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.

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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.

In the spirit of producing world-class watches that tell stories from modern India, Bangalore Watch Company™ celebrates humanity’s first confirmed interstellar discovery with a new watch in the Apogee collection. The new watch is called – The Visitor.

Visitor amidst space rocks

“We launched the Apogee collection in 2021 as India’s first space-qualified watch. Since then, it has been our way of celebrating stories of space exploration through world-class watchmaking. With this new watch, we carry that vision forward by bringing to life a story that started far beyond our solar system,” said Nirupesh Joshi, Co-founder and Creative Director of the brand.

The story of the Visitor goes back to 2017, when astronomers saw an interstellar object passing through our solar system at an extraordinary speed. It had come from another star system, making it the first interstellar object ever observed by humanity. This rare discovery changed the way we think about space, reminding us of the vastness of the universe. It was this discovery that inspired the idea behind the Visitor.

The brand has chosen a Meteorite from outer space to use in the watch, the Muonionalusta meteorite – one of the oldest materials on Earth. Meteorites are extremely hard to work with, but after precision and patience, the Meteorites reveal natural crystalline patterns that make every piece unique. The brand has used this rare material in the Apogee collection since 2021, and in the Visitor, a rare black Meteorite has been used for the dial.

“Our customers love the fact that they get to wear a watch that is unlike any other; they’re extremely rare and the patterns make them unique,” said Mercy Amalraj, Co-founder and Head of Ownership Experience.

The Visitor is housed in a case crafted from Cerasteel™, Bangalore Watch Company’s proprietary material that blends high-grade steel with an advanced ceramic coating for strength and refinement. The watch is powered by a highly accurate Swiss Automatic movement, water resistant up to 100M, and designed for everyday wear. The watches are manufactured with the highest standards of Swiss timekeeping with the brand’s in-house watchmakers in Bangalore. The Visitor is a fragment of cosmic history, to carry on the wrist.

The Visitor is priced at INR 216,000/-. The watches can be ordered through the brand’s website www.bangalorewatchco.in starting today.

About Bangalore Watch Company™

Bangalore Watch Company™ produces world-class, luxury wristwatches from India. Each collection, produced in limited numbers, tells stories from modern India. The watches carry themes like Aviation, Space, Cricket, and Nature. Founded in India’s watchmaking ground-zero in 2018, the brand has built an enthusiastic following around the world with patrons in over 30 countries.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA), reigning FIFA World Cup Champions, has appointed Druid Sport as its exclusive commercial representative in the Indian subcontinent.

Druid Sport Appointed as Exclusive Commercial Representative of the Argentine Football Association in the Indian Subcontinent

This landmark agreement will see Druid Sport manage and sell regional sponsorship rights for the Argentina National Teams, giving businesses across the Indian subcontinent direct access to one of football’s most iconic teams and its legendary players. With established partnerships in India already, including brands such as Amul and Kingfisher, the commercial potential is clear. The period leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 offers a powerful platform for new partners to activate campaigns, engage fans, and align with the reigning World Champions.

This collaboration comes as Argentina prepare to visit Kerala this November for a special international friendly, in the lead up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, which is expected to be global superstar Lionel Messi’s last World Cup appearance. The AFA has one of the largest and most passionate followings in the region. From the extraordinary welcome Diego Maradona received on his visit to India, to the overwhelming support for Lionel Messi and the National Team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, millions of fans across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and beyond have embraced Argentina as their own. With more than 250 million fans in India alone, the subcontinent has become one of the largest and most passionate Argentinian fan bases outside South America.

Druid Sport is a boutique international sports marketing agency with a track record of delivering cross-market partnerships for major sports properties. Already exclusively representing AFA in China, Druid Sport now manages AFA’s rights in two of the world’s most dynamic regions – China and the Indian subcontinent, together representing nearly half of the global population. As part of its long-term commitment to this market, Druid Sport is opening a new office in India to serve regional partners, seed new initiatives and commercial programmes and scale operations within this rapidly growing sports ecosystem.

Diarmuid Crowley, Chief Executive Officer, Druid Sport, said, “We are honoured to represent the FIFA World Cup Champions in one of the most passionate football regions in the world. Our goal is to bring Argentina closer to the millions of fans across the Indian subcontinent and to create meaningful partnerships between AFA and leading regional brands. With our presence now spanning both China and India, we are uniquely positioned to connect the Argentina National Team with audiences that together make up almost half the world’s population.”

Claudio Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association, commented, “We know the passion that South Asian fans have for our team, and we are excited to strengthen this connection through our new partnership with Druid Sport. Its proven expertise in Asia will help us expand our commercial presence and deliver unforgettable experiences for our fans and partners in the region. Looking beyond this year, we feel confident these new associations will build lasting relationships with key business partners, inspiring even greater enthusiasm to play and watch this beautiful game for generations to come.”