Hindware, India’s leading bathware brand, recently unveiled its newly revamped Experience Center in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. The inauguration was attended by Bollywood actor Tamannaah Bhatia, Mr. Sandip Somany, Chairman & Managing Director of Hindware Limited, and Mr. Nirupam Sahay, CEO – Bath & Tiles Business, Hindware.

Bollywood actor Tamannaah Bhatia, Mr. Sandip Somany, and Mr. Nirupam Sahay at the inauguration of Hindware Experience Center

The Experience Center offers visitors a fully immersive way to explore Hindware’s complete portfolio of brands and products, including the premium brands Queo and Hindware Italian Collection, including a wide range of consumer appliances, sanitaryware, faucets, tiles, wellness products, and shower enclosures. Expert-led consultations guide visitors through design possibilities, ensuring every decision is both informed and creative.

The Experience Center reflects Hindware’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric retail, transforming how visitors interact with and experience bathroom solutions.

Mr. Sandip Somany, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindware Limited said, “For over 60 years, Hindware has shaped India’s bathware landscape by combining innovative design with uncompromising quality. Our focus has always been on creating solutions that resonate with evolving lifestyles and redefine customer experiences. The revamped Experience Center in Delhi embodies this vision, offering architects, designers, and homeowners an inspiring space to explore possibilities and interact with our products. Building on our heritage, we remain committed to expanding premium offerings, embracing technology, and leading the category with purpose and passion.”

Tamannaah Bhatia, who inaugurated the center said, “Hindware has a remarkable legacy of elegance, innovation, and quality-values I deeply admire. Visiting the new Hindware Experience Center, I was excited to see how the brand makes premium design accessible and practical for everyone, across all age groups. It’s a space that sparks creativity while ensuring every choice feels effortless and reassuring, truly reflecting Hindware’s promise of Sukoon.”

Mr. Nirupam Sahay, President & CEO, Bath & Tiles Business, Hindware Limited added, “The Hindware Experience Center is an extension of our ‘Designed for Sukoon’ philosophy, offering customers a calm and confident journey through every step of their bathroom planning. By creating an environment that inspires and reassures, we aim to make every interaction meaningful and enjoyable. From inspiration to final selection, the experience truly embodies Hindware’s promise of Sukoon. As we expand across India, this format will serve as a blueprint for delivering consistent, high-quality experiences that reflect Sukoon.”

Hindware operates through a robust network of 500+ distributors across 700+ districts, 35,000 retail touchpoints, and 575+ strategically located brand stores across India, delivering accessibility, consistency, and high-quality service to customers nationwide. This extensive retail presence is supported by a dedicated after-sales service network of 1,090+ technicians, offering rapid assistance with a turnaround time of 24 hours in metro regions and 48 hours in upcountry areas.

About Hindware Limited
Hindware Limited, makers of the iconic brand ‘Hindware‘, is a leading building products company in India. The company offers a versatile range of premium bathware products, catering to a diverse set of customers through its strong portfolio of innovative brands, including Queo, Hindware Italian Collection, and Hindware. In addition, Hindware Limited encompasses Hindware Italian Collection Tiles and TRUFLO by Hindware, its plastic pipes and fittings business, providing comprehensive solutions across the building products value chain.

For further information on the Company, please visit www.hindware.com.

BRICS CCI WE, the women’s vertical of The BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) unveiled the third edition of its flagship Global Women Leadership Programme – GWLP 2025 with nearly 40 selected participants from across the BRICS+ nations. The transformative initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of women leaders across diverse sectors for women offers aspiring women leaders a launchpad through a hybrid mentorship cum learning module.

Inaugural Session_BRICS CCI WE GWLP 2025

With Nippon Paint India as Lead Partner, the programme module, spread over a period of 4 months and curated by knowledge partners ThinkStartup and sheatwork, is built to unlock leadership and entrepreneurial potential – covering global market strategies, growth-oriented business planning, personal development and leadership for global success. In this year’s edition, the top three Global participants will get an opportunity to get a fully-funded trip to India for the Convocation Ceremony. A rolling trophy will also be awarded to the best project implementing the Nudge Theory in the programme at the BRICS CCI WE Annual Summit & Felicitations 2026 by the Cheistha Kochhar Foundation.

During her address in the inaugural session, Ms. Ruby Sinha, President, BRICS CCI WE and Founder, sheatwork, said, “GWLP participants have the opportunity to elevate their leadership skills, foster global connections and gain insights from seasoned professionals and global leaders and we are excited to taking this programme into its third edition. The previous two editions so far have been a success, especially with the winner of GWLP 2024, Ms. Mahadi Mosia from South Africa, going on to be chosen as one of 18 global winners from over 1,000 women entrepreneurs globally in the BRICS Women’s Startup Contest. We are all geared up for this new edition as we create opportunities for women to thrive across borders as leaders.”

Speaking on the inaugural meet, Mr. Sameep Shastri, Vice Chairman, BRICS CCI, “It is unfortunate that we still need to address a large gap when it comes to equality for women and we still lack a lot of opportunities for them – whether its in the domain of mentorship or financial support. We at BRICS CCI are working tirelessly to get global support and make this programme bigger and better every year.“

As Lead Partner, Mr. Sharad Malhotra, Director, Nippon Paint India, added “At Nippon Paint we are a strong believer that diverse perspectives are the catalyst of true innovation. Women are still finding it hard to prove themselves due to systemic workplace issues, including gender bias stereotypes, which are deep-seated assumptions that are being made, and a lack of access to high visibility projects and fewer opportunities for mentorship and proper guidance. So, I think this is an opportunity for all of us to really work towards championing the growth and advancement of women within all the organizations that we represent and also in the society as a whole.”

Mr. Sanjeeva Shivesh, Programme Coordinator, GWLP and Co-founder, ThinkStartup said, “In the past three editions of GWLP, weve observed two distinct participant profiles: entrepreneurial women seeking to build ventures, and those focused on corporate leadership and management careers. This year, the program design reflects that insight.“

The GWLP 2025 will culminate in two milestone events- the Ideas Pitch Fest, where participants showcase their ventures before industry leaders and investors, and the Convocation Ceremony. The top three participants will also earn a fully-funded trip to India, for the Convocation on the sidelines of the BRICS CCI WE Annual Women’s Summit in March 2026. A trophy will also be awarded to the best project implementing the Nudge Theory in the programme at the BRICS CCI WE Annual Summit & Felicitations 2026 by the Cheistha Kochhar Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Founder, Cheistha Kochhar Foundation said, “My late daughter, Cheistha believed in seeking and sealing opportunities. She worked on the Nudge Theory, suggesting that subtle interventions can effectively steer aspirations. This thought will be the basis for some of the projects which will be launched through this platform. Through this united effort, I hope to see more women find direction, and change to find more strength.”

Some of the eminent programme mentors include HRH Ms. Lebogang Zulu, National Chairperson – BRICS Womens Business Alliance South Africa; Dr. Pinky Anand, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India; Ms. Hoda Galal Yassa, President, Arab Women Investors Union Chairperson; Ms. Geovana Quadros, Gender Leader, Startup20 Task Force ESG, G20 Brazil 2024; Mr. Ajay Sethi, Managing Partner, Baker Tilly ASA India; Ms. Elena Shifrina, CEO & Founder, BioFoodLab, Russia; Ms. Leena Abu-Mukh Zoabi; Expert- International Cooperation, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology; Mr. Sushil Sharma, Founder & CEO, Marwari Catalysts; Ms. Andrea Stone, Executive Coach | Global Leadership, Stone Leadership; Dr. Lourdes Sosa, Associate Professor- Department of Management, The London School of Economics and Political Science; Ms. Yana Reprintseva, Founder & CEO, RESHAPE; Mr. Bibin Babu, Partner & Chief Growth Officer, Fire, Co-Founder, Paycio; Ms. Shivani Kapoor, Founder, ThinkStartup; Mr. Ankit Jhamb, Chief Learning Officer, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP and Ms. Vasudha Madhavan, Founder and CEO, Ostara Advisors. GWLP alumni mentors include Ms. Mahadi Mosia, Founder, Ntate Jane Foundation; Ms. Daria Klesova, Head of HR, TrueLab Game Studio; Ms. Leticia Gomes Oliveira and Ms. Dana Blackman from the India Brazil Chamber of Commerce.

In a significant recognition of its expertise in water conservation and water pollution mitigation, The Art of Living Social Projects has been entrusted by the Government of Assam with advisory responsibilities for the sustainable management and rejuvenation of urban water bodies in the state. Shri Prasana Prabhu has been appointed as an Expert Member of the State-Level Committee formed under the Assam Urban Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Act, 2024.

Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of Art of Living Social Projects

The committee, chaired by the Minister-in-Charge of Housing & Urban Affairs and comprising senior officials and representatives from key local bodies such as the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, will oversee the regulation, protection, cleaning, beautification, conservation, reclamation, regeneration, restoration, and construction of water bodies. Through this platform, Art of Living Social Projects will provide its expertise in pollution mitigation and ecological revival, strengthening Assam’s efforts in sustainable urban water management.

Welcoming his appointment to the state-level Committee, Shri Prasana Prabhu said, “This appointment reinforces our commitment to restoring water bodies and enhancing water security across India.”

Driving Water Conservation Across India

The Art of Living Social Projects is leading major water conservation initiatives across India, enhancing water security and restoring ecosystems in states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. Rivers rejuvenated include Naganadhi, Palar, Kumudvathi, Vedavathi, and Kosi across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Community engagement is key, with locals trained in water conservation and afforestation drives that enhance groundwater recharge, support biodiversity, reduce soil erosion, and provide a multitude of ecosystem services. To date, over 174 billion litres of water have been conserved through the restoration of 72 rivers, rivulets, streams, and tributaries, supported by over 1,05,000 recharge structures, benefiting more than 3.45 crore people across 20,000 villages.

Nature-Based Solutions for Water Pollution

Art of Living Social Projects is also advancing water pollution mitigation through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Its flagship JalShudhi initiative is a decentralized, eco-friendly wastewater treatment system that leverages phytoremediation, bioculture and physical interventions.

JalShudhi Bioculture is a fermented plant-based extract that removes odour in a very short span of time. It effectively reduces the key parameters like BOD, COD, and TSS by over 90%. Phytoremediation using wetlands is an approach that treats polluted water including heavy metals and micropollutants.

The wetlands with plants like Vetiver, Canna, Colocasia and Cyperus among others support biodiversity along with improving the dissolved Oxygen content of water. First piloted at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru, JalShudhi has rejuvenated more than 152 water bodies across India.

JalShudhi: A decentralized, eco-friendly wastewater treatment using phytoremediation, bioculture, and physical methods

About Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST)

Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Social Projects (through AOL-SSIAST and AOL-SSRDP) is transforming rural India and beyond. To date:

• Water Conservation: Over 1,05,000 recharge structures built and over 174 billion litres of water conserved, benefiting 3.45 crore people across 20,000 villages.

• Water Pollution Mitigation: 152 water bodies restored through JalShudhi including 102 temple ponds in Chennai, 11 drains in Agra, 24 drains in Pune, and the Barapulla drain in Delhi-NCR.

• Agriculture & Environment: 3 million farmers trained in natural farming across 24 states; 100 million trees planted in 36 countries.

• Skill Development & Livelihoods: Over 4.75 lakh youth trained at 147+ centres; 45+ ITIs upgraded; 25 FPOs formed.

• Education & Health: 473+ Smart Schools benefit 95.5K+ children; 50+ AOL Medetel Health diagnostic units operate nationwide.

• Rehabilitation & Community Development: 10K+ inmates skilled in 49+ prisons; 665 border villages developed.

• Waste Management & Sustainability: Zero-waste energy converts waste to electricity; Jagapawani reduces pollution.

Through these initiatives, Art of Living Social Projects nurtures people, planet, and future generations.

Support the Mission

Contribute to the Art of Living Social Projects and help expand these initiatives ssrdp.artofliving.org/donate-ssrdp.

Join Us in Making a Difference
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Symbiosis International University, one of India’s most premier higher education institutions, successfully concluded its active participation as a sponsor and key knowledge partner at the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025, held from October 6-7, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The summit was preceded by the Vice Chancellors-CEOs Roundtable on October 5, 2025, at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi.

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor, SIU and Chair, FICCI Higher Education Committee, addressing the Summit

Themed “Higher Education in a Transforming World: Bridging Borders, Building Futures“, the 20th edition of the FICCI Higher Education Summit marked two decades of dialogue and action shaping the global education landscape. Since its inception in 2004, the summit has evolved into India’s foremost platform connecting policymakers, academia, and industry, promoting education as a catalyst for sustainable development and international collaboration.

20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025

The milestone edition witnessed participation from over 1,200 delegates and 2,000+ students representing 70+ countries, alongside university leaders, policymakers, Nobel laureates, and industry experts. The Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, addressing the inaugural session and conferring the 11th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards.

A highlight of the awards ceremony was the Legendary Institution Builder Awardconferred upon Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar, Founder and Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, in recognition of his pioneering vision and transformative contribution to Indian and global higher education. The honor celebrates his five-decade-long journey of promoting international understanding through quality education, which has positioned Symbiosis as a global brand in academia.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor, Symbiosis International University said, “The FICCI Higher Education Summit has become a vital platform to advance India’s higher education diplomacy. As we celebrate two decades of the summit and five years of NEP 2020, the focus must be on creating globally competent institutions through innovation, inclusivity, and international collaboration.”

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Chair, FICCI Higher Education Committee and Pro-Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, played a central role in shaping the summit’s agenda. She was joined by Mr. Samir Somaiya, Co-Chair, FICCI Higher Education Committee and President, Somaiya Vidyavihar Group, Lt Gen (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Co-Chair and Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and Mr. Manab Majumdar, Senior Advisor, FICCI.

The two-day summit featured an array of plenary sessions, policy dialogues, and masterclasses addressing critical issues such as artificial intelligence in education, research innovation, and global mobility. The event also witnessed the release of the FICCI-EY Parthenon Knowledge Report titled “Future-Ready Campuses: Unlocking the Power of AI in Higher Education,” which explores how AI can drive institutional efficiency, enhance learning outcomes, and future-proof campuses.

As a key knowledge partner, SIU led deliberations on internationalization and cross-border collaboration, aligning with India’s education diplomacy agenda. The university leveraged the platform to deepen global linkages with strategic partners such as Deakin University (Australia) and the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, further reinforcing India’s leadership in transnational education.

Furthering its commitment to India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision, SIU announced the establishment of the Symbiosis Centre for International Education (SCIE) at its Delhi NCR (Noida) campus. The Centre will serve as a hub for engagement with embassies, government agencies, and multilateral organizations, fostering academic diplomacy and international partnerships.

As the FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025 concludes, Symbiosis International University continues to exemplify India’s evolving role as a global education hub – bridging borders, building futures, and empowering learners worldwide.

Page Industries, the exclusive licensee of JOCKEY International Inc. (USA), today unveiled the launch of its latest Next Gen Inno-Wear expanding men’s innerwear collection, made with advanced Bonding technology that delivers unmatched comfort for everyday luxury.

Jockey unveils Next Gen Inno-Wear expanding its men’s innerwear collection

Designed as a seamless, precision-fit base layer, this collection offers exceptional support that adapts to your every move. Crafted as a seamless, precision-fit base layer, this collection introduces our cutting-edge Bonding Technology, which eliminates traditional stitching and pairs with advanced microfiber fabric to provide a smooth, chafe-free fit, ensuring all-day comfort.

The expansion in the line features premium trunks tailored for the modern man’s dynamic routine. Whether youre commuting, collaborating, or powering through a workout, these bonded seamless trunks offer adaptive stretch for ease of movement, StayFresh™ technology for lasting freshness, and a breathable mesh pouch for enhanced ventilation. The ultra-soft, label-free waistband ensures irritation-free wear from morning to night.

“At Jockey, we understand that today’s men are looking for more than just functionality, they want innerwear that fits seamlessly into their fast-paced life,” said Nihal Rajan, Chief Marketing Officer, Jockey India. “This collection of bonded trunks has been thoughtfully designed for the modern man who values cutting-edge innovation and contemporary aesthetics. By combining Bonding Technology with adaptive comfort and smart design, we’ve created a collection that lets men move confidently and comfortably through every part of their day. This Next Gen Inno-Wear collection represents the future of innerwear, where advanced innovation meets effortless, everyday comfort.”

With a global legacy of over a century, Jockey continues to innovate in the innerwear category balancing quality, technology, and timeless style to meet the evolving needs of today’s men.

The new collection is now available at Jockey Exclusive Outlets, leading multi-brand retail stores, popular Marketplaces and online at www.jockey.in, with a focused rollout across key metro cities. To celebrate the launch, Jockey India is rolling out a dynamic multi-platform campaign that highlights the cutting-edge innovation and seamless comfort of the Next Gen Inno-Wear narrative. The campaign will feature an impactful film and visuals across digital, outdoor, and in-store media and targeted content across social platforms; all designed to engage consumers and showcase the collection’s blend of technology, style, and everyday luxury.

Next Gen Inno-Wear is here

YouTube link of the campaign: youtu.be/G5WJAtvue6Q

About Page Industries Limited

Page Industries is the exclusive licensee of JOCKEY International Inc. (USA) for the manufacture, distribution and marketing of the JOCKEY brand in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Maldives, Bhutan and UAE. Page Industries is also the exclusive licensee of Speedo International Ltd. for the manufacture, marketing and distribution of the Speedo brand in India.

Jockey is the company’s flagship brand and a market leader in the premium innerwear and leisure wear category. The brand is distributed in 2,852+ cities & towns and available in 113,715+ Multi Brand Outlets, 1,144+ Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBO) with extensive presence in 3,026+ Large Format Stores, as also online. Speedo brand is available in 1,074+ stores, 28+ EBOs and 10+ Large Format Stores, spread across 90+ cities.

For further information, please visit www.jockey.in

There are reports that Nokia has officially extended its brand licensing agreement with HMD Global beyond 2026, ensuring the continued production and innovation of Nokia feature phones worldwide. India, the world’s largest feature phone market, remains at the core of this growth, where HMD commands over 22% market share by volume.

UNISOC collaborates with HMD

As HMD’s long-term strategic partner, UNISOC will continue to provide key chipset solutions across multiple Nokia feature phone models, enabling the evolution of classic devices with new intelligent features and supporting global market expansion.

Since 2016, HMD Global has been the exclusive custodian of the Nokia mobile brand, designing and manufacturing Nokia feature phones in India and China, with India serving as both its largest market and a major export hub. Under the renewed agreement, HMD will continue to design, manufacture, and sell Nokia-branded feature phones, while introducing enhanced smart capabilities such as AI voice assistants, video calling, GPS navigation, and lightweight social applications. Together, UNISOC and HMD will deepen collaboration across key markets including India, Africa, Europe, and China.

UNISOC’s technology has powered many of HMD’s most successful Nokia feature phones, including the revived Nokia 3310 and the long-lasting Nokia 105. These iconic models demonstrate how UNISOC balances performance, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness at scale. Looking ahead, as HMD invests further in the “classic + smart” direction, UNISOC is poised to expand its chipset shipments into new generations of intelligent feature phones and specialized smart devices, strengthening its global position in mobile communications.

Looking ahead, UNISOC remains committed to delivering high-quality products and solutions for the global consumer electronics market. By deepening its collaboration with HMD, UNISOC will continue to drive innovation, expand its worldwide footprint, and bring advanced technologies into the feature phone segment-making reliable connectivity and smart experiences accessible to more people around the world.