Bisleri International, in collaboration with the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) – Education Department, launched Bottles for Change across all 123 municipal schools in Thane. As Bisleri’s flagship waste management initiative, Bottles for Change engages institutions, housing societies and communities to create awareness on responsible plastic waste management. The event was graced by Smt. Sharmila Pimpalolkar, Hon’ble Mayor, Thane; Shri. Krushna Patil, Deputy Mayor, Thane Municipal Corporation; Shri. Saurabh Rao (I.A.S), Municipal Commissioner, Thane, and Dr. Mitali Sancheti, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Education Department, Thane Municipal Corporation.

 Bisleri International and Thane Municipal Corporation Launch Bottles for Change in 123 Thane Municipal Schools

A key feature of the launch was a Teachers’ Training Workshop, where around 200 teachers, principals and government officials from the 123 participating schools were trained on plastic waste management, source segregation, and the recycling process. A structured school implementation plan was also introduced to the participants.

 Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri, addresses government officials and 200 teachers from Thane Municipal Corporation schools

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., said, “The greatest environmental change begins with small everyday habits, and there is no better place to build those habits than in our schools. Through Bottles for Change, Bisleri has been working with schools, housing societies and communities since 2019 to promote responsible plastic waste management. Our partnership with the Thane Municipal Corporation marks an important step in taking this movement to every municipal school in the city. By empowering teachers and inspiring students, we are nurturing a generation that understands source segregation, recycling, and the value of a circular economy. Together, we can create environmentally responsible citizens who will lead India’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

Smt. Sharmila Pimpalolkar, Mayor, Thane Municipal Corporation said, “Partnerships with organisations like Bisleri are vital for moving the needle on plastic waste management. With the industry taking up awareness and training, it becomes easier for communities to better utilise the infrastructure available to them. We hope that this partnership will effectively initiate climate action by young students in Thane.” 

Shri. Saurabh Rao (I.A.S.), Municipal Commissioner, Thane Municipal Corporation, said, “Our children are the custodians of tomorrow’s environment, and it is our responsibility to prepare them for it today. By extending Bottles for Change to all 123 municipal schools, we are ensuring that every student in Thane learns the value of responsible plastic waste management from an early age. This partnership with Bisleri International, and the training our teachers have received, will help to build a cleaner and more sustainable place for generations to come.”

To translate awareness into action, the collaboration will also facilitate regular plastic waste collection, ensuring that recyclable plastic waste generated on school premises is consistently channelised for recycling and supports the circular economy. Trained teachers will play a central role in sustaining this system, embedding source segregation and responsible disposal as part of students’ everyday routines.

First implemented in Thane in 2019, Bisleri’s Bottles for Change has been instrumental in engaging communities and institutions to raise awareness about and improve plastic waste management in the city. The initiative has sensitised 35,000 students and citizens, and collected and channelised 4980 MT of plastic waste for recycling. With its implementation across municipal schools, the initiative will foster environmental responsibility amongst students from an early age and ensure the participation of young citizens in creating a cleaner, greener future for all.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.
With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Building on the success of its property showcases in Gurugram and Mumbai, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE), one of the trusted real estate developers, is bringing its signature Multi-City Property Showcase to Noida on 9^th August 2026. The one-day event will offer homebuyers and investors an opportunity to explore 15 premium residential projects across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Gurugram and Howrah, all under one roof.
 

Property Expo to be held at Noida
 

The showcase will feature a curated portfolio of premium apartments, luxury villas and lifestyle plots, with prices starting from Rs. 60 lakh*. Designed to simplify the home-buying journey, the event will enable visitors to compare multiple projects in a single visit while benefiting from exclusive event-only offers, home loan assistance and personalised consultations with SPRE’s sales experts.
 

Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Rima Kirtikar, Chief Marketing Officer, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, said, “The enthusiastic response to our property showcases in Gurugram and Mumbai reaffirmed that today’s homebuyers value the convenience of exploring multiple destinations and asset classes under one roof. We are delighted to bring this experience to Noida, a market with a discerning buyer base that actively evaluates investment opportunities across India’s leading residential destinations. Through this showcase, we aim to simplify the home-buying journey by presenting a diverse portfolio that caters to varied aspirations and budgets while delivering the trust and quality associated with the Shapoorji Pallonji legacy.”
 

The Noida showcase is expected to attract both end-users and investors looking to diversify their real estate portfolios across high-growth markets. Visitors will be able to evaluate projects spanning established metropolitan centres and emerging residential destinations, while receiving personalised guidance on pricing, financing and investment potential.
 

In addition to project presentations, the event will feature dedicated consultation zones, exclusive event-only offers and limited-period benefits, creating a comprehensive platform for buyers to discover, compare and invest in SPRE’s residential developments.
 

Event Details

Date: 9th August 2026

Location: Fortune Hotel By ITC, Sector 27, Noida

Portfolio: 15 premium residential projects across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Gurugram and Howrah

Starting Price: Rs. 60 lakh*

About Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE)

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is a well-regarded, reputed player in the Indian real estate sector owing to its cutting-edge design innovation, construction quality, and architectural excellence. It constitutes a significant segment of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, an enormous multi-business conglomerate. The group has more than 160 years of legacy that bridges the earliest celebrated structures of India and the modern marvels. SPRE has made inroads into most Indian cities – Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, Bengaluru, Gurugram, Howrah and Kolkata – with a variety of developments, from luxury apartments and opulent residences to aspirational homes for mid-income homebuyers, as well as one of the largest mass housing projects in India.

Pulse Candy, one of the popular brands from the Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a leading FMCG conglomerate and multi-business corporation, has announced a strategic collaboration with the Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie for a 360-degree consumer engagement campaign. Marking a significant milestone in Pulse Candy’s brand journey, the association is among the brand’s most ambitious entertainment-led collaborations, bringing together limited-edition packaging, high-impact media and consumer participation at a nationwide scale. The campaign combines the excitement of the Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie with Pulse’s irresistible flavour, conveying the message, ‘Even Spider-Man Cannot Resist Pulse.’

DS Group’s Pulse Candy Collaborates with the Recent Spider-Man Movie with A 360-Degree Consumer Engagement Campaign

The campaign comes alive through a high-impact creative narrative that reimagines Spider-Man’s iconic persona and Pulse’s irresistible flavour, celebrating the candy’s irresistible appeal. The co-branded film depicts the superhero using his signature web to capture Pulse, while innovative outdoor installations extend the storytelling with larger-than-life visuals of Spider-Man reaching across adjoining billboards to grab the candy. Running from the last week of July to August 30 across digital, outdoor, cinema, retail and social media touchpoints, the integrated execution seamlessly blends entertainment with brand storytelling to reinforce that the candy is so compelling even a superhero cannot resist it. At the heart of this nationwide 360-degree initiative are limited-edition co-branded packs, which transform the product itself into a powerful medium that maximizes visibility and gives consumers a memorable, immersive way to take the collaboration home.

Commenting on the collaboration, Arvind Kumar, Senior General Manager, Marketing, Confectionery, DS Group, said, “Pulse Candy has consistently built strong consumer connections by creating experiences that are innovative, culturally relevant and groundbreaking. Spider-Man is one of the world’s most iconic entertainment franchises, with exceptional relevance among Gen Z while also enjoying immense cross-generational appeal. This collaboration reflects our continued focus on building Pulse Candy at the intersection of entertainment and popular culture. Through this campaign, we aim to deepen consumer engagement, strengthen brand affinity and create memorable experiences that celebrate the irresistible appeal of Pulse Candy.”

Speaking about the partnership, Shony Panjikaran, General Manager and Head, Sony Pictures Releasing International, India said, “Spider-Man has remained one of the world’s most loved superheroes, captivating audiences across generations with his enduring appeal and inspiring stories. We’re delighted to collaborate with Pulse Candy, one of India’s most loved confectionery brands, on a campaign that creatively extends the excitement of Spider-Man: Brand New Day beyond the big screen. This collaboration offers fans a fun and engaging way to celebrate the film while creating memorable experiences through innovative consumer engagement.”

About Spider-Man: Brand New Day

It’s a BRAND NEW DAY for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves – a powerful villain no one can even see. The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn’t forgotten them.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics.

For additional information, visit www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html

About DS Group

The DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group) is a one of the leading FMCG conglomerates and a multi-business Corporation with a strong Indian and International presence. Founded in the year 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth. It has an extensive and diverse portfolio with presence in Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Mouth Freshener, Hospitality, Agri, Luxury Retail businesses, and other investments. Catch, Pulse, Pass Pass, Silver Pearls, Ksheer, Rajnigandha, Ovino, L’Opera, Le Marche, Birthright, LuvIt, Chingles, Golmol, Namah are some of the leading brands, the Group proudly shelters today.

As a corporate, DS Group is guided by a clear set of values that are built on a strong foundation of collective good to give back to society and protect the planet. The DS Headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, under the USGBC (US Green Building Council) existing building O&M (Operation and Maintenance) program version 4.0. The DS Headquarters has also received LEED Zero Carbon Certification, by the USGBC. DS Group has aligned its financial performance with global ESG priorities with the launch of a pioneering Double Materiality Assessment across all businesses. Further demonstrating its environmental leadership, the DS Group has a water positivity index at 1.8 across its business units in 30 locations of India.

For additional information, visit www.dsgroup.com

VERO MODA India has launched its first dedicated mobile shopping app, now available on iOS and Android. A milestone in the brand’s digital journey, the app puts VERO MODA’s full collection in customers’ pockets while connecting it to the strength of its retail presence in India.

VERO MODA App Launch

The launch reflects how VERO MODA’s customers actually shop today: discovering a style on their phone during the commute, trying it on at the mall on the weekend, and reordering a favourite in a new colour weeks later. Rather than adding another online store, the app is designed to be an always-on companion for that journey – a single place to discover, browse and buy, with the brand’s retail network built right in.

Two standout features that make shopping across app and store effortless:

• Product SKU Scan – Spotted something in-store but not in your size or colour? Scan the barcode or enter the style number to instantly pull up the piece online, with every size, colour and product detail available at a glance.

• In-Store Availability – Found something online you’d rather see in person? Check which VERO MODA stores have it in stock before you leave home, so every trip to the store is a productive one.

Together, they turn the app and the store into two halves of one experience: what customers discover in one place, they can effortlessly find in the other.

To celebrate the launch, VERO MODA is offering a flat 10% off the first purchase made through the app – an invitation for customers to explore its newest digital destination with a little added value.

The VERO MODA App is available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Download it at gettheapp.veromoda.in.

About VERO MODA

VERO MODA is one of Europe’s most recognised high-street fashion brands and the first clothing label launched by BESTSELLER. Since 1987, the brand has created fashion that celebrates individuality through elevated everyday style, with versatile collections that empower women to express themselves with confidence.

In India, VERO MODA has become a leading destination for women’s western wear, offering trend-led fashion for every part of a woman’s lifestyle. The brand reaches customers through 56 exclusive brand outlets and over 312 shop-in-shops across the country, as well as www.veromoda.in, the VERO MODA App and leading online marketplaces.

About BESTSELLER India

BESTSELLER India is part of BESTSELLER, an international, family-owned fashion company founded in Denmark in 1975. With a portfolio of more than 20 brands, BESTSELLER designs fashion and accessories for women, men, teenagers and children, built on the promise of great style, quality and value.

In India, its portfolio — including JACK&JONES, VERO MODA, ONLY, SELECTED, JACK&JONES JUNIOR and VERO MODA GIRL — reaches customers through 200+ exclusive brand outlets and over 1,274 shop-in-shops, complemented by its own digital platforms and leading online marketplaces. Globally, BESTSELLER’s products are available in more than 90 countries through approximately 3,100 branded stores and over 16,500 multi-brand and department stores.

As the monsoon clouds gather and the season brings its familiar craving for warm, comforting, and freshly baked foods, Pure Flour from Europe is inviting home bakers, passionate chefs, and food-service professionals to discover the quality and versatility of premium European soft wheat flour.

From pizza and bread to pastries and Indian favourites, Pure Flour from Europe celebrates culinary versatility

From crisp pizza bases and airy focaccia to breads, pastries and regional favourites, European flour brings consistency, reliability, and craftsmanship to every bake. Carefully milled from selected grains and produced in accordance with strict European standards, it offers the performance needed to create exceptional results.

There is something special about baking during the rainy season. The cooler atmosphere encourages people to return to their kitchens, experiment with new recipes, and enjoy freshly prepared food with family and friends. However, high humidity can also affect dough handling, fermentation, crispness, and the final texture of baked products.

This is where the quality of European soft wheat flour makes a difference. Its consistent performance and versatile character help bakers achieve dependable results across a wide range of recipes, from high-hydration doughs and long-fermented breads to delicate pastries and crisp fried products.

Whether used by a home baker or by a professional kitchen managing a high-volume monsoon menu, European flour offers the control and reliability needed when every batch matters.

European soft wheat flour is milled using time-honoured expertise and modern quality standards, offering:

• Consistent dough handling and reliable performance.

• Excellent versatility across breads, pizza, pastries, and fried products.

• Smooth, workable dough for both traditional and contemporary recipes.

• Reliable structure and texture in humid conditions.

• The purity, traceability, and quality associated with European flour.

What truly excites us are the possibilities European flour creates during the monsoon season. From soft pav buns and crisp samosa pastry to Neapolitan pizza, focaccia, and artisanal breads, high-quality soft wheat European flour adapts beautifully to different culinary applications while allowing chefs and bakers to add their own creative touch.

Monsoon Classic Dishes Reimagined with European Flour
Let’s be honest, rainy days call for food that is warm, comforting, and satisfying. That is exactly where European recipes bring ease, creativity, and a touch of global flair to the monsoon season. Pure Flour from Europe offers a collection of tried-and-tested recipes that showcase the performance of European soft wheat flour across different formats. Each recipe combines European baking craftsmanship with flavours and ingredients that are perfectly suited to Indian kitchens.

Whether it is an airy focaccia topped with rosemary and green chillies, a crisp pizza prepared for a family gathering, or a golden pastry served with tea, European flour helps create monsoon favourites with greater consistency and confidence.

Visit www.pureflourfromeurope.com for exciting recipe ideas to make your monsoon baking extra special this season.

About Pure Flour from Europe 
Launched in 2021 and now set for renewed outreach, the campaign is actively educating Indian chefs, bakers, importers, and media on the excellence of EU soft wheat flour. From product demonstrations to recipe development and awareness initiatives, it has played a crucial role in building recognition for Italian flour among Indian professionals and consumers alike. The steady rise in imports and the shift from generic or re-branded options to certified European products highlight a broader transformation: India’s food sector is evolving towards premium, health-focused, and origin-assured ingredients. European flour, with its combination of tradition, safety, consistency, and versatility, is well-positioned to meet this demand.
 

As part of its renewed outreach in India, the “Pure Flour from Europe” campaign will participate in Anuga FoodTec India 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The event will provide a platform to reconnect with the food trade, showcase the quality and versatility of European flour, and engage directly with chefs, bakers, importers, food manufacturers, and professionals from the HoReCa and food-processing sectors. ITALMOPA representatives will host live pizza and focaccia demonstrations, share insights on flour performance, and highlight the many applications of European soft wheat flour.

For more information about Pure Flour from Europe, or on the planned activities and events, visit our website, email us, or follow us on our social profiles as follows:

Instagram: pureflourfromeurope
Email: contact@pureflourfromeurope.com

Indian sports entered a transformative era today with the official launch of the Women’s Pro Volleyball League (WPVL), the nation’s first national, franchise-based professional league dedicated exclusively to women’s volleyball. Promoted by Power Spike International Private Limited, the initiative aims to establish a sustainable professional sporting ecosystem for women athletes.

Lucknow to host India’s first women’s volleyball league

The official unveiling took place at The Centrum, Lucknow, under the theme “Rising Queen of the Court.” The high-profile ceremony was attended by senior government dignitaries, sports administrators, and business leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Jal Shakti Minister Shri Swatantra Dev Singh, Sports Minister Shri Girish Chandra Yadav, Transport Minister Shri Dayashankar Singh, and UP State Commission for Women Chairperson Dr. Babita Singh Chauhan.

The inaugural edition of the tournament is scheduled to run from November 1 to November 11, 2026, at the Ekana Indoor Stadium in Lucknow. The 11-day competition will feature six city-based franchises with a combined playing roster of 84 elite professional athletes, bringing 14 players to each team.

Despite volleyball commanding a global following of over 800 million players and fans, Indian women athletes have historically lacked a sustained, long-term professional platform to pursue the sport as a full-time career. The WPVL has been conceptualized to bridge that structural gap, creating a commercially viable framework focused on private investment, long-term athlete development, and grassroots growth.

Speaking at the launch, WPVL Founder Mr. Bukhrat Ahmad highlighted the broader vision behind the league, emphasizing that talent requires structured opportunity, visibility, and professional backing to thrive. He stated that the objective is to build an ecosystem where women athletes can compete professionally and inspire future generations.

Details regarding franchise identities, player auction procedures, and broadcast partnerships are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

About the Women’s Pro Volleyball League (WPVL)

The Women’s Pro Volleyball League (WPVL) is a national franchise-based professional volleyball league promoted by Power Spike International Private Limited. Established with a vision to elevate women’s volleyball in India, WPVL is committed to creating a sustainable sporting ecosystem through professional competition, athlete development, commercial partnerships and fan engagement.

The inaugural season is scheduled from 1–11 November 2026 at Ekana Indoor Stadium, Lucknow.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/womensprovolleyball
Website: www.womensprovolleyballleague.com

India’s residential market has remained resilient over the last few quarters, supported by stable demand, better visibility on incomes and infrastructure-led growth across urban corridors. ANAROCK Research said the new launches saw a 7 per cent YoY rise, demonstrating a resilient end-user demand amidst global concerns. Sales in the top seven cities totalled about 90,715 units in Q2 2026. 

Stable EMIs and borrowing costs support sustained housing demand across India

Amidst this, the Reserve Bank of India’s decision to retain the repo rate at 5.25 per cent will aid the ongoing momentum in the Indian residential real estate industry. It is a sign of policy stability in a world of global uncertainty.

Abhishek Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan IRIS, said, “The RBI’s announcement to maintain the status quo on the repo rate was largely expected. More importantly, it reflects the fact that the market has now adjusted well to the current interest-rate environment. Homebuyers are increasingly taking a long-term view of their purchase decisions, while developers continue to plan investments with greater visibility. The steady demand witnessed over recent quarters suggests that purchase decisions are increasingly anchored in economic confidence and product value.”

The central bank’s calibrated approach implies continuity, not disruption, as energy prices and geopolitical concerns keep stoking inflation. Such stability is important in a sector like real estate to keep buyer sentiment and developer confidence. This impact is particularly significant for homebuyers who are highly dependent on home loans to fund their purchase. Keeping the repo rate unchanged with keep loan EMIs stable, and there will be no pressure from rising borrowing costs, placing buyers in a better position to plan for the long term.

Sehaj Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC Group, said, “The announcement reinforces an important message: the RBI remains confident about the resilience of the Indian economy and has decided to maintain the status quo on the repo rate. This approach is well suited to a sector like real estate, where buying decisions are rarely driven by short-term interest-rate movements alone. Strong domestic demand, improving economic prospects and a stable financing environment should continue to support healthy momentum across the residential market.”

The unchanged rates provide continuity in financing conditions, enabling developers to better plan project timelines and pricing strategies. This is relevant in mid-income and upper mid-income housing, where both construction financing and buyer affordability are closely linked to interest rates.

Mitul Jain, Managing Director, SPJ Group, said, “The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while retaining a neutral stance is a balanced approach amidst the evolving dynamics of inflationary pressures and global uncertainties, which continue to shape the economic outlook. For homebuyers, it brings stability and positivity as home loan interest rates and EMIs are expected to remain largely unchanged. While we believe a rate cut could have further improved affordability and encouraged first-time homebuyers, policy continuity provides confidence to both buyers and developers, enabling informed long-term decisions.”

The policy stance keeps liquidity conditions supportive without triggering excessive demand-side pressure. This balance is critical at a time when the sector is witnessing healthy, end-user-driven growth rather than speculative activity.

Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group, said, “The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% amidst inflationary risks stemming from global crude price movements shows a continued commitment to a patient and data-driven policy approach. This stance helps to keep borrowing costs steady and keep liquidity conditions accommodative for homebuyers and developers. A rate cut might have given housing demand a further boost, but staying the course looks like a reasonable approach amid the evolving macro picture.”

Mayank Jain, CEO, KREEVA, added, “Consistency in interest rates has quietly become one of the biggest contributors to the housing market’s resilience. By keeping the repo rate unchanged, the RBI has ensured that buyers and developers can continue making long-term decisions without having to revisit their financial assumptions. The strength of the residential market over recent quarters suggests that demand is increasingly being driven by product quality, location and long-term value. Stable borrowing conditions simply allow those underlying drivers to remain in focus.”

Beyond the metro cities, stable interest rates are also supporting demand in emerging regional markets, where end-user purchases are rising alongside infrastructure development and urbanisation.

Gurinder Bhatti, Chairman and Managing Director, GB Realty, said, “By maintaining the repo rate at 5.25%, the RBI has ensured stability at a time when the housing sector continues to benefit from healthy end-user demand and improving buyer sentiment. Punjab is no longer solely an NRI-driven market as we are witnessing a growing base of local homebuyers looking to upgrade to organised, high-quality developments. Stable interest rates provide predictability in borrowing costs, strengthen buyer confidence, and encourage long-term investment in housing.”

Overall, the RBI’s decision has reinforced a stable operating environment for the residential real estate sector. Predictable financing costs and stable EMIs continue to support purchase decisions among mid-segment homebuyers, helping sustain momentum in residential demand over the coming months.

Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, has hosted in the AIKosh University Engagement Programme (UEP) under the Government of India’s ambitious IndiaAI Mission. The initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem by promoting access to AI resources, encouraging innovation, and building capacity among students and academic communities.

Chitkara University hosted the AIKosh University Engagement Programme under the IndiaAI Mission, where 250 CSE (AI) students participated in the workshop

The IndiaAI Mission, approved by the Government of India in March 2024 under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), aims to establish India as a global leader in artificial intelligence by fostering technological self-reliance, enabling ethical and responsible AI development, and ensuring that the benefits of AI reach diverse sections of society.

As part of the IndiaAI Mission, AIKosh has been established as a comprehensive platform to facilitate access to datasets, AI models, tools, and other critical resources. Through the University Engagement Programme, AIKosh seeks to deepen AI adoption in academia, nurture emerging talent, and create opportunities for students and researchers to contribute to India’s growing AI landscape.

As part of this engagement, 250+ students from the Computer Science Engineering (Artificial Intelligence) programme at Chitkara University participated in the programme on August 6, 2026, gaining exposure to national-level AI resources, industry-relevant tools, and emerging practices in artificial intelligence.

Chitkara University is now onboarded with AIKosh as a contributor.

Speaking on this milestone, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-founder, Chitkara University, said, “Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we learn, innovate, and solve complex challenges. At Chitkara University, we have always believed in preparing our students for the technologies that will shape the future. Being selected for the AIKosh University Engagement Programme under the IndiaAI Mission is a recognition of our commitment towards creating future-ready professionals equipped with knowledge, skills, and a responsible understanding of AI. This collaboration will empower our students to engage with cutting-edge AI resources and contribute meaningfully to India’s vision of becoming a global AI leader.”

Speaking on the initiative, Shri Md. Y. Safirulla K IAS, Director, IndiaAI Mission, said: “Guided by the vision of our Honourable Prime Minister to democratize AI, we are committed to ensuring its transformative benefits reach every individual across the nation. This commitment rests upon three foundational pillars—People, Planet, and Progress—a philosophy prominently showcased during the IndiaAI Impact Summit in February 2026. As part of our University Engagement Programme, we will work to showcase the multifaceted elements of India’s thriving AI ecosystem across educational institutions nationwide this year.”

The participation of Chitkara University in the AIKosh University Engagement Programme aligns with its continued focus on emerging technologies, interdisciplinary learning, and industry-oriented education. The University has been actively strengthening its AI ecosystem through advanced academic programmes, research initiatives, innovation-driven learning, and collaborations aimed at preparing students for the evolving digital economy.

Through this association, Chitkara University continues to advance its mission of nurturing technology leaders who can leverage artificial intelligence for responsible innovation and contribute towards building a digitally empowered India.

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.

Calling for a fundamental shift in healthcare delivery, Dr. M. Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog, today urged that nutrition, diet and lifestyle be integrated into mainstream clinical practice and undergraduate medical education.

‘Symposium – Lifestyle & Diet: Nutrition, Wellness and Clinical Practice’ organized by Department of Physiology, AIIMS, New Delhi in association with Food Future Foundation

Addressing the inaugural session of the national symposium “Lifestyle & Diet: Nutrition, Wellness and Clinical Practice”, organised by the Department of Physiology, AIIMS New Delhi, in association with the Food Future Foundation (FFF) under the aegis of the Coalition for Food Systems Transformation in India (CoFTI), Dr. Srinivas welcomed the participation of experts from diverse disciplines, noting that collaborative dialogue is essential to address India’s evolving nutrition challenges. He called for nutrition, diet and healthy lifestyle education to be appropriately integrated into medical curricula, saying it is essential to prepare future healthcare professionals and strengthen preventive healthcare. He also urged stakeholders to work together to strengthen nutrition and lifestyle education and contribute practical recommendations for a more holistic policy approach to improving the nation’s health.

The symposium brought together leading clinicians, nutrition scientists, medical educators, regulators and policymakers, including Dr. Nikhil Tandon, Director, AIIMS New Delhi; Dr. Govind Makharia, Associate Dean (Research), AIIMS New Delhi; and Mr. Pawan Agarwal, Founder and CEO, Food Future Foundation and Former CEO, FSSAI, to discuss how emerging scientific evidence should reshape medical education and clinical practice. A major highlight was the release of the textbook Nutrition, Diet & Lifestyle: Learning and Teaching Diet, Food, Nutrition & Lifestyle in Clinical Practice, edited by Dr. Raj Kumar Yadav, Dr. Alexander Thomas, and Mr. Pawan Agarwal and developed by a team of nutrition and lifestyle experts led by senior nutritionist Parisksha Rao.

In the foreword to the book, Dr. Srinivas writes that “scientific evidence now leaves little doubt that food, nutrition and lifestyle are among the most powerful determinants of health,” yet these subjects receive “far less attention in undergraduate medical education than they deserve.” Describing nutrition as “an essential clinical competency for every doctor,” he said the textbook integrates physiology, nutrition and lifestyle medicine to help future physicians understand how everyday food and lifestyle choices influence health, disease and patient care, and expressed confidence that it would become “a catalyst for strengthening nutrition and lifestyle medicine across medical education in India.”

Dr. Ratna Sharma, Head, Department of Physiology, AIIMS, said advances in nutrition science and lifestyle medicine require a corresponding transformation in medical education. Dr. Raj Kumar Yadav, Professor of Physiology and lead editor of the textbook, said doctors must increasingly combine medical treatment with nutrition and lifestyle counselling as part of routine patient care. Prof Sheffali Gulati and Prof Vandana Jain delivered their talks focusing paediatric age group dietary therapy in epilepsy, autism, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction. Prof Naval K Vikram discussed skeletal muscles and metabolic health. Dr Ritesh Netam presented his research about high fat diet, obesity and neuroinflammation.

A key scientific session examined healthier food reformulation and the role of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in reducing sodium without compromising taste. Dr. Miro Smriga, Chairman, International Glutamate Technical Committee (IGTC), shared international experiences demonstrating how evidence-based reformulation is helping improve public health in several countries. Prof HN Mallick discussed about MSG and Dr Trina Sengupta presented findings from a recent systematic review published in Frontiers in Nutrition, concluding that MSG is safe for the general population, including infants, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Many renowned faculty, clinicians & scientists were present during the symposium and actively participated including Prof Girija Prasad Rath (AIIMS), Prof Rajesh Khadgawat (AIIMS), Dr SubbaRao MG, (Scientist G, National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR), Ms Anuja Agarwala (Senior Dietitian), Prof Vimal Katiyar (IIT, Guwahati), Prof Jamuna Prakash (University of Mysore), Prof Komal Chauhan, Prof Seema Puri, Prof Eram S Rao (University of Delhi) and Prof Pulkit Mathur (Lady Irwin College).

Mr. Pawan Agarwal, Founder and CEO, Food Future Foundation, said the symposium marks the beginning of a larger national effort to bridge the long-standing gap between nutrition science and clinical medicine.

The symposium concluded with a broad consensus that strengthening nutrition and lifestyle medicine in medical education is essential for building a more preventive, patient-centred and wellness-oriented healthcare system in India.

An invitation extended to Dr. Ragunanthan Narayanaswamy, Founder & Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon, Rathimed Speciality Hospital, to present his indigenous innovation at the prestigious Personalized Arthroplasty Society (PAS) Annual Meeting in Montreal reflects growing global recognition for an Indian breakthrough in personalised knee replacement.
 

Dr. Ragunanthan Narayanaswamy, M.S. (Orth.), DNB, MRCS (Edin), FRCS (Ortho), CAS (UK), Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Arthroscopy, Knee Preservation & Replacement, Sports Injury Specialist
 

A Global Honour Rooted in Indian Innovation

Recognition on the global stage is seldom the result of a single breakthrough. More often, it is the culmination of years of clinical experience, scientific research and an unwavering commitment to solving real-world challenges. That journey has now brought Rathimed Speciality Hospital, Chennai, international recognition for its pioneering work in personalised kinematic knee replacement.

Dr. Ragunanthan Narayanaswamy has been invited as a guest speaker at the prestigious Personalized Arthroplasty Society (PAS) Annual Meeting in Montreal, Canada—one of the few Indian orthopaedic surgeons to receive this distinction. His presentation will showcase an indigenous surgical innovation developed in Chennai that is helping redefine personalised knee replacement for patients with advanced arthritis. The team’s research has also been accepted for presentation at an international arthroplasty conference in China later this year, further reinforcing the global relevance of this work.
 

Addressing an Indian Clinical Challenge

The hospital’s journey into kinematic knee replacement began in 2016 after studying the pioneering work of Dr. Stephen Howell, whose philosophy centred on restoring a patient’s natural knee anatomy instead of relying solely on conventional mechanical alignment.

While the concept proved successful, Indian patients presented a unique challenge. Many seek treatment only after advanced arthritis has resulted in severe deformity and bone loss, making it difficult to accurately recreate the knee’s original anatomy. Recognising this unmet need, Dr. Ragunanthan Narayanaswamy and his team embarked on years of research to develop a solution specifically tailored to Indian patients.
 

A ‘Make in India’ Breakthrough

Years of research led to the design, development and clinical validation of precision surgical instruments that accurately recreate the patient’s original joint surface, enabling highly precise implant positioning in all three dimensions.

Developed through close collaboration between clinicians and engineers, this indigenous innovation restores the knee’s natural kinematics while demonstrating how Indian medical research can solve complex clinical challenges with home-grown technology. More than a surgical advancement, it represents the successful coming together of medicine, engineering and innovation to improve patient care.
 

Transforming Patient Outcomes

Clinical experience with personalised kinematic knee replacement has shown encouraging outcomes. Patients have experienced reduced pain, less blood loss, faster rehabilitation and improved functional mobility when compared with conventional approaches. By restoring each patient’s natural anatomy, the technique aims to deliver a knee that feels and functions more naturally after surgery.
 

“When we introduced kinematic knee replacement in 2016, many questioned the approach because it challenged conventional thinking. But we believed in the philosophy. As we continued, we saw patients recover faster, experience less pain and blood loss, and achieve better functional outcomes. Every innovation we pursue has only one purpose—to help our patients regain mobility and quality of life,” — Dr. Ragunanthan Narayanaswamy, M.S. (Orth.), DNB, MRCS (Edin), FRCS (Ortho), CAS (UK), Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. Arthroscopy, Knee Preservation & Replacement, and Sports Injury Specialist.

For Dr. Ragunanthan Narayanaswamy, however, the greatest reward is not international recognition—it is seeing the difference innovation makes to patients. He recalls the experience of a 70-year-old gentleman who recently underwent his second knee replacement surgery.
 

“Just three and a half hours after surgery, he was sitting comfortably, smiling and moving both knees without pain. Moments like these remind us why we continue to innovate. Every refinement ultimately translates into a better experience and faster recovery for our patients.”
 

Recognition Beyond Borders

Today, Rathimed Speciality Hospital is also training orthopaedic surgeons in personalised kinematic knee replacement while making its indigenous instruments available for wider adoption. What began as an effort to address a uniquely Indian clinical challenge has evolved into an innovation that is now receiving international recognition.

As this ‘Make in India’ innovation gains global attention, it stands as an inspiring example of how Indian clinical expertise can contribute meaningfully to the future of orthopaedic surgery worldwide.

To learn more, visit rathimedhospital.com.