Indian international cricketer Riyan Parag has deepened his commitment to animal welfare with yet another heartfelt initiative. Earlier this year, he supported the recovery of Janam, a rescued dog from a Delhi shelter run by animal welfare advocate Manavi Rai, founder of Udgam Charitable Trust – marking the beginning of his personal journey in giving back to animals in need. That experience, guided by Manavi‘s extensive work in the rescue space, inspired Riyan to think beyond one-off gestures and create long-lasting, sustainable impact.

Riyan with his furriend Janam

Now, in collaboration with Respun, a sustainable recycling unit, Riyan has given his cricket memorabilia a meaningful second life. His old jerseys spanning U-19 tournaments, his domestic cricket career, Rajasthan Royals, and even his time with Team India have been repurposed into cozy beds for shelter animals. These unique jersey-beds will not only provide warmth during harsh winters but also bring comfort to abandoned and rescued animals awaiting new homes.

From Cricket Jerseys to Cozy Beds: Riyan Parag, Manavi Rai & Respun Support Shelter Animals

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watchsi=daKntS28_KadiNCz&v=407yU88-m1E&feature=youtu.be

Respun specializes in reimagining textiles into functional, eco-friendly products, and this partnership highlights how sustainability and compassion can intersect. By converting deeply personal cricket memorabilia into something that directly improves animal welfare, Respun and Riyan have created a model for how sports, community, and recycling can work together to drive meaningful social change.

Udgam Charitable Trust, which serves as Janam‘s home, houses over 100 dogs in its Delhi shelter. Since its inception in 2020, the shelter has been run by a dedicated 15-member team and is equipped with an x-ray machine, a small operation theatre, a post-care room, visiting surgeons, and in-house paravets, making it one of the few grassroots shelters to provide such comprehensive medical care. Manavi‘s vision extends far beyond Delhi; she believes such facilities should be replicated across India, ensuring that every city and village has accessible shelters and medical care for animals.

Speaking about the initiative, Riyan Parag said, “Every jersey I‘ve worn holds special memories, but I wanted them to serve a bigger purpose beyond my career milestones. Recycling them into beds for shelter animals felt like the perfect way to combine two things close to my heart, cricket and animal welfare. Janam has already changed the way I look at responsibility and compassion, and I hope this effort inspires others to support both sustainability and animal care.”

This initiative underlines how emotional sporting milestones can be transformed into practical, purpose-driven solutions for society. Riyan‘s journey of giving back to society continues to grow stronger, with more unique collaborations with industry leaders like Respun on the horizon – blending care, community, and sustainability into his off-field legacy.

About: Udgam Charitable Trust

Founded in 2020 by animal welfare advocate Manavi Rai, Udgam Charitable Trust is a Delhi-based animal shelter dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of abandoned and injured animals.

• Scale of Care: The shelter houses over 100 dogs at any given time.

• Team Strength: A dedicated team of 15 members, including 2 in-house paravets, ensures smooth day-to-day operations.

• Facilities: Equipped with an x-ray machine, a small operation theatre, a post-care room, and support from visiting surgeons, Udgam offers medical facilities that go beyond basic care.

• Medical Collaborations: For specialized treatments, Udgam regularly works with CGS, The Eye Vet, and Animilia Hospital.

Manavi started the shelter out of an urgent need to provide timely medical care and refuge to street animals. Her philosophy is rooted in compassion and justice for the voiceless: “It is not just about feeding or caring for dogs anymore; it is about being the voice for the voiceless. My dream is that animals have rights, laws, and the respect they deserve and that rescuers, feeders, and caregivers are also valued for their service to society.“

Respun

Respun is a sustainable recycling unit committed to giving textiles a meaningful second life. By repurposing fabrics into practical, eco-friendly products, Respun reduces waste and promotes circular economy practices.

“At Respun, our focus has always been on creating products that merge sustainability with social good. Collaborating with athletes, organizations, and communities allows us to bring this vision to life in meaningful ways. Working with Riyan Parag to transform his treasured jerseys into beds for shelter animals is a perfect example of how recycling can be paired with compassion. What makes this initiative even more special is Riyan‘s humility, for someone so young and successful to think of giving back in such a thoughtful way reflects his genuine care for animals and the planet. We believe recycling should not just be a process but a way of life, reimagining memories and milestones into products that care for both people and the planet.“

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. (CGCEL), one of India’s leading consumer electrical companies, has achieved yet another sustainability milestone. The company’s Entire B2B Lighting Product Range has been awarded the prestigious CII GreenPro Certification (Type-1 Ecolabel) at the GreenPro Summit India 2025. This makes Crompton the first lighting company with a complete GreenPro Certified Solution Range.

Crompton Lighting Leads Towards A Sustainable Future

This recognition comes just a year after Crompton received its first GreenPro Ecolabel certification for its ceiling fans, underscoring the company’s commitment to driving environmental responsibility across product categories.

The GreenPro Ecolabel Certification is a prestigious recognition that validates a product’s environmental performance across its entire life cycle-from raw material sourcing and manufacturing processes, to energy efficiency during use, and responsible disposal or recycling at the end of life. In India, the certification is promoted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and is accredited by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), ensuring it meets globally harmonized ecolabelling standards.

By securing this certification for its professional lighting range, Crompton demonstrates its commitment to offering genuinely sustainable solutions for the building materials, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.

Crompton’s Entire B2B Lighting Range is engineered to combine reliability, performance, and energy efficiency with sustainable practices. With GreenPro certified solutions spanning indoor, industrial, outdoor, solar, and high-mast lighting categories, Crompton is now uniquely positioned to support businesses and institutions in meeting their green building and sustainability goals.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr Promeet Ghosh, MD & CEO, said: “At Crompton, sustainability is at the core of our innovation. We are proud to be the first lighting company in India to achieve a complete GreenPro Certified Solution Range. This recognition adds to our growing list of sustainability accolades, including the earlier certification for our ceiling fan model, and affirms our commitment to global sustainable development goals and responsible practices. It reinforces our dedication to delivering high-performance, reliable products while making a meaningful impact on people as well as the planet. Together, these milestones reflect Crompton’s journey toward building a greener and more sustainable future for India.”

Crompton’s lighting solutions are designed to deliver superior illumination while ensuring energy efficiency, helping reduce power consumption and support sustainable living. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its eco-friendly innovations and projects:-

• Energy Efficiency: Products designed to reduce power use while ensuring high performance.

• Smart Solutions: Expansion of connected and sensor-based lighting for efficient usage.

• Durability: Long-lasting products that lower waste and replacement cycles.

• Renewable Adoption: Solar-powered and eco-friendly LED solutions for public infrastructure.

• Green Innovation: New ranges in solar, tunnel, sports, and industrial lighting.

The CII GreenPro Certification is a significant milestone for Crompton as it continues to lead in sustainable practices in the consumer products sector.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is committed to cultivating an environment that facilitates India’s development by working alongside industry, government, and civil society through advisory and consultative processes.

The Ecolabel Certificate is awarded to products that demonstrate strong environmental performance across their entire life cycle. Each product undergoes a comprehensive assessment covering raw materials, manufacturing processes, performance during use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. This holistic evaluation ensures the product’s true sustainability. The certification was officially presented at the GreenPro Summit India 2025, where Crompton was recognized among the leaders of India’s sustainability community.

About Crompton

With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers.

The companys consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the companys storage water heater in 2023. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of Indias Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.

MediSim VR has launched Uttarakhand’s first Center of Excellence in AI and VR-based Medical Simulation at HIMS. This pioneering initiative reflects India’s progressive approach to integrating immersive technologies into healthcare education and directly supports the transformational vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

MediSim VR and Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) Launch Uttarakhands First Center of Excellence in AI and VR-based Medical Simulation

The launch took place during the 10th edition of SIMULUS, the annual flagship simulation event hosted by the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Dehradun, which was held from October 4-7 in collaboration with AIIMS Rishikesh. The event brings together global leaders, educators, and innovators in healthcare simulation and serves as a dynamic platform for advancing dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in medical education.

The Center was inaugurated by Dr. Vinod K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, who has also previously chaired many government counseling bodies, experienced a live demonstration, appreciated the initiative, and encouraged the wider adoption of AI and VR in healthcare education.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming medical training by creating immersive, risk-free, and experiential learning environments. These technologies empower students to build practical clinical skills and decision-making capabilities while complementing their theoretical knowledge. The Center of Excellence will be accessible not only to HIMS students but also to external medical learners and professionals across Uttarakhand, amplifying its reach and impact on capacity building.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Deorari, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Swami Rama Himalayan University, said, “The launch of an AI- and VR-based Center of Excellence in medical simulation at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, marks a significant advancement in medical education. Our students and external learners will benefit from realistic, safe, and highly interactive learning environments that build competence, critical thinking, and innovation-preparing them to excel in global healthcare systems. This initiative will also be highly beneficial for medical, nursing, and allied healthcare professionals, enhancing their training and professional development.“

Sabarish Chandrasekaran, Co-Founder & CEO, MediSim VR, said, “We are delighted to launch Uttarakhand’s first Center of Excellence in AI and VR Medical Simulation at HIMS Dehradun-one of India’s most respected medical institutions. This lab bridges the gap between traditional medical training and next-generation experiential learning. At MediSim VR, we believe such initiatives will empower future healthcare professionals with advanced skills, confidence, and global exposure.”

Looking Ahead
Through this partnership, MediSim VR and HIMS are redefining the future of healthcare education by combining innovation with accessibility. As India accelerates toward global leadership in medical sciences, this collaboration sets a precedent for how AI- and VR-driven learning ecosystems can shape the next generation of medical professionals.

Azbil Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code: 6845) announced its participation at the eighth Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP) taking place from October 15 to 17. Themed “Automation Solutions Driving Evolution and Co-Creation,” Azbil will showcase a comprehensive suite of industrial and building automation solutions that drive sustainable, collaborative industry growth. Leveraging advanced technologies like AI and big data, these solutions provide data-driven insights and control for preventive maintenance, energy optimization, and reliable operations across plants, factories, and buildings.

Azbil to Present Data-Driven Solutions at Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP) 2025

ITAP, a Hannover Messe event organized by Constellar and Deutsche Messe AG, remains Asia Pacifics leading advanced manufacturing event. Themed “Powering the Future with Technology,” the event will showcase how technology can solve real-world challenges-from complex supply chains and energy demands to building agile operations -to help manufacturers at every stage of innovation adapt and thrive.

ITAP is viewed as a key strategic platform to strengthen Azbils business collaboration in Southeast Asia and India.

Based on the azbil Group philosophy of “human-centered automation,” Azbil continues to provide customers with measurement and control technologies and services that contribute “in series” to creating a sustainable society.

Event overview

For details, please visit the following website: www.azbil.com/corporate/seminar/index.html

About Azbil Corporation
Azbil Corporation, formerly known as Yamatake Corporation, is a leading company in building and industrial automation, using its measurement and control technologies to provide customers with high value-added solutions to make their operations more efficient and sustainable. Founded in 1906, Azbil serves customers across the globe in a broad range of industries and aims to contribute to peoples safety, comfort and fulfilment, and global environmental preservation. At the end of March 2025, Azbil employed about 9,000 people worldwide and generated 300.4 billion in revenue.

For more information, please visit www.azbil.com

Gurugram’s leading realty player, SPJ True Realtyy, announces the upgradation of its flagship high-street retail development, Vedatam, into a fully air-conditioned mall. With this milestone, Vedatam sets an unprecedented benchmark in the city’s retail and lifestyle ecosystem, bringing together world-class design, comfort, and innovation under one roof.

Vedatam by SPJ Group unveils its transformation into a fully air-conditioned mall, redefining the retail experience in Gurugram

Situated in Sector 14, Gurugram, Vedatam is envisioned as the first organised commercial hub in this part of the city, and a pioneering model of integrated retail and lifestyle. Spread across 4.15 acres and meticulously planned for phased development over three years, Vedatam will feature 400+ premium commercial units alongside approximately 140 exclusive residences, weaving together retail vibrancy and community living.

Sector 14 and its adjoining areas are home to a largely affluent demographic profile with high disposable incomes and a strong appetite for premium products and lifestyle experiences. Yet, the neighbourhood has remained largely untapped by organized retail. Vedatam seeks to fill this gap, introducing the first organized retail ecosystem in the region and setting a new standard for neighbourhood shopping destinations.

The project is centrally positioned to serve 11 adjoining sectors, including 8, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, and 23, and is designed around a curated retail, F&B, and entertainment mix. Its architecture and planning ensure seamless circulation across three levels of retail: Lower Ground, Upper Ground, and First Floor, each offering high brand visibility and an elevated shopping experience. The second floor is dedicated to gourmet indulgence with fine dining, multi-cuisine concepts and a grand food court. The third floor introduces Sector 14’s only PVR-operated multiplex, complemented by a family entertainment centre and breweries.

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, said, “Vedatam’s transformation into a fully air-conditioned mall is not just an upgrade-it is a statement of intent. It reflects our belief in creating destinations that are immersive, aspirational, and future-ready. Locations like Sector 14, densely populated yet untapped in organized retail, hold immense potential. With Vedatam, we are bridging this gap by introducing a destination that combines premium retail, curated F&B, and entertainment. It embodies the spirit of modern Gurugram: dynamic, connected, and progressive, and is set to stand as a landmark of this vision for years to come.”

With over 1,100 car parking spaces (including a unique three-level parking system), high-speed elevators and escalators, 100% power backup, advanced fire safety, and earthquake-resistant construction, Vedatam is engineered for operational ease and visitor comfort.

With unparalleled connectivity to NH-48, Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road, and the Dwarka Expressway, Vedatam is strategically located just 3 km from HUDA City Centre Metro Station, 5 km from MG Road Metro Station, and 20 minutes from IGI Airport. Its proximity to Cyber City, Udyog Vihar, and Golf Course Extension ensures that Vedatam emerges as both a business and lifestyle nucleus for NCR.

Backed by the legacy and financial strength of the SPJ Group, Vedatam represents a new chapter in Gurugram’s story-one that fuses retail brilliance with urban sophistication.

This Autumn-Winter season, Pepe Jeans London proudly unveils its new campaign, Get Great Denim, a celebration of the fabric that has stood as a cornerstone of fashion across generations.

Pepe Jeans London Highlights Autumn-Winter 2025 with Get Great Denim

Staying true to its denim-first heritage, Pepe Jeans London highlights the enduring relevance and versatility of denim: Style that remains timeless yet contemporary, Fits designed to flatter, Comfort that lasts, Shades to express every mood and Stretch that seamlessly adapts to modern lifestyles.

The denim collection draws inspiration from its easy-going character and timeless ability to become the perfect choice for any occasion. The key highlights for the season include oversized denim shirts, versatile blue denim fits, jackets designed for layering, and the signature denim-on-denim ensemble, all brought together to celebrate denim’s versatility and enduring appeal.

What makes the AW’25 collection truly stand out is Pepe Jeans London’s commitment to fabric innovation, reflected in its signature denim lines:

• Powerflex – engineered with advanced stretch technology to ensure complete freedom of movement and lasting comfort.

• Shiruku – a reinvention of denim with a silky-smooth, breathable finish that feels soft on the skin yet remains durable.

• Heritage – crafted with timeless techniques and modern finishes, offering unique pieces that are both classic and long-lasting.

• Daser – climate-adaptive denim designed to adjust up to 3C for year-round comfort without compromising on style.

• Dark Pro – always black. always bold. wash after wash.

With Get Great Denim, Pepe Jeans London reaffirms its legacy as a brand that not only defines denim but also continues to innovate and inspire, ensuring it remains as iconic today as it has always been.

The collection is now available at Pepe Jeans London stores nationwide and online. This season, denim isn’t just worn – it’s lived in every shade, form, and fit.

Watch the campaign here – www.youtube.com/watchv=PJTMLykZd1A

Where to Find Us

Pepe Jeans London is present across major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kerala, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Mohali, and more. The brand is also available at Lifestyle and Shoppers Stop, as well as online on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, Tata Cliq, and other leading platforms.

About Pepe Jeans London

Pepe Jeans London was born on London’s iconic Portobello Road in 1973. Today, over 50 years later, the brand remains devoted to its initial mantra and pledge to create the world’s most exciting denim-led fashion. The diversity and mix of cultures that define the city of London also define the Pepe Jeans personality, providing a constant source of inspiration for the women’s, men’s, and junior collections. Music, Culture, Fashion, London, and Denim – that’s what Pepe Jeans is all about.

Mumbai witnessed a dazzling evening of glamour, music, and celebration as HELL ENERGY DRINK, one of the fastest-growing energy drink brands globally, hosted an exclusive event with international heartthrob Michele Morrone. The occasion marked the grand finale of the brand’s blockbuster consumer campaign WIN WITH HELL, which recorded participation in the millions from across India.

Michele Morrone with Unnikannan Gangadharan, Director, HELL-ENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED

The spectacular celebration unfolded in the famous Crystal Room of The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, an iconic venue steeped in history and grandeur. Transformed into a vibrant canvas of HELL’s signature red, the event offered an immersive brand experience that perfectly echoed the brand’s bold, high-energy identity.

The evening brought together 38 lucky winners and their plus ones, who were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience of walking the red carpet, soaking in the unique brand atmosphere, and enjoying a memorable evening with Michele Morrone. The highlight of the night was a rare photo opportunity and close interaction with the global star, who charmed the audience with his effortless charisma and warmth.

Sharing his excitement, Michele Morrone said, “Namaste, India! I am so excited to be here. I would like to thank the entire HELL ENERGY DRINK family for creating this beautiful celebration. I cannot wait to join all the winners and drink some HELL with them. I am super excited to congratulate the winners.

“The energy here is unmatched, and celebrating with HELL ENERGY DRINK and the winners of ‘WIN WITH HELL’ has made this visit truly unforgettable,” Michele further added, along with, “Yet again, Namaste!“

Entertainment for the evening soared with a vibrant performance by indie band The Lost Fireflies, who fused Bollywood flair with western beats to create a captivating musical journey. The celebration concluded on a high note with a music-and-dance finale that embodied the unstoppable spirit of HELL ENERGY DRINK.

Speaking at the event, Unnikannan Gangadharan, Director, HELL-ENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED, said, “India is a key growth market for HELL ENERGY DRINK, and the overwhelming response to WIN WITH HELL proves the strong bond consumers here have with our brand. This celebration with our global brand ambassador Michele Morrone was curated as a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a reflection of our unstoppable identity.“

Launched in India in 2018, HELL ENERGY DRINK has quickly established itself as a market leader in energy drink (in the aluminium cans) segment in 2025. The brand is available in four bold flavours – Classic, Apple, Watermelon, and Black Cherry – offering Indian consumers both variety and international-quality taste at an accessible price. Its rapid growth in India is a reflection of its global success, with the brand now present in over 60 countries worldwide.

WIN WITH HELL has been the brand’s biggest-ever consumer initiative in India and one of its most ambitious campaigns globally. Beyond this meet & greet with Michele Morrone Mumbai event, the campaign delighted participants with daily and weekly prizes ranging from the latest iPhone 16s and stylish sneakers to trendy trolley bags and exclusive HELL car cups.

The grand finale dinner in the Crystal Room of The Taj Mahal Palace not only rewarded winners but also reaffirmed HELL ENERGY DRINK’s fast-rising presence in India – leaving behind a lasting memory of glamour, consumer delight, and high-octane energy.

About HELL ENERGY

HELL ENERGY DRINK is one of the fastest-growing FMCG brands in the world. Founded in 2006, the 100% Hungarian brand became Hungary’s market leader by 2010 and currently exports to 60+ countries. It holds market leadership in, among others, Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovakia. HELL ENERGY DRINK’s success is driven by excellent quality, good value for money, wide availability, and world-class marketing communication. As a unique player in the energy drink sector, it is the only brand with a market-leading presence in several countries, its own ultramodern filling factory, and an aluminium beverage can factory, ensuring an unparalleled strategic position globally.

For more information, visit www.hellenergy.com/ind.

The 12th edition of The Big F Awards, hosted by food critic Pawan Soni and presented by Indian Food Freak, lit up Le Meridien New Delhi last evening as the city’s most celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, and food personalities came together to honour excellence in the dining industry.

Big F Awards 2025 Jury

From stalwarts like Rohit Khattar, AD Singh, Rocky Mohan, Zorawar Kalra, RJ Khurafati Nitin, Rocky Singh and Mayur Sharma, to culinary leaders such as Chef Manisha Bhasin, Chef Manish Mehrotra, Chef Kunal Kapur, Chef Ajay Chopra, Chef Saby Gorai amongst others, the gathering reflected the depth and diversity of Delhi NCR’s food culture.

A Fair and Transparent Process
What sets The Big F Awards apart is its uncompromising commitment to fairness. The honours are not influenced by sponsorships or lobbying. Each year, an independent jury visits nominated restaurants, experiences their food, and casts a single, non-revisable vote. Winners are revealed only on the night of the awards, ensuring transparency and keeping the suspense intact till the very end.

The 2025 jury featured some of the most respected names in the culinary and hospitality world: Chef Kunal Kapur, Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, Sameer Bawa, RJ Khurafati Nitin, Chef Nita Mehta, Rocky Singh, Chef Ashish Bhasin, Diwan Gautam Anand, and host Pawan Soni himself.

Celebrating Food Stories that Matter
“The Big F Awards have always stood for honest recognition,” said Pawan Soni during his address. “This gathering reflects the incredible depth of talent, passion, and creativity that defines Delhi NCR’s dining culture. We celebrated chefs who preserve heritage with pride, visionaries who are redefining how we experience food, and restaurants that have earned trust through years of consistency. Awards matter only when they are deserved, not when they are bought, and last night was about applauding the people who bring joy, comfort, and inspiration to our lives through food.”

Highlights of the Winners
The evening recognised some of the most inspiring names in the industry. Rohit Khattar was honoured with the Culinary Icon Award. Varun Tuli was named Best Restaurateur and Sahil Sambhi received the award for Best Nightlife Entrepreneur. The legendary Bukhara at ITC Maurya joined the Hall of Fame, where it will be recognised each year but will no longer compete in the awards.

Other notable winners included:

• Comorin as Best Modern Indian

• Lair as Best Cocktail Bar

• Fort City as Best Microbrewery

• Varun Sharma as Best Mixologist

• Megu at Leela Palace as Best Japanese Restaurant

• Orient Express at Taj Palace as Best European Restaurant

For the complete list of winners, visit the official Instagram page @thebigfawards.

An Evening of Camaraderie and Inspiration
The ceremony wasn’t only about competition. It was also a night of meaningful conversations, reunions, and collaborations. Guests enjoyed a specially curated menu by the Le Meridien team that added to the flavour of the celebration. The winners represented every facet of the dining landscape, from boutique spaces to landmark establishments, showing how Delhi NCR continues to evolve as a culinary powerhouse.

Since its inception in 2014, The Big F Awards has grown into one of the capital’s most authentic platforms for recognition, dialogue, and exchange. The 2025 edition carried this legacy forward, with conversations spilling beyond the stage and sparking collaborations that promise to shape the future of dining in the region.

For the many who gathered, the night was more than an awards ceremony. It was a celebration of food, community, and the people who make dining in Delhi NCR unforgettable.

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center (WTC) locations in nearly 100 countries and territories, will virtually host its 2025 WTCA Member Forum from October 27-29. With the theme “Empowering Emerging Voices,” this years event will highlight WTCA’s rising leaders and the experienced voices who guide, mentor and empower international trade collaboration. The Forum will also provide a platform to highlight those regions and industries emerging as key players in today’s global economy.

2025 WTCA Member Forum October 27-29. Virtual Only. Theme “Empowering Emerging Voices”. Focus on Private Sector’s Role in Strengthening Global Business Ties

The three-day Forum is one of the association’s flagship annual events. To be held fully virtual this year, the 2025 Member Forum will allow members worldwide to participate more easily than ever. Attended by WTCA members, the Forum will feature panels and interactive workshops designed to equip participants with tools for navigating a changing international landscape, reflecting WTCA’s commitment to promoting free and fair trade, open markets and healthy competition.

The Forum’s agenda combines interactive workshops, panels and networking opportunities to connect members across generations and regions. Key sessions include a “Mentor-Mentee Match Up,” where experienced leaders share guidance and emerging voices gain insights, as well as “The Future of Trade: Economic Trends Shaping the Next Decade,” “State of Global Trade and Investment,” “Networking with a Purpose” and “Cross-Cultural Communication in a Global Network.” To view the full event agenda, click here.

“This year’s Member Forum comes at a crucial time as global trade conditions continue to evolve rapidly,” said John E. Drew, WTCA Chair, Board of Directors. “WTCA serves as a trusted resource for businesses navigating these challenges, with members sharing real-time updates on tariffs, restrictions and regulations to stay competitive. The Forum is a key annual touchpoint for exchanging ideas, building relationships and strengthening connections across our global network. It reflects our association’s global mission and reinforces our commitment to supporting members in an ever-evolving international landscape.”

The 2025 WTCA Member Forum will also kick off the official countdown to the highly anticipated 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum, which will be hosted April 19-22, 2026 in the United States by WTC Greater Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Crystal Edn, WTCA’s Executive Director-Member Services, said, “The Member Forum brings our global network together to share ideas and take action. This year’s fully virtual format makes it easier than ever for members worldwide to participate. Through interactive workshops and cross-generational dialogue, participants will gain practical tools, build new connections, and leave energized to navigate the evolving trade landscape and pursue global opportunities.”

For more information about the 2025 WTCA Member Forum, please click here. Also, follow along on social media via #WTCAEvents.

Meghavi Wellness, one of India’s largest family spa chains, has announced the opening of its third Air SpaLounge inside Mumbai International Airport (T2). Located near Gate 47 in the departures terminal in International Level 4, this new facility offers international travellers a mix of Indian herbal therapies and global massage favourites in a spa environment designed exclusively for flyers in transit.

Meghavi Wellness opens a new Air SpaLounge at Mumbai T2 (Level 4) offering specialized therapies for flyers in transit

The Air SpaLounge introduces passengers to a resort-style menu that spans from 20-minute quick relief services to three-hour long-haul recovery sessions. Services include herbal potli therapy, hot stone, warm bamboo, Swedish, Balinese, and deep tissue massages, alongside beauty and grooming essentials such as facials, anti-ageing treatments, body polish, and traditional champi head massage.

For travellers seeking non-touch therapies, the lounge also features vibro-acoustic chairs and compression boot therapies to relieve fatigue and improve circulation. The facility includes exclusive couple rooms, private shower pods, and therapy suites designed to combine comfort, privacy, and efficiency for passengers on tight layovers.

Prashant Jain, Co-Founder, Meghavi Wellness

“We see Meghavi’s role as leading a mindset shift in how people view wellness and self-care. What was once seen as an indulgence is now becoming an essential part of health, fitness, and family wellbeing. Through our national family membership, we’ve created an all-access model that allows members to use the same wellness hours across 55 city outlets and 5 Air SpaLounges in 15 cities from hotels and clubs to airports.

The idea is to make wellness infrastructure as accessible as a gym or coffee chain, but with deeper purpose. Our Air SpaLounges extend that same vision into airports, turning waiting time into recovery time. This is what we call transit wellness a redefinition of how travelers experience rest, balance, and self-care while on the move. Ultimately, Meghavi stands for making self-care a healthy, habitual ritual for the modern Indian family and the global traveler alike.”

Sujith C, CEO, Meghavi Wellness

“India’s wellness sector is expanding rapidly, and it is time we showcase our capabilities on a global stage. With Air SpaLounges in Mumbai and Bhopal already running successfully, this new launch marks another step in building world-class wellness infrastructure for international flyers. We will be opening our fifth Air SpaLounge soon, and with our national family membership model, travellers can now access both city spas and airport lounges with a single Wellness Passport.“

Megha Dinesh, Co-Founder, Meghavi Wellness

“Building the three Air SpaLounges at Mumbai T2 tested every aspect of execution from airport constraints and multi-stakeholder coordination to airside security and sleepless nights that made the terminal my second home. We have created a haat of cultures, reflecting Wellness as a Celebration – Scandinavian warmth, Japanese Zen, and India’s soulful textures built with natural stone, textured paints, and rustic brick. For travellers, where Travel wellness is under served, time is currency and space a lever, we designed express services with therapeutic outcomes, frictionless check-ins, touch to machine based therapies and quick showers. The bigger vision was always productising Indian wellness into lounges and memberships formats that are consistent, scalable, and exportable.”

Why It Matters for Travelers

• Location: Inside T2 Departures International Level 4, near Gate 47 – no need to leave the terminal

• Flexibility: Options from short breaks to extended wellness sessions

• Privacy: Dedicated rooms and shower suites for comfort and convenience

• Accessibility: Walk-in access; no advance booking required

The Air SpaLounge model is part of a growing international trend where airport downtime is being reimagined as recovery time. Similar lounges are already operating at Mumbai’s domestic terminals and in Bhopal, with further expansion underway at other Indian airports.

For passengers, this addition means that long waits, tight connections, or late-night departures can now include the opportunity to reset, refresh, and prepare for the journey ahead without leaving the airport.