

Health information can often feel unnecessarily complicated. Scientific terminology, conflicting advice, changing wellness trends, and promotional claims can leave readers uncertain about what information deserves their attention.

HealthZeet approaches these topics with a simple objective: explain health and wellness subjects in language that everyday readers can understand while maintaining an evidence-informed perspective.

The platform covers topics ranging from basic questions such as how much sleep people need and how digestion works to broader subjects including heart health, metabolic health, healthy ageing, strength training, nutrition, and natural wellness.

Rather than encouraging readers to follow every new health trend, HealthZeet focuses on helping them understand the context behind health information so they can make better-informed decisions.

Expanding Across Key Areas of Health and Wellness

HealthZeet’s growing editorial library is organised around several major areas of everyday health.

Its Health coverage includes digestive health, heart health, men’s health, women’s health, immunity, metabolic health, healthy ageing, and common everyday health concerns.

The Nutrition section explores healthy eating, vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables, protein, Indian nutrition, herbs and spices, and nutrient-dense foods.

Fitness coverage includes exercise, strength and mobility, weight management, fitness after 40, walking, and strategies for maintaining an active lifestyle.

HealthZeet also publishes educational content addressing sleep, stress management, mental wellbeing, self-care, healthy habits, and sustainable lifestyle practices.

Together, these subjects reflect the platform’s broader view that health is influenced by many interconnected factors, including food, physical activity, sleep, stress, preventive care, and everyday behaviour.

Bringing Indian Context Into Health Education

HealthZeet is being developed with the information needs of Indian readers in mind.

Nutrition recommendations and wellness discussions found online are often based on food habits and lifestyle patterns from other countries. While scientific evidence can have broad relevance, practical implementation frequently depends on culture, food availability, climate, lifestyle, age, and individual circumstances.

HealthZeet therefore aims to make its educational content more useful in an Indian context.

Articles may explore familiar Indian foods, traditional ingredients, regional eating habits, Indian dietary patterns, common lifestyle concerns, and wellness practices that readers are likely to encounter in everyday life.

Topics such as dal, millets, curd, Indian vegetables, spices, Amla, turmeric, Ashwagandha, Triphala, Shatavari, Tulsi, and other traditional ingredients can be examined alongside contemporary nutrition and scientific research.

Traditional Wellness Meets Modern Evidence

India has a rich history of traditional health practices and botanical knowledge. Interest in Ayurveda, herbal wellness, medicinal plants, and traditional remedies continues to grow both in India and internationally.

HealthZeet believes these subjects deserve thoughtful coverage.

Traditional use, however, is not automatically equivalent to scientifically established effectiveness.

For this reason, HealthZeet aims to distinguish between historical or traditional use, preliminary research, emerging evidence, and conclusions that have stronger scientific support.

The platform explores Ayurvedic herbs, herbal preparations, essential oils, traditional remedies, and natural wellness practices while also discussing available evidence, limitations, safety considerations, and responsible use.

This approach is intended to allow readers to appreciate traditional wellness knowledge without presenting every traditional claim as scientifically proven.

Helping Consumers Understand Wellness Products

The growth of India’s wellness industry has also created an increasingly complex marketplace of supplements, herbal products, essential oils, protein powders, fitness products, and other wellness products.

Consumers may encounter terms such as natural, premium, clinically researched, pure, lab tested, organic, or scientifically formulated. Understanding what these terms actually mean can be difficult.

HealthZeet is therefore developing educational buying guides designed to help readers evaluate wellness products more critically.

Coverage includes topics such as how to read supplement labels, how to assess herbal product quality, what to consider when purchasing essential oils, how different supplement formats compare, and what consumers should look for when evaluating wellness brands.

Where reviews or commercial content are published, HealthZeet aims to maintain transparency about methodology, relevant commercial relationships, and the basis on which products or brands are discussed.

Clear Information Without Wellness Hype

HealthZeet’s editorial philosophy is built around the idea that useful health communication does not need exaggerated promises.

Articles are intended to explain what is known, what remains uncertain, and where individual circumstances may affect the usefulness of general health information.

This is particularly important for subjects involving supplements, natural remedies, health conditions, and emerging wellness trends.

HealthZeet also recognises that online educational content cannot replace personalised medical advice. Readers with symptoms, diagnosed medical conditions, medication concerns, or questions requiring individual assessment are encouraged to consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Building a Long-Term Health Knowledge Resource

The expansion of HealthZeet’s content library is part of a longer-term effort to create a comprehensive health and wellness knowledge destination for Indian readers.

Future editorial development will continue across preventive health, nutrition, fitness, natural wellness, healthy ageing, lifestyle, health conditions, ingredient guides, comparison guides, frequently asked health questions, and consumer buying education.

The platform also plans to continue strengthening its editorial processes as its health library grows.

HealthZeet’s goal is straightforward: help readers understand health information without unnecessary complexity, exaggerated promises, or confusing wellness jargon.

As India’s health and wellness audience becomes increasingly informed and digitally connected, HealthZeet intends to contribute by making credible health education easier to access and more practical for everyday life.

About HealthZeet

HealthZeet is an independent health and wellness information platform focused on making reliable health knowledge understandable and useful in everyday life. The platform publishes evidence-informed educational content across health, nutrition, natural wellness, fitness, healthy ageing, preventive health, lifestyle, health guides, and consumer wellness topics.

HealthZeet aims to combine clarity, responsible health communication, practical guidance, and an Indian perspective to help readers make better-informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

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Sikar (Rajasthan) [India], October 16: With Shri Khatu Shyam Ji emerging as one of North India’s prominent pilgrimage destinations, the region is witnessing growing momentum in infrastructure, hospitality and organised real estate development. The increasing movement of devotees and visitors to the region is also creating a wider ecosystem for planned residential and hospitality-led development.

Against this backdrop, OSR Group is developing Shri Shyam Township at Jalund–Maganpur, Khatu Shyam Ji, Sikar, Rajasthan — a thoughtfully planned development envisioned to bring together spirituality, modern lifestyle and community living.

The township is being planned with a strong focus on organised infrastructure and contemporary amenities. Key features include 30–40 ft. wide internal roads, gated community living, 24×7 CCTV surveillance, fresh water supply, Wi-Fi connectivity and jogging tracks.

A proposed modern clubhouse is designed to further enhance the community experience, with facilities such as a gymnasium, cricket practice area, pool table, table tennis, children’s play area, and carrom and chess zones.

A Destination Beyond Conventional Real Estate

Shri Shyam Township is envisioned not merely as a residential development, but as a destination capable of addressing a wider range of lifestyle and hospitality requirements. The development includes provisions for residential plots, villas, studio apartments, resorts and hospitality concepts, subject to applicable approvals and planning.

Adding a distinctive spiritual dimension to the township is the proposed Shri Jagannath Temple, envisioned as a space for devotion, community interaction and spiritual connection.

The Vision of Adv. Praveen Bhati

The vision behind the development is led by Adv. Praveen Bhati, Founder & Chairman, OSR Group, whose approach focuses on creating organised real estate communities with an emphasis on trust, transparency, planned development and long-term value.

OSR Group operates through Omshri Realtech Pvt. Ltd. and has built a growing portfolio of real estate developments across North India, with projects planned around emerging locations, connectivity and evolving community requirements.

Speaking about the vision behind Shri Shyam Township, Adv. Praveen Bhati said:

“Shri Shyam Township is our effort to create more than a real estate project. We envision a destination where devotion, modern living, community infrastructure and future development come together in a thoughtfully planned environment.”

With the growing prominence of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji as a pilgrimage destination and continued infrastructure development across the surrounding region, Shri Shyam Township reflects OSR Group’s vision of creating a well-planned community close to one of Rajasthan’s important spiritual destinations.

Shri Shyam Township – A Landmark Inspired by Devotion. Designed for Modern Living.

OSR GROUP | www.osrgroup.in

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Prestigious Recognition for Excellence in Quality, Innovation and Farmer Welfare

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], October 17: Surat-based Krushi India Corporation Limited marked its proud participation in the special conclave of Krushi Kranti Season 5, organised by Sandesh News Channel. Mr. Krupesh Panelia, Managing Director of the company, participated in the event and shared his views on the agricultural sector, soil health and the development of sustainable farming practices.

The event was graced by the presence of Gujarat Government’s Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Jitubhai Vaghani. An insightful discussion was held on the topic, “Save Soil, Save Agriculture: The Big Truth About Soil Health.” The discussion highlighted key issues such as maintaining soil fertility, increasing organic carbon content, adopting balanced nutrient management practices and encouraging farmers to embrace sustainable agriculture.

In recognition of its active contribution to the agricultural sector, quality agricultural products and farmer-centric approach, Krushi India Corporation Limited was felicitated by Hon’ble Agriculture Minister Shri Jitubhai Vaghani. The honour was received on behalf of the company by Managing Director Mr. Krupesh Panelia, Founder Mr. Nikunj Makwana and Mr. Ravi Pithadiya.

This recognition marks a proud milestone for the company and reflects its continued commitment to quality, innovation and farmers’ prosperity. Krushi India Corporation Limited remains dedicated to providing farmers with quality and effective agricultural products that support improved soil health and enhanced crop productivity.

The honour received at the prestigious Sandesh Krushi Kranti platform further highlights the company’s credibility, operational excellence and commitment to the agricultural sector. This achievement also reflects the trust and support of the company’s entire team, distributors, dealers and farmers.

Looking ahead, Krushi India Corporation Limited will continue contributing to India’s agricultural development and farmers’ prosperity through innovative agricultural solutions, quality products and essential technical guidance for farmers.

New Delhi [India], October 16: With more than a decade of research experience, Roots Analysis helps pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare organizations turn complex market information into actionable business intelligence.

As pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets continue to evolve, organizations need reliable information to evaluate opportunities, understand competitive developments and plan for long-term growth. Roots Analysis, a specialized market research, competitive intelligence and strategic consulting company, supports organizations across the life sciences ecosystem by translating complex industry information into meaningful insights for business decision-making.

Since its establishment in 2013, Roots Analysis has developed expertise across pharmaceutical markets, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare technology and contract research and manufacturing services. Its research capabilities cover emerging therapies, drug development pipelines, biologics, cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), vaccines, bioprocessing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug delivery.

The company works with organizations that need a deeper understanding of market dynamics, technology developments, competitive positioning and commercial opportunities. Its clients include pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology developers, contract research organizations (CROs), contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), medical device manufacturers and investors.

Turning Complex Information into Strategic Intelligence

Life sciences organizations operate in an environment shaped by scientific progress, regulatory developments, changing treatment approaches, manufacturing requirements and commercial competition. Understanding these factors individually is important, but evaluating how they influence one another can be equally critical.

Roots Analysis combines market research with analytical frameworks and industry-focused expertise to help clients assess these interconnected developments. Its research process draws on primary interviews, company disclosures, financial information, scientific literature, industry publications and regulatory filings.

This evidence-based approach supports research activities such as market sizing and forecasting, competitive benchmarking, clinical pipeline analysis, technology scouting, market entry assessment and strategic consulting. By examining the available evidence within a defined business context, the company aims to help decision-makers identify emerging opportunities, assess potential risks and develop informed strategies.

Rather than treating market research as a collection of statistics, Roots Analysis emphasizes the importance of interpreting information in relation to specific business objectives. This enables research to support decisions involving portfolio development, commercial planning, partnerships, manufacturing investments and market expansion.

Combining Research Expertise with Technology

As the volume of industry information increases, businesses are also looking for more efficient ways to access, organize and interpret relevant intelligence. Roots Analysis is developing proprietary intelligence platforms to complement its established research and consulting capabilities.

Its platform portfolio includes LabKairos, BioSignalIQ, CompeteIQ and CapstoneIQ. These initiatives reflect the company’s broader focus on making specialized intelligence more accessible and useful for professionals who need to evaluate markets, monitor developments and support strategic decisions.

The approach brings together domain expertise, structured industry information and technology-enabled capabilities. The objective is to help users move more efficiently from identifying relevant information to understanding its potential business implications.

For strategy teams, business development professionals, competitive intelligence specialists and investors, this combination can be valuable when evaluating emerging technologies, tracking competitors or comparing opportunities across multiple markets.

Supporting a Global Life Sciences Ecosystem

Roots Analysis reports serving more than 1,500 global clients and maintaining a network of over 450,000 senior stakeholders across the life sciences ecosystem. Its analyst coverage spans more than 80 countries, supporting research into markets with different commercial conditions, regulatory environments and development priorities.

This international perspective is particularly relevant for organizations assessing opportunities across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Companies entering new markets or evaluating cross-border partnerships often need to understand differences in competitive activity, market demand, development pipelines and manufacturing capabilities.

Roots Analysis combines this global perspective with customized research designed around individual client requirements. Its work can support established pharmaceutical businesses, emerging biotechnology companies, healthcare technology providers and investment organizations at different stages of strategic planning.

Building Long-Term Research Partnerships

The company’s broader objective is to establish itself as a research-led, technology-enabled intelligence partner that supports clients beyond individual research assignments. This includes developing customized analytical approaches, strengthening access to relevant intelligence and helping organizations respond to changing industry conditions.

Under the leadership of CEO Gaurav Chaudhary, Roots Analysis continues to focus on specialized research, analytical depth and technology-enabled intelligence as complementary parts of its business.

As life sciences markets become increasingly interconnected, organizations need research partners capable of examining both individual market developments and their wider strategic implications. Roots Analysis aims to address this need through its combination of market research, competitive intelligence and consulting expertise.

Businesses seeking to understand emerging opportunities, assess competitive landscapes or strengthen their strategic planning can explore the company’s capabilities at https://www.rootsanalysis.com/.

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Three fiery flavours and a protein punch: the Diwali perfect gift that gets opened first

New Delhi [India], October 16: Every year, corporate India sends out the same festive snack box: a namkeen packet that goes soggy before anyone opens it, a bag of chips that is mostly air, and a deep-fried mixture that tastes exactly like last year’s. It is familiar, and it is forgotten by the first Monday after Diwali.

PROMUNCH, India’s leading high-protein snacking brand, has a better idea. Its new Corporate Diwali Edamame Hampers give the festive gift box a full makeover, combining serious nutrition with flavours loud enough to compete with the crackers outside.

The new star of the box: At the centre of every hamper is roasted edamame. These edamame beans are roasted in olive oil and deliver 45g of protein per 100g. That leaves regular chips and namkeen far behind. The snack is ready to eat straight from the pack and filling enough to satisfy, so one handful does more than an entire packet of the usual fried fare. It fits just as well beside a laptop during a 4 pm slump as it does on a Diwali platter at home.

Three flavours, three personalities

• Masala Mania: fiery, bold and impossible to ignore, like a rocket on Diwali night
• Indori Chatka: tangy, cheeky and straight out of Indore’s famous food lanes
• Himalayan Rock Salt: cool, classic and confident enough not to shout

Easy to approve, Easy to enjoy

Priced at INR 555 and INR 999, the hampers are designed to make corporate festive gifting simple. They are thoughtful enough for senior clients, practical enough for large teams, and different enough to stand out among the gift boxes piling up on reception desks across the country.

Already trusted where it counts!

The hampers come from a brand that India already knows. PROMUNCH snacks are stocked in corporate pantries, airports and vending machines, and are served by leading hospitality brands including Radisson, Novotel, Marriott and Bloom Hotels. The brand also has an established presence in corporate gifting and serves over 1 million consumers globally.

Parth Mutha, Founder of PROMUNCH, says, “For years, savoury snacking in India has meant the same fried options in different packets. We wanted to break that routine. A corporate Diwali gift represents the company that sends it, so it should be as thoughtful as the relationship behind it. Our edamame is one of the most protein-packed snacks you can find, and we have given it flavours bold enough to start conversations. When someone opens a PROMUNCH hamper, we want their first reaction to be curiosity and their second to be ‘Where can I get more of this?’ Our goal is to become India’s most trusted name in healthy snacking, and these hampers show that nourishing food can also be exciting.”

Beyond the festive box

The hampers are part of PROMUNCH’s roasted edamame range, which delivers across India. The range includes a travel combo of nine 25g pouches for desk drawers, flights and back-to-back meetings, as well as single-flavour packs of two and three starting at INR 400.

The Corporate Diwali Edamame Hampers and the full range are available on the PROMUNCH website and on Amazon.

About PROMUNCH

PROMUNCH is leading India’s shift from empty-calorie munching to high-protein snacking. Its range brings together healthy, guilt-free nutrition and seriously tasty Indian flavours, and it sets a new standard for what a snack should deliver. Its snacks are found in corporate pantries, airports, vending machines and leading hotels, and are enjoyed by more than 1 million consumers globally. With over 30 million grams of protein delivered and counting, PROMUNCH is proof that India is ready to snack smarter. To know more, visit promunch.in.

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Pune (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: Muks Robotics, a Pune-based humanoid robotics company, has secured a project with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop SPACEO Prime, India’s first humanoid space worker. The project marks a milestone in the Indian Space Economy to develop intelligent robots capable of operating in space.

As space missions become increasingly complex, robotic systems could play an important role in assisting astronauts, performing demanding operations and handling tasks in hazardous environments. For Muks Robotics, the project represents progress towards a vision first conceived by its founder, Dr. Mukesh Bangar, in 2021: building humanoids not just for Earth, but also for space.

Muks Robotics is a Pune-based startup, working towards the development of humanoid robots and Physical AI systems designed to perceive their surroundings, understand instructions, and perform tasks in real-world environments.

Developing a humanoid for space-related applications presents challenges beyond conventional robotics. Mobility, manipulation, autonomy, and reliability must be considered alongside the demands of the intended operating environment. The ISRO project provides an opportunity for Muks Robotics to build indigenous humanoids in alignment with “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” strengthening India’s self-reliance in advanced robotics and contributing to the nation’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

At the centre of the company’s journey is Dr. Mukesh Bangar, Founder and CEO of Muks Robotics. A self-taught AI and robotics engineer, Dr. Bangar is focused on developing intelligent robotic systems capable of understanding their surroundings, learning autonomously, and performing meaningful physical tasks.

“I firmly believe that true freedom from pain and suffering (Moksh) can be achieved through self-sustaining autonomous robots. Moreover, now is the right time to deploy conscious, intelligent robots to other planets to safeguard the future of our existence,” says Dr. Mukesh Bangar.

In 2021, his vision began taking shape around a long-term ambition to build humanoids for Earth and beyond. The company subsequently presented its mission and vision through a video in 2023, outlining its direction in humanoid robotics and its ambition to extend robotic capabilities beyond Earth.

The development of the SPACEO platform created a foundation for pursuing this ambition. The ISRO project represents a significant step towards translating that vision into a dedicated humanoid development effort, bringing the company closer to its goal of developing robots capable of supporting human activities in space.

The development of SPACEO Prime aligns with India’s Make in India initiative and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to transform India into a developed nation by the centenary of its independence. The vision emphasises self-reliance, innovation and indigenous technological advancement.

With established capabilities in satellite technology, launch systems and planetary exploration, India is well-positioned to expand into advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. For Muks Robotics, SPACEO Prime represents an effort to develop advanced humanoid technology in India and contribute to the country’s growing deep-tech ecosystem. However, developing a space-oriented humanoid requires rigorous testing, reliability and safety to meet the demanding conditions of space missions.

Humanoid robots could offer advantages in environments designed around human tools, workstations, and equipment. Their articulated arms and human-like body structure could potentially enable them to manipulate objects, handle tools, and interact with existing infrastructure.

Future applications could include equipment inspection, maintenance assistance, material handling, and other repetitive or hazardous tasks. Such systems could help reduce astronauts’ exposure to certain risks and support mission operations.

These possibilities depend on the robot’s capabilities, engineering validation, and mission requirements. They represent the broader potential of humanoid space robotics rather than confirmed operational capabilities of SPACEO Prime.

Muks Robotics aims to build humanoids for practical applications on Earth while developing the technological foundations for future work beyond the planet.

SPACEO Prime brings together this long-term vision and an opportunity to contribute to India’s space technology ambitions. Moving from development to actual space operations will require sustained engineering, testing, and validation.

For a robotics company based in Pune, the ambition now extends beyond conventional workplaces. With a vision of extending its mission to the Moon and Mars as well. What began as a vision in 2021 is taking shape as a dedicated development effort, with the potential to expand the role of Indian-built humanoid technology beyond Earth.

For Muks Robotics, the goal is not simply to build a machine that resembles a human, but to develop one that could help humans work in places where they have never worked before.

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Ten categories honour some of the most compelling books published in 2025; winners to be felicitated at the inaugural ceremony of Ek Bharat, Anek Bol Literary Festival in New Delhi on 18^th December 2026

New Delhi [India], October 16: The Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) has announced the winners of the sixth edition of the KLF Book Awards 2026, honouring literary works published in 2025 across English and Hindi.

The awards recognise excellence across fiction, non-fiction, debut writing, poetry and translation, bringing together a diverse range of contemporary writing and highlighting the contribution of authors and translators to India’s literary landscape.

The awardees will be felicitated at the inaugural ceremony of the Ek Bharat, Anek Bol Literary Festival, presented by Kalinga Literary Festival, on 18 December 2026 at Travancore Palace, New Delhi. The festival will bring together writers, translators, publishers and cultural practitioners for three days of literary conversations, language and cultural exchange.

Commenting on the announcement, Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Founder & Director, Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF), said, “The KLF Book Awards are about recognising writing that stays with readers and adds something meaningful to our literary landscape. I am delighted that this year’s winners will be celebrated in Delhi as part of the first edition of Ek Bharat, Anek Bol.”

English Category Winners

In the Best Fiction category, Ruchir Joshi has been recognised for Great Eastern Hotel, published by HarperCollins Publishers India. Set in Calcutta in 1941, the novel portrays a city at a moment of political and social transition against the backdrop of the Second World War, weaving personal narratives with a changing historical landscape.

The Best Non-Fiction category has two joint winners. Vauhini Vara is recognised for Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age, published by Pantheon, which explores identity and human connection in an increasingly technology-driven world. Snigdha Poonam shares the award for Scamlands, published by Penguin Viking, an investigation into the networks and social conditions behind the expanding world of fraud.

Zahid Rafiq wins the Best Debut award for The World With Its Mouth Open, published by Hamish Hamilton, Penguin Random House India. The collection of stories explores everyday life in Kashmir, engaging with themes of conflict, loss, resilience and human relationships.

In the Best Poetry Collection category, Jennifer Robertson is recognised for Folie à Deux, published by Paperwall Publishing. The collection reflects on memory, art, photography and the complexities of personal experience.

The Best Translated Fiction award goes to Jissa Jose for Mudritha, translated from Malayalam into English by Jayasree Kalathil and published by HarperCollins Publishers India. The novel explores women’s lives, aspirations and quests for freedom in Kerala, while also showing how translation can bring regional-language writing to a wider readership.  

Hindi Category Winners

The Hindi Fiction category has two joint winners. Pankaj Subir is recognised for ख़ैबर दर्रा, published by Rajpal & Sons, while Satyanarayan wins jointly for इस मिनखाजूण में ‘यायावर की डायरी’, published by Sambhavna Prakashan. Together, the two works reflect the breadth of contemporary Hindi fiction and its engagement with lived experience and social realities.

In Hindi Non-Fiction, Seema Kapoor wins for यूँ गुज़री है अब तलक, published by Rajkamal Prakashan. The work brings personal reflection and lived experience to the forefront, contributing to the tradition of life writing in Hindi literature.

The Hindi Debut award goes to Malini Awasthi for चन्दन किवाड़, published by Vani Prakashan. Widely known for her work in Indian folk and classical music, Awasthi brings her engagement with India’s cultural traditions to her literary work.

Yatindra Mishra receives the Hindi Poetry Collection award for बिना कलिंग विजय के, published by Vani Prakashan. A poet and writer known for his engagement with Indian music and cultural traditions, Mishra’s work reflects the continuing relationship between poetry, history and collective memory.

In Hindi Translation, Yunus Khan is recognised for जब औरत सोचती है, published by Rajkamal Prakashan. The award also draws attention to the role of translation in enabling literary works to reach readers across languages.

Awards to Be Presented in New Delhi

Each award category carries a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, along with a citation, a trophy and a traditional shawl.

The award ceremony will form part of the inaugural programme of the Ek Bharat, Anek Bol Literary Festival, taking place from 18 to 20 December 2026 at Travancore Palace, New Delhi.

Bringing together India’s many literary and linguistic traditions, the festival will create a shared space for writers, readers, translators and cultural voices to meet, exchange ideas and engage in conversation.

Through the KLF Book Awards and its wider initiatives, the Kalinga Literary Festival continues to recognise literary achievement, encourage cross-cultural engagement and celebrate the writers and translators contributing to contemporary Indian literature.

About the Kalinga Literary Festival

Founded in 2012 by the Odisha Diary Foundation, the Kalinga Literary Festival is a literary and cultural platform dedicated to promoting literature, ideas, dialogue and cultural exchange.

Through its annual festival, book awards and related initiatives, KLF brings together writers, poets, translators, scholars, publishers and readers from India and abroad.

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New Delhi [India], October 16: As part of its commitment to deepening engagement in India and preparing learners for the future of work, Deakin University has established two landmark strategic partnerships with LinkedIn and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Together, these collaborations strengthen the bridge between academia and industry, equipping learners with future-ready skills, valuable professional networks, and real-world opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.

The partnerships reflect Deakin’s continued commitment to working in India, with India and for India, bringing together education, industry expertise and workforce insights to bridge the gap between academic learning and the changing needs of employers.

Deakin and LinkedIn partner to strengthen career readiness and professional skills

Earlier this week, Deakin signed a partnership agreement with LinkedIn at its GIFT City campus in Gandhinagar, establishing a platform for collaboration around student employability, professional development and workforce readiness.

 Ms Saba Karim, India Head-SMB, Public Sector, Education at LinkedIn mentioned, “At LinkedIn, we believe opportunity begins with the right skills and connections. Our partnership with Deakin will help equip students with workforce insights, professional networks, and career-ready capabilities to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.”

Key areas of engagement include professional branding and profile development, career readiness, networking, job-search strategies, interview preparation and insights into emerging skills and labour-market trends. The collaboration will also explore opportunities for student and faculty engagement, leadership development and knowledge-sharing on artificial intelligence (AI), evolving job roles and the future of work.

Through potential initiatives such as professional development workshops, career-focused sessions, industry interactions and access to workforce insights, the partnership seeks to strengthen the connection between students’ academic experiences and their career aspirations. Opportunities for leadership engagement and thought leadership will further support conversations around the skills and capabilities needed in a rapidly changing world of work.

The agreement reinforces Deakin’s approach to employability as an integral part of the learning experience at the GIFT City Campus, ensuring learning translates into opportunity.

Deakin and CII advance the Global Job Readiness Program for India’s evolving workforce

Building on its focus on industry-aligned education and skills development, Deakin University signed an agreement with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi today to advance the Global Job Readiness Program (GJRP), its flagship skilling and continuous learning program.

A significant milestone in the partnership is the program’s approval by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). This enables the program to be integrated into university curricula and support credit recognition in alignment with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) skills-development framework, subject to applicable requirements.

Mr Sougata Roy Choudhury, Executive Director, CII, welcomed the collaboration, stating, “The Global Job Readiness Program is an important step towards interfacing education and industry expectations. By equipping learners with skills that are relevant to today’s employment landscape and aligning the programme with India’s national skills framework, we aim to strengthen employability and create pathways for universities to integrate job-readiness learning into formal higher education.”

Following the successful completion of the first phase of the partnership, CII is taking the program to market, with a focus on institutional outreach, awareness-building and enrolments across universities and higher-education institutions.

The program will be delivered 100% online with flexibility, much needed for young learners and professionals, and certification arrangements are aligned with applicable National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) guidelines.

Through this model, Deakin and CII aim to expand access to structured job-readiness learning and strengthen the role of industry in preparing graduates for employment.

At the same event, CII exchanged LoIs with five Indian institutions to strengthen collaboration, including efforts to expand the reach of the Global Job Readiness Program and extend its benefits to students across their campuses. The participating institutions include Rukmani Devi Institute of Advanced Studies, Gateway Institute of Engineering and Technology, University of Engineering and Management (UEM), Jaipur, AAFT University, and Inderprastha Engineering College.

George Thiveos, Minister Counsellor Education and Research, South Asia for the Australian Gov, Dept of Education, welcomed the initiative and said, “Deakin and CII are both institutions that are very well established and at the forefront of their respective fields, and I find them very well matched for this initiative.”

“The government can play a critical role through policy and create pathways for meaningful B2B collaboration. I see India and Australia contributing meaningfully towards India’s goal for Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Mukund Narayanamurti, Minister (Commercial), General Manager and Head of Austrade South Asia, added, “Deakin has rendered significant contribution to bilateral cooperation and there cannot be a more impactful partner to Deakin than CII. The work of CII and Deakin aligns with a lot of our objectives such as advancing workforce capabilities, graduate readiness with a lens on enhancing employability.”

Expressing her thoughts on these key initiatives, Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University, said, “The future of work will be shaped by collaboration. Through our partnerships with LinkedIn and CII, we are creating meaningful pathways that connect learning with opportunity and prepare learners to thrive in a changing world.”

“I am truly optimistic about the far-reaching impact that can be created through these partnerships and look forward to young students and professionals taking advantage of this.”

Together, the partnerships with LinkedIn and CII demonstrate Deakin’s multi-dimensional approach to future-of-work readiness: connecting students with professional networks and workforce insights while advancing structured, industry-aligned skills development through institutional collaboration.

As AI, digital technologies and changing workforce expectations reshape employment, collaboration between universities, industry bodies and professional platforms is increasingly important to ensure that education remains relevant to emerging opportunities. Hence, Deakin continues to build connections between education and industry, with a shared focus on helping learners develop the skills, confidence and capabilities to succeed in a dynamic global economy.

About Deakin University: Established in 1974, Deakin University successfully combines excellence in teaching, research and effective partnerships with industry and government to deliver high-quality courses and undertake research that makes a difference to the domestic and international communities it serves. 

Deakin’s South Asia operations commenced in 1994 in New Delhi, India, making it one of the first overseas education providers to set up operations in this region. Here, Deakin engages with the government, industry, and academia to share its vibrant culture of education and research. 

To know more about Deakin University and its various initiatives as part of its ‘in India, with India, for India’ approach towards engagement, please visit https://www.deakin.edu.au/ 

About LinkedIn – LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms how companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has over 1.3 billion members and has offices around the globe.

About CII – CII has been shaping India’s development journey for more than 130 years. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is an industry-led and industry-managed organisation that works to create and sustain an environment conducive to India’s development, partnering industry, Government and civil society. 

We have around 9,700 direct members and an indirect membership of over 365,000 enterprises through 318 industry bodies, with 70 offices in India, including 12 Centres of Excellence, and 9 overseas offices in Australia, Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, UAE, UK and USA. Along with partnerships with 255 counterpart organisations in 102 countries, CII serves as a reference point for Indian industry and the international business community.

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New Delhi [India], October 16: In a world that celebrates business growth, market leadership, financial achievements, and professional recognition, an important question often remains unasked: Are successful people truly at peace with themselves? Dr Rakesh Chopra invites accomplished individuals to reflect on this question and explore a deeper dimension of success that goes beyond wealth, influence, prestige, and professional accomplishments.

For many business leaders, reaching the top represents years of determination, strategic thinking, difficult decisions, and sustained effort. They build enterprises, establish market leadership, earn the respect of their peers, and create lasting professional legacies. From the outside, their lives may appear complete. However, behind these achievements, some may experience pressures and personal questions that rarely find space in everyday conversations.

The Unseen Thresholds Behind Professional Success

Professional success often brings greater responsibility and higher expectations. As leaders advance in their careers, more people depend on their decisions, and the consequences of their choices become increasingly significant. While colleagues and business networks may celebrate their achievements, fewer people may ask how they are managing the personal demands that accompany their positions.

The journey to the top can involve solitary decisions made during difficult hours, the emotional weight of responsibility, and changes in relationships as professional priorities evolve. Leaders often carry the lonely weight of not being able to share their personal concerns openly with board members, colleagues, friends or family, because of the expectations attached to their position.

These experiences highlight a paradox of achievement: the higher individuals rise professionally, the more difficult it can become to find a private space where they can speak honestly about their lives without the influence of their public identity.

Dr Rakesh Chopra’s message encourages accomplished individuals to acknowledge these realities rather than assuming that continued achievement will automatically bring lasting satisfaction.

When the Next Achievement Is No Longer the Answer

For driven professionals, setting goals and pursuing new milestones can become a natural part of life. Each achievement creates opportunities for further growth, and the next business target often provides a fresh sense of direction. Yet there may come a point when another accomplishment no longer answers the deeper questions an individual carries.

At this stage, the search for fulfilment can become less about acquiring more and more about understanding what truly matters.

Questions about peace of mind, personal relationships, identity, and the meaning of success may begin to take greater importance. Leaders may wonder whether their daily decisions reflect their deepest values, whether their relationships extend beyond professional interests, and whether their current lifestyle supports the kind of life they genuinely want to lead.

This reflection does not diminish professional ambition. Instead, it offers an opportunity to consider how ambition, personal fulfilment, and inner peace can coexist.

Creating Space for Honest Self-Reflection

According to the message shared by Dr Rakesh Chopra, accomplished leaders may not need another strategy session or motivational speech as much as they need a confidential space for meaningful contemplation.

Such a space allows individuals to temporarily set aside their professional titles, responsibilities, and public image. Without the pressure to demonstrate strength or provide answers for others, they can examine their thoughts, priorities, and personal aspirations more honestly.

This process can involve exploring several important questions: What do I genuinely want from the years ahead? Where does lasting peace of mind come from? How can I develop a calmer mind that is not dependent on business results? How can I build relationships based on genuine connection rather than transactions? And who am I becoming through the choices I make every day?

These questions invite leaders to look beyond external measures of success and consider the quality of their inner lives.

Building Connections Beyond Business

Professional networks are often built around shared objectives, partnerships, opportunities, and business outcomes. While these relationships can be valuable, meaningful personal connections also require trust, openness, and the freedom to be understood beyond one’s achievements.

For accomplished individuals, creating room for these deeper connections can become an important part of personal reflection. Understanding their own needs and values may help them approach relationships with greater awareness and authenticity.

Similarly, cultivating a calmer mind involves examining how personal wellbeing is connected to expectations, responsibilities, and the constant pursuit of results. The aim is to develop a perspective in which peace of mind is not entirely determined by the next target, business decision, or external recognition.

The Next Investment Is in Yourself

Dr Rakesh Chopra’s invitation is directed towards individuals who have built something extraordinary but sense that a deeper dimension of life remains unexplored. It encourages them to consider whether their next chapter should focus exclusively on further achievements or also make room for personal understanding and inner freedom.

The central message is that success need not be measured only through financial growth, influence, or tangible accomplishments. It can also involve developing a more peaceful relationship with oneself, strengthening meaningful connections, and becoming more conscious of the person one is choosing to become.

Through an exclusive, confidential conversation, accomplished individuals are invited to explore these questions and reflect on what genuine fulfilment means at their current stage of life.

The ultimate aspiration is not simply to achieve more, but to experience absolute inner freedom: a state in which personal peace is not constantly dependent on external circumstances.

For those who have reached significant professional milestones, the next meaningful step may begin with a different kind of question, not what more can be achieved, but what kind of life is worth building from here.

Who Is Dr Rakesh Chopra?

Dr Rakesh Chopra is a Visionary Strategist & Transformational Leadership Mentor. He brings more than forty years of experience in the fields of medicine, business management and spirituality to his work while mentoring ambitious leaders.

Website: https://DrRakeshChopra.com/

Connect to Dr Rakesh Chopra: linkedin.com/in/drrakeshchopra/

Email: DrChopraRakesh@gmail.com

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Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 16: The scope of journalism and mass communication now spans five clear career paths: news reporting, broadcast, digital content, PR and corporate communication, and documentary or independent media. The journalism and mass communication course at AAFT University Raipur, a B.A. degree, trains students for all five in campus studios.

Journalism today is far more than newspapers and news channels. It also covers digital media, content, PR and brand storytelling. So a media degree leads to a wide set of careers, and this guide maps where it can take you.

AAFT University of Media and Arts in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, offers the B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication as a three-year degree, with an optional fourth Honours year, and the two-year M.A., through its School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The 2027 batch is now open for applications.

Is a Journalism and Mass Communication Degree a Good Career?

Yes. Roles across media, digital content and communication are multiplying across India. Trained communicators are wanted in news, brands and agencies. So a journalism and mass communication degree is a strong, modern choice.

Pay varies by path. Digital and PR roles often start higher than print, and anyone with a strong portfolio of published or broadcast work moves up faster.

What Is the Scope of Journalism and Mass Communication in India?

The scope is wide because India’s media economy is large and still expanding. Here is the market behind it, in numbers.

· A large market. India’s media and entertainment sector grew 9% to ₹2.78 trillion in 2025 (FICCI-EY 2026).

· Digital is the biggest employer. Digital media crossed ₹1 trillion in 2025 and took 63% of India’s advertising spend (FICCI-EY 2026).

· Audiences pay for digital. Digital subscriptions grew 60% to ₹163 billion in 2025 (FICCI-EY 2026).

· Employers have multiplied. Brands, agencies and startups now hire media graduates well beyond the traditional newsroom.

So the scope reaches far past reporting alone. A media graduate can move into digital journalism, PR, brand content or independent media, which suits students who are not yet sure which lane fits them.

Job security in the media comes from this range, not from a single employer. When one lane slows, trained communicators shift to another, from a newsroom to a brand team or a content studio. So a broad media degree is a hedge as much as a passion.

Demand is also spreading beyond the metros. Regional news, local digital brands and creators now need trained communicators too. So the field is opening up for students from every part of the country, including Chhattisgarh and central India, where regional-language media is growing fast.

What Jobs and Pay Can You Expect in Media?

Your pay grows with your skills and your portfolio. These are the common paths after a journalism and mass communication degree.

Senior editors and communication leads often earn ₹10 LPA and above. Figures are industry estimates, not promised outcomes.

The Careers a Journalism Degree Opens

A journalism degree does not lead to one job. It opens several lanes, and you choose the one that fits you.

· Newsroom and reporting. You report for newspapers, wires and news channels.

· Broadcast and anchoring. You anchor and produce for TV and OTT news.

· Digital and content. You create news sites, brands and social media.

· PR and corporate comms. You handle agencies and company communication teams.

· Documentary and ventures. You make documentaries or build your own media brand.

You are not tied to one lane on day one. The early years build shared media skills across all of them, and you specialise as your interest grows. So the degree keeps your options open while you find your direction.

Tools and Specialisations You Can Master

A media degree is not only theory. You also learn the tools that newsrooms and brands use, and you can lean into a focus.

· Video and broadcast. Video editing and news-package tools for broadcast and digital.

· Audio. Recording and editing tools for radio and podcasts.

· Visuals. Photo and design software for visual storytelling.

· Digital. Content, SEO and social tools that track reach.

Within the degree, you can specialise in broadcast journalism, digital and content, public relations, advertising, or documentary and media research. So two students can leave the same course on very different paths, and you can shape yours as your interest sharpens.

What Will You Learn?

The degree covers the full craft of media, step by step. You start with print, mass communication and photography, then add radio, television production and video editing. Later you take on PR, advertising and political communication.

You train in real studios, not just classrooms. The campus has an in-house TV studio, a radio station and post-production labs, where you make live news bulletins, radio shows, podcasts and digital content. So you finish the course with a portfolio already in hand.

The course also stays current with how media actually works today. You study mobile journalism, data-led reporting and social-first content, and you learn to spot misinformation. So you graduate ready for newsroom jobs and digital media roles alike.

Which Journalism Degree — BA or MA?

AAFT University runs a clear route at both levels. The B.A. runs for three years, or four with Honours, where the Honours year adds documentary production, research and media ethics. Graduates can continue with the two-year M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication. You can apply from any stream, whatever you studied at school.

You need a 10+2 pass from a recognised board to apply. Selection is through the AAFT Global Entrance Exam (GET) and a personal interview.

What Skills Will You Build?

Beyond tools, a few core skills decide who thrives in the media.

· Writing. Clear, accurate writing under real deadlines.

· Presentation. On-camera and audio presence for broadcast and digital.

· Judgement. Research, sourcing and the habit of verifying facts.

· Craft. Storytelling that works across print, screen and social.

These are the skills recruiters look for in a portfolio. The course builds them through real newsroom and studio work. Because you practise on live bulletins and shows, you build confidence long before your first job interview.

Who Should Study This Degree?

A media degree suits a certain kind of student, so it helps to check the fit.

· You are curious. You are curious about news, people and the world around you.

· You communicate. You like writing, speaking or telling stories.

· You are expressive. You are comfortable on camera, on audio or on a page.

· You want range. You want a creative career with many possible directions.

If that sounds like you, this degree turns those instincts into a profession. The studio training then gives you the proof to get hired. And if you are still exploring, the broad first year lets you sample reporting, digital, radio and PR before you commit.

Why Choose AAFT University for Media?

A few things make this a strong place to study journalism and media.

· A recognised degree. A recognised university degree, offered on a three or four-year Honors track.

· Real infrastructure. An in-house TV studio, radio station and post-production labs.

· Broad training. Training across news, digital, PR and broadcast in one course.

· A known name. Part of the wider AAFT group and its media legacy.

Together, these turn a degree into a real start. You graduate with a portfolio, studio hours and a clear route into media. The Raipur campus also offers a full university experience at a lower cost than the big metros, which matters for many families.

Who Will Teach You?

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication is led by working media educators. You learn from people with real newsroom and teaching experience.

· Faculty. Ms. Ankisha Mishra is an Assistant Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

· Faculty. Ms. Rashmi Priya is an Assistant Professor, supporting students across the media pipeline.

· Industry input. Working media professionals and guest experts support the teaching team.

Because your teachers know the newsroom, the feedback reflects real deadlines and standards. Guest sessions also connect students to people already working in the field.

In Their Own Words

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President, AAFT University, said: “Media has never offered more career paths than it does today. Our students train in real studios, on real newsrooms and shows, from early on. They leave with a portfolio and skills for many media careers. Some report the news, others build digital, PR or content careers. Watching them find their place in the media world is what we are proud of.”

Where Do AAFT University’s Media Graduates Work?

This degree is designed around getting graduates hired, with support running through every year. According to AAFT University, its graduates have joined national and regional news channels, digital newsrooms and communication teams. Live projects and studio work help them reach these roles.

Applying to AAFT University in 2027

Entry is decided by the AAFT Global Entrance Exam (GET) and a personal interview. A 10+2 pass from a recognised board is the basic requirement. Places in the 2027 batch are limited, so applying early on aaft.edu.in helps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope of journalism in 2027?

Wide. Digital media is now India’s largest media segment, and brands hire communicators as well as newsrooms.

What is the salary after BJMC?

Freshers usually start at ₹3–5 LPA, rising with skill and portfolio.

Is there an Honours option?

Yes. The four-year Honours route adds documentary, research and media ethics.

Can I study journalism in Chhattisgarh?

Yes. AAFT University’s Kharora campus near Raipur offers the B.A. and M.A.

About AAFT University

AAFT University in Raipur belongs to the AAFT group, which carries a creative-education legacy of more than 30 years. It focuses on media, arts and design, offering degrees built around industry needs. It is known for tying classroom learning to the working world of news, media and communication.

The journalism degrees run through an in-house TV studio, a radio station and post-production labs. Students learn on the same tools used across the media industry. Experienced faculty teach alongside people working in the media business.

The academic model balances theory with real newsroom and studio work. A dedicated placement cell guides students from the classroom into their first roles. AAFT University stays committed to building industry-ready talent for India’s media economy.

For Admission and Media Inquiries, Contact:

AAFT University

Vill. Manth, Kharora, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 493225, India

Phone: +91-9109112078 / +91-8064057209

Website: www.aaft.edu.in

Sources: FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Report 2026 (March 2026). Salary ranges are industry estimates, not promised outcomes.

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New Delhi [India], October 16: Ruhbaru, a new premium cultural IP created to bring audiences closer to distinctive artists, music and live experiences, will make its debut with Chapter One: The Orchestral Qawwali Project (OQP) this December. Produced by BAE (Before Anyone Else), the experience-first live entertainment platform from ABP Network, and creatively produced by Cultural (Mis)fits, the four-city India tour will bring internationally acclaimed composer Rushil Ranjan and vocalist Abi Sampa home for the first time. India is about to experience qawwali in a way it has never heard before.

Dates:

• 5 December 2026 – Yashobhoomi, Delhi
• 6 December 2026 – Terraform Arena, Bengaluru
• 12 December 2026 – Ramoji Film City
• 13 December 2026 – JW Marriott Sahar, Mumbai

Founded in 2020, The Orchestral Qawwali Project began with a simple but ambitious question: what happens when the spiritual intensity and improvisational freedom of qawwali are given the scale and architecture of an orchestra? The answer has become a distinctive musical language of its own, bringing together qawwali, Western classical, South Asian and Indian classical traditions, alongside classical dance and immersive live performance.

Over the past few years, OQP has travelled from intimate spaces to some of the world’s most respected stages, with sold-out performances at the Royal Albert Hall, Roundhouse, Barbican and Symphony Hall Birmingham. Following their 2024 performance at the Royal Albert Hall, Ranjan and Sampa were named Associate Artists of the institution. Their reimagining of the 700-year-old qawwali Man Kunto Maula has also reached several million viewers online.

Now, the project comes to India.

For Ruhbaru, OQP is more than a first concert. It is the beginning of a larger cultural proposition. Conceived as an anthology, Ruhbaru will remain the constant while each chapter introduces a different artist, sound or tradition. OQP is the first expression of this vision, with future chapters set to explore new artists, sounds and cultural traditions, but always through the same Ruhbaru promise: Sounds that speak to your Ruh/Soul

“Qawwali has always been more than music; it is poetry, devotion and surrender, brought to life through a shared experience. With the Orchestral Qawwali Project, we wanted to honour its timeless essence while giving it a larger, symphonic canvas, bringing international orchestral artists and qawwals together on Indian stages for the first time. At BAE, we’re always looking to create live experiences that feel fresh, meaningful and memorable. This is one such experience, where the soul of qawwali meets the scale of an orchestra, creating something audiences can truly feel.

For Cultural (Mis)fits, the IP Conceivers and the creative producers of Ruhbaru and India’s representatives for OQP, the project marks the first expression of a larger vision for cultural experiences in India.” – Rajat Uppal, Chief Operating Officer – BAE

Speaking about the initiative and the vision behind the new cultural IP, Ishita Chauhan, Founder & CEO, Cultural (Mis)fits, says, “India doesn’t have a shortage of extraordinary music. It has a discovery problem. Too often, artists are defined by the language they sing in, the genre they belong to or the geography they come from, and audiences end up hearing only what is already within their cultural orbit. Ruhbaru is designed to break that pattern; it’s for anyone who feels deeply, regardless of language or musical vocabulary. Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and regional languages; contemporary folk, Sufi, qawwali, devotional, classical, acoustic, indie and cross-genre fusion the common thread is not going to be genre, but the ability to move people. We want to build a platform where exceptional artists can find audiences beyond their obvious ones, and audiences can discover music beyond the boundaries they have inherited. The Orchestral Qawwali Project is our first chapter because it embodies that belief: it takes a deeply rooted musical tradition and allows it to travel across forms, geographies and generations without losing its soul. Bringing it to India is not simply about bringing home a concert, but about introducing audiences to a way of experiencing culture that we hope Ruhbaru will continue to build, chapter after chapter.”

At the heart of this experience are two artists whose collaboration has quietly been reshaping the possibilities of devotional music on the global stage.

Rushil Ranjan is an award-winning composer and producer whose work brings the orchestral and choral traditions of the West into conversation with the devotional and classical music of South Asia. A self-taught composer, he writes across concert music, award-winning dance productions and BAFTA-nominated television and film projects, with work spanning the Edinburgh International Festival, Southbank Centre, Netflix, ITV and Film4. He is an Associate Artist of the Royal Albert Hall, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s first Collaborative Artist and Artistic Partner of Manchester Camerata. As OQP’s co-founder and composer, Ranjan has created a distinctive orchestral world that brings new audiences into concert halls and opens symphonic music to different traditions and communities. His collaboration with A. R. Rahman culminated in a new co-written work performed at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2026 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Voices. Other recent highlights include the world premiere of Ruhaniyat at the Manchester International Festival in 2025. Across these projects, his work combines compositional ambition with a direct emotional language, creating music that is expansive in scale and intimate in its connection with audiences.

Abi Sampa is a qawwal, veena virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist whose extraordinary voice is central to OQP’s identity and emotional power. An Associate Artist of the Royal Albert Hall and co-founder of the project, she brings together the precision of her South Asian classical musicianship with the freedom, intensity and spiritual conviction of qawwali. Her singing moves between delicate, intimate expression and soaring improvisation, giving the project its compelling human centre. The first singer of an Asian classical tradition to appear on The Voice UK, Sampa has gone on to bring devotional music to audiences at some of the UK’s most celebrated concert halls. Her performances with OQP, from the Roundhouse and Barbican to sold-out appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, place her at the forefront of the project’s reimagining of qawwali for the contemporary stage. Both a commanding soloist and a deeply responsive collaborator, she shapes the music through her phrasing, improvisation and interplay with the orchestra. In her voice, the centuries-old poetry of qawwali becomes immediate and personal, drawing listeners into its emotional world across languages and generations.

Together, Ranjan and Sampa have developed an artistic partnership that places a centuries-old devotional tradition in conversation with contemporary orchestral composition, without reducing either to a mere fusion of genres. That distinction is central to OQP. This is not simply qawwali meets orchestra. It is an attempt to create a new musical language : one that allows the spiritual rapture of qawwali to exist within an expansive contemporary orchestral world. The project’s music continues to evolve, with its latest iteration bringing together Ranjan’s orchestral writing, Sampa’s soaring improvisational vocals and Western classical choral music.

The India Tour

After years of building this musical world for audiences across the UK and internationally, Ranjan and Sampa will finally bring it to India across four venues in December 2026:

• 5 December 2026 – Yashobhoomi, Delhi
• 6 December 2026 – Terraform Arena, Bengaluru
• 12 December 2026 – Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
• 13 December 2026 – JW Marriott Sahar, Mumbai

Ruhbaru is built on a simple belief: great music should not be limited by language, genre or geography. It is for people who feel deeply, and for artists whose work deserves to travel further. From Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and regional languages to contemporary folk, Sufi, qawwali, devotional, classical, acoustic, indie and cross-genre fusion, each chapter will create a space for distinctive sounds to find new audiences and for audiences to discover music beyond what they already know. OQP is the first chapter. What comes next will be shaped by other artists, other sounds and other traditions, but always through the same Ruhbaru promise: sounds that speak to your soul.

Tickets available on: District

About Ruhbaru

Ruhbaru is a premium, artist-agnostic cultural IP created to bring thoughtfully curated live cultural experiences to India. Built as an anthology, the platform remains constant while each chapter introduces a different artist, sound or cultural tradition. Beginning with The Orchestral Qawwali Project, Ruhbaru will continue to present new artists and traditions through future chapters, each with its own distinct cultural and creative expression.

About The Orchestral Qawwali Project

Founded in 2020 by composer Rushil Ranjan and vocalist Abi Sampa, The Orchestral Qawwali Project reframes the spiritual rapture of qawwali through full orchestral scores, drawing on Western classical, South Asian and Indian classical traditions alongside classical dance.

The project has performed at sold-out venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Roundhouse, Barbican and Symphony Hall Birmingham, and Ranjan and Sampa were named Royal Albert Hall Associate Artists following their 2024 performance.

About BAE (Before Anyone Else)

BAE (Before Anyone Else) is an experience-first live entertainment and events platform from ABP Network, creating and presenting live experiences for contemporary audiences.

About Cultural (Mis)Fits

Cultural (Mis)fits is building the cultural infrastructure that will connect the counter-mainstream creative economy, its artists, ideas, communities and cultural IP with the audiences, brands, platforms and global networks that can help it move further. Its five verticals: live experiences and cultural IP, artist management, digital media, film and content studio, and merchandise are built to take culture from discovery to experience to scale. As the creative producers of Ruhbaru and India’s representatives for The Orchestral Qawwali Project, CMF brings OQP to India as the first chapter of Ruhbaru, a platform built on a simple belief: culture gets richer when more voices get the space, scale and audience to travel.

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Founded by Vikash Gupta, Three Sixty is renowned for combining artisanal leather techniques with contemporary design aesthetics. The new Banjara Hills space showcases an extensive range of handcrafted genuine leather furniture, including statement Chesterfield sofas, signature bar cabinets, accent chairs, bar stools, and luxury desktop accessories.

“Hyderabad has always had a rich appreciation for heritage, luxury, and detailed craftsmanship,” said Vikash Gupta, Founder of Three Sixty. “Opening our store at The Interior Park, Banjara Hills allows us to bring ‘The Leather Life’ closer to Hyderabad’s discerning audience, offering an immersive environment where customers can feel the rich textures and witness the unmatched quality of our hand-tooled creations firsthand.”

The Hyderabad store features several signature collections, including the brand’s iconic bar trolleys, bespoke trunk furniture, and collaborative lifestyle lines like the House of Glenfiddich x Three Sixty collection. Every piece is crafted in India using premium-grade leather, designed to balance functional luxury with long-lasting durability.

Highlights of the New Hyderabad Store:
● Prime Location: Situated at The Interior Park in Banjara Hills, an established design hub for luxury living.
● Bespoke Furniture & Décor: Curated leather seating, bar units, coffee tables, and lifestyle accents.
● Experiential Retail: Dedicated display areas allowing clients to touch, feel, and customize leather options with expert design consultants on-site.
The new showroom is now open to the public, offering consultation services for residential, commercial, and interior design projects.

The company serves businesses that need tools to communicate with customers, maintain an online presence and manage digital activities. Its range of services covers direct messaging, online promotion and the development of websites, applications and software.

Bulk SMS Remains a Core Service

Bulk SMS is one of the main services offered by IT Digital Grow. It allows organisations to send text messages to large groups of recipients through a messaging platform. Businesses can use this method for service updates, event announcements, customer notifications and other forms of direct communication.

The company lists both one-way and two-way SMS services. One-way messaging allows a business to send information without expecting a reply through the same channel. Two-way messaging supports responses and can help organisations manage customer enquiries.

IT Digital Grow also lists wedding invitation SMS, long-code and short-code messaging, voice call services and interactive voice response (IVR) solutions. These services can support different communication needs, from sending bulk announcements to managing automated phone interactions.

The choice of communication channel depends on the purpose of a campaign, the intended audience and the type of response a business expects. Message delivery, recipient consent and compliance with India’s telecom rules are also important considerations for companies using bulk messaging.

WhatsApp and Email Marketing Add More Communication Options

Beyond SMS, IT Digital Grow offers WhatsApp marketing and bulk email services. Both channels allow businesses to share information with customers, although they serve different communication needs.

WhatsApp can support customer conversations, product enquiries and service updates. Businesses can use it to respond to questions and share relevant information with users who have opted to receive messages. Companies must also follow the platform’s business messaging policies and applicable data protection requirements.

Email marketing offers another way to communicate with customers, particularly when a message needs more detail than a text alert can provide. Businesses may use email to share newsletters, service announcements and product information.

The effectiveness of these channels depends on several factors, including the quality of the contact list, the relevance of the message and the frequency of communication. Sending messages to an appropriate audience is often more useful than focusing only on the number of recipients.

By listing SMS, WhatsApp and email services together, IT Digital Grow addresses different forms of digital communication under one service portfolio.

SEO and Online Promotion Services

IT Digital Grow also provides search engine optimisation (SEO), social media optimisation(SMO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising services.

SEO focuses on improving a website’s visibility in organic search results. This work can include technical website improvements, content updates, keyword research and changes that help search engines understand a site’s pages.

SMO covers a business’s activity across social media platforms. It can include profile management, content publishing and efforts to improve how a brand communicates with its audience. PPC advertising, meanwhile, allows businesses to pay for clicks on online advertisements and reach selected groups of users.

Each method serves a different purpose. SEO can support long-term search visibility, while paid advertising can help a business reach an audience within a set campaign period. Social media provides a separate channel for regular communication and brand updates.

Results vary by industry, competition, budget and execution. Businesses assessing these services may need to review the work included in a package, reporting methods and the measures used to track campaign performance.

Website Design and Software Development

Website design and development form another part of the company’s service offering. IT Digital Grow lists website development, application development and software development on its official website.

For many businesses, a website serves as a central point for company information, product details and customer enquiries. Its design must support clear navigation and work across mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers.

Software and application development address more specific technical needs. Depending on the project, this work may involve building digital tools, supporting internal processes or creating features for customers.

The company states that it has an in-house development team focused on building platforms that are practical to use and technically reliable. Project requirements can differ from one client to another, so the scope, timeline, maintenance terms and support arrangements are relevant when selecting a development provider.

Company History and Business Presence

According to its website, IT Digital Grow began operating under its current brand in 2021 and was previously associated with the IT4INT group. The business is operated by Immense Techie Four International Private Limited.

The company publishes its corporate identification number as U72900UP2020PTC125496. Its website lists contact locations in Sector 4, Vaishali, and Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

Its online platform provides information about its service categories, company background and customer contact options. Visitors can also access support tickets, privacy policies, terms and conditions, and refund and cancellation information.

The company presents its work as a combination of communication services and digital technology. This approach brings together customer outreach, online marketing and website-related requirements within a single business portfolio.

Customer Support and Service Information

ITDigitalGrow lists customer support as part of its operations. Its website provides email contact details and an online ticket submission facility for users who need help with service-related queries.

Support can be relevant for businesses that depend on messaging platforms, marketing campaigns or websites for daily operations. Clear procedures for reporting technical issues and receiving updates can help clients manage service interruptions.

The company also states that it serves corporate customers from different sectors. Its public website, however, does not provide a detailed independent assessment of client satisfaction or campaign outcomes.

Businesses considering a service provider can review its published terms, pricing, data handling practices and support arrangements before making a decision. For messaging services, they may also wish to confirm delivery reporting, sender registration requirements and the process for handling customer opt-outs.

Digital Services in a Changing Business Environment

Businesses in India use several digital channels to reach customers and manage daily operations. Mobile messaging can support quick notifications, email can carry detailed information, and search engines can help potential customers discover products and services.

At the same time, websites and software tools provide the technical base for online business activity. Companies often combine these services according to their budgets, target audiences and business needs.

IT Digital Grow‘s published portfolio covers these areas through bulk messaging, digital marketing, website development and software solutions. The company’s future performance will depend on how well its services meet client requirements, maintain technical standards and comply with changing rules for digital communication.

Further information about IT Digital Grow’s services, business details and contact options is available on its official website, itdigitalgrow.com.

India – Oct. 16, 2026 – Samsung India today announced the winners of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026, with this year’s entries spanning 648 cities across 28 states and seven union territories. At the Grand Finale in New Delhi, four teams won incubation grants totaling ₹2 crore from Samsung to take their technology-led solutions forward.

The winning teams — QuantHunt from Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh; morphism from Raipur, Chhattisgarh; InnoBotix from New Delhi and Somatrace from Hyderabad, Telangana — will also receive mentorship and incubation support at FITT, IIT Delhi, to develop their prototypes towards market-ready solutions, with the potential to evolve into startups of the future.

This year’s finalists in India were selected through a six-month journey that included 184 design thinking workshops across 135 cities, intensive bootcamps, prototype development and pitch evaluations. They presented solutions across four themes: AI Living for India, Health and Education, Sport and Tech and Environmental Sustainability.

Now in its fifth edition in India, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is part of a global programme. Since 2022, around 80,000 students have participated, using science, technology, engineering and mathematics to identify challenges in their communities and develop solutions.

Four winning solutions

AI Living for India: QuantHunt – Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh: An AI-based cybersecurity solution designed to identify encryption vulnerabilities and help organisations prepare their digital systems for emerging quantum-computing risks.

Health and Education: morphism – Raipur, Chhattisgarh: An AI system designed to help autistic individuals better understand emotions by analysing subtle facial expressions and other behavioural signals.

Environmental Sustainability: InnoBotix – New Delhi: Sentinel, a solar-powered AI edge device that uses cameras, radar and seismic data to detect wildlife approaching human settlements and provide early warnings.

Sport and Tech: Somatrace – Hyderabad, Telangana: A wearable IoT training tool that measures spinal angles and load during training to help precision-sport athletes and coaches better understand injury risk.

The Top 20 teams received ₹20 lakh in grants, and each member received a Samsung Galaxy flagship smartphone. The Grand Finale also recognised teams through two Community Choice Awards of ₹1 lakh each and a Digital Impact Award of ₹50,000.

This year’s entries featured human-centred solutions using artificial intelligence, wearable IoT and sustainable design. Over 50% of the ideas came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, demonstrating that innovation is not confined to urban centres and that promising solutions to real-world challenges can emerge from every corner of Bharat.

The finalists received mentorship from Samsung, startup founders and experts from FITT, IIT Delhi to refine their hardware and software prototypes.

“India’s next wave of innovation will depend on how well we connect technology to people’s needs and give young people the opportunity to take ideas from the problems they see to solutions they can test and build. Sustaining that journey strengthens the country’s capacity to innovate and is an important part of nation-building. This year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow finalists have brought curiosity, empathy and purpose to challenges in their communities, applying emerging technologies to real-world problems. As Samsung celebrates 30 years in India, we are proud to support their journey. The four winning teams reflect a confident, inventive Bharat, ready to turn ingenuity into impact,” said Mr. JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung South West Asia.

Partnerships to support the next stage

Samsung has strategic partnerships with United Nations in India, FITT, IIT Delhi, Startup India (DPIIT), MeitY Startup Hub, Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog) and Manthan, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

These partnerships connect young innovators with wider support across India’s startup and innovation ecosystem. Through these collaborations, Samsung is helping build a culture of problem-solving and entrepreneurship, empowering young innovators to transform their ideas into market-ready solutions.

The Grand Finale also featured an Investor Meet for all Top 20 teams. The interaction gave the young innovators an opportunity to engage with the startup and investment ecosystem and explore pathways to take their innovations to the next level.

Distinguished guests at the awards ceremony included Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Technology, Government of India, Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India and Nikhil Agarwal, Managing Director, FITT, IIT Delhi.

“Innovation advances sustainable development when it is guided by inclusion, empathy and a clear understanding of people’s needs. India’s young innovators are at the heart of achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow gives young people the opportunity to have these values frame their solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable future. I congratulate the winners and all participants, and commend Samsung for encouraging young people to engage with the challenges shaping our shared future,” said Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India.

“Science and technology create the greatest value when they address challenges in people’s lives. This year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow finalists have brought that approach to a wide range of issues, from healthcare and sustainability to sports, using curiosity and problem-solving to shape their ideas. Platforms that take young people from identifying a challenge to designing and testing a solution strenghten the ecosystem with a culture of innovation across the country,” said Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

“Innovation takes more than a promising idea; it requires a deep understanding of the user and the discipline to test, refine and scale a solution. This year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow finalists have demonstrated both technological ingenuity and a strong sense of purpose. The next step is to help the winning teams move beyond prototypes towards solutions with measurable impact. I congratulate them and look forward to seeing how they use the incubation support to contribute to India’s startup ecosystem,” said Dr. PS Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub.

The Grand Finale jury comprised Mohan Rao Goli, Managing Director, Samsung R&D Institute India-Bengaluru; KY Roo, Managing Director, Samsung R&D Institute India-Noida; Demian Hyun, Managing Director, Samsung R&D Institute India-Delhi; and Yuran Kim, Managing Director, Samsung Design Delhi. The external jury included Himanshu Joshi, Director, AIM, NITI Aayog; Dr. Srinivasan Venkatraman, Assistant Professor, IIT Delhi; Dr. Sapna Poti, Director, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; and Saurabh Ranjan, Scientist, MeitY.

Through its global CSR vision, “Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People”, Samsung works to expand access to knowledge, skills and resources. In India, its citizenship programmes are guided by “Powering Innovation for India”, supporting young people as they build a better future for their communities.

Mohali, 16 Oct 2026: Bringing together the spirit of Punjabi friendship, humour and the challenges of life away from home, Australian Chhalle, presented by Sidhu Brothers Entertainment in association with SBE Studios, unveiled its trailer at a press conference and media interaction held yesterday. The event brought the team together to introduce the upcoming Punjabi web series and share insights into its concept, characters and creative journey.

Set against the backdrop of Australia, the series explores the experiences of Punjabis navigating a new country, chasing big dreams and facing the everyday ups and downs of life far from their homeland. Blending light-hearted moments with emotional experiences, Australian Chhalle aims to connect with audiences through relatable stories of friendship, relationships, aspirations and belonging.

The media interaction offered journalists an opportunity to engage with the team and learn more about the vision behind the project. The trailer offered a glimpse into the series’ entertaining narrative, vibrant characters and the unique experiences of Punjabis living abroad.

Produced by Jaskaran Sidhu and Balkaran Sidhu, the series is directed by Yaadu Brar. The project is created by Jaskaran Sidhu, who also developed the story idea and concept. Mannjinder Singh has written the series, with Sapinder Shergill as co-writer and Simma Ghuman handling the screenplay. Jaskaran Sidhu also serves as executive producer and casting director.

The ensemble cast features Pukhraj Bhalla, Jass Dhillon, Jaskaran Sidhu, King B Chouhan, Pahulpreet Singh, Jaskaran Grewal, Sammy Gill, Sandeep Singh and several other talented artistes.

Australian Chhalle is set to premiere on 16 October 2026 on the official Sidhu Brothers Entertainment YouTube channel, inviting audiences to experience a journey filled with laughter, emotions, friendship and the pursuit of dreams in a foreign land.

Kolkata, 16th October, 2026: Celebrating the creative use of Expanded Polyethylene (EPE) Foam in Durga Puja pandal decoration, COMFEX – EPE Foam Solutions announced the winners of the COMFEX Durga Puja Innovation Awards 2026, recognising the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation demonstrated by participating Puja committees across Kolkata.

Gurugram (Haryana) [India], October 16: It usually starts at home. A son is preparing for an important exam. A business has had a difficult year. A daughter’s marriage talks keep getting delayed. Someone in the family visits an astrologer, and the advice is simple: wear a Neelam, a Pukhraj, or a Panna.

The hard part begins after that.

In the market, the same “Yellow Sapphire” is offered for a few hundred rupees in one shop and for lakhs in another. One seller says the stone is “fully natural”. Another says ratti matters more than carat. A third quotes a rate that seems to change with every question. The family walks out with a stone, a small paper slip, and a quiet doubt that never fully goes away: Is this real? Did we pay the right price?

Ravi Kapoor, who founded Tushar Gems in Gurugram in 1998, says that doubt is the most common thing he sees in the gemstone trade.

“For many families, a gemstone is not shopping. It is hope,” he says. “They are buying it for a child, for a parent, for a new beginning. That is exactly why they deserve to know what they are buying.”

Why gemstones confuse even careful buyers

Gold has a hallmark. A gemstone has no stamp on it. To an untrained eye, a natural stone, a heated or filled stone, a lab-made stone and coloured glass can look almost the same. Prices depend on origin, colour, clarity, weight and treatment — details most buyers are never told.

Kapoor started in this trade with no family business behind him, and he says those early years taught him how much of the market ran on trust alone. “People were not asking for proof because nobody had told them they could,” he says.

Five questions that protect your money and your faith

Kapoor’s advice is not about which stone to wear. It is about how to buy any stone with your eyes open.

1. “Is there a lab certificate?” A stone of value should come with a report from a recognised gemmological laboratory, carrying a report number, weight, measurements and a photograph.
2. “Can I check it myself?” Enter the report number on the laboratory’s website. The photo, weight and colour must match the stone in your hand. “If a seller hesitates here, that hesitation is your answer,” Kapoor says.
3. “Is it treated or untreated?” Heating sapphires and oiling emeralds are common worldwide and not wrong in themselves. Hiding it is. An untreated stone and a treated one are not the same purchase, and the price should show that.
4. “What is the weight in carat and in ratti?” Labs certify in carats; many astrologers prescribe in ratti. The stone, the certificate and the bill should all show the same weight.
5. “Where is the printed price and the bill?” A fixed MRP and a proper invoice protect you if you ever need to return or resell the stone.

Three beliefs worth letting go

“A bigger stone works better.” Size is a matter of weight and budget, not a measure of quality.

“A stone without a certificate is more traditional.” Tradition and verification are not opposites. A certificate only tells you what the stone is.

“If it is expensive, it must be genuine.” Price without proof is just a number.

Knowledge, not promises

What stands out in Kapoor’s approach is what he refuses to say. He does not promise that a stone will bring wealth, cure an illness or fix a problem.

“I cannot promise what a stone will do for you, and nobody honestly can,” he says. “What I can promise is that what you wear is exactly what you paid for — natural if we say natural, treated if it is treated, and certified so you can check it yourself.”

That thinking shapes how Tushar Gems works today. Natural gemstones are sold with lab certificates, stones certified by IIGJ Research & Laboratories under GJEPC India are clearly marked, treated and untreated stones are kept separate, and prices are printed. In 2025 the company launched Gemwix, sealed-pack gemstones in Classic, Premium and Luxury ranges, so that buyers anywhere in India can get the same standard. The Gurugram store also offers a free kundli consultation with no obligation to buy.

Faith deserves honesty

Kapoor, who is also a TEDx speaker, an author and the host of the Founder Journey Podcast, often returns to one idea when he talks about his 28 years in the trade.

“When a mother buys a stone for her child, she is trusting two things — her astrologer, and the person selling her that stone,” he says. “I cannot answer for the first. For the second, she should never have to wonder.”

His advice for anyone buying a gemstone this festive season is short: ask questions, check the certificate, and buy from someone who welcomes both.

About Tushar Gems Founded in 1998 by Ravi Kapoor, Tushar Gems and Jewellery Pvt Ltd is a Gurugram-based gemstone house offering natural, lab-certified gemstones, Rudraksha and handcrafted gemstone jewellery. It created Gemwix, positioned as India’s first dedicated gemstone brand, with sealed, MRP-priced packs in Classic, Premium and Luxury ranges. Stores: Gold Souk Mall, Sector 43, Gurugram, and Karol Bagh, New Delhi. Website: tushargems.com · Founder profile: tushargems.com/pages/ravi-kapoor

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New Delhi [India], October 16: A grand gathering of astrologers, occult experts, spiritual practitioners and distinguished achievers celebrates knowledge, excellence and collaboration.

The Crazy Tales successfully organised the Astrology and Occult Summit 2026 at Radisson Blu, Dwarka, New Delhi, bringing together renowned astrologers, numerologists, tarot card readers, Vastu consultants, metaphysical experts and spiritual practitioners from diverse disciplines.

The summit commenced with an auspicious Ganesh Vandana, followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony attended by distinguished guests and panelists, marking the beginning of a day dedicated to wisdom, learning and professional collaboration.

The programme featured a keynote address by Dr.IshaKaur, Tarot Science Specialist, who shared her expertise and perspectives on tarot and its applications. This was followed by an engaging fireside chat between Vijay Kumar, an expert in advanced astrology, NadiVastu and paranormal subjects, and Amrita Kar, Founder –The Crazy Tales.

The conversation explored the intersection of astrology, spirituality and paranormal studies, offering an opportunity for the audience to gain insights from experienced practitioners.

Distinguished Guests and Esteemed Panelists

The summit welcomed an accomplished group of professionals representing different branches of astrology and occult sciences.

The distinguished panelists and speakers included:

• Dr. Sanjiv Chandorikar — Vedic Astrologer
• Vaishali Gargg Jain — Numerologist
• Dr. Shreya Ghosh — Metaphysical Occult Reader
• Veronica Verma — Tarot and Occult Science Expert
• Ridhima Sehgal — Vedic Astrology Expert
• Acharya Nehha B — Expert in Vedic Astrology and Horoscope Analysis
• Acharya Shri Sharath Sharma — Vedic Purohit and Yagnacharya
• Vijay Kumar — Expert in Advanced Astrology, Nadi Vastu and Paranormal Studies
• Dr. Isha Kaur — Tarot Science Specialist
• Prachi Mishra — Tarot Card Reader and Poetess

The event was also graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. H. S. Rawat, recognised for his contribution to astrology in media and television; Manvender Singh Rawat, associated with Vedic astrology, media and public outreach; Dr.Urvashi Mittal, Founder of Flask Club; Jitendra Mani Tripathi (IPS), DCP and President of the Security Cell; Col. RKPS Sidodiya, Chief Guest.

. Vishal Ahuja– Founder, Mandir Designer was also associated with the event as a supporting partner.

Two Insightful Panel Discussions

One of the major highlights of the summit was the organisation of two panel discussions featuring experts from multiple astrological and spiritual modalities. The discussions brought together Vedic astrologers, numerologists, tarot practitioners, metaphysical occult experts and traditional spiritual practitioners.

The panelists shared their professional experiences, discussed their respective approaches and explored the evolving relevance of astrology and occult sciences. The sessions encouraged an exchange of perspectives among practitioners and offered attendees opportunities to learn from established experts across different disciplines.

Awards and Felicitation Ceremony

The summit culminated in a grand Awards and Felicitation Ceremony celebrating the dedication, expertise and contributions of professionals across astrology, numerology, Vastu, tarot, Reiki, energy healing and related disciplines.

The award recipients and their respective categories included:

1. Dr. Sanjiv Chandorikar — Jyotish Ratna – Excellence in Vedic Astrology 2026
2. Vikas Sharmma — Excellence in Business Vastu and Space Planning 2026
3. Abhishek Guru — Best Astro-Numerologist for Childbirth and Education Guidance 2026
4. Dr. Konika Kansal — Excellence in Advanced Tarot Reading 2026
5. Hiimaani Malhotra — Best Vastu Consultant for Residential Spaces 2026
6. L. Muniswara Sastry — Excellence in Advanced Vedic Astrology 2026
7. Acharya Debbraj Kumbhakar — Excellence in Residential, Office and Industrial Vastu 2026
8. Sargam Gupta — Excellence in Intuitive Tarot Reading 2026
9. Priyanka Pramanick — Excellence in Vedic Astrology 2026
10. Prajakta Milind Ahirrao — Excellence in Vedic Astrology and Numerology 2026
11. J. K. Sachdeva — Excellence in Advanced Vedic Astrology 2026
12. Dr. Parvesh Kumar — Excellence in Reiki and Energy Healing 2026
13. Paramjyotika Sanjay — Excellence in Remedial Vedic Astrology 2026
14. Deepak Brave — Best Vedic Astrology Consultant 2026
15. Hemant Madhayan — Emerging Excellence in Intuitive Sciences 2026 (Tarot and Numerology)
16. Arjun Soni — Gems Science – Gemologist
17. V. S. Nageshwaran — Best Vedic Astrology Excellence Award 2026

Special thanks to Vishal Ahuja– from the Mandir Designers ,who supported our Event, and Urvashi Mittal ji As Community Partner from the Flask Club

The awards recognised the diverse talents and specialisations of practitioners and highlighted the breadth of expertise within the astrology and occult community.

A Commitment to Excellence and Community Building

Through the Astrology and Occult Summit 2026, The Crazy Tales continued its endeavour to provide a platform for experienced practitioners, emerging professionals and distinguished experts to connect, share knowledge and receive

About The Crazy Tales

The Crazy Tales is a platform dedicated to creating engaging events, summits, award ceremonies and storytelling initiatives that bring together professionals, communities and industry leaders. Through its events and collaborations, the organisation works to celebrate achievements, encourage meaningful conversations and create opportunities for networking and recognition.

Event Details

• Event: Astrology and Occult Summit 2026
• Organiser: The Crazy Tales
• Date: 11 October 2026
• Venue: Radisson Blu, Dwarka, New Delhi

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: National award-winning, 8th-generation Kathak exponent Dr. Vinod Hasal, who took Kathak to South Africa in the Nelson Mandela era, invites Mumbai to leave all its stress behind at a bhakti jam with 500 drums, a djembe for every seat and loved voices from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Bigg Boss and Bollywood, with proceeds going towards ISKCON Kharghar’s new auditorium.

Imagine an auditorium where nobody is a spectator… five hundred drums, one in every pair of hands, beating in perfect sync as the entire hall chants the holy name alongside some of the most loved voices from Indian Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Bigg Boss and Bollywood. That is the promise of Maha Bhakti Rhythm Yatra, billed as India’s first-ever 500-drum bhakti jamming experience, which opens at ISKCON Juhu in Mumbai on 24th October 2026 and runs across four weekends till 22nd November 2026.

Conceptualised and led by Dr. Vinod Hasal, the 8th-generation Jaipur Gharana Kathak exponent, National Hind Ratna Awardee, Zee TV Sa Re Ga Ma Pa jury member and Director of Drum Cafe India, the event brings together the devotion of a traditional kirtan, the energy of today’s bhajan-clubbing wave and the interactive drumming format Dr. Hasal pioneered in India way back in 2007.

“Young people are being drawn back to the holy name through bhajan jamming, and that itself is beautiful,” says Dr. Vinod Hasal. “We wanted to give them something that makes them stop and say, ‘Wait, I’m not just in the audience, I’m an artist too!’ At Maha Bhakti Rhythm Yatra, everyone gets their own drum and channels their inner bhakti while chanting the Lord’s name. This event isn’t just about singing and dancing; it’s about being one with the divine. One beat, one rhythm, one purpose.”

Every seat comes with a djembe, the West African hand drum, and no prior experience is needed. The Drum Cafe India team teaches the audience on the spot, and within the first five minutes even first-timers are playing in rhythm with the artists on stage. “Everything starts with chaos. There is an artist in everybody, so when you hand 500 people a drum each, they all start banging away,” Dr. Hasal laughs. “But once everyone starts listening, every soul begins to resonate as one, and the stress you walked in with simply falls away. I have seen it happen at every performance, from Fortune 500 boardrooms to temple courtyards.”

Joining him on stage is a star-studded line-up that spans generations and genres, including Vinodini Hasal Oberoi, the Jaipurwale father-son duo Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale and Sudeep Jaipurwale, whose forefathers were gurus to the Mangeshkar family, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa juror Padma Wadkar, Debojit Saha, Arpita Mukherjee, Vaishali Mhade, Hamsika Iyer, Vaishnavi Shriram, Arvinder Singh, Siddharth Dey, Pawni Pandey, Shivani Vaswani, Ghansham Vaswani, Bhavya Pundit, Sumedha Karmahe, Aasa Singh, Nirvaan Birla, DJ Mehul Panwar, Hiten Panwar, Faiz Mustafa, Kunal Pundit, Pradeep Pundit, Hrishikesh J Chury and Girish Vishwa.

The event is helmed by Drum Cafe India, which traces its roots to Drum Cafe, born in early-1990s Johannesburg when Warren Lieberman invited Dr. Hasal to the weekend jam sessions he hosted at home. One day, a group of executives in suits joined in, and three hours later, their ties were off and they were dancing. There was no looking back from there. With Lieberman as founder and Dr. Hasal among its founding members, Drum Cafe grew into what is today regarded as the world’s leading interactive drumming company, present in 28 countries and trusted by Fortune 500 companies for team building. Dr. Hasal brought it to India in 2007 and gave it an Indian soul with kanjiras and Indian percussion, built around a simple motto – unite, uplift and inspire the person sitting next to you.

Dr. Hasal’s own journey reads like a film script. After years of struggling to find stages at home, the state and national gold medallist was invited by ISKCON to perform at its Ratha Yatra festival, a performance that took him abroad and landed him in South Africa just as apartheid was ending and Nelson Mandela walked free. There, he took Kathak into the African townships, teaching over 5,000 Black South African students; his protégé Bryan Sekeko became the world’s first African classical Kathak dancer, and Zindzi Mandela was among his university students. In 1992, he performed the opening act at the First World Hindu Conference in Durban, where, he recalls, Mandela told the gathering, “You Indians gave South Africa Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the advocate. We gave you back the Mahatma.” “I quote that wherever I go,” shares Dr. Hasal. His work earned him the Hind Ratna Award in 2003, presented by then President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

It is this debt to ISKCON that gives this event its larger purpose. A part of the sale proceeds from the event will go towards a new 1,200-seat auditorium at the ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, a space meant to give deserving young artists from Maharashtra and across India the stage Dr. Hasal once struggled to find. In doing so, the event hopes to build a brighter India, where every section of society can connect with its cultural roots, regardless of means.

And Mumbai is only the beginning. Dr. Hasal plans to take the event from 500 to 10,000 drums and beyond. “Life itself is a yatra,” he says. “The idea is to make this as big as possible. Sky is the limit,” concludes Dr. Hasal.

Maha Bhakti Rhythm Yatra will be held at ISKCON Juhu, Mumbai, across four weekends: 24th-25th October, 31st October-1st November, 14th-15th November and 21st-22nd November 2026.

Tickets on BookMyShow: https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/maha-bhakti-rhythm-yatra/ET00520137

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New Delhi [India], October 16: Author and Bureaucrat, Shubhra Saxena launched her book, ‘It Matters A Lot ‘, published by Rupa Publications, at the India Habitat Center on 16th October 2026. The event was attended by Mr. Gurcharan Das, Author and Former CEO of Procter & Gamble India; Mr. Pavan K. Verma, Author, Former Diplomat & Former MP, Rajya Sabha; Prof. Kusum Lata Kedia, Author and Former Director, Gandhi Vidya Sansthan, Varanasi; Ms. Abha Sharma, Author & Life Coach; and Dr. Shweta Mathur Lall, Author & Senior Consultant, Apollo Hospitals.

Featuring a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, ‘It Matters A Lot’ explores the experiences, relationships and choices that shape people through different stages of life. From childhood and adolescence to adulthood, midlife and old age, the book examines how family, upbringing, social expectations, ambition, success, failure, love and loss influence the way people see themselves and the world around them.

The book encourages readers to question assumptions they may have accepted without reflection. Is success the same as fulfilment? How much of what we pursue is genuinely our own choice? What does it mean to live well when life does not unfold as expected?

Each chapter concludes with questions designed to help readers reflect on their own experiences, beliefs and decisions. Rather than offering a set formula for happiness or success, the book creates space for readers to understand themselves more deeply and consider how they wish to live.

At its heart, ‘It Matters A Lot’ explores the connection between self-awareness and conscious living. By recognising the thoughts, emotions and patterns that shape our actions, readers are invited to make more considered choices and respond to life with greater clarity. The book also considers how self-understanding can nurture empathy, compassion and a stronger sense of responsibility towards others.

In a world marked by constant stimulation and distraction, Saxena’s book offers readers an opportunity to pause and reflect on what gives their lives meaning. It presents conscious living as a continuing journey, one that begins with understanding oneself and extends to the way one relates to other people and the wider world.

Shubhra Saxena added, “Through ‘It Matters A Lot’, I hope to encourage readers to pause and reflect on the lives they are living. Greater self-understanding can help us make more conscious choices, approach others with empathy and discover what truly matters to us.”

‘It Matters A Lot’ is authored by Shubhra Saxena, features a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and is published by Rupa Publications.

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M3M Group family members with M3M Foundation team and We are One dance group members

 Gurugram (Haryana) [India], October 16: M3M Foundation celebrated seven years of its social impact journey, bringing together the leadership of M3M Group, more than 60 implementation partners, 100+ NGOs from across India, government representatives, community leaders, celebrated sportspersons and beneficiaries. The event named ‘Abhyuday’, marked the culmination of Manthan 3.0, a three-day collaborative workshop focused on dialogue, programme review, cross-sector convergence and a shared vision for sustainable community development.

The celebration was graced by M3M Group family members, Shri Basant Bansal, Chairman; Shri Roop Bansal, Director; Shri Pankaj Bansal, Promoter; Smt. Aishwarya Bansal, Promoter; and Dr. Payal Kanodia, Promoter, M3M Group and Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation and Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India, along with the Local Leaders. The gathering also included TB doctors, and more than 100+ PRI Members, including sarpanches, ward councillors, and villagers.

Beneficiaries from across India, representing regions from Nubra Valley, Ladakh to Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, and from Rajasthan to Assam, joined the gathering, bringing together stories of community development, opportunity and aspiration.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Promoter, M3M Group and Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, and Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India, said, “It fills me with immense happiness and pride to see how the M3M Foundation family has grown, reaching over 21 states, three Union Territories and 1,300+ villages. But beyond these numbers, what truly touches my heart is the lives we have impacted, the dreams we have helped nurture and the communities we have grown with. For me, this journey is not just about how far we have reached, but about the difference we have made in people’s lives.”

Preceding Abhyuday, Manthan 3.0 brought together 60+ implementation partners of M3M Foundation for three days of interactive workshops and collaborative discussions under the theme “Samvad, Sameeksha aur Avlokan” (Dialogue, Review and Reflection), focusing on programme review, cross-sector convergence and a shared vision for the future. The engagement culminated in Abhyuday, celebrating seven years of collective efforts towards meaningful and sustainable social impact.

The celebration also witnessed the launch of M3M Group’s Designing Spaces: Building Communities. Transforming Lives., a corporate catalogue unveiled by members of the M3M Group family, showcasing the Group’s work across architecture, engineering and social impact, with a focus on building sustainable spaces and transforming communities.

The sporting fraternity was represented by Yogeshwar Dutt, renowned wrestler; Sanjeeva Singh, renowned archery coach; Puja Tomar, UFC mixed martial arts athlete; Tenzin Dolma, ultrarunner; and Kamya Bhardwaj, emerging open-water swimmer, alongside other athletes and scholars associated with the Foundation’s Lakshya sports scholarship programme.

Infrastructure Corporate catalogue unveiled by M3M Group family members

A key highlight of Abhyuday was the presentation of 50+ awards recognising outstanding stakeholders and partners across various categories, honouring their contributions, commitment and role in advancing M3M Foundation’s development initiatives. The awards ceremony acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind the Foundation’s journey and celebrated the organisations and individuals working on the ground to create meaningful change across communities.

The programme featured performances by Kamlesh Patel and the We Are One Dance Group, a showcase by para-dancers, a gymnastics performance by Lakshya scholars, classical singing and dance by children from Kutumb, Banaras, and a skit presented by iMpower children. The performances celebrated inclusion, cultural heritage and the talent nurtured through the Foundation’s initiatives.

Since its establishment in 2019, M3M Foundation has worked across education, healthcare, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, arts and sports through its flagship programmes, including iMpower, Saakshar, Sarvoday, Kartavya, VanJeevan, Sankalp, Kaushal Sambal, Lakshya and Mashaal Fellowship. Its journey from a single community initiative to a nationwide development network reflects the role of sustained partnerships and grassroots engagement in expanding opportunities and strengthening communities.

With the culmination of Manthan 3.0 at Abhyuday, M3M Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative action, deeper community engagement and sustainable social impact as it enters the next chapter of its journey.

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 21 states and 4 Union Territories and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
brandtalkeez@gmail.com 

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New Delhi [India], October 16: Legal proceedings can become challenging when a case is filed in a court far from where one of the parties lives or when attending hearings creates significant practical difficulties. In such situations, a transfer petition may provide a legal remedy, subject to the applicable law and the circumstances of the case. Transfer petitions before the Supreme Court of India are particularly relevant in certain civil disputes, including matrimonial matters in which spouses live in different states.

Understanding how transfer petitions work, when they may be filed, and what factors the court considers can help individuals make informed decisions. For people dealing with divorce proceedings, family disputes, or other eligible cases, seeking guidance from a qualified lawyer or advocate familiar with Supreme Court procedures can be an important step.

What Is a Transfer Petition in the Supreme Court?

A transfer petition is an application requesting that a case be moved from one court to another. The request may arise when a party believes that continuing proceedings in the existing court would cause substantial inconvenience, create practical difficulties, or raise other legally relevant concerns.

The Supreme Court of India has the authority to transfer certain civil cases between courts in different states under Section 25 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. The court exercises this power according to the law and the specific facts presented before it. Other transfer requests may fall under different statutory provisions, depending on the nature of the proceedings.

A transfer is not automatic simply because one party finds the existing location inconvenient. The applicant generally needs to explain the circumstances supporting the request and provide relevant documents. The court considers the interests of justice and other applicable factors before reaching a decision.

Individuals seeking information about the filing process can refer to this guide on filing a transfer petition in the Supreme Court of India.

Why Are Transfer Petitions Filed in Matrimonial Disputes?

Matrimonial disputes are among the situations in which transfer petitions may become relevant. After a marriage breaks down, spouses may live in different cities or states. Divorce proceedings, maintenance applications, and other family-related cases can therefore involve travel, financial expenses, work commitments, childcare responsibilities, and other practical concerns.

For example, one spouse may initiate divorce proceedings in a city where the other spouse no longer resides. Attending hearings may require repeated long-distance travel and time away from employment or family responsibilities. In appropriate circumstances, the affected party may consider seeking a transfer of the proceedings.

However, the decision depends on the facts of each case. Courts may examine the circumstances of both parties, the stage of the proceedings, the nature of the dispute, and the practical implications of transferring the matter. The court’s objective is to determine whether a transfer is justified under the applicable law, rather than simply accepting one party’s preference.

A person considering a transfer divorce case application in the Supreme Court should first understand which court has jurisdiction and which legal provision applies to the particular proceeding.

Transfer of Divorce Cases in the Supreme Court

A divorce case may involve several procedural and personal considerations when spouses live in different locations. In some cases, a transfer petition is filed to request that proceedings be moved to a court that is more suitable under the circumstances.

Before filing, the applicant should gather information about the existing case, including the court where it is pending, the case number, the parties involved, the nature of the proceedings, and the reasons for requesting a transfer. Supporting documents may include copies of relevant court orders, pleadings, residence details, and other evidence relevant to the grounds raised.

The application must satisfy the procedural requirements applicable to the matter. The other party may also have an opportunity to respond, and the court will decide the request based on the record and applicable legal principles.

People searching online for the “best transfer petition lawyer” or “transfer petition advocate in the Supreme Court” should focus on professional qualifications, experience with relevant proceedings, and familiarity with filing requirements. Clear communication about the likely process, documentation, costs, and limitations can also help clients understand what to expect.

Transfer of Matrimonial Cases: Factors Courts May Consider

A transfer matrimonial case application may involve more than one practical concern. Courts assess the circumstances presented by the parties rather than relying on a single universal rule.

Relevant considerations may include:

• The distance between the parties’ places of residence and the court where the case is pending.
• The financial and practical difficulties associated with attending hearings.
• Childcare responsibilities or other circumstances affecting a party’s ability to participate in proceedings.
• The stage of the existing case and the effect a transfer could have on its progress.
• The convenience of both parties and the interests of justice.
• Any other circumstances relevant under the applicable law.

These factors do not guarantee that a transfer will be granted. Each application is assessed on its own merits, and the court may consider additional issues depending on the nature of the proceedings.

Legal advice can help applicants understand which facts are relevant and how to present them accurately. It can also help prevent unnecessary delays caused by incomplete documentation or procedural errors.

Who Is the Best Transfer Petition Lawyer?

There is no single lawyer who can be described as the best choice for every transfer petition. The appropriate advocate depends on the nature of the case, the applicable law, the lawyer’s experience, and the needs of the individual seeking assistance.

When evaluating a transfer petition lawyer for a Supreme Court matter, individuals may consider the advocate’s professional qualifications, experience handling similar applications, familiarity with Supreme Court filing procedures, and ability to explain legal options clearly.

It is also useful to ask about the expected documentation, procedural steps, professional fees, and possible timelines. A responsible legal professional should explain that the outcome depends on the facts and the court’s assessment rather than promising a particular result.

People often use both “lawyer” and “advocate” when searching online for legal assistance. Searches such as “best transfer petition lawyer,” “transfer petition advocate in Supreme Court,” and “lawyer for transfer of divorce case” reflect different ways of describing a similar need for legal guidance.

Individuals can explore legal information through Caveat India and review the legal services information available through TAPS9. Before engaging any professional, users should independently verify qualifications, enrolment, relevant experience, and the scope of the services offered.

Understanding the Supreme Court Filing Process

Filing a transfer petition involves identifying the appropriate legal provision, preparing the application, assembling supporting documents, and complying with applicable court rules.

The precise procedure varies according to the type of case and the law under which the transfer is sought. An advocate may review the case documents, identify the grounds being relied upon, prepare the necessary pleadings, and guide the applicant through filing and subsequent procedural requirements.

Accuracy is important throughout this process. The facts stated in the application should be supported by available records, and all required documents should be prepared according to the applicable rules. Applicants should also understand that filing an application does not mean the requested relief will automatically be granted.

The time required for a decision can vary depending on the case, procedural requirements, the court’s schedule, and whether further responses or hearings are necessary. Applicants should seek case-specific guidance rather than relying on general estimates as a guarantee.

What Is a Caveat in the Supreme Court?

A caveat is a procedural safeguard that allows a person who anticipates an application affecting their interests to request an opportunity to be heard before the court passes certain orders, where the relevant law provides for it.

Under Section 148A of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, a caveat may be relevant in eligible civil proceedings. The provision sets out requirements concerning the caveat, including notice to the person expected to make the application and the caveator’s entitlement to receive notice of the application.

A caveat does not decide the underlying dispute, nor does it guarantee that the court will reject the opposing party’s request. Its purpose is to help ensure that the caveator has an opportunity to participate in the relevant proceedings in accordance with the law.

Whether a caveat is appropriate in a particular Supreme Court matter depends on the nature of the anticipated application, the applicable legal provisions, and the relevant court rules. Individuals should obtain professional advice to determine the correct procedure and the duration or renewal requirements, if applicable.

People looking for information about a caveat in the Supreme Court should also distinguish between filing a caveat and filing a transfer petition. These are different procedural steps and serve different purposes, even though both may arise in connection with ongoing or anticipated litigation.

Documents and Preparation Before Seeking Legal Assistance

Preparation can help make a legal consultation more productive. A person considering a transfer petition may wish to keep copies of the existing case papers, relevant orders, details of the court where the case is pending, and documents that explain the circumstances supporting the request.

In matrimonial matters, information about the parties’ current residences, employment, travel difficulties, dependent children, and other relevant circumstances may be useful where applicable. The documents required will depend on the case and the legal grounds being raised.

For a caveat, the person should provide details of the anticipated proceedings and the relevant parties so that a lawyer can determine the appropriate filing requirements.

Individuals should share accurate information with their legal representative and retain copies of filed documents and acknowledgements. They should also clarify professional fees and the expected scope of legal services before proceeding.

Transfer of Criminal Cases in the Supreme Court

Transfer petitions may also be filed in certain criminal cases when circumstances justify moving proceedings from one court to another under the applicable law. The Supreme Court of India has the power to transfer criminal cases and appeals under Section 446 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, subject to the relevant legal requirements. Factors such as the interests of justice, a fair trial, and circumstances affecting the proper conduct of proceedings may be relevant. Since criminal transfer petitions involve specific procedural requirements, individuals should consult a qualified advocate to understand the appropriate legal remedy for their case.

The Importance of Informed Legal Decisions

Transfer petitions and caveats are important procedural mechanisms, but they should be considered in the context of the applicable law and the facts of each matter. A transfer request may help address legitimate difficulties in attending court proceedings, while a caveat may help a person seek an opportunity to be heard before certain orders are passed.

Neither procedure guarantees a particular outcome. Courts make decisions based on the relevant legal provisions, the material placed before them, and the circumstances of each case.

For individuals navigating divorce proceedings, matrimonial disputes, or other eligible civil matters, understanding the difference between available legal remedies is an important starting point. Consulting a qualified advocate with relevant experience can help clarify the process, identify necessary documents, and explain the options available under Indian law.

As access to legal information continues to expand online, individuals should evaluate information carefully, verify professional credentials, and seek advice tailored to their circumstances before taking legal action.

Contact for Free Legal Information

For free legal information, contact Advocate Tapan Choudhury.
Email: tapsash@gmail.com
Mobile: 9873628941

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee any outcome. Legal procedures and remedies depend on the facts of each case; readers should consult a qualified advocate for case-specific guidance.

Geneva [Switzerland], October 16: Cotecna, a leading provider of Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) services, today announced the acquisition of Energon Labs, a cGMP-compliant, USFDA-inspected, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 certified analytical testing laboratory based in Hyderabad, India.

The acquisition strengthens Cotecna’s global Life Sciences platform and expands its pharmaceutical testing capabilities across the Pharmaceutical, Biopharmaceutical, Medical Device, and Packaging sectors. Serving customers across India, the United States, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, Energon is recognized for its scientific excellence, regulatory expertise, and commitment to quality.

Strategically located in Hyderabad, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology hubs, Energon provides Cotecna with access to highly specialized scientific talent, advanced laboratory infrastructure, and a well-established pharmaceutical ecosystem. India is also one of the world’s fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets and a critical manufacturing hub for global healthcare supply chains.

The acquisition enhances Cotecna’s ability to support both Indian and international customers with high-quality, regulatory-compliant testing services while delivering greater responsiveness, scalability, and operational efficiency across key markets.

The addition of Energon further complements Cotecna’s growing pharmaceutical testing network, which includes Cotecna Life Sciences, Shiva Analyticals and Neotron Pharma. Together, these capabilities strengthen the Group’s ability to support customers throughout the product lifecycle and address evolving global quality, compliance and regulatory requirements.

Energon offers a comprehensive portfolio of analytical testing and quality assurance services, including analytical method development and validation, stability studies, impurity profiling, extractables and leachables, glass delamination studies, peptides and oligonucleotide characterisation, raw material and finished product testing, in-vitro binding studies, packaging compatibility studies, and regulatory support services. These capabilities will further strengthen Cotecna’s position as a trusted partner to pharmaceutical manufacturers serving regulated markets worldwide.

Sébastien Dannaud, Chief Executive Officer of Cotecna Group, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Energon Labs to the Cotecna Group. This acquisition represents another important step to support our ambition to become one of the largest providers of Life Sciences testing services in India, and strengthens our position in one of the world’s most important pharmaceutical markets.”

Amit Chopra, CEO South Asia and Middle East, Cotecna Group, added: “I am delighted to welcome Manikanth Reddy and the talented team of Energon Labs to the Cotecna group. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of building a comprehensive pharmaceutical testing ecosystem across key growth markets. Energon’s strong technical capabilities, experienced team, and established customer relationships will enhance our ability to serve pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device companies across India and globally. Together, we are creating a stronger platform to support the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. “

Manikanth Reddy, Founder, Energon, said: “Joining the Cotecna Group opens an exciting new chapter for Energon Labs. Over the years, we have focused on building a laboratory recognized for quality, scientific expertise, and reliability. Becoming part of a global organization like Cotecna provides new opportunities to expand our capabilities, strengthen our service offerings, and deliver even greater value to our customers. Our team remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of analytical excellence while supporting the continued growth of the life sciences industry.”

About Energon Labs

Energon Labs is a cGMP-compliant, USFDA-inspected, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 certified analytical testing laboratory located in Hyderabad, India. The company provides comprehensive analytical testing, quality assurance, and regulatory support services to pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, medical device, and packaging industries, serving customers across India, the United States, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.

About Cotecna

Founded in Switzerland in 1974, Cotecna is a leading provider of Testing, Inspection and Certification services. With operations in more than 55 countries, Cotecna helps clients ensure quality, safety, compliance and sustainability across global supply chains. The Group serves customers across agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, minerals and metals, consumer products, certification and ESG services through a worldwide network of experts, laboratories and technical specialists.

For more information, please contact:
Nitin Rane
+91-22-42188000
Nitin.RANE@cotecna.co.in

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Reported 5.10 crore share bulk deal at ₹14.43 adds fresh excitement to PC Jeweller’s debt-free transformation and improving growth outlook.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: PC Jeweller Ltd is emerging as one of the closely watched turnaround stories in India’s jewellery sector, with fresh investor attention following reports that Aditya Kumar Halwasiya, associated with Cupid Ltd, purchased 5.10 crore shares worth approximately ₹73.59 crore* through a bulk deal.

The reported transaction, executed at an average price of ₹14.43 per share, comes at a crucial time for PC Jeweller as the company moves beyond financial restructuring and focuses on rebuilding growth momentum.

Aditya Kumar Halwasiya’s Reported Entry Adds Fresh Momentum

The reported acquisition has attracted attention because of both its substantial size and its timing.

A ₹73.59 crore equity purchase is a notable transaction, particularly in a company undergoing a major financial transformation.

Halwasiya’s association with Cupid Ltd adds to investor interest, while PC Jeweller’s recent developments provide a potentially compelling backdrop for the transaction.

Although the reported bulk deal does not establish the investor’s long-term intentions, it brings additional visibility to the company’s recovery story.

From Debt Restructuring to Debt-Free Growth

One of the biggest developments for PC Jeweller has been its reported achievement of debt-free status after repaying outstanding bank borrowings ahead of schedule.

This milestone could fundamentally change how investors assess the company’s financial position.

With reduced financing obligations, PC Jeweller may benefit from greater financial flexibility, improved earnings potential, and an increased ability to fund business growth.

For a company that has spent years navigating financial challenges, the completion of bank-debt repayment represents an important turning point.

Strong Revenue Momentum Reinforces the Recovery

PC Jeweller’s operational performance has also shown encouraging signs.

The company reported approximately 28% year-on-year consolidated revenue growth in the second quarter of FY27, alongside the recovery of approximately ₹142 crore in outstanding export receivables.

These developments suggest that the recovery narrative is supported by improving business activity rather than financial restructuring alone.

The combination of revenue growth, lower financing obligations, and improved working-capital recovery could strengthen the company’s earnings outlook if sustained.

Could PC Jeweller Be Entering a Valuation Re-Rating Phase?

Investors often reassess a company’s valuation when its financial risk declines and earnings prospects improve.

PC Jeweller now has several potential catalysts:

• Debt-free transformation: A stronger balance sheet could reduce financial risk and improve flexibility.
• Revenue recovery: Reported double-digit sales growth supports the operational turnaround

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Patiala (Punjab) [India], October 16: Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), Patiala, has won two honours at the FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards 2026: University of the Year 2026 and Excellence in Digital Transformation 2026. The recognition coincides with the institute’s 70th Founders’ Day, marking seven decades of contributions to higher education, research and innovation.

The awards recognise the institute’s efforts to strengthen academic excellence and research while advancing digital capabilities through artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing and emerging technologies.

The 12th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards were conferred on October 8, 2026, during the inaugural session of the 21st FICCI Higher Education Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, held on the theme “Higher Education for a New World: Reform, Resilience and Relevance”. The awards were presented by Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, Padma Vibhushan awardee and former Union Minister of Human Resource Development. The session was also attended by Dr R. Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog, Mr Anant Swarup, Secretary General, FICCI, and Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Chair, FICCI Higher Education Committee and Chancellor, Symbiosis International University. Vice-chancellors, educationists, policymakers and industry leaders from across the country also took part.

Speaking about the recognition, Prof. Padmakumar Nair, Vice Chancellor, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, said, “An award like University of the Year is not a verdict on what we have achieved; it is a reminder of what we owe. Excellence is never a finished state. For an institution turning seventy, the more important question is whether we continue to produce young people of good judgment, people who can make sound decisions when the answers are not obvious. That is the standard we intend to hold ourselves to as we begin our next decade, with humility about how far we still have to go and confidence that we are on the right path.”

The University of the Year 2026 award recognises TIET’s contributions to higher education through academic excellence, research, innovation and its commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences for students.

The Excellence in Digital Transformation 2026 award recognises TIET’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into teaching, learning and research across disciplines. This includes AI education for students across programmes, supported by the Thapar School of Advanced AI & Data Science (TSAAI), established through a technical collaboration with NVIDIA. The institute’s advanced AI computing infrastructure further enables students and researchers to explore real-world applications of emerging technologies.

About Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology

Established in 1956, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), Patiala, is a leading institution for engineering and technology education in India. The institute focuses on academic excellence, research, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning, with an emphasis on developing skilled professionals and advancing knowledge to address emerging societal and industrial challenges.

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President AHAR Vijay K Shetty

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: The Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) has announced an impending 10% to 15% increase in restaurant menu prices across its member establishments in Mumbai, citing sustained increases in the cost of preparing and serving food. The revision follows several months during which restaurants absorbed higher expenses to limit the impact on customers.

AHAR President Shri Vijay K Shetty said, “For the city’s restaurant sector, the challenge extends beyond the price of any single commodity. Cooking fuel, everyday ingredients, commercial rents, employee wages and transportation have become more expensive. With these costs rising together, establishments face growing pressure on the margins that support daily operations.”

Recent reports illustrate the pressure on everyday kitchen essentials. Consumer Affairs Department data reported year-on-year price increases of nearly 113% for onions, approximately 22% for sugar and 18% for sunflower oil. Separately, local market coverage reported retail increases of Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg for major pulses across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in recent weeks. For restaurants purchasing these ingredients daily, such increases affect preparation costs across a wide range of dishes.

Beyond ingredient prices, AHAR reported a 100% increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices, sharply raising kitchen fuel expenses. Higher milk and dairy prices have added to the cost of core menu items. Wages and workforce expenses have also risen as restaurants support staff facing higher living costs, while increasing commercial rents have added to fixed overheads and squeezed operating margins

AHAR said the proposed adjustment reflects the cumulative burden of higher procurement and operating expenses. Even where individual ingredient prices stabilise or ease temporarily, restaurants continue to carry higher recurring costs. The cost of a meal includes the people who prepare and serve it, the premises in which it is served, and the hygiene, maintenance and utilities required to keep a kitchen functioning consistently.

The association emphasised that the revision is intended to recover a portion of the additional expenditure while maintaining food quality and service standards. Continuing to absorb the full increase, it said, has become increasingly difficult for operators.

Affordability remains an important consideration in a city where restaurants serve both occasional diners and customers who rely on them for everyday meals. AHAR acknowledged that any menu adjustment affects household spending, making it necessary to balance customer expectations with the practical requirements of running a viable establishment.

The forthcoming revision reflects that balance: preserving the standards customers expect while allowing restaurants to meet their operating commitments and retain the staff on whom service depends.

Revised prices are expected to be introduced progressively over the coming weeks across dine-in, quick-service and delivery menus. AHAR’s position is that a measured adjustment has become necessary to sustain dependable restaurant service in Mumbai as the underlying cost of providing it continues to rise.

Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit 2027
 

The 2027 summit will focus on “Talent, transition and scale: Leading in an era of expansion,” with discussions on the opportunities and challenges shaping higher education, including talent development, technological transformation, internationalisation, research and innovation, demographic change and climate resilience.
 

The summit will also feature the live reveal of THE Asia University Rankings 2027 and the winners’ ceremony for THE Asia Awards 2027, bringing together leading institutions and higher-education professionals from across the region.
 

Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “Hosting the Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit in India highlights the nation's growing role in global higher education. MAHE is proud to host this international event at our Bengaluru campus and to participate in discussions that could shape the future of universities, education, and research across Asia.”
 

Speaking about the summit, Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “Hosting the Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit 2027 at MAHE Bengaluru is an important opportunity to promote meaningful dialogue about the future of higher education in Asia. As the summit comes to India for the first time, MAHE looks forward to welcoming university leaders, academicians, policymakers and industry representatives to Bengaluru and to creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and innovation.”
 

The summit will showcase MAHE Bengaluru's technology and innovation environment and provide international delegates with an opportunity to engage with the university’s academic and research ecosystem.
 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3^rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.
 

Event: THE Asia Universities Summit 2027
Dates: 20-22 April 2027
Venue: MAHE Campus, Govindapura, Yelahanka, Bengaluru
Theme: Talent, transition and scale: Leading in an era of expansion
Host: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Organiser: Times Higher Education (THE)
 

For more information, please click the link: shorturl.at/oOQRi

The Gurugram-based pet-care brand pairs ingredient transparency, refined fragrances and everyday grooming rituals for conscious pet parents.

Gurugram (Haryana) [India], October 16: Pet parents who read the labels on their own skincare and personal-care products are now applying the same scrutiny to what they use on their dogs and cats. Furrytail, an emerging pet-care brand, has built its range for these “label readers,” pairing ingredient awareness and formulation standards with a considered grooming experience. The full range is available to explore at furrytailjoy.com.

At the heart of Furrytail’s philosophy is a simple idea: pets deserve the same thoughtful consideration that their families bring to their own personal care.

Four Care Moments, One Complete Routine

Furrytail has organised its range around four moments in a pet’s grooming routine: Ritual, Defense, Remedy and Refresh. Together, they cover everything from regular bathing to post-walk cleaning and between-bath freshness.

• Ritual: The Gentle Daily Shampoo for dogs and cats is available in three fragrances: Santal & White Tea, Fig & Neroli, and Violet Leaf & Muslin. According to the brand, it features a 99.5% natural-origin formulation base, a probiotic preservation approach and IFRA-compliant fragrance profiles.
• Defense: The Anti-Tick & Flea Spray for dogs is a pre-walk product featuring vetiver and cypress. It is designed to help deter ticks and fleas and is positioned as a considered option for routine outdoor care.
• Remedy: Paw Cleaner and Dry Foam Shampoo are waterless formats for post-walk grooming, cleaning paws and refreshing the coat without a full bath or rinse.
• Refresh: A coat mist designed for use between baths, helping pets stay fresh between regular washes.

Transparency at the Centre of Formulation

Formulation standards and ingredient transparency sit at the core of Furrytail’s positioning. The brand states that its products carry a 99.5% natural-origin index, measured according to ISO 16128-2, the international guideline used to determine the natural-origin content of cosmetic ingredients and formulations.

Furrytail also states that its formulations are free from parabens, methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and phenoxyethanol, and that its products are developed with veterinary guidance, balancing an elevated grooming experience with consideration for pets’ grooming needs.

For Furrytail, transparency goes beyond communicating product benefits. It is about helping pet parents understand the formulation choices behind the products they bring into their homes.

Premium Personal-Care Thinking, Made for Pets

Pet grooming has often been defined by strong fragrance and instant freshness. Furrytail draws inspiration from premium personal care and takes a more considered approach to fragrance, everyday use and the overall grooming experience.

The brand’s fragrance palette includes white tea, fig, neroli, vetiver, cypress, spearmint, sea salt, yuzu and white musk. These profiles are intended to make routine grooming feel more refined without losing sight of its practical purpose.

Built for the Label Reader

Furrytail describes its intended audience as the “label reader”: someone who values ingredient information, formulation standards and informed decision-making. As grooming becomes a more regular part of responsible pet ownership, these pet parents are looking for products that align with their broader approach to care and wellbeing.

Rather than treating grooming as an occasional necessity, Furrytail views it as a series of everyday moments: bathing, preparing for a walk, cleaning up after outdoor adventures and refreshing the coat between baths.

A More Considered Conversation Around Pet Care

With its four-part product architecture, ingredient-led positioning and premium fragrance profiles, Furrytail aims to contribute to a more considered conversation around pet grooming in India. The brand’s long-term philosophy centres on transparency, thoughtful product development and building a community of people who see their pets as family.

As expectations around pet care continue to evolve, Furrytail is building its proposition around a growing idea: everyday grooming should be approached with the same awareness, care and consideration that pet parents increasingly expect from their own personal-care routines.

Pet parents can explore the range and learn more about Furrytail’s formulation philosophy at furrytailjoy.com and follow the brand on Instagram at @furrytailjoy.

About Furrytail

Furrytail is an emerging pet-care brand that brings ingredient awareness, transparency and a considered grooming experience to everyday pet care. Its range for dogs and cats spans four care categories (Ritual, Defense, Remedy and Refresh) and is inspired by premium personal-care thinking. Learn more at furrytailjoy.com or on Instagram @furrytailjoy.

Media Contact

Monu D

Email: furrytail.joy@gmail.com

Phone: +91 87967 86531

Instagram: @furrytailjoy

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Two days of designer showcases, celebrity appearances, brand collaborations, music and destination-led experiences celebrate contemporary Indian fashion under the theme “Enter the Sanctuary”

Panaji (Goa) [India], October 16: Timex Presents India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW) Season 12 concluded at The Westin Goa, Anjuna, following two days of fashion showcases, creative collaborations, celebrity appearances and immersive festival experiences. Held on 9–10 October 2026 under the theme “Enter the Sanctuary”, the event brought together designers, brands, industry leaders, creators, models, celebrities and fashion enthusiasts to celebrate the intersection of fashion, art, culture, travel and contemporary lifestyles.

Spanning resort wear, streetwear, cruise fashion and destination bridal couture, Season 12 created a platform for established designers, emerging labels and leading brands to showcase their creative perspectives against the distinctive backdrop of Goa’s vibrant destination culture.

A Vision Beyond the Runway

Speaking about the season, Pallav Ojha, Founder, India Beach Fashion Week, said, “India Beach Fashion Week has always been about creating a space where fashion meets culture, travel and new ideas. With Season 12, we wanted to create something that went beyond the runway—an experience where designers, brands, creators and audiences came together in a shared world. The Sanctuary reflected that vision, and seeing it come alive in Goa was a proud moment for our entire team.”

Day One: A Celebration of Design, Creativity and Culture

The opening day featured an eclectic line-up of designers and labels across the indoor Rooted Realm and outdoor Floated Realm stages, setting the tone for two days of fashion, music and creative expression.

The fashion programme opened with SEFT India, followed by Mrigdhi by Arpita Rathore and Menakace by Meenakshi Menon. The line-up continued with Ashfaq Ahmed x Nilaura and Lucilia, bringing distinct design aesthetics to the runway.

Celebrated designer Rajdeep Ranawat followed, while Mr. Ajay Kumar x Campus presented a dedicated brand showcase that brought together fashion and footwear. Actor Taha Shah served as the showstopper for the Mr. Ajay Kumar x Campus presentation.

The Rooted Realm programme continued with One Minute Saree, Ashé and Forever Naveen Kumar, followed by Sakshi Bindra and Riddhi & Siddhi – Mapxencars. A showcase by Bhawna Rao further added to the day’s creative diversity, while Priya Kataria Puri x Chivas brought the opening day to a close with a presentation combining designer fashion and contemporary celebration.

Music added another dimension to the outdoor festival experience, with performances by Madboy Mink and OG Shez contributing to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

With its mix of established designers, emerging labels, brand collaborations and live entertainment, Day One established the spirit of The Sanctuary and set the stage for the season’s concluding day.

Day Two: Distinctive Design, Activewear and the Grand Finale

The second day continued the celebration with an expansive programme of designer presentations, brand collaborations, activewear and the Timex Presents grand finale.

Day Two opened with Cinema Sanctuary, a conceptual presentation exploring the relationship between fashion and storytelling, conceptualised by Jitin Hingorani.

The afternoon programme featured Therefore, followed by designer showcases from Prashant Majumdar, Kingshuk, Sahil Gulati and Lucilia, each bringing a distinct design perspective to the runway.

The outdoor Floated Realm hosted the Sweaty Betty showcase, featuring artists Saranya and Akhlad Ahmad. The presentation brought together activewear, movement and contemporary lifestyle, reflecting the growing intersection of fashion, fitness and personal expression.

The evening programme continued with Manaca x Gatsby, combining fashion and grooming in a collaborative presentation. This was followed by Felix Bendish x Voltas, connecting designer fashion with the event’s Comfort Partner.

The runway subsequently featured Manoviraj Khosla, followed by Upen Reddy and Ashwini Reddy, showcasing the diversity of creative talent represented at this season’s fashion week.

One of the evening’s key presentations was Timex Presents Reynu Taandon & Nikhita, celebrating designer fashion alongside the season’s Title Partner. The programme continued with The Finale Moments: The Hall of Fame, recognising the creative spirit and community that helped define India Beach Fashion Week.

The final presentation, After Dark by Akshit Shetty, brought the two-day fashion and festival experience to a close.

Celebrity appearances across the event included Arbaz Patel, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Niki Tamboli and Deepti Sadhwani, adding to the season’s glamour and visibility.

Brand Partnerships That Brought The Sanctuary to Life

Season 12 was presented by Timex, whose association with India Beach Fashion Week brought together the worlds of timekeeping, fashion and contemporary culture. The season also featured brand collaborations and experiences designed to connect fashion with individual style, grooming, movement and lifestyle.

Timex: Four Consecutive Years of Partnership

Mr. Deepak MD Timex group

Reflecting on Timex’s fourth consecutive year with India Beach Fashion Week, the brand representative said:

“Our association with India Beach Fashion Week has grown into a meaningful platform for Timex to engage with fashion in a way that feels relevant, contemporary and experiential. Over four consecutive years, we have seen the partnership evolve from a fashion-week integration into a larger expression of how Timex sees watches as an integral part of personal style.

“This season, the response was particularly encouraging, with strong consumer engagement, creator participation and visibility across the fashion ecosystem. It reinforced that there is a growing appetite for watches that combine functionality with individuality and fashion relevance.

“What stood out was how naturally this year’s theme of The Sanctuary connected with Timex’s own perspective on making time for what matters. Through the Timex Analog Life Studio, we created moments that encouraged people to pause, be present and engage with fashion and one another beyond the digital world.

“Our latest collections complemented the runway, with key designer collaborations representing Timex’s connection with fashion and bringing together timepieces and distinctive design perspectives. From runway showcases and designer-led styling to on-ground experiences and creator content, the platform allowed us to bring ‘Analog Life, Make Time Yours’ to life in a high-fashion environment, reinforcing how watches are an integral part of personal style and self-expression.”

Campus: Celebrating Individuality and Self-Expression

Ishita Agarwal, Sr. Manager – Brand & Category, Campus Activewear Ltd.

“Fashion is as much about individuality as it is about trends. IBFW brought together fashion, culture and self-expression in a way that resonated strongly with Campus. As a brand that believes in ‘Moving Your Way’ as a mantra, the partnership felt like a natural opportunity to celebrate self-expression, movement and individuality.”

Sweaty Betty: Bringing Fashion, Movement and Wellness Together

Rajesh Dudi, Director, Gaurik Fashions Ltd.

“Sweaty Betty’s association with India Beach Fashion Week Season 12 was a strong opportunity to bring together fashion, movement and wellness in a way that felt relevant to today’s consumer. The response was very encouraging, particularly in seeing how naturally the brand’s philosophy of living an active, confident and expressive life resonated with the Indian audience. IBFW gave us an engaging platform to introduce Sweaty Betty’s world to a fashion-forward and increasingly wellness-conscious consumer.”

Gatsby: Grooming Meets Fashion

Pankaj Bhawnani, CMO, Gardenia Cosmotrade LLP and Gatsby India

“Returning to India Beach Fashion Week for the third consecutive year as Official Grooming Partner has been a deeply rewarding experience for Gatsby. As a brand owned by Mandom Japan, we brought world-class Japanese grooming quality to every platform we were part of, and IBFW’s vibrant, beachside energy was the perfect stage to showcase it.

“Season 12 was our most engaging edition yet. The response from designers, models, creators and audiences showed that great grooming is an integral part of the fashion conversation. We are grateful to the IBFW team for their continued trust.”

L’Atelier 1664: A Distinctive Expression of Good Taste

Spokesperson name and designation to be confirmed, L’Atelier 1664

“For L’Atelier 1664, India Beach Fashion Week Season 12 was a natural expression of our belief that good taste extends beyond the expected to how you experience and express yourself. The platform brought together fashion, culture, creativity and a premium audience, creating the right environment for L’Atelier 1664 to engage with consumers in an authentic and contemporary way.

“The response was encouraging, with strong interest from guests and creators and a clear appreciation for the brand’s distinctive French identity and premium experience.”

Black Pearl: Celebrating Talent and Creative Opportunities

Official spokesperson name and designation to be confirmed, Black Pearl

“We were honoured to be the Official Talent Partner for IBFW Season 12.0, Goa. We celebrated exceptional talent, cultivated creativity and connected models with distinguished opportunities in the fashion industry.”

A Collective Vision

India Beach Fashion Week Season 12 was supported by Goa Design Project, with Goa Socials as Festival Partner.

The wider partner network included SEFT as Online Education Partner, SMA as Hair and Make-up Partner, Black Pearl as Talent Partner and Latitude Entertainment as Production Partner. Associate partners included Mibel, Nilaura, Sociallize, Netra Productions and Sungold.

Through its partnerships, runway presentations and immersive experiences, Season 12 reinforced the role of India Beach Fashion Week as a platform connecting designers, brands, talent and audiences through contemporary fashion and destination culture.

About India Beach Fashion Week

India Beach Fashion Week is a fashion and lifestyle platform that brings together designers, brands, creators and audiences through fashion showcases, brand collaborations and destination-led experiences. A project by Goa Design Project, IBFW celebrates contemporary Indian design and the evolving culture of resort and destination fashion.

Website: www.ibfwgoa.com

Email: register@ibfwgoa.com

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Gathering by the International Council of Authors brings together writers, celebrates publishing milestones and creates opportunities for visibility, speaking, networking and professional growth

Panaji (Goa) [India], October 16: ICA Conclave 2026, organised by the International Council of Authors (ICA), concluded on September 20 at Renaissance Goa, Arpora, marking a milestone in the organisation’s vision of helping authors move beyond book publishing towards greater visibility, credibility and authority. Held on September 19 and 20 under the theme “Connect. Create. Celebrate.”, the conclave brought together authors, speakers, experts, families and members of the the International Council of Authors (ICA) community for book launches, author recognition, curated speaking sessions, networking and experiential activities.

Built around the message “Your Next Chapter Begins Here,” the conclave focused on a question for every published author: What comes after writing and publishing a book? Through its sessions and activities, the International Council of Authors (ICA) encouraged participants to see authorship not as a final achievement, but as the beginning of a larger journey involving thought leadership, personal branding, public speaking, media visibility and professional authority.

Founded by Jatin Gupta, popularly known as Inspiring Jatin, the International Council of Authors (ICA) is a growing community of more than 2,500 writers and authors focused on helping individuals build visibility, credibility and authority beyond publishing. An award-winning life coach, four-time International Bestselling Author, TEDx speaker and non-fiction book-writing coach, Jatin has been working to help authors transform their knowledge and published work into opportunities for thought leadership and professional growth. His vision formed the foundation of ICA Conclave 2026, which encouraged authors to look beyond publishing and explore the next stage of their journey.

“What you know is your expertise. What others know that you know becomes your authority,” said Inspiring Jatin during his session on Author to Authority. His address highlighted the distinction between possessing knowledge and establishing oneself as a recognised, trusted voice in a particular field.

The theme “Connect. Create. Celebrate.” shaped the conclave’s overall experience. The programme brought together opportunities for authors to connect with fellow writers, speakers and experts; explore ideas, collaborations and new platforms; and celebrate achievements through book launches, recognition and shared milestones.

With a community of more than 2,500 writers and authors, the International Council of Authors (ICA) designed the conclave to extend beyond conventional literary gatherings. The event also welcomed authors’ friends and family members, allowing parents, partners, children and loved ones to participate in the celebration of their publishing journeys.

One of the key highlights was the Author Recognition & Awards, which celebrated the achievements and contributions of the International Council of Authors (ICA) community members. Authors also had opportunities to launch their books on stage and share these milestones with fellow writers, friends and family.

Another significant moment was the launch of I Can Author – Volume 1, an anthology featuring 44 contributors. The collection brought together multiple voices from the International Council of Authors community, reflecting the collaborative potential of collective publishing and providing contributors with an opportunity to be part of a shared literary initiative.

Beyond recognition and book launches, the conclave offered authors an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge through curated speaking sessions. The International Council of Authors (ICA) received more than 25 applications from the existing community members for speaking opportunities, with seven members shortlisted based on their subject-matter expertise and the value of their proposed sessions.

The sessions explored a range of subjects, including health and wellbeing, mindset management, financial freedom, visibility, authority building, mindfulness, overcoming fear, intuitive writing and storytelling. The diversity of topics reflected the breadth of expertise within the International Council of Authors community and the potential for authors to contribute to conversations beyond their books.

For authors, publishing a book can establish a foundation for professional recognition. However, reaching new audiences often requires the ability to communicate ideas consistently across different platforms. The conclave encouraged participants to consider how their knowledge could translate into talks, interviews, podcasts, media features and other opportunities to engage with readers and wider audiences.

One distinctive experience was the meditation-led Glass Walk, which invited participants to confront feelings of fear and hesitation through a guided physical activity. Designed around awareness, intention and personal confidence, the experience encouraged participants to reflect on how fear can influence decisions and how approaching challenges with greater awareness may open up new possibilities.

This was followed by The Next Tiger Wall, an initiative that encouraged participants to identify a significant goal they wanted to pursue before the next conclave. Within the International Council of Authors (ICA’s) community, a “Tiger” represents an important goal, challenge, milestone or dream.

By identifying their next Tiger, participants were encouraged to look beyond the achievements they had already celebrated and consider what they wanted to accomplish next. The initiative reinforced the event’s central message that every milestone can become a starting point for a new ambition.

What distinguished ICA Conclave 2026 was its focus on the complete author journey rather than publishing alone. By bringing together recognition, book launches, speaking opportunities, expert sessions, networking, family participation and experiential activities, the conclave combined celebration with opportunities for learning and forward planning.

The organisation’s initiatives extend across speaking platforms, podcasts, media features, premium articles, press releases, personal branding, thought leadership, upskilling, networking and collaborations. It also aims to help members work towards larger platforms, including TEDx opportunities, where appropriate.

The International Council of Authors (ICA’s) reported milestones include world-record attempts involving 40 eBooks and subsequently 42 eBooks in one day in 2024, two Amazon No. 1 bestselling anthologies, and a community of more than 1,500 Amazon No. 1 bestselling authors. These initiatives form part of the organisation’s wider effort to encourage authors to build their presence and communicate their expertise beyond the pages of their books.

Reflecting on the event, Inspiring Jatin said the objective was never simply to create a gathering that celebrated authorship, but to encourage members to think about what they could build after becoming authors.

“I strongly believe that the book is the first credibility asset. Then comes the question of how you use that credibility, how you become visible, communicate your expertise, build trust, get onto bigger platforms and ultimately become an authority,” he said.

Building on the first conclave, the International Council of Authors plans to continue expanding its community through future conclaves and initiatives focused on speaking, media, podcasts, personal branding, thought leadership, upskilling, networking and collaboration.

The upcoming initiatives are intended to encourage authors to identify their next milestones and explore opportunities that can help them progress beyond publication. Future conclaves will continue the idea that each achievement can lead to a new “Tiger” – a meaningful goal that gives an author a fresh direction to pursue.

As the first ICA Conclave concluded, its central message remained clear: becoming an author is an achievement worth celebrating, but it can also open doors to new forms of learning, influence and contribution.

Through “Connect. Create. Celebrate.” and the message “Your Next Chapter Begins Here,” the International Council of Authors (ICA) positioned the conclave as more than a celebration of published books. It was an invitation for authors to recognise the value of their knowledge, communicate it with confidence and explore the possibilities that begin after publication.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF AUTHORS

The International Council of Authors (ICA) is an author-focused community founded by Jatin Gupta, popularly known as Inspiring Jatin. With a community of more than 2,500 writers and authors, ICA aims to help members progress beyond publishing towards greater visibility, credibility and authority. Its initiatives include speaking opportunities, podcasts, media features, personal branding, thought leadership, upskilling, networking and collaborations, with a long-term vision of developing a community of recognised voices and emerging authorities.

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Former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar and Ex-DRDO Scientist O.P. Manocha Co-Author a Book Offering Practical Tips for Success Beyond Academics

15th October 2026, New Delhi: Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, launched ‘Life Skills to Reach the Top’, authored by former Director-General of Police (DGP), Uttarakhand, Ashok Kumar, and former DRDO scientist O.P. Manocha, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Wednesday.

The launch was attended by Aman Gupta, Co-founder and Non-Executive Director of boAt and widely known for his appearance on Shark Tank India, as the Special Guest. Organised by S. Chand Publishing and the IIT Delhi Alumni Association, the event witnessed the participation of over 500 people.

The book, ‘Life Skills to Reach the Top’, seeks to bridge the gap between academic education and the practical skills required to navigate real-life challenges. Designed for students, competitive-examination aspirants, job seekers and young professionals, the book explores essential life skills including career planning, goal setting, time management, communication, interpersonal relationships, stress management, emotional intelligence, resilience, team building and decision-making etc. It combines scientifically grounded guidance, practical strategies and real-life examples to help readers make informed decisions, overcome challenges and realise their potential.

The book also introduces practical tools such as SMART goal-setting, SWOT analysis and the Japanese concept of Ikigai to help readers identify their strengths, align their aspirations with their abilities and make purposeful career choices. Drawing on the authors’ professional experiences and personal journeys, the book emphasises that success extends beyond academic qualifications and technical knowledge. Self-awareness, emotional intelligence, adaptability, effective communication, resilience and sound decision-making are equally important in navigating personal and professional challenges.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, said that today’s youth have an important role to play in nation-building and that Gen Z would be the generation contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasised that young people must equip themselves with strong life skills and values to help take India to the next level.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the book, Ashok Kumar, former DGP Uttarakhand, said that academic education and qualifications may help a person clear examinations, but they are not enough to achieve success in the higher echelons of life. Drawing on his experiences from a long career in the Indian Police Service, he explained that the book’s chapters are rooted in scientific principles and practical approaches. He further highlighted that these skills can help young people make informed career choices, respond effectively to challenges and navigate life with greater confidence and clarity.

Aman Gupta, Co-founder and Non-Executive Director of boAt, spoke about the challenge of identifying one’s true passion and finding a suitable path to success. He emphasised that entrepreneurship is not the only route to achievement, citing Google CEO Sundar Pichai as an example of how building a successful professional career within an organisation can be equally rewarding.

The launch ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Gunwant Mongia, Managing Director, Mongia Steel; Dr. Rajesh Mohan, IPS, DCP, Central Faridabad; Professor Alaknanda Ashok; and Himanshu Gupta, Managing Director, S. Chand & Co. Ltd., the publisher of the book. The event brought together several bureaucrats, IIT Delhi students, IIT Delhi faculty members, IIT Delhi alumni and other distinguished guests.

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New Delhi [India], October 16: Kyptec LifeStyle®, an Indian consumer audio brand operating under BalaJi MicroTechnologies Pvt. Ltd., part of the B.B. Group of Companies, continues to strengthen its presence in India’s personal audio market through Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Bluetooth Headphones. Designed for consumers who enjoy powerful bass, immersive entertainment and comfortable wireless listening, these over ear headphones combine Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, large 40mm audio drivers, four built in microphones, low latency connectivity and up to 50 hours of advertised battery performance.

Music, films and gaming have become an important part of everyday digital entertainment, influencing how consumers select personal audio products. Buyers exploring Bluetooth headphones increasingly consider sound reproduction, bass performance, noise cancellation, wireless connectivity and long battery endurance. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Wireless Headphones bring these features together in a lightweight design suited to music enthusiasts, entertainment lovers, mobile gamers and individuals who prefer an immersive over ear listening experience.

With listeners paying greater attention to audio quality and comfort, Kyptec LifeStyle® continues to focus on products that combine practical technology with contemporary styling. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Headphones reflect this approach through their entertainment focused sound characteristics, noise reduction capabilities and extended playback performance, offering consumers a versatile audio solution for personal listening, communication and daily travel.

Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation for Immersive Music and Entertainment

Background noise can interrupt music, films and other forms of entertainment, particularly when listening in shared environments, public transportation or busy households. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Bluetooth Headphones incorporate Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation technology designed to reduce selected external sounds and support a more focused listening experience.

For consumers considering noise cancelling headphones, the ability to enjoy music and entertainment with fewer surrounding distractions can be an important purchase consideration. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Wireless Headphones combine Hybrid ANC technology with an over ear design, making them suitable for listeners who prefer a more enclosed audio experience while enjoying their favourite entertainment.

Hybrid ANC uses feedforward and feedback microphone arrangements to detect environmental sound and generate an opposing audio signal that helps reduce certain unwanted frequencies. This technology works alongside passive noise isolation provided by the headphone design. Its effectiveness depends on factors such as surrounding noise, frequency characteristics and the fit of the ear cushions.

Whether enjoying a favourite playlist, watching a film during travel or following spoken content at home, Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Headphones are designed to help listeners concentrate on their audio without being continuously distracted by suitable background sounds. The technology adds everyday convenience while supporting the product’s broader emphasis on entertainment and personal listening comfort.

Powerful 40mm Audio Drivers for Deep Bass and Rich Sound Reproduction

Sound quality is a major consideration for consumers who regularly listen to music, stream films or enjoy gaming. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Headphones feature large 40mm audio drivers designed to deliver premium bass reproduction, clear vocals and an engaging listening experience across different types of digital content.

The headphones place particular emphasis on deep bass performance, making them relevant for listeners who enjoy energetic music, strong rhythm sections and impactful low frequency sound. From contemporary pop and electronic music to hip hop, Bollywood soundtracks and cinematic entertainment, Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Bluetooth Headphones are positioned to provide an immersive listening experience with an emphasis on bass and overall audio engagement.

Consumers comparing over ear headphones often consider how effectively a product reproduces vocals, instruments, background effects and low frequency sounds. While driver diameter alone does not determine overall audio quality, the 40mm driver configuration provides a foundation for the sound characteristics of Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Wireless Headphones. The combination of larger drivers, Hybrid ANC and comfortable over ear construction is intended to make extended entertainment sessions more enjoyable.

For music enthusiasts seeking deep bass headphones, the experience involves more than loudness. Comfortable listening, controlled volume, vocal clarity and the ability to appreciate different elements of a recording are equally important. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Headphones bring these considerations together through their sound focused design and wireless convenience.

Low Latency Audio for Gaming, Movies and Video Entertainment

Audio timing plays an important role when watching films, streaming videos or playing games. A noticeable delay between an on screen event and its corresponding sound can affect the overall experience, particularly during fast moving entertainment.

Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Bluetooth Headphones incorporate low latency functionality intended to reduce delays between compatible video content and audio playback. This feature is relevant for consumers who enjoy mobile gaming, action films, online videos and other entertainment where closer coordination between picture and sound contributes to the listening experience.

For buyers researching wireless gaming headphones, sound reproduction and latency performance are both important considerations. The combination of 40mm audio drivers, premium bass characteristics and low latency connectivity makes Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Wireless Headphones relevant for casual gaming and multimedia entertainment.

Actual latency depends on the connected device, application, wireless conditions and supported operating modes. The headphones are designed to provide a versatile entertainment experience without limiting their use to gaming alone, allowing consumers to move between music, films, online communication and everyday listening.

Four Built In Microphones for Clear Calling and Communication

Although entertainment is a major focus of Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Headphones, voice communication remains an important requirement for modern wireless audio products. The headphones feature a quad microphone configuration intended to support voice pickup during telephone calls, online discussions and everyday digital communication.

The four built in microphones complement the listening features of the headphones, allowing consumers to switch between entertainment and communication without changing audio devices. This flexibility is useful for students attending online classes, professionals participating in virtual meetings and individuals who regularly communicate through their smartphones or laptops.

Consumers selecting Bluetooth headphones with mic capabilities often consider call clarity alongside sound quality, comfort and battery performance. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Bluetooth Headphones combine multiple microphones with their wireless audio functionality, supporting a practical balance between entertainment and communication.

Actual call performance depends on surrounding noise, wireless connectivity, microphone positioning and network conditions. Nevertheless, the quad microphone arrangement provides a useful feature for listeners who want headphones capable of supporting both recreational and routine communication needs.

Up to 50 Hours of Battery Life for Extended Listening

Battery endurance is an important factor for consumers who regularly listen to music, watch entertainment or use wireless audio while travelling. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Wireless Headphones offer up to 50 hours of advertised playback, helping reduce the need for frequent charging during everyday use.

The product also features an approximately two hour charging time, allowing users to recharge between entertainment sessions, work activities and travel plans. Extended battery performance can be particularly valuable during long journeys, weekend activities and periods when convenient charging access is limited.

For listeners seeking headphones with long battery life, the ability to combine extended playback with immersive sound, Hybrid ANC and wireless connectivity offers everyday convenience. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Headphones bring these capabilities together, making them relevant for individuals who regularly enjoy music, films and gaming over longer periods.

Actual battery endurance varies according to listening volume, ANC settings, calling activity and operating conditions. The advertised duration represents the product’s stated maximum under suitable usage conditions rather than a guaranteed listening time in every environment.

Comfortable Over Ear Design and Convenient Wireless Connectivity

Comfort remains an important part of the listening experience, especially for consumers who wear headphones during extended entertainment sessions. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Headphones feature a lightweight over ear design intended to provide comfortable wear while supporting immersive personal audio.

Their construction offers an alternative to compact in ear listening devices for consumers who prefer larger ear cushions and an enclosed headphone design. The headphones are suitable for everyday activities such as listening to music at home, watching films, using a laptop or carrying personal audio during travel.

Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Bluetooth Headphones support connectivity with compatible smartphones, tablets, laptops and other Bluetooth enabled devices, with an advertised transmission range of up to 10 metres under suitable conditions. An auxiliary cable is also supplied, providing an additional wired connection option for compatible audio equipment.

As consumers increasingly use their audio devices across multiple activities, the combination of wireless freedom, portable construction, over ear comfort and versatile connectivity contributes to the product’s everyday practicality. Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Wireless Headphones are designed for individuals who value entertainment quality without sacrificing convenience.

Strengthening the KyptecLifeStyle® Wireless Audio Portfolio

Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Headphones form an important part of the brand’s established personal audio portfolio, which includes additional Bluetooth headphones and true wireless earbuds addressing different listening preferences. The product has a particular emphasis on premium bass, immersive entertainment, Hybrid ANC, low latency functionality and extended playback performance.

Under the leadership of Nitin Aggarwal, Co-Founder & CEO, and Sweta Aggarwal, Co-Founder & CMO, Kyptec LifeStyle® continues to build its identity around contemporary audio technology, product functionality, consumer preferences and long term business development. Supported by BalaJi MicroTechnologies Pvt. Ltd. and the wider B.B. Group of Companies, the brand remains focused on strengthening its presence in India’s competitive consumer electronics market.

Through Kyptec LifeStyle® 630 Bluetooth Headphones, the company reinforces its commitment to offering practical audio technology for different lifestyles. The model reflects the brand’s understanding that modern consumers expect their headphones to support music, entertainment, communication and everyday convenience while delivering a comfortable and engaging listening experience.

About KyptecLifeStyle®

Kyptec LifeStyle® is an Indian consumer audio brand operating under BalaJi MicroTechnologies Pvt. Ltd., a unit of the B.B. Group of Companies, headquartered in New Delhi, India. Co-founded by Nitin Aggarwal and Sweta Aggarwal, the brand offers a portfolio of wireless headphones, Bluetooth earphones and true wireless earbuds incorporating ANC, Hybrid ANC, ENC, low latency connectivity and extended battery performance. Kyptec LifeStyle® focuses on combining contemporary design, functional technology and accessible premium audio experiences for modern consumers.

CONTACT US

KyptecLifeStyle®

C/o BalaJi MicroTechnologies Pvt. Ltd.

(A Unit of B.B. Group of Companies)

C-79, Upper Ground Floor, DDA Sheds,

Okhla Industrial Area, Okhla Phase 1, New Delhi 110020, India

Email: support@kyptec-lifestyle.com

Mobile / WhatsApp: +91-9319255113

Official Website: www.kyptec-lifestyle.com

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White Dust Handcrafted did not begin with a large product catalogue or a ready-made path to growth. It began in 2021, when 23-year-old Rohit Aryan founded the business during his final year of college, working from a small, one-room factory in Ranchi with financial support from his father.

Rohit had completed his BBA from BIT Mesra and held a specialisation in HR from IIM Kozhikode. His ambition was practical and long-term: manufacture products himself and build an Indian brand that could eventually become part of the everyday lives of thousands and lakhs of people. He also wanted to create employment opportunities in his hometown.

From One Product to a Wider Range

The company initially focused on agarbattis. But between 2021 and 2023, annual sales remained below ₹10 lakh. Building trust as a new brand took time, while inconsistent sales made it difficult to manage ongoing costs.

Rohit considered shutting down White Dust, but chose to revisit the product strategy instead. The team spent five to six months testing products and refining production methods. Some experiments failed and led to wastage and financial losses, yet the aim was to build a broader portfolio under one brand.

White Dust eventually expanded into Ghee Diyas, Pure Camphor, Bhimseni Kapoor and other puja and devotional products. Launching its own online store helped the company broaden its reach beyond its initial product category.

A Defining Year

The turning point arrived in 2024, when White Dust crossed ₹20 lakh in monthly sales for the first time. Sales in that month were greater than the company’s combined sales over its first three years.

Marketplace growth and digital advertising brought the products to more customers. The company expanded production to meet demand and began setting new sales records. Yet scaling meant higher working-capital needs for inventory, manufacturing, salaries and marketing.

A credit line from Meta and later financial support through the Government of India’s Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme helped address some of those funding requirements. Rohit has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for initiatives that support growing Indian businesses.

Reaching Customers Across India

White Dust’s growth brought interest from retailers in different regions, including Jammu, Ladakh and the Andaman region. The company also entered quick commerce, giving customers access to its products through faster delivery channels in supported locations.

The pace of product movement changed considerably: items that once took months to sell could, in certain cases, move within two or three days. The business grew from its original one-room factory into a crore-plus D2C company with a larger production setup and a growing team.

Even as the business expanded, Rohit says the purpose was never just revenue. He wanted to manufacture in India, build for Indian customers and create opportunities from Ranchi.

The People Behind the Progress

Rohit’s mother, mama, sister and father stood by him through the difficult early years and the progress that followed. As the first entrepreneur in his family, their support has been an important part of his experience.

His first employee, now the company’s Production Head, has seen the business evolve from its earliest days. A remark from him continues to stay with Rohit:

“Sir, aapne kaha se shuru kiya tha aur aaj kaha tak aa gaye hain.”

For Rohit, the words sum up a transformation that cannot be measured by sales alone.

Looking Ahead

Rohit believes progress comes from discipline and the willingness to act even when the path is uncertain. His personal philosophy is:

“You already know what you need to do to make it right. Most of the time, you’re just negotiating with your comfort.”

White Dust is now focused on developing its product range, strengthening operations and reaching more customers across India. Its founding ambition remains unchanged: build in Ranchi, manufacture in India and create products for India.

 Shibani Dandekar along with Unnati Shukla, founder, FOSSAE

Mumbai, 12 October 2026 : Mumbai's fashion and style circuit came together as FOSSAE, a new luxury fashion house for women by Unnati Shukla, made its debut with an intimate unveiling of its inaugural collection, Ebony & Ivory, at the launch event in Mumbai.

The evening brought together style icon Shibani Dandekar alongside an influential gathering of fashion industry stakeholders and tastemakers, who came together to witness the arrival of a new House on India's luxury fashion landscape.

Founded by Unnati Shukla, FOSSAE introduces a distinct point of view in luxury fashion, shaped by precision, craftsmanship and a contemporary expression of femininity. The launch evening offered guests the first glimpse of Ebony & Ivory, a collection built around the striking interplay of black and white.

The evening unfolded as an intimate celebration of fashion, design and craftsmanship, with the collection taking centre stage. Comprising eight distinct looks, Ebony & Ivory explores the tension and harmony between opposites - structure and fluidity, boldness and restraint, strength and softness. Its monochromatic palette places emphasis on silhouette, proportion, texture and construction, establishing the visual language of the new House.

“FOSSAE was born from a desire to create a brand where design, craftsmanship and the experience of luxury come together with intention. Ebony & Ivory is our first expression of that vision, and the beginning of a much larger story for FOSSAE. The collection is designed for women who view fashion as an expression of identity - women who seek pieces with character, refinement and a sense of permanence beyond the moment,” says Unnati Shukla, Founder, FOSSAE.

With the unveiling of Ebony & Ivory, FOSSAE marks the beginning of its journey in Indian luxury fashion, bringing together a distinctive aesthetic, considered craftsmanship and a contemporary vision of the modern woman.

About FOSSAE

FOSSAE is a luxury fashion house shaped by precision, craftsmanship and a distinctive vision of modern femininity. Founded by Unnati Shukla, the House brings together a considered approach to design with an appreciation for the finer nuances of luxury. Inspired by the agility, precision and quiet strength of its namesake, FOSSAE explores contemporary silhouettes, refined construction and thoughtful detailing.

Website: www.fossae.in
Instagram: Fossae.Official

Ekya Vana Early Years, Haralur, Bengaluru - a nature-inspired space where children learn through exploration, play and connection with nature

Haralur is the programme’s third Bengaluru campus, following its centres in RMV Sanjay Nagar and Manyata Tech Park. The campus extends Ekya Vana Early Years’ nature-based approach to early childhood education in south-east Bengaluru.

The campus landscape includes mango, guava, chikoo, banana, coconut and pomegranate trees, alongside a butterfly garden where children can observe and engage with the natural environment.. Spaces such as the mud kitchen, nature workshop, eco lab and indoor atelier support hands-on exploration, creative expression and learning through experience.

As part of its planned eco-initiatives, the campus will also introduce a biopond. Once developed, it will give children opportunities to observe fish and explore how aquatic life interacts with plants and other elements of an ecosystem, helping them understand how different living things depend on one another.

At the heart of the programme is Earth Sense, an approach rooted in the belief that children are part of the natural world. Through its People & Planet and Earth Care pathways, Ekya Vana Early Years encourages children to explore their relationship with nature. The programme aims to make sustainability tangible through observation, inquiry and hands-on experiences, helping children understand how living systems are connected and why care for the environment matters.

“At Ekya Vana Early Years, we want children to grow up seeing nature not as something outside their lives, but as part of the world they belong to. In the early years, even simple experiences of observing a butterfly, exploring soil or noticing how plants grow can shape the way children relate to their surroundings. That connection is where we believe a lasting sense of care for the natural world begins,” said Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder, Ekya Schools.

Parents are invited to participate in sessions around food, nutrition and nature, creating opportunities to engage with the ideas that shape the programme.

The Haralur campus was unveiled at an event on September 19, attended by parents, prospective families and early childhood educators. The launch was also attended by Dr. K.C. Ramamurthy, IPS (Retd.), Chairman of the CMR Group of Institutions and CMR University, and former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), and Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy, President of CMR Jnanadhara Trust and Chancellor of CMR University.

Admissions are open for children aged 18 months to 6 years. The campus is located at  10th, 13/57, Shubh Enclave, main, Haralur Main Rd, off Sarjapur Main Road, Haralur, Kasavanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka. 

About Ekya Vana Early Years

Ekya Vana Early Years is the nature-based preschool and daycare programme from Ekya Schools, part of the CMR Group of Institutions. Founded in 2025, it offers early learning for children aged 18 months to 6 years across three Bengaluru campuses: RMV Sanjay Nagar, Manyata Tech Park and Haralur.

Its Earth Sense approach encourages children to develop a connection with the natural world through curiosity, exploration and hands-on learning. Through its People & Planet and Earth Care pathways, the programme introduces children to ideas of interdependence, care and environmental responsibility from their earliest years.

Dr Sharath K Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, sharing his insights during the MAHE Nature Conference

The conference brings together researchers, clinicians, public health experts, policymakers, and industry representatives from 20 countries to share scientific findings, examine emerging research, and strengthen collaboration on the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

The conference addresses critical global health priorities, including emerging and re-emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), pandemic preparedness, disease surveillance, diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccination strategies, and the One Health approach.

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, stressed the importance of strengthening global health security in the face of emerging infectious disease threats. “Human beings have become increasingly adept at crossing borders, but pathogens have become even more adept. They do not need passports or visas, reminding us that infectious diseases are a global challenge that transcends geographical and disciplinary boundaries. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that health security is inseparable from human security and underscored the need for stronger surveillance, preparedness, and equitable access to healthcare,” he emphasised.

Dr Rao further noted that addressing infectious disease challenges requires collaboration across medicine, pharmacy, engineering, data science, behavioural sciences and public health policy. He added that universities have a critical role in fostering interdisciplinary partnerships that translate research into meaningful public health outcomes.

Dr Jessica Thompson, Senior Editor at Nature Microbiology, opened the proceedings with a warm welcome to all attendees on behalf of the Nature editorial team, and outlined the scientific discussions planned for the day.

The day’s proceedings have been organised around a series of expert-led sessions on disease surveillance modelling, from outbreak forecasting to the design of surveillance systems, One Health digital platforms, the role of network structure and multimodality, data-to-decision-making, population genomics, translational intelligence, and AMR surveillance -Indian scenario.

Hosting this conference reinforces MAHE's growing role as a global hub for health sciences research and reflects its commitment to advancing infectious disease research, international scientific collaboration, and evidence-based solutions to emerging public health challenges.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3^rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

Crizac launches Partner Growth Program to support counselling partners with marketing, training, and branding

Built especially for small and medium counselling businesses, PGP equips partners with ready-to-use marketing, structured counsellor training and certification, and professional branding under their own name, all through their existing Crizac login. The program is open to Crizac's network of 17,400+ registered counselling partners across 85+ countries.

Helping partners build stronger businesses

Counsellors devote their days to guiding students, managing applications, and handling the steady rhythm of follow-ups. As a result, they seldom have the bandwidth to work consistently on marketing and branding, which can mean missed opportunities to generate new leads and grow their business.

At the same time, they must stay abreast of destination policies, admissions processes, and industry shifts that rarely pause. Finding the time and resources for regular training and certification becomes a challenge of its own.

Crizac believes a platform is only as strong as the counselling partners it works with, and that its role is to contribute to their growth. PGP gives that belief practical form.

"Students trust their counsellor before they trust any university or any platform. That trust is earned one conversation at a time, and it is the most valuable thing in our industry," said Dr Vikash Agarwal, Managing Director, Crizac Limited. "Yet the counselling partners that earn it often have the least time and support to grow. A platform should grow with the partners that trust it, and PGP is our commitment to doing exactly that. When counselling partners grow stronger, students get better advice, and the whole system works better."

How PGP helps the Counselling Partners

• Stay visible without a marketing team. Through the Marketing Studio, partners get ready-to-post content designed by Crizac and branded with their own name and contact details. A small business can keep its channels active and look as professional as a much larger one, at no cost.

• Stay current without losing time. Counsellors can earn Crizac-issued counselling certifications across study destinations at substantial discounts. Each one builds a substantial understanding of a country, from application to visa to loan and beyond, so partners can guide students and families through every step with clarity.

Together, these let partners spend less time on marketing and training logistics, and more time counselling.

"Small and growing education consultancies should not have to choose between serving their students and investing in their own growth," said Nikhil Jain, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Crizac Limited. "Through the Partner Growth Program, we are making professional marketing support, branding resources, and destination-specific training more accessible to our counselling partners. Ultimately, stronger brands and better-trained counsellors help build student confidence and give education consultancies more opportunities to grow."

"AI will not replace the counsellor. It will separate the counsellors who use it from those who do not," added Dishant Kharbanda, Chief Innovation Officer, Crizac Limited, and the author of Hacked by History: Seven secrets of Dominating the age of AI. "Students now arrive having already asked an AI where to study, what it will cost, and whether they will get a visa. A counsellor's value no longer lies in holding information. It lies in judgment, empathy, and accountability. We are building tools that handle the routine work for our partners, so they can spend more time on what only a human can do.“

Today's launch is the first chapter of PGP, not the full story. Crizac intends to keep adding new tools, training, and benefits to PGP, each shaped by what partners say they need most. Every addition will follow one simple test: if it helps a counsellor win a family's trust, serve a student better, or run a stronger business, it belongs in PGP. Partners who sign in today will get early access to new features.

Crizac partners can sign in to PGP at Link using their existing partner account. Counselling partners new to Crizac can register using the same link.

About Crizac Limited

Crizac Limited is an AI-native student mobility platform partnering with international universities and education counsellors globally, with 450+ institutions across the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Europe. Headquartered in Kolkata and listed on the NSE and BSE, Crizac is committed to ethical recruitment and tech-driven student success.

Disclaimer

Statements in this release about Crizac's future plans and direction, including the development of PGP and its work in technology and AI, are forward-looking, reflect current expectations, and are subject to change. They are not guarantees of any specific feature, offering, or timeline.

Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA)

Elaborating on the exclusive opportunity and the gradual increase in numbers, Rev. Dr C. Joe Arun, SJ, Director of LIBA, stated, “We have consistently seen interest from students whose parents are working in the Gulf, and this year the level of enquiries around the CIWG category has been particularly encouraging. For eligible candidates, the category provides an opportunity to explore LIBA’s PGDM programme while availing themselves of the applicable domestic fee structure, subject to the prescribed eligibility and admission criteria.”

LIBA, a Jesuit business school in Chennai, combines industry-oriented management education with its philosophy of “Excellence with Ethics”. Its experiential approach to learning has also attracted students from Indian families based overseas, including the Gulf region. Students admitted under the CIWG category account for approximately 15% of each PGDM batch.

“Over the last few years, we have seen growing interest from students from Gulf-based Indian families. Many of these students have already completed or are pursuing their undergraduate education in India, making a PGDM a natural next step as they prepare for careers in a competitive global business environment,” added Rev. Dr. C. Joe Arun, SJ.

While candidates under the CIWG category are required to meet the prescribed eligibility and admission criteria, including applicable entrance-test requirements, the category provides eligible children of Gulf-based Indians with a distinct pathway to apply to LIBA’s PGDM programme. Final selection remains subject to the institution’s admission process and verification of the required documents.

Admissions for LIBA’s 2027–29 PGDM programme are now open. Eligible students interested in exploring the CIWG category can contact LIBA’s admissions team for information on eligibility, documentation and the application process. Further details are available at LIBA’s official website.

About LIBA

A Jesuit business school, LIBA (Loyola Institute of Business Administration) is known for its industry-oriented approach to management education, combining academic rigour with experiential learning. Its Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programme is designed to equip aspiring business leaders with the knowledge, skills and ethical perspective needed to navigate a dynamic global business environment. Guided by its philosophy of “Excellence with Ethics”, LIBA continues to nurture responsible leaders who can create meaningful impact across industries.

Dr. Emir Hrnjic, Senior Lecturer in Finance, NUS Business School (fifth from left), at a media engagement with Indonesian media in Singapore

For more than a century, case-based learning has put students in the shoes of business leaders by giving information they need to analyse a problem, and then ask them how they would solve it.

Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing what it means to solve a case. Since January 2026, NUS Business School has been piloting an AI-enabled approach in which students are given an AI-simulated problem where they must determine what information they need, decide whom to ask, evaluate the answers they receive and make a recommendation under uncertainty.

The simulation is built on ScholAIstic, a generative AI platform developed by the NUS AI Centre for Educational Technologies (AICET) to support roleplaying and simulation-based learning.

Dr Emir Hrnjic, a Senior Lecturer in Finance at NUS Business School, has been working with AICET to adapt and refine these capabilities for management education, developing executive personas around the business case.

To date, the tool has now been used by close to 100 MBA and Executive MBA students across Singapore and Jakarta, many of whom are senior executives.

Sharpening the human instinct behind good decisions
In the pilot, students interview AI-simulated executives, including a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Product and Technology Officer, each offering a different perspective to the same business situation. Students must navigate these perspectives, assess the information they gather and reach their own conclusions.

After each interview, students receive personalised feedback on on their questioning, allowing them to reflect and adapt their approach in subsequent interviews.

Dr Hrnjic said: “Students must decide what they need to know, ask the right questions, challenge what they hear and exercise judgement without having the complete picture. The aim is not to replace that human instinct with AI, but to sharpen in by helping students become more discerning about what to ask and trust. That is much closer to how leaders make decisions in the real world.”

Early findings suggest that effective use of AI is not about asking more questions but about asking the right ones. Analysis of interview transcripts showed found that stronger interviews had more targeted questions, follow-ups and adaptation as new information emerged, rather than simply working through a prepared list.

The findings point to a broader role for generative AI in management education. Rather than using AI primarily to search for information or generate answers, the technology can recreate the real-world scenarios, sharpening executives’ judgement to better navigate uncertainty and competing perspectives they face in real organisations.

NUS Business School sees potential for similar AI-simulated tools to be applied to other areas of business education where students need to question stakeholders, negotiate competing interests and make decisions under uncertainty. The ambition is to move beyond the largely static information environment of the traditional case towards a dynamic one where students actively acquire information, pursue emerging lines of inquiry, challenge assumptions and exercise judgement as the problem unfolds.

The simulation is one part of NUS Business School’s broader approach to integrating AI into education. The school is exploring how AI can enhance, rather than replace, meaningful learning, thereby helping students develop the judgement, critical thinking and adaptability needed to navigate an increasingly AI-enabled workplace.

This becomes increasingly important as AI takes on a greater role in business. Companies across Asia, including Indonesia, are rapidly adopting AI across their operations, making the ability to question and assess AI-generated information an increasingly important leadership skill. For Indonesia, the economic stakes are significant. A 2020 study by Kearney and EDBI projected that AI could contribute USD 366 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030, equivalent to 12 per cent of projected GDP.

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About National University of Singapore (NUS)

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. We have 15 colleges, faculties and schools across three campuses in Singapore, with more than 40,000 students from 100 countries enriching our vibrant and diverse campus community. We have also established around 15 NUS Overseas Colleges entrepreneurial hubs around the world.

Our multidisciplinary and real-world approach to education, research and entrepreneurship enables us to work closely with industry, governments and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in our faculties, research centres of excellence, corporate labs and more than 30 university-level research institutes focus on themes that include energy; environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases; active ageing; advanced materials; risk management and resilience of financial systems; Asian studies; and Smart Nation capabilities such as artificial intelligence, data science, operations research and cybersecurity.

For more information on NUS, please visit nus.edu.sg.

About NUS Business School

With 50,000 alumni and 60 global chapters, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School is known for providing management thought leadership from an Asian perspective, enabling its students and corporate partners to leverage global knowledge and Asian insights.

The school has consistently ranked first in Asia by independent publications and agencies, such as The Financial Times and Quacquarelli Symonds, in recognition of the quality of its programmes, faculty research and graduates.

The school is accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), endorsements that the school has met the highest standards for business education.

For more information about NUS Business School, please visit bschool.nus.edu.sg.

To discover our MBA, MSc or Executive Education courses, visit mscbiz.nus.edu.sg, mba.nus.edu.sg or executive-education.nus.edu.sg

Through Adspire, Moyeen is building a company that provides businesses with digital marketing services designed to support their online presence and customer acquisition goals.

A Career in Digital Marketing

Moyeen’s professional focus is on understanding how businesses can use digital advertising to reach potential customers. As a Meta Certified Marketing Strategist, he works in an industry where campaign planning, audience targeting and creative development play important roles.

His approach recognises that advertising results depend on more than the amount of money spent on a campaign. The message, target audience and overall customer experience can all influence performance.

Understanding these factors helps businesses make better decisions about their marketing activities.

Leading Adspire Private Limited

As CEO and Founder, Moyeen leads Adspire Private Limited, which offers services including Meta Ads, Google Ads, social media marketing, website development, creative production and campaign management.

These services help businesses address different digital marketing requirements, from building an online identity to reaching potential customers through paid advertising.

Moyeen’s focus is on understanding what a business needs before deciding which marketing activities may be suitable. Different companies face different challenges, and their marketing strategies need to reflect those differences.

A Focus on Advertising Results

For Moyeen, advertising should be evaluated according to its purpose. Views and clicks can indicate audience interest, but they do not always translate into sales or qualified enquiries.

Businesses need to consider whether their campaigns are attracting the right people and contributing to their commercial objectives.

This requires reviewing campaign performance and identifying areas that may need improvement. Better targeting, clearer messaging and a more effective customer journey can all influence the outcome.

Building a Business and a Reputation

Moyeen Ahmed is developing his professional identity alongside the growth of Adspire Private Limited. His credentials as a Meta Certified Marketing Strategist and his position as the company’s founder reflect his focus on digital marketing and entrepreneurship.

His aim is to help businesses approach online advertising more strategically while building Adspire into an established name in the digital marketing industry.

As the market continues to evolve, Moyeen remains focused on the role of effective advertising in helping businesses reach their audiences and pursue sustainable growth.

CHANDIGARH; 15th October 2026: The Bhagwant Mann Government has intensified its crackdown on violations of drug laws, with the Drugs Wing of the Food and Drugs Administration conducting 16,788 inspections between April 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. During this period, medicines worth ₹20.64 crore were seized from 214 licensed and unlicensed firms, while the licences of 520 chemists were suspended and those of 22 chemists cancelled for violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs Rules, 1945.

As per the directions of the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, regular inspections are being carried out to strengthen enforcement and curb the misuse of medicines. During the period under review, 54 court cases were instituted against defaulters, while 35 cases resulted in convictions along with fines. A total of 650 cases are currently under trial in various district courts across the state.

In a significant step towards curbing the misuse of habit-forming medicines, the Government of India has included Pregabalin under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, through notification G.S.R. 377(E), dated May 13, 2026. The provision will come into force on November 12, 2026.

Pregabalin was not previously covered under any Schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, or the Drugs Rules, 1945. The Punjab Government had repeatedly taken up the matter with the Government of India through various communications, seeking regulatory intervention to control its misuse.

The Punjab Government has also raised concerns with the Union Health Minister over the absence of rules regulating the online sale of medicines through e-pharmacies. According to the state government, medicines that can be misused for intoxication remain available online, undermining efforts to curb the misuse of habit-forming medicines.

The Punjab Government has restricted the stocking for sale of eight types of drug formulations in the state. However, the absence of a regulatory framework for online medicine sales continues to pose a challenge to effective enforcement.

The Bhagwant Mann government has also taken up the issue of exorbitant medicine prices and variations in the prices of products manufactured by different companies despite containing the same active pharmaceutical ingredient or salt. The government has stated that no effective steps had been taken by the Centre on this issue until the recent intervention and directions of the Supreme Court of India.

The Punjab Government reiterated its commitment to taking proactive measures in the public interest to address issues related to public health and strengthen the enforcement of drug laws across the state.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], October 15: The story is connecting deeply with audiences across Gujarat and all over India. Seeing the incredible response from across the country, preparations are reportedly underway for remakes in Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil, according to insider sources.

When it comes to Gujaratis, discussions about food, flavor, and culinary delights are inevitable! As the popular saying goes, “Life only has true flavor when there’s chatni!” — and this delicious premise is currently proving true at the box office. At a time when Gujarati cinema is passing through its golden era, the family entertainer film Chatni, produced under the banner of Eforu Entertainment, is running to housefull shows across theaters.

What is most interesting is that the film’s storyline is not restricted to Gujarat alone; its deep family emotions and authentic cultural roots have forged a strong connection with viewers across India. Universal themes of maternal love, family values, and personal struggle resonate with audiences from every region. Encouraged by this overwhelming love and appreciation, producers Prashant Modi, Nilesh Modi, Amit Vedawala, and Harsh Patel are now planning to adapt the film into Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil, with an official announcement expected soon.

Helmed by Sandeep Patel — the director behind the cult classic Love Ni Bhavai — and guided by creative producer Neeraj Joshi, Chatni is more than just about culinary taste; it is a unique tale of family emotions and relationships. At the heart of the story lies a 115-year-old family recipe and a legacy centered around a mother’s secret chutney recipe. In the film, the son (Malhar Thakar) embarks on a mission to bring his mother’s traditional recipe to the world by building it into a modern brand, showcasing a touching mother-son bond that leaves audiences emotional.

During this entrepreneurial journey, an ideological clash between the forward-thinking son and his traditional father adds a compelling turn to the narrative. The father’s initial resistance, business struggles, and the ambition to keep heritage alive amid city life challenges are beautifully depicted on screen. The eventual resolution and warmth between father and son touch the hearts of every family.

Gujarati cinema’s popular real-life couple, Malhar Thakar and Pooja Joshi, share the screen as a lead couple for the first time since their marriage, and their effortless chemistry is winning praise. Additionally, stellar performances by seasoned actors including Prashant Barot, Hetal Modi, Smit Joshi, Premal Yagnik, Manisha Trivedi, and Akash Zala serve as key pillars of the film’s success. Packed with humor, heart, and values, Chatni offers a wholesome moviegoing experience for families across India.

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Drawing from her personal experience of marital pain, faith and resilience, Kadambari Advani turns a difficult chapter of her life into a story about love, forgiveness, redemption and the purpose of marriage

Panaji (Goa) [India], October 14: Author, cultural ambassador and former film producer Kadambari Advani marked an important milestone in her writing journey with the launch of her book, UN-TIED MARRIAGE KNOT: The Story of Secret Scars Behind the Hidden Walls, at ICA Conclave 2026 in Goa, organised by the International Council of Authors. Officially launched on 19 September 2026 at the Renaissance Hotel in Goa, the book draws from Kadambari’s personal experiences of marital pain, loneliness and emotional suffering, while exploring her faith and her understanding of love, forgiveness and redemption within marriage.

During ICA Conclave 2026, Kadambari Advani was also honoured with an Author Award for UN-TIED MARRIAGE KNOT, recognising her contribution as an author and marking a meaningful milestone in her journey of turning personal experiences into a story intended to offer reflection and hope to readers.

The launch was also a significant moment for Kadambari because of the support and vision of Inspiring Jatin, Founder of the International Council of Authors. In reflecting on the conclave, she expressed her appreciation for Jatinji’s tireless work, dedication, planning, visionary leadership, energy and commitment towards authors. She described ICA Conclave as a world-class platform that gave authors an opportunity to have their work recognised and celebrated.

For Kadambari, becoming an author was not a decision that emerged in isolation. She describes writing as something that grew out of years of loneliness, emotional pain and her struggle to understand the experiences within her marriage. Her faith in Jesus Christ became an important part of how she understood and processed that period of her life.

“I lived a solitary secluded life behind closed walls, crying to my Lord God Jesus Christ, why am I suffering through my husband’s infidelity. Why is my life filled with venomous words that have crossed boundaries? From those lonely tears and endless nights I knitted every wound into words to be recognised as an author by the blessing of the Almighty’s grace Jesus Christ,” Kadambari said.

UN-TIED MARRIAGE KNOT presents a deeply personal account of a relationship marked by romance, deception, emotional pain and what Kadambari describes as narcissistic abuse. The book examines the hidden struggles that can exist behind the walls of a marriage and looks at the idea of marriage as a sacred covenant grounded in love, commitment and faith.

At the centre of the book is Kadambari’s belief that love should remain the foundation of marriage. She explores how love, forgiveness and redemption can shape the way people understand relationships, particularly when they encounter pain, broken promises and difficult circumstances.

The inspiration behind the book came from Kadambari’s own experience of moving through what she describes as brokenness and suffering. She writes about discovering her self-worth through pain and finding a deeper sense of purpose through her faith. For her, the process of writing became a way of giving meaning to an experience that had once left her feeling isolated.

“In the dirt of brokenness I found my worth and in the silence of suffering I surrendered to God and heard a divine whisper and realized if I had not walked through hell and fire my book would have had no story to narrate. From burn out to break through my pen became unstoppable and ultimately UN-TIED MARRIAGE KNOT was born to be left as a legacy to be remembered forever,” she said.

Rather than presenting the book only as a personal memoir, Kadambari sees it as carrying a wider message for people dealing with relationship struggles and the hidden pain within marriages. She hopes her experience can encourage readers to reflect on love, faith, unity and the role of forgiveness in relationships.

The book is intended for couples, people navigating relationship challenges, readers interested in marriage and those seeking stories of faith, hope and personal resilience. Kadambari also hopes that her testimony will help readers understand how personal pain can become a source of purpose and reflection.

Kadambari’s journey as an author is also connected to a diverse professional and creative background. Earlier in her career, she made a name for herself as a film producer and proprietor of Sai Baba Textile Company in Mumbai. She holds master’s degrees in Philosophy and Psychology, along with a Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations. Her exposure to music and dance also formed part of her early creative journey.

Her association with the entertainment and music industry includes a contractual association with Zee TV for the release of her album Sai Tujh Bin Kaun Hamara, which was composed by Anup Jalota, with Shatrughan Sinha as commentator and Kadambari and Anup Jalota as singers.

Over time, Kadambari’s journey took a deeply spiritual direction. Her profile describes her encounter with Jesus Christ as a defining turning point that reshaped the course of her life and became central to her faith and public work.

For Kadambari, the recognition at ICA Conclave carries a personal meaning beyond the award itself. She views it as an acknowledgement that the pain she experienced could become part of a larger purpose and that her story could potentially offer hope to others.

“Recognition to me is not just an award, but the acknowledgement from God that my pain had a purpose. It means my tears and testimonies can now become a source of hope and healing for marriages. And that’s God’s way of telling that my story matters a lot more than I had ever thought or imagined about it,” she said.

The launch at ICA Conclave 2026 therefore marked more than the release of a book. For Kadambari Advani, it represented the point where years of personal experience, faith and writing came together in a published work, supported by a platform that celebrates authors and their stories.

About Ms. Kadambari Advani

Kadambari Advani is an author, film producer, entrepreneur and cultural ambassador. She holds master’s degrees in Philosophy and Psychology and a Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations. Her professional and creative journey has included film production, business, music and television. Her later work has been strongly shaped by her Christian faith and her commitment to sharing her personal testimony and message internationally. Her book, UN-TIED MARRIAGE KNOT: The Story of Secret Scars Behind the Hidden Walls, brings together her experiences of marital pain, faith, resilience and her reflections on love, forgiveness and redemption.

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Sneh Asha Foundation launches 12-week ‘Jeevan Kaushalya’ project across four tribal residential schools in Palghar; overall educational initiatives reach over 16,500 students

Palghar [Maharashtra, India], October 15: What does it take to prepare a child for the future? Beyond textbooks and examinations, children need the ability to manage money, communicate confidently, make informed decisions and understand a world increasingly shaped by technology.

For tribal students in Palghar, these essential skills will now become part of their learning experience.

Sneh Asha Foundation has launched ‘Jeevan Kaushalya’, a 12-week project designed to equip students with practical life skills, financial literacy, functional English, digital awareness and career guidance. The initiative will be implemented across four tribal residential schools in Vikramgad and Jawhar talukas, bringing essential learning opportunities to children who often have limited access to such exposure.

The project was inaugurated at S.K. Agro Tourism in Vikramgad, with approximately 400 students in attendance. Renowned tribal folk artist and Padma Shri awardee Bhiklya Ladkya Dhinda Baba graced the occasion as chief guest, alongside Siddhi Chauhan Jaiswal, Founder and President of Sneh Asha Foundation. The event also celebrated Palghar’s rich tribal heritage, with a traditional Tarpa performance by Bhiklya Ladkya Dhinda Baba and folk dances and indigenous art forms presented by students from schools across the district. These performances highlighted the importance of preserving cultural traditions and local identity while expanding access to modern education and opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri awardee Bhiklya Ladkya Dhinda Baba emphasized the importance of education and guidance in empowering children from tribal communities. He said:

“Children from tribal communities have immense potential. With the right education, guidance and opportunities, they can shape their own futures and become self-reliant. What they need is the right support to help them achieve this.”

As an integral part of the Jeevan Kaushalya project, 55 bicycles were distributed to schoolgirls, recognising that access to education and opportunities begins with the ability to reach them. In Palghar’s tribal belt, distance can often become a barrier to continued learning, skill development and future aspirations. By making mobility easier, the project aims to help girls access schools, colleges, training centers and future employment opportunities with greater independence. The distribution reflects a fundamental belief behind Jeevan Kaushalya: empowering children with life skills also means addressing the practical barriers that may prevent them from putting those skills to use.

Learning Skills That Shape a Lifetime

While conventional education builds academic knowledge, students also need practical skills to navigate everyday challenges and make informed choices about their future.

Recognizing this need, Jeevan Kaushalya brings together five key areas of learning: financial literacy, functional English, life skills, soft skills and career readiness.

Students from Classes V to X will learn the fundamentals of saving and managing money, effective communication, teamwork, leadership, decision-making and problem-solving.

The project will incorporate interactive discussions, games, group activities and practical exercises to encourage active participation and build confidence among students.

Students will also receive guidance on higher education, vocational training, skill-based courses and career opportunities. Recognizing the changing demands of the modern world, they will be introduced to digital skills and the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The project will cover Karhe and Kurje residential schools in Vikramgad taluka, and Dabhosa and Vinwal residential schools in Jawhar taluka, with the involvement of teachers, parents, school authorities and local communities.

“A Child’s Potential Should Never Be Limited by Their Circumstances”: Siddhi Jaiswal

Speaking about the initiative, Siddhi Chauhan Jaiswal, Founder and President of Sneh Asha Foundation, said:

“Every child has dreams, curiosity and the ability to achieve something meaningful. But opportunity is not equally available to everyone. A child growing up in a tribal village should have the same chance to understand technology, learn financial skills, speak with confidence and explore career possibilities as a child studying in a metropolitan city.

Through Jeevan Kaushalya, we want to bring these opportunities closer to children who need them. Education must do more than help students pass examinations. It should prepare them to make decisions, overcome challenges and build independent, fulfilling lives. That is the change we hope to contribute to.”

Connecting with Students at the Grassroots

As part of her visit to Palghar, Siddhi Chauhan Jaiswal visited Kurje Residential School, where she interacted with students, the headmistress and teachers.

During the visit, she gained insights into the students’ educational experiences, aspirations and challenges, and discussed the support being extended through the Foundation’s initiatives in education, digital literacy, scholarships and skill development.

She also encouraged greater participation from individuals and organizations in initiatives supporting the holistic development of children from underserved communities.

An Educational Mission That Has Reached Over 16,500 Students

The launch of Jeevan Kaushalya marks another step in Sneh Asha Foundation’s ongoing efforts to expand access to meaningful educational opportunities.

Through its ongoing and newly launched educational initiatives, including Jeevan Kaushalya in Palghar, the Foundation’s overall reach extends to more than 16,500 students. Its work includes establishing computer laboratories in 54 schools across Mumbai, helping students gain access to digital learning and technology.

The Foundation has also awarded scholarships to 72 students across four batches, supporting their continued education.

With its expansion into life skills, financial literacy, English communication and career guidance in Palghar, the Foundation is working towards an educational approach that prepares children not only for academic success but also for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

About Sneh Asha Foundation

Sneh Asha Foundation is a Mumbai-based non-profit organization founded by Siddhi Jaiswal and Sneha Jaiswal. The Foundation works to improve access to educational opportunities for children from underserved communities through projects focused on digital education, scholarships, life skills, financial literacy and career development.

With an overall educational reach of more than 16,500 students, including those covered under its newly launched Jeevan Kaushalya project, the Foundation continues to create opportunities that help children develop confidence, practical skills and the ability to pursue their aspirations.

About Siddhi Chauhan Jaiswal

Siddhi Chauhan Jaiswal is the Founder and President of Sneh Asha Foundation. Her work focuses on expanding educational opportunities for children from underserved communities, with particular emphasis on digital literacy, scholarships, life skills and career readiness.

Through the Foundation, she advocates an approach to education that combines academic learning with practical knowledge, confidence-building and opportunities for long-term personal development.

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Desun Hospital launches an organ donation awareness campaign, urging people to turn the spirit of giving into a gift of life

Kolkata: As Kolkata prepares for the grandeur and devotion of Durga Puja, Desun Hospital is bringing a life-saving message to the heart of the festivities through a special organ donation awareness campaign, encouraging people to embrace the spirit of giving beyond traditional rituals.

At the centre of the campaign are creative visual representations of two marigold flowers symbolising the kidneys and a lotus bud resembling the human heart. Blending the cultural significance of Durga Puja with the message of organ donation, the campaign carries the evocative Bengali tagline, “অঞ্জলীর স্মৃতিতে থাকুক অঙ্গদানের প্রতিশ্রুতি” (Anjalir Smritite Thakuk Angadaner Protishruti), which conveys the message, “Let the Memory of Anjali Live On Through a Promise of Organ Donation.” The campaign inspires people to transform the spirit of devotion and offering into a commitment that can give others a second chance at life.

Durga Puja represents faith, compassion, hope and togetherness. Through this initiative, Desun Hospital seeks to connect these enduring values with the life-changing potential of organ donation, encouraging individuals and families to learn about the process, make informed decisions and discuss their wishes with loved ones.

Organ donation can offer renewed hope to patients awaiting life-saving transplants and bring new possibilities to families facing critical health challenges. By bringing this important subject into the festive conversation, Desun Hospital aims to encourage greater public awareness and promote informed discussions about organ donation in accordance with established medical and legal guidelines.

Mr. Sajal Dutta, Chairman & Managing Director, Desun Hospital, said, “Durga Puja is a celebration of faith, compassion and the triumph of good over evil. Through this initiative, we want to remind people that the spirit of giving can extend beyond our traditional rituals and become a gift of life itself. Organ donation is one of the noblest acts of humanity, offering hope and a second chance to patients battling life-threatening conditions.”

He added that at Desun, healthcare is not limited to treating illnesses; it also involves creating awareness and inspiring people to make informed choices that can benefit society. “We hope this Durga Puja, our message encourages families to have meaningful conversations about organ donation and consider pledging their organs in accordance with established medical and legal guidelines. Even when we are no longer around, our decision to donate can help others live on. That, perhaps, is one of the most enduring expressions of compassion and humanity.”

Through this festive initiative, Desun Hospital hopes to make organ donation a subject of greater public understanding, reminding people that the true spirit of giving lies not only in what we offer today, but also in the lives we may help save tomorrow.

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New Delhi [India], October 15: The 23-time international award-winning filmmaker reflects on an extraordinary journey that he has travelled from cricket pitches and theatre stages to standing in front of the camera and then shaping stories for world cinema. A creative entrepreneur from the age of 20, he founded his production company, Pillowtalk Productions, embarking early on a path of independent storytelling & filmmaking.

His latest story marks an ambitious new chapter: Preet, a gripping suspense thriller and Hollywood–Bollywood crossover feature film that shines a light on domestic violence, hope, and the invisible lives of undocumented immigrants, weaving a powerful human story through a dark and compelling cinematic world.

Some films are written at a desk. Others are discovered while life quietly unfolds. For filmmaker Jayesh Jaidka, PREET was born not in a writer’s room, but in the stillness of a tiny New York apartment during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Jayesh’s journey has been anything but conventional. It has taken him from cricket academies to Delhi University’s vibrant theatre culture, from Boston University and the New York Film Academy to the director’s chair of an ambitious international feature film to what unfolds next?

PREET is a gripping crime and suspense thriller woven around two deeply human issues that transcend borders: domestic violence and the fragile existence of undocumented immigrants in New York City. What first emerged as a short film and proof of concept has now evolved into a full-length cinematic vision, one that transcends boundaries and promises some of the best talent from across the globe.

The film is jointly produced by Harjot Kaur, Sarvesh Jaidka, and Jayesh Jaidka. Jayesh forged the crew in both countries, US and India, provided the company setup, and cast international and nationally known actors from India, US, the UK, Canada, Mexico and Central Asia. As a director, story writer, and screenplay writer, Jayesh shaped the creative soul of the film.

With production entering its final phase, Jayesh speaks about the long journey behind PREET, a journey fuelled as much by emotion as imagination.

Q: Jayesh, you have finally finished the shoot. How does it feel to finally see PREET taking shape?

Jayesh Jaidka: It feels surreal. When you’ve lived with a story for close to 6 years, you start observing the growth in it, and sometimes it’s almost crazy how much everything has changed from the first draft to what we shot.

What astounds me more is how much I have evolved over the years. While Preet grew in story, teammates, and the whatnots, I sometimes have a hard time recognizing when I went from a boy who had a hard time setting up his closet in NYC in 2020 to a man who now runs a whole company and is leading an Indo-US feature film, while dealing with jealousy, insecurities, and rivalry, but also successfully having a network base in both the US and India.

There’s a lot that I want to share in between, but all I will say until the film is completed is that the pain of all the rejections takes a back seat when the confidence of who you truly are starts shaping your personality. If you’re a filmmaker or actor trying to break in, use the power of those rejections to prove everyone wrong – anything is possible if you put your mind to it. That, and learn the business – nothing is possible without it.

Q: You also brought a female co-writer into the project. Why was that important?

Preet is a woman’s story, and not having a female voice leading it was the missing sauce to the script. Even before the short film/proof of concept, I took a swing at the feature film script and failed miserably. Partly because I badly wanted to succeed at Sundance Film Festival, hence I wasn’t doing justice to myself by writing an art house film that had no correlation to myself as a filmmaker and entertainer.

It was when I decided to at least shoot the proof of concept to keep my passion alive that I realized that I have a heavy penchant for making a mystery thriller of this film, and while I feel for the topic heavily, I want to showcase a domestic abuse survivor as a roaring power fighting back, which is when I knew I needed a female voice to lead the writing department.

A film that experiments with twists through psychological turnarounds of a domestic abuse survivor required a strong female writer, and Jessica Jiji was the perfect partner I could find. I searched for a writing partner for a whole year, not wanting to work with writers that wanted to follow a simple writing formula written in books like Save the Cat. Taking nothing away from the book and while both Jessica and I have read it, I wanted a brave writer that understood that a script that breaks these rules after having a foundation on them is a script that will transcend tremendously on screen.

Jessica Jiji is a fantastic, ever so happy and just the most amazing human to have worked with and, dare I say it, my long-lasting partner in crime in this film. I had a video chat with her where I showed her the rushes, and she was able to tell the scene with just the frames, and that’s how you know she knows her job and aces it without trying very hard. God’s gift.

I’m already developing my next with her – a band movie. I think I have a great friend in Jessica. Most likely taking off my shirt in this one, if I can sustain my stress to fun levels until the end of Preet, haha.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in bringing PREET to life?

The patience, uncertainty, counts where I was taken lightly, and just the sheer restraint I have had to show during the development of this film. This film has matured me in ways I didn’t know I could. I think the period of April 2024 – February 2026 was the most emotionally grueling and exhausting period of my life. The Bermuda Triangle of travels between New York City, New Delhi, and Mumbai really had me lost, pun intended.

As I answer this question, I am still doing a lot of things for the first time. It can be challenging to trust my own gut sometimes with all the opinions thrown at me. I guess that’s why my ideal, Mr. Ratan Tata, used to say: Every Tough decision is a lonely decision.

Building a robust system for merging two of the biggest film industries is a task, but to also be mindful of the risk involved in using family finances, a personal loan, and all my savings is a whole new ball game. It builds you to a different stage altogether. Once a man goes through the pressures and confusion of doing everything for the first time, the self-confidence achieved at every stage is an immaculate feeling. Fully counting on character growth to not be my only reward after the film’s success haha! I have my eyes on a new BMW to begin with.

Q: Was filmmaking always your first love?

My first love will always be my family. Good people, but can be a handful. My second love was a girl in high school who dumped me in 3 days. Let’s never talk about that again. Still stings!

After that, yes – I was torn between acting and cricket. Acting took precedence because I was a sucker for attention, still am, but now I’ve learnt to also be a giver and share space. Acting took me to theatre days in Ramjas College, where I studied economics. Post a 4-week acting course to NYFA LA and my theatre society not letting me direct a Kashmiri adaptation of The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh, I started a film company out of revolt. Revolt led me to making films with friends, and somehow I just fell in love with filmmaking.

Q: Beyond filmmaking, who is Jayesh Jaidka?

A goofy, ambitious, adventurous, passionate, sensitive travel bugging, super talkative human seeking his full potential and a cute girlfriend.

Q: Finally, what should audiences expect from PREET?

It will blow your minds away; that’s what you can expect. The actors and crew members are some of the tightest performers and muscles out there. From my lead actress to the spot boy on the set in India, I am so proud of how everyone has contributed to the film. I also had the time of working with some of the most amazing talent in NYC who were a part of the B-wing shoot in NYC.

If you’re a lover of unsettling psychological suspense thrillers, this one is for you. If you’re not, I may have to drug and drag you to the theaters.

Q: What was the difference between your shoots in New York City and India?

*The crew. I feel like the passion in India blew me away. This was my first stint of shooting in India and this told me so much about my home country. I felt a sudden surge of passion and mutual respect that all crew members that had for each other; which naturally translated to fun and frolic even in stressful situations. I would like to give special shoutouts to Ojas Jain (Director of Photography), Vishal Pandey (Production Designer), Anoop Tiwari (1st AD), Irshit Sharma (2nd AD), Sumit Dubey (Line Producer), Harshit Bakshi (Head of Production), Ritu Meebisht (Costume Designer), and my literal backbone – Sanand Saxena (Associate Producer and Director’s Assistant). A dream team that will carry forward!*

*Taking nothing away from the crew in NYC. We had a whole stint of stolen hard drives by a few delinquents but I’d rather like to shed light on some of the most amazing people that came onboard to resume the shoot and truly make the production experience in NYC enjoyable and how I remember the city as. I want to give them a shoutout here – Eleni McClain(1st AD), Tal Kissos(DP and Gaffer), Jenil Mehta(1st AC), Malvika Bajaj(Costume Designer), Emili Weintraub(Script Supervisor), Sebastian Holst (Sound) , Lou Serrano(Grip) and Esteban Campagne(Grip), to name a few.*

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From district-level victories to national glory, the young shooting talent from St. Mary’s Inter College has made remarkable progress in her first year in the sport.

Etawah, (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 15: Age is no barrier when talent meets dedication and determination. Ten-year-old Shravya Tiwari, a Class 5 student of St. Mary’s Inter College, Etawah, has demonstrated this through an impressive series of achievements in shooting, progressing from district-level competitions to the national stage in a short span of time.

In a major achievement, Shravya won the gold medal in the Under-14, 10-Metre Air Rifle, Peep Sight, Girls’ Team event at the CBSE National Shooting Championship 2026–27 in Telangana. Her performance has brought pride to her school, family and the city of Etawah. She has also qualified for SGFI, marking another important milestone in her sporting journey.

From a Father’s Inspiration to a Young Shooter’s Dream

Shravya’s journey into shooting began this year when, at just 10 years of age, she developed an interest in the sport after watching her father. What started with learning about the rifle, understanding its handling and mastering the fundamentals of shooting soon transformed into a promising sporting journey.

Her early achievements reflect the dedication, discipline and consistent effort she has put into learning the sport.

An Impressive Record of Achievements

Shravya’s journey so far has been marked by several significant milestones:

• District-Level Competition: Won two gold medals, making an impressive start to her shooting career.
• Inter-School Shooting Championship: Secured another gold medal, continuing her winning streak.
• UP State Shooting Championship: Won a silver medal in the team event at her first state championship, demonstrating her ability to compete at a higher level.
• CBSE East Zone Shooting Championship: Represented St. Mary’s Inter College, Etawah, and won gold in the team event, qualifying for the national championship.
• All India Inter-School Shooting Championship, Bhopal: Qualified for the National Shooting Championship organised by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) in her very first attempt.
• CBSE National Shooting Championship 2026–27, Telangana: Won gold in the Under-14, 10-Metre Air Rifle, Peep Sight, Girls’ Team event and qualified for SGFI.

For a young athlete who only recently began her journey in shooting, these achievements represent a promising beginning and reflect her potential for further growth in the sport.

A Proud Moment for a Father and Coach

For Shravya’s father, Chandra Mohan Tiwari is a World Master Games medalist

SAI certified Grade A Coach,the journey carries a special meaning. As her coach, he guides her in developing her skills and discipline; as her father, he experiences the pride of watching his daughter turn her dreams into achievements.

He credits Shravya’s hard work, dedication, the blessings of God and the encouragement of well-wishers for her progress.

While celebrating her success, he also recognises that the journey ahead is long and that greater challenges and opportunities await the young shooter.

A Message of Encouragement for Every Daughter

Beyond the medals and championships, Shravya’s story carries an inspiring message for parents and young girls. Her journey highlights the importance of providing daughters with opportunities, believing in their abilities and supporting their ambitions.

Her father hopes that she will continue to work hard, achieve greater milestones and one day represent India with the national flag in her hands.

For now, the young shooter has taken an encouraging first step towards her bigger dreams. With continued training, determination and support, Shravya Tiwari’s journey will be one to watch.

A daughter’s achievement is not just a family’s pride; it is a reminder of what young girls can accomplish when they are encouraged to dream and given the opportunity to pursue those dreams.

Congratulations to Shravya Tiwari on her remarkable achievements. May her journey inspire more young athletes to aim high and pursue excellence.

Jai Hind!

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Smt. Amruta Fadnavis with Team AHAR

New Delhi [India], October 15: AHAR President Shri Vijay K Shetty said, “Vision 2030 is AHAR’s roadmap to position Mumbai as the Food Capital of India and Maharashtra among the leading tourism destinations in India and the world. The initiative focuses on strengthening the hospitality sector through improved food safety, professional training, sustainable practices and greater industry collaboration.”

AHAR supports FDA and has worked closely with them for nearly four decades, supporting food safety awareness, compliance and FoSTaC training initiatives that have reached approximately 6,000 restaurants. The association also partners with educational institutions and industry agencies to improve hygiene standards, train restaurant employees and promote staff health and wellness.

Sustainability is another key pillar of Vision 2030. Through partnerships for collecting used cooking oil and converting it into biofuel, AHAR promotes responsible waste management and environmentally conscious practices. Its initiatives align with four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

As part of Vision 2030, AHAR announced plans to organise the Maharashtra Hospitality Summit in Mumbai, bringing together prominent political leaders from state and central governments, hospitality associations, five-star hotels and other industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and advance the sector. AHAR will also organise a Mumbai Food Festival to celebrate Maharashtra’s culinary heritage and showcase diverse cuisines, further establishing Mumbai as a leading food destination.

Additionally, following an approach by the Maharashtra Government, AHAR will support the Chief Minister’s Drug-Free Mumbai campaign, using its extensive hospitality network to raise awareness about substance abuse and encourage a healthier, safer future for the city’s youth.

With ties to 65 hotel and restaurant associations across India, AHAR champions “One Voice, One Industry,” promoting collective engagement with state and central governments. With approximately 15 lakh people employed in Mumbai MMR’s hospitality sector, Vision 2030 aims to drive employment, strengthen Mumbai’s culinary identity and advance Maharashtra’s tourism ambitions.

Through these initiatives, AHAR seeks to unite the hospitality industry around a shared goal: making Mumbai a national benchmark for food and hospitality while elevating Maharashtra’s standing on the global tourism map.

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New Delhi [India], October 12: The habits children build in their early years often stay with them for life. Yet lessons around nutrition, physical activity and sleep do not always have to be taught in a classroom. What if these essential life skills could be learned through play, storytelling and experiences that children genuinely enjoy?

Bringing this idea to life, Abbott and Sesame Workshop India recently hosted an immersive learning experience in Mumbai, where nearly 150 children from underserved communities participated in a day of interactive activities designed to make healthy living both fun and memorable. The children are part of Abbott India’s STEM Learning & Healthy Living Program, implemented in collaboration with Smile Foundation.

Hosted at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, the event was more than just a day of entertainment. It was a celebration of learning, curiosity and the small, everyday choices that can shape lifelong well-being.

At the heart of the experience was an engaging Muppet Show featuring beloved Sesame Street characters Elmo, Grover and Cookie Monster. Through music, storytelling and audience participation, the characters encouraged children to embrace simple yet powerful habits such as eating nutritious meals, staying active, getting adequate sleep and spending meaningful time with family.

The energy was infectious as children took part in role-play activities, games and storytelling sessions that brought healthy living concepts to life. Rather than presenting health as a set of rules, the experience focused on helping children understand how small, consistent choices can help them feel stronger, happier and more confident.

The event is part of the Healthy Habits Program, launched this year by Sesame Workshop India with support from Abbott, to help families adopt healthy behaviors early in life that support lifelong well-being and contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases. Built on the belief that healthy habits do not have to be complicated, the program encourages simple actions around nutrition, physical activity, sleep and family connection that can make a meaningful difference over time.

As part of the initiative, free educational resources and engaging content are available on Sesame Workshop India’s digital platforms, helping parents and caregivers continue these healthy habit conversations at home. By combining evidence-based educational approaches with the appeal of trusted Sesame Street characters, the program makes preventive health learning both accessible and enjoyable.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr Jayanti Prakash, Director, Education, Content and Curriculum, Sesame Workshop India, said, “Children learn best through joyful experiences and meaningful interactions. Through beloved characters, we are helping children and caregivers understand that healthy eating, active play and good sleep can become part of everyday life in simple, achievable ways.”

Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India, added, “Building healthy habits early is one of the most effective ways to support lifelong health. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire children and families to make small, positive choices around nutrition, movement and sleep that can have a lasting impact on their future well-being.”

As Elmo, Grover and Cookie Monster demonstrated throughout the day, healthy living does not have to feel like work. Sometimes, it begins with a story, a game, a laugh and a single healthy choice. For children, those moments can become the foundation for a healthier, happier future.

Parents and caregivers can access free Healthy Habits resources, activities and learning tools at: https://sesameworkshopindia.org/resources/healthy-habits/

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By Amit Deshmukh | Notion Press

New Delhi [India], October 12: Education has increasingly become a global opportunity, but for many students, the biggest barrier is not ambition—it is awareness, information and the ability to navigate the scholarship process. Shakti Sharma’s Unlocking Scholarships addresses this gap with a practical and accessible guide for students who aspire to pursue quality education without allowing financial limitations to hold them back from achieving their educational goals.

The book takes the reader through the scholarship journey in a structured manner—from understanding the right mindset and identifying suitable opportunities to preparing applications that communicate one’s academic interests, experiences, and aspirations effectively. Its central message is particularly relevant: a scholarship should not be viewed merely as financial assistance, but as an opportunity for personal growth, international exposure and future impact.

One of the strengths of the book is its practical orientation. Rather than treating scholarships as mysterious opportunities available only to a select group of exceptional students, the book encourages readers to actively search for programmes that match their individual backgrounds and goals. This makes the subject more approachable for students who may not know where to begin.

The author’s own international academic experience adds an important dimension to the subject. Shakti Sharma pursued higher education across Germany, France and Italy in European Integration and Global Studies and is a certified Policy Officer in European and International Organisations. Her experience provides a meaningful backdrop to a book concerned with international educational opportunities.

Another valuable aspect is the emphasis on application writing. Finding a scholarship is only the beginning; presenting one’s story, motivation, academic interests and future aspirations effectively is equally important. The book therefore moves beyond simply identifying scholarship opportunities and focuses on how applicants can approach the application process comprehensively.

The book also has relevance beyond conventional academic profiles. Scholarship opportunities can serve students with different interests, backgrounds and career aspirations. This broader perspective is important because international education is no longer limited to a single definition of academic excellence.

At approximately 105 – 115 pages, the book is relatively concise, which works in its favour. It can function as a quick reference guide for students, parents, educators and professionals who want an accessible introduction to the scholarship landscape rather than a highly technical academic treatment.

Overall Impression

Unlocking Scholarships is essentially a roadmap from aspiration to application. Its greatest contribution lies in turning an often-confusing process into a series of manageable steps: understand your goals, identify appropriate scholarships, prepare thoughtfully, and present your application with clarity.

For students considering higher education in India or abroad, the book can serve as a useful starting point. For teachers, counsellors and educational institutions, it can also be a helpful resource to encourage students to explore opportunities beyond conventional funding routes.

Most importantly, the book promotes an idea that deserves wider attention: scholarships are not simply about receiving financial support; they can open pathways to knowledge, international exposure, professional networks and social impact.

Unlocking Scholarships is therefore a timely and practical handbook for anyone who believes that the right information, preparation and persistence can turn an educational ambition into a realistic opportunity.

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Applications invited for four-year B.Des programmes in Fashion Design, Communication Design, Interior Design and Luxury Product Design, and a three-year B.Sc programme in Jewellery Design

Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 14: For students who dream of designing the next fashion collection, creating compelling visual identities, transforming interior spaces or crafting luxury products, the journey towards a creative career can begin at IMS Design & Innovation Academy (IMS DIA). The Noida-based institute has opened admissions for its undergraduate design programmes, inviting aspiring designers to transform their creative interests into professional skills through industry-led education, practical experience and expert mentorship.

IMS DIA is inviting applications for its four-year Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programmes in Fashion Design, Communication Design, Interior Design and Luxury Product Design, alongside its three-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) programme in Jewellery Design. Each programme offers students the opportunity to pursue their individual interests while building a foundation in design thinking, craftsmanship and contemporary creative practices.

For students passionate about fashion and personal expression, the B.Des in Fashion Design provides an opportunity to explore contemporary fashion, craftsmanship and the creative process behind developing distinctive designs. Those drawn to branding, visual communication and digital creativity can opt for the B.Des in Communication Design, which focuses on visual storytelling, typography, branding and digital design. The B.Des in Interior Design is suited to students interested in reimagining spaces through design thinking, craftsmanship and contemporary interior practices.

Students aspiring to enter the premium and luxury design segment can explore the B.Des in Luxury Product Design, which combines creativity, craftsmanship and innovation to develop an understanding of luxury product creation. For those fascinated by jewellery, gemstones and intricate craftsmanship, the three-year B.Sc in Jewellery Design offers an opportunity to study jewellery design, digital craftsmanship, gemstones and luxury merchandising.

What distinguishes the learning experience at IMS DIA is its emphasis on applying creative knowledge beyond the classroom. Through live industry projects, internships and mentorship from experienced professionals, students are encouraged to experiment with ideas, explore different design approaches and gain practical exposure to their chosen disciplines. The institute also places importance on portfolio development, enabling students to create a body of work that reflects their individual creativity, technical abilities and design perspectives.

Mr. Chirag Gupta, Vice President, IMS Design & Innovation Academy (IMS DIA), said, “Every student who chooses design brings a unique perspective, and we believe that individuality should be encouraged from the very beginning. Whether someone dreams of becoming a fashion designer, creating memorable brand identities, designing beautiful spaces or working with luxury products and jewellery, the right education can help turn that ambition into a meaningful career. At IMS DIA, we want students to do more than earn a degree. We want them to explore their ideas, experiment without hesitation, learn directly from industry professionals and graduate with the confidence to make their mark in the creative world. We invite young aspiring designers to take that first step towards building a future around what they truly love doing.”

With over 20 years of excellence, IMS DIA offers a learning environment built around creative exploration, collaboration and industry immersion. Its approach combines practical learning with opportunities for mentorship and portfolio development, allowing students to strengthen their abilities while discovering potential professional pathways. The institute also offers merit-based scholarships to recognise exceptional creative talent, providing an additional opportunity for deserving applicants.

For students considering a future in the creative industries, these undergraduate programmes provide an opportunity to begin building the knowledge, experience and creative portfolio required to pursue their ambitions. Whether their interests lie in fashion, branding, interiors, luxury products or jewellery, IMS DIA encourages applicants to choose a discipline that reflects their passion and take the first step towards developing it into a career.

IMS DIA is now accepting applications for its four-year B.Des programmes in Fashion Design, Communication Design, Interior Design and Luxury Product Design, and its three-year B.Sc programme in Jewellery Design. Interested candidates can apply online at https://apply.imsdia.in/

About IMS Design & Innovation Academy (IMS DIA)

IMS Design & Innovation Academy (IMS DIA) is a design-focused institution committed to developing creative professionals through experiential learning, industry exposure and innovation-led education. With over 20 years of excellence, the institute offers undergraduate programmes across fashion, communication, interior, luxury product and jewellery design. Through live projects, expert mentorship, internships and portfolio-driven education, IMS DIA aims to nurture creativity, craftsmanship and practical design capabilities among aspiring professionals. The institute also offers merit-based scholarships to recognise creative talent. For more information, please visit https://www.imsdia.in/.

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Women cadets being train at Chimes Aviation Academy’s Neemuch Airbase

Gurugram (Haryana) [India], October 14: India’s commercial aviation sector has emerged as an important example of women’s growing participation in professional flying. According to IATA data, women account for approximately 15 per cent of India’s active commercial pilots, compared with roughly five to six per cent globally. The figure places India among the countries with a relatively high proportion of female commercial pilots and reflects a broader change in how women are approaching careers in aviation.

That change is also becoming visible earlier in the pipeline, at the flying training stage. More women are choosing to pursue commercial pilot training, encouraged by greater visibility of women already working in aviation, clearer career pathways and changing perceptions around who can build a career in the cockpit.

At Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), this shift is particularly visible. Almost one in three cadets currently enrolled at the academy is a woman. The figure reflects more than an increase in applications. It points to a growing willingness among women and their families to consider professional pilot training as a viable long-term career choice.

Why more women are choosing aviation

For a long time, becoming a commercial pilot seemed like an unconventional career choice for women. The profession involved significant training costs, relocation away from home and an uncertain path from flight training to an airline cockpit.

Several of those considerations are changing.

The growing presence of women in commercial aviation has made the profession more visible to younger students considering their career options. Female pilots working as First Officers and Captains provide tangible examples of what a career in aviation can look like. As these role models become more visible in airports nationwide, professional flying becomes easier to picture as a career rather than an exception.

Family perceptions are also evolving. For many students, choosing pilot training is a decision made with significant involvement from parents. The availability of structured training programmes, established airline pathways and professional training environments can give families greater confidence in supporting that choice.

The growth of women in aviation is therefore not being driven by a single factor. It is the result of greater visibility, changing expectations and an ecosystem that is gradually becoming more supportive of women entering the profession.

The training environment matters

Choosing aviation is the first step. The environment in which a cadet completes their training can have an equally important role in shaping the experience.

Pilot training often requires students to spend several months away from their home cities. For families, particularly those sending their daughters to an airfield in a remote part of the country, questions around accommodation, safety, daily routines, and access to support naturally become part of the decision.

This is where a structured, on-campus training environment can make a difference.

At Chimes Aviation Academy’s Dhana and Neemuch airfields in Madhya Pradesh, cadets have access to on-campus accommodation, in-house dining and structured daily schedules. The presence of female instructors and other women within the cadet community also gives female students access to peers and mentors who understand the experience of pursuing a career in aviation.

For families considering an investment of ₹60–75 lakh in pilot training, these factors can provide an added sense of security and confidence throughout the training journey.

The objective is not simply to create a training environment that accommodates women. It is to create one in which female cadets can participate fully in the same professional training ecosystem, build confidence and focus on developing the skills required for an airline career.

Visibility creates its own momentum

Representation within the cadet community can also influence how students experience the profession.

When a female student enters an environment where there are other women pursuing the same qualification, aviation becomes a shared experience rather than an individual choice. Female cadets can learn alongside one another, support each other through the demands of training and see peers progressing through the same pathway.

The presence of female instructors adds another layer of visibility. Students are able to see women not only as cadets learning to fly, but also as professionals contributing to the training environment.

Over time, this visibility can help broaden perceptions of who belongs in the cockpit.

From training to the airline cockpit

For aspiring pilots and their families, the training journey is ultimately connected to a much larger question: what happens after flight training?

A clearer pathway towards an airline career can make the decision to pursue pilot training easier to evaluate. This is particularly relevant for families making a substantial financial investment in a daughter’s professional education.

Chimes Aviation Academy’s association with structured airline pathways, including the CAA IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, provides cadets with a defined route towards the airline selection and training process. The academy’s alumni community of more than 1,000 pilots also includes women who have progressed from cadet pilots to being captains with major Indian and international carriers.

These career journeys help make the profession more tangible for the next generation of female cadets. A student considering aviation today can see women who have already completed the same journey and progressed into airline operations.

What CAA’s one-in-three figure represents

The fact that almost 33 per cent of CAA’s current cadet intake are women is significant because it reflects the point at which interest in aviation becomes participation.

India already has a relatively high proportion of female commercial pilots compared with the global industry. The next part of that story is ensuring that women who choose aviation have training environments that support them through the demanding process of becoming professional pilots.

CAA’s experience shows what that can look like in practice: structured training, on-campus accommodation, access to female instructors and peers, and defined pathways towards airline careers.

The growing participation of women in aviation is ultimately larger than any one flying training organisation. But when more women are choosing the profession, the training ecosystem has a responsibility to ensure that the environment around them supports that ambition.

At Chimes Aviation Academy, almost one in three cadets is already a woman. As that number continues to grow, it offers a glimpse of what the next generation of India’s aviation workforce could look like.

Chimes Aviation Academy is a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation operating from Dhana and Neemuch Airfields in Madhya Pradesh, with a Ground Training School in Gurugram, Haryana. Website: www.caaindia.com

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From an online library to an annual Himalayan gathering, the Rishikesh school’s published direction centres on three ideas

New Delhi [India], October 14: Modern yoga faces three questions: how to teach the whole of a tradition when most classes teach only the physical part; how to keep a lineage intact while sharing it online and across borders; and how to build an international community without forgetting where the practice comes from. Sattva Yoga Academy https://sattvayogaacademy.com/, founded by Anand Mehrotra (https://anandmehrotra.in/) in Rishikesh, does not claim to settle them. Its published material does show where it stands.

Integration Over Specialisation

The Sattva Yoga system, which Mehrotra brought together in 2012, combines pranayama, Tantric kriyas, Kundalini practice, vinyasa flows, Chi movements and Sattva Meditation into one path. The Academy describes this as “an integrated approach” and as more than a practice: “a profound journey of personal evolution”. In a field where styles and hour counts multiply, integration is the school’s stated differentiator, as Republic World’s look at its teacher-training curriculum explains.

Lineage as Living Transmission

In February 2026, the Academy’s podcast ran a two-part series on the vision behind the school. The second part, according to its episode description, explores the meaning of lineage and the living transmission of yogic wisdom. The emphasis on oral tradition runs through Mehrotra’s storytelling episodes, which draw on what the notes call India’s living oral tradition. His Academy biography describes his mission as “protecting the integrity” of ancient techniques.

The tension is real: protecting a technique while teaching it widely. The Academy’s answer is structured teacher training and a faculty that teaches in person.

Access without Dilution

Sattva Connect carries online courses and recorded and live sessions, and the Himalayan Wisdom podcast offers dozens of episodes recorded from satsangs and wisdom talks in Rishikesh. Online delivery widens who can meet the teaching, though it is better read as an introduction than a substitute for in-person training. The two formats serve different moments in a student’s relationship with the tradition: curiosity first, commitment later.

A Community That Meets in the Mountains

Each year the Academy hosts the Sattva Summit, which Mehrotra’s Academy biography calls a unique annual gathering that explores the nature of consciousness. Its director calls it a boutique conscious gathering held at Sattva in the Himalayas. The 2026 edition is scheduled for November 5-11.

The faculty is international. The same director, who moved to Rishikesh from the United States in 2015, teaches Sattva practices to students from around the world. Mehrotra himself has taught in Australia, Europe and the United States, as his festival presenter profile notes. A school that trains teachers from many countries is, in effect, exporting a tradition, and the way graduates represent it becomes part of its future.

The Academy’s own biography of Mehrotra says his teaching has inspired a large number of students to become teachers in a growing number of countries, and that he has taught across the United States, Australia, Europe and New Zealand. Those are the school’s claims rather than independently measured figures, but they describe the shape of the community it is trying to build: a network of teachers who learn in Rishikesh and carry the practice home.

Responsibility in a Global Practice

That responsibility is not hypothetical. In a recorded conversation with psychologist Dr Lauren Tober, sponsored by Yoga Australia, Mehrotra was asked about cultural appropriation and about non-Indian teachers sharing yogic practices, and his answer is part of the published episode. Taking the question on the record, rather than avoiding it, matters for a school whose students come from many cultures.

For students deciding whether this model suits them, the practical test is simple: sample the free material first, read the curriculum closely, and check the school’s reputation independently before committing to a residential course.

What to Watch

Judging the Academy’s direction will rest on evidence rather than vision statements: what graduates teach, how the community grows, and what each Summit adds to the conversation. For now, the published material offers a clear position — integration, lineage and community — on questions every serious yoga school will have to answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sattva Summit?
The Sattva Summit is an annual gathering hosted at Sattva in the Himalayas near Rishikesh. Anand Mehrotra’s Academy biography describes it as exploring the nature of consciousness.

What is Sattva Connect?
Sattva Connect is the online platform founded by Anand Mehrotra, offering recorded and live yoga and philosophy teachings and courses.

What does Sattva Yoga Academy teach?
Sattva Yoga Academy teaches the integrated Sattva Yoga system within the Himalayan Yog-Vedantic tradition, combining pranayama, kriyas, Kundalini practice, vinyasa flows and meditation with philosophical study, through teacher training and retreats in Rishikesh.

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The road to ultimate power begins with the “Delivering Apna Pan” challenge, where Niharika Tiwari and Swara Bhasker compete for a shot at the coveted crown, with Sara Gurpal playing for Niharika and Manish Kashyap backing Swara. The four Workers must navigate a delivery chain that tests their teamwork, trust and coordination, with two Workers bound together at the hands passing products to two blindfolded delivery agents, who must then find their way to the customers. The first team to complete six deliveries in the least possible time wins, bringing its contender closer to ultimate power. Niharika ultimately claims victory, becoming the first woman Ultimate Ruler of the season! Her victory marks a significant shift in the Tower’s power dynamics, giving Sara a reason to celebrate and leaving the Workers hopeful that this could be the opportunity they need to turn the tables on the Rulers.

Yet, a new crown rarely means a quiet reign. Before leaving, Sara warns Raj, Kaira and Jashwant about Priyanka Chahar Choudhary’s alleged plotting, adding fresh intrigue to the Tower’s alliances. Meanwhile, Niharika and Sara try to clear the air with Rishabh, hinting at a possible shift in their equation as loyalties continue to be tested in the Basement.

Upstairs, the drama takes a sharper, more personal turn as Shehzad Poonawalla vents his frustrations about Irina Rudakova to Swara Bhasker. Making his grievances clear, Shehzad says, “Iss behl buddhi ko pata nahi hai mein kaun hu bahar se, Teju bhaiya ka jitna stature hai usse kam mera stature nahi in the world of political debates”. He later tells Sara and Irina about his powerful background, leaving Irina feeling threatened by his remarks. Another confrontation follows, with Shehzad losing his cool and threatening to walk out of the Tower. With tensions escalating and misunderstandings turning into full-blown clashes, the Penthouse finds itself caught in another storm of egos and accusations.

And just when the Tower seems consumed by its personal battles, Judgement Day arrives with a verdict that could change the fate of the Basement. Kaira, Gautam, Priyanka, Raj and Kajal Raghwani are summoned to the Workshop, where the matkas hold the results that will determine who moves towards safety and who edges closer to elimination. But this is Rise and Fall, where even a moment of relief can be short-lived. As the Workers break open the matkas, the verdicts keep shifting. By the final round, Raj, Kajal and Kaira are in the Danger Zone, and with two Workers set to leave the Tower, the power to decide their fate rests with the Rulers.

The final decision brings no easy answers. Raj is the first to be eliminated, with no Ruler stepping forward to save him. As the votes unfold, Rishabh and Shehzad back Kaira, while Niharika, Irina, Sara and Swara choose Kajal, with Sara honouring an earlier promise. In the end, Kajal is saved, while Raj and Kaira leave the Tower, with both breaking down as they bid farewell to the game. From Niharika’s historic coronation to a double elimination that shakes the Basement, the Tower has witnessed triumph, betrayal and painful choices. With a new ruler at the helm and the Workers reeling from their losses, how long before the Tower’s fragile balance of power is shaken once again?

Produced by Banijay Asia, Rise and Fall Season 2 is hosted by Virender Sehwag and streams free, exclusively on Prime Video, with fresh episodes every day at 12 noon. The show is available through MX Player by Prime Video on the MX Player Android app, as well as across mobile devices, Connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video and Fire TV.

Association welcomes the Court’s intervention, calls for strict enforcement for riders and pillion passengers, and urges a parallel crackdown on fake ISI-marked helmets

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], October 12: The Two Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association has welcomed the Gujarat High Court’s strong observations on the lack of effective enforcement of mandatory helmet rules, calling for immediate, consistent and state-wide implementation of helmet regulations for both two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers.

During proceedings concerning traffic management and road safety in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat High Court questioned the state government over the apparent lack of compliance with helmet rules and asked why the existing mandate was not being effectively implemented. The Court also raised concerns about fatal road accidents involving two-wheelers and dumper trucks, alongside dangerous practices such as using mobile phones while driving.

The association believes that the Court’s intervention provides an important opportunity for Gujarat to strengthen road-safety enforcement, ensure compliance with applicable helmet laws and establish a sustained mechanism to protect two-wheeler occupants.

Mr Rajeev Kapur, President of the Two Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association, said: We welcome and appreciate the Gujarat High Court’s firm observations on helmet rule enforcement. Helmet regulations exist to protect human lives, and their effectiveness depends on consistent implementation rather than merely having the rules on paper. Both riders and pillion passengers must comply with the applicable requirements. There should be no ambiguity in enforcement, and road safety must not be treated as a matter of convenience.

The Court’s observations highlight a fundamental issue: when safety regulations already exist, the priority must be to ensure that they are implemented effectively. We urge the Gujarat government and traffic police to translate these observations into a clear, time-bound enforcement strategy, supported by regular monitoring, public awareness and accountability.

Government’s Reported Recruitment of 650 Traffic Personnel Offers an Opportunity to Strengthen Enforcement

The state government informed the High Court that 650 traffic personnel had been recruited. The government also stated that Traffic Brigade personnel would receive traffic-management training within 30 days before being deployed.

The association believes that this reported recruitment and training initiative should be used to strengthen on-road enforcement, including compliance with helmet regulations, alongside other traffic-management priorities.

Mr Kapur added: The reported recruitment of 650 traffic personnel is an opportunity to reinforce traffic management and road-safety enforcement. We urge the authorities to ensure that helmet compliance is an integral part of the enforcement strategy. Regular checks, appropriate penalties under the law and sustained monitoring can help build a culture in which wearing a helmet becomes a normal and non-negotiable safety practice.

Enforcement should cover both the rider and the pillion passenger. A person travelling on the rear seat is equally deserving of protection, and the law must be implemented consistently for everyone to whom it applies.

Enforcement Must Also Target Fake ISI-Marked Helmets

While stronger enforcement against motorists who violate helmet rules is essential, the association has emphasised that the road-safety effort will remain incomplete unless authorities also address the manufacture and sale of counterfeit and non-compliant helmets.

A helmet’s appearance or the presence of a printed certification mark alone cannot establish that it is genuine and compliant. Products carrying counterfeit ISI marks can mislead consumers and undermine confidence in certified safety equipment.

The association has therefore urged the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Gujarat Police, consumer protection authorities and relevant enforcement agencies to intensify inspections and take action against manufacturers, distributors and retailers found violating applicable certification and product-safety requirements.

Mr Kapur said: We must address both sides of the helmet-safety challenge. While motorists must wear helmets, the market must also ensure that consumers have access to genuine, compliant products. A fake ISI-marked helmet can create a dangerous false sense of security. Strict action is needed against those who misuse the ISI Standard Mark, manufacture helmets without the required valid certification or sell products that fail to meet mandatory safety requirements.

We urge the authorities to verify BIS licence details, inspect manufacturing facilities and retail markets, trace the supply chains of suspected counterfeit products and take stringent action wherever violations are established. Genuine manufacturers invest in quality, testing and compliance; those who bypass these requirements should not be allowed to put consumers at risk or undermine the credibility of the industry.

A Three-Pronged Road-Safety Strategy for Gujarat

The association has called for a coordinated approach built around three priorities:

1. Strict helmet compliance: Consistent enforcement of applicable helmet rules for riders and pillion passengers, with regular checks and appropriate action against violations.

2. Crackdown on counterfeit products: Stronger market surveillance, verification of certification and action against the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit ISI-marked and non-compliant helmets.

3. Public awareness and accountability: Sustained campaigns educating motorists about the importance of genuine, compliant helmets, alongside transparent monitoring of enforcement outcomes.

The association has also called for better coordination between traffic police, BIS and state enforcement agencies to ensure that efforts to improve helmet compliance are complemented by effective control over the products being sold to consumers.

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Appointment announced at the Paralympic Committee of India Head Office in the presence of PCI leadership

New Delhi [India], October 15: In a significant development aimed at strengthening the para-sports movement in Gujarat, Dr. Eluri Sreedhar has been nominated as the Chairman of the Para Sports Association of Gujarat.

The nomination marks an important step towards further promoting, developing and empowering para athletes across the state and comes with a renewed focus on creating greater opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate and excel in sports.

The appointment was formally acknowledged at the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) office, in the presence of Mr. Satyanarayan, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India, and, Mr. Rahul Swami, CEO, PCI. The occasion brought together key representatives associated with the development and administration of para sports, reflecting the growing importance being placed on structured sports development for athletes with disabilities.

A New Responsibility for the Growth of Para Sports

With his nomination as Chairman, Dr. Eluri Sreedhar will take on the responsibility of supporting the continued growth of para sports in Gujarat and working towards strengthening the ecosystem available to para athletes across the state.

Gujarat has immense potential in the field of sports, and the development of an inclusive sporting environment can play an important role in identifying young talent, encouraging participation at the grassroots level and providing athletes with pathways towards state, national and international competitions.

The role of a state para-sports association is particularly important in this regard, as it can help bring athletes, coaches, sporting institutions and stakeholders together under a structured framework.

Focus on Empowerment and Inclusion

The nomination of Mr. Sreedhar comes at a time when para sports in India continues to receive increasing recognition. Beyond medals and sporting achievements, para sports represent an important platform for inclusion, empowerment, confidence and equal opportunity.

A stronger para-sports ecosystem in Gujarat can help create greater awareness about opportunities available to persons with disabilities and encourage more athletes to pursue sports professionally.

The association can also play a crucial role in supporting athletes through competitions, training initiatives, talent identification and greater coordination with relevant sporting bodies.

Strengthening the Grassroots

One of the key priorities for the development of para sports is ensuring that talented athletes are identified and supported at the grassroots level.

With proper sporting infrastructure, coaching, guidance and competitive exposure, athletes from different parts of Gujarat can be encouraged to come forward and showcase their abilities.

The strengthening of para sports at the district and state levels can ultimately contribute to building a larger talent pool for national-level competitions and, in the long term, international sporting platforms.

A Vision for a Stronger Para-Sports Movement in Gujarat

The nomination of Dr. Eluri Sreedhar as Chairman is therefore being viewed as an opportunity to give fresh momentum to the para-sports movement in Gujarat.

The responsibility goes beyond administration. It represents an opportunity to build a sporting environment where ability is recognised before disability, athletes are given equal opportunities and sporting excellence is encouraged at every level.

With the support and guidance of the Paralympic Committee of India, the Para Sports Association of Gujarat can work towards creating a more organised and accessible platform for athletes across the state.

Dr. Eluri Sreedhar Also Serves as Honorary Advisor to BRICS CCI

Dr. Eluri Sreedhar also serves as an Honorary Advisor to the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI), further strengthening his engagement with international business, economic cooperation and strategic partnerships. In this advisory role, he brings his experience and expertise to initiatives focused on promoting collaboration, fostering institutional relationships and supporting inclusive growth. His association with BRICS CCI adds another significant dimension to his professional profile, reflecting his continued involvement in platforms that encourage international dialogue, development and cross-border cooperation.

Best Wishes for the New Leadership

As Dr. Eluri Sreedhar takes charge of his new responsibility, expectations remain high for the continued development of para sports in Gujarat. His nomination is an important moment for the state’s para-sports community and offers an opportunity to build a stronger foundation for athletes in the years ahead.

The para-sports fraternity extends its best wishes to Dr. Eluri Sreedhar for his new responsibility and hopes that his leadership will contribute towards strengthening, empowering and expanding para sports across Gujarat, while inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue their sporting dreams with determination and confidence.

The new chapter for para sports in Gujarat begins with a vision of greater inclusion, stronger opportunities and a brighter sporting future.

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 Niveus CF250 Built-in Fridge-Freezer Combi 

New Delhi [India], October 15: Hafele, a leading German brand in architectural hardware, furniture fittings and interior solutions, presents the Niveus CF250 Built-in Fridge-Freezer Combi, a cooling solution designed for modern kitchens. Built-in refrigerators integrate seamlessly with kitchen cabinetry, creating a clean, uninterrupted look while making efficient use of space.

The Hafele Niveus CF250 features a separate bottom freezer compartment, offering flexibility for different food storage needs. With ConvertActive Technology, the freezer compartment can be converted into a refrigerator at the touch of a button and switched back to freezer mode whenever required. This allows users to adapt their storage space to changing needs, whether stocking up for festive celebrations, accommodating a larger grocery haul or choosing to use the appliance entirely as a refrigerator. The convertible section offers a temperature range of -5°C to +3°C* when this function is activated.

It also features a dedicated ZeroZone compartment that maintains a temperature of 0°C, providing suitable storage conditions for items such as dairy products, meat and fish. Additionally, AdaptTech Technology monitors daily usage patterns and adjusts cooling accordingly, helping maintain suitable conditions for stored food.

With its flexible storage options and intelligent cooling technologies, the Hafele Niveus CF250 Built-in Fridge-Freezer Combi offers a practical cooling solution for contemporary kitchens, combining everyday functionality with the seamless appearance of built-in appliances.

Established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hafele Global Network, Hafele India has been operating in India since 2003. An authority in the field of architectural hardware, furniture and kitchen fittings and accessories, the company also has a strong presence in synergised product categories like Home Appliances, Interior and Furniture Lighting, Sanitary Solutions, and Surfaces, positioning itself as a complete solution provider for interior solutions in India and South Asia. Hafele India has a strong nationwide presence through its offices and design showrooms spread across the country. The showrooms function as a one-stop shop for all home interior and improvement needs – from providing in-depth technical advice to kitchen and wardrobe designing services through a team of experts.

Log onto https://www.hafeleindia.com/en/info/service/contact-us/410/ to find the nearest Hafele showroom or design centre.

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Hafele Stella Digital Knob Lock

New Delhi [India], October 14: Designed to bring smart access and added convenience to interior spaces, the Hafele Stella Digital Knob Lock combines fingerprint technology with a minimalist design. It offers a practical way to restrict unauthorised access to specific rooms while complementing modern interiors. 

The Stella Digital Knob Lock offers convenient access through a simple fingerprint scan. Its minimalist design and three elegant finishes—Matt Black, Antique Brass and Stainless Steel—enhance the look of interior doors. The LED ring indicator communicates the status of lock operation, offering a premium and intuitive user experience.

The lock features Smart Freeze technology, which freezes the lock for 30 seconds after 12 incorrect fingerprint attempts, reducing the possibilities of unwanted intrusion. The lock also offers defined User Access rights, allowing the creation of three admin accounts and 27 user accounts.

Admin users have access to the complete functionality of the lock, including adding or deleting user and guest access rights, resetting the lock, accessing settings, checking logs, using advanced options, uploading user data and updating the firmware. Registered users can unlock the Hafele Stella Digital Knob Lock using their fingerprints.

The Hafele Stella Digital Knob Lock combines smart security, convenient access and contemporary design to complement the needs of modern living spaces.

Log onto https://www.hafeleindia.com/en/info/service/contact-us/410/ to find the nearest Hafele showroom or design centre.

Established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hafele Global Network, Hafele India has been operating in India since 2003. An authority in the field of architectural hardware, furniture and kitchen fittings and accessories, the company also has a strong presence in synergised product categories like Home Appliances, Interior and Furniture Lighting, Sanitary Solutions, and Surfaces, positioning itself as a complete solution provider for interior solutions in India and South Asia. Hafele India has a strong nationwide presence through its offices and design showrooms spread across the country. The showrooms function as a one-stop shop for all home interior and improvement needs – from providing in-depth technical advice to kitchen and wardrobe designing services through a team of experts.

If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at pr.error.rectification@gmail.com. We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.

New Delhi [India], October 15: The Museum of British Colonialism (MBC) has filed a petition calling for a National Day of Commemoration for the Victims of Colonialism. The day would remember the millions whose lives, land and livelihoods were lost under colonial rule. MBC invites everyone who supports the cause to sign the petition at https://indiascolonialstory.org/.

At its zenith around 1913, the British Empire was the largest empire in the world, covering nearly 25% of the globe and ruling more than 410 million people. Each colony has its own decolonisation story, and for many it ended acrimoniously. In India, colonisation took nearly 200 years, as the British wiped away the old medieval order and replaced it with firmly established colonial rule.

The cost of that rule was felt long before independence and long after it. The British East India Company strategically drained India’s revenue (worth trillions today), jewels (unaccountable) and historic artefacts (priceless) to Britain, depriving posterity of ever witnessing the grandeur of the early Modern India (the Mughal era). Unlike earlier conquests, British rule brought a drastic change in India’s economic structure, robbing people of their livelihoods. Its consequences took many forms, from famine and resource extraction to communal riots, and left a lasting impact on communities across the subcontinent.

Division was also a deliberate policy. After the Revolt of 1857, Lord Elphinstone, then Governor of Bombay, advised London in 1859: “Divide et impera was the old Roman maxim: it should be ours.” That legacy culminated in 1947. As streets filled with euphoric crowds celebrating independence, many stayed away, mourning loved ones lost in the partition of the country, one of the bloodiest divisions in history and a tragic price paid for freedom from colonial rule. Even today, the presence of religious neighbourhoods in both India and Pakistan points to the incomplete decolonisation of people’s minds, still shaped by the British policy of ‘divide and rule’.

“The 180° reversal of the colonial past in India, or for that matter any other former colony, is never possible, but it sure isn’t a smooth continuity either. Independence was not a sudden rupture from colonial history but a process of gradual adaptation, and it still is,” said Chandini Jaswal, India Representative, Museum of British Colonialism.

It is this unfinished history that makes remembrance essential. The proposed National Day of Commemoration would honour those who lost their lives, their loved ones, their land and their livelihoods under colonial rule, and ensure their stories are passed on to future generations. As the Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey said: “A people without the knowledge of their history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

MBC invites everyone who supports the cause to visit https://indiascolonialstory.org/ and sign the petition. Every signature adds a voice to the call for a day when the victims of colonialism are remembered.

About the Museum of British Colonialism

The Museum of British Colonialism (MBC) is a platform that challenges myths about British colonialism and elevates underrepresented voices around the world.

If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at pr.error.rectification@gmail.com. We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 15: Shellz India Limited, a confectionery manufacturer under the brand names “Hugs” and “Tosca”, has successfully finalized the allotment of 9,04,800 Equity Shares to anchor investors at ₹179 per share (including a premium of ₹169 per share), raising ₹16.20 crore ahead of its initial public offering.

The board finalized the allocation on October 14, 2026, in consultation with the Book Running Lead Manager. Sanshi Fund I emerged as the largest anchor participant, securing 43.32% of the anchor quota.

Anchor Allocation Details:

• Sanshi Fund I: Allocated 3,92,000 equity shares (43.32% of the anchor portion).
• India Max Investment Fund Limited: Allocated 2,80,000 equity shares (30.95% of the anchor portion).
• Vikasa India EIF I Fund – INCUBE Global Opportunities: Allocated 1,68,000 equity shares (18.57% of the anchor portion).
• Resonance Opportunities Fund: Allocated 64,800 equity shares (7.16% of the anchor portion).

The company’s ₹59.97 crore initial public offer consists entirely of a fresh issue of 33,50,400 equity shares and opens for public subscription today, October 15, 2026, through October 19, 2026. The price band for the issue is fixed at ₹170 to ₹179 per share. The proceeds from the IPO will primarily be utilized for working capital requirements, debt reduction, and general corporate purposes.

The shares of Shellz India Limited are proposed to be listed on the BSE SME platform.

About Shellz India Limited:

Shellz manufactures confectionery products in India through a portfolio of over 300 SKUs across baked treats, choco delights, jellies, and pan-and-sugar confectionery. It also manufactures food and bakery ingredients, undertakes private label manufacturing for third parties and exports to markets including the Middle East, South Asia and Europe. The flagship “Hugs” brand is positioned at mass-market price points, with a majority of products priced at ₹10 or below. “Tosca” is positioned in the mass-premium segment and is being developed with a focus on e-commerce and quick commerce channels, including products such as Tosca Oat Choco. All products are manufactured in-house at facilities in Delhi and Sonipat, Haryana.

Disclaimer: Certain statements in this document that are not historical facts are forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties like government actions, local, political or economic developments, technological risks, and many other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. The Company will not be in any way responsible for any action taken based on such statements and undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Coimbatore, (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 15: Inti Fashions, a premium women’s wear brand built entirely on personal savings by two best friends from Coimbatore, has its store on Coimbatore and chennai, marking a major milestone for the bootstrapped label, which has scaled to ₹5 crore in revenue within just two years. The brand has now expanded its offline presence further with the opening of its first franchise Store in Chennai on August 23rd, marking Inti’s arrival in the city and reinforcing its fast-growing retail footprint.

A Brand Built on Belief, Not Funding

The founders spent nine years building careers and saving money before turning their attention to a gap they kept noticing in the market: Indian wear that felt repetitive, outdated, or disconnected from how modern women actually wanted to feel. They believed women deserved Indian wear that felt powerful, polished, and expressive and used their personal savings to bring that vision to life, without any external funding.

That conviction has translated into rapid, sustainable growth. With no outside capital, Inti has:

● Crossed ₹5 crore in revenue in just two years

● Built a community of nearly 200,000 followers across social platforms

● Launched multiple campaigns that resonated widely with audiences

● Opened its first flagship retail store on Cross Cut Road, Coimbatore

● Opened its second franchise store in Chennai on August 23rd, extending its offline presence to a second major city

“Building a brand from scratch without external funding came with constant challenges — from operations and scaling to inventory and growth,” the founders said. “We stayed focused on building sustainably, listening closely to our customers, and growing with discipline.”

More Than Fashion: A Conversation About Confidence

Beyond its commercial growth, Inti has become known for using its platform to spark meaningful conversations. Its #MyArmsMyStory sleeveless campaign challenged stereotypes and insecurities around body image, encouraging women of all shapes and sizes to embrace themselves with confidence. The campaign sparked widespread conversation around selfacceptance, confidence, and representation in fashion.

Design Philosophy

Inti’s collections are built around three core values:

● Thoughtful design — every piece designed with intention

● Rooted in tradition, designed for today — contemporary silhouettes that honor Indian craftsmanship

● Exceptional craftsmanship — quality that reflects the brand’s premium positioning

The result is a line of elevated Indian wear suited for work, travel, and everyday life — wear the founders describe as aspirational dressing for women who lead, rooted in Indian identity.

What’s Next

With stores now open in both Coimbatore and Chennai, Inti plans to expand its retail presence further through franchise, strengthen its digital footprint, and continue building toward becoming one of India’s most loved premium Indian ethnic wear brands.

“We built Inti with a simple belief, that Indian wear deserves a stronger place in the everyday wardrobe of modern women,” the founders said. “We want every woman wearing Inti to feel confident, powerful, and completely herself. For us, this is just the beginning.”

About Inti Fashions

Inti Fashions is a premium women’s wear brand offering modern Indian wear for women who want elegance, comfort, and confidence. Founded by two best friends from Coimbatore and built entirely through personal savings, the brand has grown to ₹5 crore in revenue within two years and built a community of nearly 200,000 followers across social platforms. Inti’s stores are located on Cross Cut Road, Coimbatore, and Mylapore, Chennai.

Website: https://www.intifashions.com 

 Instagram: @inti_fashi ons 

Fieldmarshal’s indigenous TREM V technology patent filings mark an engineering milestone as the company expands across agriculture, clean energy, water solutions and infrastructure.

Rajkot (Gujarat) [India], October 15: Driving Make-in-India, Rajkot based Fieldmarshal P.M. Diesels Pvt. Ltd, an Indian manufacturer of diesel engines, tractors and allied engineering products announced the launch of India’s first ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) approved ‘TREM V’ compliant single cylinder diesel engines in the 15 HP and 18 HP categories. This marks an important milestone in the company’s more than six decades of engineering and manufacturing.

Highlights:

• Developed for compact tractors and agricultural machinery, these next-generation engines combine Fieldmarshal’s engineering expertise with cleaner technology, fuel efficiency and durability.
• Fieldmarshal has evolved into a diversified engineering company with engine-manufacturing capacity exceeding 160,000 units annually.
• The below-20 HP tractor segment represents approximately 3% of India’s overall tractor market, with annual industry volumes estimated at approximately 40,000–45,000 units.
• The company participates in India’s below-20 HP tractor segment with its Shridev 12 HP, 15 HP and 18 HP range, targeting a 10–15% market share over the next three years.
• Exports to over 60 countries. Company is currently developing Euro V-compatible engines for export markets, with a future development roadmap extending across higher horsepower categories up to 100 HP.
• Fieldmarshal has a joint manufacturing collaboration with Mahindra & Mahindra and serves as an OEM supplier to Sonalika, ACE and KAMCO

Developed for compact tractors and agricultural machinery, the next-generation engines combine Fieldmarshal’s engineering expertise with cleaner technology, fuel efficiency, durability and compact engineering.

The launch reinforces Fieldmarshal’s commitment to indigenous technology development, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, while positioning the company for its next phase of growth across advanced engines, tractors, agricultural mechanisation and allied engineering solutions.

The new engines feature an indigenously developed EGR system, supporting cleaner emissions and smooth operation while enabling compliance with the latest TREM V emission requirements. Fieldmarshal has also filed multiple national patents in India relating to its TREM V engine technology, reflecting the company’s growing emphasis on indigenous R&D, engineering development and intellectual-property creation.

The engines have been developed for demanding operating environments and long working hours, combining rugged construction with compact packaging, efficient cooling and ease of maintenance.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rishi Patel, Director, Fieldmarshal P.M. Diesels, said, The development of our TREM V engine platform represents an important milestone in Fieldmarshal’s engineering journey. For more than six decades, our focus has been on developing dependable products suited to real operating conditions. The launch of our ARAI TREM V-compliant 15 HP and 18 HP single-cylinder engines, together with our multiple national patent filings around the technology, demonstrates the growing capabilities of indigenous Indian engineering.”

The launch also strengthens Fieldmarshal’s presence in India’s specialised compact tractor category through its Shridev tractor brand. The below-20 HP tractor segment represents approximately 3% of India’s overall tractor market, with annual industry volumes estimated at approximately 40,000–45,000 units.

Fieldmarshal currently participates in this category through its Shridev 12 HP, 15 HP and 18 HP tractor range and aims to progressively build towards a 10–15% share of India’s below-20 HP tractor segment over the next three years.

The company plans to introduce tractors up to 30 HP in the near term, while its longer-term R&D roadmap extends towards tractors up to 100 HP. The objective is to progressively develop Shridev from its current strength in compact tractors into a broader tractor brand spanning multiple horsepower categories for both Indian and international markets.

“Our ambition extends well beyond the 15 HP and 18 HP categories. We are building a wider technology and product roadmap across engines, tractors and agricultural mechanisation while simultaneously expanding into water solutions, clean energy and infrastructure-oriented equipment. Our objective is to combine Fieldmarshal’s engineering heritage with new technologies and products capable of serving the next generation of customers in India and globally”, said Mr. Rishi Patel. 

Established in 1963 as M/s Patel Manufacturers, Fieldmarshal has evolved from an initial annual production capacity of just 80 diesel engines into a diversified engineering company with engine-manufacturing capacity exceeding 160,000 units annually. The Group has established strong manufacturing and OEM relationships, including a joint manufacturing collaboration with Mahindra & Mahindra at its Shapar facility, along with OEM relationships with leading companies including Sonalika, ACE and KAMCO. Its dedicated Shridev tractor manufacturing facility has a production capacity of up to 100 tractors per day.

International expansion forms an important part of Fieldmarshal’s future strategy. With Fieldmarshal products already reaching more than 60 countries, the company is currently developing Euro V-compatible engines for export markets, with a future development roadmap extending across higher horsepower categories up to 100 HP.

Fieldmarshal also intends to progressively develop and export tractors up to 100 HP, strengthening opportunities with overseas distributors, agricultural-equipment manufacturers and OEM customers. The Group’s longer-term growth strategy extends well beyond its traditional engine and agricultural businesses.

Fieldmarshal intends to progressively diversify across multiple product categories, technologies and industry segments, spanning advanced engines and tractors, agricultural mechanisation, garden tools and implements, water solutions, clean energy & energy storage through Fieldmarshal–Voltuel, and cleaning & infrastructure solutions, and the EV vehicle segment.

Fieldmarshal is developing a dedicated cleaning equipment vertical for industrial, commercial, infrastructure and municipal applications. The planned portfolio will include sweeping and scrubbing machines ranging from compact and medium-duty models to truck-mounted systems, with petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid options to suit different operating needs.

By leveraging its established manufacturing, engineering and R&D capabilities, the Group aims to build a diversified portfolio serving agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, transport, municipal, government and institutional markets in India and internationally.

About Fieldmarshal https://fieldmarshal.com/

Established in 1963, Fieldmarshal P.M. Diesels Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian manufacturer of diesel engines, tractors and allied engineering products.

The Group manufactures tractors under the Shridev brand and has an expanding portfolio across agricultural equipment, water solutions and other engineering products.

The Group is also expanding its presence in clean energy through Fieldmarshal–Voltuel, with solutions spanning solar and grid-connected power, lithium-ion energy storage and related clean-energy technologies. As part of its future roadmap, Fieldmarshal–Voltuel plans to develop capabilities in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), further strengthening the Group’s focus on sustainable, efficient and future-ready energy solutions.

Fieldmarshal operates manufacturing facilities in Rajkot and Shapar, has established domestic OEM relationships and an international footprint extending across more than 60 countries.

With continued focus on R&D, technology development and product diversification, the Group is expanding its capabilities across next-generation engines, tractors, agricultural mechanisation, water solutions, clean energy, cleaning & infrastructure solutions and industrial equipment.

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Ostrich Mobility Instruments has announced a landmark national sales partnership with Pride Mobility Products Corporation

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 15: Ostrich Mobility Instruments, an indigenous pioneer in powered mobility solutions, has announced a landmark national sales partnership with Pride Mobility Products Corporation, a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of mobility and rehabilitation products. The partnership brings together two complementary strengths: Pride Mobility’s world-class portfolio of advanced rehabilitation solutions and Ostrich’s 19 years of market expertise, custom-engineering capabilities and extensive service network across India.

For Pride Mobility, headquartered in Duryea, Pennsylvania, USA, since 1986 and globally recognized through brands such as Jazzy, Quantum Rehab, Go Go, Baja Mobility and VivaLift!, the strategic collaboration provides a strong platform to deepen its brand presence and expand its reach across the Indian subcontinent through an established domestic network. For Ostrich Mobility, the partnership expands its product ecosystem to include premium global rehabilitation solutions while improving access for individuals seeking greater mobility, dignity and independence. Together, the two organizations aim to accelerate market development and raise the standard of living for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Founded in August 2007 by five alumni from Sasthamcotta in Kollam district, Kerala, Ostrich Mobility was established with a strong commitment to restoring freedom and self-reliance to people living with physical challenges. The company was born from the recognition that a sudden change in physical ability can profoundly alter an individual’s life, limiting mobility and independence and often confining people to their homes. For many, independent travel and unrestricted movement can seem like distant dreams. Ostrich was created to help turn those dreams into reality, driven by the founding philosophy that mobility is not merely about moving a wheelchair, but about enabling a more independent life.

What began as a grassroots prototype built using a Maruti Suzuki Baleno wiper motor, long before the emergence of today’s startup ecosystem and venture-funding culture, has evolved into a national success story. Its journey has also been featured as a management case study at Harvard Business School. The company has received national recognition through awards including the ET Now Leaders of Tomorrow Award and the SIDBI-ET MSME Award.

The company’s social impact extends across India, with more than 22,000 individuals relying on Ostrich mobility solutions. Collectively, users of its products travel approximately 2,00,000 kilometres every day. From enabling independent travel, higher education and professional careers to making an impact through cinematic appearances—including Parvathy’s character RJ Sarah in the Malayalam film Bangalore Days and the high-tech wheelchairs used by Amitabh Bachchan in Wazir—Ostrich has sought to redefine the experience of mobility and independence for people with disabilities.

Ostrich’s technological capabilities are supported by extensive research and development, strengthened through collaborations with leading academic and technology institutions. The company has worked with the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and SASTRA University to develop indigenous PMDC and BLDC motor technologies. It has also partnered with IIT Madras’ Rehabilitation Research and Device Design (R2D2) centre as a commercialization partner and collaborated with IIT Kanpur to translate advanced research into practical and scalable solutions.

The company’s patented technologies include Split Frame Suspension Technology, designed to help keep all four wheels in contact with the ground across uneven terrain, and a joystick-operated Automatic Wheelbase Adjuster that facilitates navigation in narrow spaces and confined restrooms. These technologies are part of Ostrich’s approach to developing wheelchairs suited to the realities of Indian infrastructure and individual user requirements.

Operating from a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, Ostrich has an in-house monthly production capacity of more than 700 units. This can be scaled to more than 1,800 wheelchairs a month through its network of qualified local manufacturing and supply partners. The company maintains quality standards supported by CE certification and internationally recognized management systems, including ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

Instead of expecting users to adapt to standardized models, Ostrich focuses on customizing its products to meet individual physical requirements and environmental conditions while maintaining competitive pricing.

This user-centric approach is further reflected in initiatives such as what the company describes as India’s first lifelong doorstep service and extended warranty options, aimed at ensuring that equipment breakdowns do not leave users without mobility support. Ostrich’s corporate clients for CSR initiatives include Accenture, Target, Cisco, Mercedes-Benz and ABB. The company also supplies specialised mobility solutions through government programmes and the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) of India’s defence forces.

Through its partnership with Pride Mobility, Ostrich Mobility aims to combine its understanding of the Indian market and its indigenous engineering capabilities with global rehabilitation technologies, expanding access to advanced mobility solutions and contributing to a more inclusive future for people with disabilities across India.

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Narmadapuram (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 15: Luno Solar, an investee company of Bada Business associated with entrepreneur and investor Dr Vivek Bindra, is planning to expand India’s domestic solar manufacturing capabilities with a proposed 2.4 GW solar-cell production line. The company held the groundbreaking ceremony for its Luno Renewable Park on 12 October 2026 at the Mohasa-Babai Industrial Area in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh. Planned across 45 acres, the facility is designed to bring solar cells, modules, inverters and battery energy storage systems under one roof.

Luno Solar’s association with Bada Business through its Idea to IPO initiative adds a business-growth dimension to its manufacturing ambitions. As the company plans to expand domestic production of advanced solar cells and other clean-energy components, its journey reflects the broader challenge of building Indian enterprises with the scale and capabilities to compete in strategically important sectors.

Strengthening a critical part of the solar supply chain

Solar cells are a fundamental component of photovoltaic modules. While India continues to expand its solar installations, strengthening domestic manufacturing of these components is an important part of building a more resilient supply chain and reducing exposure to imports.

Luno’s proposed cell line will use advanced TOPCon technology based on G12 and G12R wafers. According to the company’s first-phase estimates, the line is expected to produce approximately 2.2 lakh cells per day, equivalent to around 8 crore cells annually. These are planned production estimates, not current output.

The cell line will form part of a larger manufacturing ecosystem comprising 2.4 GW of solar-module capacity, 1.2 GW of inverter capacity and 1.2 GW of battery energy storage system capacity. The integrated setup is intended to allow Luno to participate in multiple stages of the solar and storage value chain.

Policy and domestic manufacturing

The project comes amid a growing policy emphasis on domestic production of solar components. The company’s media brief identifies the ALMM-II requirement for solar cells, effective 1 June 2026, as an important development for Indian cell manufacturing. The broader objectives of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat also place emphasis on building domestic capabilities in strategically important sectors.

Luno expects module manufacturing at the new facility to begin within three months of the groundbreaking, with the first batch of solar cells targeted within nine months, subject to project execution.

“Energy independence is strengthened when we build more of the capabilities we need within the country. Developing domestic solar-cell manufacturing can support a more resilient supply chain while creating opportunities to deepen technology and manufacturing expertise in India,” said Dr Vivek Bindra, entrepreneur and investor.

The proposed Renewable Park remains in development. Its planned cell capacity and integrated manufacturing model reflect Luno’s ambition to contribute to India’s domestic clean-energy manufacturing base.

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New Delhi [India], October 15: A cloudy morning does not necessarily mean low UV. A cooler day doesn’t equal lower sun exposure. And the weather outside is not always an accurate measure of what your skin is exposed to.

JungleBerry’s new Wild SPF campaign is built around a simple distinction: check the UV Index, then choose your Wild SPF.

Across India, UV exposure can fluctuate with location, time of day, altitude and cloud cover. Yet SPF choices are often guided by how hot, bright or sunny a day feels. Rather than positioning the highest SPF as an automatic default, JungleBerry aims to cultivate situational awareness around sun exposure, encouraging a holistic defence that pairs the right sunscreen with physical protection like sunhats, protective clothing and shade during extended outdoor activity.

The campaign features JungleBerry’s Tinted Mineral Sunscreen range, available in SPF 30 and SPF 50. Both are mineral-based, tinted and formulated for comfortable daily wear, with a lightweight finish and no white cast.

The formulation brief was simple: make mineral sunscreens people actually want to wear every day. No heaviness, stickiness or oily after-feel, the very things that can lead people to under-apply or skip sunscreen. Wild SPF leaves that baggage behind with a comfortable, cosmetic finish that feels almost like mineral sunscreen has finally grown up.

The campaign introduces a straightforward framework for choosing between JungleBerry’s Tinted Mineral Sunscreens:

Low to Moderate UV Index → SPF 30
High UV Index → SPF 50 (reapplication when outdoors)

The distinction also comes through in the packaging design. The SPF 30 pack features a low-horizon sun, while the SPF 50 pack depicts the midday sun, creating a subtle visual cue around lower versus higher UV conditions.

“Sun protection has become part of everyday skincare, but the conversation often starts and ends with chasing a high SPF number,” says Nitin Dhawan, Co-founder, JungleBerry. “We wanted to drive a behavioural shift so people aren’t fooled by the weather. The weather tells you how the day feels; the UV Index tells you your actual exposure. Making that check second nature helps people choose sun protection more consciously.”

A 2025 India-specific dermatologist consensus suggests that sun protection for Indian skin tones must also account for pigmentation. The paper, produced by 14 Indian dermatologists, explains that Visible light, alongside UVA, can contribute to melasma and uneven tone, particularly in deeper skin tones. JungleBerry sunscreens have incorporated an iron-oxide tint that extends photoprotection into the visible-light spectrum.

“The tint isn’t simply a colour added to the sunscreen. While it spreads beautifully, giving natural-looking coverage to uneven tone and acne marks, the iron oxides behind that tint also help defend against visible light, a contributor to pigmentation,” says Ila Upadhyaya, Head, Marketing Communications & New Product Development, JungleBerry. “You can invest in the best dark-spot serums and de-pigmenting care, but don’t spend all night correcting what you leave unprotected every morning.”

“People check AQI before running or Maps before driving, yet with sunscreen we still guess based on how the weather feels,” says Rashi Kalra, Founder at Sushi Studio (the creative partner behind the campaign). “UV exposure is driven by geography and climate, not just temperature. That’s why we anchored the campaign on a simple truth: ‘Weather dekh ke dhoka na khao, UV check karke sahi SPF lagao.’

JungleBerry is an Indian skincare and haircare brand bringing Ayurvedic wisdom into modern formulations. Its philosophy, Wildly Ayurvedic, combines time-honoured botanicals with practical science to address real-world concerns—from UV, pollution and heat to stress, humidity and hard water. Nature-led yet contemporary, its products are designed around how skin and hair actually behave. JungleBerry currently has a presence across 100+ stores in India, alongside its online store.

Website: https://jungleberry.in
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jungleberryofficial

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By Ruchit Thakur, Market Analyst, VT Markets

New Delhi [India], October 15: Every financial revolution begins as speculation. The successful ones eventually become infrastructure. Each age has trusted in a different form of value.

In the past, people stored their wealth in gold because it was rare and widely trusted. Over time, that trust shifted to banks, governments, and large companies, which gave value to money, stocks, and other financial assets. Today, technology is changing the way we think about wealth. As more aspects of life move online, people are beginning to trust digital assets alongside traditional forms of investment, creating new ways to store and grow wealth.

Digital assets represent a manifestation of that change.

When we discuss digital assets, the conversation frequently becomes simplified and dramatic, about the roller-coaster rise and fall of bitcoin or cryptocurrency market volatility. These narratives undoubtedly capture attention, yet, they miss the larger evolution taking place. Digital assets have begun to move from a speculative sideline to a serious part of the mainstream discussion of portfolio management, alternative assets and the future of financial innovation.

The real question before the financial world today isn’t whether digital assets have value or pose a threat. It’s how they will coexist with the existing financial ecosystem.

Today’s investor is managing their wealth in a world characterized by volatility and a fast-moving economic cycle. Geopolitical risks, inflation fears, and technological disruptions have forced many investors to consider diversification strategies beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and real estate. The diversification into alternative investments, from private equity and commodities to a selection of the world’s most established digital assets, has become an essential component of long-term wealth planning.

While price has often dominated digital asset discourse, the revolutionary underlying technology of blockchain and tokenization offers new frameworks for ownership and transactions that move beyond what existing institutional structures are built to accommodate. From supply chain logistics and healthcare to digital identities and cross-border payments, blockchain-based applications promise to reshape various industries-and with it, new avenues for value.

In many ways, the conversations around digital assets have transitioned from digital currency to digital ownership.

This shift is also changing generational views of financial planning. Older generations often ask, “Are digital assets safe?” Newer investors ask, “Is this the future?” Institutional investors ask, “Can digital assets help diversify our portfolios and improve risk-adjusted returns?”

These aren’t mutually exclusive views, they are all valid pieces of a rapidly evolving scenario.

But excitement should never be allowed to outrun diligence. While the possibilities offered by digital assets are immense, so are the risks associated with regulatory uncertainty, evolving market structures, cybersecurity, and the still-present volatility. Investors must engage with digital assets armed with education, governance structures and risk management frameworks, otherwise the most meaningful digital assets may never move beyond the category of speculative holdings.

Perhaps the most profound lesson the world has already learned from innovation cycles: nothing moves in a straight line. When the internet emerged, it was seen as little more than a novelty; it has now transformed how the world functions and exchanges value. Credit cards were once a novel concept: today they represent an everyday standard. History has taught us that new, powerful, and broadly disruptive forms of innovation, typically start in niches before mainstream adoption follows.

Digital assets, it seems, are following a similar pattern.

It’s unlikely that the future of investment management will involve an “either/or” decision between traditional and digital assets. Instead, the next era of wealth management will feature an “and.” We anticipate a world where prudent investors thoughtfully integrate digital assets into their broader portfolios of traditional and alternative investments-a strategy where the opportunities of innovation are balanced with the stability and resilience afforded by diversification. This is the world we see coming.

In this next era, wealth may still be measured in numbers, but it will increasingly be written in code.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Digital assets involve significant risks, including volatility and regulatory uncertainty; readers should conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

At its heart, ‘Sahra’ draws a parallel between the vastness of a desert and the emptiness one feels when someone special is away. The music video brings this idea to life through sunlit desert landscapes and intimate indoor moments, reflecting the contrast between being apart and being together. With its uplifting melody, the song adds an element of romance to this classic feeling.

Speaking about ‘Sahra’, Gajendra Verma shared, “‘Sahra’ is about that feeling when someone becomes such an important part of your life that the world feels empty and dry without them. The title means desert, and I liked the idea of connecting that sense of emptiness with what it feels like to miss someone you love. But it’s not a sad song, it celebrates the happiness of being in love, that’s why the warm, feel-good melody.”

Over the years, Gajendra Verma has established himself as a prominent name in India's independent pop scene, with songs that have found a lasting connection with listeners. His popular catalogue includes ‘Mann Mera’, ‘Tera Ghata’, ‘Tune Mere Jaana (Emptiness)’, ‘Ik Kahani’ and ‘Tera Hi Rahun’. He currently has approximately 15 million monthly listeners and 4.8 million followers on Spotify, alongside over 4.3 million YouTube subscribers and 1.2 billion channel views. Among his biggest streaming successes, ‘Mann Mera’ has crossed 600 million Spotify streams, while ‘Tera Ghata’ has surpassed 250 million.

With ‘Sahra’, Gajendra Verma adds another romantic track to his catalogue, bringing together a breezy sound and a melody that feels effortless. The song offers a fresh addition to his repertoire, staying true to the melodic style that has become a familiar part of his music.

Watch Sahra here: 

October, 2026 : Lovely Professional University (LPU) has received the Platinum Green Impact Award 2026, the highest recognition under the Seed Balls for Sustainable Campuses Initiative 2026 organised by the National EduTrust of India (NEI). The nationwide campaign invited higher education institutions to prepare and responsibly disperse seed balls containing tree seeds as a practical exercise in biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and environmental education. As part of the initiative, LPU prepared 8,572 seed balls using 11 tree species, involving 422 students, and dispersed them across five geo-tagged locations spanning Kapurthala, Amritsar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts of Punjab.

LPU’s participation is particularly significant because of the ecological composition of the seed balls. Of the total 8,572 prepared, 7,643 seed balls, or 89.2 per cent, used native species, while 929, or 10.8 per cent, used naturalised species. Native species included Karanj, Shisham, Amaltas, Kachnar, Moringa, Kadam, Jamun, and Arjun, while naturalised species included Imli, Gulmohar, and Pink Shower.

The campaign was designed by NEI to take environmental learning beyond awareness and into direct participation. Students and faculty were encouraged to understand local tree species, prepare seed balls using natural materials, and disperse them at ecologically suitable locations. The initiative formed part of a larger nationwide effort involving around 350 institutions, which collectively prepared more than 10 lakh seed balls and dispersed approximately 8 lakh of them.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, stated, “Sustainability cannot remain an idea discussed within classrooms or captured only in institutional reports, it must find its way into the soil, the communities and the choices we make every day. This prestigious award is encouraging because it recognises this spirit of participation, but more importantly, it reinforces a vision of education where knowledge is connected with responsibility towards nature and society”

At LPU, the activity extended beyond the university campus into different ecological settings. Of the 8,572 seed balls prepared, 6,072 were dispersed at field sites, while 2,500 were distributed through Green Gift packets. The documented dispersal sites included the LPU campus and adjoining areas in Phagwara, the AH1 Corridor in Kapurthala, Budha Theh near Beas, Lahorimal on the AH1 Corridor in Amritsar and the Chandigarh Jalandhar Expressway at Balachaur. Together, these sites covered approximately 130 kilometres of green corridors, including campus green belts, highway green belts, riverine embankments, roadside verges and expressway green belts.

The initiative engaged students from across 27 academic schools, with 422 students participating in the seed activity. Alongside the dispersal exercise, five awareness activities were conducted to connect the practical work with wider conversations around environmental responsibility, biodiversity and climate action.

The Platinum Green Impact Award 2026 adds a ground-level dimension to this 25-year journey, translating LPU’s broader sustainability vision into direct student participation and ecological action. Earlier in 2026, LPU was also recognised in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, where it was placed 23rd globally and emerged as the highest ranked institution in India for its contribution towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Together, these recognitions reflect an approach to sustainability that spans institutional infrastructure, education, biodiversity, and measurable action on the ground.

Fazilka: Thousands of devotees attended Maa Ki Chowki organised by the Karn Gilhotra Foundation in Fazilka district. The event witnessed great devotion as devotees gathered to offer prayers and enjoy devotional songs dedicated to Maa.

The programme began with traditional prayers and worship of Maa by members of the foundation. Karn Gilhotra, head of the foundation, then lit the sacred jyoti to mark the beginning of the religious gathering.

Punjabi singer Roshan Prince received a grand welcome from the foundation members with a shower of flowers. He began the programme with Ganesh Vandana and later performed several popular devotional songs, including songs dedicated to Maa Baglamukhi and Kali Kalkatte Wali, along with Pindi Da Shringar.

His performances created a devotional atmosphere, with devotees singing along and dancing to the bhajans. The venue echoed with chants of Maa as thousands of people joined in the celebrations.

Devotional songs written by Fazilka-based writer and singer Rajat Midha were also performed during the event. Popular songs such as 'Bugni', 'Saade Ghar Aa', 'Khilone Bazaar Ton Milde Ne' and 'Raste Ch Maa Mil Gayi' were appreciated by the audience.

During the programme, the Karn Gilhotra Foundation honoured Roshan Prince and Rajat Midha with mementoes in recognition of their contribution to the event.

Karn Gilhotra Thanks Devotees for Their Support

After the conclusion of Maa Ki Chowki, Karn Gilhotra thanked Roshan Prince, Rajat Midha, members of the KGF team and all the devotees who attended the programme.

He expressed his gratitude to everyone who came to seek the blessings of Maa and said he prayed for happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being in everyone's life.

The event concluded with great devotion and enthusiasm, as devotees continued to chant praises of Maa.

Watch Video

Chandigarh, 14 October 2026: A great entertainment destination begins with understanding the people it serves; what brings them together, what makes them laugh, and which stories they see themselves in. For Indian audiences, that connection extends far beyond geography. It lives in language, music, family, humour and a shared cultural identity that stretches from India to communities worldwide. Now, that culture gets a curated, premium home alongside the best of global entertainment. Rohit Jain, Founder of Lionsgate Play now brings Tiger TV, a dedicated Hindi and Punjabi entertainment space, available from 15th October 2026. Tiger TV was launched in Chandigarh in the presence of Gippy Grewal, Angad Bedi, Prince Kanwaljit Singh and several other prominent stars from the entertainment industry. 

Bringing premium desi storytelling to audiences across 12 markets, Tiger TV pairs Punjabi and Hindi stories with the editorial point of view that defines Lionsgate Play. It is not just a language section within an existing catalogue, but a distinct, curated destination built around its audience and its culture.

Tiger TV is aimed at a substantial and highly engaged audience: 135 million+ Punjabi- and Hindi-speaking households in India and 7.5 million+ across key diaspora markets. Yet despite this scale and cultural influence, streaming has historically served these communities in a fragmented way.

Tiger TV plans to build a ₹500 crore+ portfolio of Punjabi and Hindi content IP over the next three years, with 50+ title premieres planned in its first year alone. On the Punjabi side, the lineup features exclusive titles including Laal Salaam, Rubb Rakha, Jahankilla, Hanji Kaun, Janaur, Ikk Tu Hoven Mutiyare, and Tu Te Punjab, and brings together some of the region’s best-loved faces - Diljit Dosanjh, Ammy Virk, Gippy Grewal, Neeru Bajwa, Sonam Bajwa and Arminder Gill. On the Hindi side, the slate includes Jeevan Ya Bheema Con, Mantu Bhaiya Ki Dili Dezire, The Taj Story and Aakhri Sawal. The launch also unveiled the first look of Daanav, a Hindi crime thriller original starring Angad Bedi and Pooja Gor. The series steps into the dark world of serial killers and the psychology that drives them.

Rohit Jain, Founder of Lionsgate Play, also unveiled Eklavya, the first in a slate of upcoming AI projects. More than a new title, Eklavya marks a new chapter in how the platform approaches storytelling and technology, reimagining how stories are told, built and experienced. The project introduces Yug R.Ai, Lionsgate Play’s first AI actor.

From day one, Tiger TV will be available on the Lionsgate Play app across Asia, and as a standalone app in the US, UK, Canada, Australia  and New Zealand. In the weeks ahead, it will also be on Amazon Prime Video Channels and YouTube Primetime Channels. Backed by Lionsgate Play’s 5 million paying subscribers, Tiger TV arrives with a proven platform behind it.

Rohit Jain, Founder and CEO, Lionsgate Play said, “When we started Lionsgate Play, Hollywood was a category no one in India had built for. We built it, and in doing so created a niche and a position that is ours alone. Tiger TV applies that same playbook to regional entertainment. Every language is important, and each deserves a razor-sharp service of its own, with full-blown programming for the audience that lives in it, not a language tab or a dubbed shelf. Punjabi is where we begin, and the model is built to be replicated across India.  In a world where streaming has removed linguistic boundaries, there is no reason for great regional stories to remain limited to regional audiences.”

Tiger TV launches on 15 October 2026 at ₹349 per quarter or ₹799 per year in India, and from 5.99 per month in the US (USD) and Canada (CAD), UK (GBP), Australia (AUD) and New Zealand (NZD).

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 13: The infectious beats of Garba, a swirl of traditional colours and the electrifying energy of thousands of khelaiyas marked the grand opening of Rangilo Re 2026 at NESCO Center (Goregaon), promoted and produced by LMG Live and Laqshya Live Experiences.

The arena came alive with music, dance and festive spirit as the eighth edition celebrated Navratri’s timeless traditions on a grander scale. The event is presented by Arvind Smartspaces and powered by The Guardians Real Estate Advisory.

Speaking about Rangilo Re, Parthiv Gohil said, “Over the years, my approach to Rangilo Re has been to create an experience that goes beyond music and dance. Every element, from the chanting of Devi and the Aarti to the sound design, lighting, and musical crescendos, is thoughtfully curated to take the audience on a journey. I want people to experience that beautiful transition from a space of devotion and stillness to one of complete abandon on the Garba floor. For me, the real magic lies in bringing these different emotions together and creating an experience that stays with people long after the nine nights are over.”

The opening night was graced by the Hon. Minister of Electronics, Information Technology, AI and Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Ashish Shelar ji, who addressed the gathering, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to addressing drought conditions and encouraging citizens to contribute through collective action and community participation.

Building on seven successful editions, Rangilo Re continues until October 19, with performances led by acclaimed singer Parthiv Gohil along with his entourage and other guest singing stars joining in.

“Seven editions give us a strong foundation, but what matters is how we build on that further. Rangilo Re has grown into a celebration with a strong sense of community, and this year, with LMG Live and Laqshya Live Experiences coming together on this special event, we have an opportunity to take that experience to a larger scale. Our focus is to retain the cultural connection that audiences have built with Rangilo Re while creating an edition that feels bigger, more immersive and relevant to today’s audiences,” said Shaju Ignatius, CEO, LMG Live.

A Celebrated Legacy, Reimagined on a Grander Scale

Combining cultural authenticity with contemporary live entertainment, Rangilo Re 2026 brings enhanced production, immersive experiences and engaging performances while retaining the traditions that have shaped its identity.

“Rangilo Re has already created a strong identity over the years. Our role is to build on that foundation and bring a new level of scale and experience to the property. With LLE and LMG Live coming together, we are looking at Rangilo Re not just as a Garba celebration, but as a large-scale live experience where culture, production and audience engagement come together. The ambition for this edition is simple: to make Rangilo Re bigger, grander and more immersive, while staying true to what audiences love about it,” said Saurabh Khurana, Co-Founder and CEO, Laqshya Live Experiences.

The Spirit of Navratri, With the Comfort of an Indoor Arena

Hosted at Hall 6, NESCO Center, Goregaon, Rangilo Re offers a spacious, air-conditioned indoor arena with ample parking, dedicated dancing areas, festive food and beverages, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

The festival brings together passionate Garba enthusiasts, families and first-time visitors in a celebration of music, culture and shared festive experiences.

Mumbai, the Celebrations Are in Full Swing. It’s Time to Join In!

With celebrations continuing until October 19, seven more nights of Garba, Dandiya Raas and musical performances await.

Single-Day Tickets start at ₹1,099, while Nine-Day Season Passes start at ₹9,999, exclusively through thumpN, the official ticketing partner.

Gather your friends, bring your family, dress in your festive best and experience Rangilo Re firsthand.

The music is live. The Garba circles are moving. Mumbai, it’s your turn to join in!

Rangilo Re is promoted and produced by LMG Live and Laqshya Live Experiences (LLE), bringing together the Laqshya Media Group’s expertise in live entertainment, experiential production and audience engagement to deliver a vibrant and memorable Navratri celebration.

Event Details

Event: Rangilo Re 2026
Dates: October 11 to 19, 2026
Venue: Hall 6, NESCO Center, Goregaon, Mumbai
Featuring: Parthiv Gohil, his troupe.
Single-Day Tickets: Starting at ₹1,099
Nine-Day Season Passes: Starting at ₹9,999
Exclusive Ticketing Partner: thumpN
Book Tickets: https://thumpn.com/event/XJU7JZ/rangilo-re-featuring-parthiv-gohil-2026-mumbai

About Rangilo Re

Now in its eighth edition, Rangilo Re is a large-format indoor Navratri celebration bringing together Garba, Dandiya Raas, Gujarati music and community. Across seven successful editions, it has established itself as a festive destination connecting generations through culture, music and shared experiences.

About LMG Live

LMG Live is the live entertainment vertical of Laqshya Media Group, focused on producing and curating concerts, festivals and immersive live experiences across India. It brings together an understanding of audiences, artists and the live events ecosystem to crete experiences that connect culture, music and communities at scale.

About Laqshya Live Experiences

Laqshya Live Experiences (LLE) is an experiential entertainment company focused on creating immersive brand and consumer experiences across India. Its work spans large-scale activations and experiential properties, connecting people, brands, and culture through meaningful engagement.

About thumpN

thumpN is an AI-native discovery and ticketing platform built to grow India’s live entertainment ecosystem, bringing together discovery, ticketing, and on-ground tools for fans, artists, venues, and promoters.

If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at pr.error.rectification@gmail.com. We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.

“I came to India not for politics, but to bring back a culture – the culture of Safety. Especially for our women and children.” – Mangan Thomas Rijoy (MTR)*

Five years ago, it started with one simple question: Why should a woman feel unsafe in her own street?

That question became a campaign – “Secure Our City”.

With no NGO backing, no corporate funding, no political support – only our hard-earned money, we took a pledge to provide *10,000 FREE CCTV cameras* in selected cities across India. We started from Chennai.

In the last 5 years, we walked through every slum lane in Chennai. We didn’t just install cameras. We *secured 5,000 houses in the slums* with our own hands. No charity show. No foreign funds. Just pure service.

Our plan was simple: Create a benchmark with Secure Our City, then grow it as SecureCam India business and scale the campaign through CSR funds.

But destiny had other plans.

When you live in the slums for 5 years, CCTV is not enough.

I travelled, I slept, I ate with them. And I realized – What is the use of a CCTV camera when a family has no roof? No proper dress to wear? No food for tomorrow? No medicine when a child is sick?

A camera cannot secure a hungry stomach. A camera cannot secure a homeless family.

I thought with an NGO, I can’t do anything. The system is too big.

That day, I understood what is truly lacking in our country. And I found the solution.

That solution is DESIYA SURAKSHA PARTY (DSP)

DSP is not formed just to get political power. India has enough parties for power. *DSP is formed to ASK QUESTIONS – on behalf of 150 Crore Indians.*

Questions that no one asks:
– To the Government: Is the tax paid by a common man reaching the right hands?
– To the Top Corporates: Who stole the nation’s tax and how do we make sure it reaches back to the Government and to the people?
– To the System: Why are there still orphans in a nation that worships family?

Our Agenda is not promises, it is a Guarantee of Living:

1.  *Own House for Every Indian:* Minimum 500 sq ft own house for every family.
2.  *Dignity:* Good, quality dress for every citizen.
3.  *International Standard Education & Healthcare – Absolutely FREE.*
4.  *No More Orphans in India:* Every child will have a family, a home, and a future. The State will be the parent if no one else is.
5.  *Suraksha for Women & Children as a Fundamental Right, not a scheme.*

This is not charity. This is the right of every Indian. Because we calculated – If India’s total wealth – its gold, its property, its minerals, its forests, its natural resources worth over Rs 10,000 Lakh Crore is truly accounted for, every family of 4 deserves to be a Crorepati. We are asset-rich, but our people are kept cash-poor.

DSP will ensure that wealth reaches the people.

Today, we are starting from where our journey started – *Tamil Nadu and Kerala.*

I, Mangan Thomas Rijoy (MTR), President, Desiya Suraksha Party, invite every Indian who believes that safety is not just about cameras, but about food, house, health, education and dignity – to join hands.

We secured 5000 houses with our money. Now, let’s secure 150 Crore lives. 
SECURE OUR CITY Campaign NEVER ENDS!
After DSP First Maanadu on Dec 10, 2026, the campaign will spread across India.
Every House & Building will get Minimum Security Guarantee with Proper Security Audit.

DESIYA SURAKSHA PARTY FIRST MAANADU – DEC 10, 2026! Chennai ‘ Tamilnadu 

JOIN HANDS WITH DSP.

For Media Queries:
Desiya Suraksha Party
President: Mangan Thomas Rijoy (MTR)
Tamil Nadu & Kerala Unit
Website: https://secureourcity.org/

The company says the show will focus on fresh talent and aims to give newcomers a chance to present themselves before entertainment personalities. Two Bollywood personalities and three additional reality show personalities are also expected to join the judging panel. The organisers plan to conduct online auditions and hold semifinal rounds across several cities in North India.

MR & MISS NORTH INDIA GLAMOUR Puts Free Entry for Girls at the Centre

The main feature of MR & MISS NORTH INDIA GLAMOUR is its no-fee entry for female contestants. For many young women, the first step into modelling can bring financial challenges. Registration charges, portfolio costs, travel, and grooming expenses can make it hard to pursue opportunities, especially for those who are new to the field.

CDF VENTURE says it wants to remove the participation fee for girls and give them a chance to compete without that initial expense. The format aims to reach candidates who have the interest and confidence to model but may not have the budget to enter conventional competitions.

The organisers describe the event as a first-of-its-kind format in India. This claim has not been independently verified, but the free-entry approach is the central feature of the announcement.

The company hopes that the format will encourage applications from different backgrounds, including girls who have not previously taken part in a professional modelling show.

Prince Narula Confirmed as Judge

Prince Narula will be part of the judging panel for the event. His career in reality television has made him a familiar name among young viewers who follow competitive entertainment shows.

Nisha and Priyanka, both associated with MTV shows, have also been announced as judges. CDF VENTURE has said that two Bollywood personalities and three more reality television personalities will be added to the panel.

The organisers expect the panel to bring different forms of entertainment experience to the competition. For newcomers, a modelling show with known television personalities can offer a chance to demonstrate their presentation, confidence, and ability to perform under pressure.

The final judging lineup and the process for selecting contestants are expected to be detailed by the company as the event moves forward.

Online Auditions to Reach Contestants Across North India

CDF VENTURE plans to hold the initial auditions online. The company says it introduced online auditions for modelling events in 2017, when this approach was less common in the industry.

The organisers have announced the following cities for the semifinal stage: Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Dehradun, Dharamshala, and Shimla.

This spread of locations could help candidates from different parts of North India take part without travelling to one central location for every stage. Online auditions may be especially useful for girls who live far from major fashion and entertainment centres.

Applicants should still check the official announcement for audition dates, eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and details of any travel needed for the later rounds.

Sunny Verma Wants a Different Format for Modelling Shows

Sunny Verma, owner of CDF VENTURE, said the company wanted to move away from the repeated formats seen in many modelling competitions.

He said, “Many modelling shows across the country follow similar formats. We felt there was a need for a different approach. Young people are showing more interest in modelling and acting, and they need opportunities that are easier to access.”

Sunny Verma also spoke about the role modelling can play in a wider entertainment career. He said newcomers often use modelling to gain camera experience and visibility before pursuing advertisements, Bollywood movies, OTT projects, television, and reality shows.

He believes the first opportunity should give aspiring artists room to present their abilities and learn about the industry. According to him, MR & MISS NORTH INDIA GLAMOUR has been planned with this aim in mind.

CDF VENTURE says it has worked with freshers through modelling events and online audition formats for several years. The new show is intended to build on that experience while offering free participation for girls.

Ayush Sharma Says the Focus Is on Supporting Young Talent

Ayush Sharma, managing director of CDF VENTURE, has welcomed the concept. A trained theatre artist and aspiring actor, he said he was excited about the opportunity to bring new faces into a competitive setting.

He also said the company was prepared to give priority to initiatives that support young people, even if that meant placing less focus on short-term profits.

The organisers have announced prizes for winners, planned celebrity collaborations for top achievers, and free portfolio shoots for finalists. These benefits are intended to help selected contestants build their profiles for future modelling and casting opportunities.

A portfolio can help a newcomer present their appearance and range to potential clients. However, the details of the prizes and celebrity collaborations have not yet been fully announced. Contestants should review the final terms before making plans around these benefits.

Preeti Singh Supports Opportunities for Girls From Smaller Cities

Preeti Singh, a Noida-based makeup artist and head official at CDF VENTURE, has also backed the announcement. She believes that girls from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities need access to platforms where they can present their talent without a high initial financial burden.

Preeti Singh said she began her own journey as a contestant with the company. That experience, she explained, gave her a better view of the challenges faced by newcomers and shaped her interest in supporting people entering the glamour industry.

Her involvement reflects the organisers’ aim to reach beyond established fashion centres. For many aspiring models, the lack of contacts and opportunities can be as difficult as the cost of entering a competition.

The online audition format and free entry for girls are intended to make the first step easier.

Male Category Will Follow a Pairing Format

The show includes male and female categories, but CDF VENTURE has clarified that male contestants cannot apply directly under the current format. Male models can apply to participate as a pair with a female contestant.

This rule gives male applicants a different route into the event while keeping the no-fee entry offer for girls at the centre of the announcement. The pairing requirements and selection rules should be checked through the organisers before applying.

CDF VENTURE Builds on Its Previous Modelling Events

CDF VENTURE says it has organised modelling shows for freshers and introduced online auditions in 2017. The company has also worked with Prince Narula on earlier shows, according to the organisers.

MR & MISS NORTH INDIA GLAMOUR brings together online auditions, semifinal locations across North India, and a judging panel that includes reality television personalities. The organisers plan to announce more names for the panel as preparations continue.

The event’s final reach will depend on the application process, selection criteria, and opportunities available to contestants after the competition. Still, its announced free-entry format for girls gives it a clear focus on accessibility.

A Platform for Girls Ready to Take Their First Step

MR & MISS NORTH INDIA GLAMOUR is aimed at girls who want to try modelling, gain experience, and seek a route towards the wider entertainment industry. With no participation fee for female contestants, the show may appeal to newcomers who have been waiting for an opportunity to present their talent.

Prince Narula’s confirmed role, the planned addition of more judges, online auditions, and free portfolios for finalists are among the main features announced by CDF VENTURE.

The organisers expect entries from cities across North India, including candidates who are new to modelling. For those interested, the next step is to check the official application details, eligibility rules, and audition schedule before registering.

For productions set in India, that promise is hard to keep. The country’s acoustic character shifts with every street, season and hour, and it is difficult to reproduce from a generic catalogue. 

A sound engineer has spent his career on the other side of that problem, and has now built a different answer to it.

Manipulate Audio Library, presented by its founders as India’s first original library dedicated to authentic Indian ambience, has been created for professional film and media sound. It is a venture of Manipulate & Family, founded and owned by Dushyant Shah, an sound engineer, Supervising Sound Editor and Re-recording Mixer based in Mumbai.

The invisible half of the frame , Ambience is the least visible layer of a soundtrack and one of the most consequential. It gives a location its identity, lets dialogue sit naturally in a space, and carries the emotional temperature of a scene without announcing itself. When it is right, nobody notices. When it is wrong, audiences sense that something is off even if they cannot say what.

The usual remedies are costly. A full location recording for every production demands time, travel and access that schedules rarely allow. The alternative, a stand-in sound that is almost right, quietly flattens the world a director has worked to build.

A library recorded where life happens

Manipulate Audio Library holds original recordings captured in real Indian environments in high definition. The collection is organised for professional discovery, so that an ambience editor or re-recording mixer can find a place and bring it directly into a session.

The approach is deliberately simple. Rather than synthesise or approximate, the library records the places themselves and makes them available to the people who need them: streets and markets, villages, stations, temples, neighbourhoods, festivals and open landscapes.

The Person behind it

The idea came from the working day of a sound professional. Shah’s practice runs across the full length of a film’s soundtrack: dialogue editing, ambience and sound effects editing, hard and soft effects, ADR and dubbing editing, and re-recording mixing. He also records and mixes music, and works in immersive formats including Dolby Atmos.

From that position, he recognised how valuable a dependable source of genuine Indian recordings would be to colleagues across the industry. Manipulate Audio Library is the result of that recognition: a resource built by a working sound editor for working sound teams.

Proposed founder quote — pending approval by Dushyant Shah: “When a story is set in India, the audience should hear India, not an approximation of it. This library exists so that sound teams can begin with the real thing.”

For the people who build a film’s world

The library is designed for production sound mixers, Supervising Sound Editors, ambience editors, Foley and sound effects editors, and re-recording mixers, as well as filmmakers, production houses and post-production studios. Game sound designers form part of its intended audience.

Its reach is not limited to Indian cinema. International productions that set stories in India face the same challenge, often with less access to the locations themselves. For those teams, a catalogue of authentic recordings offers a practical way to build Indian environments with accuracy.

Access to genuine location sound can help teams work more efficiently, strengthen a scene’s sense of place, and reduce reliance on generic stand-ins. It does not replace the craft of sound design and mixing. It supplies that craft with better material.

Licensing and bespoke recording

The company offers royalty-free sound licensing, subject to its applicable licence terms. Productions that need something the library does not yet hold can commission custom sound recording of a particular location, environment or sound.

A long view

Shah’s own website speaks of a commitment to mentoring the next generation of sound professionals, and describes Manipulate Audio as community-led. The library reflects that outlook: it treats India’s sonic diversity as a body of work worth recording with care and sharing with those who tell the country’s stories on screen.

Film is a medium of illusion, but the best illusions rest on something true. For sound, that begins with the place itself.

About Manipulate Audio Library

Manipulate Audio Library is a venture of Manipulate & Family, founded and owned by Dushyant Shah. It offers original, high-definition Indian ambience recordings for film and media sound production, royalty-free licensing subject to applicable terms, and custom sound recording services. Based in Mumbai, it serves professionals in India and internationally.

About Dushyant Shah

Dushyant Shah is an audio engineer, Supervising Sound Editor and Re-recording Mixer based in Mumbai. His work spans sound, dialogue and ambience editing, ADR and dubbing editing, sound mixing, music recording and mixing, and immersive audio formats including Dolby Atmos. He is the founder of Manipulate & Family.

The workshop was conducted by Dheeraj Chhipa from Bagru, a seventh-generation practitioner of the traditional Dabu printing craft. Through demonstrations and practical activities, students learnt about the centuries-old resist-printing technique and experienced how natural materials, traditional wooden blocks and indigenous craftsmanship come together to create intricate textile designs.

Students were introduced to the preparation and application of the traditional Dabu resist paste, made using locally sourced materials. They then used hand-carved wooden blocks to create their own patterns on fabric, experimenting with motifs inspired by Rajasthan’s rich artistic heritage. Peacocks, camels, butterflies and other traditional designs became a part of their creative exploration.

The workshop also highlighted the sustainable nature of traditional textile practices, helping students understand the use of natural materials and traditional dyeing methods. The interaction with a seventh-generation artisan gave students valuable insight into the patience, skill and generational knowledge required to preserve India’s traditional crafts.

A memorable collaborative activity saw two students create a butterfly design across two adjoining pieces of fabric, demonstrating how teamwork and precision can transform individual efforts into a single, meaningful creation.

The Dabu Printing Workshop at Neerja Modi School Jaipur went beyond an art activity, connecting students with Rajasthan’s living cultural heritage through hands-on learning. Such initiatives reflect the school’s commitment to providing students with enriching educational experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, sustainability and an appreciation of India’s cultural traditions.

Sunny Varkey, Founder of Family First and the Varkey Foundation
 

That strong emphasis on family bonding extends across generations. Seventy-six per cent of children say they would like to spend more time with their grandparents – the highest percentage globally – while 85% of parents say they spend time with their own parents at least once a week, and 65% say they do so every day, both the highest percentages of all countries surveyed. Yet despite this strong commitment to family life, only 22% of Indian children say they are satisfied with the amount of quality family time they have – the lowest percentage of all countries surveyed.

The findings come from the world’s first global intergenerational study of family bonding, surveying children, parents, Gen Z, and grandparents. It features the world’s first Family Bonding Index, which assigns countries a score based on the strength of family connections.

Family First is a global movement launched by the Varkey Foundation to strengthen intergenerational bonds between children, parents and grandparents, with the aim of building stronger communities across generations.

Launched by Sunny Varkey, founder of GEMS Education, the movement reflects a longstanding commitment to fostering strong family values and encouraging greater support between children and parents, contributing to healthier and longer lives. It is rooted in the belief that education goes far beyond academic achievement – it shapes values and develops not only students, but future parents, future leaders, and stronger societies.

Sunny Varkey, Founder of Family First and the Varkey Foundation, said, “This landmark report clearly show that family bonds are under strain. Economic pressures, conflict, geographical distance and technological change all make it harder for families to spend meaningful time together. Across many societies, this is contributing to weaker intergenerational relationships, greater loneliness among older people and less time shared between children, parents and grandparents. Yet the family remains the most fundamental building block of every community, making it more important than ever to understand, protect and strengthen these relationships.”

Family remains central across generations

Family life remains deeply embedded in everyday life for many Indian households.

Eighty-one per cent of parents say that during a typical family meal, “everyone is talking together” – the second highest percentage of all countries surveyed after France (84%).

Seventy-nine per cent of grandparents say they often spend meaningful time with their families – the third highest percentage globally after Argentina (83%) and Brazil (80%).

Forty-one per cent of grandparents say their family typically spends 11 hours or more a week enjoying quality time together – the highest percentage of all countries surveyed.

Grandparents also remain closely integrated into family life. Seventy-six per cent live with their family – the second highest percentage globally after Malaysia (78%) – while 65% say they see their grandchildren in person every day, the second highest percentage after Malaysia (68%).

Seventy per cent say spending more time with their grandchildren would make a big difference to their happiness – the highest percentage of all countries surveyed.

Busy schedules and competing demands are putting pressure on family time

Despite that strong emphasis on family connection, competing demands appear to be putting pressure on time together.

Twenty-nine per cent of children say their parents are too busy to spend time with them – the highest percentage of all countries surveyed.

Forty-three per cent say homework or studying is what most often prevents them from spending more time bonding as a family – the joint second highest percentage globally after Kenya.

Twenty-three per cent say school, activities or expectations take time away from family life “a lot” or “all the time” – the second highest percentage of all countries surveyed after the UAE (27%).

Parents and grandparents also identify children’s schedules as a major challenge. Forty-four per cent of parents and 54% of grandparents say children’s schedules are what most often prevent them from spending more time bonding as a family – the highest percentages of all countries surveyed on both measures.

Even so, 60% of children say their family often makes time for each other despite busy schedules – the second highest percentage globally after Nigeria (81%).

Screens are a growing source of concern

Digital devices have emerged as a major source of concern across generations.

Seventy per cent of parents say screen time and digital devices have harmed their family’s opportunity to bond – the second highest percentage of all countries surveyed after Brazil (74%).

Among grandparents, 60% say the same – the fourth highest percentage globally after Brazil (71%), Malaysia (71%) and the UAE (66%).

Forty-five per cent of children say screen time is what most often prevents them from spending more time bonding as a family – the third highest percentage of all countries surveyed after Sweden (51%) and Malaysia (50%).

Forty-seven per cent say screens have done more harm than good to their family life – the third highest percentage globally after the UAE (52%) and Sweden (49%).

Seventy-four per cent of grandparents believe children today are being raised more by screens than family – the third highest percentage of all countries surveyed.

Children feel supported, but pressure remains high

Children report strong emotional awareness from parents, even alongside time pressures.
 

Fifty-nine per cent say their parent or parents always notice when they are upset or struggling – the joint highest percentage of all countries surveyed alongside Nigeria.

Parents also appear highly engaged in children’s education. Twenty-nine per cent say they help their children with homework for more than seven hours a week – the second highest percentage globally after Nigeria (30%).

Wider systems are seen as supportive

Compared with many other countries, Indian families are relatively positive about how wider systems support family life. Eighty per cent of parents say societal systems such as work, school and technology support family life – the second highest percentage of all countries surveyed after Nigeria (81%). Among grandparents, that rises to 82% – the highest percentage globally.

Thirty-eight per cent of parents and 37% of grandparents say government policies on stronger guidance or limits on children’s screen use and online safety would help their families spend more quality time together – the highest percentages of all countries surveyed.

 The Family First Global Survey 2026: www.varkeyfoundation.org/family-first.

Walkathon, an initiative that promotes mental health literacy by encouraging early recognition of mental health concerns

This walkathon is part of MAHE Bengaluru’s broader initiative to advance mental health literacy and well-being across the campus and community, and to foster supportive spaces where people can speak openly and seek help.

Held under the theme “Walk for Health: Steps Towards Better Mental Health,” the 5K walk brought together students, faculty, staff, healthcare professionals, local authority representatives, volunteers and community members. It highlighted the importance of early recognition, timely support and open conversations around mental well-being.

The need for stronger mental health support systems is increasingly evident in Bengaluru. A 2026 study involving students across higher education institutions highlighted the importance of institutional support, while counselling data identified anxiety, family conflict and academic stress among key concerns. The findings reinforce the need for a connected ecosystem that enables early recognition and appropriate care.

S. R. Vishwanath, MLA, Yelahanka Constituency, flagged off the walkathon in the presence of Dr Raghavendra Prabhu P., Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr Jothy S. Niraja, Chairwoman Maarga Mind Care, Mr Mahadev, Executive Engineer, Lake Division, BNCC, Yelahanka and Mr Chandu C N, President, Yelahanka United Environmental Association.

The walkathon also highlighted the connection between regular physical activity and mental well-being, encouraging participants to make movement part of everyday life to manage stress and support overall health. The organisers reiterated that seeking professional support is a sign of strength.

Addressing the gathering, MLA S.R. Vishwanath said, “Mental health must receive the same attention as physical health. Initiatives such as the MAHE Bengaluru Walkathon bring people together, encourage healthy habits and create much-needed awareness about mental well-being. Open conversations and strong community support are essential to building a healthier society.”

Dr Raghavendra Prabhu, Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, said, “At MAHE Bengaluru, we view mental health and well-being as an essential part of a meaningful student and campus experience. This initiative reflects our effort to build greater understanding, empathy and access to support through sustained engagement with students, healthcare partners and the wider community.”

Dr Jothi Neeraja, Founder, Chairwoman and Managing Director, Maarga Mind Care, said, “Bengaluru has built a strong ecosystem around healthcare, education and innovation, and mental health needs to be an equally important part of that progress. Our vision is to build a city where mental health concerns are recognised early, people feel confident seeking help, and quality care is accessible when it is needed. We need to move from responding only when distress becomes a crisis to recognising concerns earlier and making the right care easier to access. Mental healthcare cannot remain confined to hospitals or specific awareness days. It needs to become part of how individuals, families, educational institutions and workplaces think about overall health. Maarga is committed to strengthening this continuum in Bengaluru, from early recognition through treatment, recovery and beyond.”

Participants began the day with a warm-up session before completing the walk around the Allalasandra Lake loop. The event was organised by MAHE Bengaluru in association with Maarga Mind Care, its mental health and well-being partner, with support from the Volunteer Services Organisation, National Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps and Manipal Hospitals.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

MediaTek collaborates with ThinkStartup to launch ‘Future Minds’ CSR initiative

Powered by ThinkStartup and the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC), the initiative is designed for students in Classes 8 to 12. It will be rolled out across government and foundation-supported communities including Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and PM Shri Schools. 

The comprehensive program provides school students with a structured curriculum covering ideation, business fundamentals and finance. Alongside the core coursework, participants will benefit from live masterclasses hosted by IIT alumni founders, a guided TS Idea Lab, and monthly pitch days to refine their concepts. The initiative will culminate in May 2027 with a national showcase of student-led entrepreneurial ventures, coinciding with MediaTek's 30th anniversary globally. 

"MediaTek's business is built on enabling ideas to become technology that reaches a billion devices," said Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India. "Future Minds extends that same belief to 6,000 young minds from underprivileged and government schools across 30 states, giving them the tools to turn their own ideas into ventures. Nurturing young builders is what MediaTek has always stood for, and initiatives like this naturally support India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat."

Mr. Sanjeeva Shivesh, Co-founder, ThinkStartup, added, "At ThinkStartup, we have always believed entrepreneurship is an essential life skill. MediaTek wanted an intervention that could be rolled out at a national scale, reaching youth from underprivileged backgrounds, and our eSchool platform fit perfectly with that vision. Over the next year, we will provide teenagers in Class 8 to 12 the chance to learn, build and pitch real ideas with real mentorship. We are grateful to MediaTek for backing this program, and we are hoping our youngsters will inspire the world with a slew of innovative solutions that take India forward."